The Bandit [Contract]

In the shadows of the world, the Bandits emerge as cunning and elusive figures. They are individuals who have forsaken the path of law and order, opting instead for a life of crime and thievery. Bandits operate in rural areas, far from the watchful eyes of the major towns and cities, where they can prey upon unsuspecting travelers and communities. Bandits represent the dark underbelly of society, thriving on chaos, desperation, and the allure of ill-gotten gains. Their presence adds an element of danger and unpredictability to the rural landscape, as they test the limits of authority and prey upon those who dare to venture off the beaten path. Whether seen as ruthless criminals or rebellious outlaws, Bandits leave an indelible mark on the collective imagination as they navigate the dangerous world of crime and survival.

Bandits come from diverse backgrounds, driven by different circumstances to embrace a life of outlawry. Some are disgruntled peasants, discontented with the oppressive feudal system, while others are former soldiers or mercenaries who turned to a life of banditry after the wars ended. They are united by their shared desire for wealth, survival, or even vengeance against the ruling elite.

Training as a Bandit is often acquired through firsthand experience and survival instincts. Bandits become skilled in the arts of stealth, ambush, and evasion, honing their abilities in the wilderness and developing an intimate knowledge of the land. They are proficient in various weapons, including daggers, bows, and other lightweight arms suitable for quick strikes and hit-and-run tactics.

Uniquely, Bandits possess a keen understanding of the rural terrain and its inhabitants. They know the hidden paths, secret hideouts, and natural defenses of the countryside, using this knowledge to their advantage. Bandits are experts in tracking, blending in with the environment, and exploiting the vulnerabilities of their victims.

Strengths

Stealth and Ambush: Bandits excel in covert operations, using stealth and surprise to their advantage. They strike from the shadows, launching ambushes and disappearing without a trace.
Local Knowledge: Bandits are intimately familiar with the rural regions where they operate. They know the lay of the land, the local customs, and the weaknesses of their targets, giving them an edge in planning their crimes.
Adaptability: Bandits are resourceful and adaptable, able to adjust their tactics and targets based on the situation. They can blend into various social groups, assuming disguises and adopting false identities to carry out their schemes.

Weaknesses

Limited Resources: Bandits often lack the financial backing and support enjoyed by more organized criminal organizations. They rely on their own skills and meager resources, making it difficult to sustain large-scale operations or withstand prolonged sieges.
Reputation and Isolation: Bandits are viewed as criminals and threats by both the authorities and local communities. They face constant danger and isolation, as betrayal and infighting among their own ranks are common.
Vulnerability to Retaliation: Bandits operate on the fringes of society, making them vulnerable to the retribution of those they rob or harm. They must constantly be on the move, hiding from pursuing forces and dealing with the consequences of their actions.

By hiring or sponsoring a Bandit Leader, a player party can establish a business venture that allows the leader and their bandits to operate independently while the party focuses on their own endeavors.

The arrangement begins with the player party entering into a formal contract or agreement with the Bandit Leader. This contract outlines the terms and conditions of the partnership, including the duration of the venture, profit-sharing agreements, and specific responsibilities of both parties. Once the agreement is in place, the Bandit Leader and their bandits set out into the wilderness and countryside for a predetermined period, typically one week. During this time, they engage in various activities such as highway robbery, looting, extortion, and other illicit endeavors. Their primary objective is to acquire valuable resources, treasures, and goods through their criminal activities.

At the end of the week, the Bandit Leader and their bandits return to the party with a haul of "General Trading Goods" The amount of goods obtained is determined by rolling 3d20. This roll represents their exploits, reflecting the unpredictability of their encounters and the success of their operations. The DM consults a pre-determined table or chart that corresponds to the result of the dice roll, providing a list of specific trade goods acquired during their time in the field.

The acquired goods can include a range of items, such as stolen jewelry, precious metals, spices, rare wines, valuable textiles, or even secret documents. Upon their return, the Bandit Leader and their bandits hand over the acquired goods to the player party. The party then has the opportunity to sell these goods through various means, such as fencing them to black market contacts, discreetly trading with shady merchants, or utilizing their own connections and networks. The proceeds from the sales are then divided between the Bandit Leader and the player party, according to the agreed-upon profit-sharing terms.

The employment of a Bandit Leader allows the player party to benefit from the bandits' criminal activities while they focus on their own adventures and pursuits. As the party may need to navigate the criminal underworld, handle relationships with other criminal factions, and manage the risks associated with their partnership. However, it's important to note that operating with bandits comes with risks and potential consequences. Engaging in criminal activities can attract the attention of law enforcement, rival gangs, or even vengeful victims of the bandits' actions. The party must be prepared to face the potential consequences of their alliance with the Bandit Leader and navigate the challenges that come with such a relationship.

The Bandit [Contract]

Strengths

Weaknesses

Business Venture