Organisations of Scornubel

Mindless Madeline begs for coppers.

Beggars Guild: The wretched of Scornubel find themselves begging for their livelihood. Yet, they too are fleeced of their meagre earnings by compulsory guild membership. Their leader, Landos the Scabrous, maintains a firm hand over his charges, violently coshing any that are not forthcoming with the majority of their earnings. Scabby, as he is known, passes much of his wealth onto the ever-watchful Thieves Guild. 

Dockers League: It controls the warehouse district and all passing trade on the Sunrise River. Its 

Dockers on one of many rest breaks.

dockers enjoy working rights unparalleled throughout the lands. They are paid well for their services, with a profit sharing scheme that ensures the loyalty of its members. Moreover, they are provided what they have termed 'accident protection' and 'aged remuneration' for their frail years. The League is in conflict with the Merchants Guild, which seeks to take control of all its operations and end its costly fees. Only through secret and large payments directly to Count Drake and the Thieves Guild leadership is it able to stay 'afloat.' It is the butt of many such puns, as its operational procedures are so innovative as to arouse suspicion of cultism. Its charismatic leader, Freddy Max, realises the League's precarious position and to this end has organised the Dockers Militia (a contentious point with The Fighters Guild). To further display a show of strength the League maintains The Dockers Stable in the Arena. This stable usually ranks last in competitions but it has a strong and loyal following. Its head gladiator, 'The Hook,' is a colorful character that makes a determined showing despite his many amputations.

Fighters Guild: Lead by Kavorkian as General of the Veteran's Council. It provides mercenaries to the Protectorate of Scornubel and inductees to the three City Watches. Also, it conducts the business of all

Captain-Trainer Regdar 

private security within the city and the wider protectorate. This means employers, such as merchants, caravaners and private citizens, must employ Guild members. Membership is compulsory and all native and foreign security must join and pay annual membership fees. This is often covered by employers. The Fighters Guild provides regulated training with levels of attainment. Annual fees decrease with the level of training, but this training becomes increasingly expensive. This ranking system allows employers to hire certain level and/or skill set members. This has often been interpreted as a racket as employers of lower ranked members are more frequently targeted by the Thieves Guild.  As the informal motto of the Fighter Guild implies - 'You get what you pay for.' - this could well be true.

Merchants Guild: Lead by five captains of industry. Ashem Lourves (currently being blackmailed by Galskonon), is one of these members. This guild has a firm hand on most trade throughout the city. It's

Ashem Lourves (right) conducting business.

domination of commerce is assured through the high tariffs set by Count Drake's administration. These tariffs inflate local prices, which are passed onto the consumer. It pays its dues to the Thieves Guild, (to lessen thievery - not nullify it) and procures its security from the Fighters Guild. The Merchants Guild's main rivalry originates from the Dockers League. This has resulted in a murderous competition to lower handling costs and break the Docker's hold over river trade. The leaders of this guild regularly meet with Count Drake's chamberlain. They all have palatial residences in the Western District and adorn themselves in fine jewelry.

Captain Malfance

The Steadfast: These are mixed- race soldiers of Count Drake's elite personal guard. They man the walls of Scornubel Keep and are in constant attendance to the Count. Its leader, Captain Malfance, is a veteran of the Great Fissure, serving on the losing side of Grachus Dio. He was expelled from the Diamond Citadel Guard and took up his current position twenty years ago, serving the previous Count of Scornubel. A Tiefling of particular martial ability, he leads his troops with an iron hand and is rumoured to ward himself with powerful magics.

Thieves Guild: Often considered the true rulers of Scornubel. Its leadership conducts its affairs in anonymity and under strict secrecy. Moreover, its members operate in cells so as to maintain security. All thieves in Scornubel must be members of the Guild and pay annual dues. These dues rise with rank. Those that are not members soon disappear (the rogue Abigail is one very embarrassing exception to this rule as she eludes capture). The Guild controls a large section of the Eastern District and is known to maintain a watchhouse on Gold Street at the Ugly Harpy. All comings and goings are watched over by Guild members and they maintain detailed dossiers on many citizens of Scornubel.