The Clasp
The Clasp is a well-established secret organization
consisting of spies, thieves, fences, assassins, saboteurs, and smugglers. It was built upon the ruins of
the Winksman Thieves’ Guild, an organization that
flourished during the reign of Drassig, but crumbled under the rule of Zan Tal’Dorei. Based largely
in Emon —and under it, via a network of subterranean tunnels—the Clasp also runs 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 family or mafia, celebrating loyalty and an ability to keep one’s word. A member pays their debts, keeps their promises, and always seeks opportunity for the betterment of the Clasp.
Leaders of a Clasp sect bear the title of Spireling, 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.
While most common folk assume 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 commonly held 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 more wealthy and powerful citizens cannot commit with their own hands. On the other hand, less scrupulous Spirelings also understand that discontent breeds profit, and have occasionally kindled the flames of unrest to keep things tense and profitable. Were it not for the branch of the Clasp in Emon, the Chroma Conclave’s attack would likely have destroyed the city’s culture entirely. However, thanks to the Clasp’s role as a “shadow civilization,” the people of Emon were able to maintain their foothold at home, even under the watchful eye of Thordak the Cinder King.
A generation ago, the Clasp was considered by most to be an uncouth cesspool of cutthroats and criminals. These days, thousands of people know the Clasp as the roguish heroes who saved their lives, or the lives of their parents, from the Chroma Conclave. Nowhere is this truer than in Emon, where its Spirelings make public appearances and even, on occasion, deal openly with the Tal'Dorei Council . Nevertheless, Clasp agents outside of Emon keep their wits about them, for most local governments still view them as underhanded scoundrels—and not without reason. Most guards and town militias will arrest known Clasp members on sight; however, most Clasp members know well enough to have a friend on the force that will help them escape.
The Clasp frowns upon dogmatic religion or cultish behavior, as it has 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. Gang warfare has broken out sporadically between the Clasp and The Myriad in cities from Stilben to Emon over the past twenty years, and though the rival organizations are currently at peace, everyone knows the whole thing is just one poached client away from reigniting.
These figures are major members of the Clasp that you can use as NPCs in your game. You should also take inspiration from these figures to make up new NPCs for your own campaign.
Spireling Shenn
Human Spireling of Secrets (Emon)
A powerful illusionist, Shenn runs a far-reaching network of spies and informants. In his younger days, he was a canny negotiator who sought to spread the Clasp beyond Tal’Dorei. The arrival of the Myriad forced the Clasp onto the defensive, and he will never forgive them for souring his ambitions.
Spireling Warren
Half-orc Spireling of Blades (Emon)
Deadly duelist turned master assassin of the Clasp, Warren handles all contracts that involve kidnapping, assassination, and intimidation. He hates public appearances.
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 plays a dangerous game by enjoying folk-hero status as the public liaison between the Clasp and the Tal’Dorei Council.
Spireling Gholesh
Human Spireling of Shadows (Westruun)
A crass and ambitious man, Gholesh's appearance is a mystery as his face is always hidden behind a leather mask that resembles an ogre. He has secretly thrown in his lot with the League of Miracles and, with their backing, he aspires to take over the Clasp and enjoy all its wealth and prestige.
Spireling Melchior
Tiefling Spireling of Blades (Westruun)
This clean-faced, curly-haired tiefling with pale blue skin and stubby horns may have a soft, babyish visage, but it belies their powerful physique. They are equally skilled with a sword, axe, or bow, and made their name in underground brawling rings before joining the Clasp.
Spireling Fetch
Halfling Spireling of Secrets (Westruun)
Creepy and unkempt in appearance, Fetch’s gaunt face only distracts from his cunning and skills of keen manipulation.
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 family or mafia, celebrating loyalty and an ability to keep one’s word. A member pays their debts, keeps their promises, and always seeks opportunity for the betterment of the Clasp.
Leaders of a Clasp sect bear the title of Spireling, 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.
Goals
While most common folk assume 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 commonly held 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 more wealthy and powerful citizens cannot commit with their own hands. On the other hand, less scrupulous Spirelings also understand that discontent breeds profit, and have occasionally kindled the flames of unrest to keep things tense and profitable. Were it not for the branch of the Clasp in Emon, the Chroma Conclave’s attack would likely have destroyed the city’s culture entirely. However, thanks to the Clasp’s role as a “shadow civilization,” the people of Emon were able to maintain their foothold at home, even under the watchful eye of Thordak the Cinder King.
Relationships
A generation ago, the Clasp was considered by most to be an uncouth cesspool of cutthroats and criminals. These days, thousands of people know the Clasp as the roguish heroes who saved their lives, or the lives of their parents, from the Chroma Conclave. Nowhere is this truer than in Emon, where its Spirelings make public appearances and even, on occasion, deal openly with the Tal'Dorei Council . Nevertheless, Clasp agents outside of Emon keep their wits about them, for most local governments still view them as underhanded scoundrels—and not without reason. Most guards and town militias will arrest known Clasp members on sight; however, most Clasp members know well enough to have a friend on the force that will help them escape.
The Clasp frowns upon dogmatic religion or cultish behavior, as it has 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. Gang warfare has broken out sporadically between the Clasp and The Myriad in cities from Stilben to Emon over the past twenty years, and though the rival organizations are currently at peace, everyone knows the whole thing is just one poached client away from reigniting.
Figures of Interest
These figures are major members of the Clasp that you can use as NPCs in your game. You should also take inspiration from these figures to make up new NPCs for your own campaign.
Spireling Shenn
Human Spireling of Secrets (Emon)
A powerful illusionist, Shenn runs a far-reaching network of spies and informants. In his younger days, he was a canny negotiator who sought to spread the Clasp beyond Tal’Dorei. The arrival of the Myriad forced the Clasp onto the defensive, and he will never forgive them for souring his ambitions.
Spireling Warren
Half-orc Spireling of Blades (Emon)
Deadly duelist turned master assassin of the Clasp, Warren handles all contracts that involve kidnapping, assassination, and intimidation. He hates public appearances.
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 plays a dangerous game by enjoying folk-hero status as the public liaison between the Clasp and the Tal’Dorei Council.
Spireling Gholesh
Human Spireling of Shadows (Westruun)
A crass and ambitious man, Gholesh's appearance is a mystery as his face is always hidden behind a leather mask that resembles an ogre. He has secretly thrown in his lot with the League of Miracles and, with their backing, he aspires to take over the Clasp and enjoy all its wealth and prestige.
Spireling Melchior
Tiefling Spireling of Blades (Westruun)
This clean-faced, curly-haired tiefling with pale blue skin and stubby horns may have a soft, babyish visage, but it belies their powerful physique. They are equally skilled with a sword, axe, or bow, and made their name in underground brawling rings before joining the Clasp.
Spireling Fetch
Halfling Spireling of Secrets (Westruun)
Creepy and unkempt in appearance, Fetch’s gaunt face only distracts from his cunning and skills of keen manipulation.
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