Debt Collectors
The Debt Collectors were a Kaharotan criminal organisation active within the Vekhen Empire from 37 BE to the middle of 1 BE, before being destroyed by the Red Drapes, a rival gang. At their height, and before their bloody end, they numbered 19 in total.
Structure
The Debt Collectors were organised into five branches, depending on their area of expertise:
- The Strategists, who were the founders and de facto leaders of the organisation, who handled the politics and shot-calling regarding missions, budget, and recruiting.
- The Scouts, who kept their eyes, ears, and pockets open for any signs of people in need of help. These individuals also identified potential targets for "wealth redistribution."
- The Extractors, who were called to retrieve clients from particularly dangerous situations, as well as being the first line of defense and offense against the enemies of the organisation.
- The Transports, who shepherded clients to safer pastures after an Extrator had retrieved them. They split their responsibilities across land, sea, and other more unconventional methods of travel.
- And the Caretakers, who would usually accompany every Transport to make sure their clients got to safety. They also helped clients establish a new life for themselves in their new homes.
Public Agenda
At first glance, the Debt Collectors appeared to be mostly engaged in petty criminal activities, such as pickpocketing, burglary, smuggling, extorion, and intimidation of public officials. However, their true purpose was kept secret to better protector their "clients": helping families, individuals, and communities suffering under Imperial oppression to escape the Empire and find better lives beyond its borders.
Assets
The 19 members of the Debt Collectors at its height were as follows:
- Cardinal, Strategist (deceased).
- Raven, Strategist (fate unknown).
- Heron, Scout.
- Kingfisher "King", Scout (deceased).
- Kite, Scout (fate unknown).
- Sparrow, Scout (deceased).
- Strix, Scout (deceased).
- Buzzard "Buzz", Extractor (fate unknown).
- Gull, Extractor (deceased).
- Magpie "Maggy", Extractor (deceased).
- Nightjar, Extractor (deceased).
- Vulture, Extractor (fate unknown).
- Cassowary "Cass", Transport, the Deadline Coach.
- Peregrine, Transport, the Overdraft (deceased).
- Ostrich "Ozzy", Transport, the Downtrend (deceased).
- Dove, Caretaker.
- Hen "Hennie", Caretaker (deceased).
- Pen "the Emperor", Caretaker (deceased).
- Stork, Caretaker (deceased).
History
The Debt Collectors were founded by Cardinal and Raven in 37 BE. At some point in their history, they recruited Cassowary to their cause, who became a Transport. During Cassowary's work with the Debt Collectors — even after they had been destroyed — they rescued Enzelikar Vekhen from the Empire.
Disbandment
The Debt Collectors were brutally disbanded by the Red Drapes when several of their members were murdered or forced into hiding / went missing. Only three Debt Collectors are confirmed to still be alive, whilst a full 12 are confirmed dead, leaving the whereabouts of the last four unknown.
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