The Virian Chronicler

The Geheimsvaak consider themselves separate and distinct from other Malvanians.   They live in harmony with nature, making their homes in the swampwoods located in some of the most remote parts of Malvania.     Their settlements are always built around a communal mud-pool.   They build sleeping huts from woven vines smeared with mud.   They divide their time between caring for their children, hunting wild animals and foraging for edible plants.   Grandparents often act as teachers for their grandchildren.   Older siblings also look after younger siblings.     They are isolationist by nature and avoid contact with other Malvanians.   In fact, the majority of Malvanians remain unaware of their existence.   The name they give themselves comes from one of the ancient Malvanian dialects and means Secret People. Their physiology allows them to consume swamp mud.   It forms the main part of their diet and is supplemented by edible roots and fungi which they harvest from the swa

This loose conglomeration of thieves and confidence tricksters originated on Malvania, in the border cities.   The earliest chapters of the Order came together to help each other evade the Law Authorities and continue their dubious activities unmolested.   They began by sharing information on the duties and movements of Law Enforcement Officers and broadened their remit to protect vulnerable young thieves and teach them how to improve their larcenous skills.     The nominal head of the Order is known only by the title Condotyr, an ancient High Malvanian term meaning leader.   There is little in the way of actual organisational structure.   The Condotyr gives his or her favourites the title Istvangyr, an ancient High Malvanian term meaning enforcer.   Most of them are like schoolyard or parade ground bullies, issuing orders and taking a percentage of what the ordinary members earn from plying their dubious trades. The ordinary thieves are known as street-scuffers, becaus