02 - Iron Kingdoms W.. - Captain Spud Is Amazing

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Hedger Crowe (male Midlunder Ftr5/Rog4):
Crowe, an aging campaigner who founded the
company, is an irascible penny-pincher basically
retired from active service. He negotiates all contracts,
usually while quaffing drinks in a dingy dockside
tavern alongside his trusted friend Dugger Hitch
(male Thurian Clr7/Ftr1) who serves as the company’s
battle-chaplain. Some of his men suspect Crowe has
gone soft in his old age, afraid to risk his margin on
dangerous jobs. Nonetheless his standards for recruits
are high, and the Leatherskins only accept proven
fighters with extensive experience.
Crowe relies heavily on his second in command,
Jelyan Kerrigan (female Thurian Bdg3/Ftr9), who
is being groomed to succeed him. Along with taking
on leadership, she is responsible for keeping the
company’s warjacks in working condition. She is a
natural mechanic and has an affinity for commanding
‘jacks—a trait considered more valuable than her
combat prowess. Jelyan has been trying to earn the
Irregulars more high-paying jobs, using contacts at
the Strangelight Workshop and the local Order of
Illumination. The Ceryl Vicarate Council of Morrow
owes Jelyan a favor, but she has been extremely
secretive about this arrangement.
Shields of Durant
The Shields are one of the most famed—and
expensive—units in the whole of the Iron Kingdoms.
They were first formed during Rhul-Khador
border disputes shortly after the end of the Orgoth
occupation, but unlike many of the fighting forces
they chose to remain together when the conflict
ended. Since then, they have fought in most of the
major conflicts within the Iron Kingdoms. It is said,
only half in jest, that the only wars they miss are ones
they are paid to stay out of.
Joining the Shields is not a simple matter. In
deference to their long tradition only dwarves and
ogrun are permitted in the unit, and all those who join
must swear an oath of loyalty to their comrades and to
those who lead them. In fact, ogrun joining the unit
are considered to have sworn their loyalty and are no
longer bokur. Once in, members can expect access to
the highest quality training and equipment—most of
which is purchased directly from Rhul. They even have
a few warjacks.
Although they are trained for a range of tasks,
the Shields are best known for take-and-hold tactics.
Typically attackers have to advance under the withering
fire of a line of dwarven rifles only to find them
swapped for polearms or axes when they finally close.
All this is backed by massive ogrun with warcleavers
in hand. This is not the kind of line through which
any sane soldier would seek to break, and the mere
presence of the Shields on a battlefield is enough to
make some commanders change their tactics.
Braiten “Leadskull” Dalmut (male dwarf Ftr12):
The dwarf who earned the nickname of “Leadskull”
has mysterious roots. On the battlefield he is
unflappable under fire, and some believe he has no
genuine concept of fear. Leadskull has certainly
earned his reputation by facing down some of the
most terrifying monsters. Part of what keeps the
Shields together is his very strict sense of honor. He
will not willingly allow his troops to step beyond the
boundaries of professional conduct, yet Leadskull is a
flexible leader. When faced with adversity he is capable
of quickly revising his tactics.
World Guide 141