Black Briar Company
A mercenary company operating along the New Coast trade routes.
The Black Briar Company presents itself as an organization that sells protection along the New Sea trade routes.
In practice, it operates as a disciplined protection racket.
The company arrives in unstable regions and demonstrates overwhelming force. Once their strength is visible, they offer merchants and towns “security.” Those who accept pay tribute and receive escorts, guards, and protection from bandits.
Those who refuse tend to suffer accidents.
A wagon breaks at the wrong moment. A shipment disappears overnight. A warehouse catches fire when no one is watching.
The Briars rarely leave proof behind.
Most towns learn quickly that paying them is cheaper than resisting them. The Company does not try to rule towns directly. They dominate them economically. Tribute flows. Violence stays limited. Profit remains stable.
Their reputation along the trade routes is clear: efficient, ruthless, and professional. They keep contracts. They protect those who pay. And that reputation is part of their leverage.
In Eastguard, the Company has been establishing itself — leaning on merchants and shipping houses, collecting small weekly payments in exchange for “security.” Some merchants comply quietly. Others resent the pressure but lack proof to act.
Leadership
- Varric Morn — Contract captain operating in Eastguard. A calm and controlled individual who prefers intimidation over bloodshed.
Known Operations
The Company was most recently encountered at Saltmere, where they occupied an abandoned watchtower and extorted the fishing village before being driven out by the party.
Membership
A recruit begins as a road hand working supply lines and escort patrols. During this period they must demonstrate discipline, reliability, and obedience to command. The Company forbids theft from protected clients and punishes unauthorized violence that threatens business. Those who break Company rules do not remain members for long.
Ranks
- Recruit — New hire assigned to road duty and supply escort.
- Enforcer — Basic soldier responsible for contract enforcement.
- Veteran — Experienced soldier trusted with tactical responsibility.
- Sergeant — Field commander directing squads during operations.
- Contract Captain — Leader of a regional Briar detachment.
Rumors
- The Briars have never been caught leaving evidence behind.
- A merchant who refused their protection found his entire stock ruined overnight. No one saw anything.
- Their contract captain in Eastguard has not raised his voice once in any known confrontation.
- They claim to keep contracts. Those who have tested that claim rarely speak about the result.