Gentleman Bastards
Elegant thieves who rob the rich of their greed and secrets.
The Gentleman Bastards are a criminal syndicate operating within the world of the shattered Therin Throne Empire and its successor states. Led by the professional thief and con artist Locke Lamora, the group specializes in elaborate schemes and high-stakes theft. Their operations are set against a backdrop of a society with technology analogous to the 16th or 17th century, but with considerable gender equality, crossbows in place of firearms, and functional alchemy and magic.
- Origin
- The streets and underworld of Camorr
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The source does not provide details on the founding of the Gentleman Bastards, their specific reputation, or their methods of operation beyond the general description of the series. The series follows the life of the young professional thief and con artist Locke Lamora. The world described has a society and technology analogous to that of 16th or 17th century, but with some differences. It has considerable gender equality, crossbows in place of even rudimentary firearms, functional alchemy and magic. Lynch has described each novel of the series as '[covering] what you might call a different general situation' with 'the same characters getting into trouble but the backdrop changes.' The source does not mention specific enemies like Capa Barsavi, the Gray King, or the Falconer, nor does it describe the destruction of the group or the deaths of characters named Bug, Calo, or Galdo. It also does not mention Jean Tannen or Chalk as members, nor does it describe operations in Tal Verrar.
In Their Own Story
The source does not provide any narrative passages or specific scenes from the books. It only states that the series follows the life of the young professional thief and con artist Locke Lamora.
Reader's Guide
The source does not provide a guide to the group's function, goals, key members, or operational areas. It only states that the series follows the life of the young professional thief and con artist Locke Lamora in a world with specific societal and technological traits.
Did You Know?
- Scott Lynch's first novel, *The Lies of Locke Lamora*, was purchased by Orion Books in August 2004.
- Lynch was a paid-on-call firefighter for the city of New Richmond, Wisconsin, from 2005 to 2016.
- He married fellow fantasy author Elizabeth Bear in October 2016.
- The short story "Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent" was published in two parts in *Grimdark Magazine* in October 2024 and January 2025.
- Lynch was nominated for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in both 2007 and 2008.
The Gentleman Bastard Sequence and World-Building
Scott Lynch's magnum opus is the Gentleman Bastard Sequence, a sprawling fantasy series centered on Locke Lamora, a cunning thief and con artist. The narrative unfolds within the fractured remnants of the Therin Throne Empire, featuring successor states that mirror 16th or 17th-century societal structures yet diverge with unique technological and magical elements. In this world, functional alchemy exists alongside crossbows which replace firearms, and society exhibits notable gender equality. Lynch has described the series' structure as a collection of distinct situations where recurring characters face new adversities against shifting backdrops. The sequence began with *The Lies of Locke Lamora* in 2006, followed by *Red Seas Under Red Skies* in 2007 and *The Republic of Thieves* in 2013. A fourth novel, *The Thorn of Emberlain*, is planned to continue the saga, alongside three projected novellas including "More Than Fools Fill Graves" and "The Mad Baron's Mechanical Attic," which aim to further expand this intricate universe.
Critical Acclaim and Literary Recognition
Lynch's literary debut marked a significant arrival in the fantasy genre, garnering immediate critical attention. His first novel, *The Lies of Locke Lamora*, was acquired by Orion Books in August 2004 and released under Gollancz and Bantam imprints in 2006. The work quickly established Lynch as a formidable new voice, earning a nomination for the World Fantasy Award in 2007. His momentum continued with consecutive nominations for the prestigious John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in both 2007 and 2008. Furthermore, his contributions were recognized by the British Fantasy Society, which honored him with the Sydney J. Bounds Best Newcomer Award in 2008. These accolades underscored the high quality of his storytelling and cemented his reputation among peers and critics alike during the formative years of his career.
Diverse Professional Backgrounds and Personal Life
Before achieving fame as a novelist, Scott Lynch navigated a varied array of occupations that likely informed his diverse characterizations. His resume includes roles such as dishwasher, busboy, waiter, prep cook, office manager, web designer, and freelance writer. Notably, he also possessed a background in emergency services; after training at Anoka Technical College in 2005, he served as a paid-on-call firefighter for the city of New Richmond, Wisconsin, from 2005 until 2016. Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lynch moved to New Richmond in 2004 and later relocated to Massachusetts in 2016. His personal life has seen significant changes, including a marriage to Jenny in 2006 which ended in divorce in 2010, followed by his union with fellow fantasy author Elizabeth Bear in October 2016.
Experimental Projects and Future Ambitions
Beyond the Gentleman Bastard Sequence, Lynch explored different genres through *Queen of the Iron Sands*, an online planetary romance serialized between 2009 and 2012. Inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom novels, this project featured a female aviator transported to a fantastical Mars but was released intermittently before halting. Looking forward, Lynch has outlined ambitious plans to complete the Gentleman Bastard Sequence with four additional novels: *The Thorn of Emberlain*, *The Ministry of Necessity*, *The Mage and the Master Spy*, and *Inherit the Night*. Additionally, a short story titled "Locke Lamora and the Bottled Serpent" saw publication in parts within *Grimdark Magazine* during late 2024 and early 2025. These ongoing and planned works demonstrate his continued commitment to expanding the lore of his primary series while experimenting with different narrative formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the Gentleman Bastards?
Locke Lamora acts as the mastermind and charismatic leader who orchestrates their elaborate heists. He directs the crew's activities while maintaining a public persona of sophistication to mask their true criminal nature.
Where does the group operate?
The syndicate is based in Camorr, a city infamous for its corruption and deceit known as the City of Lies. They utilize this chaotic environment to hide their operations while targeting the wealthy elite.
What are their primary methods?
These thieves specialize in high-stakes cons rather than violent robbery, often disguising themselves as nobility. By infiltrating exclusive gatherings, they steal secrets and wealth from corrupt clergy and aristocrats.
Who opposes the Gentleman Bastards?
Their main enemies include the brutal Whalers crime syndicate and the corrupt hierarchy of the Red Church. These factions frequently engage in deadly power struggles that put the crew's lives at risk.
What is the current status of the group?
Following a series of tragic events, the original crew is currently scattered or disbanded across the continent. While Locke Lamora remains alive, many members have perished or been forced into hiding.