The Silver Skull

When you're in a bind, and the only forces you can call on are mercenaries, you might as well call the best. If you can afford them, of course.

— - Commander Harkin, Redoubt

Human interests in The Far Reaches have no official military. Only the garrison protects the peoples' interests in the region. When the garrison can't respond, you hire a mercenary, and when you are truly desperate for results, you hire the Silver Skull

Origins

Like many other units, the Skulls got their start as members of the Frosthold Garrison before branching into a mercenary unit. Through uncanny ability combined with uncommon charm, founder Jaryx Thanh was able to recruit the best and brightest from throughout the garrison to his side. Along with the best martial fighters, he pulled in scouts, clerics, and even a handful of arcane casters, something that most units refuse to do. Within two years, the Skulls had become the most sought after mercenary unit in the Reaches. While other outfits specialize in specific types of mission: rescues, treasure hunting, skirmishing, or even assassination, Thanh's crew can do it all and generally better than any other group.

Getting What They Pay For

Their ability to fit whichever role they're needed for has made the Silver Skull the most requested mercenary unit available in The Far Reaches , but it has also made them the most expensive. Most would-be employers do not even consider putting out a call to Thanh for his people's help unless they are either wealthy or desperate. This has allowed the Skulls to be highly discriminating in the jobs they take, as they can charge an exorbitant amount for each job. To this date, they have never failed to complete a job, and this has only added to their mystique.

A Moral Compunction

Say what you will about mercenaries, and have my opinions, but at least when you hire the Skulls, you know that you're not going to regret what you get.

— - Commander Harkin, Redoubt

That freedom to choose jobs based on their own criteria has shown Thanh and his outfit to be more moral than most mercenaries can afford to be, and they have capitalized on those options. The Skulls choose freely which jobs to take and which ones to refuse, sometimes to the chagrin of their would-be patrons. They have also been known to accept jobs from prospective clients who contacted them in desperation, even if those clients couldn't afford to pay. The Skulls have proven themselves to be more moral than any other mercenary company in the Reaches, either by dictate or by simple opportunity.