Embers of the Flame – Secret Association

The Embers of the Flame are a storied association tracing their roots to a nearly century-old rebellion, sparked by the overthrow of the young Emperor Darusos. Darusos, while seen as a spiritual beacon and saint by his followers, was deemed ineffective by his generals, one of whom ultimately seized power. The Embers of the Flame carry forth Darusos’s ideals, claiming to prepare Calradia for the return of the fallen emperor, who they believe will rise again to usher in a new golden era of unity and justice.

Though born from high ideals, the organization has had to contend with the harsh realities of survival. Repressed and outlawed by the empire, they have adopted more aggressive tactics, including extortion and covert operations, to gather resources and stay active. Their methods range from targeting imperial officials for intimidation to persuading local nobles sympathetic to their cause to send covert donations. They are especially active in areas near former imperial strongholds, hoping to reignite support among those who remember Darusos's short-lived rule with favor.

The Embers have a quasi-religious undertone, drawing on the image of fire as both a cleaner and destroyer. Members view their suffering as necessary and redemptive, believing they are refining themselves to one day join the resurrected Darusos in his righteous cause. Rumors suggest their members undergo intense initiation rites, testing both physical endurance and moral conviction.

Ghilman – Mercenary Brotherhood

The Ghilman are a renowned and unique band of mounted mercenaries, primarily hailing from the southern tribes of Calradia and the distant lands beyond. The Ghilman maintain a curious position: they are “owned” by their organization, having sold themselves into its service, while simultaneously holding partial ownership of the order itself. This structure is both practical and symbolic, creating an unbreakable bond of loyalty and shared destiny among its members.

Despite their elegant attire—often dressed in silks, with elaborate turbans, oiled locks, and vibrant feathers—the Ghilman are far from preening fops. They are famed across Calradia for their expertise in mounted archery, surpassing even the swiftest Valandian and imperial horsemen. As lancers, their skill is only a step behind the armored cataphracts of the empire, making them highly valued in any engagement. Their choice of weaponry is carefully crafted to make the most of their equestrian skills: light, agile weapons like curved sabers for swift strikes, complemented by short spears for lunges while charging.

The Ghilman follow a strict code: all disputes are settled in-house, and any desertion is punishable by death. Their pride in their appearance is no mere vanity; it serves as a reminder of their origins and the honor they carry. Their image is as much a part of their mystique as their martial prowess, and they are treated with a mixture of awe and fear by the common folk, who see them as both warriors and emissaries of an exotic culture.

Company of the Golden Boar – Mercenary Company

The Company of the Golden Boar is a ragged but effective band of Valandian mercenaries, many of whom are former local levies turned to the life of a free warrior when peace left them jobless. Known for their lack of discipline, the Golden Boar is as infamous for their chaotic, often drunken escapades as they are for their ability on the battlefield. Many consider them as much a scourge as a savior, but they are undeniably effective when properly directed.

As soldiers, the Golden Boar excel with crossbows, favoring ranged engagement from well-protected positions, and employing brutal close-quarter combat with maces and short swords if necessary. Their crossbowmen are especially well-trained and feared in Calradia. The company often runs roughshod over the countryside when allowed freedom of movement, sometimes shaking down local villages or looting the very regions they are hired to protect.

Despite their rough methods, the Company is careful to honor contracts. They understand that their livelihood depends on their reputation, and while they may be brutal, they adhere strictly to the terms of their agreements. Their loyalty to Valandia, however, is unquestionable, and they will not hesitate to shift focus if the need arises.

Brotherhood of the Woods – Bandit Organization

The Brotherhood of the Woods began as a noble peasant movement in Valandian forests, with a Robin Hood-like mission of robbing the rich to support the struggling poor. At first, their popularity was immense, with peasants joining them in droves and villages sheltering them from imperial and Valandian patrols. However, as they grew in size and ambition, the Brotherhood encountered a harsh truth: maintaining such a movement required constant resources, particularly food and supplies.

In response, the Brotherhood began to levy “taxes” on the villages they claimed to protect, and slowly but surely their idealistic mission faded. As informants threatened their survival, they resorted to intimidation and, at times, outright brutality, forcing locals into compliance. Over time, they evolved into an organization barely distinguishable from the bandits they had originally sworn to protect against. Their reach extends across Valandian territories, where their members hide in the dense forests and emerge only to collect their “protection fees” or intercept wealthy travelers.

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The Brotherhood is still romanticized by some of the older peasants who remember their early days, but the younger generation largely views them as ruthless extortionists, preying on their kin.

Wolfskins – Bandit Tribe

The Wolfskins embody an ancient Battanian tradition in which young warriors reject civilization to “go wild” for a while, learning to survive and thrive in the unforgiving wilderness. Traditionally, a Wolfskin would live off the land, eat only uncooked food, and sleep under the stars. Once he returned to his tribe, he would be considered purified, having proved his mettle against the elements.

However, in recent times, this tradition has taken on a darker tone. The modern Wolfskins are not always driven by a spiritual calling but often by a desire for unfettered violence and chaos. Many are the sons of wealthy Battanian nobles who use this tradition as an excuse to indulge in their basest instincts, robbing travelers and living by the blade. Adhering to the bare minimum of the old code, they wear only animal pelts, eschewing stitched garments, and roam in small, elusive bands, raiding anyone who dares to cross their paths.

Though reviled by settled society, the Wolfskins retain a certain mystique in Battanian lands, where tales of wild warriors who defy the laws of men still captivate the imagination of the people.

Legion of the Betrayed – Mercenary Company

The Legion of the Betrayed is the remnant of a once-glorious force, founded by loyalists of the old imperial army who detested the reforms of Emperor Arenicos. When the emperor dismantled the standing army in favor of the more economical archons’ retinues, many soldiers felt that their honor and tradition had been betrayed. This legion was created by such men, clinging to the structure and customs of the imperial military, determined to keep alive the old ways.

The Legion is composed of highly disciplined soldiers who bear deep resentment towards the empire that cast them aside. They wear the imperial insignias and keep the ancient standards, and their leaders are elected by the men rather than appointed by any lord or emperor. They have proven adaptable, working for various patrons but with an unspoken preference for imperial clients. They retain rigid codes, drilling tirelessly to maintain their edge. Despite their mercenary status, they take pride in their origins and regard themselves as the last true imperial army.

Skolderbroda – Mercenary Brotherhood

The Skolderbroda, or Shield Brothers, are one of the most elite mercenary companies in Calradia, distinguished by their strict code of conduct and intense commitment to training and discipline. Originating in the north, they are primarily composed of Nordic warriors, but they accept any proven fighter willing to abide by their rigorous lifestyle. Recruits must be vouched for by an existing Brother, and the acceptance process is grueling, with tests of endurance, loyalty, and fighting skill.

Their encampments are run with military precision, akin to monastic retreats. No women are allowed in their camps, and Brothers are forbidden from indulging in drink, gambling, or other vices during their service. The Shield Brothers value personal honor and view any breach of their code as grounds for expulsion. In combat, they rely on traditional Nordic weaponry: spears, round shields, and axes. Their combat style emphasizes teamwork, and their shield walls are famously impenetrable.

Skolderbroda's dedication and skill have earned them a formidable reputation, making them highly sought-after by northern lords and even the empire, though they never compromise their rules, even for noble patrons.

The Hidden Hand – Secret Society

The Hidden Hand is a feared and influential criminal organization operating primarily in the southern reaches of the empire. The group is part of a powerful mafia-like structure, thriving in rural areas where the empire’s authority is weak and exploiting the gaps in law enforcement. The Hidden Hand has mastered the art of making itself indispensable to the powerful; they act as enforcers for local lords, silence political dissidents, and eliminate rivals in exchange for protection and access to black-market goods.

Members of the Hidden Hand are often able to live double lives, spending part of the year as brigands and part as legitimate traders. They specialize in stolen goods, moving items from the countryside into the cities under false papers and through bribed officials. Their secrecy is tightly guarded; only core members know the inner workings of the organization. Though they claim to have a “code,” the Hidden Hand is as ruthless as any bandit group, and their presence is deeply resented by the peasants and merchants forced to deal with them.

Karakhergit – Nomadic Tribe

The Karakhergit are a nomadic tribe who pride themselves on resisting the pressure to settle, farm, and pay taxes to the centralized Urkhunait khans. They are a throwback to the old ways, moving across the steppes with their herds, living in tents, and relying on raiding and trade to survive. This independence has made them both respected and resented by other clans, who view the Karakhergit’s freedom with envy but also disdain for their refusal to “join civilization.”

In addition to herding, the Karakhergit engage in the traditional practices of raiding and kidnapping for ransom, keeping alive the old heroic code of the steppes. They are adept horsemen and archers, and their knowledge of the vast open plains gives them an advantage over any would-be conquerors. Their defiance of centralized authority and refusal to submit to the Khans has led to tensions with other tribes, though they are careful to keep a balance between autonomy and open warfare with the established powers.