The Nightlark Syndicate

The road to hell is oft paved by those with good intentions. Such an adage perfectly encapsulates the rise of the criminal guild known as the Nightlarks, the largest criminal organization in Kordania. During the dark days of Mordred Rannasland and his rule over Rilga and the Dales, there were those who sought to alleviate the suffering of the people. Branded as thieves and rebels, these outlaws robbed the homes, storehouses and vaults of the wealthy and distributed it to the poor. Naming themselves after the mischievous bird, the Nightlarks were regarded by the poor of Western Kordania as heroes. Many peasants took great personal risks in order to shelter the outlaws from the eyes of Mordred’s enforcers.
Their renown with the common folk grew, and they were never short of volunteers and collaborators to their cause. After Mordred’s fall, and the purges of those who conspired with him, the Nightlarks then found themselves a following without a unifying cause. Still, life for the common folk was far from easy, especially in those early days as they tried to rebuild their lives. For a while, the Nightlarks were able to continue their work of robbing the rich and giving to the poor, keeping their legend alive as champions of the downtrodden.
And yet, over the years, a rotten seed took root within the leadership of the Nightlarks. As times gradually began to improve, some among the outlaws began to wonder why they should not profit from their activities. Resentment and greed began to fester and corrupt the Nightlarks, who began to line their own pockets with their ill-gotten fortunes. Some among them argued and fought for the old values they had once stood for, but as time wore on, their voices held less and less sway over the group. Over time, the Nightlarks became less a band of idealistic vigilantes, but more like common thugs and ambitious, greedy crime-lords.
Today, the Nightlark Syndicate as they are now known, have embedded themselves into the criminal underworld of every major city and township in Western Kordania, including the high elf city of Askenhart. The group has fractured and splintered into distinct cells and sects, operating under the oversight of a local crime boss who oversees all operations in a given settlement or territory. The Nightlarks understand the power of their own legend, and make efforts to continue to spread the fable of their past glories. This ensures that a pervasive layer of mystique surrounds the criminal group among the lower classes. Their are always those who are willing to believe the tales and thus join their local cell for the chance of glory and wealth.
The mission of the Nightlarks has, in truth, changed little. The group still targets the wealthier classes of Rilga, Langharad and Askenhart for heists, robberies and blackmail. But now, none of the profits of their crimes find their way to the community at large. In recent days, many Nightlark lords have found profit in other criminal activities, including smuggling, contraband, manipulation and even hiring themselves out as bodyguards or hired muscle. The Nightlarks have also learned that there is great profit to be had in supplying the wealthy and elite with exotic and illicit goods.
Still, in spite of all that has transpired, a schism remains at the heart of the Nightlarks organization. Among the older generation of Nightlarks, those who remember the early days and what they once stood for, there remain those who secretly work to subvert the wickedness that has claimed them since. They whisper their ideals to recruits and underlings they believe can be trusted, waging a silent splinter war against the ruthless overlords of the Syndicate.

Goals

Where once upon a time, the Nightlarks could well be regarded as heroes of the common people, now their aims are entirely self-serving and driven by the simplest of motivations; greed. Gold and influence are both the goal and weapons of the most powerful Nightlark lords, and each one goes about increasing their own power in their own individual way. Some favour the smuggling business, trafficking in rare and dangerous objects and creatures for the wealthiest of clients. Others run elaborate racketeering and spy networks to blackmail and manipulate others. Still more are ruthless mobsters and thieves, robbing from whomever they please and shaking down merchant businesses.
Outside of Western Kordania, the Nightlark Syndicate are only recently beginning to spread their wings. Many and more are the valuable treasures of the wild and ruined places of Kordania and beyond. Numerous Nightlark lords are taking the initiative to claim them to either use or sell to the highest bidder.

Relationships

As a criminal organization, the Nightlark Syndicate have no true allies to call upon and many enemies. The authorities of Langharad, Rilga and Askenhart have instructed any member of the Nightlarks to be arrested on sight to stand trial for the crimes perpetrated by the Syndicate. While the identities of the Nightlark lords are closely guarded secrets, shadowy rumours abound of their existence, with heavy bounties on their heads.
The undeniable truth that there are those among the Nightlarks that are arcane practitioners has made them the target of the relentless Iron Hands and the Skeinwynd Institute. More than one aspiring mage has grown weary of the restrictions upon their research, and paid the Nightlarks to smuggle them into a new, secret life free of rules and reprisals.
The Ruminator Society is embroiled in a rapidly escalating shadow-war with the Nightlarks. The Nightlarks are growing increasingly adept at locating and securing valuable relics, artifacts and places of power. Every year, the Ruminators grow more desperate to keep up with the Syndicate and its manpower and resources. More and more outsiders are being recruited to aid them in exposing and thwarting the Syndicates operations.

Symbol

A nightlark silhouette, clasping a bag spilling gold coins

Type

Guild, Thieves