The Swords of Darromar

The Swords of Darromar are the result of a decade-long resurgence of influence at sword-point, and the dying practice of hiring mercenary companies made a strong return to power. It became a fashion to ply the trade of a sellsword, and many aspiring soldier or adventurer dreamed of their own company, not only to emulate the recent successes of Queen Zaranda Start, but also to profit from a time of uncertainty and threats in every direction. Scores of mercenary companies sprang up in Tethyr and Amn, most not reaching past 20 individuals in size, and some numbering in the hundreds.

Activities
The Swords of Darromar were often recruited for occasional jobs that included such tasks as: Bodyguards to wealthy Nobles, Muscle for vigil adventurers, Treasure trove investigations, and even support for Pirate activity if the member was willing.

Many citizens look view the Swords as a group of organized adventurers, generally there was little concern as it relates to the Swords since they, for the most part, control their members' behavior.

Successful operations and tasks were expected of all members. The Swords are known for not giving many second chances to failing recruits.

Outlook
The Swords' key to success will rely heavily on their ability to remain useful to the Tethyrian crown (and possibly what remains of the Amnian government). There is some concern within the organization that the willingness to take on jobs from Pirates, or more notorious figures may put the reputation of the organization at risk. Queen Zaranda is known for her low patience for Piracy, despite the Pardon she granted.

Abilities
Individuals of the Swords of Darromar are skilled comatants. Although there is no commonality between how the Swords engage in combat, the vast majority rely on hand-to-hand melee combat. In addition, the Swords are known for backing up their members, in that if someone attacks a member of the Swords unprovoked, the Sword will work with the local government (or take it upon themselves in some cases) to ensure justice is carried out. This approach, at times, can be them at odds with psuedo-governments or the Starspire Accord organization.

Organization
The Swords of Darromar is led by Captain Neravel Trosbann, who at times takes council from his two Lieutenants.

Recruits
Entry-level participants, all new members of the Swords are required to spend at minimum 6 months in this rank, regardless of their prowess or completed tasks on behalf of the guild.

Swords
After proving themselves in both assignment completion AND representation of the guild, Recruits are promoted to a "Sword". This rank provides a greater deal of faction-provided assets including some minor weapons and armor, as well as the ability to take on additional assignments that were not given to Recruits.

Sergeants
Most members of the Swords remain in the "Sword"-rank. Sergeants are only selected if they demonstrate a level of leadership beyond what is expected of the Sword. Feats of bravery and for significantly advancing guild causes and positive reputation will give Leadership the ability to consider someone for movement into the Sergeant rank.

Sergeants begin to take on Recruits that are assigned to them, and work as the mentor to those individuals. The Sergeant is expected to both advocate on behalf of recruits, and execute punishments to them at the guild's discretion.

Ebon Blade
Little is known about the Ebon Blades, aside from the reality that it serves no leadership role within the hierarchy at all.

Lieutenant
The next leadership rank following the Sergeant. This rank is designed to advise the Captain on going-ons of the guild, local governments, and focuses completely on advancing guild cause. Lieutenants are rarely completing assignments on their own, instead they will pay a visit to a ranking Sergeant and observe them in an effort to find weaknesses in their approach. The Lieutenant rank tends to be the most micro-managing of the leadership ranks due to the high level of scrutiny that the current Captain places upon them.

Captain
The leader of The Swords of Darromar. The Captain is responsible for all activities, and of all functions, He/she must ensure that the relationship between the Swords and nobility is always at a high level.

The Swords do not have the ability to lean on familiar faiths to confirm their commitment to a particular crown. Therefore they must prove it with their actions each and every day.