The Nine Saints
The brotherhood where theft is an art and betrayal is a business plan.
The Gentleman Bastards are Camorr's most notorious criminal guild, a brotherhood of thieves, grifters, and assassins who operate with ruthless efficiency across the continent. Originally formed as a collective of the world's most dangerous criminals, they have evolved into a shadowy organization that serves as both a rival and a mentor to aspiring grifters. Their influence is felt in every major heist, where their reputation for impossible feats strikes fear into the hearts of nobles and lawmen alike.
- Type
- Criminal Syndicate / Guild
- Base of Operations
- Camorr (Primary), Various locations across the continent
- Key Affiliation
- The Bastard's Guild, The Grifters' Alliance
- Notable Members
- Jean Tannen (Historical Leader), Jezal dan Laryn (Former Aspirant)
- Status
- Active
Lore & Background
In modern times, the Gentleman Bastards function less as a single tight-knit group and more as an aspirational ideal or a loose network of elites. They often intervene in high-stakes conflicts not out of altruism, but to preserve the sanctity of their craft or to settle old scores with rival factions like the Guild of Thieves or the various noble houses. Their existence forces other criminals to constantly innovate, knowing that if they become too predictable, a Bastard might step in to claim their prize—or their life.
In Their Own Story
The candlelight flickered against the damp stone walls of the abandoned chapel, casting long shadows that seemed to dance with a life of their own. A single figure sat at the altar, polishing a silver dagger with a silk cloth. He did not look up as the door creaked open, admitting a gust of cold sea air and the silhouette of an intruder. 'You have good form,' the seated man said softly, his voice echoing off the vaulted ceiling, 'but your shadow is too heavy for this stage.' The intruder froze, realizing that the Nine Saints were not just watching from afar; they had been waiting in the dark all along.
Reader's Guide
The Nine Saints represent the apex of criminal achievement within the Gentleman Bastard universe. Their primary goal is to maintain their legacy as the ultimate thieves while occasionally mentoring or eliminating those who threaten the balance of power. Membership is not granted through application but earned through acts of such brilliance that they catch the attention of existing members. The group is fluid, with individuals rising and falling in prominence based on their latest exploits. They often operate independently, yet share a common code of conduct regarding honor among thieves. In the broader conflict between the nobility and the underworld, the Saints act as wildcards. They can be hired by princes or betrayed by them, always ensuring that they remain one step ahead. Their role is to remind the world that no vault is secure and no secret is safe from those who know how to listen.
Did You Know?
- The 'Bastards' name comes from the fact that many members are illegitimate children of nobility, raised in the streets rather than manors.
- Many aspiring grifters in Camorr dream of earning a place among the Bastards, viewing it as the ultimate career milestone.
- Their techniques often blend magic and mundane skill, making them unpredictable opponents for both mages and soldiers.