The Black Sun

The Black Sun is a criminal ring that runs operations across both empires with a presence rooted in each of the Seven Nations. It is ruled by eight Barons who control one of the Circles that make up the crime ring. Empty chairs are selected by popular vote of the remaining Barons, but here are no rules stipulating how those votes can be procured. The Circles are overseen by one Archbaron who serves a lifetime term, elected by a popular vote of the Barons from each Circle. Oftentimes, to become Baron is to forego any chance at becoming Archbaron, as the other Barons do not wish to see one of their own elevated above the rest.

The Black Sun was a relatively banal group until the leadership of their previous Archbaron, Kaliban, rocketed them to prominence and garnered them a reputation for crime in all walks of the word. However, after ruling for nearly half a century, a long tenure for the half-elf, Kaliban "disappeared" under mysterious circumstances after the end of the Great War, with Archbaroness Valentina Wraith stepping into the role following a rare, if not unheard of, unanimous election.

The Black Sun has a guild hall in each city or town large enough or important enough to warrant an outpost. Safehouses, similarly, are located in or around locales of influence and importance.

Archbaroness Wraith is perhaps the foremost impersonator in all of Andali, with Black Sun members joking that she could convince a person that she was actually the real them and they were in fact the impostor. Because of her skill, and willingness to use it against her comrades, Wraith quickly rose through the ranks of the Black Sun, establishing herself as the Baroness of Similis early on in her career. She was a merciless Baroness, using her arcane craft and cunning to cull the weak, as well as her political opponents, from the ring. She stepped down as Baroness shortly before the Peace Accords were drawn and Kaliban was elected Archbaron, and only made her reappearance when Archbaron Kaliban disappeared to reassert her influence on the Black Sun.

A'demai managed by Baron Afinaz, a copper dragonborn known for his high-throated blue robe which he contains a wonder of mischief within. It specializes in theft, property destruction, and arson. It is formerly headquartered in Franrider of the Rose Protectorate, but moved to Ignix for a time during the Winterspell.

Similis, managed by Baroness Svrial, a changeling with a penchant for taking on the appearance of their last mark. Currently, their favorite is a dark skinned elf in a black robe and shaved head. The Circle specializes in impersonation, infiltration, identity theft, and forgery. It is headquartered in Helorix, beneath the Nine Knights.

Nox, managed by Baroness Vivian Avilla, an olive-skinned woman with slender green eyes and a large headdress, who no one has ever known to get her hands dirty. Ironically, her Circle specializes in murder, assault, battery, and kidnapping. It is headquartered in Ignix.

Closterni, managed by Baroness Navyri, an aarakocra with an always immaculately preened blue-black crest and a gold chain crown around her head sporting the symbol of the Many Handed Devil. The Cirle specializes in propaganda, coups, inciting revolution, and spreading general civil unrest and violence. Headquartered in Helorix.

Mercitor, managed by the ever popular Baron Octavian Spencer, a deep gnome with a heigh complex. It specializes in the trafficking and fencing of magical and mundane artifacts, illicit teleportation, and smuggling. The ring is headquartered in Arcanus.

Infernus, managed by Baron Yorik, ancient, ancient, lich, rumored to be one of the first, that is hardly but a skeleton in a dark robe, who yet still lives through his bling. His Circle specializes in illicit necromancy, extraplanar summonings, and the supply of undead or summoned footsoldiers. The Circle is headquartered in Falkwood. No one dies in the Falkwood.

Interminor, managed by Baron Tomas Lancaster, a human known for his ostentatious dress, long black hair, and immaculate nails - not to mention his drinking habits. Interminor specializes in political intrigue, blackmail, surveillance, and counter-intelligence. It is headquartered in Helorix.

Venator, managed by Baron Inno Rudon, a gruff dwarf with vastly overgrown hair protruding from every inch of his body. They specialize in bounty hunting, bodyguards, and counter-Adventurers' League activities. It is based in the Southern Wilds currently, Northern Aurelia formerly, and is known to be nomadic in nature. They have several smaller outposts within each of the other Circles' headquarters to track their bounties, with localized experts at their beck and call.