Fresh NPC Lists Are Now Available! (Taking Requests For Future Releases)

If you're a fan of my TTRPG supplements, then you probably know that I'm rapidly approaching 200 splats at time of writing! While it's unlikely I'll cross the bicentennial by the end of the year, it probably won't be too long after 2025 gets here that I'll mark that particular occasion. However, with all of the different topics I've covered over the years, I wanted to draw some attention to two of my more recent releases, and to ask the readers out there if they'd like to see me put out more NPC-based supplements in the near future!

And if you haven't checked these out yet, please do!

As always, don't forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter to get all my updates right in your inbox. Also, if you've got a bit of spare cash that you'd like to use to help keep the wheels turning, consider becoming a Patreon patron! Also, be sure you're following all of my followables, check out my LinkTree.

Lastly, for hundreds of extra articles on gaming, weird history, and for more free fiction, check out my Vocal archive, too!

What Kind of NPCs Do You Need At Your Table?

For folks who aren't subscribed to my newsletter, or aren't keyed-in to my social media feed, my two most recent releases were 100 Helpful Hirelings (which is a list of NPC hirelings that have a variety of skill sets a party might want to put on the payroll), and 100 Town Guards (since most towns have some sort of guard or militia ready to protect them from threats).

While these might seem like the standard sort of release you'd put out for Game Masters, it's actually been quite some time since I've focused on NPC lists specifically. Most of what I've put out lately has been keyed to a specific game (like my recent release Army Men, or my fantasy RPG setting Sundara: Dawn of a New Age), or I've been focusing on organizations over individuals.

Why, you might ask? Well, at first it was because organizations overall seemed more popular than lists of individual NPCs (100 Monastic Orders seemed like a more enticing supplement than 100 Monks to Meet, so I wrote the former, but not the latter... yet, at least). After that, though, it was because I just needed some variety in my output, since if I write the same kind of content for too long I start going cross-eyed. But I figured that it was time to come back to something that honestly started off my career with Azukail Games, and which is currently one of my top types of sellers.

But I wanted to ask readers this week... what kinds of NPCs do you need most at your table? And before you scroll down to leave your request in the comments below, check the existing supplements I've listed to see whether the one you want/need is already out there, and waiting for you to pick it up!

Also, before you all get to scrolling, please take a moment to check out The Wind and The Demon, the introductory story from 100 Monastic Orders. If you like it, subscribe to the Azukail Games YouTube channel, and share it around to help us get a little closer to the 200 hours we still need to get the channel monetized!

Current NPC Supplements

I'm not including the NPC lists I've written for the World/Chronicles of Darkness, or for Call of Cthulhu, as I feel those are a little bit too game-specific for this week's post. But in addition to the supplements for town guards and hirelings mentioned above, I've also put together:

- World's Oldest Profession: 100 Courtesans and Concubines: Brothels can be found all over our fantasy settings, and if you're looking to make sure there are plenty of memorable NPCs in yours, this list will definitely make that happen!

- 100 Nobles To Encounter: Whether you need antagonists, paymasters, or extended family members for some of your player characters, this collection of nobles has all kinds of aristocrats to choose from.

- 100 Random Bandits To Meet: From being waylaid on the roads, to meeting up with old friends on the wrong side of the law, this supplement has all sorts of highwaymen and brigands, including a few legendary bandit lords who may not be quite what they seem.

- 100 NPCs You Might Meet In The Tavern: My first (and thus far only) Platinum seller, this is the book that started me down the NPC-list path. Grab this one, even if you grab none of the others, because you're going to be getting together at the bar sooner or later.

- 100 Pirates To Encounter: The flip side of the bandit supplement, this one is for adventure on the high seas! From scallawags and blackguards to pirate lords, there's a bit of everything in here.

- 100 Prisoners For A Fantasy Jail: Whether your characters start off in one of these, or they get sent there in the course of their "adventures," it always helps to have a couple of fellows to fill the cells with.

- 100 Merchants To Encounter: A Gold seller that isn't far behind the NPCs to meet at the tavern, this one has merchants from small towns and bazaars, to big cities and high-end districts... wherever your party goes, and whatever they need to buy, there's someone in here for them.

- 100 Unusual Aasimar: One face of the coin I wrote along with the following supplement, this was originally going to be the start of a series where I covered most basic player species. I could still get back to that, if there was a demand for it!

- 100 Tieflings To Meet In Your Travels: As mentioned above, tieflings and aasimar were meant to be two halves of a whole for GMs who wanted to sprinkle them throughout their game setting. Sadly, neither has crawled out of Silver metal status, so I never went back to species-specific supplements like these.

- 100 Characters You Might Meet In A Star Port: Thus far my only NPC-specific sci-fi supplement, I might have a few more of these up my sleeve in the near future, if that's something folks would like to see more of! Just like this one, the initial release will likely be geared toward the aliens found in Starfinder.

Like, Follow, and Stay in Touch!

That's all for this week's Moon Pope Monday. To stay on top of all my content and releases, make sure you subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of the page!

Again, for more of my work, check out my Vocal archive, and stop by the Azukail Games YouTube channel, or my Rumble channel The Literary Mercenary! Or if you'd prefer to read some of my books, like my dystopian sci-fi thriller Old Soldiers, my hardboiled gangland noir series starring a bruiser of a Maine Coon with Marked Territory and Painted Cats, my sword and sorcery novel Crier's Knife or my latest short story collection The Rejects, then head over to My Amazon Author Page!

To stay on top of all my latest releases, follow me on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and now Pinterest as well! To support my work, consider Buying Me a Ko-Fi, or heading to The Literary Mercenary's Patreon page to become a regular, monthly patron. That one helps ensure you get more Improved Initiative, and it means you'll get my regular, monthly giveaways as a bonus!

5 Questions You Should Ask For Pirate Characters in Your Game

Since September 19th is official Talk Like a Pirate Day, I figured that this would be a good time to think about all the salty dogs, scallywags, buccaneers, and sea reavers who've graced our games over the years. If you can feel the sea calling to your dice for your next game, here are some thoughts you should keep in mind before you set sail for high adventure!

For adventure, for treasure, and for the fate of the realms!

Also, before we get into the meat of this week's update, I wanted to remind everyone that I now have a newsletter! It's going out once a week on Mondays, and it will give you a full recap of the entire week's releases, project progress, and news... so sign up today if you don't want to miss anything from me again!

Now, without further ado, let's get started...

#1: Who Did You Serve With?

Jack? Oh yeah, he and I go way back...

Piracy is one of those crimes you don't commit on your own. Whether you're in a longship with a dozen other raiders, or you've got a galley with half a hundred big guns along each side, pirates are sailors first and foremost. And to sail a vessel, you need to be part of a crew.

Which begs the question... who did you serve with?

The answer to this question can be as detailed as you want, but it's a good idea to have at least a few specifics when it comes to your former crew members. Who were your friends on the crew? Who were your enemies? Did the bosun have it in for you, always giving you the worst duties he could? Were you and the captain close, or were you so far down the ranks that she only recognized you by your signature on the crew's roster? Given that a pirate operation could be as small as a few dozen, or as sweeping as a fleet, you've got plenty of room to play with, here.

For quick inspiration on this one, check out my 100 Pirates to Encounter supplement! From captains and first mates all the way down to the lowest deck hands, there's a little bit of everything in there. If that's not enough, you might find that 100 Random Bandits to Meet can fill in the gaps.

#2: Why Did You Become a Pirate?

College debt ain't going to pay itself.

As with any other profession, the motivation behind your choice to turn pirate can speak volumes for who your character is, and what their experience has been. For example, were you a former navy sailor who found themselves at loose ends after a war? A fisherman whose livelihood was disrupted by the new path taken by silver haulers, so you decided to raid them for the wealth they'd stolen from you? Were you press-ganged into service by pirates who took your ship? Did you wake up with a splitting headache from the night before, already on a ship miles out to sea?

All of these choices, and many more, are valid options.

It's also important to consider what I said in 3 Questions For Fleshing Out Criminal Characters, and to ask if your character is currently a pirate, an ex-pirate, or if they return to the trade as the winds of chance blow. Do they tell themselves they just need one more big score to get out, or are they married to the life? Did they get in out of necessity, but now it's the only way they know how to be?

Just some things to think about.

#3: What Was Your Ship's Code?

Just make your mark, and head to your berth.

Normally I'm one of the first people to remind players and DMs that the history, rules, customs, and traditions of a fantasy world are not required to mirror those of ours. With that said, though, the idea of a pirate ship having a code of conduct that members were expected to follow, as well as specific rules laid out for shares of treasure and compensation for injuries is something I think is worth adding into a character's history for sheer world building flair, if nothing else.

I talk about this more in Was The Pirate Code a Real Thing?, but it can add a lot of interesting points to a character. Perhaps they suggest the party draws up a contract, complete with loot distribution agreements, behavior requirements, and what lengths other members must go to in the name of the fellowship. For those who want to incorporate a little more history, making it a democratic process where all members get a say could make for interesting RP, even if everyone is just sitting around the table in the inn as they decide the basis of their working arrangement.

#4: What Is Your Reputation?

Yeah, you see those around here. I've got a history.

I first talked about this in Character Reputation in RPGs: The Small Legend, but it's particularly important when it comes to pirates. Whether you're an infamous pirate captain like the Dread Pirate Roberts (speaking of, his conversion guide is still up!), or you were simply part of an infamous crew, those are the things people are going to recognize when they size you up. Being a pirate is basically joining a floating gang, and whether you're still flashing colors, talking their particular lingo, or you have some indelible marks that show you were once a part of that crew, people are going to notice them and react accordingly.

I listed several possibilities specifically for pirates in 100 Fantasy Tattoos (And The Meaning Behind Them) in case you missed that supplement and were looking for a reason to pick it up.

#5: Remember, Any Class Can Be a Pirate

You'll address me as Captain or Sir, sailor, is that understood?

I made this point back in Any Class Can Be a Knight (More Thoughts on Outside-The-Box Character Presentation), and I hinted at it in Make Characters More Unique By Adding "But on The High Seas", but it's definitely worth repeating. Your class is just a set of skills and abilities your character possesses... it's not their job.

So the question you have to ask is what does a character with your class bring to a pirate crew?

Some of those answers are going to be obvious. A swashbuckler can easily move over difficult terrain, stabbing and parrying in the close quarters of ship-to-ship combat. A barbarian's fury would be holy hell unleashed on the narrow confines of a deck when there's no room to flee. A wizard on the high seas could act as a living artillery piece, crippling enemy ships with a wave of their hand, or summoning fog banks to cover an escape. A bard could act as a competent bosun, shouting out orders and inspiring the crew, while a druid might act as ship's navigator, summoning aid from the very waters to help them.

Just some thoughts to keep in mind, whether you're exploring the archetype of the pirate as an exercise in something new, or you're gearing up for Skull and Shackles, or a similar adventure path/campaign!

Like, Follow, and Stay in Touch!

That's all for this week's Fluff post! If you've used this in your games, share a story down in the comments!

For more of my work, check out my Vocal archive, and stop by the YouTube channel Dungeon Keeper Radio. Or if you'd prefer to read some of my books, like my sword and sorcery novel Crier's Knife or my recent short story collection The Rejects, then head over to My Amazon Author Page!

To stay on top of all my latest releases, follow me on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and now Pinterest as well! To support my work, consider Buying Me a Ko-Fi, or heading to The Literary Mercenary's Patreon page to become a regular, monthly patron. That one helps ensure you get more Improved Initiative, and it means you'll get my regular, monthly giveaways as a bonus!

The Failure of Imagination

For those who don't follow my writing blog The Literary Mercenary, I was out at Capricon last month like I am every February. It's a small fantasy and sci-fi con in Chicago where I volunteer to do readings, hold down a signing table, and to get on panels talking about various subjects. This year I was on a panel with Pablo Vazquez, a very chill individual and fellow RPG designer, where we talked about how the Caribbean is more than just pirates... even though that's what everyone (on the paler side of the Western world, anyway) thinks of anytime that part of the map comes up.

It's got more than gleaming beaches and palm trees, too, for those who don't know.

While the conversation on the panel went all over the place, Pablo dropped a term that I'd like to share with all my readers out there. Players and DMs alike, it's something we should all be aware of when it comes to the games we play, and the stories we tell.

The term is Failure of Imagination.

When You Don't Know What You Don't Know

For some context, Pablo was discussing how in fiction (but especially in RPGs), anytime there's an island chain you see the same set of archetypes play out time and time again. There's a pirate colony that looks like Tortuga, there's an island of cannibals, a lost ocean horror being worshiped as a god... and that's really it.

And sure, those things are interesting... but is that really the best our collective imaginations can come up with?

Shots fired, Captain... shots fired!

Now, to be clear, I'm not dissing pirates as a story element. Hell, I wrote 100 Pirates to Encounter precisely because I thought it would be a fun supplement to add a little spice to these games. However, ask yourself how many times you came across a Caribbean-style setting and found something outside this mold. An entire culture of sugarcane-harvesting halflings who replaced their ale with rum and danced on the beaches to bonfires? Pearl diving orcs whose test of manhood is racing up the side of an active volcano? Holdfasts of dwarven surfers covered in clan tattoos with seashells woven into their beards?

That last one, by the by, first came up in Do Dwarves Surf? Tips For Diversifying Non-Human Fantasy Races... and it STILL gets me hate mail and salty comments on social media whenever someone brings it up.

This goes beyond the tendency we have to put gangs of sea reavers on archipelagoes, though; it's our tendency to just make assumptions about certain locations, or particular story beats, without stopping to examine them. To pause and ask ourselves, "Is this really all we can do with this? Or can we make it different?"

Because when you start making things different, that's when your imagination really gets room to play.

Barbarians Are Vikings, Bards Are Whiny, And So On...

Nine times out of ten, whenever I run into really fiery arguments about games it's not about the mechanics... it's always about people's assumptions regarding what games are (and in a lot of opinions, what games have to be) from a flavor and story perspective.

And some of the most heated conversations I've seen have been about barbarians and bards, as well as the cultures that produce them. As an example.

For those of you not familiar with Alvin Dragonsborn, he's the crown prince of a matriarchal fantasy queendom. He's had the best teachers since he was born, he knows his courtesies, and he enjoys playing chess along with reading treatises on philosophy. But when he has a sword in his hand, the Rage boils up from within, and that's when the dragon within him wakes.

He is, in many respects, the exact opposite of what many players think of when they think of barbarian characters. Rather than being raised out in the wilds by a tribal society, brutalized from a young age and ignorant to the ways of the civilized world, he is a product of the highest levels of civilization. But does that preclude him from the well of Rage that bubbles within him, or the skill and speed he fights with? Absolutely not... but failure of imagination often leads people to declare that princes can't be barbarians because it is not something they're capable of imagining.

The same goes for bards. When a majority of players picture bards, they think of Jaskier from The Witcher. You're always in fancy performing clothes, a little foppish, constantly trying to get laid, very pretty, and sometimes useful, but outside of being a face you're not a help. However, a bard could just as easily be a bellowing half-orc drill sergeant, howling out war cries and shouting marching tunes to keep his soldiers on-task. I've played such a character, and it took most of the table hours to realize he wasn't a really crafty barbarian with an abnormal number of Knowledge skills.

As I said earlier, there is nothing wrong with going with the expected attributes of a class, or the assumptions that come with a particular type of setting. However, if you want to step outside of the usual, it sometimes pays to lean back, and give your imagination room to breathe. So the next time you think about a setting, or a character concept, push on those boundaries and see what comes out. Does the gleaming society of magic-infused technology exist in the far north, for example, making the stereotype of northmen being that they're learned and scholarly instead of brutish warriors in this setting? Do you only find dragons on volcanic islands, making those of draconic heritage more likely in such areas, driving out pirates that might try to ply their trade there? Are orcs known as traders and merchants, and goblins as tinkerers, while elves are seen as disorganized bands of raiders and gnomes are creatures of spite and malice?

There's no right way... just see which direction your imagination goes in.

Like, Follow, and Stay in Touch!

That's all for this week's Moon Pope Monday. Hopefully you found this term useful!

For more of my work, check out my Vocal archive, and stop by the YouTube channel Dungeon Keeper Radio. Or if you'd prefer to read some of my books, like my sword and sorcery novel Crier's Knife or my latest short story collection The Rejects, then head over to My Amazon Author Page!

To stay on top of all my latest releases, follow me on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and now Pinterest as well! To support my work, consider Buying Me a Ko-Fi, or heading to The Literary Mercenary's Patreon page to become a regular, monthly patron. That one helps ensure you get more Improved Initiative, and it means you'll get my regular, monthly giveaways as a bonus!

5 Supplements For Players Looking For Character Inspiration

Folks who frequent my page know that, in addition to running this blog, I also work on a lot of other gaming projects. Most of those, though, are aimed at dungeon masters. Stuff like 100 NPCs You Might Meet at a Tavern, for example, of the DND 5th Edition one shot The Curse of Sapphire Lake.

You know you're curious, now.

However, I've put out a lot of content over the past year and change that is also useful for players who are looking for a bit of inspiration to spice up their characters. So if you've been looking for some unique flair to add to your PCs, I'd recommend checking out some of the following to get your creative juices flowing.

#1: 100 Fantasy Bands

I call this next one, "Hope You Roll an 18 on Your Save"!

This was one of my most recent releases, and it's still fresh enough that it hasn't even hit Copper status yet, but 100 Fantasy Bands is a collection that's full of the weird, the wild, and the bizarre in the world of entertainment. And while it's useful for all the bards and skalds out there, no doubt, there are tie-ins for a variety of character concepts.

If your character is the party muscle, were they security for a controversial band like Devil's Bargain? Or were they a part of The Wall for a time when they left the service, performing in parades and similar events with other veterans? Did your spellcaster provide special effects for some of these traveling shows? Or do they just like music, and as such they keep track of who's coming up from the underground scene on their travels and adventures?

All sorts of possibilities in this one!

#2: 100 Random Mercenary Companies

You looking for iron, friend?

 Being a mercenary is one of the most common character backstories in an RPG, but it rarely gets more development than that. 100 Random Mercenary Companies provides all sorts of free companies your character could have been a part of, and which will affect everything from your reputation, to whether you made enemies when you left your fellows in arms.

Whether your character fought for the black-armored Harbingers of Sorrow to try to fill the void after a personal loss, or they skulked through the underbrush and back alleys as saboteurs for the Eyes of Karesh, there are all sorts of unique companies that require a number of talents. There are even mercenary companies that specialize in magic, from the destructive capabilities of the Acolytes of Arannis, to the Coven and their ability to foretell the omens for coming battles.

If your skills are for sale, it pays to know who trained you, who you've fought with before, and whether that unit is respected, feared, hated, or some combination of those things.

#3: 100 Knightly Orders

My steel, my oath, my life.

 For those who want to dedicate their steel to a cause nobler than their own purse, 100 Knightly Orders is an ideal place to find inspiration. Whether you're common born or of noble stock, and whether you fight for valor, glory, honor, or reputation, there's likely an order that will fit your character's needs.

From the gray-cloaked members of the Grave Wardens who ensure the dead pose no threat to the living, to the Heralds of War who are always the first to sound the charge in any battle, these orders provide a solid background for characters who want to be part of something greater than themselves. Or who, in some cases, want to set being inducted into such an order as a goal of their character progression. And it's not just for the martial characters, either, with organizations like The Eldritch Order of The Ivory Hand, as well as the Masters of The Unbreakable Chain providing plenty of room for wizards, sorcerers, witches, and summoners to join their ranks.

#4: 100 Gangs For Your Urban Campaigns

And just how did an adventurer like you wind up down here on my block?

 Perhaps only slightly less common than sellswords when it comes to character professions are thieves, scoundrels, legbreakers, and assassins. And if you're looking for a way to flesh those characters out, then 100 Gangs For Your Urban Campaigns has got you covered, and then some!

From the confederacy of small gangs that rose to prominence in the form of the Rat Kings, to the Gilded Lilies of the pleasure districts, there's a gang for nearly every criminal specialty you could imagine. And if there aren't quite enough for you in that collection, then you'll find additional allies, inspiration, and crews you could use in both 100 Random Bandits to Meet, as well as in the nautical-themed 100 Pirates to Encounter. From plague-ships captained by dark necromancers, to former soldiers banding together to take back what's theirs from the nobles who taxed them off their lands, there's quite a variety to choose from, here.

#5: A Baker's Dozen of Noble Families

Honor to your house, shame to your enemies.

 Noble characters are already tough to play (one reason that 5 Tips For Playing Better Noble Characters is one of my most popular guides), but it helps if you don't have to do all of the heavy lifting on your own when it comes to the details of this character's family and lineage. That's where A Baker's Dozen of Noble Families comes in.

Unlike the previous entries on this list, the Baker's Dozen does a fairly deep dive on 13 potential noble families. From the backwater swamp folk of the Dredger clans who were raised to nobility for their help in a war, to the monster hunting warriors of the Silvers, each description provides a history, colors, style, and heraldry. So if you're looking to play a noble character, each of these should give you more than enough details to get you started along that path without breaking too much of a sweat.

And if you're looking for further inspiration, as well as for friends, rivals, family, or just fellow members of your social caste, then 100 Nobles to Encounter should make a handy companion supplement.

Like, Follow, and Stay in Touch!

That's all for this week's Moon Pope Monday. Hopefully you found these suggestions useful!

For more of my work, check out my Vocal archive, and stop by the YouTube channel Dungeon Keeper Radio. Or if you'd prefer to read some of my books, like my sword and sorcery novel Crier's Knife or my latest short story collection The Rejects, then head over to My Amazon Author Page!

To stay on top of all my latest releases, follow me on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and now Pinterest as well! To support my work, consider Buying Me a Ko-Fi, or heading to The Literary Mercenary's Patreon page to become a regular, monthly patron. That one helps ensure you get more Improved Initiative, and it means you'll get my regular, monthly giveaways as a bonus!

Who Are Your Mercenary Companies?

PCs come from all walks of life. Some of them have been soldiers, others were scholars, and more than a few of them were craftsmen, priests, and farmers. All too often, though, players won't give you a detailed answer on their character's work history. They simply reach for the low-hanging fruit as a way to plug the huge gap in the PC's backstory. While the most common answer by far seems to be, "I'm an adventurer!" (and I've covered that previously in Stop Using The Word "Adventurer" And See How It Changes Your Game), the second-place contender is typically that the PC is a mercenary.

Problem?

Now, that isn't to say that "mercenary" is a bad background for a PC, or that your world shouldn't have freelance troops ready for hire. However, rather than just letting a player give a general job title, dig a little deeper with them. Ask why they left the group they used to work for, what trappings they took with them, if they would be welcomed back, and most importantly, who they've served with?

And if you need help with that last one, you might enjoy 100 Random Mercenary Companies from Azukail Games (authored by yours truly). Also, if you're going into the high tech future, you might want to take a look at 100 Sci-Fi Mercenary Companies as well!

Give Them Options (And Watch Characters Grow)

Mercenary companies come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Some are cavalry tacticians, while others are unsurpassed foot soldiers. Some are sailors in times of war, and pirates in times of peace. Every mercenary company, though, has a reputation. Because that reputation is often what they sell themselves on, and how they attract new blood.

The 100 Ronin have won wars simply by being hired, their reputation is so fierce.

Whether you take inspiration from history by looking at groups like The Varangian Guard (viking and Anglo-Saxon mercenaries who protected the Eastern Roman emperors), or you decide to make up something out of whole cloth like the Lost Squires (a group founded by squires whose knights died, leaving them half-trained, but otherwise masterless), these groups add a lot of potential to player backstories.

Take a moment to ask what mercenary companies exist in your setting? How big are they? Who founded them? What is their reputation, and do they have any kind of uniform or badge to mark out members? Do they have a motto, or a doctrine? Do they claim to serve a higher purpose, such as being servants of a god of war?

Also, remember, free companies have all sorts of needs, and will hire all kinds of freelancers. So if you're looking for a spin on "Dark Ages PMC", here are some examples to consider.

- The Acolytes of Arannis: Founded by the evoker Arannis, the war wizards of the Acolytes specialize in ending wars with arcane might. Their commanders are made up of wizards, sorcerers, bards, magi, and even alchemists, but the company also boasts assassins and warriors trained in how to kill spellcasters should the need arise.

- The Harbingers of Sorrow: Every war has losers, and the Harbingers of Sorrow was originally formed from those who knew how to fight, but who had nothing left to fight for. Dressed in funerary black, the Harbingers fight in almost complete silence but for bellowed orders, and droning war horns. Their ranks are made up of disowned knights, exiled warriors, and veterans who lost everything but their swords when their units fell. The Harbingers never flee, it's said, because they have nowhere else to run to.

- The Jolly Company of The Black Flag: When war turns to peace, sailors often turn to piracy in order to keep food in their bellies. While there was much to be made plundering merchant ships, Captain Korgon Blood realized there was even more to be made in keeping them safe. The half-orc and his galleons hired themselves as escorts, using their knowledge of the other captains to avoid being attacked when they could. While the Jolly Company is mostly legitimate now, there are always rumors dogging them that they aren't above playing both sides of the water... or in staging attacks by phantom pirates to drive up demand for their services.

But What About Independent Operators?

With all of that said, there's still plenty of room for independent contractors. After all, sometimes a caravan just needs an extra sword, and one more pair of eyes. Maybe your employer has a very specific job he wants done, and it's a one-time gig for a professional like you. Perhaps you specifically operate in gray areas of the law, so they want someone not affiliated with any established group.

That's still an option. However, the iron trade is a booming business anywhere there's strife and conflict. So consider expanding the world a bit, and giving your players several mercenary groups they could have been affiliated with in the past... or which might recruit them in the future!

Also, speaking of mercenary companies, you may want to consider Blackguard. They hire anyone, regardless of past criminal history, alignment, race, or class. And they're particularly keen on doing outreach to groups that tend to be marginalized. Kobold survivors of warren raids, orcs whose parents were killed by wandering sellswords, and even to those serving convictions for misuse of the mystic arts. Blackguard has a place for you, if you're willing to step up!

 

That's all for this week's Fluff post. Hopefully it got some wheels turning out there, and if you have any unique mercenary companies of your own, feel free to leave a description in the comments below. If you'd like to see more content from yours truly, then check out my Vocal archive, or head over to the YouTube channel Dungeon Keeper Radio where I work with talented gamers to create things like that Blackguard video above. To keep up-to-date on all my latest releases, follow me on Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter. And, if you'd like to support my work, please head over to The Literary Mercenary's Patreon page, or click here to Buy Me A Coffee! Either way, I'll be happy to send you some sweet gaming swag as a thank you for your support!