02 - Iron Kingdoms W.. - Captain Spud Is Amazing

134 Iron Kingdoms
108.1.141.197
Island. The few survivors who remained free hid;
each changed his name and desperately attempted
to remove the mark of the eye branded on his right
hand. It is believed that the Order of Illumination
has harbored a number of these fugitives since the
Inquisition was disbanded. Others fled to neighboring
kingdoms where their services were in high demand.
Though crippled and fearful of capture, the survivors
have desperately pursued their own secret agenda in
Vinter Raelthorne’s absence. Their intention is to
regain their former power by any means necessary.
Though many of these former Inquisitors joined their
deposed king when the Elder returned to Corvis (see
SOTE), many more remained in hiding. Following
the defeat of the of the skorne army, this network has
again come to Vinter’s aid.
So far this group has only undertaken two
activities. They monitor military, economic, and
political developments within Cygnar and report
everything through a network of contacts and agents.
All information seems valuable to them, and quite
frankly Vinter welcomes anything that might provide
an opening for his forces. Their other mission is to
recruit additional members. Susceptible individuals
are enticed or intimidated into cooperation. Once in,
it becomes only too clear what happens to members
who betray the Elder. Examples are made: whole
families die in tragic accidents and businesses suddenly
collapse when the owner ‘commits suicide’. One way
or another, the message is made crystal clear.
Though these former Inquisitors provide
information to Vinter’s closest agents, for years this
network functioned autonomously in the Elder’s
absence, and their plans are not contingent on his
return. Financed by the vast wealth stolen from
their victims, the Inquisitors maintain bank accounts
hidden throughout Cygnar, Llael, and Ord. Many
of the Inquisitors have retained a great deal of
influence and have risen to prominence throughout
Cygnaran society. Having slowly rebuilt their strength,
the network presently employs approximately two
hundred operatives throughout Cygnar.
These underground Inquisitors are quiet and
careful—no tattoos, no marks, no obvious signs of
allegiance to give them away. Most are independent
operatives or are members of small cells who pass
information along to a few well-trusted messengers.
Among these agents of the Elder is Asheth Magnus,
wanted war criminal and mercenary warcaster who
was once among Vinter’s most capable military
commanders. Unbeknownst to King Leto and his
closest advisors, Sir Bolden Rebald has been secretly
targeting these agents at great expense, preemptively
removing high-ranking Inquisitors before they have an
opportunity to act against Cygnar.
Glomring
The Glomring, or simply the ‘Ring, is a strictly
dwarven mercenary company that provides services to
dwarven clans in need of sensitive information, spying,
and the covert shipment of goods from one locale to
another. Its ranks are made up of thieves and clanless
outcasts recruited by sponsors within the group. To
join a dwarf must become a lurker, and the Glomring
becomes his new clan.
Operating under a brutally enforced code of
conduct, the ‘Ring maintains its reputation for
discretion and results. Of note, the organization
avoids recruiting criminals with unsavory reputations,
particularly those inclined to brutality or murder.
Clan lords and conglomerates hire Glomring lurkers
to uncover information about other clans with whom
they are feuding, plan to feud, or are engaged in trade
wars or other competition. The lurkers steal only
information—not property—at least within Rhul’s
borders; they are not always quite so discriminating
about jobs outside of Rhul.
Missions beyond Rhul occasionally bring them into
conflict with members of Clan Jhord, the official spies
of the Stone Lords and the Moot. Indeed, Clan Jhord
has accused the Glomring of harboring noted criminals
and lawbreakers on several occasions, but despite their
repeated attempts to bring the lurkers to justice or
have the ‘Ring outlawed, the organization has been
able to maintain its official Moot sanction. They are
considered a necessary evil by most Rhulfolk since they
turn otherwise disreputable individuals into productive
citizens. Although they maintain their legitimacy,
Glomring lurkers are treated with disdain by most
dwarves. Abandoned by family and friends as criminals
or ne’er-do-wells, the social stigma of clanlessness is
almost impossible for them to overcome.
Although headquartered in the Shadow District
of Ghord, smaller enclaves exist in Ulgar and other