The Rascals
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The Rascals are a loosely-organized group of rogues and bards whose power and influence currently is concentrated in the city of Newick. They have existed in the Yeomanry for some time, but for a majority of that time they have been minor players, at best, in Yeoman society. Over the last two years, however, their power and sphere of influence has spread beyond Newick into settlements as far away as Longspear.
The Rascals are not a true thieves guild, per se. While they have been connected with a number of more 'clandestine' activities, one of their primary missions in recent months has been to thwart the efforts of Scarlet Brotherhood operatives within the Yeomanry. This change in priority came suddenly, and it is said that only the highest-ranking members of the Rascals know the true reason for this, if there is one at all.
The Rascals operate with neither the permission nor the blessing of the Yeoman Militia, which has placed the two groups at odds. The Yeoman government's official stance is that the Rascals are not to be trusted; however, recognition that they are making the Freeholder's job easier has meant that the government has given the group considerable leeway, so long as the 'integrity of the Yeoman League' remains in tact.
Prerequisites
The PC must have the Yeomanry as its home region. Switching regions from the Yeomanry results in expulsion from the group and all the benefits that come with it.
The PC must have a minimum of 4 levels of Rogue and / or Bard, and have a minimum of 10 total ranks in Bluff and / or Gather Information.
The PC must meet another member of the Rascals through play, preferably in a role-playing situation at a table. Trying to contact the Rascals is a risky venture, as a number of other groups in the Yeomanry do not tolerate their activities — particularly the Militia.
Requirements
Prospective members must pay an initial 'initiation' fee of 4 TUs and 400gp. Each year thereafter, the PC must pay a further 2 TUs for training.
The Rascals expect each member to donate 5% of their treasure gained each adventure to the guild. Failure to do so results in immediate expulsion.
PCs may be members of the Rascals and the Yeoman Militia. However, a militia member who is also a Rascal must make a Bluff or Disguise check (DC 15 - whichever is higher) before each regional militia scenario. Failure means the PC must pay lifestyle costs as normal for that scenario, and the DC for each subsequent regional militia scenario is increased by one, as the PC becomes more recognized as a Rascal. Once this DC becomes 20, contact your regional Triad.
Benefits
The PC gains a +2 circumstance bonus on any gather information checks made within the Yeomanry. This reflects the Rascals' use of contacts. Note this is NOT cumulative with any similar effects that might be found on an AR related to the Rascals.
The PC gains a 10% discount on all items found on the Adventuring Gear, tools and Skill Kits portions of Table 7-8: Goods and Services in the PH. This reflects the Rascals' ability to use inside sources.
The PC gains access to the following magic items in the DMG: Vest of Escape, Goggles of Minute Seeing, Lens of Detection, Slippers of Spider Climbing, Rope of Climbing. Furthermore, they may add the Shadow, Silent Moves, and Slick enhancements to their armor as an upgrade. To add these enhancements, the PC must pay the cost difference between his current item and the enhanced item. This may be done to as many weapons as they like.
The PC gains access to the following Builder Book feats: Charlatan (S&S), Flick of the Wrist (S&S), Shadow (S&S).
The PC gains access to the following Builder Book prestige classes, assuming that all other requirements have been met: Spymaster (S&S), Outlaw of the Crimson Road (S&S).