Welcome to The Company of The Phoenix
Between the years 1377 and 1453 a series of wars, battles and skirmishes between England and France called the Hundred Years War raged. Many of the common people of both countries were bearing the brunt of paying for the war. Not everyone was content with the major war of the time. Many professional soldiers moved on after service or even deserted to find employment elsewhere not caring for whom, as long as they paid.
Meanwhile, the rest of Europe is at peace relative peace. . . . well, not really. There is always some petty inter-city squabble or dispute about land, money or marriage, and in many places the locals didn't want to do the fighting themselves.
And so the Free Companies were born - groups of soldiers - nobles and professional alike, who would hire out as mercenaries to the nobility and city states of fifteenth century Europe. With the soldiers, as an integral part of these companies, came their supporting trades, merchants and craftsmen, as well as their retinue of servants, cooks and so on. Often, ladies of noble birth, whether they be younger daughters or newly made widows, would also become attached to the companies, like the men, either for love or ambition. Young sons of nobility sought means of achieving fame and fortune, whether for gain, power or the love of a lady.
The Company of The Phoenix has set up its encampment just outside a European village, and many of the local merchants use this opportunity for an impromptu market, drawing local peasants, traders and nobles alike, along with the occasional traveller, be they merchant, diplomat or pilgrim
The Company of The Phoenix invites you to join them in this time of danger, love and adventure!
