The Brotherhood

[DM Curumo]

The Brotherhood

All information below is purely OOC and should not be used IC unless you are a member.
________________________________________
History
The Brotherhood has been around for generation as a source of information and profit to its members, it was first seen in the city of Tharbad soon after it was first founded in the time of the great realm of Cardolan. Even though the city has been destroyed a few times due to plague or flood the brotherhood has used these atrocities to its advantage and has always come out of it well.
The brotherhood attracted the attention of some powerful backers in T.A. 1635 when Sauron sent Adûnaphel the Quiet into the ravaged lands of Endor following the Great Plague. She spotted the potential for strife and like minded individuals and so helped encourage the brotherhood’s power base. Since then it has remained a growing cancer upon the free, destroying things from inside via stealth and misinformation.
Like any guild, the brotherhood exists to benefit its members. It provides training, protection, resolves disputes, acts as a source of information and jobs. The brotherhood also acts to regulate crime in their areas, for example, preventing or punishing freelance thieves who steal from establishments under their "protection."
Overall, however, the purpose of the brotherhood is to enrich those who control it, with lesser rewards going to the lesser officers, and many times their wrath can be turned aside by a suitable tribute or service.
Still, even care needs to be taken. If too much money is taken, small business ventures die. If a powerful or popular city leader is attacked, the resulting outcry could result in a disastrous backlash. In most cases the most important leadership will have their escape routes planned, and guild activity will fall off sharply when the "heat" is on. All of this is bad for business. Thus, greed is tempered with caution in the highest circles of the guild.
The brotherhood takes a dim view of freelancers. Their random actions can stir up trouble with the authorities, bringing trouble on their own operatives. Freelancers may rob those protected by the fellowship, thus causing the fellowship to lose face and revenue. Occasionally freelancers will pick the same targets as the fellowship, interfering with fellowship business.
On the other hand, freelancers may have superior skills, making them desirable for certain delicate jobs. Their very existence makes a convenient cover for sensitive operations that must not be traced back to the fellowship itself. They can be hired for dangerous jobs when risking key members is undesirable. Finally, they can be used as hirelings, go-betweens, or messengers, and can be "expended" if needed when the operation succeeds.
The brotherhood lives in an uneasy truce with most freelancers. Those who don't make trouble for the fellowship are tolerated.

Other styles and practices are often used to great benefit by the brotherhood. More information on these can be found in the library in the Brotherhood’s library.


Names & Symbols
• Formal name: Fos-ob Vras – Company of Assassins (Black Speech)
• Informal name: Brotherhood
• Symbol: A wavy line.

Aims
• To gain power via subterfuge and stealth, be it material or political.
• To sow strife and dissent amongst those opposing the brotherhood and get them to fight amongst themselves.
• To control the trafficking of goods be they legal or illegal in and out of all major cities.
• To learn secrets about people that can be either traded or used against them for further benefit to the brotherhood as a whole.

Fears
• Discovery and capture by the forces of the free.
• Unity and stability in the major cities of the world, profit can always be gained in times of strife.
• Failure in any form.
• Loosing control of a profitable racket to a rival.

Structure•
The Brotherhood is ultimately under the direct control of Sauron and the Nine.
Its current high ranking members are Cullkett and Khief, plus a small boy known as Angh that speaks for the ‘master’. The true identity of the ‘master’ is only known by a few trusted brothers.
• The guild operates from all over the known world in any neutral or evil city; some small operations have been known to occur even inside large towns of the free. The most well known ones are found in:
- Tharbad: In the dock district of Tharbad is a legitimate business venture opened by Jonalin Willenner, this orphanage is a charitable organization, however it is just a front for other more secret functions. Under the orphanage are some secret halls, home to most of the brotherhood and where much of the business is done. Many people come and go through some secret passages in the cellar of the orphanage however there are also other entrances via the sewers of Tharbad and also from some of the houses in the residential district.
- Mordor: In the tower of sorcery the nine rule the surrounding areas, however they often send out envoys to help gain information, one such envoy is Adûnaphel the Quiet. a Black Numenorean, who is a direct contact with the brotherhood and often relays information and tasks to the members. She is sometimes also seen in her home city of Umbar.
- Dol Guldor: The ancient citadel once quiet is now springing back to life with many goblins and orcs taking up residence. The brotherhood have recruited many of these creatures to aid in scouting the dangerous areas around the Tower, they are currently controlled by the Orc Molterz.

Rules & Customs•
Full guild membership is open only to those of evil intent and able to prove that they can act quietly and subtly in times of need. Skills such as information gathering and stealth are not completely necessary but are certainly high looked for.
• Members must never act contrary to the interests of the brotherhood.
• Members must never divulge the names of other members of the brotherhood, nor talk of what has occurred to non brothers.
• Players will be able to use Thieves Cant, which is a series of phrases and hand signals only understood by other members of the brotherhood, teaching such things to non brothers is akin to giving away secrets.

Contact
email: dmcurumo@ntlworld.com
mIRC: #wpnwn|brotherhood

[DM Curumo]

The brotherhood has sent out a coded note to all its members.

Brothers,

Let it be known that there is a bounty of 1000 gold coins, for good and solid information concerning the identity of the man known as 'Ren'. He has taken honest business from our own pockets and has disrupted the guilds business. An extra 1000 coins shall be given upon his capture or death.

All that is currently known of this man is that he might be from Gondor and is very skilled with daggers and the honourable mastery of assassination. He has been seen around Tharbad a few times, usually in the company of 2 others both male, one very tall and thin, the other more stocky.

Leave information on this matter in one of the brotherhood hiding places.

M

OOC

Any information gathered outside of brotherhood events should be posted here. Your help on this matter is appreciated.

[DM Curumo]

A second coded message is received by all members

Brothers

Even though this ranger 'Ren' has stolen another target from us, I wish to speak with him. I shall double the bounty but want him taken alive, and in a fair condition.

I have sent spies out amongst the knights of Gondor as well as near the borders of the elven lands to try and learn more about our current contract.

If any brothers over hear anything regarding this, post it in one our hiding places.

M

[DM Curumo]

The doors of the brotherhood were opened in the last few days and the first few members have walked the quiet halls. Some were even gifted a few words from the elusive 'master' and then given a tour by a lesser member.

All brothers should seek out one of the brotherhood's contacts so that they can obtain a key to the base. As well as a small gift from Halduf.

A small note is added on the end of this missive.

One of our brothers has gone missing, assumed captured. As you all well know, this is a risk we all take. He shall be missed and mourned, but let it be known that no attempt shall be made at this time to rescue him.

[DM Curumo]

A coded message is sent out to all members.

Brothers

An important meeting shall take place this evening to discuss further plans and allow fellows to meet.

Meet in the guildhall in the bar for a few drinks at the calling of eight bells.

M

OOC 8pm UK time start, it will be mainly planning but some furthering of the current plot line will occur later.

[DM Curumo]

A Hooded figure leans over a tome and starts to read intently, it then reaches out a gloved hand to pick up the ring he had been given earlier in the day.

Yess... we meet again.. Lord Elrond.. *hissss*

Turns back to the guard by the door

My brothers did well this day, they have achieved much and told me even more than they could think possible. But do not fear now that we have this book.. we can learn more of these creatures and perhaps one day we will harvest them like the days of old.

The guard tries to avert his eyes and then replies

Yes.. mistress..

From the shadows around the corner near the bar, two brothers toast there success at a successful return trip from Moria, and rejoice at the bounty that was gifted upon them

[DM Curumo]

The latest news filters back to a figure in the secret halls.

It appears that the brothers are doing well.. spreading lies and rumours amongst the populace, they truely are spinners of the truth. But we shall see.. will the Dunedain take the bait?

The figure turns back to the book and once again struggles to understand what is written in it.

Now, I must find a dwarf open to our thinking, or at least one that can be bribed and then disposed off... now where can I find one of them..

The figure draws out a book and looks down the long list of names and places then pauses a moment as he reads one.

Yes.. old friend.. your time help will once again be needed, and this time for the last time. You must be getting old by now, so it will be an act of mercy.. yes.. a kind act of mercy.

A soft hissing laughter and then the book is slammed shut as another figure walks into the room. The new figure clears his throat and bowing low speaks softly

We have found the other scouts mistress, but there appears to be a problem... They have found solice amongst the dunlendings themselves.. or at least a tribe that opposes Isengard.

The figure looks up and flexes and gauntleted hand.. the figure pales and then nods and rushes from the room. The figure smashes its hand down onto the table and hisses.

None.. shall oppose us.. I shall finish what was once started! Failure is not an option that the 'All Seeing Eye' allows.

[DM Curumo]

Unfortunately due to my own stupidity and getting my dates all mixed up, I will be on a train to Leeds when I am meant to be running the event on Friday, so sorry for having to do this, but I will be moving it to the following week.

[DM Curumo]

The dwarven tome lies now discarded beside the desk of Ul-Brazim, he paws over something new, a hastily written translation. He looks carefully through the pages looking for information is needed of him. He looks up to the dark figure beside him and then slowly shivers and eventually speaks.

"Mistress, it is not all here, the old dwarf fooled us in the end, but I do know this." He pauses and winces expecting at any moment another bout of excrutiating pain, delivered at the whim of his mistress. Feeling none he continues with more enthusiasm. "There are five places Mistress, but still they are covered by a slight riddle.

Far to the north where the water does not flow, they live in a smoking mountain near pools of liquid fire.

A slow snake winds its way through the ancient lands of Haladin, besides its languid banks lie they lie amidst the remains of a people thought forgot.

The ancestors of Edain now lie still, but to the east of them new people start to thrive. They used to live beside these small folk feeding on what they threw away.

Beneath the Realm of the elven lords, they sleep. Amidst the roots of the trees and bushes, but Taur e-Ndaedelos holds no fear for them.

Deep under the earth in the places long forgot, and the sun has never shed a ray. The a stronghold of our folk now lies lost and tormented by what could never be. They would breed that which should not be until in the end, they became what they feared the most."

He looks up waiting again for any feeling of pleasure or not. Then he turns once again down to the papers and continues.

"I know of one of these places Mistress, it is just south of Bree in the downs. We should send some brothers to investigate it further do you think mistress. But they should be careful for each of these places it says, is guarded by two guardians. Some no doubt are dwarves, some might not be for it does not say. But I am sure the brothers will know what to do"

Finally the shadowy figure turns to the bent old man and with a flick of her wrist forces him to the floor. "You have done well, Old Man, but they know we seek these things, some fool let a dwarf live and he is now on his way to speak to his King. Of what comes of this, I do not know, but for your sake I hope they will not fail. Now I shall let you feed Old Man because you have been of some use, but savour it for it may be your last for some time..."

A young youth who until this point had been standing quietly in the corner stands and walks forward blankly. The old man seeing him smiles a dark and crooked smile. Then starts a few quiet incantations. The mistress turns to leave and closes the door on the screams from inside.

A short while later Ul-Brazim leaves the library with a spring in his step and an old man in his eightieth year stumbles out behind him with the eyes of an innocent youth filling with tears and pain.

[DM Curumo]

The glum faces of the brothers leave the guild hall, look at Kang with slight anger in there eyes. Low whispers pass from one to another about first his cowardice and then if he is really a man..

"Leaving her and running like a whippet, how can he strut like that still?"

"If I was him, I would throw myself into the nearest river!"

"That lass was abit odd, but she will be missed I know that for a start, I mean who will keep my bed warm at night now?" says a man with a sly wink.

The whispers die down as a cold shadow moves through the room.. then fall silent as a dark woman sits down at the bar and orders a drink.. men turn pale and move away as Xephis looks up at them with smile and starts to turn to find Ul-Brazim to discuss the future, and what it might hold for her..

A figure passes into the library, but the door remains untouched.. men turn to each other and the whispering begins again.. this time in fear of another strange creature that wanders the halls of the Brotherhood.

[DM_Gwaihir]

The presence in Tharbad of Evrilo, the elven owner of the Shimmering Stave, has offended the Brotherhood's leadership for too long.

A meeting of members is called to discuss how to best deal with this sinister pest and execute the plan that is decide upon.

Details of the time of the meeting accompany the summons. (http://forums.wireplay.co.uk/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=170&day=2006-12-19) - 21h00 to 23h00 GMT

[Kyle Morgan]

Crinkles in his dour face move, giving him a more sinister look while Crow leans forward over the table.
"Some of you might know already that i have a direct connection to the Tharbad guards. The recent assault on the traveling smith Naighîn at the ford of Isen after he left Tharbad with full bags of gold brought disturbance to the city council.
Not only the ambush has been of no avail with the loss of some strong Orc bowmen, the bandits claimed to collect taxes for the city of Tharbad and Naighîn and his comrade could escape.
Now tidings have reached Tharbad and the council is deliberating on appropriate counter measures. We must foreclose that Tharbad puts its eyes beyond its borders!"
Crow becomes silent and listens while the others debate about the issue he raised. Not too long he has to wait until someone asks him the question he was waiting for.
"What i would do?" Grim and dour he raises from his chair. "People's eyes have short looks ahead. We arrange that people's worries concentrate on their petty hometown again.
My plan is simple. Undetected we overbear and carry off the local arena champion. Then we feed him - to keep them satisfied."
He cannot eliminate the faint shiver remembering his encounter with the librarian.
"And after that - feast - we take care that the corpse of the champion is found. I am sure that nobody will lose a single word about that mugging again."
Leaning back Crow tries to read in the faces of the others. "Of course - i need the extraordinary skills of each of you to accomplish that mission. Mistress Adunàphel is not here to give orders. Do i see any volunteers?"

[Cullkett]

I was wondering if there are any members still playing?
It would be good to get together for some questing and general mischief making :)

[Kyle Morgan]

Though rarely in game, Rook/Crow/Craban is still active.

[misterroboto2]

Same thing for Gurundo.

[Intel_ninja]

The Mayor of Tharbad finds the following message on his desk when he arrives to his office in the morning that follows the day when certain disturbancies within the city hall were reported.

Dear Mr *the name has been crossed out and been replaced with "Mayor"*

Regretful news has reached us that a certain city watchman has interfered with the activities of our respectable associates. We are certain that as a favour to your old friends, you shall see that Sgt Stain shall be disciplined in a...prompt manner, lest we are forced to visit him ourselves, and make him more deserving of his name. Loyal watchmen as he do not grow on trees afterall, atleast not yet.
We have all the faith in you that this situation will be handled with your fullest devotion and that it shall not repeat itself.

The First mistake...can be forgotten, the second mistake...can be forgiven, the third mistake...

Yours truly ~~~~~ (wavy line)

[DM__Sauron]

The following notice is posted outside Tharbad City Hall.

From the Office of His Honor the Mayor,
It is with heavy heart and much disappointment I make the following announcement. It has come to my attention, through the testimony of numerous trusted and respected citizens, that Sgt Stain of the Judicial Guard has been engaged in soliciting bribes and abuse of his authority. Our great city has the reputation throughout Arda as a fair and just place to live and do business. This reputation will not be diminished during my term in office. Sgt Stain is a disgrace to all who wear that most honored uniform and to the good people of this city. Henceforth he will be demoted to the rank of Watchman and shall submit to a public whipping by one of his peers. Let this serve as warning to all those that would betray the trust of the good citizens of Tharbad.

Your most humble servant
His Honor the Mayor

[DM__Sauron]

Rumour spreads among the shadows of Tharbad that power has again focused in one place. A dark underworld figure has emerged gathering the remnants of many old gangs. What will the future bring ?

One wonders who would hear the call of the Brotherheard if one were made and when would be the best time for such gatherings.

[the-small-print]

A certain 'free trader' from Tharbad seeks business opportunities in and about the region, and would certainly become a part of any enterprising organisation he heard of.

[Kyle Morgan]

A small croaking sound escaped his throat while he stands up to leave the assembly hall in the secret chambers of the Brotherhood. Crow was not pleased. No sign of Mistress Adûnaphel for only a few weeks and the bonds which kept the brothers together were weakened to a point to break. These thieves needed a strong hand to keep them together and without firm leadership every power the evil lords managed to tighten in Tharbad seemed to fade away.
He would not just stand and see his hopes falling apart. Secrecy is important only as long as the secret has any means. There must be a way to find someone with strong willpower, someone he could introduce to the brotherhood and plant as a warlord. Someone who only has to take lead and keep the thieves together until Mistress Adûnaphel returns and punishes him for everything that happened against her will...
Accompanied by these thoughts he had left the secret halls and now watched the outlines of buildings under a grey rainy sky from the hiding-place of a rundown house. Making his mind up he cloaks himself in his hood and steps into the city. The first step will be a raid in the graveyards - including a surprise to test the willpower of the boldest of men. He laughs a quietly dark laughter to himself while scanning the back lanes for candidates...

[DM__Sauron]

Violence has broken out in the darker parts of Tharbad as gangs struggle for territory. One group has emerged the strongest but the issue is hardly decided. Resourceful people with courage have an opportunity to get rich and earn respect in the Tharbad underworld.


OOC Saturday June 23 3 pm GMT the Brotherhood and potential members will meet at the Hillmans Head. 4-6 players , sneaky types preferred.

[Cullkett]

Saturday is always a tricky one but i'll endeavor to be there.

[DM__Sauron]

My thanks to Brooko for coming out and making the event very colorful. However despite constant requests for Brotherhood events our turn out was awful. I will make one more attempt next week at the same time to continue with what was started, if we have a similar result I will abandon the project. Any imput about times would be welcome as I would like to involve all interested parties.

[Cullkett]

An enjoyable event for me even if the turn out was disappointing:) I'm quite flexible but a weekday evening would be preferable to a weekend event

[DM Curumo]

*a small boy is seen placing strange markings on the walls of buildings, many consider it the pranks of a child. But others however understand the true meaning.

A call has gone out to the surviving members of the brotherhood to meet once again and to come out of hiding for the great mistress has once again returned to the undercity*

[InVinoVeritas]

HAHA! I hope to see DM Curumo IG too!

[Kyle Morgan]

How much time might have passed? A question Crow wants to ask his weary aching back. He digs his toes into the mud in his boots while scrutinizing the markings from afar. No doubt - the imprints are back. A small hiss escapes him biting his teeth together. Hopefully he will not return too late. The pursuit of the past months turned out as hokum and too much time he had to put into measures to silence his prey.
A quick grab into a small leather pouch and he looks at two rings. Coming to a decision he puts one ring back and hides the pouch in his sleeve pocket. At first Crow will probe if the guards are still accepting Rook in their ranks.
One after the other - one after the other!
He descends to the city gates...

[DM Curumo]

A few members of the brotherhood, stoop down to look at the book that they had acquired from the Judicial Captain's chambers.

They whisper a few things to each other and then disperse into the night.

A few hours later, scribbled signals and signs detail a meeting of all members in a few days. It would appear that a new mark was found and plans are being prepared for a big heist.

[DM Curumo]

Just trying to find out a suitable time for people to meet. Existing and new members will be welcome for this first meeting. So let me know when would be best, as I would like to see at least 3+ people there.

[Kyle Morgan]

Saturday, Sunday or Monday would have best chances for me to join. I will try to send Crow to the meeting, but i can not promise, because i will be quite busy renovating at the next weekends.

[Cullkett]

Arrange a day and i'll be there.

[DM Curumo]

I shall provisionally say then.

Saturday 8.30 GMT

http://forums.wireplay.co.uk/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=198&day=2007-9-22

[DM Curumo]

Whispered words pass amongst the brotherhood as a few of their members return from duties in Umbar...

"Why have we been asked to return back to Tharbad?"

"What of my on going investigation?"

These are but a few of the questions, all of them for now go unanswered and the agents are reassigned to new posts.

A notice is also posted requesting all operatives to avoid Umbar and only pass through if absolutely necessary.

[DM Curumo]

Whispers once again emerge from the shadows about a new job for the brotherhood. A meeting will be called at the dark of the moon (Thursday 17th July, 8pm GMT, 9pm BST) to discuss and carry out a few exploratory investigations.

As of yet, the target has not been made known, but whispered rumours speak of a man from Umbar meeting with members of the brotherhood.

[Nightspell]

Not sure if Freppi or someone else or even if a certain crazy lady may show up.. but someone will be there.

[DM Curumo]

*curses the great fates*

Having just tried to update to 1.69 and install the CEP 2.1 patch, my version of NWN has become corrupted and I will need to reinstall.

I shall endeavour to do that this afternoon / evening, but I may have to delay this event. I shall keep things updated as necessary.

[DM Curumo]

I will be delaying this event, until after the patch for 1.69. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. I cannot get my copy of NWN after using the reverter to work even after a few hours of trying.

[DM Curumo]

This event is now back on, I will be provisionally booking it for the 7th August at 9pm BST (8pm GMT?)

[DM_Kev]

*poke*