Criminal Entities

		Institutions
Guilds and Unions	Licit Combatants	Miscellaneous	Vigilante Groups	Criminal Entities

Overview

Crime syndicates and evil cults are no stranger to Apocrypha, and there have been many all throughout history. What sets these few apart is their tenacity. By infiltrating society, or fleeing into the woodwork when necessary, they have gained as much influence as the major guilds - if not more. Where vigilante groups may be respected, the following groups care little for anything other than their own goals, and are near-universally condemned.

Blackguard Order. "Listen, you curs, follow Scruffleknack's orders and we'll've taken Crosscamp by dusk." The Order partakes in roadside banditry, hostage taking, ransom, and cargo-draisine hijacking.
Also called Blaggards, they're known for both their knightly aesthetic, and horseshoe crest.
Roaming the Glirean Fields, they make travel from Cindershore to Greyhral a risky endeavour. Formed by displaced Torog cultists in the 4th Era, they've disbanded and reformed many times.
By foregoing slavery and always moving, they've survived where others were hunted down.
Currently lead by a centaur, Yuloktai; whose success is attributed to assimilating rival groups.

The Brinescar. "For every finger you cut off, we'll spare one of your crew. Next are toes. Then teeth." This conclave of pirates and hired thugs specialise in extortion, fear tactics, and siege war.
Crewmates bear scars on their palms from blood oaths; their ships outfitted with naval rams.
Infamous across Apocrypha's coasts, their headquarters are hidden in the Dro-Madan seas. The group formed at the turn of the era, after disagreements with the Accords of Peace.
Ruthlessly strict in their operations, they offer no quarter to enemies or insubordinates.
The Brinescar's leader - The Siren - bribes local Dragon Turtles with spoils for protection.

Coil. "You think us skulking in the shadow, yet shadows grow, and it's so very nearly time." Primarily assassins, Coil also deals in narcotics, poisons, acids, organs, and pathogens.
Assassins and Zehirite cultists; they are never seen without their porcelain snake masks.
Operating across Apocrypha, it is believed they occupy ancient temples in the Zhen jungles. Coil began as a 3rd Era doomsday cult, which prophesised the 2nd War of the Gods.
They kill all witnesses, and are willing to take their own life, as to keep Coil's secrets.
There is no known leadership structure, though all their actions are in Zehir's name.

Dead-Rose Syndicate. "I recognise the glyph for dead-drop, and then... alarm? Oh shit, we need to run." Thieves' Guild. Deals in pickpocketing, heists, smuggling, bribery, and blackmail.
Working in plain sight, anyone and everyone can be in the pockets of the Syndicate.
Situated in the Seven Kingdoms, their territory spans the entire Dragonclaw shores. Initially a revenue source for House Dumanc, it quickly eclipsed its noble sponsors.
Its power and influence have continuously grown over the centuries since its inception.
Local cells have their own structures, but report to an enigmatic individual called Rook.

Losh'ghar Warband. "All their strongest, with no weapons - no armour. This Athlon's just asking for a raid!" Wandering marauders, the Warband revels in wanton acts of war, raiding, and blood sport.
Recognisable as hordes of tusked warriors, occasionally seen riding ancient machines of war.
Though tarrying the Bloodroot Mesa and Zangbe, they even traverse the Underdark to Alkyos. Modern revivalists of Losh'ghar: A creed seeking to prove the strength of Gruumsh's progeny.
Only those of Orcish or Giant descent, such as Cyclopses, Ettins, Ogres, and Trolls, may join.
Leadership is established through combat, with Warlords' reigns equally violent and brief.

Snowsmile Company. "Nothing has changed. We still have money. Allies. Power. Business as usual, it seems." Arms manufacturers, dealers and contractors, who used a shipping company as a front.
Their flag is snowflake-pattern half-gear, flown by their iconic steam-powered metal ship.
Several ports near Utgardr, Lochstead and the Warwrought Isles are under their control. Snowsmile was recently exposed after the assassination of a corrupt Utgarden official.
Stockpiles of wealth, weapons, and allies have enabled them to continue business openly.
They are operated by the Utgarden sect of Svalykke, who defected after being uncovered.