![[The Moon Runners.png|300]] > [!quote] Motto > Through shadowed paths, the silver gleams. ### Overview The **Moon Runners** are a notorious thieves' guild infamous for fronting illegal operations and managing vast networks of smuggling across the world. Unlike the **Shifters**, who specialize in assassination, or **The Hands**, who focus on high-impact thefts, the Moon Runners operate as masterminds behind complex criminal enterprises designed to turn immense profit. Their operations often include smuggling, contraband distribution, and underground markets. The Moon Runners are widely despised by those who consider themselves upright citizens, especially given their tendency to exploit the vulnerable and manipulate communities for their own gain. Despite this, their influence is undeniable, reaching across continents — and even other planes — with alarming efficiency. ### **Structure and Ranks** - **The Moon** — The enigmatic leader of the Moon Runners. Known by title only, their identity is shrouded in secrecy, with rumors suggesting they maintain multiple disguises or proxies to obscure their true presence. - **Lunar Wardens** — Trusted lieutenants who oversee entire regions or major operational hubs. Each Warden is granted authority to make high-level decisions in their territory. - **Phases** — Mid-ranking agents who manage specific criminal enterprises such as smuggling rings, black-market hubs, or illicit gambling dens. Each "Phase" is often named after a lunar phase (e.g., Crescent Phase, Gibbous Phase). - **Runners** — The bulk of the guild's workforce. These members conduct smuggling operations, courier illicit goods, and handle enforcement for the guild's interests. Runners are often drawn from impoverished or desperate populations. - **New Moons** — Fresh recruits still proving themselves. Typically tasked with low-risk errands or menial jobs until they earn trust within the guild. ### **Tactics and Operations** - **Moon Marks** — Symbols resembling a crescent moon are used to signal safehouses, secure drop points, or established trade routes. These marks are often hidden within carvings, graffiti, or stitched into clothing patterns. - **Eclipse Messages** — The Moon Runners use encoded messages that appear only under moonlight, a mixture of alchemical ink and coded language ensuring their communications remain hidden from prying eyes. - **Shadowed Runs** — When moving high-profile cargo or smuggling people, Moon Runners may coordinate several decoy shipments, making it nearly impossible for authorities to track the true payload. - **Blood Oaths** — Those who owe the Moon Runners a favor are often bound by blood-marked contracts. Failure to repay debts usually results in public humiliation or targeted "accidents." ### **Thieves' Cant (Specific to the Moon Runners)** - **"Silver veins"** — Established smuggling routes. - **"Wax and wane"** — A coded message meaning "lay low until the right moment." - **"Lunacy"** — A term for unpredictable clients or targets, often requiring special attention. - **"Moondust"** — A term for valuable but risky contraband. - **"Eclipsed"** — A warning that authorities are closing in or a particular area is under heavy surveillance.