The Cabal

The Cabal are a criminal organisation, sanctioned by the Erdannian Government, which secretly run many aspects of the empire from behind the scenes.
The Cabal are an insidious organisation, which extends its influence into every aspect of politics within the Empire. They walk among high and low society alike, and take on a multitude of disguises and personas. The Cabal are never caught, their schemes are never uncovered, as they secretly manipulate the fate of the nation. They are a dark combination of a Secret Service, a Shadow Government, and a Criminal Syndicate.
=== Affiliation ===
The Cabal act towards the best interests of the empire, but this doesn't make them lawful, or ethical. The Cabal engage in standard criminal practices such as racketeering and the trading of illegal goods, but their most valuable resource is information and power. Espionage, blackmail, assassination and corporate sabotage are all standard practices for them.
Despite being patriotic towards their city and empire, the Cabal do not work for anyone. They work towards their own secretive agenda, which probably involves world domination. They would likely see a million Erdannian citizens dead if it meant the survival of the empire. Their authority goes beyond even the royalty.
=== History ===
The Cabal was created by a group of wealthy nobles, in collaboration with smugglers and assassins, during the time of the Great Sturvandian Empire. At the time, the Cabal's purpose was to free the city of its oppressive rulers, which it succeeded at in 18.26. After achieving independence and restoring the rightful king, Erick IV, to the throne, the king turned the Cabal into an official government organisation.
Since then, the Cabal has grown in influence and power, to the point where it is beginning to take over the empire entirely.