Guild of Thieves
| Guild of Thieves | |
|---|---|
| Other names: | Thieves' Guild of Greyhawk, |
| Type: | Criminal syndicate |
| Leader: | Org Nenshen |
| Members: | Rogues, thieves, and associated criminals |
| Headquarters: | Old City Great Hall |
| Allies: | Guild of Assassins, Union of Merchants and Traders |
| Enemies: | Guild of Beggars (formerly) |
"Hands in your pockets, eyes on your purse!"
—a common farewell in the City of Greyhawk, where thieves are everywhere[1]
The Guild of Thieves, also called the Thieves' Guild or Greyhawk Thieves' Guild, is a criminal organization in the Free City of Greyhawk. "Its existence is not officially acknowledged but is commonly known throughout the city."[2]
While "Guild of Thieves" most commonly refers to the organization in the Free City, there are also other guilds of a similar nature in Ceshra, Chendl, Dyvers, Elredd, Gryrax, Littleberg, Monmurg, Oldred, Restenford, Rookroost, Scant (the Wreckers), Seltaren Stoink, Suderham, Veluna City, and Vergannin, amongst others less known.
Description
The citizens of the Free City know about the Guild of Thieves. But there is something like a code of silence in which the guild is not spoken of or acknowledged openly or directly.[2] In this respect, it is similar to real-world organizations like the mafia, yakuza, or cartels. They are perceived as being aware of everything, or being able to find out, and to have their fingers in most every type of trade or dealing.[3] So much so, that they have become almost a boogey-man, in that mothers will even use the idea of them to get young children to behave.[3]
History
"Within a decade of Zagig's last appearance in the city, numerous thieves and crooked businessmen formed a broad alliance to enrich themselves on the enormous volume of trade to which they had access. Parodying the many guilds in town, the leader of the thieves, thugs, smugglers, and charlatans of the city’s underworld named his organization the Guild of Thieves, and the name stuck. The Guild of Thieves soon had several members on the Oligarchy in its pay, and eventually grew to such power that even the Greyhawk Militia obeyed the orders of its guildmaster. Greyhawk’s trade volume began to drop as foreign merchants sought shipping routes to avoid the ever-increasing bribes and tariffs placed on their goods....
Realizing that the Thieves’ Guild’s excesses were driving away profits, the Union of Merchants and Traders (itself infiltrated by thieves who sought legitimate sources of income) threatened to leave the city and its operations to Dyvers or Urnst. The guildmaster of the thieves, Yavos the Elder, agreed with the union, but a significant number of high-level thieves had no desire to lose their highway to wealth. Nearly all of these "old-guard” thieves were followers of Kurell, and already considering a war to unite all thieves under the direction of the priests of Kurell. Fighting broke out within the upper ranks of the Guild of Thieves in 533 CY and casualries were great. Many lower-level thieves fled the city for their lives. When the ended, the great power of the guild was broken, and the reformers had won out.
Under Yavos the Younger (whose father died in the fighting), the Guild of Thieves changed its tactics and began working almost hand-in-hand with the city's merchants and businessmen. A rough system of paid protection and guardianship was established. Though the merchants hated it, they recognized the futility of preventing every theft, and they came to appreciate the value in having the city’s criminals not only avoiding their premises, but acting to prevent foreign and non-guild thieves from taking their goods. Yavos was even given a seat on the Directing Oligarchy, and the Guild of Thieves achieved an air of legitimacy that astonished foreigners (and many citizens of Greyhawk, too)."[4]
Members
The guild is not strictly reserved for rogues (or thieves). Many others, regardless of class levels can become affiliate members, such as thugs, toughs, bouncers, smugglers, hijackers, and even spellcasters. However leadership ranks and roles are reserved for Master Thieves.
Notable individuals
- Arentol—former guildmaster;[3] (died in 572 CY of natural causes)[5]
- Org Nenshen—Guildmaster of the Guild of Thieves from 572 CY+ (LN male human Rog18)[6][7][8]
- Dernan Nethane—Guildmaster of the Union of Merchants and Traders (N male human Ftr2/Rog9)[9]
- Carmen Halmaster—Oligarch and inactive member of the Guild of Thieves (N male human Rog8)[9]
- Tirra—Master Thief, runs guild activity in the River Quarter (N female elf Rog9)[10]
- Irzee—barmaid at the Left Hand Inn in Greyhawk; guild spy (N female human Rog1)[11]
Structure
Alignment
Headquarters
"Old City Great Hall. The label "city hall” is sometimes applied—only half in jest—to the Old City Great Hall, where Greyhawk’s government formerly operated. Nowadays, the Guild of Thieves is commonly (and correctly) believed to operate from this old but magnificent building. The structure was badly damaged by fire in Harvester 584 CY, but it was swiftly rebuilt to its grand old style. Here is where the Pact of Greyhawk was signed, though few diplomats now visit the place. The Directing Oligarchy has let it be known that this building has a government support staff, about which little is said in public Little is known about the interior of the building, as admission was restricted during and after the rebuilding process. However, the building is most impressive."[12]
Resources
Rumors and legends
Publishing history
In Princes of the Apocalypse (2015), equivalents are given to replace the factions presented in it (and other fifth edition sources) with fations specifically from the World of Greyhawk™ setting.
- The Thieves' Guild of Greyhawk—replacing the Zhentarim[13]
See Also
Gallery
External Links
References
Notes
Citations
- ↑ Player's Guide (1998), p.49.
- ↑ a b Player's Guide (1998), p.30.
- ↑ a b c The City of Greyhawk (1989), p.38, Folks, Feuds, and Factions.
- ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.60.
- ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.62.
- ↑ Greyhawk Adventures (1988), p.42-43.
- ↑ The City of Greyhawk (1989), p.38-39.
- ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.63.
- ↑ a b The Adventure Begins (1998), p.64.
- ↑ Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk (2007), p.17.
- ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.127.
- ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.122.
- ↑ Princes of the Apocalypse (2015) , p.248.
Bibliography
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thieves' Guildhall (City of Greyhawk) | Place | Guildhall | Night Watch (1990) | IFC, |
| Thieves, Guild of (Ceshra) | People Group | Guild, | The City of Greyhawk: Folks, Feuds and Factions | 45 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Ceshra) | People Group | Guild, | Dragon magazine #301 | 89 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Chendl) | People Group | Guild, | WG8 Fate of Istus | 83, 84 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Chendl) | People Group | Guild, | WGR4 The Marklands | 24 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Artifact of Evil | 33 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Come Endless Darkness | 8 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | The City of Greyhawk: Adventure Cards | 6, 12 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | The City of Greyhawk: Folks, Feuds and Factions | 6, 13-16, 32, 33, 35, 36, 38-42, 44, 45, 46, 52, 55, 60, 62, 64, 68, 71, 72, 84, 88, 89, 91 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | The City of Greyhawk: Gem of the Flanaess | 4, 6, 11, 13, 23, 33, 43, 46, 61, 79, 82, 84-88, 91, 93, 95, 96 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | City of Hawks | 26, 115, 116, 124, 130, 146, 151, 154, 162, 165, 166, 203, 213 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Dance of Demons | 8 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Den of Thieves | 90 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Dragon magazine #262 | 40, 41, 43 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Dragon magazine #301 | 88, 89, 90 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | From the Ashes: Campaign Book | 3, 11, 18, 66 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Greyhawk Adventures | 35, 36, 38, 39 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Greyhawk Adventures | 35, 36, 38, 39 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Living Greyhawk Journal #2 | 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Living Greyhawk Journal #5 | 4, 5, 7 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Night Arrant | 275, 280, 282, 283, 301, 302, 313, 345, 346, 349, 368, 383, 394 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Player's Guide to Greyhawk | 30, 33 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | S1-4 Realms of Horror, Adventure Booklet | 23 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | S2 White Plume Mountain (1st-3rd printing), AD&D 1e | 2 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | White Plume Mountain (Revised), D&D 3.5e | 2 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | S2 White Plume Mountain {Expanded} (4th+ printing), AD&D 1e | 2 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Slavers, AD&D 2e | 9, 11, 12, 15, 20, 30, 126 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Saga of Old City | 31, 32, 47, 48, 56, 57, 60, 65, 68, 74, 76, 83, 84, 339 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | The Adventure Begins | 34, 40, 44, 45, 60-64, 66, 69, 73, 79-82, 84, 87, 88, 90-93, 95, 96, 101, 102, 104-108, 110-128 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | War Captain's Companion Boxed Set: Book 1 | 36, 37 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | WGA1 Falcon's Revenge | 24, 48, 49 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | WGA2 Falconmaster | 48 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | WGA3 Flames of the Falcon | 56 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | WGA4 Vecna Lives! | 27, 29, 83 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (Folio) | 11 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | WGR1 Greyhawk Ruins | 63 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | WGR2 Treasures of Greyhawk | 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) | 25 |
| Thieves, Guild of (City of Greyhawk) | People Group | Guild, | Night Watch (1990) | 11, |
| Thieves, Guild of (Dyvers) | People Group | Guild, | WG11 Puppets | 18, 20 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Elredd) | People Group | Guild, | Greyhawk Adventures | 113, 114, 116 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Elredd) | People Group | Guild, | Greyhawk Adventures | 113, 114, 116 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Gryrax) | People Group | Guild, | PHBR2 - The Complete Thief's Handbook | 83 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Littleberg) | People Group | Guild, | WGR4 The Marklands | 28 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Monmurg) | People Group | Guild, | PHBR2 - The Complete Thief's Handbook | 85 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Oldred) | People Group | Guild, | WGR4 The Marklands | 73 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Restenford) | People Group | Guild, | The Hand of the Highwayman | 3, 4 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Rookroost) | People Group | Guild, | WG8 Fate of Istus | 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Rookroost) | People Group | Guild, | WGR5 Iuz the Evil | 54 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Scant) | People Group | Guild, | Reference | SEE ALSO Wreckers |
| Thieves, Guild of (Scant) | People Group | Guild, | The Adventure Begins | 25 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Stoink) | People Group | Guild, | Saga of Old City | 142, 145, 164, 236 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Suderham) | People Group | Guild, | A1-4 Scourge of the Slave Lords | 100 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Suderham) | People Group | Guild, | A3 Assault on the Aerie of the Slave Lords | 11 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Veluna City) (Hazenbane) | People Group | Guild, | Dungeon magazine #041 | 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 |
| Thieves, Guild of (Vergannin) | People Group | Guild, | Living Greyhawk, Living Onnwal Gazetteer, D&D 3.5e | 49 |
| Wreckers (Scant Thieves Guild) | People Group | Criminal organization, | Dragon magazine #299 | 99, 100 |
| Wreckers (Scant Thieves Guild) | People Group | Criminal organization, | Living Greyhawk, Living Onnwal Gazetteer, D&D 3.5e | Dis, 13, 21, 23, 25, 28, 29, 30, 32, 45, 53, 55, 59, 60, 67, 73, 79, 80, 101, 103, 107, 109, 110 |
| Wreckers (Scant Thieves Guild) | People Group | Criminal organization, | Remember the Farmers, RPGA | 10 |