Black Company

The Black Company is a prominent mercenary guild known for its distinctive characteristics and influential role throughout the realms:

Overview

Presence: The Black Company operates across the realms. Its influence and operations extend far and wide, making it a significant force in the mercenary world.
Mercenary Service: The guild takes on contracts from various clients, including kings, nobles, and even other realms, with their loyalty tied to whoever can pay the most. They have been involved in every major war and conflict, often being the first to arrive on the battlefield to scout, set up camp, and prepare for battle.
Volunteer Work: Despite their mercenary nature, the Black Company is also well known for volunteer services, adding a layer of honor to their otherwise profit-driven existence. This volunteerism has earned them respect from many throughout the realms.
Tactical Expertise: The Black Company is not just known for its martial prowess but also for its strategy and tactics. Their skill in the field often determines the outcome of battles, making them a feared and respected force.
Internal Gambling Culture: Inside the company, they use a unique currency for gambling known as "chookies." Chookies are small, valueless objects such as marbles or animal teeth, and they serve as a playful way for members to gamble and bond with each other.
Taverns and Camaraderie: The Black Company's exclusive taverns are known for their lively atmosphere, filled with gambling, storytelling, and the chaos of their infamous goblin band, SlipSnot. These taverns serve as places for members to relax, share stories, and strengthen their bonds.

Guild Structure

Elders: Lash: One of the elders, known for his experience and leadership. Lash plays a key role in overseeing the guild’s activities and maintaining its traditions.
Issei: Another elder, recognized for his strategic acumen and guidance. Issei helps shape the guild’s direction and decision-making processes.

Notable Members:

Donk: A prominent and skilled member known for his reliability and combat expertise. Donk is highly respected within the guild.
Ox: Famous for his exceptional strength, Ox is a powerful figure who takes on physically demanding tasks.
Vivian (Vi): A notable member with a strong reputation, known for her prowess and influence in guild affairs.
Beta: A skilled and respected member recognized for his abilities and contributions to the guild’s success.
Casper: Known for his stealth and cunning, Casper excels in covert operations and intelligence work.
Midnight: A mysterious and elusive figure whose skills and motives are often shrouded in secrecy.
The Sigi's: A trio of brothers—Sigurd, Sigifrith, and Sigfrudr—who specialize in coordinated tactics during battle. Sigurd wields a great ax, Sigifrith holds the shield wall with his war door, and Sigfrudr strikes with sword and shield.

Culture and Operations

Fellowship: The Black Company values strong camaraderie among its members. Loyalty and mutual support are key aspects of its culture, with members forming tight-knit relationships.
Gambling: The guild’s taverns are famous for their gambling activities. Games frequently played amongst the members are 2-4 24 and Gummy Bear Races. Members use a unique form of currency called chookies for internal gambling. Chookies are small, seemingly insignificant objects such as marbles, animal teeth, dice, or small crystals.
Exclusivity: Membership is highly exclusive, although access to the guild’s taverns and operations is open to members and allies of Black Company.

Function

They have been heavily involved in various conflicts, including:
Land Disputes in Vale Tor: The company has been hired by the Brother Kings during their small territorial disputes, usually playing a decisive role due to their superior skills and intimidation tactics. These disputes, though small, often end quickly thanks to the Black Company’s involvement, though occasionally the other side wins by sheer numbers.
Every Major War: No major conflict occurs without the Black Company being present, fighting for whichever side offers the highest payment. They play a key role in the outcome of wars, often being the first on the battlefield to scout and establish camp.