The small party of weary travelers found themselves around a fire in the brisk winter morning. There were no other travelers passing through to distract them and Nick was finding the heat from the fire stoking the flurry of ideas that were coming to him about the future organization of his company. Once the idea struck him of how to get organized, he had an avalanche of thoughts rolling in his mind. He was a CEO and needed to be decisive, reliable, and confident. Nick pulled out his coin pouch and counted a quickly shrinking pile. He was left with 1 Gold, 52 Silver, and 8 Copper after his most recent emergency medical purchase.
“Alright Vander, we have low reserves of coin but perhaps you can find us a suitable candidate to advise and lead our infantry unit. I want someone with some combat experience.”
Vander nodded and the familiar station screen flickered into life. “I have identified a few candidates for your review. I believe the new company organization best fits the purchase of a single commander type class with the opportunity to recruit additional units that would best fit their style.”
Thraindil Dawnrunner - Level 29 Elf Swordsman
Reputation: 9/10
Status: Independent Commander
Roster Size: 1 Roster
Breakdown: 1 - Elf Ranger
Price: 1 Gold, 50 Silver
Contract Length: 30 cycles
Grommash Hellscream - Level 33 Orc Warrior
Reputation: 6/10
Status: Independent Commander
Roster Size: 1 Roster
Breakdown: 1 - Orc Warrior
Price: 1 Gold, 45 Silver
Contract Length: 20 cycles
Xavius Shadowstalker - Level 29 Half-Elf Rogue
Reputation: 8/10
Status: Independent Commander
Roster Size: 1
Roster Breakdown: 1 - Half-Elf Rogue
Price: 1 Gold, 20 Silver
Contract Length: 20 cycles
Urzak Ironhide - Level 27 Hobgoblin Sergeant
Reputation: 5/10
Status: Loyal to the Highest Bidder
Roster Size: 1
Roster Breakdown: 1 - Hobgoblin Sergeant
Price: 90 Silver
Contract Length: 30 cycles
Nick looked over the list carefully. It was certainly a wide list of races and classes to consider.
“Do you have more information about each of these candidates and what made you select them?”
Vander waved his hand with a slight flourish and a list of backstory fell into place under each candidate.
Thraindil Dawnrunner - Level 29 Elf Ranger: Thraindil was born into a long line of elite elven rangers, and from a young age, he was trained in the art of archery and stealth. Despite his noble birthright, Thraindil chafed at the constraints of elven society and yearned for adventure. He eventually left his family and became a freelance ranger, traveling the world and using his skills to defend the innocent and protect the weak. Thraindil has a reputation as a skilled marksman and a fearless warrior, and he is highly sought after by those in need of his services.
Grommash Hellscream - Level 33 Orc Warrior: Grommash was born into the brutal and warlike orcish clans of the mountains. He rose through the ranks to become a fearsome warrior, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most brutal and uncompromising orcs of his generation. Despite his loyalty to his clan, Grommash was eventually banished for a series of violent outbursts, and he became a mercenary, traveling the world and taking on any job that would pay his fee. Grommash is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, and those who hire him are guaranteed a formidable ally.
Xavius Shadowstalker - Level 29 Half-Elf Rogue: Xavius grew up on the streets, honing his skills as a thief and a con artist. Despite his criminal background, Xavius possesses a quick wit and a charming personality that have often helped him talk his way out of trouble. He eventually became a freelance rogue, traveling the world and using his skills to acquire wealth and power for himself and his clients. Xavius is known for his stealth and cunning, and he is a valuable asset to any army or organization in need of his services.
Urzak Ironhide - Level 27 Hobgoblin Sergeant: Urzak was born into a hobgoblin tribe in the east and was trained from a young age to be a soldier. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a sergeant, and he was known for his martial prowess and his unwavering loyalty to his superiors. Despite his loyalty, Urzak was eventually betrayed by his commander, and he was forced to flee into the wilderness. He now works as a mercenary, offering his services for coin. Urzak is a formidable warrior and a skilled tactician, and those who hire him can expect a fierce and determined ally.
Nick was simply astounded at the level of depth and history Vander was able to provide on each of the candidates.
“Is this all information found in the station?” he asked after he read through each description.
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“I have used my access to station records to create succinct histories of each candidate. The station records are accessible by avatars with the right level of access.” Vandar replied matter of factly.
“You never cease to surprise Vander. Great work.”
Nick rubbed his chin in thought as he re-read the descriptions. He found himself pulled toward a particular candidate but he wanted input.
“What do you think about Urzak? The others seem to all have benefits depending on the direction we take the company but Urzak seems like he would have the discipline and experience to put together a fighting force we could rely on.”
“A suitable choice if you intend to create a force that mirrors hobgoblin legions. Hobgoblins are often cunning, organized, and militaristic, making them well-suited for leadership roles in an infantry force Many hobgoblin nations are feared due to their well trained legions and are sought after by many when they take on mercenary contracts.” Vandar voiced.
Nick looked to the Nightfall sisters and received approving nods.
“I have encountered hobs in the past and they are well-known for their organization and discipline.” Larissa said.
Nick clapped his hands lightly and motioned toward Vander. “Very well. Let us hire our first Chief Infantry Officer. Ensure he is aware of the standard contract stipulations required of a member of our company Vandar. We will use the contract period to evaluate his performance and if we believe he fits what we are looking for we can make a full-time employment offer at the end.”
Vander nodded and within a few minutes a shimmering portal materialized and an armored hobgoblin with deep orange skin walked through. Vander had helpfully worked out the contract to include the unusual transfer location and spoke with the candidates so there were no unexpected surprises for incoming units signed by the company.
Uzark carried himself with a straight back and had a military ari to him. His armor was polished and he carried a sword at his side and a small shield on his back with his helmet tucked under one arm. He looked to the seated group with a bit of wariness before coming to attention and addressing Nick with a surprisingly stout voice for a creature no taller than five feet.
“Reporting for duty, sir.”
Nick stood without hesitation.
“Welcome to Solis Trading Cooperative, Uzark. I have high hopes for our partnership together. The company is small but we have big plans and will grow quickly. We recently encountered some unexpected challenges and need to bolster our ranks. You will be responsible for hiring and leading a strong and adaptable infantry unit.”
“I welcome the challenge sir. I understand from the contract terms you seek to face the challenges of the frontier.”
“Right you are. We are heading south and within a few days will take on a contract to help tame the frontier. We have limited coin to get started but will quickly grow our company with investment of any coin we earn while slaying monsters and completing contracts.”
Nick took a moment to explain the benefits of his particular station skill and received a sharp toothed smile in return from his newest companion.
“You have quite an interesting road ahead. There are many skills necessary to ensure a well rounded unit but due to lack of coin I suggest you begin with warriors trained to hold their own in a fight without relying too heavily on formations and some scouts to ensure we don’t draw more attention then we can handle.”
Nick smiled, already pleased at the recommendations his new commander was providing. He knew his inexperience would lead them into trouble if he didn’t get expert advice and Uzark seemed to know plenty about fighting in the frontier.
“These are welcome suggestions. Between you and the experience of our other companions I believe we can find some well suited units to help us travel safely into the frontier.”
Nick spent a moment introducing Uzark to the Nightfall sisters and they joined the discussion on what would be ideal for the first batch of infantry for the company. He was also filled in on the demons encountered and the potential to face similar threats in the future. He gave the news of demons a few long moments of thought before grimacing at the blood stained snow nearby. Nick was quickly learning demons were not a race that were viewed favorably by most others.
Uzark was a stoic professional throughout the discussions and took favorably to the input of Nuri and Larrissa. He was already proving to be a good hire in Nick’s eyes as the discussion continued into the types of classes and weapons would be ideal based on the types of monsters typically found in this part of the kingdom.
With the help of Vander the group learned there were already contracts being issued that described the monsters as some form of massive insect that went by the name of Homels. They were burrowers that came in different varieties but were all covered in thick exoskeletons that made arrows and piercing weapons less effective.
Vander interrupted as the conversation wound down to share some positive news. “The demon corpses have been sold for 45 Silver and 94 Copper. Unfortunately, the damage to the corpses resulted in a significant loss of value but the sale was within standard market rates for this region.”
Nick was pleased despite the potentially lost coin. It was enough to bolster the company finances to hire the units they would need and additional supplies.
“Alright Vander, I think we have a good idea of what sort of forces we need to hire and hopefully with the additional coin we can find some good value. Do you have a recommendation for us?”
Vander waved his hand and the station screen materialized and before long Uzark had narrowed down the list to a unit that fit his criteria under the considerable budget restraints.
Pasem Highlanders
Commander: E'kar Ostr - Level 19 Orc Brawler
Reputation: 7/10
Status: Mercenary, For Hire
Roster Size: 5
Roster Breakdown:
1 - Orc Brawler
2 - Orc Axe Warriors
2 - Orc Slingers
Price: 1 Gold, 5 Silver
Contract Length: 30 cycles
The group agreed immediately that the group of Orcs Vander identified would be an excellent choice for what they intended to face so without hesitation Nick made the purchase despite using almost all of his remaining coin.
After a few minutes' wait, a doorway appeared on the road beside the cleared camp and Nick stood to greet the new troops. A small column of thick framed Orcs marched out with little fanfare.
Nick nodded gratefully to Vander before addressing the new contingent of Orcs that towered over him, "Welcome to the Solis Trading Cooperative."
The Orc commander stepped forward and eyed Nick suspiciously. He had massive gauntlets with sharpened metal spikes melded into the knuckles hanging from his hips and wore little armor beyond a thick metal vest. His orange eyes shifted and lingered on Larissa, Nuri, and Uzak before turning back to me.
"We are here to gain experience and achievements. As long as we can fight monsters, there will be no concerns."
Nick looked up at the Orc Brawler with a grin, "I think you will fit right in."
The orc warriors didn’t take long to integrate into the company once introductions were made and despite the oddness Nick felt toward a hobgoblin commanding orcs they seemed to recognize Uzak’s authority without complaint. Nick realized he would need to ensure he didn’t assume anything about the various species he had heard of from storybooks from Earth. There was a depth and personality to each individual from any species considered sentient.
A small order of supplies was purchased without much fanfare and loaded onto the two remaining kroras. Nick had seen Plumb’s corpse had been dragged away in the night by one of the sisters and didn’t ask about it further. He knew it wouldn’t be the last casualty he would have to endure. The newly enforced company broke camp and made their way into the pass on foot. It would take another day according to Vander to reach the frontier town without mounts if they kept to a standard marching speed but it couldn’t be helped.
The pass was foreboding after the attack from the night before but Nick felt confident with a half dozen thick muscled orcs surrounding him and he was secretly looking forward to seeing what the thick gauntlets on an Orc Brawler could do to an enemy when the time came.