Today there are three undisputed Free Companies operating within the mainland of Azand: House Amathy, the Telvanni Adventuring Company, and the Wayward Son Corporation. Currently all are sworn to the kingdom of Ediran and his Grand Imperial Majesty Ediros Meruin III.
In Eimui the number of Free Companies is currently more fluid due to the massive political upheavals taking place so an exact number cannot be determined. Currently many borderline capital companies as well as small warbands flock to the continent to make their fortunes.
Additionally, in the nearby Eastern archipelago nation of the Confederation of Growers two Free Companies reside, though those are now so closely tied to the confederation and have been for decades that some suggest they are now simply an exceptionally well maintained and trained standing national army and no longer qualify as mercenary groups.
The exact organizational cultures of the Companies vary, but universally they all share one trait: A strong, charismatic leader. In many ways the Free Companies can be seen as cults of personality, with the leader being spoken of within the group with awe filled voices and pride equally mixed with fear by those that follow.
Such reputations are carefully cultivated and grown by the heads of the Companies. The men under their command are often violent killers, thrill seekers, ambitious to a fault, unrepentant individualists: The kind of men who only truly understand force and follow strength.
In order to keep such men in check and not find himself replaced via dagger, the leader must be more than just a man in the minds of his men, and indeed, to their underlings they tend to be seen more as forces of nature than mere mortals. [End of Excerpt]
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