Editing Mercenary (section)

==Types==
===Sellsword===
{{See also|:Category:Images of mercenaries|l1=Images of mercenaries}}
[[File:Hired SwordsYann Tisseron.png|thumb|Hired Swords by Yann Tisseron © Fantasy Flight Games]]
A sellsword is a soldier who hires out his services to the highest bidder. Most sellswords are professionals with some experience in fighting.{{ref|ASOS|67}} Sellswords are more common in [[Essos]] than in [[Westeros]], as Westerosi [[lord]]s are more likely to raise [[feudalism|feudal]] levies.<ref name=SSMMercenaries/> The mercantile cities of [[Lys]], [[Myr]], and [[Tyrosh]] are protected by hired sellswords.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} Some fighting men or exiles who run out of money become sellswords, such as Ser [[Jorah Mormont]].{{ref|ACOK|12}} Many sellswords keep their worldly possessions close at hand, such as expensive weaponry, armor, and silks.{{ref|ADWD|24}}

Sellswords are often viewed negatively by others,{{ref|AGOT|32}}{{ref|ACOK|41}}{{ref|ADWD|25}}{{ref|TPATQ}} with some nobles considering them unchivalrous{{ref|AFFC|24}} and pitiless.{{ref|AFFC|32}} Sellswords are not allowed within the [[Black Walls]] of eastern [[Volantis]].{{ref|ADWD|27}} Sellswords have a reputation for being willing to betray anyone for enough gold.{{ref|ACOK|30}} Sellswords, [[pirates]], and [[slavers]] inhabit the [[Basilisk Isles]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: The Basilisk Isles}}

===Free Companies===
[[File:Yulia Startsev Mercenary ContractIII.png|thumb|Mercenary Contract by Yulia Startsev © Fantasy Flight Games]]
Many sellswords are organized into [[w:Free company|free companies]]. Some are acclaimed for their loyalty and discipline, such as the [[Golden Company]],{{ref|ADWD|2}}{{ref|ADWD|27}}{{ref|ADWD|61}} while others are nothing but rabble joined together in search of loot, like the [[Brave Companions]].{{ref|ASOS|21}}<ref name=SSMMilitary/> Some captains are alleged to instigate wars during peacetime,{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria}} and some companies attempt to conquer the [[Disputed Lands]] when not under contract.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} Men of the free companies name themselves as they choose, so some exiles from [[Westeros]] might claim the name of extinct Houses.{{ref|ADWD|24}}

;Known companies
{{Columns|3|
* [[Adventurers]]
* [[Brave Companions]]
* [[Bright Banners]]
* [[Company of the Cat]]
* [[Company of the Rose]]
* [[Free Company (sellsword company)|Free Company]]
* [[Gallant Men]]
* [[Golden Company]]
* [[Iron Shields]]
* [[Jolly Fellows]]
* [[Long Lances]]
* [[Maiden's Men]]
* [[Men of Valor]]
* [[Ragged Standard]]
* [[Second Sons]]
* [[Stormbreakers]]
* [[Stormcrows]]
* [[Windblown]]
* [[Wolf Pack]]
}}

===Freerider===
"Freerider" is a broad term, sometimes used to denote a [[Horse|mounted]] sellsword, but more often referring to other mounted fighters who are not part of a [[lord]]'s retinue or [[Feudalism|feudal]] levy. Most do not collect wages, instead fighting for plunder or a hope to be taken into a lord or knight's service. Freeriders are mostly used as scouts, outriders, foragers, and light cavalry.<ref name=SSMMercenaries/>

Some freeriders are similar to [[hedge knight]]s, only lacking [[knight]]hood.<ref name=SSMMercenaries/> Others are green, untrained recruits and farm boys who have nowhere else to go. While some refugees flee to a larger settlement when war sweeps over villages, others become freeriders for a better chance of being fed and thereby avoid becoming outlaws or [[broken men]].<ref name=SSMMercenaries/>

===Sellsail===
A sellsail is a hired sailor who engages in naval battles for pay, including seaborne mercenaries and [[pirate]]s. Most fleets are based in the [[Stepstones]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}} Sellsails such as [[Salladhor Saan]] may work as pirates or smugglers when not employed.{{ref|ACOK|10}}

Many [[ironborn]], including [[Harwyn Hoare]] and [[Dalton Greyjoy]], have worked as sellsails,{{ref|TWOIAF| The Iron Islands: The Black Blood}}{{ref|TWOIAF| The Iron Islands: The Red Kraken}} as have [[Summer Isles|Summer Islanders]].{{ref|TWOIAF| Beyond the Free Cities: The Summer Isles}}