Hirelings¶

Hirelings come in two varieties: (i) mercenaries, typically rash fodder with sharp steel and dull wits, and (ii) non-combatants, desperate souls willing to risk life and limb as torch bearers, porters, guides, etc, for hard coin.

Roles¶

Generally speaking, hirelings are willing to perform their specific role as agreed (and set their fee to). Non-combatants might be willing to perform other relatively safe roles if capable (eg a torchbearer might act as a porter if he doesn't have a bad back, but not a guide, since he knows nought about pathfinding), but will not fight unless cornered, and then only to save their own skin.

As a rule of thumb, hirelings won't do anything the PCs aren't willing to do themselves (eg requests to "walk down this passage and check for traps" are likely to be met with "you first, boss").

Mercenaries are slightly different (apart from the smell). They mean to fight, and expect to be put in peril, but they didn't sign up for shoving fingers in locks, pulling on suspicious levers, or deciphering tedious puzzles. Sellswords sign on for glorious combat and valuable experience, and won't agree to being trap monkeys or campfire cooks. Then again, some offers are hard to refuse; they might just be cajoled into something stupid in special circumstances (GM discretion).

How Many?¶

At the beginning of an adventure (or at suitable break points determined by the GM), up to 1d4 + Cha mod retainers are available for potential hire (and "trust" the PC enough to risk accompanying them). The process of buying drinks/making inquiries/vetting potential hires usually takes 1d3 days, and costs 2d10 gp. Urgent recruitment of hirelings might be possible at higher cost (GM's call).

A PC with the Leadership skill gains a +1 bonus on the above roll, and the GM might apply other modifiers depending on circumstances (eg recruiting at a small outpost might impose disadvantage). Each hire has an even chance of being a mercenary or a non-combatant, subject to circumstances (eg: if a PC goes out of her way to hire bodyguards from a mercenary company, then all hirelings will be sellswords).

How Much?¶

Cost is for the GM to determine, taking into account the region's usual price lists, how much gold the PCs have, where they are, nature of the job, etc. As a rule of thumb however, mercenaries cost 10 times (or more) as much as a non-combatant, and most hirelings require half up front. In the Midlands for example, mercenaries generally cost 5 gp/day, and non-combatants 5 sp/day.

Name, Sex & Age¶

The average hireling is 3d10+16 years old. Three name tables are provided below, including male and female (f). The table below presents namesfor the humancentric Midlands, split between the five main cultures: Midlanders, Nydissians (n), Varnori (v), Karoks (k) and Thuels (t).

The second name table (d66) provides for Elves (e), Dwarves (d) and Halflings (h).

The third names table (d66) produces a series of nicknames in the “common” tongue.

Background¶

Hirelings are commonly from the lowest rungs of society, emboldened in their quest for coin. Additionally, most mercenaries have some combat experience (roll 1d8: (i) ex-city watch, (ii) ex-militia, (iii) bodyguard, (iv) pit fighter, (v) ex-soldier, (vi) thug (vii) ex-pirate (viii) green recruit).

Hireling Quirks¶

The quirks below are skewed towards the kinds of fortune hunters, outsiders and other desperados willing to accompany unpredictable adventurers into the dark places of the world.

Hireling Traits¶

The traits table (d100) includes a mix of humorous, curious and distinguishing oddities, some suited to the rigours of adventuring, and others not.

Gear¶

In addition to everyday items, non-combatant hirelings may use light armour, one handed melee weapons, and slings (roll 1d4 for starting gear).

Mercenaries may use any weapon, light or medium armour, and shields. The table below provides starting gear (roll 1d12, plus dagger). Naturally, PCs may buy better gear for their hirelings. Pets do not come with barding (left to the GM as to availability, cost, etc).

Catchphrase¶

Hirelings might come with a catchphrase to further differentiate them (d100).

Pets¶

Pets are available to PCs at the GM's option, including war dogs, falcons, cats, snakes, etc. The following table provides some qualities (d66) to assist in personalising them. It is assumed players will name their own pets.

Hireling Advancement¶

Hirelings (and perhaps pets) that survive an adventure gain an advancement on the following table at the GM's option (roll 2d6).

Hirelings who evolve into henchmen become 1^st Level in an appropriate class, and are loyal to their PC if accepted. If a PC declines a henchmen, or if the henchmen has any outstanding payback (below), they depart on adventures of their own.

Henchmen gain experience/levels at half the PC's rate. Whether henchmen receive a share of party treasure etc is left to GM determination.

Payback¶

Hirelings treated poorly tend to react adversely over time, particularly mercenaries. At the GM's option, poor treatment might call for a 2d6 roll on the Payback table below.