The Red Mantis are a highly organised female dominated group of assassins who first came to prominence in the religious violence in and around the city of Azir two thousand years ago. Although they narrowly escaped destruction after the resolution of those wars by the
Law of Mortality they were able to reform in a secret base known as the
Crimson Citadel on Mediogalti Island. From there they dominate the politics of the island and are a major source of disruption to political stability in Central Sudland.
The assassins take their name from and indeed worship the Mantis God,
Achaekek, himself the Assassin of the Gods. It is thought
that it is because of this relationship, and not because of any other scruple, that the only political assassinations the
Red Mantis will not undertake is that of divinely ordained rulers. All other targets are pursued both rigorously and effectively
and if necessary to the ends of the Earth. Few ever escape their clutches but despite this many people think twice before
engaging them. This is because the assassins drive a hard bargain and must be paid up front either in cash, items or perhaps
in return for other services (whose consequences may not be apparent at the time).
The typical Red Mantis assassin is adorned in red and black armour accompanied by a frightening 'Mantis Mask' which disguises their personal identity. They tend to wield dual saw-toothed sabres designed to lead to a bloody ritualised death. Witnesses say the appearance of the assassins seems to frighten the typical victim as a mouse might be immobilised in terror by a snake. Although this is the norm in a minority of cases the organisation might also use
more specialised assassins who may employ either poison or magic in particular circumstances.
The Red Mantis have a bitter emnity with the
Aspis Consortium who they regard as upstarts and rivals. Both organisations have tried to infiltrate each other it is said but with little success.