Freikompanien

Free companies are military units, usually composed of 100 – 1000 mercenaries, that are raised not by Emperor and/or Imperial offices. These groups are, however, created by the Emperor's decree once patron fills in the request (stating also reason behind his intent), provides proof he is able to raise and maintain the force, and successfully undergoes inquisitorial examination. Once decree is signed, patron is allowed to start building the company. Once proclaimed operational, company is under sole command of it's patron, who is accountable to assigned major from the Non-army units office.

Free companies are widely used in conquered territories that are showing higher patriotic feelings, as soldiers are many times drafted from the local population. Also research and recon expeditions are keen to use their services, since many groups compose of adventurers of various backgrounds and skills.

Category of its own are penal freikompanien consisting of men found guilty of various minor crimes. In the end of the service, if still alive, those men are proclaimed worthy and can live as citizens once again.

Companies vary in almost every aspect, be it weaponry, tactics or social structure. They have their own banners and sometimes also a motto.

Some of the most famous freikompanien are Blood Samaritans, Golden ravens (disbanded) and Wilhelm's sons (proclaimed heretics and excommunicated).