Mattiel Syndicate

The Mattiel Syndicate have been around for generations although the family running it has changed since. Originally it was started by an elf named Elyon Mattiel, although back then it wasn't the nefarious, corrupt syndicate is has become today. During a time of strife Elyon formed a group of skilled individuals that could acquire essential supplies and get them to a location undetected. This was originally to provide citizens of Aerilon with crucial food and other provisions during the Great Siege, but over time they started using their skills for their own ends. As they started making more and more profit many of the members became greedy, despite Elyon Mattiel's protests. This caused a rift in the organisation between two factions, one that wanted to stick to their original mandate of providing aid to the needy and those that want to make a profit, whether it be at the expense of others or not. This greed grew to cause a divide that could not be rectified as more and more unsavoury characters became attracted to the easy money this could earn them. Tensions rose until Elyon Mattiel was assassinated by an unknown murderer, creating a power vacuum that several tried to fill. This resulting battle for power almost erupted into full blown gang warfare on the streets of Aerilon and some other nearby towns, stretching the town guard and authorities to the limit. After three months of struggle and bloodshed one man rose to unify the warring parties under one banner, this was Samiel Laroche. A cunning, ruthless man gifted with sharp foresight, Samiel saw this bitter struggle as counter productive and was not serving the aims of the Syndicate at all. Through no small effort and risk of his own he eventually brought all concerned parties under one roof and laid out his plans for the future of the organisation. Each leader of the fractured operation either agreed or did not leave that room alive. After this meeting Samiel and his family took control of the Mattiel Syndicate and instead of operating under a new name it was decided to keep the original. Hence, even though the Laroche family still have control to this day they still bear the old name that has served them well now for generations.