Page 72 - Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica

INSIDE THE SYNDICATE
The Orzhov are ruled by the iron-fisted Obzedat, a coun-
cil consisting of the oldest and most powerful undead
oligarchs. A vast hierarchy stretches out beneath them,
so most of your interactions with the leadership of the
guild are with people (or spirits) who occupy the rank
just above yours. This hierarchy has corruption in it
0RZHOV SYNDICATE at every level, and at any time your superiors might be
passing instructions down from on high or just using
REPRESENTING THE ORZHOY WAS A TALL, WELL-DRESSED you to pursue their own agendas of greed and ambition.
noblewoman face didn't recognize. The identities of the Orzhov churches and basilicas are scattered across
the city, each one led by a ministrant with a staff of
On:hov knights around her were concealed by full helmets; knights and syndics. These sites are centers of com-
instead of faces they bore only the Orzhov's black sunburst merce clothed in the trappings of religion, where lowly
symbol. Small. ugly. gray-skinned servant creatures at- borrowers come to seek atonement for their sins- atone-
tended to their black capes. ment that is given in the form of debt and obligation.
- Doug Beyer, Return to Ravnica: The Secretist Orzhov attorneys and advokists maintain offices near
New Prahv and other Azorius courts. Despite their prox-
imity to law enforcement, these offices are centers of op-
Wealth is power, and you absolutely can take it with you eration for Orzhov protection rackets and other criminal
if you're an undying spirit living in decadent luxury on activities.
the ruling council of the Orzhov Syndicate. Built on the
crushed dreams and broken bodies of citizens deeply G OALS OF THE 0RZHOV
indebted to the syndicate's banks and loan sharks,
Orzhov's elaborate hierarchy of syndics, priests, and The Orzhov Syndicate is dedicated to the quest for
oligarchs exists for the single purpose of funneling power. It sees the value in an organized, structured,
wealth to the top. Beneath the twin facades of religious law-abiding community, because it is adept at exploiting
hierarchy and banking operation, Orzhov is an orga- laws and structures for its own gain. It sees itself. in a
perfect world, as the arbiter and enforcer of a social or-
nized crime syndicate with its fingers in businesses der that keeps everyone in their place and the Orzhov in
across the city.
The Orzhov's original function was both religious the highest place.
and financial, with the two functions closely related. Increasing tensions in Ravnica have led to an atmo-
As Ravnica's dominant church, the Orzhov continues sphere of instability, and to counter this, the Orzhov
to preach an oppressive message that equates sin with Syndicate promises the trappings of a stable, ordered
debt and promises forgiveness to those who make tithes life amid the chaos-for a price. The Orzhov believe that
and donations. As Ravnica's principal bank, it stores adherence to hierarchy is the key to success, and they
and secures the riches of the city, collecting interest find great comfort in the rigid structure of their guild.
at high rates to expand its own wealth. Its members To boost their declining profits in a vacillating econ-
truly believe that their work is necessary to the proper omy. the Orzhov have begun offering protection ser-
functioning of Ravnica. Although most other Ravnicans vices, promising to shield their "customers" from both
see the Orzhov for the corrupt organization it is, many physical harm and fiscal disaster. These operations
people are still dazzled by the syndicate's promises of amount to racketeering, bringing with them the under-
lying threat that those who refuse to pay for protection
wealth. prestige, and longevity. become targets of the Orzhov's thugs and enforcers.
The Ghost Council, also called the Obzedat, that leads
the Orzhov founded the guild and signed the Guildpact, The Azorius are the greatest threat to Orzhov's opera-
but it isn't clear which members of the original Obz. edat tions. In times past, the Orzhov danced along the edges
might have faded from existence since then and which of the law and presented an appearance of legality, but
the combination of an ever-expanding legal code and the
current members have joined since.
guild's move into racketeering and other explicitly illegal

HAPTER 2 UILDS OF RA\. ICA 71