Mockers

This name is used both for a historical organization and (by reference) as a placeholder for unknown, shadowy or criminal groups.

Mockers (Historical)

The Mockers were an unofficial criminal organization in the Council Lands throughout the latter part of that nation's existence (roughly from 180 AC until the breakdown of the council system). Unlike the official Thieves Guild, they were not recognized and were outlawed. Operating mostly in the cities, they stole, fenced, and ran illicit (and untaxed) games and vice rings throughout the cities. They also served as an alternate social relief valve in finding new identities for people who were unhappy with their Oracles-ordained lot in life. This latter function is why they were unofficially allowed to exist. They and the Thieves Guild were in bitter opposition.

Organized in a loose, almost cell-like fashion, there was no public leader, only a network of territory masters and their soldiers.

Current use

Currently, the term "mocker" has been applied to any upstart, non-compliant (with the normal underworld protocols) underworld organization. Saying "the mockers did it" is a way of disclaiming responsibility and proclaiming ignorance of who was responsible for an action.