Free Companies of Bergenheim: Mercenaries for Hire

[Bergenheim]

Free Companies of Bergenheim
As represented by Kurst, Schuyer and Brecht, Inc.​

Preamble:​

Representing the Free Companies of Bergenheim, Kurst, Schuyer and Brecht have acted as the legal intermediaries of choice for over two hundred years. Although there are dozens of mercenary and private security outfits headquartered in the Republic of Bergenheim, KS and B proudly speaks for only the largest and most successful, those that have earned the right to call themselves a true Free Company of Bergenheim.

In accordance with Bergener Law, all private military contractors who register to operate from Bergenheim are required to obey stringent Codes of Practice, both domestically and abroad. Any contractor intending to hire Free Companies for the purposes of violating international and national laws of peace and war will be blacklisted. Removal from the blacklist can only be achieved after direct appeal to the Council of the Keys.

Free Companies found to accept or agree to illegitimate contracts or military practices will be disbanded and all its members receiving lifetime bans from legitimate mercenary service.

Foreign outfits may apply for affiliate status and receive the benefits and protection of Bergener law, provided they agree to abide by all relevant codes and practices.​

FREE COMPANIES OF BERGENHEIM:
​

Name: Band of the Ram
Sigil: A Black Ram's head, white background with blue trim
Motto: "Tilhas Tizig Gesheften" (rough translation: Our Business is our own)
Strength: 1 infantry brigade, 1 support battalion
Specialty: Light infantry, fast deployment
Currently in Service: Going through Preparation Phase

A small, fiercely professional body made up almost entirely of Ashkenazi Jews from Trivodnia, the Band of the Ram was incorporated using expatriates at the conclusion of the Trivodnian War. While exiled from their home, they have sworn to fight for one another and for their lives. They are unusual mercenaries, and many are suspicious of their ethnic and political allegiances.

As they are all trained and seasoned soldiers who fought the Rurikgard Pact in 2018, they are probably the most seasoned and experienced as a whole of any mercenary outfit today.

They lack vehicles and heavy support, and currently intend to operate as an elite light infantry unit, equipped with TAVOR-21 assault rifles and Uzi SMGs.​

​

Name: The Eagle Legion
Sigil: Gold Eagle in flight, white background
Motto: "We soar ever upwards"
Strength: 2 mechanized infantry batallions, 1 support company
Specialty: Rapid mechanized warfare, first strike, offensive operations
Currently in Service:
1st Batallion, FREE
2nd Batallion FREE

Description:
One of the oldest free companies in Bergenheim, The Eagle Legion dates back to the time of General Oskar von Darkenseele himself. Specialising in aggressive, highly discplined and precise modern warfare, the Eagle Legion is often at the forefront of wars, acting as an effective raiding force, or the spearhead to larger offensive operations.


Name: Drachenfels Regiment
Sigil: Purple Bat with bloody fangs, white background
Motto: "The night is dark and full of terrors"
Strength: 1 Paratrooper regiment, 3 support aircraft, 2 attack helicopters
Specialty: "Fire Force" airborne tactics, rapid insertion, night warfare
Currently in Service: Natalia, Three Month Training Contract, Full Strength -Renewed
Description:

Made up of a motley assortment of expatriates from around Gallia-Germania, The Drachenfels Regiment is a more modern formation, that specialises in airborne operations and night raids. Their signature tactic is the use of "Fire Force" doctrine, where attack helicopters soften an LZ before paratrooper sections deploy in different "sticks", boxing off a kill-zone and moving inwards, all supported by airborne CiC.

This complex and highly disciplined form of warfare is devastating against disorganised or surprised foes, but is understandably less useful against prepared foes, or for more long-term operations.

Name: Kestrel Corps
Sigil: Silver Kestrel in flight, black background
Motto: "We strike first"
Strength: 1 ground attack squadron, 1 air superiority squadron, 1 support batallion
Specialty: Air assault missions, air superiority, air escort
Currently in Service: FREE

A more modern cousin to the Eagle Legion, the Kestrel Corps was founded in 1931 by Rodrick Astoren, a modern descendant of Oskar von Darkenseele. The Kestrel Corps is a less formal and discplined outfit than the Eagle Legion, and emphasises individual excellence and initiative over rigid formations or unit manuever. As such, they make for excellent and aggressive pilots, but unruly in other roles.

Name: Havel's Band
Sigil: A White Tower, green background
Motto: "The Wall does not fall"
Strength: 2 infantry brigades, 1 mechanised infantry company, 1 armour company, 1 support batallion
Specialty: Escort missions, border patrol, long-term defensive work, security contracts
Currently in Service: FREE

Another old Free Company, Havel's Band dates back to at least the 1600s, possibly even earlier. They specialised in "babysitting" duty, taking slow but steady work. They are dilligent and highly honorable, and will refuse higher bids to abandon defense of their charges. This has led to conflict in the past with other Free Companies, and Havel's Band retains a grudge against the Company of the Black Hand.

Unlike the other companies, Havel's Band does not see itself above civillian security missions either, and will happily act as millitary police or riot break-up in a pinch. However, they lack specialised equipment for such duty, and will request it from any contractor.

Name: The Band of the Velvet Glove
Sigil: Purple Glove, Light Blue Background
Motto: "An Iron fist, in a velvet glove."
Strength: 10 infantry companies, 1 support batallion
Specialty: Multi-front operations, security and defensive roles
Currently in Service: FREE
Description:
Unlike the other companies, the Band of the Velvet Glove specialises in taking on many different contracts across the globe, leading to many diverse operations. It rarely deploys in full strength, instead preferring to use its forces in company or even platoon strength independent units, augmenting, assisting existing forces in the field or operating entirely alone on security or babysitting contracts.

The Velvet Gloves have earned a reputation as being particularly apolitical, and keen to take the most lucrative jobs, regardless of honour, martial pride or any other considerations. If you need someone to stand somewhere with a gun in hand, the Velvet Gloves are your men.


Name: The Company of the Black Hand
Sigil: A Black Hand, open, against a white background.
Motto: "We're a fucking secret, we don't have one."
Strength: 5 Black Ops squads, 13 individual Assassins
Specialty: Black Ops, assassination work, Espionage, Sabotage missions
Currently in Service: FREE

Officially they are not represented by K, S and B, and can not be contacted by regular legal channels. However, the Company has existed "off the books" for many years, and can be found for those seeking their services, for a hefty price.

They are few in numbers, but their services are highly specialised, and available only to the highest of clientele. Mere mafia barons will be turned away.

The Republic of Bergenheim has, however, after several notable instances including a failed contract against Havel's Band, made it clear that the Company will be liquidated if it ever accepts missions on Bergen soil or against Bergener citizens ever again.
​

Name: The Corps of the White Chalice
Sigil: A White cup.
Motto: "In brightest day, through Blackest Night, We spread our light!"
Strength: 2 batallions of combat medics/support workers, 1 logistics batallion, 1 company of support aircraft
Specialty: Disaster/emergency response, first aid, battlefield trauma assistance, medical work
Currently in Service: FREE

Description:
Despite the name, this Free Company was first formed in 1919, after the depridations of trench war, it was decided that not enough help was offered both the common soldier and the civillian in times of war.

Although other charities and first aid organisations exist, the Free Company is unusual in that it specifically offers its services aggressively to contractors who have hired other free companies for more destructive purposes. It has worked closely with many other Free Companies, offering very low rates or bargain deals.

Unlike the other Free Companies, it does not seek to enrich its members. In theory, it should have disbanded long ago. Yet there is no shortage of people who seek to support the Corps of the White Chalice, with many battle-scarred veterans seeking redemption in its ranks even from other Free Companies.

First to arrive and last to leave, the White Chalice has come to symbolise hope to many, with what profits it does make going towards funding long-term medical and educational projects in the places the Corps leaves behind.

Name:
Sigil:
Motto:
Strength:
Specialty:
Description:

More to come!

OOC: If you would like a mercenary outfit represented in Bergenheim by K, S and B, please PM me with the details in the format above.
​

Free Company Order of Battle

​

Eagle Legion

• First Batallion (1,500) (15 Saurer 4kFA APCs, 5 Pandur I IFVs, Many 5t Armoured Trucks, 5 Gazelle Helicopters)

-Alpha Company-Echo Company (1-5th) (120 men, 5 APCs/IFVs, 10 trucks, 1 Helicopter each)

• Second Batallion (1,500) (5 Pandur I IFVs, 10 Puma M26-15 IFVs, 5 Saurer 4kFA APCs, 3 Eurocopter EC145s)

-Alpha Company-Echo Company (1-5th) (120 men, 5 IFVs/APCs, 10 trucks, 1 Helicopter each)

Kestrel Corps

• Squadron Prime, Interceptors/Air Superiority (3 F-104S Starfighters, 2 F-20 Tigersharks )
• Squadron Secundus, Ground Attack (2 MiG-29s, 3 Saab 37 Gripens)
• Support Batallion (2 Heavy Transport Planes, 10 Specialist Vehicles)

Havel's Band

• First Brigade (3,000) (30 HMMVs, 10 Thyssen_Henschel_UR-416 APCs, Many 5t Armoured Trucks, 5 Airbus H175 Helicopters)
• Second Brigade (3,000) (20 HMMVs, 5 Thyssen Henschel UR-416 APCs, 5 Scimitar LFVs, Many Armored Trucks, 3 AS332 Super Pumas)
• Third Armored Company (3 SK-105 Kurassiers, 2 FV101 Scorpions, 1 Kanonenjagdpanzer)
• Support Batallion (5 Heavy Transport Planes, 2 AS332 Super Pumas)

The Band of the Velvet Glove

• 1st Company (100) (Assorted Light Vehicles)
• 2nd Company (100) (Assorted Light Vehicles)
  
• 3rd Company (100) (Assorted Light Vehicles)
  
• 4th Company (100) (Assorted Light Vehicles)
  
• 5th Company (100) (Assorted Light Vehicles)
  
• 6th Company (100) (Assorted Light Vehicles)
  
• 7th Company (100) (Assorted Light Vehicles)
  
• 8th Company (100) (Assorted Light Vehicles)
  
• 9th Company (100) (Assorted Light Vehicles)
  
• Support Batallion (4 Heavy Transport Planes, 5 AS550 Fennec Helicopters)

More to come!

​

 

[Polesia]

Having previously worked with the Company of the Black Hand on a number of covert operations where Trivodnia needed a degree of plausible deniability, the Free State Intelligence Bureau's External Division was confident it could rely on the Black Handed again for the unfolding crisis in Crotobaltislavonia.

Reaching out through the usual back channels, the FSIB-ED made clear its need for mercenary support for what it was planning. Slush funds financed by the Bureau's own dirty links to the criminal world of trafficking would pay for their time and services. The only question left was would General Radek need them? Or had another unknown chess piece moved across the board?

 

[Bergenheim]

The Company of the Black Hand answers Trivodnia's call, and is ready to mobilise at short notice. We would be happy to assassinate General Radek's enemies, and sabotage the works of his foe. If we are unsupported, however, we cannot guarantee the success of his coup or bid for power.

Please also provide unmarked aerial transport, and wire the payments to the usual funds.

-Black Hand "Kane"

 

[Khemia]

A contract for Bergenheim mercenaries has been listed, upon further investigation by a vetted organization, it will be discovered that: The contract requires security in the vicinity of Banja Luka, Crotobaltislavonia for a medium-sized wooded property (~22 acre) which is to contain twenty nissen huts, four multi-purpose three-story structures, an underground bunker, armory and a radio tower, to house approximately 300 people. This contract will require mercenaries to perform basic guard tasks as the site is established and provide inconspicuous security for a buffer zone around the site. Mercenaries will be supplemented by our own security elements, which will provide CCTV, infrared and IR monitoring, communications, and other necessities. Housing and food will be provided to the mercenaries.

This contract requires that no further contract be awarded to the organization thus hired which will impact the operation, compromise the integrity of the mercenaries, or result in information sharing.

 

[Bergenheim]

KSB Associates would be happy to arrange such a contract. We would recommend Havel's Band for this contract, and they can provide the full compliment of men in three autonomous companies at your discretion. We ask for a fixed rate for the duration of the contract, with review of the terms to occur if no further requests or requirements are made within a period of six (6) months. Havel's Band would be able to provide their own small arms, unarmoured vehicles and basic logistical support.

We thank you for contacting us through legitimate channels. We assure you, discretion is our watch-word.

-Karl, Schuyer and Brecht Associates

 

[Bergenheim]

OOC:
Bumping in reminder that if Bergenheim still exists, mercenary forces are available for your various conflicts, be it Loago or the War in Trivodnia or Occitania.

Trivodnia will probably get first pick, but if you're interested in roleplaying having some PMC/Mercenary forces in your conflict, please let me knw.

 

[Rheinbund]

Streng geheim — Top secret

We would like to hire the Kestrel Corps and the Havel's Band for operations in Trivodnia. Would that be possible?

Oberst Claus Delius

 

[Bergenheim]

Encrypted Comminque

Salutations, Oberst. How are the kids? I can assure you your request for hiring the entirety of the Kestrel Corps and Havel's Band have been expedited with highest priority. Some of them are currently involved in minor operations, but compensatory exit clauses will be enacted.

I regret that such an action will not allow for secrecy to be maintained for long, however. the hiring of two entire Free Companies will make this security and caution quite redundant in a matter of days, if not hours.

Thank you again for your repeat custom of our august services. Though it has been some time since the Eiffeland State has made use of our services, we always look forward fondly to working for and with such an august nation.

I am sure you are familiar with our usual contracts and disclaimers. And I am sure you will find our prices most reasonable, given the reputation and excellence you will be hiring.

Normally I would leave it here, but I feel it would be remiss not to make a gentle, if unnecessary reminder, that our mercenaries are not front-line warriors. They are elite, capable professionals, with experience in asymmetrical warfare and small-numbers engagements. The Kestrel Corps is also not equipped for aerial dogfights on a mass scale.

Still, they are now yours on a fixed-term contract for the next three months. We apologise for the short-term contract, but given the high danger, and the likely intensity of the conflict, that three months will be more than sufficient.

Again, I apologise for having to remind you of such grim facts, but an automatic exit clause does exist if more than a third of our mercenary forces are killed in a 72 hour period. If more than half total are killed, a similar exit clause exists. These are not blunt-force units, but specialist tools, and we are sure you will use them wisely.

Thank you for your custom, and I look forward to seeing you at the next Royal Ball.

Kind Regards,

Albrecht Kurst IV,

CEO and Senior Partner of
Kurst, Schuyer and Brunner Associates,
on behalf of the Association of Free Companies of Bergenheim

 

[Rheinbund]

Streng geheim — Top secret

Salutations, your highnes!

My children are doing fine, thank you. Michael just absolved the Gymnasium. He will go to the military academy in Marburg in August. Robert will go to the 5th class of the Gymnasium in September. How are you doing, and how are your wife and children doing?

Of course we will use the Kestrel Corps and the Havel's Band in the way they excel. I fully understand the clauses under which you will retract your people. They will be of great help in Trivodnia.

Best regards,

Oberst Claus Delius

 

[Natal]

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Loago Vabariik
Republic of Loago​

The chaos sown by the League of Communists in our country starts to take its toll on the counter-insurgency operations organised by the Loagan Security Forces. The LLC is a threat to Western Himyar as they will start targeting other nations should they manage to take over Maseru. On behalf of the freedom loving and civilised people of Loago, the republican government wishes to employ the Drachenfels Regiment to provide support for the operations of the Security Forces. The Republic will also be ready to pay for the employment of trainers from the regiment which would organise a new military unit, the Loagan Light Infantry and specialise it in anti-terrorist and anti-insurgency operations like the Fire Force missions.

Loago shall always reign free!
On behalf of the State Elder,
Kristijan Lepmets
Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[Bergenheim]

KSB Associates welcomes the business of the Republic of Loago. The Drachenfels Regiment has considerable experience with Himyari operations, and would be ideal for the task you have requested of it. We ask for a fixed rate for the duration of the contract, with review of the terms to occur if no further requests or requirements are made within a period of three (3) months.

The primary purpose of the contract will be to provide training for the formation of a battalion-sized unit, the Loagan Light Infantry, and to impart an adequate knowledge of anti-terrorist and anti-insurgent tactics to it. This will be done over the above mentioned period, at standard fixed rates, by select officers and veterans within the Regiment.

A secondary purpose, subject to command discretion, will exist in the use of select elements of the Drachenfels regiment to support the operations of the Security Forces, but only against clearly identified insurgents associated with the League of Communists and other dissident groups. Each operation will be subject to clearance from the CO of the Regiment, and any specialist tasks beyond this remit will require additional fees and support, with approval from us in Midweis.

All other standard requirements will be per standard specification. Please let us know if these terms are satisfactory, and we will begin making preparations to deploy the DR to Loago as soon as possible.

Regards,


-Karl, Schuyer and Brecht Associates

 

[Natal]

Republic of Loago
Short Communique

The terms are satisfactory and you will receive the necessary sum for your services. We just ask for the deployment to be organised as quick as possible.

Signed
on behalf of the State Elder
Kristijan Lepmets
Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[Vrijpoort]

NCEF - New Cathay Expeditionary Forces
Central Command - Procurement Division

Dear Sirs,

We would like to employ the first battalion of the Eagle Legion for a period of 3 months with an option to extend for a further 3 months. Speed is of the essence and deployment is required within 48 hours. Money is no object at this point, just rapid arrival. If it would help speed deployment the NCEF Sky Force could send up to 3

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transport aircraft to help retrieve the Legion and their equipment. The Legion are to deploy directly to NCEF Sky Force Base Juliana Peak and report to Sky Admiral V. Shanmugaratnam for further instructions.

We await your response.

 

[Bergenheim]

KSB Associates welcomes the business of the New Cathay Expeditionary Forces. The 1st Batallion of the Eagle Legion is ready and willing to take on this contract. We accept the proposed duration, to be considered for revision or early cancellation if the client deems its purpose adequately fuiflled.

The primary purpose of the contract will be the utilisation of the 1st Batallion as a highly mobile strike force, operating with its own chain of command but answerable to NCEF directives. The 1st Batallion will operate only within the Badlands, and against positively identified criminal, terrorist or insurgent elements.

A secondary purpose, subject to command discretion, will exist in the use of select elements of the Drachenfels regiment to support the operations of the NCEF directly in smaller sub-units, seperate to the main force. Each detachment will be subject to clearance from the CO of the Regiment, and any specialist tasks beyond this clearly stated remit will require additional fees and support, with approval from us in Midweis.

We happily accept the offer of transportation, as all our aerial transport assets are busy making preperations for other contracts, and Midweis Airport is currently overloaded.

We have cleared a runway at Sennengard National as a rendezvous, and will assemble the 1st Batallion there. We will waive usual travel expenses and provide a reasonable discount in exchange for NCEF co-operation in transport of our forces in this way.

With luck they will be fully embarked and the first lead elements should touch down in New Cathay within 48 hours of reciept of this e-mail.

Regards,

-Karl, Schuyer and Brecht Associates

 

[Vrijpoort]

NCEF -

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Expeditionary Forces
Central Command - Procurement Division

Dear Sirs,

We thank you for your prompt reply and flexibility. Our Sky Force will despatch 3

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transport aircraft to Sennengard National later today. While large aircraft they will not be able to handle the entire Legion at once. Multiple trips will be required in addition to any of the Legion's own aircraft that will be used.

Please provide bank details for the first payment and reference the preferred currency. The wire will come from our account with HOBC. Payment will be made once the contracts have been signed, preferably in person at the KBS Associates branch office in New Cathay.

EDIT: in addition to the 3 GoldenCranes we will also despatch 4

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multi-role aerial refuelling tankers capable of carrying 291 passengers plus 8 military pallets each (no vehicles).

We thank you for your service.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

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Burukova Industrial Mining, Fishing and Agriculture
​

Most Esteemed,

The industrial-commercial complex of the Burukova Syndicate has taken note of the respectable service provided by the The Band of the Velvet Glove. We are interested in hiring all available companies belonging to the Velvet Glove. They primary objective is to reinforce the Kadikistani contractors in upholding peace and stability in the vast lands owned by the Burukova Syndicate in Loago. Security has declined recently with a substantial reduction in personnel drawn from the Loagin League of Communists, formerly employed as both tax collectors and as overseers on our various exploitation sites. The recent radicalization of the LLC, Xinhaiese influence held accountable, has surfaced the need for extra hands in order to maintain our security. We promise an active and profitable contract with the potential of an added bonus for conducting more delicate operations.

Signed,
Lev Burukova
Chief Executive Officer
Burukova Industrial Mining, Fishing and Agriculture

 

[Bergenheim]

KSB Associates welcomes the business of the Burukova Industrial Mining, Fishing ans Agriculture Syndicate. We apologise for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

Regrettably, a speedy deployment is not available at this time, as all our spare aerial transport is currently occupied. Ten companies of Purple Gloves will be available for a slow deployment over mid-Late August and early September. We will endeavour to provide one company as a leader to prepare the way, and demonstrate our intention.

We accept your definition of the primary and secondary objectives. We caution you that our mercenaries are not multi-lingual, and cannot be relied upon to act as sensitive or situational tax collection operatives. Their primary purpose, particularly this Free Company, is enforcement only.

We have fixed this as a Three Month contract per standard rates, up for re-negiotiation for a longer basis as required by your needs.

We apologise again for the lack of alacrity in these extraordinary times, however we assure you we value your custom as much as any other.

The first Purple Gloves company should arrive in Loago in seven to nine days.

Regards,

-Karl, Schuyer and Brecht Associates

 

[Elben]

A man in a black trench coat and fedora arrives at KSB in Midweis. Shrugging off his coat and removing his hat, the man is revealed to be a priest wearing a Tiburan collar with his black suit.

"I have been sent to confidentially inquire about procuring bodyguards for His Holiness. With this war, one cannot be too safe, even in Eiffelland...

"There are conditions that require some kind of special arrangement beyond simply engaging one of the established companies...

"Yes, yes, indeed. A hundred men or so. All practicing Catholics, firm in their faith. With skills of the highest sort for such work." His voice falls to a whisper, "You know of the Black Hand? Nothing so notorious, but definitely such skills are sought, and the discretion in their use...

"New recruitment over time would be arranged as needed... Compensation will not be a problem.

"Can such an outfit be put together?"

 

[Bergenheim]

-deleted-

 

[Bergenheim]

Kurst, Schuyer and Brunner Associates are proud to announce that, for the first time in over forty years, we have recieved an application for the formation of a New Free Company, submitting itself to the KSB Code of Conduct and the Charter of the Freikorps.

While the full vetting process can take months, we are prepared to provisionally announce the existence of the Band of the Ram. We wish to re-emphasise that all Freikorps are apolitical, multi-ethnic organisations made up of only trained adult military professionals.

While it is true that the current composition of the Band of the Ram is almost exclusively made up of Trivodnian expatriates, and is equipped almost entirely with Trivodnian millitary surplus, the Band of the Ram has formerly forsworn allegiance to the former Free State of Trivodnia, and agrees to act as an independent, private military company that abides by the laws of Bergenheim and the International Laws regarding mercenary outfits.

The Band of the Ram will be freely available for hire according as any normal Free Company would be once its vetting and preparation period is complete in four months time.

We look forward to many years of sterling service from Colonel Moshe Druyan and his men in the Band of the Ram.


Albrecht Kurst IV,

CEO and Senior Partner of
Kurst, Schuyer and Brunner Associates,
on behalf of the Association of Free Companies of Bergenheim