Black Market

The Black Market is the poorly assigned title to the largest ring of organized crime in the Myrken Wood province. The exact origins of this unscrupulous order are rather vague, but it is believed they truly started as little more than a ring of dealers in less than legal goods. And of course, stolen artifacts of various nature. These days however it would seem they've managed to dip their fingers into most every aspect of the shadowy world that ignores the law.

At current it's rumored they indulge in theft, murder, gambling, illegal substances, weapons trades, fencing, information sales, protection deals, and anything else which may turn a profit.

Exact membership is hard to determine, with so many working deals with the Market, yet not truly claiming any allegiance to who they are or how they work. It's whispered about rather regularly that there are requirements to inserting yourself into this proverbial thieves guild, including some modicum of trust with current employees.

Most dealings of any import are handled off the streets, in private meeting locations set up by the Market itself, but for lesser intrigue they are often found fleshing out their deals within the walls of various seedy taverns and bordellos within the town proper.

Members

The actual number of people that could count themselves among the Black Market's ranks is up for debate. They don't like to share such information, not even with eachother, and as such it's likely that only those sitting on the top rungs know for sure. It's rumored their numbers may be anywhere from several hundred to over a thousand, depending on who you ask and how drunk they are.

They are rumored to employ at least one troll.

Leadership

So who trains the rats and makes them dance? The popular assumption, thanks to the slander of one Thomas Daniels, the former Captain of the Order of Straka (Myrken Wood's previous Guard Unit)), ran an investigation in which he placed the primary suspect as one Suede Roschen, the Councilor of Agriculture. The results of this investigation did end with Mr. Roschen admitting to having been involved on a small scale in exchange for the front money he needed to start his tailoring shop. Further involvement has never been established and seems unlikely, as many of the underworld assure folks that the tailor is far too much 'a ninny', and Captain Daniels always had a certain distaste for the Council.

At current the identity of the man conducting the orchestra is unknown, though a shorter gentleman with a thick cloak and covered face common to Market Garb has been seen making a more open organization of activities in the stead of four subordinates commonly used. He's believed to be the puppet master, but none have been able to learn more.

Current Activities

What this seedy lot is currently planning and where their allegiances lie in this troubled time remain questionable, but they have shown no love for the idea of submitting to drow control.