Though kings command armies and guilds command wealth, much of Mythea's frontier is shaped by adventurers, mercenaries, explorers, and free companies.
Some seek fortune.
Some seek glory.
Some seek knowledge.
Others simply seek survival.
Their banners can be found on roads, battlefields, ruins, and distant frontiers throughout the continent.
Many become legends.
Most become stories.
Headquarters: Vhal'Tor
The largest adventuring organization in Mythea.
The Golden Compass maintains guild halls in nearly every major city.
Members undertake:
Exploration
Relic recovery
Monster hunting
Escort missions
Cartography
Investigation
The Guild operates on a ranking system ranging from Novice to Master Pathfinder.
Many adventurers begin their careers under its banner.
Symbol:
A golden compass rose.
Motto:
"Beyond every horizon."
Headquarters: Vhal'Tor
A respected mercenary company closely associated with former Iron Banner veterans.
The Iron Hawks specialize in:
Caravan protection
Battlefield support
Frontier defense
Bounty hunting
Known for discipline and professionalism.
They rarely accept contracts they cannot complete.
Symbol:
A crimson hawk in flight.
Motto:
"Swift. Certain. Relentless."
Headquarters: Velvet Sultanate
One of the wealthiest mercenary organizations in Mythea.
The Sapphire Company protects trade routes throughout the south.
Members are known for exceptional equipment and extensive logistical support.
Some accuse them of caring more about profit than honor.
They consider that good business.
Symbol:
A sapphire set within a silver shield.
Motto:
"Fortune favors preparation."
Headquarters: Sylvaran Covenant
A loose fellowship of scouts, wardens, trackers, and wilderness guides.
The Silver Rangers know more about the untamed regions of Mythea than almost anyone else.
They frequently guide expeditions into dangerous territory.
Many maintain close relationships with the Garden Keepers.
Symbol:
A silver arrow crossing a green leaf.
Motto:
"The wild remembers."
Headquarters: Lantern Collegium
Part scholarly organization.
Part adventuring guild.
The Society sponsors expeditions into:
Ancient ruins
Lost cities
Forgotten temples
Starfall Fields
Members include scholars and adventurers alike.
Many of Mythea's greatest discoveries were made under their sponsorship.
Symbol:
A lantern containing a star.
Motto:
"Seek what is hidden."
Headquarters: Mobile
Unlike most organizations, the Company has no permanent headquarters.
Members travel continuously.
They escort pilgrims, merchants, refugees, and explorers across dangerous territory.
Stories claim they know roads that appear on no map.
Their reputation for reliability is nearly unmatched.
Symbol:
A winding road beneath a rising sun.
Motto:
"Every journey matters."
Headquarters: Unknown
Officially a mercenary company.
Unofficially much more complicated.
The Brotherhood accepts contracts most organizations refuse.
Its members are highly skilled and notoriously secretive.
Many rulers employ them reluctantly.
Many rulers fear them openly.
Symbol:
A black banner upon a grey field.
Motto:
"Results above reputation."
Headquarters: Various
A fellowship dedicated to locating Starfire Relics and investigating celestial mysteries.
Members include:
Scholars
Mages
Adventurers
Explorers
The organization maintains strong ties to the Lantern Collegium.
Their expeditions often uncover extraordinary discoveries.
They also suffer unusually high casualty rates.
Symbol:
A falling star crossing a circle.
Motto:
"Follow the light."
Headquarters: Whispering Wilds
Protectors of sacred forests, ancient groves, and natural wonders.
The Emerald Wardens often act as intermediaries between civilization and the wilderness.
Many are druids, rangers, or hunters.
Poachers and illegal loggers consider them a constant threat.
Symbol:
An emerald tree.
Motto:
"Guard what cannot be replaced."
Headquarters: Variable
A mysterious organization associated with the Ashwardens.
Members explore ruins, tombs, battlefields, and abandoned settlements.
They believe understanding the past prevents future mistakes.
Many possess extensive archaeological expertise.
Some possess unsettling knowledge.
Symbol:
A handprint formed from ash.
Motto:
"Remember what was lost."
Headquarters: Velvet Sultanate
A famous dueling society and mercenary company.
Members are celebrated for skill, style, and personal honor.
They frequently serve as:
Bodyguards
Champions
Duelists
Instructors
Their reputation extends throughout the continent.
Symbol:
A crimson rapier.
Motto:
"Skill is its own authority."
Headquarters: Various
A network of independent adventurers specializing in relic acquisition.
Unlike traditional guilds, the Consortium operates through contracts and partnerships.
Many members eventually become wealthy.
Many more disappear while chasing legends.
Symbol:
A key over a treasure chest.
Motto:
"Every relic has a story."
Competition between companies is common.
Examples include:
Golden Compass Guild vs Relic Hunters Consortium
Iron Hawks vs Black Banner Brotherhood
Silver Rangers vs poaching organizations
Last Lantern Society vs Cult of the Black Star
Most rivalries remain professional.
Some become deeply personal.
Most people admire adventurers.
Few wish to become them.
Adventurers willingly face:
Monsters
Ruins
Curses
Political intrigue
Ancient mysteries
Their successes inspire legends.
Their failures become warnings.
Though no universal code exists, a saying is widely recognized among explorers throughout Mythea:
"Maps end. Stories begin."
For many adventurers, that simple belief is reason enough to continue chasing the next horizon.