Mercenary Scum from the Lunar Provinces
Baron’s Blackshields call themselves a mercenary band but a really an adventuring group. They are a disparate group of Individuals but can be identified easily each carries a matt black shield.
They are currently employed on a long term contract by Halycon Von Enkorth in the service of Lunar Empire. They are used for roles which he needs a degree of loyalty for but does not want to go through the standard military authorities.
The group is initially from Holay and Tarsh but can’t return home with ease due to past crimes. They are cunning and vicious, but ill-disciplined and arrogant. They do not think there is anyone in Balazar they should be scared of, but have been lucky enough not encounter any more powerful groups of the elder races so far.
Usually when on job which takes them out of Elkoi they hire associates to bulk out numbers, and to do much of the dying. These could be Elkoi Hunters, Holayan mercenaries, Imther Barbarians or Tusk Riders.
Being in the service of Halycon Von Enkorth they are immune to punishment for any crimes which are not to Lunar Citizens or property.
Plot uses: These are Halycons stooges, recurring crafty sneaky mean, bad guys. They will be thoroughly wasted if used in one random direct combat encounter only to die early.
If players cross the Lunar Empire these are the guys who will be sent deep into Balazar after them. They will usually do so with extra mercenaries as backup.
If encountered more randomly they could be;
- Causing minor trouble around any of the citadels.
- Found bullying Small Balazarings groups out in the wilds usually after their women.
- Escorting someone back to Elkoi for a ‘discussion’ with Halcyon von Enkorth
- Tracking and hunting for anyone Haylcon Von Enkorth decides is a threat to the empire
- Engage in long range scouting for the Empire
If the players are Lunar these guys make good rivals as they would not be adverse to some foul play to ensure they continue to get the good jobs. Weaker parties could suffer this gang as very poor employers.
Later in the campaign they will turn on Halcyon because he is not able to pay them for work done, and they will be outlawed from Elkoi also and have to flee deeper into Balazar.
Baron Tyler
Initiate of Seven Mothers
Runes: Moon, Death, Movement
Threat Level ****
Traits : Aggressive, Patient, Calm, Leader, Cunning, Violent, Greedy
The leader of the group, he is a man in his Early 40’s, greying long hair with shaved sides and long beard but Lithe and light of frame with active and alert eyes.
His title is a work of fiction, he is a Former Street urchin from Mrins cross in Holay who Spent 21 years with the silver shields, ended as sergeant. Has spent 6 years with his own band since, he functions as the leader of the group.
He is a skilled warrior with Scimitar and Javelin and wields and iron scimitar. He has the cunning of an old warrior and if ever possible will make sure the odds are stacked in his favour before fighting. He is loyal to no one and if he feels his life is one the line he will leave his mission or any of the his compatriots without a second thought.
He has a deep love of gold and wears a few interesting pieces of gold jewellery. He has an light infantryman’s dislike of horsemen and cavalry, and will prefer to walk in most instances.
Trishana Salma
Initiate of Seven Mothers
Runes: Moon, Death, Mastery
Threat Level: ****
Traits: Extrovert, Calm, Brave, Humorous
Trishana was born a Petty Noble from the Filichet area. In his Late 20’s, with a shaved head, strong duelling scar across left cheek
Being an excellent swordsman’s, he was a former duellist, and unfortunately killed a local magistrate’s younger cousin in a duel. Since that point he has been lying low with Baron Tyler for 4 years.
Highly Skilled with Scimitar, rapier and round shield he is very confident in his abilities and likes to challenge a single opponent to a duel.
He is a likeable and charismatic character and will usually be the one to hire and command mercenaries’ for the group. He is the closest thing has to Tylers second in command.
Trishana is most educated of the group likes to read and has a fondness for Carmarthen poetry.
Big Howarth
Initiate of Seven Mothers
Runes: Moon, Disorder, Stasis
Threat level: ***
Thraits: Impulsive, Greedy, Lazy, Brave
Early 20’s, very fat as well as being very large being over 6’ 7” in height and 350lbs in weight. He is incredibly strong but slow of speed and wit.
He grew up as a son of herder from near Eneal and quickly learned to use his size to exhort a living. Having never being a trained warrior he was recruited due to his size and strength, receiving a level of training from the Baron, he isn’t a skilled warrior but is deadly due to his strength. He been with the gang for 2 years
He uses a uses a Pole Axe in battle and is used particularly to attack larger foes, and is often protected by a Tolar
He loves food and continues to be a glutton
Tolar Blackheart
Apostate of Yelmalio
Runes: Sky, Stasis, Death
Threat level: ****
Traits: Dour, Dishonest, Lethargic, Slightly bitter but loyal Individual
A burly, bearded, deep voiced individual in his lates 20’s, who is a solid warrior in Templar mode.
However he was broken out as a Sun Dome Templar, when he ran from a troll in battle. He has been with the gang for 4 years.
He is slow to change has not found a new path he wishes to embrace yet, he is considering the Lunar way but has not yet decided to commit to it.
He is a keen proponent of the game shield push and is trying to teach the lunar garrison at Elkoi the game. He will also bet on any game of shield push he encounters.
He usually fights with hoplite shield and long spear but when fighting larger foes acts as shield man for Howarth . He has taken to drinking, but is a functioning alcoholic who has a deep rooted hatred of trolls, and wants the chance to prove himself against his butter foe.
Telina
Tracker – Initiate of Foundchild
Threat Level: **
Runes: Earth, Death, Harmony
Traits: Impulsive. Optimistic, Ambitious, Emotional
In her Early 20’s,an Elkoi Balazaring Hunter from the Great Bear Clan who wants to be a rich famous and great warrior, now in her 2nd season with the gang.She is a competent tracker and useful with a bow, and probably the best woodsmen in the group.
Currently she is the partner of Baron Tyler, but the relationship is borne of convenience and there is a lack of depth and commitment from both sides. She much more idealistic and less world-weary than the rest of the gang so she does wonder who and what she has got herself involved with. She wants to travel widely and may ditch the group for a better offer.
She travels with two hunter dogs called tesh and tash who she is more than fond of. She maintains close contact with a number of childhood friends from her old clan, but ensures they do not get involved with the blackshields.
Kalis
Shaman from Imther – Jakaleel Tradition
Runes: Dying Moon, Spirit, Life
Threat Level: ***
Traits: Cautious, Patient, Greedy, Clever
A shaman in his Mid 30’s, from one of the hill tribes of Imther who was exiled out of his clan for stealing. It is his third year with the gang and he is trusted by Tyler. Responsible for magic and healing in the group, and is also the magical law master of the group.
A slight man of medium height, he is bald and has tattooes down the right side of his face and body
Kalis has deep interest in legends and myth and how they relate to the spirit plane. He has a broad range of knowledge of Imther, balazaring and lunar spirit traditions.
However his exile happened before he had completed his training, so he is not as knowledgeable as Tyler believes him to be, but Marusa is developing his training and has brought him into the lunar traditions.