Most citizens of the Free City are hard working, thrifty, and honest, the foundation of a prosperous polity and the envy of nations of serfs, peasants, and slaves. But there are always exceptions. While Zobeckers are mostly honest, they also have their share of bandits and robber barons; trade and commerce are nothing if not cutthroat enterprises. To gain an edge in that struggle, some merchants and barge captains will pledge blood and souls to dark masters.