In Doskvol, there’s never a shortage of orphans.

In Doskvol, there’s never a shortage of orphans.

Some end up as streetrats. Some end up as corpses.

But, other still, end up at the Crooked Warden’s Home for Displaced Young Ladies, and as the name implies, those souls who find a home here are of a particular gender.

Taken in by the matron, they are fed and trained to learn a trade of a particular nature, unless they show a talent in other areas.

However, two days ago, the training grounds for so many streetbirds, burnt down to the ground. Ulf Ironborn, displeased with a angry rival, fought a running street fight against a rival gang, and by some random accident, the orphanage became a battleground, where the Ironborn left behind a burnt crisp.

Left behind in the ruins, a pack of young girls saw fit to use the old basement as their new home. And a place to work from, as a new small gang of girls began operating in Crow’s Foot. For some bizarre reason, the gang, composed of teenage girls, seems to thrive, against all odds.

The Sootpickers are a crew of thieves and cutpurses.

They consist of:

– Mint, a 13 y.o. street hustler from a family that has disappeared. She is the leader of the gang, as her wit and planning have given them all a purpose. Because, unbeknownst to her, she is of one of the oldest, and most talented lines of crime in Doskvol. And, she likes hats.

– Mender, a 13 year old Leech, from a displaced Iruvian refugee family that ended their days as victims of a Bluecoat beating. Mender had a talent for snipping strings and sinew, making her a valueable asset for the gang. But, to most onlookers, she is just a twitchy, shifty muck-ridden girl in a fishnet poncho.

– Mourner, a 14 year old Whisper, who have always been to the cooky side, as she was sold to the orphanage for her silken, black hair. Lately, she has begun displaying a unhealthy aptitude for the spirits who haunt Doskvol.

– Marrow, the oldest girl at 16. She is the Cutter. She cuts people who threathens her younger friends. And anyone who looks at her funny. Blonde curls, a pretty face? Everyone thought she was heading for Silkshore. But then, a killer named Mercy taught her to deal with problems. With a knife.