The Band of Merry Thieves (Thieves' Guild Thread)

[Demetri Malius]

"I see, then I suppose we can accept you among our ranks, so long as you don't break anything. Master Demetri has left a few postings on the board in the back, and do watch yourself." The Bartender replied to the ruffian sitting on the stool in front of him, motioning to the back. Plenty of possible recruits had arrived after word went around the local towns that a Prime had settled nearby, while rumors of a Thieves Guild piqued the interest of the local thugs and bandits. However, only a few managed to make it as footpads. To much of the surprise of those who attempted to join, the Bartender was a man far more than he was made out to be and tested each one’s mettle with various tests.

First, came the test of skill, seeing if one could break into a locked strongbox in the short span of time in which a merchant could barter with a customer, pickpocket someone in broad daylight while in the sight of others, or perhaps even convince someone who witnessed a crime that their eyes deceived them. To be a thief, one needed to already have some skill in their craft. There was a wide range of specialties: fingersmiths, jailbreakers, deceivers, infiltrators, and even spies. However, skill was not enough to pass as one of the Thieves’ Guild.

The second test was one of merit and intelligence. Although an uneducated beggar may be a good pickpocket, if they cannot be smart about their actions then they may leave a trail of evidence in their wake, something not appreciated by thieves that hide in shadows. Each of those who wished to become a part of the Guild answered multiple complex riddles, given short times to figure them out, and no riddle was the same. Groups were not allowed and every time some tried to sneak some hints, the Bartender seemed to be behind them, ready to disqualify them and escort them off the premises. He seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at once, just out of sight but within earshot.

As the last test, each of the test participants had to fight the bartender in close quarters combat. Many seemed to snicker and gloat about it being an easy fight, before finding themselves groaning on the floor with their arm twisted behind their back.Those who underestimated the chivalrous server found themselves ejected from the premises, while those that took the brawl seriously still found themselves at a struggle. The well-groomed bartender was a master at martial arts, to which he would call ‘fisticuffs’. This last trial cut off the final bits of imperfect recruits and left only a handful of true thieves.

Local guards were made aware of the Guild by these trials, but made no action against the tavern, after all, rumors were rumors, and they didn’t actually have much to complain about. Since only a few had met the requirements to make it into the guild, many of those who failed simply helped to entertain the guards and fill the jail cells, leaving them quite content. So long as there wasn’t anything grand being done, they had no intent to investigate further and only report the increased amount of crime. Perhaps one day this would fester into something more than a mere tavern with scum, but for now they did not worry.

The Bartender dusted himself off as the man he had spoken to sat up and made his way past the bar, into the back room where only Guild members were allowed. The cellar below was large and spacious, the surviving recruits learning each other’s names and skills, making friends and rivals. The man joined in with the crowd, as the room held a few tables and a rack of alcohol for those who wished to relax, as well as a few common games for the bored.

“Glad to be able to meet others that actually know what they are doing! Unlike some of the fools out there.”

“Aye, and this place ain’t half bad. Could use a bit a spiffing up, but it’s a good start to what we are wantin’ to do.”

“Has anyone seen the Guild Master? Supposedly, he took part in the war in the Dunes, as well as help the group of Primes in the Ashen take out the dragon on the mountain.”

“That’s a load of bullshit. Probably just rumors to hype him up more than he needs to be.”

The variety of thieves was respectable, some even having originated from other verses, a melting pot of personalities and voices, as well as diversity. One was skilled in hacking, carrying a computer with her at all times, as well as other various techs. Another sailed some of the Vasty Deep, having been a Captain of a pirate ship, skilled with a cutlass and pistol.  Others were native to Camelot, with brandished knives and quick fingers. All held the skills, intelligence, and strength needed to make the best of thieves.

Then, one by one they became silent as footsteps that everyone recognized came down the cellar steps. First, the black slacks, then the brown vest and white shirt, and finally the well-groomed mustache and slicked back hair.

“I wish to speak to a Chloe. Is she present?” The bartender inquired, scanning the room.

A small, thin framed girl in a hoodie carrying a laptop stood from the back corner and stepped forward.

“Yeah. That’s me.”

“I have a specific task for you if you would follow me.”

[Demetri Malius]

One by one, a large portion of the thieves were called up for missions. It seemed that this place was getting its ass in gear already, no time to waste. The Sly Courtesan saw many leave its rooms, soon leaving only a tables worth of thieves in the cellar below. Many were appointed destinations as further recruitment while others were already tasking away at heists. It was a great start to the new guild.

Chloe was the first to venture off, her target being Coruscant. It seems that something was being planned there, adn she would be the one to investigate the events, recording any important information before returning to base. She didn't pay too much mind to it, pulling out her earphones and listening to music on her phone while she walked along the road out of Ozryn, leaving the guild behind her. She stuffed her hands in the pockets of her pink and blue hoodie, a small cloth draped across the lower half of her face. Her backpack held her laptop and trusty SMG, along with a few other items in case things go south. A small keychain with what looked like a dead cartoon cat hung from its zipper, and a small can of spray pain was slung into the bottle mesh on the side. Chloe held her backpack with one shoulder, letting the other strap hang idly while she walked, feeling the air flow softly around her legs in her fashionably ripped jeans, though a pair of thin leggings that matched her hoodie protected the skin underneath. Her bright shoes stepped along the dirt path, leaving a trail of the intricate patter etched into the bottom of her sneakers. Even with her music on, she stayed alert of her surroundings. It wasn't long before someone caught up with her. In fact, it was another member of the Guild. The old pirate dude that kept trying to get people to sing with him earlier. She didn't care how many bottles of rum were on the wall, nor how many he drank since he started singing.

"AYE! YOU IN THE HOOD."

Great.

Chloe stopped and gave the most sarcastic expression she could muster as she turned to wait for the man.

"What do you want you sack of salt of scurvy, don't you have chests to bury?"

"What's with the foul manners? I 'ave not done a thing to ye 'ave I?" The man seemed to be insulted by his tone if not for his joyous mannerisms.

"I guess not. Still, what's up."

"Note even a name or proper greeting? Kids nowadays." The man grumbled as he caught up with Chloe, adjusting one of his many leather straps. The man wore adirty white ruffled shirt, cuffed up to his elbows  with a brown vest over it, both draping down to cover most of his legs. His many buckles kept his clothing from floating off with the wind, while also keeping his cutlass on his side and his bandolier of loaded flintlocks held firm to his chest.

Clhoe gave a sigh. " My name's Chloe, and I guess you can tell me yours."

"Thar we go. A pleasure to meet you Chloe, the name's Albert Alexander. Captain Albert Alexander t'be precise."

"Cool." She rolled her eyes with her one word response. She wasn't really interested in egotistical poeple who couldn't keep their mouth shut. Sounds of dubstep and heavy metal softly permeated the air as she turned up her music.

"AYE! Shut yer damn songs up and listen!" The pirate tried to catch her attention but grumbled as he realized it was no use. "Well, it will be great to smell the salty sea again once I arrive to The Vasty Deep and find this Crow fella. No doubts he will be more hospitable than this salty swab." Chloe seemed to give another sigh and groan at his comment, most likely still hearing him through her music. It wouldn't be long until they crossed into the Nexus and went their seperate ways.