The Shadow Thieves are the undisputed masters of organized crime in Crimmor—and arguably all of Amn. Known officially only in whispers and sigils, the guild operates with a paradoxical blend of secrecy and open authority. They do not allow random thieving within Crimmor’s walls and enforce this rule with the precision of a city watch and the ruthlessness of assassins. While most cities battle against thieves’ guilds, Crimmor functions in part because of them.
Operating from behind veils of proxy agents, guildmasters, and decoy operatives, the Shadow Thieves have embedded themselves into the fabric of trade, politics, and protection rackets. From smugglers and spies to assassins and moneylenders, their network is vast, efficient, and largely invisible—except when they want to send a message.
Crimmor falls under the Alandor Sect, one of six regional divisions overseen by the Shadow Council. Each sect is ruled by a Shade, who answers directly to the guild’s secret masters—currently the Dannihyr family of Eshpurta, with seats on the Council of Five.
Within Crimmor, the hierarchy cascades:
Every agent knows only a handful of others. Violations of secrecy are met with immediate, often lethal consequences. The guild rewards loyalty and takes care of families if members die in good standing.
In Crimmor, the Shadow Thieves don’t just operate the underworld—they regulate it. They supply fences, disguise merchants, smugglers, forgery rings, and assassins-for-hire. They also provide “silent services” to nobles, merchants, and even civic officials: stolen information, rival sabotage, and political manipulation.
They enforce a no-theft policy within the city itself, targeting outside thieves or independents who would disrupt the balance. Citizens may not like them, but they often prefer them to chaos.
Assets:
Crytrapper Family – The deepest and most dangerous alliance in Crimmor. The Crytrappers once protected high-ranking Shadow Thieves and now share real estate, coin, and silence.
Corrupt Civic Officials – While the Thaeldorn outwardly resists, some inspectors and dock agents have long-standing arrangements.
Trade Caravans & Smugglers – Operate toll-free routes or receive discreet protection in exchange for information or a cut.
The Thaeldorn – A wary coexistence. The mayor tolerates their presence only because it prevents greater lawlessness.
Ophal Family – Both powerful and unpredictable. Lady Ophal deals with the guild when it suits her and threatens them when it doesn’t.
Outsider Gangs & Rogues – Any unregistered criminal behavior is hunted and punished. Multiple incidents of outsiders “vanishing” after unsanctioned thefts.
To locals, the Shadow Thieves are less a threat and more a force of nature. “No theft in Crimmor” isn’t a boast—it’s a warning. Their control is so complete that they’ve assassinated rival spies, eliminated independent fences, and left bodies of Red Wizards in the streets with the words Thayans Stay Out carved into flesh.
They use fear as currency and favor as leverage. A merchant in their good graces might gain access to contraband from Keczulla. A rival might find their barge sabotaged in the night—or never make it to the docks.
Despite this, they’re rarely spoken of openly. A nod, a coin, or a sign is enough. And everyone in Crimmor knows: if you hear your name from a Shadow Thief, it’s either the beginning of a fortune—or the end of your life.
The Shadow Thieves aim to grow their influence across Amn and eventually retake Waterdeep. In Crimmor, their focus is maintaining total control of the city’s illicit operations while keeping open conflict suppressed.
Primary Goal: Control every illegal transaction in Crimmor and maintain order through fear
Secondary Goal: Expand smuggling and information networks into Purskul and Trademeet
Long-term Ambition: Reestablish dominance in Waterdeep and destroy the Arunsun bloodline
Unknown Shade of Crimmor – Believed to reside beneath the city or in Crytrapper-owned property
Lady Lamia Crytrapper – Ally and noble shield; likely helps protect high-ranking thieves during investigations
Inspector Vellin Skarn – Head of Coin and Seal; despises the Shadow Thieves but lacks the proof or backing to act
Guildmaster “Corv” – Operative who runs assassination contracts and protection rackets in the Wheel Ward
Silhouette “Flitch” – A charismatic decoy posing as a guild leader to distract adventurers and rivals