Heists of the Great Guilds
In the shadowed halls of House Zend-Wynn, illuminated by the flickering glow of enchanted lanterns, stories of audacity and cunning are passed down through whispers and quiet reverence. Members of the Great Guilds of Ertha gather to recount the daring exploits that shaped their houses and guilds, weaving together legacy and lore.
These tales are not mere flights of fancy but echoes of actual deeds—legends of subterfuge, ambition, and triumph. They connect master to apprentice, past to present, and myth to memory, embodying the spirit of Ertha’s most fearless adventurers. Here, we delve into three legendary escapades that left an indelible mark on the Guilds, offering lessons for the bold and curious alike.
Journey first into the shadowy heist of the “Glass Revenant” of House Sdradzah, then navigate the treacherous pursuit of the Mirage’s Tear, safeguarded by the Guild of Woodcrafters. Finally, brace yourself for the tale of “The Shadeblade Gambit,” a heist shrouded in secrecy, orchestrated by the elusive agents of the Prismatic Court.
The Glass Revenant
Among the treasures of House Sdradzah’s Parisons Kiss line lies a goblet of unparalleled mystique: The Glass Revenant. Crafted with the house’s Óptica Diabólica technique, this goblet reveals hidden truths, exposing illusions and lies. Its theft marked one of the boldest heists in the annals of House Harrowrunnah.
The thief, known only as “Specter,” utilized House El-Whoonah’s enchanted wooden tools to infiltrate the guarded vault. Evading enchanted lenses and traps that could detect deception, Specter demonstrated precision unmatched in the Fourth Age. After days of study and preparation, the Glass Revenant vanished under the veil of Frostharrow’s longest night, leaving behind only a carved wooden token as proof of Specter’s skill.
The goblet’s absence sparked tension among guilds and rumors of Specter’s true allegiance—was the thief acting on behalf of a rival guild or for a higher purpose? House Sdradzah never recovered the Glass Revenant, but its legend inspires craftsmen and rogues alike.
The Mirage’s Tear
Deep in the untamed forests of Syricala, House El-Whoonah safeguarded the Mirage’s Tear, a wooden staff said to channel the primal energies of Ertha’s natural magic. This artifact, vital for rituals of Gloam, was guarded within an intricate maze of living trees.
The heist unfolded during the transition between Verdance and Glister, as “Eclipse,” a member of House Brandlekliener, undertook the challenge. Using the maker’s marks etched into the forest stones, Eclipse deciphered hidden paths through the ever-changing labyrinth. At every turn, the trees tested their resolve with illusions of safety that lured unworthy intruders to their doom.
When Eclipse emerged at dawn, the Mirage’s Tear in hand, the forest stood silent in acknowledgment. Though rumors claimed the staff was returned to the Guild, others suggest Eclipse ventured into Gloam to uncover truths that reshaped the Guild’s role in the Fifth Season.
The Shadeblade Gambit
Few tales rival the daring of the Shadeblade Gambit, an operation that entwined the fates of multiple guilds during Frostharrow’s Blood Eclipse. The Shadeblade, a weapon forged by House Alka-Gimel-Zhared, was imbued with power to defy time and death. Its theft threatened the fragile balance of Ertha.
The mastermind, “Velthar,” a shadow operative of the Prismatic Court, coordinated the heist with precision. Utilizing members from House Gravan-Myrwinia for enchanted decoys and allies from House Ty-Lah-Nul for alchemical diversions, Velthar infiltrated the Forge’s depths. Their team faced off against Arbiters—an unprecedented risk.
As the Blood Eclipse waned, the Shadeblade disappeared. Though Velthar’s fate remains unknown, whispers suggest the weapon was not stolen for personal gain but to prevent its misuse. The Prismatic Court has neither confirmed nor denied their involvement, cementing the Shadeblade Gambit as a tale of courage and mystery.
GM Tips
To bring these legendary heists to life in your campaign, consider these strategies:
Depth and Motivation: Build rich backstories for artifacts and intertwine them with your world’s history. Let players uncover the stakes as they plan the heist.
Dynamic Challenges: Include layered puzzles, changing environments, and traps unique to the guild protecting the treasure.
Collaborative Planning: Encourage players to leverage their character’s unique skills and seek alliances with NPCs from different guilds. The journey should feel as compelling as the climax.
Moral Dilemmas: Present ethical challenges—what consequences follow the theft? Who suffers, and who benefits?
Unpredictable Outcomes: Allow for twists during the heist. Success might come at a cost, or failure might lead to unexpected discoveries.
