The morning air was crisp as Jade, Numerius, Yuzon, Mataranas, and Nathaniel walked the two mile dirt road from Pravend toward Captain Rodrik's trading post camp. The sunrise cast long shadows across the fields, and their new gear clinked rhythmically with every step.
As they walked, Jade brought up the tactical choice they were about to face.
"Before we reach Rodrik's tent, we need to decide how we are joining," Jade said, shifting his round shield on his arm. "Rodrik will probably try to put us in a standard line infantry company as regular recruits. We need to weigh the pros and cons."
Yuzon adjusted his bow strap, considering it. "If we join a standard company, the pro is safety in numbers. We get the protection of a full battle line, guaranteed basic pay, and less pressure on us. But the cons are massive. We get treated like cannon fodder in meat grinders, we have to take orders from random mercenary sergeants, and we could easily get split up into different squads."
"No way," Numerius said, shaking his head. "I am not getting split up or taking orders from some power tripping sergeant who doesn't know how we fight."
"So the alternative is demanding our own independent squad," Nathaniel said, his eyes sharp as he calculated the business side. "The pros for an independent skirmisher squad under contract are complete tactical freedom, staying together as a five man team, and leveraging my Trade skill to demand higher pay and loot shares. Plus, Jade's Leadership perks will buff us directly."
Mataranas grunted in agreement. "We fight better together."
"The con for an independent squad is the risk," Jade pointed out. "There is no safety net. If we get flanked or outnumbered during a skirmish, there is no larger battle line to fall back into. We live or die on our own coordination."
"We already held a keep by ourselves," Yuzon said with a calm smile. "I'll take the risk over being line fodder."
Nathaniel grinned, adjusting his light crossbow. "Then leave the contract negotiation to me."
By the time they reached the crossroads trading post, Captain Rodrik's mercenary camp was bustling with activity. Men were rolling up canvas tents, securing horses, and loading supply wagons for the march east toward the Imperial border.
Master Osric, the grizzled old quartermaster, was leaning against a supply cart when he spotted the five of them walking into camp. He took one look at their fitted shields, Nathaniel's crossbow, and Jade's spear, then let out a low grunt.
"Told you, Captain," Osric called out over his shoulder. "The boys didn't stay to farm turnips."
Captain Rodrik stepped out from his command tent, strapping a heavy steel broadsword to his hip. He looked at the five of them, a faint, knowing smirk on his scarred face.
"Back so soon?" Rodrik asked, walking over. "I thought you would at least spend a week getting fussed over by your village folk."
"Village life felt a bit too quiet," Jade replied, leaning on his spear. "We are taking your offer, Captain."
Rodrik nodded, looking them up and down with an approving eye. "Good. Men who have survived a siege and know how to hold a line are always welcome in the Golden Boar. I can put you in the second line infantry company under Sergeant Vane. Standard pay is two denars a day plus rations."
"Hold on, Captain," Nathaniel stepped forward, adjusting his light crossbow strap. "With respect, we aren't looking to join as standard line infantry fodder."
Rodrik raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? And what makes you five special enough for something else?"
Nathaniel pulled up his Trade 35 knowledge and his business background, stepping into negotiation mode. "In line infantry, our individual skills get wasted. Jade has high Leadership and Polearm expertise. Yuzon is a trained archer and tactical scout. Matty is an unbreakable shield wall. Numerius is a heavy shock trooper. And I handle supply logistics and ranged support."
Nathaniel paused, laying out the exact terms they had discussed on the road.
"We want to sign on as a semi-independent skirmisher unit under your banner," Nathaniel continued smoothly. "We operate as our own five-man squad, taking flank security, scouting duties, and rapid-response tasks. In return, we want three denars a day per man, standard rations, and a ten percent share of the loot from any engagement where our squad takes the field."
Master Osric scoffed from his cart. "Ten percent loot share for five boys? You have a nerve, kid."
Rodrik held up a hand, silencing the quartermaster. He looked at Nathaniel with a sharp, calculating gaze, then looked at Jade, who stood calmly beside him.
"A five-man independent skirmisher squad," Rodrik mused, chewing on the idea. "If you fail a task or break formation, you don't get the protection of the main battle line. You live or die by your own coordination."
"We held an inner keep for three days against two hundred Sturgians," Jade said quietly. "We won't break."
Rodrik stared at them for a long moment, then a broad grin broke across his weathered face. He slapped his heavy gauntlet against his thigh.
"Fair enough," Rodrik said. "I like men with ambition. I will accept your terms, three denars a day per man, rations, and ten percent loot share on squad engagements. But every unit under my banner needs a registered name for the ledger. What are you calling yourselves?"
The five friends exchanged quick glances.
In an instant, Jade's mind flashed back to their late-night Bannerlord multiplayer sessions back in 2035. Back in their cluttered bedrooms on PC, their five-man competitive squad had played under a single clan tag that was infamous in online lobbies for chaotic ambushes and tight teamwork. It had just been a video game clan name back then, but now, sitting here in real armor on a dirt road in Calradia, it felt fitting.
Numerius thought of those same multiplayer lobby victories, a confident grin breaking across his face.
"The Calamity Squad," Numerius spoke up with a confident grin. "Because wherever we go, calamity follows the enemy."
Rodrik laughed, a booming sound that drew looks from nearby mercenaries. "The Calamity Squad it is. Osric, draft the subcontract for the ledger."
Osric grumbled under his breath, but pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill, jotting down the terms while Nathaniel watched over his shoulder like a hawk, making sure every clause regarding loot shares and supply rations was written correctly.
Once the contract was signed with ink and thumbprints, Jade checked his UI.
[Quest Complete: Join the Golden Boar]
Role: Independent Skirmisher Squad (The Calamity Squad)
Daily Pay: 15 Denars total (3 Denars per man)
Contract Perks: Rations Provided | 10% Squad Loot Share
Rodrik rolled up the ledger copy and looked at Jade. "Now for your first assignment. The company is marching east toward the Imperial border, but the trade routes through the Whispering Pines forest have been plagued by forest bandit gangs and highwaymen. They have been raiding merchant caravans and cutting off supply lines."
Rodrik pointed toward a train of four heavy supply wagons parked at the edge of camp.
"The main company is taking the high road," Rodrik explained. "I want the Calamity Squad to take the point position on the wagon train through the forest road. Keep your eyes open, scout the tree line, and make sure those supply carts reach the eastern outpost intact."
"Consider it done, Captain," Jade said.
"Get your gear ready," Rodrik said, turning back toward his tent. "We move in ten minutes."
Jade looked at his crew. They each had sixteen denars remaining in their pockets, brand new specialized gear, Level 4 stats, and their first official mercenary deployment.
Nathaniel adjusted his crossbow, a confident smile on his face. "Skirmisher status, three denars a day, and ten percent loot. Not a bad start."
"Save the celebration for after the forest," Yuzon said, stringing his hunting bow. "Forest bandits love ambushes."
Mataranas unslung his heavy cavalry shield, his jaw set in a firm, quiet line. "Let them try."
Jade checked his steel arming sword and spear, then motioned toward the front supply wagon. "Calamity Squad, move out."