Sty-kopos' Flames

General Overview:
Sty-kopös' Flames take its business very seriously and does not tolerate failures. They are an entirely secretive organization based all over Tam'nýer—a'. Located in most big cities, and some smaller villages, are safe houses for the members that pose as brothels, taverns, Inns, or even some that are simply that; houses, where older members will open their doors to younger ones to rest and regain their bearings before moving to the next one. It should be noted that in the safe houses that pose as public spaces, it is strictly forbidden to mention the group's name within the building's walls. Then you may ask, "How do they know fellow members apart from regular people?" There's a pass word, a phrase of sorts that all members are trained to remember. If they do not know the phrase, or slip up and say even one word incorrectly, they will not be granted access to the safe house's more private areas reserved for members only, or not welcomed into the homes of older members. There's no room for failure, as as been said before. What's the phrase, you ask? "His Fire Guides My Hand."

The Organization is made up of many different types of members. There are members at sea who aid or partake in capturing slaves, or smuggling. There are some members who simply pass the letters around to other members, spreading news and information. There are assassins who hide in broad day light. Countless kinds of members make up this large Organization.

Truth of The Matters:

It's a popular rumor that the organization is notorious for kidnapping children for their ranks. This is not entirely true. The organization does not actively strive to rip children from the arms of their mothers, nor do they prowl the streets looking for lost kids to take. In fact, most children who grow up in their ranks are orphans the members have taken in, or were born into the ranks due to their parents being members. The members have no need for any extra ventures that may draw attention to them. Though, on occasion, some members have taken children from slaves they've sold, if only to save the children from a life of servitude.

Another popular rumor is that the organization has no limits when it comes to the jobs they will do. This is certainly not the case. While they may do more illicit jobs than others, they have their own limits to protect their members. Below is a list of some of the services they are willing to offer:

* Acquiring Slaves/People: Are you a slave trader in need of more fresh meat to sell? A rich noble with a certain *fondness* of slaves of a certain race? Have your eyes on someone you want? Whatever the case, The Organization is always willing to pick up slaves and even people for you. This happens to be their cheapest service, but one of the most frequently requested ones.

* Smuggling: Trying to smuggle something you aren't supposed to have? Something like drugs, or perhaps stolen riches? Smuggling slaves away from their masters? Doesn't matter, The Organization will assist. Prices for such things vary depending on the cargo being smuggled and the situation at hand. They are always open to discussion on such matters.

* Assassination: This is by far the most expensive service the Organization offers. It should be noted that there is a limit on this service. The Organization refuses to accept requests targeting anyone in power in any areas of Tam'nýer—a'. Main Members of Püertagœ's 12 Greater Families, for example, are untouchable. However, extended family is fair game. Meaning, any cousins, nephews, or nieces of the current heads of family can be targets, but this of course will be more expensive than other targets. This is their only limit. Added onto this service, the Organization is always more than happy to pin the blame of the murder onto another if you should wish so. (They would do it anyways, but if you had a specific person to pin the blame on, that's just wonderful!). Want to blame a collegue for the murder of a mutual friend? Want to pin the blame on someone else who has scorned or humiliated you? Well, then you've contacted the correct people, my friend.


USAGE OF CHILDREN IN THE FLAMES:

The Flames have many children that are either born into their ranks or taken under the care of other older members. It should be noted, however, that the children cannot, under any circumstances, take part in any official Flames mission or job. They are trained, yes, but cannot take part in any sort of missions because they are children, and to send a child on a job for an organization that requires high levels of secrecy is just not realistic. The children trained by the Flames, however, can choose to stay associates once they have reached maturity for their respective race or they can choose to climb higher in ranks.

1. Every aspect of their work is done quickly and carefully, and responsibility is put in the hands of their most capable members that could be found at the time. A member that is given a job from a superior can decline only if they have a good reason that should get in the way of performing their job, like an illness for example.

2. Members are paid by the superiors who have talked the job through with the client. Members can accept jobs on their own, outside the regulations of the Organization, but any trouble or complications that may arise while a Member is working outside of Organization rules fall on them and only them. The Organization will not claim ties to them, will not offer aid. It is the member's problem and only theirs. Should a member take a job outside of the Organization and is caught, or their identity or anything of the Organization is revealed, swift termination will be delivered.

3. It should be noted that there is one rumor that is quite true; the masks. Every member wears a mask when dealing with Organization issues. The Masks hide most, if not all, of their face. They're careful to hide any sort of tattoos or scars they have as well, so as not to leave any features that could make it possible to identify them visible. This is a very important rule that the Organization upholds. Many members own business, or are reputable people in their own communities, and it would cause a great deal of trouble for their more illicit activities to come forth.

4. On the chance that a member should slip up and reveal the Organization to someone, let information loose, or is recognized outside of their mask, the punishment is immediate termination. Meaning you mess up once, just once, and you are swiftly taken care of. Death is the kindest punishment they can offer you.