| Category | Groups | ||||||||||
| Region | Lands of Purity | ||||||||||
| Headquarters | Hanthaerion | ||||||||||
| Size | |||||||||||
| Races |
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| Alignment | non-evil | ||||||||||
| Deities | Lukoon, others | ||||||||||
| Symbol | shadowy hand | ||||||||||
| Motto | silence is golden | ||||||||||
| Enemies | Sanguine Whispers, Brotherhood of Sung-Ti | ||||||||||
| Established | 2 Lunar 1482 |
The notorious Aldassinen Thieves Guild operates across the Lands of Purity. Founded during the Black Tide War (1465 - 1486) by 11 Hanthaerion wood elves, this enigmatic group jokingly referred to themselves as the Bakers Dozen, a moniker that has endured. During the conflict, the guild concentrated on sabotage and intelligence gathering, expanding rapidly as the demand for information grew amongst those battling the Black Tide of Thasmudyan. Once the threat was vanquished, the Aldassinen began accepting contracts from a wide range of clients, often competing with the Sanguine Whispers, a rivalry that bred great animosity between the two organizations.
Aldassinen's esteemed reputation for intelligence gathering ensures they are the preeminent choice for those with ample resources. One of the guild's most significant advantages is its sizable contingent of shades.
Shades are remarkably adept at blending into the shadows, seemingly vanishing in the dawn's early light, shadow hopping, and for some, wielding shadow magic. Members can become shades and potentially even a Murker, an elite shade with a diverse array of shadow powers that can elevate even an average rogue to a master of concealment. For an Aldassinen to relinquish her mortality and become a shade, she must journey to the lands of the Ink-Shad, where she will meet with one of the Baker's Dozen and undergo the transformation.
Approximately twenty percent of the guild's members relinquish their mortality, becoming Shades. The Guild Master imposes restrictions on the number of shades and ensures that potential candidates for shading are trustworthy and possess the mental stability required for such a transformation. Like any organization, Aldassinen harbors competing factions, and given the guild's considerable size, internal conflicts are not uncommon. They are so expansive and far-reaching that certain groups may end up operating at cross-purposes. This frequently occurs with their contracts involving Malacost and the Divine Empire.
Aldassinen maintains satellite guilds in close proximity to most cities within the Lands of Purity. These affiliated groups typically establish their headquarters outside urban centers, nestled within the surrounding forests or hills. Among the general populace, members of these guilds are colloquially known as Shadows. Additionally, certain guild members integrate themselves into merchant groups, guilds, or other organizations, operating discreetly as "moles" until summoned by their superiors.
The guild members who undertake the more perilous and courageous duties are referred to as Murkers, and they are accorded a heightened status within the organization.