Wiki Category: Broken Blade Company

BROKEN BLADE COMPANY

HISTORY

• Year 171 – The battle of Deighcrag
  At one point, the regions of Cul’Claimete and Kupferhügel were in a dispute over the lairdship of Deighcrag. This land was known for two things, its large hardy trees, and it’s high quality iron ore. There were of course trade agreements originally, but the greed of the nearby laird in Cul’Claimete finally overcame his honor. He sent his force of three-hundred strong warriors along with one-hundred-fifty Ioclaochra. But what this laird didn’t account for was that Deighcrag was home to a large amount of warriors from Kupferhügel including home to a rather large and well armed company of Ioclaochra called the Silver Blades. However, the combined numbers of Deighcrag was still only three-hundred.For two weeks the battle went on, wave after wave upon the heavily guarded valley of Deighcrag. But eventually on the fifteenth day, the wall fell and all out slaughter began. Soon the enemy was deep inside Deighcrag’s walls when they came upon the one-hundred-eighty members of Silver Blade Company. The company was led by a monster of a man, who stood as high as a draft horse and used a blade just as massive, he went by the name of Bjorn. Under him was a young warrior of similar stature, Yjor “Battle-Born” Hinrich. The two forces paused for only a moment, then they clashed. The battle went on for hours, the Silver Blade Company fought hard, leveling the odds more in their favor, but the enemy forces rallied and pushed them back, causing about a sixty percent loss in warriors for the company.As the company fell back, their leader now dead and lost. Their eyes turned to the second in command, who was behind enemy lines fighting ten men alone. The soldiers were cruel in how they fought Yjor, torturing him and teasing his honor. However, when one came in to finish Yjor, his head flew from his shoulders and onto the ground. The next one came in, then another, soon four of those soldiers were dead. Finally an enemy officer decided to put an end to it, and charged with his massive war hammer. Yjor parried, and though it saved his life, shattered his great sword. Now the men laughed again, if only for a moment. It was then that Yjor bellowed as if he was a bear and screamed “For honor! For Glory! For the Battle Father!” It was said that this scream carried over the sounds of battle to the remaining Silver Blade members, which caused them to rally, but this is just a popular rumor. From there on Yjor fought with only a broken sword the length of a short sword. It was then that the forces of Deighcrag rallied and pushed the enemy back, and was led by Yjor himself.After this event though, the main force of Cul’Claimete came in from the sides of the steep valley and took the keep. Deighcrag now belonged to them… But this was the beginning for Yjor, for he saw that his company was in tatters and was in need of new leadership. So on that day, The Broken Blade Company was born.
• Year 186Torcol Hinrich was born from Commander Yjor “Battle-Born” Hinrich and Shieldmadien Elsa Brach
• Year 210Commander Yjor “Battle-Born” Hinrich dies on mission to escort high ranking Syndar officals to safety.
  Son Torcol “The Crimson” Hinrich takes up the mantle of command
• Year 226 – Ioclaochra Moot in Deighcrag (secured from Dominion control )This marks the day that The Broken Blade Union was created by Commander Torcol “The Crimson” Hinrich. The union consisted of two-hundred Broken Blade Company members and over four-hundred other companies and organizations of mercenaries and Ioclaochra. Even in that dark time the company would hire it’s members out armies in return for supplies, fair treatment, and other conditions to help make the lives of those who fought for silver more livable and fair.
• Year 235 – The Fall of the May’karThe Broken Blade Union consisted over one-thousand members at this point, and was stationed in Vandregon to wait for orders from Vandregonian commander. It split into two groups, with the army. However, the Northern half the Union was devastated while the seven-hundred remaining warriors helped and succeeded in the south with little to no casualties.
  Volrok Hinrich is born to Commander Torcol “The Crimson” Hinrich and his wife Blacksmith Frejya Hinrich
• Year 236Deighcrag finally falls to the forces of the Penitent and the undead. Blacksmith Frejya Hinrich sacrifices herself to save Commander Torcol “The Crimson” Hinrich and yearling Volrok Hinrich.
• Year 246 – The RenderingThe Broken Blade Union is disbanded unanimously by all ranking officials in understanding that they need to start looking out for themselves and their men. If they are to survive the conflict then they are allowed to rejoin and help rebuild the Union.
• Year 249Volrok becomes an Ioclaochra and earns the title “Battle-Born.”
• Year 250 – DepartureBroken Blade Company takes it’s best unit, Blood Bath Core, to Mardrun led by Commander Torcol “The Crimson” Hinrich himself gets over to Mardrun, economic disaster occurs for the company leaving them in poverty. Loss of 30 warriors leaves the company in poor shape.
• Year 251 – Newhope!?!Treaty is signed and leaves employment opportunities everywhere!
  Broken Blade Company finally begins to make revenue.
  Broken Blade company takes on a contract with a minor noble to transport goods from Daven’s Reach to Newhope.
  Merchants and caravan a ploy, is a transport of ex-convicts and straw. Led straight into a Mordok Raiding party.
  Volrok “Battle-Born” Hinrich is sole-survivor….
• Year 263 – Stoking the ForgeVolrok reappears in the trade of Ioclaochra for the first time in 13 years of doing odd jobs as a bodyguard here and there.
  Begins to make plans to rebuild The Broken Blade Company and Union.
• Year 264 – Begin the ForgingRecruits begin to pour into Commander Volrok “Battle-Born” Hinrich’s ranks. Training with the aid of Pack Longfang going smoothly.

About Broken Blade Company

Symbol/Standard: Silver hand holding a broken sword on a crimson field

The Broken Blade Company started back three generations ago in the Warring Nation of Richtcrag. Each generation has left a mark upon the world in some shape or form: The First commander helped get an important Syndar Dignitary to meet with Vandergonian forces to the south, The second created the largest union of mercenaries ever seen in history and helped save the Aldorian Royal Family in their flight, the third and current commander has revived the group and is moving to do great things in this time.

Within the organization itself there are three branches that mercenaries are sorted into: Martial, Divine, and Arcane. Each branch has certain expectations and duties within the organization as well as different requirements of advancement in rank. The only shared trait for advancement between all ranks is the amount of contracts one has completed during their time with the organization itself. The higher the rank, the more responsibility and more respect comes from within the organization. 

When it comes to getting these contracts, senior members of the organization will help newer members make sure they are getting the best contract possible for the task they are agreeing to do for a fee/service/favor. This helps our members learn their value as mercenaries, merchants, or other trades so they can better help themselves in the future as they advance in rank and status.

The general theme of the Broken Blade Company is that of honor, respect, and flamboyant clothing and accessories. If you don’t have a large hat covered in feathers, armor that shines like a beacon, or clothes that are shocking to the eyes on the battlefield, then you probably aren’t on the front lines too often. Our organization wants us to stand out and attract the enemy to us, so that while they are focused on attacking, our allies can do what they do best and attack them. That being said, we require a minimal amount of armor to be in our organization to guarantee your survivability (4 points of armor).

On the battlefield we tend to be either support or front line based on what our Player Character’s are built to handle. Some of us fight in the shield wall with shields, or behind with massive swords and long spears. We may even have an archer in the background taking shots when able. Off the battlefield we are a typical rowdy, fun loving, and honorable mercs that people have come to love over the years.

How to join:
You don’t need to have an entirely new character built, you can have your existing character join us, as long as you have the minimum requirements to join (armor and an honorable reputation) then you can get a hold of us at an in-game event or Facebook. One way or another we will respond and go through talking to you about the Organization, our history, and much more. 

Files

• Ranks
• Rank Advancement
• Rules

Ulfkell,The Battle Father, Forger God of Conflict, Smithing, War, Honor, and Warriors

Worship of The Battle Father began in the warring nation of Richtcrag, a place where there was bound to be at least several gods of battles and conflict – in a nation filled with nothing but conflict, this position is a coveted one, after all. His worshipers are mainly warriors and Íoclaochra, but others often pray to him for reasons other than war – while his primary portfolio is that of war, he has many adherents amongst the Richtcrag, such as those wishing to persevere through hard times, a man or woman looking for the honorable choice in a decision they must make, blacksmiths forging weapons or armor, or even the sick so that they may become strong again to do battle once more. As one might expect, not all battles are physical amongst his worshippers, and followers are urged to understand the conflict necessary in the world.

The Battle Father takes a somewhat active role for those who pray for his aid, but never directly intervenes with the affairs of mortals. Rather, he often helps to steel a warrior’s failing resolve, boost morale, show worshipers the most honorable path, and help hasten the recovery of the ill. However, if he were to show favoritism, it would be for Íoclaochra due to their constant fighting and codes of honor.

The Battle Father is usually depicted as a large, broad-shouldered man with long black hair, burning red eyes, a large hat with three large feathers (Red, Green, and Silver), and wearing well-crafted, heavy armor. His hands always bear the tools of his office; a heavy warhammer in his off-hand and a long blade in his main – although his adherents disagree as to which is which, with the Valinate believing it to be his left, and the others his right. The world is riddled with conflict because of him, and it is because of him the races of the world are that much stronger. He will continue to watch over the conflicts of all mortals and urge them in the right direction to grow stronger.

His image is usually found out the outsides of temples, in the form of a statue or stone anvil with his personal sigil carved, painted, or inlaid into it: a larger silver triangle, with a smaller red one on the interior. Tradition holds that the symbol must be drawn with conflict – in many shrines, his symbol is made from silver melted from the pay of mercenaries. Outside of the temples and holy places of man, it is acceptable to use blacksmith as place of worship, treating the anvil as the shrine.

Worship of The Battle Father
The Battle Father’s worshipers traditionally pray before and after battle, usually requesting the steeling of resolve or giving thanks for the opportunity to become stronger. Their prayers are quite simple; one must take their weapon that will be carried into combat, kneel before a fire, and say their thanks to the Battle Father.

There is but a single holy book for his worship, called The Code of Honor. In this short book, there is a honor code that is to be followed to the best of the worshipper’s abilities – for the Battle Father, more than any other, understands the struggle inherent in living. It is also in this book that the few surviving rituals are revealed to his worshippers. These books, however, are few and far between, and so more often than not, The Code is copied by hand for the worshipper and given to them. Parts of The Code, usually those concerning the strengthing of life through the fires of perdition, can be found etched into the anvils in most blacksmiths in Richtcrag, since his worship is quite prevalent there. Even those who do not directly worship him tend to add this to their anvils, as it is seen as a sign of good luck to the Richtcrag – better to have more gods on your side, after all.

As for meditation, one simply has to sit before a fire, weapon in hand or readied on their lap, and silently contemplate the tasks that are before them – whether that task might be a dangerous battle, the struggle to heal an illness, or the rigors of forging a new, beautiful blade.

Rituals of the Battle Father
• Duel of Right: This is a coming of age ritual given to youths who are just entering adulthood. They must face hardship by facing down an Íoclaochra without backing down, usually for about two minutes – it is here that the Richtcrag tradition of Academic Dueling may have originated. Should they face the task with honor and without fear, they are deemed an adult and given the rights and status of one in the eyes of society.

• Forger’s Hymn: If a blacksmith is preparing a weapon that is to be used for battle the next day, they must sing a song to the weapon that is being made ready. Depending on the situation, the blacksmith may sing one of many songs – each according to the traditions and blessings.

• Festival of the Great Scar: On the first harvest moon, the worshippers of The Battle Father meet outside of their dwelling places during the night with only candles to light their way to the square. It is here that a Warpriest of the Battle Father recites The Code of Honor, detailing the legends of the Battle Father. At the conclusion of this recitation, the town is lit up and festivities begin, carrying on throughout the night. Drinking, games, mock duels, feats of strength and bravery, and feasting all take place this night, in celebration of surviving and becoming that much stronger from the previous festival.

• Birth of Battle-Born: This ritual is not performed in a temple, but rather on the battlefield – and it usually does not happen according to the worshipper’s will. It is said that when this happens, it is considered one of the holiest of blessings one can receive from the Battle Father. During a fight, when the worshipper is filled with rage for his enemy, they will go into a blood rage. While this happens, the worshiper is said to be “reforged,” – which wouldn’t be far off, as when this rage ends and their enemies slain, the worshipper usually feels the urge to continue fighting and to see more of their foes die under their blade. Every Battle-born will tell you the exact same thing – it is like being born anew in a baptism of blood.

Vardel, Trickster God of Chaos
Worship of Vardel originated in the nation of Richtcrag – perhaps because no other nation on Faedrun was mad enough try worshipping the Skybound Trickster – and spread in the form of small bands of wandering worshipers across the land. His worshipers are most often gamblers and adventures, as their reliance on luck is legendary, although merchants have been known to pray to the Lord of Chaos as well in order to find greater fortune.

Vardel takes a more active hand in the everyday lives of his followers – worship of Vardel is always a gamble, as he is interested not only in the success of his followers, but that they experience the ever-changing chaos of life as much as possible. He tends to grant boons to his followers as often as he makes their lives more difficult – theologians explain Vardel’s interest in his flock as his attempts to alleviate his boredom with the various heavenly politics.

In traditional depictions of Vardel, he is dressed in many-coloured garments typical of Richtcrag, and always carries a well-worn, richly decorated deck of cards. His pockets bulge with coins, and a mischevious smile is always splayed across his face – the world is a fascinating place, after all, and he hopes to watch his followers experience something interesting. His image is rarely found on temples or shrines – his followers believe he prefers to be found on the elaborately-decorated tarock decks of the Richtcrag, where he is given the rank of the Fool in the trumps.

Worship of Vardel
Vardel’s worshippers traditionally pray to him at the dawn of each day, requesting that the day might bring good fortune and amusement to him. Their morning prayers typically involve some form of playing for chance – they most commonly cast dice or shuffle out solitare-style games while praying, although they do not bother to seek any meaning in what happens unless they find an exceptionally good hand or roll at the end of their prayer.

Their ritual for meditation is also quite unique – according to their holiest book, Magnus Liber Casus, they must attempt to test their fortune before beginning to meditate on his mysteries. Typically, this takes place by gambling – although it can never be a “friendly game” and coin must be staked on the game of chance. Any attempt to cheat Vardel by not actually risking anything will certainly bore him, which will have negative consequences for his worshippers.

Vardel’s worship is somewhat risky – he has a tendency to meddle in the lives of his worshippers and clerics, including making life more difficult for him. Anyone worshipping Vardel risks attracting his attention, which can either lead to great boons or great ruination,depending on his mood at the moment.