- Scale: 10 (3-6 for individual chapters)
- Capital: 10 (3-6 for individual chapters)
- Alignment: Lawful Neutral
- Symbol: Crossed Swords
- Active Regions: All of the Kingdom of Muriah except The Great Untamed
Background: The Sword and Shield Association, often referred to as the Fighter’s Guild, was founded in the year EK 325. Hastur the First started the guild, in what was then the city of Eribatorea (now New Estonia).
Organization: The S&S is a strict organization. Members are expected to obey superiors above all else, while on assignment or in the guild barracks. Slovenly behavior, untidy or unkempt appearance, or failure to perform duties all result in penalties to one’s rank within the guild.
Members must pay an initial fee to join, but afterwards membership is free. The guild takes a small cut (15-25%) of any assignments the member takes thru the guild. Failure to report income derived from the guild is considered a major infraction.
Advancement in the guild is handled thru peer review, and is conducted monthly, typically on the first of the month. Members are evaluated by their superiors, based on past assignments, training, and behavior. At times members’ martial prowess may be tested prior to advancement. Advancement to the highest post – High Commander – is only done when the current High Commander steps down, or is voted down by a unanimous decision amongst the Commanders. Then the Commanders convene to elect a replacement, typically from amongst their ranks.
Each individual barracks can be considered a sub-set of the guild at large, typically with a Scale/Capital of 3-6.
Goals: The goal of the Sword and Shield Association is simple: to make money. It does this by providing trained and professional military support to individuals, organizations, and even governments. Guard duty, personnel and caravan escort, and even training services are provided, all for a fee. The guild draws a line at assassination: they leave that to the appropriate organizations.
Secondary to their goal as a business, the S&S provides training to members, in the belief that a well-trained staff can generate more income for the guild as a whole.
