The Lionsrage Reavers @lionsragereavers - Tumblr Blog

[WRA-A] LIONSRAGE REAVERS IS RECRUITING!

We would like to expand our guild by a handful of members following its recent founding in order to progress toward our pre-BFA goals.

THE PREMISE

Built from the ashes of the Alliance-affiliated cross between a mercenary band and a Northern Kingdoms militia, the Lionsrage Reavers has a particular focus on mercenary work this time around. We operate as an Alliance-serving band of mercenaries willing to take any job provided, so long as it pays enough gold. The gold is then used to further our characters’ individual agendas through things like creating bases or focusing on particular locations in Azeroth befitting to their desires.

ABOUT US

OOCly, we want to focus on bettering our writing and creating fantastic stories, not only through our individual characters but on a grander more collaborative scale. All the while, of course, we want to explore the depths of Warcraft lore and explore new content provided to us in an in-character way.

Lawful neutral mercenary band with a focus on building individual character progression through larger plotlines and collaborative character arcs. We do a variety of contracts - some DM'd events and others simply tasks to be done by smaller groups when desired. We are looking for non-guild individuals for certain roles too.

#wraconnect #wra guild #wra roleplay #wyrmrest accord #WRA alliance

geraldcreed

The large poster was plastered near the wall of the Pig and Whistle tavern in Old Town. He peered at it, reading it over a few times. Was he honestly thinking about doing this? The son of a well-to-do banker, a survivor, he brought worgen of all backgrounds together to survive and thrive, getting them accustomed to city life for years. He always held himself to a higher standard, hadn’t he? His uncle worked hard to make them a noble house, though it nearly led to their deaths. In the end, Gerald wiped that title from his family for good.

He shifted his weight, just standing there staring at the poster, having an internal struggle. He didn’t know what happened to Ivory Sail, he just knew there were no contracts flowing in. He hadn’t heard from Ginny, Atticus, or Kota since their New Years Celebration on the ship. He wasn’t sure what they were up to or where they had gone, but he did finally talk to his boss and cousin, Vinarei sometime last week. She said she and Kota were out and about, but there was a single contract she was looking for more information on.

Fact of the matter was, he had no income! What he he supposed to do, find contracts himself? Go reagent hunting and sell them where he could? Prostitute himself? No, Light, no. He had to do something before his funds ran out, but could he go into mercenary work? His Uncle is practically a pirate, and Light knows that every other member of his family would do it without second thought.

‘What is Ivory Sail, if not an artifact hunting mercenary guild?’ He thought to himself, “I always thought of it as a research based organization, but people would come to us to get artifacts. That’s mercenary work.’

He sighed, remembering how he looked down on mercenaries as those without honor, but being among the crowd, the people he knew had more honor than most nobles he had known. The man read the poster again.

Gerald turned to the street of Old Town. A grey colored dreanei sauntered by. Gerald wasn’t surprised, he didn’t think they would leave the Army of the Light on Argus. He was more surprised with the wandering beings known as ‘Void Elves.’ He was very interested in what they were exactly, having never heard of them before. They seem to follow the Windrunner sister that came back from Argus. He shrugged lightly and walked into the Pig and Whistle.

He would be visiting the Old Town district often now, looking for Miss Stromborne.

Mentions: @ivory-sail-acquisitions @lionsragereavers @vinarei @ginnyseng @atticus-angus-andrews @the-rogue-kota

#gerald creed #ISA

ginnyseng

[Changes and Meditations]

The quiet roar of the Waterfall behind her eased Ginny’s worried spirit. She sat on a wooden raft tied to the shore of Olivia’s Pond and let out a breath she hadn’t known she was holding. The Embassy across from her was alive with activity, new strangers and new rumblings of war hung over Stormwind like a thick low-lying fog.

She had been in town only a few days and had seen… things… characters she’d never seen before. Their dark purple skin and raven-haired countenance unnerved the human but their resemblance to Sin’Dorei unsteadied her the most. “Trust in Anduin’s judgment” she supposed. If they were allowed to roam freely in the city who was she to criticize her King’s choices.

Ginny closed her eyes, cross-legged on that raft as she let her worries flow away with the waterfall. She allowed the soft breeze from the pond wash across her face to soothe her. But still, her worries nagged and picked at her like carrion birds. Not only had these “Void Elves” thrown her off but also her encounter with Saeada just a few nights before had as well.

The Mistweaver hadn’t seen the huntress since then, perhaps she stopped trailing her or she simply improved her skill set. Perhaps she went back to Jida and told the woman of their encounter. Maybe Jida had someone else - someone more experienced - start following her.

“Oh stop it!” Ginya hissed to herself, looking off to her side. She was alone on the bank so no one could hear her. If Jida had sent someone new, Ginny was just as good, if not better. What was the Old Woman trying to prove anyway? Surely it wasn’t in Ginny’s best interest, at least not all of it.

She gave up trying to calm her thoughts. Uncrossing her legs, she put her bare feet in the cool water. She leaned forward a bit and placed her hands down on either side of her. The Archaeology shop in Dalaran had given her another job. She was to go to The Barrens to bolster up the shop’s Orcish artifact stash. It was going to be dangerous, but Ginya had helped seal off a Fel-Forsaken Titan; she could handle a few orcs.

Maybe bland old Archaeology work was what she needed. Maybe she just needed to distance herself from the city and its politics for a while. Have herself a good old Adventure. What was the worse that could happen?

(( @saeadaseng - mentions))

#ginya li seng

ginnyseng

[Shadows]

Stormwind ~

The night fell silent over the large Alliance city. It’s towers and parapets awash with moonlight. The Lamplighters were busy applying their trade, taking no notice of the woman standing at the opening of an alley. She waited patiently, her arms folded beneath her chest and one foot propped up on the wall behind her. Her eyes were closed and head lowered as she listened for approaching footfalls. When she finally heard them, she lifted her head. Her quarry was closeby looking around and quietly cursing. There was no large cat with her this time, but she could smell the sweet pipe tobacco on the air.

Ginya’s lips turned up into a smirk. “Why have you been following me?” The monk asked as she stepped out of the shadows. “It’s very rude you know.”

The younger woman startled, her hand clenched into a fist. “This must be your first shadowing, hmm?” Ginya offered quietly. “Don’t feel bad, not everyone is perfect at their first job.”

Ginya’s Shadow lowered her eyes but didn’t say anything. The Mistweaver circled the woman, her movements fluid and nearly silent. “A bit of advice, if you’re going after someone, you have to make sure you’re quiet. You blunder around like a newborn camel. I’ve known you been following me for weeks. Even before I went to the Broken Isles.”

“Jida told me that you were very sure of yourself.” The younger woman said, her Tanari accent was thick and lilted. “But she did not say you were cocky.”

“Who said I was?” Ginny replied with a shrug. “No my dear, I’m not cocky. I’m just offering a bit of help so you don’t get yourself killed.” She had noticed that her own accent was slowly returning as well.

“So Jida did send you after all.” Ginya continued, folding her arms again. She circled once more, then stood before the woman. “What are you here for then? Spying on me? Making sure I behave? Or are you out to kill me? Go ahead, dearie, I’ve been dead before, it doesn’t frighten me.”

“I was sent to look after you. To learn from you. Jida said that you were one of her prized Medjai.” The girl said. Ginny looked away from her quickly to a guard rounding the bend. She put her hand on the woman’s shoulder and pushed them both into the darkness of the alley. Her Shadow nearly stumbled into hiding.

Keeping her hand on the woman’s shoulder, Ginya pointed a finger at her. “First lesson - never, ever mention your ties to the Medjai. Do you have a death wish?” Ginny hissed.

Medjai - the word for Jida’s “warriors”. A word she had likened to mercenaries and conmen. She was trained well, Ginny had killed men and women for coin and information for Jida’s “Medjai”. It wasn’t something the Monk cared to return to. But she did hold a small spark of pride for her heritage, as convoluted and as mixed up as it was.

Ginya let her hands drop. “What’s your name?” The monk asked her.

The girl ran a nervous hand through dark hair. “Saeada. Saeada Seng. I am your sister, by bond.” The huntress replied.

“You were the girl outside of Jida’s tent, weren’t you? The one who was there when I came home?” Ginny said with a nod.

“I was.” Saeada nodded. “I heard your fight with Jida. I heard all you said.”

“Well, then you know that I no longer kill. I’m no longer Medjai.” Ginny folded her arms again, Saeada smirked.

“You are Medjai, in your blood if not by your actions. I have heard stories of your fighting on Argus. The Demons you slew. You enjoyed it.” Saedie’s patronizing tone caused Ginny to favor her with a warning glare. One that Saedie picked up on, she smirked again.

“One should never enjoy killing, Demon or otherwise. To kill is to raise a beast you can’t defeat.” Ginny said simply. “I killed demons, yes. I didn’t enjoy it. I didn’t enjoy healing the young called to fight to save our World. I didn’t enjoy holding them while they died.”

“But the glory-” Saedie started.

“The glory is the lie!” Ginny hissed, cutting her off. “Glory is nothing but an excuse to make you feel better about yourself. We defeated one evil yes, but as is the Will of the Titans, another will show up. Then another and another, until we are all glory hungry savages.”

“Jida was wrong about you. You are not brave, nor skilled. You are a coward, hiding from who you truly are” Saedie hissed, she raised her fist to hit Ginny. Her body twisted, as she tried to land her punch.

The Monk caught her fist quickly, locking the Huntress’ wrist between her hands. She spun the woman, forcing Saedie’s arm back behind her, and Ginny twisted. The girl whimpered, her back up against Ginny.

“I will warn you only once.” Ginny hissed in her ear as her hold got tighter. “If you wish to stay at my side, you need to destroy your expectations of me. Stop assuming I’m different than I truly am.” She pulled up on Saedie’s arm again, the girl struggled.

“And Loa help you if you ever try to attack me again.”

The Mistweaver let Saedie go and pushed the other girl away. Saedie hit the opposite wall, raising her hands to stop herself. Ginny brought a scarf up over her mouth and nose. Then, without another word, Ginya Li Seng left her sister in the alley. Disappearing into the night.

(( @saeadaseng ))

#ginya li seng #saeada seng

saeadaseng

{Saeada Seng - ISA}

((sticking with ISA’s layout here cause it’s awesome))

// Basic Information //

A child of the Tanaris Sands, Saeada’s past is a mystery even to herself. Found alone and half-dead, she strives to make good with her second chance.

Full Name: Saeada Seng

Nicknames: Ada, Saedie

Age, weight, height: 21, 5′3″, 125lbs

General Physical Description: tanned skin, dark red hair, brown eyes.

Distinguishing Marks: Scars from animal attacks on her arms.

Facial Reference: Cote de Pablo

Known Affiliations: Medjai, Lionsrage Reavers,

Family Ties: Ginya Li Seng (”sister”), Jida Seng (”Grandmother”)

// In-Depth Knowledge //

Personality Strengths: Loyal, Quick learner, analytical, rational, compassionate (with animals mostly)

Personality Weaknesses: Stubborn, Hot-headed, sometimes judgemental

Personality Synopsis: Saeada is a bit hot tempered, but not overly so. She often thinks with her heart rather than her mind. Her compassion for animals makes her a bit overprotective of them.

Pets: Namur (Tiger - Primary), Alnamar (Lion)

Education: Street smart rather than book smart. Saeada has had no formal education thus far. She has a difficult time reading. She can write but often misspells words.

Upbringing: Saeada was raised in Tanaris alongside of Ginya (Then Jamila). Both girls were brought up but a woman named Jida Seng, a former Wastewander Rogue. They were taught how to con and sometimes kill travelers for their coin. Or they were hired out as mercenaries for well-paying influential individuals.

Jida called her girls “Medjai” ( info here) in honor of the warrior rank of legend. Saeada was sent out by Jida to keep an eye on Ginya

Primary Motivators: Family, Coin, Adventure, Duty

Emotional Disposition: Quiet, Closed-off, Lonely.

Interesting Facts:

Saedie is the youngest Medjai Jida trained.

She smokes a pipe filled with a sweet-smelling tobacco

She is sometimes jumpy

She and her animals share a “spirit bond”

// RP Interests & Hooks //

Bizmo’s Brawlpub - She enjoys watching a good fight

Coin - If you have enough gold, she has enough time

Family - Very loyal to Ginya and Jida

Desert Tribe - Very proud of her Tanari heritage

// OOC //

RP Platforms: Discord, Tumblr, In-game

Won’t Rp: Dark RP, character deaths, romance with minors (20 or lower)

THIS CHARACTER IS STILL A WIP - I’m working out her flaws and motivations while I level her! Feel free to send a starter or an ask or three. <3

((Side Note - I need more Tanari in my life))

@vinarei , @lionsragereavers , @ginnyseng ))

#saeada seng #boost #character profile

geraldcreed

A Quick Job

(LRR Prompt of the Week. The word I picked is ‘Goat’)

A farmer cried out in Goldshire, begging anyone to help him, with no particular request. Gerald, being on his way back to the city from meeting a relative of an old friend, was curious. As usual. He walked up to the farmer, clad in his normal purple garb, the farmer regarded him with hesitation. “’Ey, traveler. Perhaps you can help a poor farmer folk?”

Gerald looked over him, “What’s your issue? Depending on what it is, perhaps I can.”

The farmer smiled kindly but wrung his hands together, obviously anxious. “I have an heirloom, you see. I always planned for times to get rough, and when it did, I’d sell it and my family’d be safe for at least a little bit. It’s gone missin’ though! I left my door open to go into the field and when I came back, it’s gone! Those damned bandits!” He fumed.

Gerald held both his hands out, a concerned expression on his face. “Calm yourself. Maybe I can help. Show me to your farm.”

The two traveled through the wood to the man’s farm. It seemed like a sad small place, the crops weren’t growing as he had hoped, and the barn was on the brink of collapse. The farmer led him to the door of his home and opened it for him. Another small area, basically three rooms attached to one another. A sitting area with a long cold fireplace, a kitchen area, and a small bedroom in the back.

They stood there and talked a while about what the farmer had seen that day when Gerald heard footsteps behind him. Gerald looked over his shoulder to see that a large billy goat had wandered into the house. “Awh, that’s just Bertie, my prize goat! Such a sweet girl.”

As he spoke, the goat meandered up to Gerald. The man crouched to pet the animal, scratching it under his chin and behind the ears. The animal enjoyed it, but wanted more! His long snout rooted in Gerald’s chest pocket and found his father’s pocket watch. With it firmly in his mouth he ran out of the building and into the field.

Gerald, in a panic, sprinted after the goat, while the farmer trailed them, pleading for Bertie to slow down. They followed the animal across the field and into the woods, jumping clear over the barrier fence. The two followed until the goat paused behind a tree, pushing his head between a thick bush and an old tree. The two crept up to investigate. The goat bleated happily as Gerald peeked behind the tree. “You’re gonna want to see this, friend.”

Between the tree and the bush was Gerry’s pocket watch, as well as a gold-plated…shotgun? He looked back at the overjoyed farmer. He rushed to pick up the ornate shotgun and hugged it tightly, “My Pa’s handmade gun! He was a blacksmith in town and made this beauty as his last project.” He stated after giving it a big ol’ smooch

Gerald picked up his pocket watch and noticed something else in the bushes: The tip of a mostly buried chest. He alerted the farmer and together they dug it up and broke open the rusty lock. The farmer nearly passed out when they looked inside. A hidden cache of gold and silver coins, littered with rings and other jewelry. “My oh my, this seems to be an old bandit cache.”

“Oh Light save me.” The farmer gasped, “Traveler, please, take half as payment, this will help my family for years.”

Gerald smiled, but shook his head, “No, friend, this is all yours. Your goat found it, so you keep it. You need it more than I.”

The farmer smiled sweetly, tears in his eyes, “Thank you, my friend, you’ve blessed my family for the rest of my life.”

Gerald walked away, pleased that he could help someone out in such a large way. The farmer returned and fixed up his farm, had a family with his wife. Gerald returned to the city, to his normal day-to-day life.

@lionsragereavers

#wra guild #drabble challenge #gerald creed #goat #discord

coldlongpromises

LAS VEGAS STRIP NEVADA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Written for the Lionsrage Reavers Discord Drabble Challenge Prompt: Grime

The cold desert air made Addison shiver. She pulls her white coat over her shoulders tightly, grinning over at Al’s grumpy face.

It was their first full day in Vegas, and the only way she could get him out that night was allowing him to nap for three hours after they’d hit the pool. When he woke up, they walked down to White Castle, ordered more sliders than anyone should eat, plowed through them in fifteen minutes while watching re-runs of Friends on TBS, and took turns showering.

Keep reading

#drabble challenge #grime #aderith stromborne #modern au #discord

geraldcreed

Honest Work (LRR Prompt)

lioThis is actually for the Lionsrage Reavers prompt challenge. The Challenge word is “Grime” and I try to be under 150 words.

________________________________________________________________

His hands were deep in the soil before he arose. The pale morning waned into afternoon as he went into his Uncle’s farmhouse. He stayed there for Christmas, but a month passed.

Caspian sat at the table, eating lunch. “Uncle, I’m leaving tomorrow morning for the city again.” He stated bluntly as he walked over to the sink.

Gerald turned on the spigot and washed his grime-ridden hands before sitting across from Caspian, who barely looked up. “Whatever for? I thought you enjoyed this time with us.”

They were like his own parents, in a sense, ever since he found them again. “I love it. I should work, though. I can’t do much if I don’t get paid.”

Caspian scoffed, “Payment? Adventure, you mean.” He sighed but smiled, “Well, we can’t stop you. As long as you make it back here eventually.”

Gerald smiled, “You can count on it.”

Count: 149

@ivory-sail-acquisitions @lionsragereavers

#wra guild #drabble challenge #ISA #gerald creed #grime #discord

coldlongpromises

ROOKSCOVE KEEP GILNEAS

Written for the Lionsrage Reavers Discord Drabble Challenge Prompt: Vault

Catherynn’s favorite robed messenger-mage tucks the contracts addressed to the Lionsrage Reavers into his satchel, dipping into a respectful bow before exiting the red-headed heiress’s quarters to deliver them south. Stooping briefly to scoop up her eldest’s small hand, Catherynn led the young girl - no more than five years old - down the northern halls of Rookscove’s Keep. Word that a particularly curious magi, one of Cath’s apprentices, had uncovered one of her father’s secret rooms reached Catherynn only an hour before.

The woman stoops again to bring Rowan into her arms as they descended the staircase beneath the observatory. Heeled boots click on the worn cobblestones of Rookscove Keep’s lower floor, the basement of the building. Rounding a corner, pale blue eyes are met with rubble - a bricked wall destroyed to expose an ornate, heavy door. Runes carve into the stone.

Lips curl into an excited smirk. Gaze turns from the vault’s door to those gathered - a collection of her most attentive apprentices and a handful of guards. Catherynn speaks as her free hand lifts, void-black flames engulfing her fingertips.

“Shall we begin?”

word count: 183 @lionsragereavers

#wra guild #drabble challenge #vault #catherynn sovereign #HS #discord

greenapplesprite

“TRICK” FISC. MID-JULY. HOUSTON, TEXAS.

At one point or another your life spun down the drain. Travel expenses drained your finances down to pennies- London to Dublin to Amsterdam to Munich to Moscow, Beijing to Seoul to Tokyo. Ibiza, Paris, Spain, Buenos Aires, New York-

Out of money.

Truckride to Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, Houston. You camp out in a storage unit in the middle of downtown, block down the street from a grimy gas station you use to wash up. It’s not used anymore and almost always unlocked- so far you’ve been lucky enough not to be caught.

No shower, but if you’re creative enough with a sink it’s… almost like a shower. Kind of.

#drabble challenge #grime #dietrich fisc #modern au #discord

coldlongpromises

THE SILVERPINE OUTPOST DEEP IN SILVERPINE FOREST Written for the Lionsrage Reavers Discord Drabble Challenge Prompt: Clear Caleigh and Jason’s argument had only made her feel worse about the day. Shortly after she’d gone to bed, the priestess sprang back up - took one of her favorite horses back down to the shores of Lordaemere Lake. The fishermen’s boat drifts slowly beneath her. In the distance, still seated on their tiny dock, the brunette can make Karl and Merle’s shapes out in the fog. No sounds carry over the lake apart from small splashes and the wind. Caleigh draws a slow breath in, holding it, as her eyes lift to take in some of the hills which separated Silverpine Forest from Hillsbrad. Though fog clouds her peripheral vision as her head turns upward, the priestess can make out the thick winding trail that leads to her childhood home from the Lake’s beach very clearly. Beneath the white cloak and hood which draped her form, Caleigh shudders. A Horde encampment so close meant that there was no good way of even scouting her lands. Hands curl with renewed strength, pushing the oars down definitively. The fishermen’s boat starts back toward the tiny dock, fog enveloping the woman as it cut through the water. word count: 194 @lionsragereavers

#wra guild #drabble challenge #clear #caleigh north #discord

saile212

(CP: Vault)

Written for the Lionsrage Reavers Discord Drabble Challenge

“You’ll receive the ability temporarily via blood connection. You’re aware, yes?” The question was asked with hesitance, though the answer was swift.

“Yes. But as you said, it’s temporary, and I’ll get what I need.” Still, Vinarei was nervous. Uncertain. That alone should have told her not to continue, but even the guards at Baradin’s Hold didn’t have access to this location, and the information would come available no other way. Her gaze flicked towards the rat that looked up at her with red eyes. “There are several entries via the sewer system that he’ll fit in. I only need him long enough to get the layout, and the vault location.”

No answer was given in return as the warlock began to prepare for the spell. Blood magic was dangerous at the best of times, but there were few options left. She glanced at the doll that sat in the center of the table, unblinking eyes staring back at her as a wave of cold swept through the room.

His words cut through her thoughts, a dagger held in one hand as the other opened, reaching for Vin. “Your arm, please.”

With an exhale, she nodded, ready to begin.

Word count: 199

Story Prompt- January 8 - January 13

Word(s) : Vault

@ivory-sail-acquisitions @lionsragereavers

Relevant: @atticus-angus-andrews @the-rogue-kota @ginnyseng @geraldcreed @coldlongpromises

#wra guild #the cornbaby chronicles #drabble challenge #ISA #vault #vinarei brooks #discord

ginnyseng

{Lionsrage - Prompt 1}

((because titles amirite?))

Lionsrage Reavers

Story Prompt- January 8 - January 13

Word(s) : Vault, Grime

Word Count: 193

Ginya followed the light that splashed on the stone walls. The torch in her hand lit the pathway in an orange, buttery glow. The long shadows folded in behind her as she walked forward.

“Harrison Jones, eat your heart out,” Ginny grumbled as she descended into the vault. Above her head, a sandstorm roared making the cool darkness a welcome shelter. Hieroglyphs colored the sandstone walls with images of battles and Celestial Beings the Mistweaver couldn’t even begin to name.

She took her leather journal from a satchel at her side, complete with a stick of charcoal. She settled herself down on the opposite wall. She drove the end of the torch into the sand beside her as she looked at the characters. They were still as colorful as the day they were drawn.

Ginya began to copy the drawings into her journal. She felt the excitement well in her chest as she imagined what great battle the scene depicted. No stranger to the grime and dust of the corridor’s floor, she made herself comfortable as she drew. Sitting among the hieroglyphics, she felt a peace she hadn’t in a long while.

#wra guild #drabble challenge #vault #grime #ginya li seng #discord

LEIONA LIGHTSHAPER

Serving the Alliance as a combat medic often yielded unique and perilous situations for a young priestess of the Light, but none more unique or life-changing than her unit’s excursion to Argus. Witnessing demonic horrors unknown to her friends and relatives on Azeroth, Leiona returned to the Eastern Kingdoms after her tour as a changed woman. Having made it back to Stormwind with several critically wounded patients, she and her coworkers set out to do the most that they could for the “lost causes” Argus had yielded, developing a long-term recovery center in Elwynn Forest.

Leiona was an NPC involved in an storyline at the start of the Lionsrage Reaver’s founding. Her character sheet has been left purposefully vague and unfinished to allow customization on the part of whoever decides to play her. She has been entangled in the Reaver’s storyline, if only briefly, but it isn’t difficult to catch up on her situation. 100% of her character is up for debate, meaning that nearly everything can be changed with little storyline-breakage. If you’d like, check her full character sheet out here.

Interested in playing Leiona? Contact @lionsragereavers or @coldlongpromises!

#wraconnect #wyrmrest roleplay #wyrmrest accord #wow rp #wra roleplay #open role

howtofightwrite

Q&A: Mercenaries

What exactly is a mercenary? My belief was that it was a soldier/fighter/warrior fighting in a political conflict with a personal interest (such as money to be gained). But many video games and random stories portrait them as random soldiers who fight in any conflict as long as the pay is good; political affiliation or not. Basically a jack of all trades sort of person. If I’m not making a lot of sense it’s because I’m confused myself. Sorry and thanks in advance!

A mercenary is just a soldier for hire. Usually this was entire companies of soldiers who were hired as a unit, but the basic idea is there. The term itself is pejorative, and gets applied in a wider range of circumstances as an insult. Someone who acts for money without regard to their own loyalty or ethics may be described as being mercenary. (The word itself can be used as either a noun or adjective depending on context, though the general meaning remains the same.)

Historically, mercenaries tended to be better trained than conventional standing forces. The thought process here is that maintaining a standing army in medieval Europe was fairly expensive, so you’d maintain a small force (if any), and then press or draft peasant infantry into service when the time came. Within this context, a mercenary company, who’d accumulated years of combat experience would be a significantly more effective force.

Mercenaries could have a unified national identity, and in some cases may even be hired out by their government directly, or they could be an ad hoc band of soldiers, gathered indiscriminately in their travels.

Under international law, there are a few wrinkles to defining when someone is, legally, a mercenary. They need to be hired by a nation to fight for it, and they cannot be from that nation. This only becomes relevant when dealing with situations like war crimes, or treatment of prisoners. This means that private soldiers hired by a corporation aren’t technically mercenaries under the legal definition, even though they’re still called that. This also means when a nation hires private soldiers from their own population, those soldiers aren’t, legally, mercenaries. There’s a pretty solid argument that domestic PMCs (Private Military Companies) should be legally classified as mercenaries, but the practice’s rise is very recent.

I mentioned the term is pejorative, this is in large part because mercenaries fought for coin, rather than out of patriotic duty or loyalty. As a result they’re viewed as dishonorable and untrustworthy. There may be some basis to this, but it’s also why the term has a more generalized meaning. Someone who puts their pay above their principles may be described as mercenary. For example, a political operative with no loyalty to their ideological beliefs could be described as “mercenary,” even though that’s clearly not the traditional meaning of the term. Another possible example would be a character who would willingly sell out their friends for a bounty. Again, not a soldier for hire, but simply amoral behavior in pursuit of cash.

-Starke

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Q&A: Mercenaries was originally published on How to Fight Write.

#mercenaries #writing resource #guild inspo

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