Mercenary Factions
Mercenary factions are groups of mercenaries that have banded together (however temporarily) for a common goal (usually increased profit). Fictional mercenary groups are common factions in fictional worlds, and can be used to explore themes of greed, honor, loyalty, and betrayal. These groups may be organized like a guild, like a fictional company, or like a military force. They may be employed by other factions to help tip the scales of power or to maintain deniability during sensitive matters. Mercenary groups may be home to ex-military members, people desperate for money, psychopaths, and thrill-seekers.
| Synonyms: mercenary groups, mercenary bands, guns-for-hire, sell-swords, soldiers of fortune |
| Example Mythonyms: the Golden Fist, the Severed Sons, Ambush Incorporated |
Designing Fictional Mercenary Factions
Overview
Fictional mercenary factions are often composed of highly skilled warriors or soldiers, though their composition and weapons use varies depending on the world era. These groups are often hired to tip the scales in a conflict, though their loyalty may come at a great price. Factions that do not possess a standing a army, especially those that are especially wealthy (banking factions; trade factions; fictional companies), may often rely on their services either in acts of aggression or defense.
Faction Identity
Fictional mercenary factions often have unique and easily identifiable heraldry, symbols, colors, or flags. These emblems frequently feature skulls, weapons, fists, or other aggressive charges. Members may have these identifiers tattooed on their body. These groups may also have mottos specific to their faction.
Faction Organization
The command structure of a mercenary faction can provide interesting worldbuilding and narrative opportunities. Most fictional mercenary groups are organized in a rigid fashion with a single commander in charge. This mimics military organization (which members of the mercenary faction may have come from) and also allows for the exploration of betrayal and mutiny within the group.
There is no reason mercenary factions could not be lead by a ruling council of veterans or organized into a direct and simple democracy.
Multiple Factions
If multiple mercenary factions exist within the same world, there may be a code of honor among them or simply ruthless competition. Consider the relationship between different mercenary factions as well as the relationships between individual members of different factions.
