Free Sword

Free Swords are commonly referred to as mercenaries, taking jobs that the local forces can't handle. Mercenaries may be the only hope of villages looking for defenders against raiders, overextended sheriffs chasing powerful fugitives, and small merchants traveling Etharis's dangerous byroads. Larger mercenary companies win wars on behalf of cities and kings. They fight for coin above all else., exacting little honor from the contracts they accept.

**Skill Proficiency:** Intimidation.

**Additional Equipment:** Moleskin gloves, grappling net, a hip flask of hard liquor.

**Independent Contractor**

Upon spending an hour loitering within a town, and succeeding on a medium-DC Charisma (Intimidation) check, your intimidating presence draws offers of employment to you. As long as you are not trying to conceal your presence, jobs befitting a Free Sword Mercenary will find you. You can find mercenary and adventuring jobs only available to Free Sword licence-holders. These jobs typically pay more than a standard contract of their type. Free Sword guilds take a 5% cut as a guild fee.

## Rank 1 - Hireling

You have been trained in combat by a group of mercenaries with a Free Sword licence. After many tedious years of combat drills and shooting at straw targets, you are close to receiving your very own licence.

**Holdings:**

Lodging at any Free Sword's guild house and use of Free Sword's training grounds and facilities.

The contract for a dangerous bounty that your mentor died trying to complete.

**Progression:**

Complete a contract with a guild member who has a Free Sword licence.

## Rank 2 - Sellsword

After proving your competence and trustworthiness, you have become a guild-licensed Sellsword. You start to receive specific requests for jobs as your reputation grows.

**Holdings:**

A Free Sword licence, which allows you to accept your own contracts as a mercenary and collect the rewards.

Access to hirelings belonging to the Free Swords guild, who you can contract for a small fee.

**Progression:**

Lead a team successfully through several high-stakes encounters during mercenary contracts.

## Rank 3 - Sword Commander

You have proven your combat prowess and command of battlefield tactics. Special requests for your services are becoming more frequent, often from people or groups of higher social status. The mercenary companions who accompany you on your jobs have matured into disciplined soldiers who trust you as their commander.

**Holdings:**

Your own private room in a guild house and a retainer who can either take care of business for you at the guild house or accompany you on your travels.

Command authority over lower ranks and the power to employ them for jobs.

Access to restricted jobs that depend on sensitive information or extraordinary risk.

**Progression:**

Successfully complete a restricted job for a high-profile client.

## Rank 4 - Battlelord

You have been elected by the members of your Free Swords guild to lead them forward to greater power and acclaim. What type of commander are you going to be? Will you lead by example and rush into the fray during combat, or retire the sword and pick up the pen?

**Holdings:**

Command of the Free Sword's guild and its members, including managing contracts, and overseeing the training of hirelings.

A guild chapterhouse, which includes housing for you and your lieutenants as well as extensive armoury for guild members.

Militarist

* Guard
* Soldier

Other Advanced Backgrounds