The Sel Shadras of Zilargo were known to be smugglers, but there were always rumors that they were behind some of the unsolved mysteries of the Thunder Sea. Some said that the sea’s ghost ships and demon pirates were gnome illusions, cleverly woven by Sel Shadra bards. True or not, the Sel Shadras encouraged the rumors and benefited from the reputation. Although their smuggling operation wasn’t as large as that of the Lassites, the gnomes possessed a great treasure: a handful of sails with air elementals woven into the cloth, granting them favorable winds and the ability to match the speed of Lyrandar galleons. The family still owns these sails, and many believe that the Sel Shadras never stopped their smuggling—they simply reduced the scale to avoid detection by Galifar.
The Sel Shadras were never as beloved as the Lassites, but the gnomes had connections across many pirate crews and were masters of finance and criminal strategy. According to the Stormreach Compact, the Sel Shadras are responsible for the administration of justice; however, it’s an open secret that they also oversee crime. The original Storm Lords knew what sort of city they were building, and they knew that they needed someone to watch the underworld. A typical thug might never realize that his boss is tithing a percentage of profits to Lady Kirris, “the Spider of Stormreach,” and that’s how she likes it. She is a grandmaster playing with many pieces. She can influence the prices that fences and brothels charge. She knows smugglers’ timetables and the goods they’re carrying. She knows which gangs are fighting, and by pulling a few strings, she can redirect those conflicts. Lady Kirris is the queen of crime in Stormreach, and she works from the deepest shadows. The gang leaders know better than to cross her, and few ever know her true agenda.
The Sel Shadras monitor crime, and they also determine punishment. The Sel Shadras are the magistrates of the city, capable of administering summary judgment on anyone brought in by the Stormreach Guard. Over the years, Lady Kirris has formed an alliance with the Blood Council of the Red Ring, and violent criminals are sent to the ring in exchange for a share of the profits from their fights. Lady Kirris has also established a working relationship with House Thuranni. Lady Miravella d’Thuranni has her own interests in Stormreach and largely wants to be left alone. Lady Kirris keeps both criminals and the Stormreach Guard out of Lady Miravella’s way; if anyone is foolish enough to cause trouble for Thuranni, the Sel Shadras help hide the bodies. In exchange, the Sel Shadras gain access to the special services of House Thuranni. When the justice system proves ill suited to her needs, Lady Kirris can call in bloodbound gladiators or Thuranni assassins; as a result, few people cross her.
If adventurers cause a major upset in the underworld by destroying entire gangs or businesses, they’re likely to draw Lady Kirris’s attention. An adventurer who shines at subterfuge might receive an offer to work for the Spider of Stormreach. Otherwise, Lady Kirris maintains the lowest profile of all the Storm Lords: always watching, rarely seen.