Aranthaes, like any other thriving city, is not immune to crime. While the city has several guard and police forces to keep order, criminal elements are still present, often lurking in the shadows, especially in Aranthaes Wynds. From petty theft, to organized crime, dangerous bandit gangs to scheming merchants, there are many different types of criminal activity in Aranthaes.

One of the most prevalent forms of crime in the city is theft. Pickpockets and burglars are common in the Wynds, where the cramped and poorly lit alleyways offer plenty of hiding places. Many of these thieves work alone, but there are also organized gangs that specialize in pickpocketing, shoplifting, and even housebreaking.

Another major problem in Aranthaes is smuggling. With the city being a hub of trade, merchants often try to import less-than legitimate goods. This can include anything from banned drugs and weapons to rare and valuable artifacts looted from ancient ruins. While the city guard makes an effort to intercept these illegal shipments, many still slip through.
 

Crime Syndicates in Aranthaes

The crime syndicates of the Aranthaes Wynds are some of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in the city. They are led by three powerful and ruthless bosses who are known to be heavily involved in all manner of illegal activities, from extortion to smuggling to murder.

The first syndicate is known as the Black Hand, and is led by a mysterious figure known only as “the Hand.” The Black Hand operates primarily in the Wynds, and is known for their brutal enforcement of their territories. They control much of the illegal trade in the area, including drugs, weapons, and stolen goods.

The second syndicate is the Crimson Court, led by the charismatic and cunning ‘Red Queen’ Kallista. The Crimson Court has a significant presence in the Red Lantern district, and is involved in a wide range of illegal activities, including prostitution, gambling, and protection rackets. The Red Queen is known for her skill at manipulation and her ability to maintain alliances with other criminal organizations in the city.

The third syndicate is the Golden Lion, led by a wealthy and influential merchant lord. The Golden Lion operates throughout Arathaes City and has significant influence over many of the legitimate businesses in Aranthaes. However, they are also known to be heavily involved in smuggling and other illegal activities, often using their legitimate enterprises as a cover for their less savory dealings.

Finally, one of the most dangerous criminal forces operating in and around Aranthaes are the Red Cloaks. Once a ragged bandit brigade, they have evolved into a highly structured underworld syndicate that spans the entire island. Organized into tightly knit “houses” under their own bosses, the Red Cloaks field disciplined, semi-militarized crews supported by informants, smugglers, and covert agents. Their operations range from caravan interception to extortion, espionage, and political manipulation.

Their most infamous move came fifty years ago during Draktun’s breakaway from Aranthaes, when the Red Cloaks swept in, ousted the new mayor, and quietly installed themselves in every position of authority.

At the apex of the entire syndicate stands the masked figure known only as Robynne, whose true identity is one of the island’s most guarded secrets.

Despite the presence of these powerful criminal organizations, both the city guard and merchant police are constantly working to combat crime in the City, the Wynds and it’s Red Lantern district. Unfortunately, the Wynds in particular are notoriously difficult to police, with their maze-like streets and hidden alleys providing plenty of opportunities for criminals to evade capture.

As a result, many citizens of Aranthaes have learned to live with the constant threat of crime, taking precautions such as traveling in groups and avoiding certain areas of the city after dark.
 

Crime Beyond the City

Outsde the city, the Red Cloaks are the largest crime organization, but they are not alone in the island’s criminal world.

The Iron Fist Clan is a notorious orc horde that plagues Aranthaen trade routes. They are known for their powerful warriors and skilled archers, and they often set up ambushes in the rocky terrain, attacking caravans with arrows and axes. While the city guard has made efforts to root out the Iron Fist Clan, they have proven to be a difficult foe to defeat.

The Blood Moon Tribe is a particularly savage orc horde that also plagues Aranthaen trade routes. They are known for their use of brutal tactics such as crucifixion and beheading, and they employ powerful shamans and spellcasters in their attacks. The Blood Moon Tribe is perhaps the most dangerous of all the criminal organizations operating in and around Aranthaes.

One final group which need no introduction are The Black Blades, a group of skilled swordsmen known for their swift and deadly attacks. They are said to be led by a charismatic and ruthless leader known only as “the Blade.” The Black Blades target caravans and travelers on the trade routes, leaving no survivors. The city guard has been working hard to track down the Blade and bring the Black Blades to justice, but so far they have been unsuccessful.

In short, crime in and around Aranthaes is a serious problem, with multiple criminal organizations operating both within the city and along the trade routes. While the city guard works tirelessly to maintain order, they face many challenges in their efforts to combat crime. Citizens and travelers alike are advised to be cautious and aware of their surroundings at all times.

Despite the danger, however, merchants and adventurers will continue to flock to Aranthaes in search of adventure and riches, willing to risk the dangers of the city’s criminal underworld in pursuit of their goals.
 

Aranthaes Wynds: Street Crime Encounters (d10)

In the twisting alleys and lantern-lit lanes of the Wynds, crime is never far away. Roll d10 when the party is wandering the district, or if you want to inject tension inside the city walls.

  1. A pickpocket brushes past a PC — 1d4 purses are lifted before they even realize.
    Pickpocket: AC 12, HP 9, dagger (1d4), leather armor.
  2. A shopfront is smashed by 3 Black Hand thugs demanding “insurance.”
    Thug (x3): AC 12, HP 22, mace (1d6+2), leather armor, pack tactics when near allies.
  3. A Crimson Court enforcer drags a debtor into a lantern-lit alley; 2 more wait in the shadows.
    Enforcer: AC 14, HP 35, longsword (1d8+2), chain shirt. Henchmen (x2): AC 12, HP 16, short sword (1d6).
  4. Two rival cutpurses argue over who saw the mark first, blades drawn, then turn on the party.
    Cutpurse (x2): AC 13, HP 11, dagger (1d4+2), shortbow (1d6), leather armor.
  5. A smuggler’s cart tips, spilling contraband. The driver attacks if challenged.
    Smuggler: AC 12, HP 18, shortsword (1d6+2), light crossbow (1d8), leather armor.
  6. A Golden Lion agent offers a “discount” if the PCs carry a suspicious package; ambushers lurk nearby.
    Agent: AC 13, HP 24, rapier (1d8+2), studded leather. Ambushers (x2): AC 12, HP 16, dagger (1d4), sling (1d4).
  7. Children swarm around a PC, seemingly playful, until one pulls a dagger.
    Street Urchin (x3): AC 11, HP 6, dagger (1d4). (Disadvantage on morale checks if injured).
  8. A woman calls for help — her locket stolen — only for 4 gang members to ambush in the next alley.
    Gang Member (x4): AC 12, HP 12, club (1d6), leather armor.
  9. Two cloaked figures slip out of a brothel, carrying a covered body between them. They fight if stopped.
    Assassin (x2): AC 15, HP 45, shortsword (1d6+3, poison on hit), studded leather.
  10. A masked thief dives from a rooftop with a stolen satchel, crashing into the party.
    Thief Acrobat: AC 14, HP 20, dagger (1d4+3), acrobatics +6, can disengage as bonus action.

 

Guard Response: Any open brawl, weapon-drawing, or magical display in the Wynds will attract attention within 1d4 minutes. Roll 1d2 to determine who arrives first:

  1. City Guard Patrol: 3–6 guards (AC 16, HP 22, spear 1d6+2, chain mail, shield). They attempt to restore order and are usually fair in their understanding of who is the criminal and who is the victim.
  2. Merchant Police: 2–4 agents (AC 15, HP 26, shortsword 1d6+3, studded leather). Known for harsh enforcement and extorting “fees,” they may treat adventurers as criminals regardless of circumstance.

In either case, lingering hostilities or repeated disturbances will escalate to reinforcements and possible arrest. Trials in Aranthaes are swift, fines are steep, and a stay in the Wynds Jail is best avoided!

 

Outside the Walls: Roadside Crime Encounters (d10)

The queues, camps, and rocky approaches outside Aranthaes’ gates are full of rogues and opportunists. Roll d10 for mischief or danger when the party lingers near the city walls.

  1. A ragged “pilgrim” collapses dramatically while an accomplice cuts purses.
    Pilgrim Decoy: AC 10, HP 8, staff (1d6). Cutpurse: AC 12, HP 11, dagger (1d4+2).
  2. A gang of 5 youths demand “toll fees” with knives.
    Street Gang (x5): AC 12, HP 9, dagger (1d4), sling (1d4), leather scraps.
  3. A caravan master shouts that half his goods were stolen. Thieves linger nearby, ready to fight if accused.
    Thief (x3): AC 13, HP 12, short sword (1d6+1), leather armor.
  4. 2 disguised Red Cloaks swagger among the wagons selling “protection tokens.” They attack if exposed.
    Red Cloak (x2): AC 14, HP 30, longsword (1d8+2), chainmail.
  5. A sudden brawl between drovers and mercs spills into the PCs. Opportunists steal packs mid-fight.
    Drover (x3): AC 11, HP 11, club (1d6). Mercenary (x2): AC 13, HP 20, shortsword (1d6+2).
  6. A merchant tent “accidentally” burns; 1d4 looters rush in under cover of smoke.
    Looter (x1d4): AC 12, HP 9, dagger (1d4), no armor.
  7. A wounded traveler stumbles in, claiming Iron Fist orcs attacked. 1d4 scouts follow moments later.
    Orc Scout (x1d4): AC 13, HP 15, handaxe (1d6+3), javelin (1d6+3), hide armor.
  8. A gambler challenges a PC, backed by 2 musclemen if refused.
    Gambler: AC 11, HP 8, dagger (1d4). Muscle (x2): AC 12, HP 16, club (1d6+2), leather armor.
  9. A scribe’s satchel of gate passes is stolen; the thief runs into the crowd.
    Thief Runner: AC 13, HP 12, dagger (1d4+2), dash as bonus action.
  10. A “priest” hawks fake relics, backed by two burly enforcers.
    False Priest: AC 12, HP 14, mace (1d6+1). Enforcer (x2): AC 13, HP 22, shortsword (1d6+2), chain shirt.
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