The Clasp

Built upon the ruins of the old Winksman Thieves Guild founded under the rule of Drassig, the Clasp is a very well established secret organization consisting of thieves, fences, assassins, saboteurs, spies, and smugglers. Based largely in and under Emon through a network of subterranean tunnels, they run smaller outfits in Westruun, Stilben, and Kymal. Members are branded with the guild’s symbol on their mid back, signifying allegiance and commitment. The Clasp operates like a business-minded crime family, celebrating loyalty and truth to one’s word over most other merits. A member pays their debts, keeps their promises, and always seeks opportunities for the betterment of the Clasp. Leaders of a Clasp sect are titled Spirelings, and they oversee assigned elements of the organization’s functions. Spirelings hold equal power within a sect, and there is always an odd number acting within that location to break any disagreements over business ventures and actions.

Public Agenda

Goals
While the immediate assumption is that the Clasp is merely interested in profit at any cost (and that is a merit of the Clasp), they also wish to preserve the function and prosperity of civilization. It is well known that a thriving city is a profitable one, and an enemy of civilization is a foe of the Clasp. They largely consider themselves a necessary dark underbelly, willing to do the under-the-table deeds that the wealthy and powerful cannot commit with their own hands. The Clasp also understands that conflict breeds a healthy economy, and has occasionally kindled the flames of unrest to keep things tense and profitable. There is also virtue in a distracted administration being easy to manipulate. Were it not for the branch of the Clasp in Emon, the Chroma Conclave’s attack would likely have forever destroyed its culture. However, thanks to the Clasp’s role as a “shadow civilization,” the people of Emon could maintain their foothold at home, even under the watchful eye of Thordak the Cinder King.

Foreign Relations

Relationships
While some of the Clasp’s activities are secretly state-sanctioned, it is highly illegal and extremely dangerous to be a member or be caught doing business directly with them. Most city guards have orders to arrest upon discovery, and raids are occasionally conducted with varying degrees of success. Having friends in the barracks makes for an easy escape. The Clasp frowns upon dogmatic religion or cultish behavior, as these have conflicted with the organization’s business in the past, and always ended messily. Since the arrival of the Myriad within Tal’Dorei from Wildemount, the Clasp has been on extremely high alert, seeking information on them and any means of banishing this new competition. Their Stilben sect has already gotten into a few bloody altercations with the Myriad, and rumors of a coming turf war instill worry in the local mercantile.

"When night is come and darkness falls; Locks help not, or do stone walls; Slinking and hiding, like poison asp; Close tight thy eyes, see not the Clasp." —Childhood rhyme in Clasp-infested towns

Legislative Body

Figures of Interest
Spireling Shenn Human Spireling of Secrets (Emon). A powerful illusionist, Shenn runs a far-reaching network of spies and informants. A shrewd businessman and careful dealmaker, he’s eager to spread the influence of the Clasp beyond Tal’Dorei.
Spireling Warren Half-Orc Spireling of Blades (Emon). Deadly duelist turned assassin master of the Clasp, Warren handles all contracts that involve kidnapping, assassination, or intimidation.
Spireling Zilloa Half-Elf Spireling of Shadows (Emon). An accomplished burglar, Zilloa has risen to the head of all thieving, smuggling, and black market dealings within the Clasp of Emon. She has taken over following the killing of Modeth.
Spireling Gholesh Human Spireling of Shadows (Westruun). A mysterious man whose face is always hidden behind a leather mask resembling an ogre. He is known to relentlessly pursue his ambitions, and the other spirelings watch him closely.
Spireling Oalan Dwarf Spireling of Blades (Westruun). Brash and prone to fits of violence when balked, Oalan is one of the more social and publically-visible members of the Clasp in Westruun. Her arrogance is only matched by her skill with a dagger.
Spireling Fetch Halfling Spireling of Secrets (Westruun). Creepy and unkempt in appearance, his gaunt visage only distracts from his cunning and his keen manipulation skills.