Night Masks

Lore & Background

At their zenith, the Night Masks dictated the flow of contraband into and out of Westgate. They did not simply steal; they infiltrated merchant guilds and noble houses, employing spies, assassins, and wizards to strangle the city's economy. Their dominance held until external wars and internal betrayals shattered the illusion of their invincibility.

In Their Own Story

The rain in Westgate never cleansed the streets; it merely turned the cobblestones into a slick trap for the unwary. A figure emerged from the gloom, ozone and blood clinging to his cloak. Before him stood an iron door bearing no name, only the faded sigil of a black mask. No knock was required. The hinges groaned open, revealing a hall where shadows moved with deliberate intent. "The Master awaits," a voice whispered, seeming to rise from the stone itself. Within, the air hummed with tension as conspirators plotted heists that could topple kings.

Reader's Guide

For any traveler entering Westgate, the Night Masks are an unavoidable hazard. They serve as primary antagonists for those who challenge their authority or trespass on their turf. Their power waned due to infighting and rising rivals, but in their prime, crossing them meant death or disappearance.

Did You Know?

• The guild's leader, Nym, was so secretive that even high-ranking members often did not know his true identity.
• They were known to use magical illusions to disguise their hideouts as ordinary merchant storefronts.
• The Night Masks were frequently at odds with the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors in Westgate.
• Their symbol, a black mask, was often left on the bodies of those who betrayed them or failed their missions.