“They call it trade by daylight, theft by lantern-light, but it’s Court business just the same.”

The Catfish Court

Catfish Court is the lifeblood of Port Valmorra's black markets and the grease in merchant wheels. To newcomers, they offer a warm welcome. They are traders, ferrymen and dockhands. But those wanting to start their own shops and trades will learn quickly that they pay handsomely for the Court's protection, and they pay even more if they decline.

Catfish Court is more than thievery and more than trade. They protect, they respect the wisdoms of the bayou, and in their own way, want to see the Covenant Grounds thrive.

Origins

What began as a loose brotherhood of river folk hardened into an underground court. One that claims the right to set its own prices, levy taxes, and enforce its own justice.

Today, Catfish Court is less a guild than an empire clad in shadows. To cross them is to starve. To pay is to live. Every child in Valmorra knows the old saying: "Better to owe the Guard than to owe the Court, for the Guard only takes your coin."

Beliefs & Goals

• Those who control trade control the city.

• Loyalty to the Court matters more than loyalty to the church or the crown.

• Keep waters muddy. Secrecy ensures survival.

Allies & Rivals

The Catfish Court has their fingers in every guild, and on paper they are allies with all. However, they are most closely allied to the Circle of Root and Bone, who pay well for rare herbs, bones and charms.

The Covenant Guard and the Holy Orders see the Court as parasites.
And the Compass Society often finds their maps smuggled and counterfeit, leading to rising tensions.