The Tellers of the Tide, sometimes referred to simply as the Tide or the Tellers, are a group of scholarly agents focused on gathering intel and intrigue on all happenings in the world. From the highest king to the lowest peasants, the Tellers find value in information of any kind. They operate in places of power and places they can gather information, royal courts, harbors, prisons, and even taverns are valuable places of operation. They believe that if they gather enough information, while some of it will be worthless, some of it may be valuable enough to advance their agenda. While usually thought of as a benevolent organization, they have been known to influence some of the more fiendish moments in history. They have continued to maintain, however, that everything they do is for the good of the world.
They find adventurers of great value, sponsoring them for their assistance, turning them into agents with little responsibility on their part. If things go south, it is easy to distance themselves from the party, but they often uncover ancient powers, dead kingdoms, or otherwise powerful information.
The origins work back to sailors who eventually gave up their trade when they found out it was more lucrative to gather intel than to catch fish. Eventually these sailors congregated, creating a network of spies with a common association. They were once called the Listeners of the Tide, but now, instead of just listening to the happenings of the kingdoms and people around them, they use that information to influence the events of the world. Instead of listening to the tides, they tell the tides what to do.
Tellers are plentiful in any port town, little gets down without their knowledge, and people often seek them out for information or favors, which might cost them greatly depending on the situation. While mostly friendly, it is best not to draw the ire of the Tellers, as they have great influence over the cities they are stationed in.