The Clasp
Built upon the ruins of the old Winks-
man Thieves Guild founded under the
rule of Drassig, the Clasp is a very
well established secret organi-
zation consisting of thieves,
fences, assassins, saboteurs,
spies, and smugglers. Based
largely in and under Emon
through a network of sub-
terranean tunnels, they run
smaller outfits in Westruun,
Stilben, and Kymal. Members are
branded with the guild’s symbol on
their mid back, signifying allegiance
and commitment. The Clasp operates
like a business-minded crime family,
celebrating loyalty and truth to one’s
word over most other merits. A member
pays their debts, keeps their promises,
and always seeks opportunities for the
betterment of the Clasp.
Leaders of a Clasp sect are titled Spirelings, and they
oversee assigned elements of the organization’s functions.
Spirelings hold equal power within a sect, and there is
always an odd number acting within that location to break
any disagreements over business ventures and actions.goals
While the immediate assumption is that the Clasp is
merely interested in profit at any cost (and that is a merit
of the Clasp), they also wish to preserve the function and
prosperity of civilization. It is well known that a thriving
city is a profitable one, and an enemy of civilization is a
foe of the Clasp. They largely consider themselves a nec-
essary dark underbelly, willing to do the under-the-table
deeds that the wealthy and powerful cannot commit with
their own hands. The Clasp also understands that conflict
breeds a healthy economy, and has occasionally kindled
the flames of unrest to keep things tense and profitable.
There is also virtue in a distracted administration being
easy to manipulate.
Were it not for the branch of the Clasp in Emon, the
Chroma Conclave’s attack would likely have forever
destroyed its culture. However, thanks to the Clasp’s
role as a “shadow civilization,” the people of Emon could
maintain their foothold at home, even under the watchful
eye of Thordak the Cinder King.relationships
While some of the Clasp’s activities are secretly
state-sanctioned, it is highly illegal and extremely danger-
ous to be a member or be caught doing business directly
with them. Most city guards have orders to arrest upon
discovery, and raids are occasionally conducted with
varying degrees of success. Having friends in the barracks
makes for an easy escape.
The Clasp frowns upon dogmatic religion or cultish
behavior, as these have conflicted with the organization’s
business in the past, and always ended messily.
Since the arrival of the Myriad within Tal’Dorei from
Wildemount, the Clasp has been on extremely high alert,
seeking information on them and any means of banish-
ing this new competition. Their Stilben sect has already
gotten into a few bloody altercations with the Myriad,
and rumors of a coming turf war instill worry in the local
mercantile.figures of interest
sPireling shenn
Human Spireling of Secrets (Emon). A powerful illusionist,
Shenn runs a far-reaching network of spies and informants.
A shrewd businessman and careful dealmaker, he’s eager to
spread the influence of the Clasp beyond Tal’Dorei.sPireling warren
Half-Orc Spireling of Blades (Emon). Deadly duelist turned
assassin master of the Clasp, Warren handles all contracts
that involve kidnapping, assassination, or intimidation.sPireling zilloa
Half-Elf Spireling of Shadows (Emon). An accomplished
burglar, Zilloa has risen to the head of all thieving,
smuggling, and black market dealings within the Clasp
of Emon. She has taken over following the killing
of Modeth.sPireling gholesh
Human Spireling of Shadows (Westruun). A mysteri-
ous man whose face is always hidden behind a leather
mask resembling an ogre. He is known to relentlessly
pursue his ambitions, and the other spirelings watch
him closely.sPireling oal an
Dwarf Spireling of Blades (Westruun). Brash and prone to
fits of violence when balked, Oalan is one of the more
social and publically-visible members of the Clasp in
Westruun. Her arrogance is only matched by her skill
with a dagger.sPireling fetCh
Halfling Spireling of Secrets (Westruun). Creepy and
unkempt in appearance, his gaunt visage only distracts
from his cunning and his keen manipulation skills.When night is come and darkness falls;
Locks help not, nor do stone walls;
Slinking and hiding, like poison asp;
Close tight thy eyes, see not the Clasp.
—Childhood rhyme in Clasp-infested towns