Introduction

The Black Riders are a brutal but fair mercenary company that was once based in Zalmin’s Harbor. Their primary goal is to accumulate wealth and fame, and they strive to become exceptionally wealthy and renowned. Their famous black cloaks and jet-black horses make them easily recognizable. The Black Riders' horses are a special breed that are bred in The Ash Cleft. These horses are entirely black with striking red eyes and can thrive in the harshest conditions. The Black Riders are known for their willingness to accept many recruits, but only a few earn full membership in the company. Only the best are chosen to become riders, full members, and representatives of the mercenary band. They are open to taking on any work that aligns with mercenary standards as long as it pays well and does not involve highly illegal activities.

“Do you hear that? The jingling of a coin purse. Such a sound is music to my ears, and it should be music to yours. If you ever want to be a real rider, you better learn to love the sound of silver, and become real comfortable with the clashing of steel.” - A veteran Rider of the Black Riders to a Hound

Muse is the largest Foul hunting guild in Gevadun. While its headquarters was initially based in The Ash Cleft, it now resides in Port Hellstone. The members of Muse view themselves as violent artists, similar to other groups of Foul hunters. Like any group of Foul hunters, Muse attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their own reasons for engaging in this dangerous and often gruesome profession. Like all Foul hunters, members of Muse believe that the Foul are irredeemable and are committed to destroying them wherever they are found. They show little to no worry about the carnage and collateral damage they cause on their hunts; they only focus on the artful slaying of the Foul. This uncompromising stance has caused issues, particularly since both living people and the Foul inhabit certain cities in The Chasm.

“This canvas, it needs a little more red dont you think? I would venture to say the blood of these cretins will suffice for paint!” - A Composer of Muse commenting on a street filled with Foul

The Workmen's Union is an independent organization formed of laborers from across Gevadun. It has significant guild halls in Geo'Doore, Cossacks, and Stone Home. The Workmen's Union is dedicated to the well-being of laborers across Gevadun. Throughout history, the poor treatment of peasants and manual laborers necessitated the formation of unions to protect the common man. Union members include carpenters, masons, smiths, cooks, miners, lumberjacks, and virtually any other type of laborer. The union representatives manage pooled resources and leverage the union's political influence to ensure that workers in Gevadun receive fair treatment. The protections of The Workmen's Union are only eligible for those who join and pay their dues. Independent workers are not afforded any of the union’s protections or privileges. When members of The Workmen's Union are mistreated or not compensated entirely, the union will resort to tactics, including running smear campaigns, strikes, and heavily imposed fees, to ensure that union members are treated well.

“Brothers and sisters! The wealthy and rich of this city sit on their velvet cushions while you wallow in the dirt eating stale bread and cold soup! Join The Workmans Union, we promise to negotiate with the wealthy to get you all a better deal!” - A representative of The Workman’s Union to a crowd of non-union members.

The Man-Hunters Guild is the premier bounty-hunting guild in Gevadun. Rather than having a primary base of operations, it maintains several small offices throughout Gevadun where bounties can be claimed. Man-hunters are dedicated to bringing loose criminals and dangerous brigands to justice, and they tend to be more accepted by society than Foul hunters, who are often erratic and dangerous. The Man-Hunters Guild runs under a strict code of ethics. This lengthy code includes rules for resolving disputes between hunters and specifies the regulations that a Man-Hunter must follow while on a hunt. Unlike Foul hunters, Man-Hunters prioritize minimizing damage and focus on earning a reward rather than pursuing some type of twisted artistry. The Man-Hunters Guild is often paid for and supported by governments, reflecting its importance in maintaining order in Gevadun.

“Listen “friend”, I can take you back in chains, or in a sack, I get paid either way.” - A man hunter to his target

The Verdant Grasp is a large group of naturalists and shamans dedicated to protecting and stewarding nature from external and internal influences. They work diligently to prevent human encroachment into wilderness areas and destroying natural habitats. They also manage ecosystems, keeping them from destroying themselves over time. Headquartered in Valehur, The Verdant Grasp operates as an independent enclave but maintains a strong relationship with the Erael Kingdom. Members of The Verdant Grasp spend a great deal of effort unlocking the secrets of natural magic and understanding the essence of life. They starkly believe that nature is sacred above all else, so they pray to Villitrix. They take great offense at any destruction or damage to the environment. While The Verdant Grasp has been known to resort to violence to protect nature, they do not harbor resentment towards society; instead, they believe that the natural world is essential for both spiritual and physical well-being.

“Can you feel it? Mother nature is singing to us. It was over three centuries ago when I first heard her song, and it has become more beautiful ever since. When, my child, will you hear her song?” - A Glade Warden of The Verdant Grasp meditating in a grove with an initiate

The Cerulean Heart is the premier mage guild in Gevadun. While it does not have a central headquarters, it keeps large offices in every major university and places of magical inquiry throughout the realms. The Cerulean Heart accepts all practitioners of magic into its ranks, but most of its members practice arcane magic. The Cerulean Heart seeks to understand the secrets of magic and is willing to face incredible dangers in pursuit of even the slightest insight into the arcane truth. Members firmly believe that magic must be understood and fully harnessed at all costs, often leading them to engage in risky rituals, experiments, and expeditions. Essentially, members of The Cerulean Heart function as researchers, responsible for compiling their findings in the guild's vast library, located in the pocket dimension known as Erudition. This borderline fanatical devotion has left many more calculated mages skeptical of The Cerulean Heart, leading to ongoing debates between members and non-members about the ethics of the guild's actions.

“Do you know how much of Gevadun lives in poverty? How many people who wake up without a scrap to eat or a fire to keep warm? To hell with safety, if we can make their lives better through understanding the arcane, then we will.” - An adept of the Cerulean Heart to a scholar

The Bone Syndicate is a prominent criminal organization with a considerable presence in Delilah, Neopolis, Ghast, and Nautilia Deep. Seedy taverns, gambling halls, and other venues of vice often host members of The Bone Syndicate who conduct illicit business. While their activities include the typical enterprises associated with criminal organizations, The Bone Syndicate specializes in dark arts such as necromancy, cursing, and communing with the Foul. The Bone Syndicate utilizes its influence and resources to sway and manipulate the politics and governments of Gevadun covertly. Only a genuinely pious and zealous leader has managed to resist bribery from a syndicate member, illustrating the pervasive reach of The Bone Syndicate. The dark hand of the syndicate moves every needle and has a hand in every jar. This prolific corruption enterprise is why they are reviled across Gevadun. Members of The Bone Syndicate are often individuals who live in morally toxic environments and are frequently downtrodden. The violent and brutal reality of their impoverished and rancid urban environments, which they typically experience from a young age, enables and compels them to act savagely, ruthlessly, and pragmatically.  

“Listen Runt, you do what your told when I tell you, or we are going to have some problems. Now be a good little trooper, and move those sodding crates!” - A Tyrant of The Bone Syndicate to a Runt.

Omar’s Spear is a secretive order with no official headquarters. This quasi-religious organization is dedicated to maintaining the political status quo in Gevadun. Members of Omar's Spear covertly operate to undermine and destroy any force that seeks to topple the existing power structure in the many kingdoms and states that rule Gevadun. The governments of Gevadun often discreetly provide resources or endorse the actions of Omar’s Spear. The organization directly opposes uprisings, coups, invasions, usurpations, and any other actions that could upset the balance of power in Gevadun. Omar's Spear has served covertly and openly in many wars and engagements, and its ranks are filled with decorated warriors. The organization views Gevadun as a delicate political ecosystem; if one humor falls out of balance, the entire thing may become chaotic. This stance leads some to view the organization as perpetuators of despotism, while others see them as virtuous protectors of order. Although publicly acknowledged, Omar’s Spear remains very secretive and admits only a select few members.

“Senator, we understand that you are trying to improve the quality of life of everyone out on the mud flats, but your legislation is risking chaos in Nautilia Deep. If your bill drives the city to madness, we will have to intervene.” - A Sentry of Omar’s Spear to a Senator from the Twitst Marsh

The Rum Runners are a gregarious group of misfits who are allegedly based out of The Anchor, Nautila Deep’s largest tavern. Initially, the Rum Runners were bootleggers seeking to sell liquor across the realms without paying taxes. However, they have since evolved into Gevadun’s premier unofficial adventuring guild. While the guild still engages in illegal activities, it will never resort to violence or exploitation. Members of the Rum Runners embark on daring adventures together, exploring ancient tombs, traversing forgotten vistas, and invading the lairs of dangerous villains to amass wealth and weave a good story. There is little, if any, structure in the guild apart from the hidden distilleries that produce the guild's namesake liquor. Members of the Rum Runners are members in name only, but this lack of structure has worked to the guild's advantage. The fondly notorious reputation of the Rum Runners ensures that few would dare to claim the title without being actual members. Similarly, those who genuinely wish to join can simply proclaim themselves members. They are famed for telling stories of their adventures, often embellishing the details of their exploits to form a grander narrative. Very few places officially endorse the Rum Runners, but many taverns and similar venues tolerate their presence. The one thing that grasps a Rum Runner's heart is freedom and adventure, and they have gained a reputation for being Gevadun's most annoying do-gooders.

“There I was, surrounded by at least fifty angry outlaws with nothing but a sack of gold to defend myself with. It was surely over, and I was making peace with the divine. Then, just as I thought it was over, a massive dragon swooped down and lifted me off! We split the loot and now we are pen pals.” - A Rum Runner embellishing the tales of his adventures

The Sailor’s Brotherhood is a private organization for sailors that welcomes anyone who considers the waves their home. While it lacks a central base of operations, there are notable guild halls located in Nautilia Deep, Dunes Reach, and Ellabore. The Brotherhood embraces all types of seafarers, including pirates, explorers, merchants, and marines. This inclusive approach, however, has led to a negative reputation with the governments of Gevadun, as outlaws often seek refuge within the guild. Within the Brotherhood, all captains are treated equally, regardless of whether they command a massive fleet of warships or a single-masted sloop; theoretically, all captains receive the same level of respect and consideration. The guild also hosts many merchants who contribute significantly to its wealth through donations, bolstering the guild's resources.

“The smell of salt and the open sea, that's why we do what we do. The freedom of the ocean is sacred, and the sea dogs of The Sailor’s Brotherhood are going to keep it that way!” - A sailor explaining why they joined the brotherhood