Hoarfrost
This fortress is nestled between two rivers spawned from the snow-melt from the nearby peaks. Though the clime is frigid, it's fields are practically filled with the northern rose which the mercenary troop of Hoarfrost has taken as their heraldry, dubbing themselves the Rose Company.
The mercenaries that call this area their home are consummate professionals. Initially, there may be some confusion as to the role of a band of hired blades in a time without war. That uncertainty is typically settled when one learns of their role as highly-sought monster hunters.
Demographics
The ethnic and genetic demographics of the population do not provide divisions in social class. Each member of the Company and their retinue are employed to suit their talents, be they martial or domestic. All members of the Company are assessed for various aptitudes upon enlistment or upon enslavement.
The only clear delineations between social standings are between the brave and the craven.
The only clear delineations between social standings are between the brave and the craven.
Government
The direction and command of the Rose Company is the purview of the High Marshall, a position that is currently held by Grignul Yhigs, a particularly cunning and astute Hobgoblin.
Though the vast majority of Company business is conducted through contracts, all contracts must be reviewed and approved by a singular authority, the Contract Commissioner. This position is filled by a gray-skinned Tiefling named Litany; the most trusted and respected confidant of the High Marshall.
The ranks below High Marshall are Petal, Thorn, and Crown. The four-hundred mercenaries under the High Marshall are broken into four distinct Divisions, each commanded by a Thorn who answer only to the Contract Commissioner and the High Marshall. Under each Thorn are four Stems who maintain the training regimen and discipline of the Petals. Petals make up the rank and file of the force. The remaining seventy-three inhabitants are of the fortress are menials who hold no rank.
Though the vast majority of Company business is conducted through contracts, all contracts must be reviewed and approved by a singular authority, the Contract Commissioner. This position is filled by a gray-skinned Tiefling named Litany; the most trusted and respected confidant of the High Marshall.
The ranks below High Marshall are Petal, Thorn, and Crown. The four-hundred mercenaries under the High Marshall are broken into four distinct Divisions, each commanded by a Thorn who answer only to the Contract Commissioner and the High Marshall. Under each Thorn are four Stems who maintain the training regimen and discipline of the Petals. Petals make up the rank and file of the force. The remaining seventy-three inhabitants are of the fortress are menials who hold no rank.
Defences
The defenses of the fortress are many. Both entrances across the draw bridges spanning the rivers have sets of murder holes set into the ceilings of the portcullises. Mages and archers are stationed along the walls and teams of melee combatants take positions in guard stations just beyond the cullis gate.
Industry & Trade
Merchants make regular trips to and from this fort, typically to resupply the garrison's warehouse. It is common that the fort will take in more inventory than it actually needs to sustain itself, both to supply for the long winters and to sell the excess merchandise if the opportunity should present itself. Given the nature of the fort, luxury items and expensive items that serve little functional purpose are in short supply, though that does not mean that there may not be a handful of individuals with these particular interests.
Infrastructure
Cobblestone roads and arched bridges have been constructed to allow travel to be conducted easily throughout this fortress. Given the particular climate of the settlement, greenhouses have been constructed within the city walls to maintain self-sustainability.
Assets
The fortress maintains a complete armory, stocked with all varieties of conventional armors and weapons available to all Company members. Some of the higher ranked and more affluent members may choose to supplement their gear with personally-owned magical equipment.
History
The history of slavery in Hoarfrost is a long one. Slaves and menials in this area are typically acquired as collateral from families or communities unable to meet the financial requirements of their contracts. Though their slaves are well respected and cared for, they are expected to lay down their lives for any cause in which the Company has been paid to take an interest. Any disloyalty to the troupe, disobeying an order of a superior, and acts of cowardice are dealt with harshly due to the dire consequences any and all of these could have on the lives of a blade-brother. Deserters, cowards, and the insubordinate are typically left in hanging cages at the foot of the Blue Peak mountains to the north of the fortress.
The Five Tenets of Service:
1. Always obey the orders of your superiors.
2. Never bring dishonor to the Company, your family, or yourself.
3. Do not accept contracts without the written permission of the Contract Commissioner.
4. Complete all duties as efficiently as possible and to the best of your abilities.
5. Do not discuss details of contracts to those outside the Company.
Standard Contract Terms:
A specific task must be outlined. Specification of a target is not required if it does not apply to the task being contracted for.
A minimum of three mercenaries must be contracted at a time. This is to ensure adequate chances of survival and the diversification of talents.
To cover travel expenses, a standard flat-rate travel fee of five copper per mercenary per mile will be added to total cost which will be calculated at the signing of the contract in addition to the standard daily fee of one gold per mercenary.
All contract costs will be based on the expected lethality of the task and, in rare circumstances, may be altered after report submission following the completion of the contract.
Contracts shall remain confidential, official inquiry by the Council notwithstanding.
If the contractee is unable to pay the agreed upon amount in full, a suitable collateral will be used to cover the remainder of the cost.
1. Always obey the orders of your superiors.
2. Never bring dishonor to the Company, your family, or yourself.
3. Do not accept contracts without the written permission of the Contract Commissioner.
4. Complete all duties as efficiently as possible and to the best of your abilities.
5. Do not discuss details of contracts to those outside the Company.
Alternative Name(s)
Winterkeep
Type
Military, Base
Population
473
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
A specific task must be outlined. Specification of a target is not required if it does not apply to the task being contracted for.
A minimum of three mercenaries must be contracted at a time. This is to ensure adequate chances of survival and the diversification of talents.
To cover travel expenses, a standard flat-rate travel fee of five copper per mercenary per mile will be added to total cost which will be calculated at the signing of the contract in addition to the standard daily fee of one gold per mercenary.
All contract costs will be based on the expected lethality of the task and, in rare circumstances, may be altered after report submission following the completion of the contract.
Contracts shall remain confidential, official inquiry by the Council notwithstanding.
If the contractee is unable to pay the agreed upon amount in full, a suitable collateral will be used to cover the remainder of the cost.
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