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Zeltiva has long been a hub of trade in the Post-Valterrian world of Mizahar. Even before the destruction of the Old World the city saw an influx of traffic from the seas. It’s status as a harbor for all walks of life has fostered in it a more tolerant attitude toward outsiders than one would find in most parts of the world. In recent times however that tolerance has been stretched to its limit. Nevertheless, where people gather there is conflict. Where there is conflict there will always be those who strive to capitalize on that conflict. The Martial Society was established by citizens who wanted to make use of that philosophy and it has trudged on ever since.
Those who care to delve into the City Registrar’s Office would find that the Martial Society was first convened on the 18th of Winter, 187 AV. Initially it was nothing more than a group of brawlers who did not entirely agree with the rigid duty of the Wave Guard and those who refused to sign up for life in the Zeltivan military. Indeed the original name of the Martial Society is listed as “The Voracious”. As The Voracious, the group of mercenaries did little to make a name for themselves. They accepted odd jobs of questionable nature that involved a great deal of risk for very little reward. The political mindset of the city at the time allowed for the exploitation of many small mercenary factions that attempted to rise up in the early days after the Valterrian.
It was not until the arrival of Marshal Ulrich Sevellun that the Voracious began to make a name for themselves. In the Fall of 313 AV, Marshal Sevellun assumed command of the ragtag group determined to change things for the ailing group of fighters. Having previously served in the Zeltivan Navy he was a man with prior military experience but he left after a career of distinguished service. Not satisfied with life as a civilian he signed up with The Voracious and quickly made a name for himself. Under Marshal Sevellun’s leadership the Voracious began a strict regime of training ranging from weapons training, strategy, sailing and even some basics in law and how to work political systems. Within ten years the Voracious lived up to its name and essentially gobbled up the competition either through tactful political maneuvering or simply absorbing the members of opposing mercenary factions.
In 327 AV Marshal Sevellun officially changed the name of the mercenary group to the Martial Society of Zeltiva feeling that a new beginning was on the horizon for the mercenaries. From among his subordinates he chose his successor and after drafting the Society Charter he stepped down passing command on to another. From there the Martial Society has prospered becoming the only real sellsword presence in the city. Their choke hold on issuing freelance contracts to mercenaries in the city of Zeltiva remains unchallenged to this day.
The Martial Society of Zeltiva prides itself on being the model for mercenary work in and around the city. While membership with the actual society is not required for anyone seeking mercenary work in the city it is highly frowned upon to attempt to forge contracts not funneled through their office. The Martial Society accepts people from all walks of life whether they are a disciplined warrior or a hot-headed brawler. If you can fight, if you’ve got the strength and skill to see a task through to completion then they will see that you’re hired. Still, there are a few things that they tend to enforce around the city.
Beyond that, members of the Martial Society are expected to obey the chain of command and pay a due each season to maintain Society facilities. While there have been times in Zeltiva’s history when city authorities became nervous about the power the mercenaries might possess this is always allayed simply because the Martial Society offers its loyalty to the highest bidder. Beyond that, the Society has no political agenda.
The Martial Society does not have an exhaustive chain of command. Mostly the leadership of the Society is left in the hands of the Marshal with a few close and competent individuals assisting him. It is rare for the Society to be called upon in full force to the point where a rigid hierarchy is needed. Largely the pecking order is established based on merit and the skill of the individual. However, there are a few ranks that one can achieve if only to have a title on a piece of paper. Without fail though, all members are expected to obey the Marshal or face punitive action.
The Martial Society does not require exclusive membership for those wishing to enter a contract with petitioners. Membership does have its perks though. Members of the Society are granted access to the Martial training facility, a forge where repairs can be made free of charge, discounted weapons and armor and the guarantee that upon accepting a contract with the Society that payment will always be made in full. These benefits come at a cost however. Members are required to pay dues to the Society on top of their Living Expenses. The dues are arranged based on the capabilities of each individual mercenary. The more capable the member, the more advanced missions they can accept, the higher their dues. Additionally, the Martial Society mandates that all of its members maintain a certain standard of living. It pays its members well and it will have them maintain their skills, their bodies and their minds in pique condition so that its reputation is maintained.
Members who fail to pay their dues will find that their wages are garnished to make up the difference. Continued failure to pay dues results in expulsion from the Society and re-entry is completely at the determination of the Marshal. If re-entry is granted then the mercenary starts from scratch all over again sitting on probation for no less than a year before full reinstatement is granted.
Freelancer is the term given to mercenaries who simply get their contracts funneled through the Society office. They are not members and are not entitled to any of the benefits nor are they subject to the restrictions of membership. That being said, their wages are based entirely on the contracts they can accept with very limited access to the big paying contracts as those are reserved for Society members. A Freelancer can make a name for themselves in Zeltiva but it is not an easy task in the least.
Non-Society mercenaries in Zeltiva cannot progress beyond the Basic Missions on the Price List.
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The Martial Society of Zeltiva
Zeltiva has long been a hub of trade in the Post-Valterrian world of Mizahar. Even before the destruction of the Old World the city saw an influx of traffic from the seas. It’s status as a harbor for all walks of life has fostered in it a more tolerant attitude toward outsiders than one would find in most parts of the world. In recent times however that tolerance has been stretched to its limit. Nevertheless, where people gather there is conflict. Where there is conflict there will always be those who strive to capitalize on that conflict. The Martial Society was established by citizens who wanted to make use of that philosophy and it has trudged on ever since.
History
Those who care to delve into the City Registrar’s Office would find that the Martial Society was first convened on the 18th of Winter, 187 AV. Initially it was nothing more than a group of brawlers who did not entirely agree with the rigid duty of the Wave Guard and those who refused to sign up for life in the Zeltivan military. Indeed the original name of the Martial Society is listed as “The Voracious”. As The Voracious, the group of mercenaries did little to make a name for themselves. They accepted odd jobs of questionable nature that involved a great deal of risk for very little reward. The political mindset of the city at the time allowed for the exploitation of many small mercenary factions that attempted to rise up in the early days after the Valterrian.
It was not until the arrival of Marshal Ulrich Sevellun that the Voracious began to make a name for themselves. In the Fall of 313 AV, Marshal Sevellun assumed command of the ragtag group determined to change things for the ailing group of fighters. Having previously served in the Zeltivan Navy he was a man with prior military experience but he left after a career of distinguished service. Not satisfied with life as a civilian he signed up with The Voracious and quickly made a name for himself. Under Marshal Sevellun’s leadership the Voracious began a strict regime of training ranging from weapons training, strategy, sailing and even some basics in law and how to work political systems. Within ten years the Voracious lived up to its name and essentially gobbled up the competition either through tactful political maneuvering or simply absorbing the members of opposing mercenary factions.
In 327 AV Marshal Sevellun officially changed the name of the mercenary group to the Martial Society of Zeltiva feeling that a new beginning was on the horizon for the mercenaries. From among his subordinates he chose his successor and after drafting the Society Charter he stepped down passing command on to another. From there the Martial Society has prospered becoming the only real sellsword presence in the city. Their choke hold on issuing freelance contracts to mercenaries in the city of Zeltiva remains unchallenged to this day.
Philosophy
The Martial Society of Zeltiva prides itself on being the model for mercenary work in and around the city. While membership with the actual society is not required for anyone seeking mercenary work in the city it is highly frowned upon to attempt to forge contracts not funneled through their office. The Martial Society accepts people from all walks of life whether they are a disciplined warrior or a hot-headed brawler. If you can fight, if you’ve got the strength and skill to see a task through to completion then they will see that you’re hired. Still, there are a few things that they tend to enforce around the city.
- 1.) Harassment of upstanding citizens of Zeltiva is expressly forbidden.
2.) Stealing from those who petition the Society is not tolerated.
3.) A modicum of professionalism is expected from all affiliates of the Society.
4.) Members will receive payment from the Society and the Society alone. They shall not seek further compensation from petitioners.
5.) Members of the Society are expected to perform their duties in a timely and efficient manner.
Beyond that, members of the Martial Society are expected to obey the chain of command and pay a due each season to maintain Society facilities. While there have been times in Zeltiva’s history when city authorities became nervous about the power the mercenaries might possess this is always allayed simply because the Martial Society offers its loyalty to the highest bidder. Beyond that, the Society has no political agenda.
Hierarchy
The Martial Society does not have an exhaustive chain of command. Mostly the leadership of the Society is left in the hands of the Marshal with a few close and competent individuals assisting him. It is rare for the Society to be called upon in full force to the point where a rigid hierarchy is needed. Largely the pecking order is established based on merit and the skill of the individual. However, there are a few ranks that one can achieve if only to have a title on a piece of paper. Without fail though, all members are expected to obey the Marshal or face punitive action.
Marshal :
Captain :
Membership
The Martial Society does not require exclusive membership for those wishing to enter a contract with petitioners. Membership does have its perks though. Members of the Society are granted access to the Martial training facility, a forge where repairs can be made free of charge, discounted weapons and armor and the guarantee that upon accepting a contract with the Society that payment will always be made in full. These benefits come at a cost however. Members are required to pay dues to the Society on top of their Living Expenses. The dues are arranged based on the capabilities of each individual mercenary. The more capable the member, the more advanced missions they can accept, the higher their dues. Additionally, the Martial Society mandates that all of its members maintain a certain standard of living. It pays its members well and it will have them maintain their skills, their bodies and their minds in pique condition so that its reputation is maintained.
Mercenary, Basic Missions :
Mercenary, Intermediate Missions :
Mercenary, Advanced Missions :
Members who fail to pay their dues will find that their wages are garnished to make up the difference. Continued failure to pay dues results in expulsion from the Society and re-entry is completely at the determination of the Marshal. If re-entry is granted then the mercenary starts from scratch all over again sitting on probation for no less than a year before full reinstatement is granted.
Freelancer
Freelancer is the term given to mercenaries who simply get their contracts funneled through the Society office. They are not members and are not entitled to any of the benefits nor are they subject to the restrictions of membership. That being said, their wages are based entirely on the contracts they can accept with very limited access to the big paying contracts as those are reserved for Society members. A Freelancer can make a name for themselves in Zeltiva but it is not an easy task in the least.
Non-Society mercenaries in Zeltiva cannot progress beyond the Basic Missions on the Price List.
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