The Company of Dead Men
A large mercenary company closely associated with the Church of Morgath.
Originally based in the Kingdom of Rethem, this Company has relocated some of its forces to the Thardic Republic and begun actively recruiting. They have received funding and are partially owned by Senator Tuvoth Rylen of the Thardic Republic and the Order of the Lord of Chaos.
In 725T, the Company embarked on a foreign raid in the Kingdom of Kanday. The ill-conceived incursion ended in disaster, with many of the organization's best soldiers and leaders killed. The fighting strength of the Dead Men has been severely compromised.
Leadership
The company was founded by Buraggar Harmoren, who led the Dead Men for many years. He claimed to be touched by the God Morgath. However, Harmoren disappeared in late 725TR. The new captain is Mylar Kaine, a warrior sponsored by the priest of the Order of the Lord of Chaos.
Fighting Strength
The Dead Men use the base unit, the Squad, with a strength of 13 men.
Each Squad consists of has 1 Sergeant, 2 Corporals, and 10 ordinary soldiers. Scouts support some Squads.
The Company can field at least three squads of light infantry, two squads of Archers, and three Light Cavalry squadrons.
A squad experience varies considerably from fodder or green recruits to skilled veterans.
Duties
In the Kingdom of Rethem
They are employed to guard caravans and work short-term garrison duty at Caer Chaftar.
In the Thardic Republic
The Company is currently contracted to the Church of Morgath, providing guards and security to various archaeological expeditions. The grim priests of the Order of the Lord of Chaos are often seen accompanying the Dead Men.
Joining
Before joining the Company, recruits are made to make the following vow.
I will be Loyal to the Company until Death and Beyond.
I will never Betray the Company through Death and Beyond.
I will Obey the Orders of my Superiors until Death and Beyond.
Life, Death, Glory Forever.
The recruit then signs or makes their mark in Blood in the Company Chronicle, a book with a cover that looks very much like human skin. The original chronicle has disappeared, and a new version has been provided by the Order of the Lord of Chaos.
Interesting group. Would like to see some stats on the group, discussion of the leadership and numbers.
I don't think this means what you intended. I will never Betray the Company until Death and Beyond. Use of the word 'until' makes it sound like, yeah after death you can betray the company that is cool. Perhaps a better wording might be: I will never Betray the Company through Death and Beyond.
Thank great idea, I have updated the oath. I am deliberately vague about these mercenaries' strengths and abilities as they will have a role in the future.