The Orphans of Gatewell
History and Background
The Orphans of Gatewell are a pseudo-revolutionary thieves' guild, born in the heart of the city of Gatewell—a place where the wealth of the elite towers over the destitution of the poor. Initially founded by orphans and the destitute, the guild's members were outcasts who had been discarded by the system, and they turned their hardship into a weapon. As the city's elite grew more oppressive, the guild emerged as a covert force, operating in the shadows to help the common folk survive.
Though the guild is often seen as nothing more than a criminal organization, the Orphans' members view themselves as champions of the disenfranchised, not just thieves. Their ideology is one of redistribution—stealing from the rich to help the poor—and exposing the injustices perpetuated by the wealthy elite. Their actions are not without controversy, and while they are viewed by the common people as protectors, they are seen as a threat to the upper class.
Headquarters
The guild's main base of operations is hidden in plain sight: within the city's largest public library. This seemingly innocuous institution is a cultural landmark, frequented by the wealthy and the learned. However, beneath the surface, a labyrinth of hidden passages leads to the guild's true headquarters. Beneath the library lies a concealed sub-basement, which serves as the heart of the Orphans' operations.
The sub-basement is divided into multiple sections. There are vaults where stolen treasures, documents, and resources are securely hidden. There are also training rooms where recruits are taught the dangerous arts of assassination, burglary, and subterfuge. At the deepest level, there is a secret bar, a place where guild members can relax, discuss future plans, and strike deals in a more informal setting. The bar is also a vital meeting point for potential alliances and negotiations, as it is neutral ground where different factions can come together.
Ranks and Structure
The Orphans of Gatewell operate with a clear hierarchy, with each rank holding specific responsibilities. This structure helps maintain order and efficiency within the guild, allowing it to function smoothly despite its secretive and often dangerous work.
Grandmaster: The highest-ranking member in the guild, the Grandmaster is the overall leader and decision-maker. This position is earned through experience, wisdom, and service to the guild, and it holds the authority to make final decisions on all major operations and matters of guild policy. The Grandmaster oversees the guild's overall strategy and its direction.
The Black Hand: The Black Hand is a council of trusted, seasoned members who have proven themselves time and again in leadership roles. They are responsible for enforcing the will of the guild, ensuring that operations run smoothly, and maintaining order. These individuals often manage various branches or regions within the guild, commanding respect and overseeing key activities. They are the most powerful figures in the guild after the Grandmaster. There are five members of the Black Hand, with the Grandmaster being above them.
Lurkers: Lurkers are senior members with expertise in thievery, espionage, and intelligence gathering. They specialize in infiltrating high-profile locations, acquiring valuable information, and executing high-stakes missions that require finesse and discretion. Lurkers are often tasked with overseeing key operations and recruiting new members.
Shadowblades: Shadowblades are highly skilled assassins and operatives who specialize in taking out targets with precision. They carry out covert and dangerous missions, from eliminating key figures to sabotaging the plans of the elite. Shadowblades are trained in stealth, combat, and subterfuge, making them one of the most deadly ranks in the guild.
Pickpockets: Pickpockets are the guild's scouts and minor thieves. They are often the first to be sent on a mission and are tasked with small, non-lethal jobs such as pickpocketing, theft, and information gathering. Pickpockets hone their skills in stealth, agility, and charm, learning the art of subtlety before advancing in rank.
Thugs: Thugs serve as the muscle of the guild, enforcing the will of the organization and handling situations that require brute strength or intimidation. Though not as skilled in stealth or finesse, Thugs are invaluable for ensuring the protection of guild members, intimidating rivals, and dealing with anyone who poses a threat to the guild's interests.
Scrappers: Scrappers are the newest recruits to the guild, tasked with less dangerous and more menial work. They are the eyes and ears of the guild, running errands, scavenging for supplies, and doing whatever is needed to prove their loyalty and usefulness. They are in the process of learning the ways of the Orphans and are often trained by more experienced members.
Guild Activities and Ideology
The Orphans of Gatewell are driven by a strong sense of justice—though not the kind that is governed by the laws of the land. They believe the existing system is rigged in favor of the wealthy and that the common folk have been forgotten by those in power. The guild's members are united by their shared struggle for survival and their desire to see the elite brought low.
Their activities are varied but always focus on disrupting the status quo. They steal from the rich to provide for the poor, expose the corruption of those in power, and undermine the systems that allow the elite to thrive at the expense of the common people. While some see them as criminals with the Academy and Guardians along with the guards themselves viewing them as vermin and thugs, others view them as revolutionary heroes. The Orphans are both a source of hope and a shadow of fear in the city of Gatewell.
Guild Philosophy
At its heart, the guild believes in the redistribution of power and wealth. While theft is a primary means of survival, the Orphans view their actions as part of a larger cause. They are not merely robbers; they are rebels. Their ultimate goal is to create a world where the common folk are not at the mercy of the powerful and where justice is not determined by the weight of one's purse. They act in secrecy, knowing that the elite will not tolerate their actions. Yet, in the shadows of Gatewell, the Orphans of Gatewell continue to thrive, ever waiting for the day when they can rise and overthrow the system entirely.