What Organization Did John Wick Work For?

John Wick worked for the organization called The High Table, an authoritative council comprising twelve crime lords, wielding control over the most influential criminal organizations in the underworld. This council is widely regarded as the ultimate governing body in the criminal world and is feared and respected by everyone, including prominent figures like Winston Scott and John Wick. The High Table's member organizations have a substantial influence over law enforcement, politicians, and bureaucrats worldwide, enabling them to conduct their illicit activities with virtual impunity. The leadership of The High Table was under The Elder, who resided in the deserts of Morocco.

Throughout the John Wick film series, The High Table serves as the primary antagonistic faction. While it remains mostly unseen in John Wick: Chapter 2, it emerges as the main antagonist in both John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. The Council's immense power and reach pose significant challenges for the film's protagonist, John Wick, as he navigates through the dangerous and complex world of international assassins and criminal enterprises.

What is The High Table?

The High Table is a formidable council of twelve crime lords who wield tremendous power and authority over the underworld's most influential criminal organizations. Its origins remain shrouded in mystery, but it is described as an organization larger and more influential than any government on Earth, with ties dating back to the time of the Aztecs. Linked to the Continental, an autonomous assassin organization operating as a global hotel chain, the High Table's reach extends worldwide, with numerous police forces, politicians, and bureaucrats under their influence.

Santino and Gianna D'Antonio's father once held a seat within the High Table and appointed Gianna as his successor. However, Santino, thirsting for power, orchestrated Gianna's assassination and took her place within the council. In retaliation, he placed a multi-million-dollar bounty on John Wick, the renowned assassin, implicating him in Gianna's murder. John fought valiantly against Santino's forces but found himself pursued by contract killers seeking to claim the reward.

The High Table, led by The Elder, holds immense celebrations to mark significant events within their organization. When Santino celebrates his ascension to the council, it culminates in a violent confrontation with John Wick at a museum. Later, in a desperate attempt to protect Winston Scott, the manager of the New York Continental, John kills Santino on Continental grounds, incurring the wrath of the High Table. This results in a global bounty on John's head and his excommunication from the Continental.

The High Table dispatches an Adjudicator, along with a skilled assassin named Zero and his team, to hold those who helped John accountable. The Bowery King, Winston, and the Ruska Roma face severe consequences for their involvement. After a series of intense confrontations, including an ambush at the New York Continental, John emerges victorious, but Winston seemingly betrays him under pressure from the Adjudicator.

Winston devises a plan to challenge the High Table's authority and offers John a chance at freedom through a duel with Vincent Bisset de Gramont, a representative of one of the High Table's crime families. To make this possible, John must first fulfill a task for the Ruska Roma. The duel takes place, and despite grave injuries, John emerges triumphant, fulfilling his demands and Winston's reinstatement. However, John ultimately succumbs to his wounds, leaving a lasting impact on the High Table's foundations.

The defeat of Vincent Bisset de Gramont and John's actions during the duel significantly shake the High Table's authority, cementing John's legendary status within the criminal world.

People of The High Table

The High Table, a council of twelve crime lords, serves as the ultimate authority in the criminal underworld. Led by The Elder (now deceased), the council includes various seat holders from influential crime organizations such as Camorra, Cosa Nostra, 'Ndrangheta, Bratva, Triad, Yakuza, and Latin & South American Cartels. Some notable figures within the High Table were D'Antonio Senior, Gianna D'Antonio, and Santino D'Antonio, all deceased.

Among the specialized agents working for the High Table were the Adjudicators, dispatched by The Elder to enforce the council's decisions. The Adjudicators were empowered to take extreme measures and commanded assassins like Zero and his ninjas to carry out their orders. Another type of specialized agent was the Harbinger, responsible for settling disputes between members and upholding the High Table's rules. They also acted as messengers to deliver the council's decisions to convicted individuals.

A unique and powerful position within the High Table was the autem imperator, granted by unanimous agreement from all twelve seat holders. The autem imperator represented the High Table as a whole and wielded the authority to judge, execute, and enforce decisions without waiting for approval from the council. Vincent Bisset de Gramont, known as the Marquis, held the title of autem imperator and was tasked with executing the council's decisions during times of crisis.

Throughout the film series, the High Table's influence and power are evident as they relentlessly pursued John Wick and those who supported him. Their agents, including the Adjudicator, the Harbinger, and the autem imperator, played pivotal roles in maintaining order and enforcing the High Table's decisions within the criminal world. Ultimately, John's actions, culminating in the duel with Vincent Bisset de Gramont, shook the very foundation of the High Table and led to significant consequences for both John and the criminal organization.

Soldiers of The High Table

The High Table enforcers consist of various specialized units and soldiers who are deployed in different countries where Continental Hotels are situated. These enforcers are highly trained and equipped with advanced armor and weaponry, making them formidable adversaries for anyone who crosses paths with the High Table.

One notable group of enforcers is known as "Zero's Ninjas," a team of highly skilled and agile assassins led by the formidable Zero. These ninjas demonstrate exceptional combat abilities and are known for their swift and deadly attacks, making them deadly adversaries in any confrontation.

Another group is referred to as "The Myrmidons," an elite force of soldiers loyal to the High Table. Clad in full-bodied armor, including tactical helmets, masks, forearm protectors, and ballistic glasses, The Myrmidons are akin to a SWAT team, exhibiting proficiency in various combat techniques, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat, and knife wielding.

Additionally, there are "The Accountants," who are responsible for overseeing financial matters and ensuring the smooth operation of the High Table's financial assets and resources. Their role extends beyond merely crunching numbers, as they also play a part in managing and enforcing the financial interests of the High Table.

The High Table also maintains a network of affiliated organizations and businesses, which may include administrative structures and facilities to support their operations worldwide. Among these organizations is the Continental Hotel chain, which serves as both a neutral ground for assassins and an autonomous assassin organization.

Furthermore, the High Table has its own dedicated army, known as the "High Table Soldiery," which is composed of well-armed and highly trained soldiers. These soldiers are equipped with state-of-the-art armor, including tactical helmets and masks, providing enhanced protection during combat engagements. Their proficiency with firearms, hand-to-hand combat, and knife skills makes them a formidable force.

The soldiers' combat outfits appear to be tailored to suit the specific country they are stationed in. For instance, during the siege at the New York Continental, they wear SWAT-like armor, while in the Osaka siege, their attire reflects a traditional Japanese Oni motif with Samurai-style armor.

With their advanced armor improvements and synchronized tactics, the High Table enforcers present a significant challenge to anyone who dares to oppose the organization, especially for someone like John Wick, who finds himself facing these highly skilled and well-protected adversaries during his journey.