Kreport was a moderately popular skyport, located on a huge steep cliff, right above the famous wind caves. Wooden walkways and docking bays arced through thin air, held up by powerful enchanments. Sky birds soared at eye level here supported by the brisk salty winds coming from the sea far below.

Wealthy merchants and tradesmen had set up shops in the town, atracting several well off traders and passengers. This also made thievery quite popular in such a wealthy town. Many thieves worked independantly, sneaking a pouch or a necklace here and there. But one small group had banded together, sharing their thieving knowledge and splitting the spoils. 

They were well known, even though nobody knew what they looked like. They always operated at night, slipping rings off fingers, hats off heads, daggers off belts, then slipping away before anyone could notice, let alone describe them. 

They were an elite sneakthief band who went by the name "The midnight men." 

Inside their hidden base, deep inside one of the windcaves, the leader, Lore, relaxed. It had been a profitable night, their spoils totalling in at 53 rings. Reclining on a stolen armchair, Lore rolled a single gold ring over his fingers. A boy, around 18, Lore was unremarkable looking, making him a prime thief. Brown hair, brown eyes, not remarkably tall, short, fat, or skinny. 

His team was spending their time playing bets and bones, a popular gamboling game. He looked them over lazily.

There was Jarem, a short red-head with a knack for sliding under people's arms and stealing their moneybags.

Beside him, fiddling with his shares nervously, was Rej.He was tall and olive skinned, with hands that were always busy with something. But when it came to a home robbery, there was no one better at picking locks. 

Last of the team was Bern, a large strong boy who was the muscles of the operation. When they got into a tough scrape, or someone botched a pickpocketing, Bern was there to protect them. He was the strong silent type, but he was fiercely devoted to the team.

Lore leaned back contentedly, chewing a piece of dried beef. He couldn't wait for the blessed night to come, the dark shadows hiding them from guards as they slipped past on silent feet. 

"Having fun boys?" a friendly voice inquired. Lore jerked upward, his face smacking the low ceiling. Eyes watering from his stinging nose, he looked around. A tall man stood bent over in their secret entrance. He had long gray streaked hair and twinkling green eyes. 

The whole group, who had all gone rigid when the voice called, relaxed. 

"Whew. It's just you Leechbeard. Don't sneak up on us like that!" Lore reprimanded, leaning back and rubbing his throbbing nose. 

"So sorry to have upset you fragile little creatures." he apologized, giving a mocking bow, and returning to his cramped standing position. "But I think I have an opportunity for you boys. Something much more exciting, and profitable than sneaking around and scrounging a living off of poor drunk men... If you're interested that is."