On The Free Cities
by ViktorD20The Warriors of the Free Cities
The Free Cities cannot be kept safe by simple mercenaries, and with most Aurum Hounds traveling the Known and Unknown World alike, the defense of the Free Three's realm falls to a variety of trained soldiers, militias, and specialists. These are usually picked by the commanders of the city guards, or close followers of the Free Lords, and come from many walks of life, all across the Free Cities and beyond.
Franko's Free Company
A militia composed of those unlucky enough to find themselves outside the cities' walls, the Free Company are a loosely organized but a fiercely loyal fighting force serving under commander Luthor Franko. Luthor is a renowned warrior from Hattias, even surpassing his friend and lord Ollanus Bronco in combat prowess. Once Ollanus even offered Luthor the crown of Luboli, but Luthor refused, stating he was not a diplomat, he was a warrior. This attitude and his friendly mannerisms towards his soldiers make them a fighting force like no other. Luthor commands all three branches of the Free Company, and when he calls, the Free Company answers.
The Last Standers
Criminals taken from the prisons of the Free Cities, the Last Standers are granted the barest equipment needed to fight. If they survive, fine, if they die, fine, as long as they do their job. Every Last Stander has a glyph engraved to their skin that kills them if they move too far from their commanders. They are, for lack of a better term, suicide squads.
The Darokinian Guard
Stationed in Luboli, the Darokinian guard are the guards of the royal quarters, and the rearguard during a battle. They are armed with crossbows, halberds and breastplates to allow for more mobility and reach in combat. They are usually deployed as a final line of defense in case of a desperate situation, but this has not yet happened. Their numbers have become fewer during their service, only numbering 189 soldiers.
The Free Army
Made up of pikemen, marksmen, war engines and marines, the Free Army is the main defense force of the Free Cities. When the Free Cities come under attack, wide lines of Lubolise, Bellionese and Slanivonese pikemen, crossbows, and heavy hitting marines are deployed to the front lines, where they will fight tooth and nail. They will fight until the phalanx is shattered, they'll fight until bolts are not available anymore, and they'll even fight until their weapons are broken against the enemy. Only then are they allowed to retreat if they can. Ollanus Bronco's best sergeants drill these men and women to be the greatest fighting force the Free Cities have to offer, and they form the bulk of the army of the Free Three.
Sartroc
Everyone in Sartroc knows how to fight one way or another. When a rebellious pirate captain from Minrothad stormed the city at dead of night, hoping to get a jump on the city, the population managed to rip apart his ranks, killed his officers, and hung him with the guards bringing the rope. Every sailor, every citizen, and every guard forms the city's garrison.
The Economy of the Free Cities
Luboli
Main Imports: Food, wines, materials
Main Exports: Weapons, salt, gems
Additional Sources of Income: Every regiment serving under Bronco is to return once a year to give a part of their earnings to the lord of the city. Citizens are taxed 3 silver a month.
Trade Details: The city sends out small pikeman units to ensure safe entry and exit for foreign merchants, Sartroc is not allowed to attacks trade vessels.
Bellion
Main Imports: Food, salt, weapons
Main Exports: Horses, stone
Additional Sources of Income: Every regiment serving under Polachovitz is to return once a year to give a part of their earnings to the lord of the city. In addition, foreign merchants and travelers are often taxed by the church under surveillance of the lord's troops. Citizens are taxed 3 silver a month.
Trade Details: Small units of mounted scouts patrol the roads and keep caravans and travelers safe. Sartroc is not allowed to attack trade vessels.
Slanivon
Main Imports: Wines, fruit, salt, weapons
Main Exports: Assassins, arcane goods, divinations
Additional Sources of Income: Every regiment serving under Misaron is to return once a year to give a part of their earnings to the lord of the city. In addition, foreign merchants and travelers are often taxed by the church under surveillance of the lady's troops. To add to this, Slanivon has a higher tax rate of 5 silver a month.
Trade Details: Small scout units guard the roads. Sartroc is allowed to attack trade vessels, but the city hires out mercenary guard ships to protect them.
A Small Clarification
Alexandra Misaron is credited as the lady of Slanovan, but her city is named Slanivon. This is because she does not consider herself the ruler of the city, but rather the palace and its surroundings. The palace is funnily enough named Castle Slanovan.