if the group is to continue, the Redcloaks of the future
have to learn the soldier's trade in different battles. To
such ends, senior members of the battalion send your
party on missions across Khorvaire to provide you with
combat experience as well as to further Redcloak goals.
Alternatively, your DM might decide to start the cam
paign with your characters at a higher level and already
established as members of the Redcloaks (see "Starting
at Higher Level" in chapter 1 of the Dungeon Master's
Guide). In this case, you might also begin with magic
items and other gear reflecting your status in the orga
nization. The standard-issue uniform for the Redcloaks
is a hooded crimson cloak of protection bearing two
badges: the seal of the Brelish crown on the left shoul
der and a snarling displacer beast surrounded by the
words, "First in battle, last to fall"-the Redcloak insig
nia and motto-on the right.
Allies. As part of Breland's military forces, the Red
cloaks can count on the support of the crown, the King's
Citadel, and the larger Brelish army, largely summa
rized as the following parties:
King Boranel. The king of Breland is a cautious advo
cate of the Redcloaks. He values their contributions
but fears their power, which is why he divided the bat
talion after the end of the war. Still, he rewards loyalty
among the Redcloaks by showing loyalty to them in
return. Again and again, he has proven himself willing
to exercise his power on behalf of a loyal Redcloak.
Other Redcloaks. The first place any Redcloak turns
for help is another Redcloak. No one else is as reliable
and competent, while being unerringly faithful to the
Brelish king and the battalion. Every Redcloak read
ily provides aid to other members, with no questions
asked and no favor expected in return.
Enemies. As veterans of the Last War, many
Redcloaks carry strong grudges against other na
tions. They tend to believe that the Treaty of Throne
hold is merely an intermission in the ongoing conflict,
and soon enough King Boranel will take his proper
place on the throne of a reunited Galifar. Many of
these grudges are personal based on an individ
ual soldier's experience in the war, but some of
them run both ways. Among the Redcloaks, ten
sions still run hot regarding their former rivals,
particularly those from the following nations:
Darguun. The hobgoblins of Darguun fought
alongside Brelish forces at the Battle of Cairn
Hill, but the cordial relations between the two
nations frayed immediately after. The Redcloaks
skirmished with hobgoblins who were leading Thrane
civilians in chains back to Darguun. Few Darguuls
remember the skirmish itself, but the "wicked red
cloaked Brelish" have an established place in the gob
linoids' collective memory-and many Redcloaks do
remember the event bitterly.
Thrane. In the waning years of the Last War, the Red
cloaks played a major role in the devastating Battle
of Cairn Hill between Brelish and Thrane forces.
Thanks to heavy losses on both sides, veterans
of that battle tend to nurse bitter grudges against
their enemies.
PATRON BENEFITS
With a military force as your group's patron, you gain
the following benefits:
Accommodations. You can always find a place to stay
and meals on a base or fort connected to your military
force. Yo ur accommodations are appropriate to your
rank and station, but never luxurious.
Armory. You can purchase nonmagical weapons and
armor at a 20 percent discount at a facility associated
with your military force. This might also be a location
where you can buy magic items, at the DM's discre
tion, but you receive no discount.
Chain of Command. You are part of a rigid chain of
command. In addition to providing you with orders,
this structure reduces your responsibility for your
own actions. If you land in trouble in your own nation,
you answer to your officers, not local law enforcement.
Orders. You undertake your missions at the direction
of a commanding officer. Your absolute obedience is
expected. These missions are often explicit, leading
you into the path of adventure. In some cases, though,
you might be trusted with more open-ended tasks that
afford you more leeway in interpreting orders.
Salary. Each member of your group is paid a regular
salary. The amount varies depending on your orga
nization and your position within it, but at minimum
you enjoy a modest lifestyle. You might receive a small
salary (as little as 1 sp per day) but also receive food
and housing on a military base. Or you could receive 1
gp per day but rely on that money for room and board.
With higher rank comes commensurately higher pay.
As an officer, you can maintain a comfortable lifestyle.CHAPTER I I CHARACTER CREATION(^89)