#point being; Aita and Luka shenanigans are far seperated from what Thistle and Vlad have going on narrative wise

[bells-of-black-sunday]

I do think that when I talk about Thistle more, I want to make it very clear. The world that is "Of Monsters And Humans" (website title) is very much dark fantasy in anything before the modern age and does still get pretty dark with Vladimir's shenanigans.

Thistle is and to be very blunt: A hit man. He cleans up and takes care of Vladimir's business and is who most people see when discussing said not above board business instead of the count. He is brutal, uncaring and callous. He talks sweet words to get what he wants, but he is not above making examples out of people to send a message. People often hold organized crime with a sort of levity to it, but I do want to emphasize that these are not good people.

Vladimir does a lot of good for his community, but he is not a nice individual. Peddling drugs to poor neighborhoods and rich parties, brothels that don't have fair pay cuts, trafficking illegal materials for the magic users on his payroll to use, hanging pelts of were-creatures from flag poles to send a message and much worse displays even if none are even remotely as public anymore. Thistle absolutely contributes to all of this and is one one the people who moves the pieces on the board. I mean hell he's one of the ones who makes the displays.

Thistle is a scary person to those that know him outside of press and events. He is the shadow unseen leaving a trail of blood in his wake. He will use and drop people as soon as they give him trouble meaning he doesn't have many actual friends. Thistle isn't even the most cruel of Vladimir's spouses, he's not the one in charge of body disposal or setting up most deals. Bernadette does that. He's just the one that does the bloody work neither Bernadette or Edwin want to even if it's not something he necessarily wants to. There's definitely been hits he's not proud of, but it has to be done.

Vladimir's ultimate goal is having full control over the Monster Hunters Guild and it would not be better in his hands even if it is shit right now. Thistle is a key player in his goals of achieving that.