The Four Companies of Baleros, also know as the Four Great Companies, are the biggest and most powerful mercenary groups on Baleros.
Background[]
The Four Great Companies of Baleros are the biggest companies on the continent, with influence, representatives in other nation, and even entire merchant organizations that cater only to them. They’re all somewhat equal in power but do not fight against each other most of the time except in skirmishes. If two of the Great Companies fought, the other two would most definitely attack the victor, if there even was one,[1] with tens of thousands of casualties.[2] However, there haven't been such a war in a long time.
While the Great Companies are considered the most powerful, other companies have similarly large numbers and control large territories.[2]
Chronology[]
2000 years ago, there were Six Great Companies that tried to invade Northern Izril.[3]
Twenty years ago, one of the Great Four, Jungle Tails,[2] was defeated and replaced by the Forgotten Wing Company.[4]
In the year 2 A.F., one of the Great Companies of Baleros hired the [Emissary] Trixal Therest, to write a report that listed Wistram as one of the most powerful factions in the world.[5]
Current Great Companies[]
- Iron Vanguard (mainly consists of Dullahans, territories are in the freezing north,[4] controls much of the Balerosian sea)[2]
- Maelstrom’s Howling (mainly consists of Centaurs and some Lizardfolk, territories are towards the central plains but not held completely)[4]
- Forgotten Wing Company (operates in the south)[4]
- Eyes of Baleros (mainly consists of Gazers, controls the jungle and is secretive)[4]
Former Great Companies[]
- Jungle Tails (mainly consists of Lizardfolk)[2]
Trivia[]
- Three out of the four Great Companies are species-exclusive.
- The Goblin’s Lament, a Goblin-exclusive company led by Velan the Kind[6] was rumored to be the Fifth Great Company until Velan became a Goblin King and started rampaging across Baleros and Izril.[7]