The Lucky Blighters (Mercenaries All Races/Classes/Ages)

13 YEARS ▣ POST INQUISITION ▣ MOTLEY CREW ▣ OPEN

With the end of the Inquisition, thousands of soldiers, mages, and courtiers were left wondering what to do next. Most returned to their homes or other varied pursuits, but many had burned all bridges when they left to join the Inquisition, or found themselves so changed by the events of the Inquisition they found they were not the same as before. A group of these left overs, outcasts, people who couldn’t leave the world-changing organization they had come to support, joined together and formed the Lucky Blighters. There are few from the original group left after thirteen years, but they have gained new members, attracting outcasts from all walks of life who have trouble finding a place for themselves among conventional society. The Blighters pride themselves on unconventional people, fighting with unconventional styles, fighting in unconventional situations. The Blighters have made a reputation for themselves for being some of the few who know how to properly combat a Fade Rift. They number about sixty in most years, split into squads of six to ten with a squad leader and a second in command, but can double their numbers calling on allies when a job calls for it. The squad may be specialized or contain a variety of fighters. One of more of the squads are assigned a contract, and each member of the squad is only held for that contract, no more, and may leave once the contract is completed. The heads of the squads are listed below.

WARRIOR ▣ 40+ ▣ OPEN ▣ DRAGON SQUAD

Squad 1, or Dragon Squad, is led by the leader and founder of the Lucky Blighters. DRAGON was highly ranked in the military when they left to join the Inquisition, rising to a high ranking when the Inquisition was dissolved. They are everyone’s favorite aunt/uncle, rough around the edges, always ready with a flagon of ale and a hearty pat on the back. A jovial, kind hearted outside shields a tactical genius. Their main failing is an inability to negotiate, which is why the long-suffering NUG negotiates all contracts and payments. DRAGON’s second in command is MABARI.

The Dragon Squad are a mixed, versatile group who are sent where they are needed on the battlefield or in a contract, always led by DRAGON themself. They are made up of some of the most experienced members of the Lucky Blighters.

WARRIOR ▣ 30+ ▣ OPEN ▣ DRUFFALO SQUAD

The DRUFFALO Squad specialize in defense and are made up of mostly warriors with a barrier mage or two thrown in as necessary for the job. They hold the line, no matter what, nothing gets past them. Though they aren’t the fastest or most easily maneuverable, they are the solid defensive core of the Lucky Blighters. They are often deployed to act as body guards. The second in command is RAM.

DRUFFALO is as solid as the squad. They are strong, solid, and stubborn, traits that served them well up until a more quick-witted comrade framed them for theft. A misunderstanding turned into assault with a deadly weapon with quite a bit of property damage thrown in. The Blighters happened to be in town at the time, so DRUFFALO joined up as a way out of town. DRUFFALO defeated the previous squad leader in an arm-wrestling competition for the leadership position. Despite their rough, scarred appearance, they are an avid botanist.

ANY CLASS ▣ 40+ ▣ OPEN ▣ BRONTO SQUAD

BRONTO was practically born horseback. They won competitions on their favorite mount against every village around, and learned to bait travelers into racing for a quick buck at a very early age. An unhappy customer got them chased out of town very quickly when they were only sixteen. After taking up with a noble house to work in the stables, they worked their way up until they were breeding and training horses for the entire district. The noble house they served fell into a poor inheritance, and they left before they could be punished for still being loyal to the old lord, and eventually joined the Blighters. BRONTO took one look at the mounts the Blighters rode, shook their head, and promptly cajoled/bulled NUG into giving them enough cash to better outfit the troops.

The Bronto Squad, also called the Rough Riders, are the mounted specialists. They contain all types of fighters, and specialize in quick, pointed, mobile attacks and contracts. They also serve as one half the scouts, along with VARGHEST. The second in command is called HALLA.

MAGE ▣ 28 ▣ KITTEN ▣ CROW SQUAD

Aatami, nicknamed Crow, heads the Crow Squad, also known as the Irregulars. Made up of some of the most eclectic mages, artificers, Templars, and reavers in the Blighters, the Crow Squad is dispatched for the really weird contracts that can cover anything from ‘find me an albino varghest’ to ‘discover who killed my great grand aunt’ or ‘figure out what this mysterious magical artifact does.’ Led by the young and grumpy Bloodcrow, Aatami Tarathiel, the Crow Squad spread chaos and discord in battle with fire, explosions, panic, and spirits of the dead. The second in command is called SPIDER.

Bloodcrow himself is a grumpy elf and recent promotion who is still getting used to leadership. He depends greatly on his second for strategic decisions, though he has good instincts for battle and has come to work well as part of a team.

SPIRIT HEALER ▣ 50+ ▣ OPEN ▣ NUG SQUAD

Once upon a time, NUG was the third child of a great merchant family. They were sent to the Circle when their magic appeared, and were quickly drawn to the healing arts. Though not the most powerful mage around, NUG found their true talents in administrative work. They are the type to alphabetize their closet for fun. A shrewd negotiator, NUG is also in charge of negotiating contracts and arranging payment of the Blighters. When the Circle dissolved and was taken in by the Inquisition, NUG found themselves in paradise, organizing the motley Inquisition crew and their numerous allies. When the Inquisition ended, DRAGON took NUG with them to organize the Blighters.

The NUG Squad focuses on support. They are mostly healers, barrier mages, or wield poison or weakening magics from afar. NUG also heads the administrative staff for the Blighters, and often travels ahead of the main squads to plan for lodgings and supplies for a major contract. The second in command is FENNEC.

ROGUE/MAGE (maybe) ▣ 35+ ▣ OPEN ▣ VAGHEST SQUAD

VARGHEST’s past is a mystery. One day they appeared, looking like they had spent years alone in the wilderness, not explaining why they wanted to join the Blighters. DRAGON took VARGHEST on their squad for one contract, after that, DRAGON immediately accepted VARGHEST and soon gave them their own squad. They are still close mouthed and private, but have opened up to a select few among the Blighters.

VARGHEST and his squad contain the best trackers in the Blighters, as well as the sharp shooters, and consist of the other half of the scouts along with the Bronto Squad. The second in command is DEEPSTALKER.

ANY ▣ 18+ ▣ OPEN ▣ ANY SQUAD

Other members will be listed here. The details of the squad leaders are mostly negotiable, but I ask that all leaders be over 25 and a member of the Blighters for at least a year, probably two, and try to keep the classes and races varied, as the Blighters are supposed to be an eclectic mix. Other members of the Blighters must be older than 18, but can come from any background and can even be part time, selecting contracts as they like. Each squad also needs a second in command that almost always gets along with the squad leader and also compliments the squad’s strengths. Existing characters are welcome to join as well!