Guild History
The Silver Thorns have existed for centuries, dating back to the founding of the Silver Dominion. Initially, they were formed as a secret society to protect the ruling class from internal threats. Some say that the guild was founded by members of House Silver. Regardless of their origins, the Silver Thorns are a powerful force in the Silver Dominion, feared and respected by many. Over time, their services were extended to wealthy merchants, powerful clergymen, and other influential figures. As their reputation grew, they began to operate beyond the Dominion's borders, accepting contracts from foreign clients as well.
Abilities
The Silver Thorns are known for their unmatched ability to blend into the shadows and remain undetected. They have perfected the art of assassination, using a wide range of weapons, poisons, and traps to carry out their contracts. They also excel in the arts of disguise and deception, allowing them to infiltrate even the most heavily guarded locations. Many of their members possess magical abilities, often in the form of illusion or charm spells, to further aid them in their missions.
Hierarchy
The Silver Thorns operate on a strict hierarchy, with each member earning their rank through years of training and proven success. The Pale Face is the highest ranking member of the guild, and their identity is kept a closely guarded secret. Beneath them are the Blood Mimes, the most skilled assassins in the guild. The Death Jesters are the showmen of the organization, often leaving behind gruesome displays of their work. The Loons are the newest recruits, taken in from the worst of the Dominion's prisons and trained to become ruthless killers.
"The Widow" is one of the most infamous members of the Silver Thorns. This Blood Mime is known for her deadly skills and her willingness to take on difficult and dangerous contracts. She has been blamed for several deaths around the Dominion, often involving men and young boys. Despite her reputation as a killer, some people see her as a vigilante, striking out against those who would harm the innocent. Her true identity is unknown, but her skill and dedication to the Silver Thorns have made her a legend in the organization.
"Doll" is another legendary killer within the Silver Thorns. This Blood Mime is known for her ability to infiltrate and take down high-ranking officials, including priests from the Dominus Chain. She is famous for her unique methods of killing, using fishing lines and glass shards to carry out her assassinations before hanging her victims up like marionettes. Some people speculate that "Doll" may have once been a member of the Dominus Chain herself, using her knowledge of the organization to take them down from within. Like "The Widow," her true identity is unknown, but her reputation as a skilled and deadly assassin has made her a feared and respected member of the Silver Thorns.
Notable Members
The Silver Thorns are known for their secrecy, but there are some members who have gained notoriety due to their particularly heinous acts or the impact of their assassinations.
One of the most infamous members is a Death Jester known as "Little Laughing Linus." This individual is known for targeting children and taking pleasure in the act of killing. The people of the Dominion are horrified by the thought of a child killer, and officials have put out a bounty to anyone who can catch the killer. Some rumors suggest that it's a halfling or gnome behind the mask, but no one knows for sure. Despite the bounty and the efforts of law enforcement, "Little Laughing Linus" has yet to be caught, and the Silver Thorns remain silent on the matter.
There are likely other notable members of the Silver Thorns, but their identities and actions are kept closely guarded by the organization. Some may be Blood Mimes or Loons who have shown particular skill or dedication, while others may be Death Jesters who have carried out particularly memorable assassinations. The Silver Thorns take great care to protect their members, and they will go to great lengths to keep their secrets hidden from the outside world.
Beliefs & Goals
The Silver Thorns believe that their work serves a greater purpose, helping to maintain order in the Dominion and beyond. They view themselves as a necessary evil, eliminating those who threaten the stability of society. Their ultimate goal is to ensure the continued prosperity of the Silver Dominion and to protect it from outside influences. "Never forget, never miss, never forgive" is one of their main motto.
Guild Rules
The Silver Thorns have a strict set of rules that all members must follow. Contracts are never to be taken lightly, and each member is expected to study their target thoroughly before executing their mission. Mercy and forgiveness are not options in their line of work, and they are expected to complete each job with ruthless efficiency. Finally, the Silver Thorns believe that learning from the mistakes of others is crucial to their success, and they constantly strive to improve their techniques and methods.
Theaters
The Silver Thorns operate out of several secret hideouts throughout the Silver Dominion, which they refer to as Theaters. These locations serve as both training grounds for new recruits and as bases of operations for their assassinations.
The Laughing Stock is located beneath the town of Springfell in the north and was once an infamous prison. The Silver Thorns have claimed it as their own, renovating it to suit their needs. The Laughing Stock is where the Loons are trained, and it serves as their home. It is a maze of cells and corridors, and only those who are familiar with the layout can navigate it without getting lost.
The Yellow Stage is an old theater located in the town of Tavik. The Silver Thorns use it as a hideout from the law, and they occasionally perform acts for the local population as a cover. The theater is decorated in shades of yellow, and the walls are adorned with ornate masks and costumes. It has a stage, backstage area, and living quarters for the members who use it as a hideout.
Blackhall is an estate located in the Capital city of Enghilm. The current Pale Face acquired the property and uses it as a hideout for high-ranking members of the organization. The estate is hidden in plain sight among the nobility, and its opulent furnishings and décor hide the true nature of the Silver Thorns' activities. Blackhall has a network of secret passages and rooms, including a hidden armory and torture chamber. It serves as a base of operations for the Blood Mimes and Death Jesters.
