Editing Mercenaries and Companies

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Each week, '''two Companies''' are selected to undertake missions on behalf of their '''Benefactors'''. Players who are not members of those Companies, including permanent Mercenaries and members of Companies not selected for a mission, are recruited and divided equally to bolster a side's numbers for that night's game.

== Mercenaries ==
<div class=hatnote>Mercenaries operate independently, building their own reputation and taking contracts without being tied to a Company. While they enjoy greater freedom and flexibility, they must rely on their own achievements to earn influence, rewards, and recognition within Tanyth.</div>

When you first create a character in Tanyth they begin as a '''Mercenary'''. Mercenaries take part in weekly games alongside the Companies operating within the city.

Mercenaries earn the same '''standard rewards''' as all other players on their side:

* '''Victory:''' 2 Copper and 2 Personal Reputation.
* '''Defeat:''' 1 Copper and 1 Personal Reputation.

In certain '''high-stakes''' or '''story-driven''' missions, the losing side may receive reduced rewards or no rewards at all, depending on the outcome of the scenario.

Mercenaries do not normally receive any '''bonus rewards''' that may be granted to members of a victorious Company, such as rare items, additional treasure, special favours, or other unique rewards.

However, Mercenaries who build a '''strong personal reputation''' may gain access to additional benefits and opportunities, allowing them to compete with established Company members while maintaining their independence.

=== Personal Reputation ===
<div class="hatnote">In Tanyth, reputation is more than a number. It is your character's legacy, and one of the most valuable assets they can possess.</div>

'''Personal Reputation''' is a measure of your character's achievements, influence, and standing within the Free City of Tanyth.

As you participate in missions, earn victories, and make a name for yourself, your Personal Reputation will grow. A higher reputation can unlock '''new opportunities''', attract the attention of important individuals, and influence how others react to your character.

Personal Reputation also contributes to the strength of any Company you join, helping that Company secure '''better contracts''' and opportunities.

For Mercenaries, Personal Reputation is especially important. While Mercenaries do not normally receive the same bonus rewards as Company members, those who build a strong reputation can earn additional benefits and recognition, proving that an individual can become just as influential as an organised group.

{{Personal reputation scale}}

=== Reputation Rewards ===
While Mercenaries normally receive only the standard rewards for winning or losing a mission, those who consistently prove their worth can earn additional benefits through their Personal Reputation.

As your reputation grows, you may become eligible for bonus rewards, special opportunities, and increased recognition within Tanyth.

* '''30+ Reputation''' - May occasionally receive minor bonus rewards such as extra coin, small favours, or minor trinkets.
* '''50+ Reputation''' - Eligible to receive standard Company bonus rewards when on the winning side of a mission.
* '''70+ Reputation''' - Considered an elite operative. May receive special story opportunities, recognition, or direct approaches from Companies and Benefactors.
* '''100+ Reputation''' - Regarded as a legendary free agent. Receives full access to Company-level rewards and may be offered exclusive contracts or secret missions.

These rewards are only granted when the Mercenary is part of the '''winning side''' and are always subject to the needs of the story and the approval of game staff.

=== Reputation Loss ===
<div class=hatnote>In Tanyth, reputation is your greatest asset, but it is also your most fragile. Once lost, it may never be recovered.</div>

In Tanyth, reputation is everything. It defines your value, your opportunities, and your place within the city's ever-changing web of power.

'''Poor decisions, failed contracts, broken promises, betrayal,''' or other actions may result in a loss of Personal Reputation.

If a character's Personal Reputation is reduced to '''0''', they have fallen into obscurity. Their name carries little weight and they have lost the influence they once possessed.

If a character's Personal Reputation is ever reduced below '''0''', the character is considered '''permanently lost'''. Whether they fled the city in disgrace, were quietly eliminated by their enemies, or simply vanished without a trace, their story comes to an end.

This is treated as a '''permanent character death'''. The player loses:

* All XP associated with that character.
* All Copper, Treasures, and Items owned by that character.
* All Company memberships, influence, and standing.

A new character must then be created to continue playing.

== Companies ==
<div class=hatnote>Companies compete for reputation, influence, and the attention of powerful Benefactors. Every success strengthens a Company's position within the city, while every failure risks damaging its standing. As a Company grows, it gains access to more valuable contracts, more dangerous opportunities, and greater influence over the future of Tanyth itself.</div>

A Company is '''more than a team'''. It is a group of characters united by a common purpose, story, culture, belief, goal, or ambition. Some Companies are military organisations, others are religious orders, trade guilds, criminal syndicates, explorer societies, or simply groups of like-minded adventurers.

Companies take contracts, build influence, earn reputation, and compete with one another for power within the city. As a Company grows in reputation, it gains access to '''better opportunities''', '''more dangerous jobs''', and '''greater rewards'''.

Many players choose to join a Company because it provides a '''shared story''', '''long-term goals''', and a group of allies to adventure alongside. Others remain Mercenaries and build their own reputation independently.

=== Joining a Company ===
'''After creating a character, players are free to join any Company willing to accept them.'''

Established Companies already operate within Tanyth and have their own reputations, cultures, goals, and histories. Joining a Company provides immediate access to a group of allies, shared objectives, and a place within the city's ongoing political and social landscape.

Some Companies are large and influential, while others are small groups attempting to make a name for themselves. Players are encouraged to spend time meeting different Companies before deciding which one best suits their character.

=== Remain a Mercenary ===
'''There is no requirement to join a Company.'''

Many characters spend part or all of their career operating as independent Mercenaries, building their own reputation and pursuing their own goals. 

While Mercenaries miss out on some of the benefits available to Company members, they enjoy greater freedom and flexibility and may still become highly influential figures within Tanyth through their Personal Reputation alone.

{{Form your own company}}

== Company Reputation ==
'''Company Reputation''' represents the influence, reliability, and standing of a Company within Tanyth.

As Companies complete contracts, achieve objectives, and build a name for themselves, their reputation grows. Higher reputation unlocks access to '''more prestigious contracts''', '''greater rewards''', and opportunities that would otherwise remain unavailable.

A strong reputation also grants '''leverage'''. Well-known Companies can negotiate better terms, attract skilled recruits, and earn the trust of powerful clients.

{{Company reputation scale}}

=== Reputation Calculation ===
A Company's total reputation is determined by combining:

* The Company's earned '''Company Reputation'''.
* The '''Personal Reputation''' of all current Company members.

<div class="wizlords-indented-note">''For example: If a Company has 40 Company Reputation and five members with 10 Personal Reputation each, the Company's total Reputation is 90.''</div>

=== Underdog Bonus ===
If a Company defeats another Company whose total Reputation is more than '''100 points higher''' than their own, they receive an additional '''+10 Company Reputation'''.

This bonus rewards bold play, determination, and successful challenges against stronger opponents, allowing newer Companies an opportunity to climb the rankings more quickly.

== Contacts and Benefactors ==
Companies survive by taking contracts offered by mysterious figures known only as '''Benefactors'''.

These jobs vary greatly in nature and may involve recovering relics, escorting important individuals, protecting valuable assets, uncovering secrets, eliminating threats, or pursuing other objectives important to the Benefactor.

'''Success''' brings wealth, influence, and reputation. '''Failure''' may damage a Company's standing and limit future opportunities.

=== Contracts ===
At the beginning of each season, the leaders of all active Companies are invited to review the available contracts.

Companies take turns selecting contracts from the current contract pool.

Some contracts may require a '''minimum Reputation''' before they can be accepted. Others may carry greater risks, but offer greater rewards.

Once contracts have been selected, the games for that round are scheduled and a roster is released detailing:

* Leading Companies.
* Game dates.
* Scenario information.
* Additional rules and maps.

=== Benefactors ===
'''Benefactors''' are the mysterious figures who fund, direct, and influence the Companies operating within Tanyth.

Few know their true identities. Some are believed to be merchant princes, criminal masterminds, disgraced nobles, foreign powers, secret societies, or influential political factions.

What matters is simple: Benefactors provide '''work, resources, and opportunities''' in exchange for results.

Without a Benefactor, a Company has '''no place''' within the city's contract system.

== Where To Next? ==
* [[Game Modes and Maps]] ← Next Step
* [[The Free City of Tanyth]]
* [[Character Creation]]

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{{Player Guide}}