Mercenary League

From PathfinderWiki
Mercenary League
Farnick, a dwarven Blackjacket.
(Organization)

Type
Military
Leader
Unknown
Headquarters
Goals
The protection of Druma and its people
Scope
National (Druma)
Structure
Military hierarchy
Members
Soldiers and mercenaries
Source: Campaign Setting, pg(s). 72–73 (1E)
World Guide, pg(s). 124–125 (2E)

The Mercenary League is the national military of the nation of Druma. Its members are often heavily armoured and are also known as the "Blackjackets" within Druma, both individually and collectively, as they wear black uniforms and black coats12 in contrast to the majority of Druma's elite who are followers of the Prophecies of Kalistrade and are thus clad all in white.3

The Blackjackets, as befitting the army of a nation of wealth-hungry traders, is lavishly equipped with the most expensive of armor and receives the best training. As a result, they are steadfast in their loyalty to their masters, being described as almost golem-like in their devotion. This loyalty leads to a level of ruthlessness unmatched by most fighting forces, as the Blackjackets are unflinching and amoral when following the orders of the Resplendent Bureaucracy and the High Prophet. In addition to the usual duties of a soldier, the Blackjackets are often tasked with the responsibility of guarding Druman caravans and trading expeditions around the Inner Sea region, since the wealth of Druma attracts a lot of unwanted attention.45

Recent developments

High Prophet Kelldor is credited with the current strength of the Blackjackets. Recently he initiated a concerted effort to bolster the Mercenary League through an "Edict of Preparation," which mandated a near doubling of the army's recruitment and training. The outcome has been the creation of a formidable force comprised of highly skilled warriors who have received specialized training for countering orcs and undead. This places Druma in a distinctive position to withstand the resurgence of the Whispering Tyrant. Consequently, the nation has experienced less suffering than its neighboring regions due to the rise of Tar-Baphon. However, with the blockage of lucrative trade routes, particularly along Lake Encarthan, some citizens have begun to express concerns that the hordes of undead might pose a problem that even wealth cannot resolve.3

References

The Pathfinder Tales web fiction story "Armored" follows a group of Blackjackets.

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.

  1. Alexander Augunas, et al. Armor Master's Handbook, inside front cover. Paizo Inc., 2016
  2. Alexander Augunas, et al. “Introduction” in Armor Master's Handbook, 2. Paizo Inc., 2016
  3. 3.0 3.1 Erik Mona, et al. Shining Kingdoms” in World Guide, 124–125. Paizo Inc., 2019
  4. Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 2: The Inner Sea” in Campaign Setting, 72–73. Paizo Inc., 2008
  5. Alexander Augunas & David N. Ross. “Introduction” in Weapon Master's Handbook, 4. Paizo Inc., 2015