by Patrick Plummer
There are many mercenary companies of various sizes and reputations who make
their living selling their swords to the highest bidder. Nobility may use them
to round out their own troops, or to provide services that their own troops lack
training in. Rich merchants may hire them to guard a particularly valuable
caravan or wharehouse complex. Individuals may use them for special missions.
But whatever the case, there has always been a demand for the professional
mercenary, and there will always be people willing to meet that demand.
Selected Companies
Jarn's Riders
Captain: Elorn Jarn (Shay)
Ranks: 25 medium horse calvary, 25 heavy calvary
Magical: 1 Magician, 2 Lay Healers
Primary Territory: Haestra
Comments: Elorn Jarn is a grizzled warrior of many campaigns. It is said he's fought over every inch of Haestra. He is a man of excellent reputation and he's never been known to turn aside from a task once he's accepted a job. While not one of the larger troups, Jarn's Riders specialize in calvary tactics -- employing their lancemen and ride-and-shoot bowmen to devestating effect.
Grey Company
Captain: Varjusek Re-uun (Laan)
Ranks: 25 Longbow, 100 heavy foot, 50 medium horse
Magical: 1 Magician, 1 Sorcerer, 2 Healers
Primary Territory: Uj
Comments: The Grey Company (marked by their grey cloaks or bandoliers) have roamed the Uj region of Emer for nearly a decade. They primarily hire out for internal conficts within the Varj region or as guards for extremely large (and rich) caravans travelling the dangerous Ujian desert. At times, however, they've been known to work directly for the city-state of Kaitaine -- their archers and footmen supplimenting the sea-warriors when pirate activity increases to beyond tolerable levels.
The Danarchis Wind
Captain: Streyer Nama
Ranks: 5 Danarchis Triremes, 200 light foot, 50 archers
Magical: 1 Magician, 2 Healers
Primary Territory: Sea Waters all around Emer
Comments: This unusual group makes its money hiring out its naval skill. As their name sugests, the Danarchis Wind is made up of (and captained by) Danarchis natives, arguably some of the best sailors in the world. Their fast ships hire out for courier missions, sea protection, and even full-scale naval battles. Each of the 200 fighters are accomplished seamen and have braved many a storm and battle.
Changrammi Monks
Captain: --
Ranks: As many super-trained monks as you have gold for
Magical: --
Primary Territory: Found in larger cities
Comments: While not an actual mercenary company, the Changrammi Monks define
the perfection that the individual mercenary seeks to obtain. Each of the these
warriors (costing several gold PER DAY) are equal to many times their number in
normal fighters. For personal bodyguards, these warriors cannot be equaled. Once
a client is accepted, they will give their life to protect them. They are
proficient with all weapons... or with simply their hands and feet.