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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Iron_Chef" data-source="post: 1391059" data-attributes="member: 4530">HYBORIAN AGE ADVENTURE SEED #5JOINING THE FREE COMPANIONSThis encounter can be used anytime the PCs try to join a mercenary company (also known as a Free Company). Mercenaries are often referred to as Free Companions or Freelances.One possible adventure set-up involves Prince Ivor of Koth seeking to usurp King Strabonus with the backing of Turan. Ivor is popular, and has Turanian gold to field three thousand mercenaries, becoming a thorn in the king's side in the outlying provinces of Koth. Ivor promises land and commissions to those who help him topple the tyrant. He has many different, rival bands of mercenaries working for him. Most of these number around 100 troops.READ ALOUD TEXT IN BOLD"You come between two rows of tents, to see before you a square-based, pyramid-topped pavilion where hangs the banner of a gold axe on a black field. Three ruffians loiter in front of the canopied entry to the tent---hard-looking men all, half-naked in the afternoon sun, and each with a weapon ready to hand. Sullen-eyed, they watch your approach."If the PCs inquire as to if the leader is inside, one of the men answers rudely:READ ALOUD TEXT IN BOLD"No, he is not. Hundolph is away. I am Stengar, commanding in his place." He tosses a severe look at his companions, then faces you again. "What would you have with our captain? State your business."The PCs state they are looking to hire on as mercenaries. Stengar and his fellows eye them critically, and, as an audience of their fellows slowly gathers, put forward the belief that the PCs are not worthy of joining Hundolph's band.READ ALOUD TEXT IN BOLD"We have a good reputation here; to put it another way, we of Hundolph's are the best. A posting with Hundolph's troop is so highly prized, even by footloose ruffians such as you---because, out of all those who seek to join our band, we accept only half." Stengar folds his arms across his chest and gazes around at his companions with a self-satisfied air, as if he has explained something. Finally, he turns to you and repeats himself: "One half, and one half only---the survivors!"Stengar throws up an arm and beckons to someone outside your field of vision. "Come forth! Here is your match!"You wheel to the sound of thuding footsteps and a low, inarticulate yell as the crowd of onlookers raises a lusty cheer and wagers are made. At this point, a number of would-be mercenaries (soldiers equal in number to the PCs wishing to join) attacks them in earnest. One, a Kothian ex-woodcutter named Lallo, wields a greatsword (power attack, weapon focus) and challenges the party's toughest appearing warrior.Hundolph, a graying Brythunian mercenary captain (late of the internal wars between city-states of Corinthia), steps in to stop the fight after a number of rounds (preferably before anyone is killed) and fines all his men five coppers for the unauthorized fight. If the PCs acquitted themselves in battle well, they are hired on the spot---earning the enmity of Lieutenant Stengar and his two companions, sergeants in the Company. Adapted from "Conan The Renegade" by Leonard Carpenter, which details the struggle for power between the rebellious Kothian prince and his king._________________IRON_CHEF d20 House Rules whipped up like fine cuisine. Bork! Bork! Bork</blockquote>

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