The First
The First are a mercenary guild primarily concerned with guarding caravans to and from Greater Smiltis. Members operate in Stormhaven along with several small outposts farther north in several towns to maintain a presence. They have an intimate knowledge of the jungles and can navigate the common trails without fail. Most of them have training in using a bow along with a shortsword or machete, making them able combatants and scouts. They often take up bounties to investigate disturbances in small villages or to kill a troublesome beast. It is not common to see them operate in the Zetian Mountains or along the coast of the Arheim Sea, but if the pay is good enough members might be spotted. Cirris has disallowed any member of the First to pass through its borders ever since they began escorting people from Greater Smiltis.
Structure
There are three leaders of the First: the operations manager, the judicial manager, and the head of maintenance. The three work in tandem to make sure that the guild is always in good standing in Hazra and Zetia so that they may continue to work for them and collect bounties. Under them are hall leaders, who directly manage several groups of guild members and direct them as to what jobs they may take. After the hall leaders are the group leaders, who are in charge of three to six other guild members, and are usually the most experienced in the group. Lastly the regular guild members simply follow orders unless they wish to be kicked out of the guild. Being discharged from the First often makes it impossible to work as a mercenary anywhere reputable in Hazra, and has lead to more than a few ended careers.
Public Agenda
To be a profitable mercenary guild while also benefiting the Kingdom of Hazra.
Assets
Dozens of guild halls throughout northern Hazra, and a modest treasury that is usually used to purchase or construct new halls or to pay fees and operation costs.
History
Originally a merchant guild called the First Delivery Company, the First transformed itself to become a protection and hired sword service after it became famous for defending against caravan raids. Since most of the merchants in the guild were only minorly successful and saw more profits in this new business model, the decision to refocus their efforts was not hotly debated and the transition went smoothly. Because the group already had a good reputation, money to cover overhead, and training in business, the guild quickly outclassed other mercenary groups. In just over twenty years after the switch from merchant to mercenary, the First became the most reputable bounty hunters, guides, and caravan guards in Hazra, increasing profits by several times the amount made before the change. The owners of the guild doubled down, and invested most of their income into new guild halls and marketing. That decision was a good one as it has allowed the guild to survive for over four centuries. Though it is a shadow of itself after losing some of its clientele to rivals, it is still the most well known group in Hazra and it owns as much land as some lesser barons.
Type
Guild, Fighter / Mercenary
Demonym
Firsts
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