The Syndicate of Old

This essay shall speak upon the shadowy organization known to most as the "Syndicate." More specifically, it speaks of times past when this cabal was just beginning. Much sweat was lost during the gathering of information; much time was used. It is my hope that you will find this tome not only entertaining, but informative as well...

Well known among everyone is the fact that were was once many different "crime families." How many there actually were, no one knows for sure. The books that I was able to gather all pointed to the fact that they were all at each others' throats. Families would rise and fall so often that it was nearly impossible to count them. Not to mention that fact that they liked to keep themselves hidden from public eyes, appearing only when it served their purposes.

And then, "Justice" was formed. The Royalty of Val Miran saw it necessary to create such Enforcers and Sentinels due to the growing threat from the demons and undead. The families, seeing that their survival would now be in that much more danger, banded together.

Like so, "Syndicate" was formed.

The first man to lead Syndicate is now little more than a legend, something the Justice Arbiter might mention to scare his subordinates. A drow shaman by the name of Ivlizik, it was and still is claimed that he was the greatest of those in his Guild. He collected many bounties, and was feared by most, if not all. Alas, he met his end when he decided to challenge the God of Greed. Details are sketchy, but it is known that the Immortal was not pleased at all. Like so, Ivlizik met his end.

The next man (if he can be called that) to head this cabal of assassins went by the name of Rhivaan. An undead of the Dark Knight guild, he must have been powerful as well: books and scrolls speak highly of him. Unfortunately, I am not able to provide you with a portrait of some kind; each drawing of him I have found are different.

Depending on your point of view, his downfall could be seen as either a sad or joyful story. Betrayed by the ogre Gomanhor, one of his lieutenants, the dark knight was thrown out of the cabal he once led. He met his final end at the hands of Gomanhor, who obviously became the next Leader.

But this ogre's reign was short-lived. For reasons that I have not been able to determine, he stepped aside to let Rhivaan's other lieutenant, Tetsunai, to become his superior. Was it fear? Perhaps, but like I have already written above, I do not know. Fear is a likely, though not confirmed, reason, since Tetsunai was just as bit as capable as his predecessors.

And this is where my search ended. I spent many months attempting to find out what befell Tetsunai. Was he killed? Was he imprisoned by Justice? Did he simply retire and fade from everyone's eyes? A ninja's comings and goings are indeed hard to track; perhaps we will never know.

I hope you have enjoyed this short gathering of knowledge. One piece of advice before I end this essay: do not delve too deep into Syndicate's affairs. They don't like being seen, much less analyzed by outsiders.

--- Herald Mrenkus.