Medieval Crime Syndicates - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Medieval Crime Syndicates

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
yellowdingo
Jun 12, 2009 1:00:07 Was looking at a documentary on 13th century Paris and they mention a Criminal Syndicate called the Brotherhood of the Clam: thugs, murderers, etc. whose Logo or Symbol was the Jacob's Shell (you see it at every SHELL petrol station ;) ).

Any one know of other Medieval Crime Syndicates?
#2
archyneir
Jun 12, 2009 1:02:34 How loosely are we using this terms? Factions like the Templar Knights, Illuminati and others could be interpreted in just the same fashion. Why the interest though? Just for the sake of curiosity, or are yea lookin' to incorporate some medieval crime syndicate shenanigans into your D&D? :D
#3
sigil_beguiler
Jun 12, 2009 1:30:34 Well there is the Thuggee of India. Which is where the term, "thug" comes from. It was somewhat a organized crime syndicate and somewhat a cult. They robbed and assaulted travellers throughout India from at least the 13th century.
#4
Reg06
Jun 12, 2009 1:47:43 Vikings? Do you count pirates as medieval crime syndicates. Probably not, you're looking for more mob like things. How about the church at its absolute worst.
#5
cherubaddon
Jun 12, 2009 6:12:53
Vikings? Do you count pirates as medieval crime syndicates. Probably not, you're looking for more mob like things. How about the church at its absolute worst.

Meh, Vikings aren't exactly pirates. I don't think they count as criminals, simply because they come from another culture (as opposed to being outcasts of their own).

OP: I think every major city had somewhat in the vein of a thieves' guild, and the fact that few of these are still known only goes to demonstrate their skills. But I suppose assuming they were all more or less called the Dark Brotherhood should be pretty safe :P .

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 yellowdingo Jun 12, 2009 1:00:07	Was looking at a documentary on 13th century Paris and they mention a Criminal Syndicate called the Brotherhood of the Clam: thugs, murderers, etc. whose Logo or Symbol was the Jacob's Shell (you see it at every SHELL petrol station ;) ). Any one know of other Medieval Crime Syndicates?
#2 archyneir Jun 12, 2009 1:02:34	How loosely are we using this terms? Factions like the Templar Knights, Illuminati and others could be interpreted in just the same fashion. Why the interest though? Just for the sake of curiosity, or are yea lookin' to incorporate some medieval crime syndicate shenanigans into your D&D? :D
#3 sigil_beguiler Jun 12, 2009 1:30:34	Well there is the Thuggee of India. Which is where the term, "thug" comes from. It was somewhat a organized crime syndicate and somewhat a cult. They robbed and assaulted travellers throughout India from at least the 13th century.
#4 Reg06 Jun 12, 2009 1:47:43	Vikings? Do you count pirates as medieval crime syndicates. Probably not, you're looking for more mob like things. How about the church at its absolute worst.
#5 cherubaddon Jun 12, 2009 6:12:53	Vikings? Do you count pirates as medieval crime syndicates. Probably not, you're looking for more mob like things. How about the church at its absolute worst. Meh, Vikings aren't exactly pirates. I don't think they count as criminals, simply because they come from another culture (as opposed to being outcasts of their own). OP: I think every major city had somewhat in the vein of a thieves' guild, and the fact that few of these are still known only goes to demonstrate their skills. But I suppose assuming they were all more or less called the Dark Brotherhood should be pretty safe :P .