Editing Bachariko (section)

===Mercenary Companies of Note===
The recent outbreak of conflicts by the city-states in the outer region of the former [[Other_kingdoms|Sandstone Empire]], as well as the consolidation of holdings by the God-King Logos the Unyielding in the regions of the vital trade routes of the Spice lands, has proven to be a boon for the carrion birds and sell swords of the lands. The most prominent are listed below, and recruit from all the known regions of our continent, with elements of the Twin Cities is positions of power, and others made up of outcast or drifters from over the Western Mountains. 

====The Sandstone Legion====
A group of a thousand or so troops recruited out of the center of the former strong hold of the [[Other_kingdoms|Sandstone Empire]], they are reported to have access to some kind of beast to cross the Steppes, and are known to take trophies of the dead in the form of necklaces of ears or teeth. They seem to work mostly for those who can provide coin, and sources claim there goal is to gain enough recruits and experience to try and resurrect the old Empire. They are led by a veteran of Flower Wars from one of the Sapling Cities who grew disgusted with the decadence and decay of the [[Narcissus|City of Reflections’]] military caste. Potential for use in eventuality of local [[Religions|Hollow Man]] cult deemed likely, for either finance or favors if the attempt to consolidate the region occurs. 

====Wind-Dancers====
A group of forty acrobats and dancers that banded together following a principle of conflict based on fast movement and distracting attacks. Only recently formed, they are specialized in breaching defenses and targeted killings or kidnapping. Known ability and fame have led to their increasing use to settle differences between merchant groups or competing factions. Typically hired at a standard rate, and led by a known member of the Wanders of the Waste, this group may be a front operation for one of their schemes. 

====Bronze Serpents====
A group of Five Hundred escaped slaves or landless peasants, this group wears scale mail, and highly polished and stylized helmets, and are known to be willing to take high casualties to preserve there standing as a premium force for suppression of slavers or incursions by raiders from the West. They are known to worship a Snake god of some sort, embodying the principle of rebirth, and seem to especially dislike [[Religions|Hollow Man]] cults or other darker things. They are led by a imposing fellow named Orobus, and based out of a citadel bordering the Eastern Coast. They oppose the sacrifice system and helots. 

====The Immaculate====
A group of fifty highly trained members of the Orchid Eater faction, they represent the pinnacle of there art, and are considered to be the best protection for nobles traveling in these dangerous times. Their price is steep, and they refuse to work above twelve days travel from their temples. Dangerous foes, their code of honor and ability make them impossible to bribe or blackmail. 

-- by stephen_dean