"Madame Tarlop, you look wonderful this evening! How is the family doing?" he watched as the old dame began to babble. The old bag's granddaughter was taking horse riding lessons apparently.
Good for her, spoiled rich kid brats.
Her youngest son was off on a trip to Casarei to wine and dine with some business associates.
Right...Sure, he was. I imagine his wife would love to know about his lovely young escort that was...assisting him on these business trips.
He listened intently but only internalized a few key bits of information here and there. Most of this was useless drivel and his patience, and his wine was drawing to a dangerously low level. But he kept on his business face and nodded in tune as if he was listening to a steady drum beat.
"Oh! And my husband, the grand old fellow just put pen to paper on a deal to ship up a large amount of Iko spice from down in Ithosia, isn't that grand?" said Madame Tarlop.
Did he now? Well that certainly is grand news.
"That is most certainly exciting Madame Tarlop, people go crazy for the spice! Goes for a pretty penny up here. When is he expecting to receive this shipment? I'd certainly be interested in procuring some from him."
Origins
The Hobnobber has been a special role granted to experienced thieves and informants of the various thieving guilds of Heldrin. The title comes with great pride for the recipient and a good deal of respect from within the guilds. Giving the recipient a boost in status and increased pull with whatever guild(s) they are associated with. A handy thing to have in the cutthroat world of thieves.
The origins of the title began ages ago, several dozen generations at least, with the first thief/thieves being granted this title from one of the guilds of Sumner and/or Roseport. The location of the first Hobnobber is often debated, with Roseport and Sumner, rivals as always, arguing over whom was the first thieves guild to grant the title. Unsurprisingly, there are no records of its origins as no official paperwork is ever filled out. What respectable thief would create their own incriminating paper trail?
The title Hobnobber comes from the informant's preferred way of gaining information. Which is to act and present themselves as well-to-do nobles or merchants around town, and patiently waiting for the sure-to-come party invitation or eager merchant to strike up a conversation.
The term hobnobbing, which means to 'mix socially, especially with those of high nobility' is the exact reason why these informants became to called Hobnobbers. Because they primarily gain all of their good information from parties with rich folk. It sounds ridiculous but the people of Heldrin love a good party, and if you look rich and down to the party you'll be swimming in invites after a short walk in the park with your fake expensive cane and pilfered top hat.
Nowadays, Hobnobbers gain information in a variety of ways, bribery, theft, intimidation, etc. and not just by hobnobbing. Though parties with the rich and famous are still hotspots for great information collection. The thieves of the guilds love the name though, finding it very entertaining, and have stuck with it for generations.
"People love to chat, especially old fops and dandies. Get yourself invited to a little shindig or soiree, and you're set. Pop a bottle of champagne or brandy within twenty feet of any one of these fatheads and you'll be overflowing with all the juicy rumours you want in no time."— Local Hobnobber
Source of Authority and "Duties"
The Hobnobber is typically a thief of well-renown and one that has had a modicum of success, having been in the 'industry' for at least a few years before being granted/earning the title of Hobnobber. Typically, a Hobnobber is appointed as such by their home thieves guild or on rare occasions is granted the 'title' after their worth is proven to one guild or more. Though in the latter situation the two or more guilds have to be on good terms and agree on the shared services of the Hobnobber and who gets what first etc. before the title is granted. If a Hobnobber is found to be working for several guilds without proper permissions they are stripped of the title and excommunicated from the guilds. Or worse, they are found in a ditch with a few dozen stab wounds.
They are tasked with the collection and sale of important and/or juicy bits of information and gossip. If they are officially sanctioned by a thieves guild, they must give the gist of their info hauls to their handlers before they are allowed to sell. This is in case the information is useful or actionable by the guild, and if that is the case, the Hobnobber is given a bonus and sent along their merry way. If the information is considered not of use, the Hobnobber is allowed to head out and find a buyer of their own, and as long as a small percentage of the sale price is bumped back to the guild they are allowed to sell it to whomever, for however much they wish.
Government Sanctioned Hobnobbers
In a strange attempt at curtailing the work being down by the guilds Hobnobbers, the Court of Sumner has begun to unofficially sanction their own. These Hobnobbers, or Hobsnobbers as many in the guilds have begun to call them, are tasked with similar duties. They are to go out and collect information on the guilds, their informants, and any general information on the thieving community as possible. They are also tasked with attempting to infiltrate the ranks of real Hobnobbers, if they can, and report back when they are able to do so in order to unload any important information to their government handlers.
However, this role has somewhat backfired on the government. These Hobsnobbers have been primarily unsuccessful in gathering any information of note with only a few exceptions of note. As the thieves guild can smell them from a mile away. Apparently government officials smell too much of bathwater and fresh bread than most common thieves. The thieves of the guilds often go out of their way to mess with these Hobsnobbers, giving them false and often wildly fanciful information in the hopes that they will report back to their handlers and make a fool out of themselves. Or better yet, make a fool out of government officials after they try and act upon the information.
There has only been a handful of somewhat talented Hobsnobbers since these official sanctions began. But unfortunately for the Sumner government, these informants turned out to be rather easily swayed by the life of thiefdom. With most of these successful ones being convinced by the guilds, who also recognized their talents, to switch sides and turncoat on their former employees. Acting as double agents, feeding false information back to the government as long as they can, being paid a far better premium by the guild than the lowly wages offered to them by the state. These double agent Hobsnobbers work until they feel their alibis are growing thin and then disappear from their duties with the government, turning to more permanent work with the guilds either as standard thieves or as freshly minted, proper, Hobnobbers.
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