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{{Sellsword Company
 
{{Sellsword Company
 
| name = Brave Companions
 
| name = Brave Companions
| image =  
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| image = [[File:Brave Companions.svg|200px|center]]
 
| image_caption =  
 
| image_caption =  
| banner = [[File:Banner Brave Companions.png|300px]]
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| banner = A black goat with bloody horns, symbolizing the [[Black Goat of Qohor]].
 
| motto =  
 
| motto =  
| current_commander = None
+
| current_commander = None
| size =  
+
| size = ~100<ref>Walton's escort of two hundred men out of Harrenhal outnumbers the Brave Companions two to one (''[[A Storm of Swords]]'', [[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 44|Jaime VI]]). Prior to this, the company has taken some amount of casualties, though it is not known exactly how many.</ref>
 
| founded =  
 
| founded =  
 
| founder =  
 
| founder =  
| disbanded =  {{Date|299}}
+
| disbanded =  {{Date|299}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
The '''Brave Companions''', also known as the '''Bloody Mummers''', are a [[sellsword]] company of considerably ill repute. It comprises criminals and outcasts from many nations.  
+
The '''Brave Companions''' are a [[sellsword]] company of considerably ill repute from [[Essos]].{{ref|ASOS|77}} The company comprises criminals and outcasts from many nations.{{ref|ACOK|30}}
  
During the [[War of the Five Kings]], the band is led by [[Vargo Hoat]], a tall, gaunt, lisping man from [[Qohor]]. The band is often called the "Bloody Mummers" by the [[Westeros]]i for its members' brutality and outlandish appearance, though they find this name insulting. They are also called the '''Footmen''' for Vargo's practice of cutting off the hands and feet of prisoners.  
+
Led by [[Vargo Hoat]] of [[Qohor]], the band is often called the '''Bloody Mummers''' for their brutality and outlandish appearance, though they find this name insulting. They are also called the '''Footmen''' for Vargo's practice of cutting off the hands and feet of prisoners and the '''Toes of the Goat''' for their standard. Their standard is a black goat with bloody horns, symbolizing the [[Black Goat of Qohor]].{{ref|ACOK|30}}
  
Some of the company's notable members include [[Qyburn]], a disgraced [[maesters|maester]], Septon [[Utt]], a child-killing [[Faith of the Seven#Clergy|priest]] of the Seven, [[Shagwell]], a psychotic jester, and Fat [[Zollo]], a [[Dothraki]]. Their standard is a black goat with bloody horns, symbolizing the [[Black Goat of Qohor]].<ref>[[A Clash of Kings]], [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 30|Chapter 30]], Arya</ref>
+
Unlike most soldiers, the vile and violent Brave Companions are considered to be malignantly cruel;{{ref|ASOS|44}}{{ref|AFFC|27}} their reputation is even worse than that of the [[Second Sons]] under [[Mero]].{{ref|ASOS|42}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] brought the Brave Companions to [[Westeros]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]] to forage and terrify the lands of his enemies. They went to [[Harrenhal]] and were joined by [[Rorge]], [[Biter]] and [[Jaqen H'ghar]] on the way. Vargo's men quarreled with Ser [[Amory Lorch]]'s men, causing both to be reprimanded by Tywin. After Tywin left Harrenhal, Jaqen, Rorge, and Biter helped [[Arya Stark]] free the Northerner prisoners. With the Northmen free, the Companions helped slaughter the Lannister garrison and open the castle's gates to [[Roose Bolton]].
+
According to semi-canon sources, the Brave Companions are not as old as other mercenary companies and were established before [[Vargo Hoat]] became their leader. Their numbers consist of the scum of the west, and a few from the east and the south. Their previous leader was likely not a [[Qohor]]ik, and their next might possibly be a [[Lys]]eni, a [[Dornishmen|Dornishman]] or even an [[Ibben]]ese.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Drowned_God_and_More The Drowned God and More (July 14, 1999)]</ref>
  
Vargo Hoat became Lord of Harrenhal for his service to the North, but he grew to suspect that his new Bolton allies would join the Lannisters. When several Companions captured [[Jaime Lannister]], Vargo had Jaime's swordhand chopped off to drive a wedge between Tywin and Roose.  
+
Their diverse ranks are said to include [[Dothraki|copper men]] with bells in their braids;{{ref|ACOK|30}} lancers astride [[Zorse|black-and-white horses]];{{ref|ACOK|30}} bowmen with powdered cheeks;{{ref|ACOK|30}} [[Ibben|squat hairy men]] with shaggy shields;{{ref|ACOK|30}} [[Summer Isles|brown-skinned men]] in feathered cloaks;{{ref|ACOK|30}} swordsmen with [[Tyroshi|fantastic forked beards]] dyed green and purple and silver;{{ref|ACOK|30}} spearmen with [[Volantis|colored scars]] that cover their cheeks;{{ref|ACOK|30}}{{ref|ASOS|39}} [[Myr]]ish crossbowmen,{{ref|ASOS|39}} pale [[Lyseni]];{{ref|ASOS|3}} and dark [[Dornishmen]].{{ref|ASOS|3}}
  
When [[Jaime]] and his escort were leaving [[Harrenhal]] some Brave Companions gathered in [[Harrenhal]]’s yard to watch them go.  Jaime trotted over to where they stood and said,
+
==Recent Events==
{{Quote| [[Zollo]]. How kind of you to see me off.  [[Pyg]][[Timeon]]. Will you miss me? No last jest to share, [[Shagwell]]? To lighten my way down the raod? And [[Rorge]], did you come to kiss me goodbye?”}}
+
===''A Game of Thrones''===
Rorge tells him bugger off, cripple, Jaime answers,
+
Following the [[Battle of the Camps]], Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] sends [[Vargo Hoat]], Ser [[Gregor Clegane]], and Ser [[Amory Lorch]] to pillage the [[riverlands]] near the [[Gods Eye]] and the [[Red Fork]] with three hundred horse each.{{ref|AGOT|69}}
{{Quote|If you insist.  Rest assured, though, I will be back. A Lannister always pays his debts.}}
 
The ploy to drive a wedge between Tywin and Roose did not work, and Roose soon abandoned Harrenhal. While attempting to rape the imprisoned [[Brienne of Tarth]] in Harrenhal, Vargo lost an ear and the wound infected.
 
  
With Lannister reprisal looming and Vargo slowly maddening from a fever, most of the Companions deserted. By the time [[Gregor Clegane]] arrived at Harrenhal and killed Vargo, the band had dissolved into smaller groups.  
+
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 +
[[File:Sidharth Chaturvedi Brave CompanionsII.png|thumb|350px|right|The Brave Companions arrive riding [[zorse]]s, by Sidharth Chaturvedi © Fantasy Flight Games]]
 +
The Brave Companions are reported to have slain Lord [[Beric Dondarrion]] during the [[War of the Five Kings]].{{ref|ACOK|30}}
  
In the aftermath of the war, many Brave Companions became bandits and vagabonds. One particular group led by Rorge burned and slaughtered the entire town of [[Saltpans]]. Because Rorge wore the infamous helm of [[Sandor Clegane]], these deeds were attributed to the Hound. Another group led by Shagwell went into hiding. Both groups were killed off after a confrontation with Brienne.
+
[[Arya Stark]] observes the sellswords' arrival at [[Harrenhal]], where they are housed in the [[Widow's Tower]].{{ref|ACOK|30}} Vargo's men quarrel with Amory's garrison, causing both to be reprimanded by Tywin. On the night they arrive, a fight breaks out between the company and [[House Lannister|Lannister]] men, resulting in the deaths of Ser [[Harys Swyft]]'s squire, two wounded Brave Companions who are later hanged, and one of Lord [[Lewys Lydden]]'s archers who started the fight.{{ref|ACOK|30}}
 +
 
 +
After Tywin leaves Harrenhal, Vargo secretly aligns with Lord [[Roose Bolton]] in support of [[Robb Stark]], [[King in the North]]. The Brave Companions bring [[north]]men led by [[Robett Glover]] and Ser [[Aenys Frey]] into Harrenhal as prisoners with the intention of freeing them to attack Amory's garrison from the inside. Separately, Jaqen, Rorge, and Biter help [[Arya Stark]] free the northerner prisoners, and Rorge tells Robett that the three men have joined the Brave Companions. With the northmen freed early, the Companions help slaughter the Lannister garrison and open the castle's gates to Roose after the [[fall of Harrenhal]].{{ref|ACOK|47}}
 +
 
 +
Lord Bolton tasks the Brave Companions with rooting out Lannister forces in the surrounding countryside.{{ref|ACOK|64}} Vargo, who is to be granted the castle as [[Lord of Harrenhal]] after Roose's eventual departure, divides his men into four bands, giving smaller ones to his trusted captains while he leads the largest one himself.{{ref|ACOK|64}} He uses his past affiliation with Lord Tywin to fool Lannister garrisons that are unaware of their betrayal, before seizing them and returning with bags of coin as well as baskets of heads.{{ref|ACOK|64}} Septon [[Utt]]'s camp is attacked by a pack of wild [[wolf|wolves]] which kills two of their horses.{{ref|ACOK|64}}
 +
 
 +
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 +
[[Iggo]], an [[Ibben]]ese axeman, a [[Dornishmen|Dornish]] archer, and a [[Lys]]eni hunt Arya, [[Gendry]], and [[Hot Pie]] after they flee Harrenhal, but the four Companions fall prey to a wolf pack led by Arya's direwolf, [[Nymeria (direwolf)|Nymeria]].{{ref|ASoS|3}} Mummers forage as far south as [[Stoney Sept]].{{ref|ASOS|29}}
 +
 
 +
Within the [[hollow hill]], [[Sandor Clegane]] offends the [[brotherhood without banners]] by calling them "brave companions".{{ref|ASOS|34}} Beric and [[Thoros of Myr]] lead the brotherhood in attacking a [[sept]] held by a detachment of the Brave Companions which includes, among others, a [[Myr]]man, two [[Ibben]]ese, three [[Volantis|Volantenes]], and several [[Dothraki]]. Captured Companions, including Utt, are hanged by the brotherhood after this [[battle at the burning septry]].{{ref|ASOS|39}}
 +
 
 +
Following the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], Vargo grows to suspect that his new [[House Bolton|Bolton]] allies will join the Lannisters. After [[Urswyck]]'s group captures Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] and [[Brienne of Tarth]], Vargo has [[Zollo]] chop off Jaime's sword hand to drive a wedge between Tywin and Roose.{{ref|ASOS|21}} [[Qyburn]], a former maester, treats Jaime's stump.{{ref|ASOS|31}} The ploy to drive a wedge between Tywin and Roose does not work, however, and Roose soon departs for the [[Twins]] and leaves Harrenhal with Vargo. While attempting to rape the imprisoned Brienne in Harrenhal, Vargo's ear is bitten off and the wound becomes infected.{{ref|ASOS|44}}
 +
 
 +
In the aftermath of the [[Red Wedding]], Lord Tywin offers to spare any castle which yields, with the exception of Harrenhal; a vengeful Tywin instead orders Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] to put the Brave Companions to the sword.{{ref|ASOS|53}} With Lannister reprisal looming and Vargo slowly maddening from a fever, most of the Companions desert the group. By the time Gregor [[capture of Harrenhal|retakes Harrenhal]]{{ref|ASOS|60}} and kills Vargo, the band has dissolved into smaller groups.{{ref|ASOS|62}}
 +
 
 +
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 +
In the aftermath of the war, many Brave Companions become bandits and vagabonds. One particular group led by Rorge burns and slaughters during the [[raid on Saltpans]]. Because Rorge wears the infamous helm of [[Sandor Clegane]], these deeds are attributed to the [[Hound]].{{ref|AFFC|31}}
 +
 
 +
When Brienne comes across [[Timeon]], Shagwell, and [[Pyg]] at the [[Whispers]], Timeon tells her that Urswyck was heading towards [[Oldtown]] with a small band. The three Companions are then killed by Brienne.{{Ref|AFFC|20}} Rorge and Biter are later killed in a confrontation with Brienne at the [[crossroads inn]].{{ref|AFFC|37}} [[Zollo]], [[Togg Joth]], and [[Three Toes]] remain on the run throughout Westeros.{{ref|AFFC|Appendix}}
 +
 
 +
Qyburn rises to the position of [[master of whisperers]] for Queen [[Cersei Lannister]]{{ref|AFFC|17}} and is allowed to continue his experiments with people Cersei wants rid of.{{ref|AFFC|36}}
  
 
==Known members==
 
==Known members==
[[File: Matt_Olson_Vargo_Hoat.jpg‎‎|[[Vargo Hoat]], commander of the Brave Companions- by Matt Olson ©|thumb|400px|right]]
+
[[File:Matt_Olson_Vargo_Hoat.jpg‎‎|thumb|right|[[Vargo Hoat]], by Matt Olson ©]]
* {[[Vargo Hoat]]} - "the Goat" is their Commander. He is from [[Qohor]].
+
* {[[Vargo Hoat]]}, the commander of the company known as "the Goat" because he is from [[Qohor]]
* [[Urswyck]] - "the Faithful" is Vargo's second-in-command.
+
* [[Urswyck]], known as "the Faithful", Vargo's second-in-command
* {[[Utt]]} - a [[septon]] with a preference for little boys.
+
* {[[Utt]]}, a lieutenant and [[septon]] with a preference for little boys{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}}
* [[Qyburn]] - a disgraced [[maester]] and primary healer of the group.
+
* [[Qyburn]], a disgraced [[maester]] and primary healer of the group
* {[[Shagwell]]} - "the Fool" is a psychotic jester.
+
* {[[Shagwell]]}, a psychotic jester known as "the Fool"
* [[Zollo]] - "the Fat" is a [[Dothraki]]. He cut off [[Jaime Lannister]]'s sword hand.
+
* [[Zollo]], a [[Dothraki]] known as "the Fat"
* {[[Timeon]]} - is a [[Dorne|Dornishman]].
+
* {[[Timeon]]}, a [[Dornishman]]
 
* {[[Pyg]]}
 
* {[[Pyg]]}
* {[[Iggo]]} - is a [[Dothraki]].
+
* {[[Iggo]]}, a [[Dothraki]]
* [[Togg Joth]] - is from [[Ibben]].
+
* [[Togg Joth]], an [[Ibben]]ese
 
* [[Three Toes]]
 
* [[Three Toes]]
 
* {[[Rorge]]}
 
* {[[Rorge]]}
 
* {[[Biter]]}
 
* {[[Biter]]}
  
==Current Status==
+
==Quotes==  
By the end of [[A Dance with Dragons]], the surviving members of the Brave Companions, [[Urswyck]], [[Zollo]], [[Togg Joth]] & [[Three Toes]], are on the run throughout Westeros.
+
{{Quote|They're [[sellswords]], Weasel girl. Call themselves the Brave Companions. Don't use them other names where they can hear, or they'll hurt you bad.{{ref|ACOK|30}}|[[Weese]] to [[Arya Stark]]}}
 +
 
 +
{{Quote|'''Timeon''': You and [[Tywin Lannister|your father]] lost too many battles. We had to trade our lion pelts for wolfskins.<br>
 +
'''Urswyck''': What Timeon means to say is that the Brave Companions are no longer in the hire of [[House Lannister]]. We now serve Lord [[Roose Bolton|Bolton]], and the [[Robb Stark|King in the North]].
 +
'''Jaime''': And men say I have shit for honor?{{Ref|ASOS|21}}|[[Timeon]], [[Urswyck]], and [[Jaime Lannister]]}}
  
When encountered by Brienne, [[Timeon]] claims [[Urswyck]] is leading a small band to Oldtown, though the status of the other three members is unknown.
+
{{Quote|The Brave Companions did not fight in the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], yet they died there all the same.{{Ref|ASOS|37}}|[[Roose Bolton]] to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}
  
[[Qyburn]] is currently serving at King's Landing under Queen [[Cersei Lannister]].
+
{{Quote|Bringing the Brave Companions across the [[narrow sea]] was not one of [[Tywin Lannister|Father's]] better notions.{{ref|ASOS|77}}|[[Jaime Lannister]] to [[Tyrion Lannister]]}}
  
==References and Notes==
+
{{Quote|I told [[Tywin Lannister|your father]] I would forage for him, but he refused me. Some tasks are fit for lions, he said, but foraging is best left for goats and dogs.{{ref|AFFC|33}}|[[Daven Lannister]] to [[Jaime Lannister]]}}
{{references}}
+
 
 +
==References==
 +
{{references|2}}
 
{{EnWP|Organizations in A Song of Ice and Fire}}
 
{{EnWP|Organizations in A Song of Ice and Fire}}
 +
{{Sellsword companies}}
  
 +
[[Category:Brave Companions| ]]
 
[[Category:Sellsword companies]]
 
[[Category:Sellsword companies]]
 +
 
[[es:Compañía Audaz]]
 
[[es:Compañía Audaz]]
 +
[[fa:یاران دلیر]]
 
[[fr:Braves Compaings]]
 
[[fr:Braves Compaings]]
 
[[ru:Бравые Ребята]]
 
[[ru:Бравые Ребята]]
 
[[zh:勇士团]]
 
[[zh:勇士团]]

Revision as of 18:42, 5 March 2021

Template:Sellsword Company

The Brave Companions are a sellsword company of considerably ill repute from Essos.[1] The company comprises criminals and outcasts from many nations.[2]

Led by Vargo Hoat of Qohor, the band is often called the Bloody Mummers for their brutality and outlandish appearance, though they find this name insulting. They are also called the Footmen for Vargo's practice of cutting off the hands and feet of prisoners and the Toes of the Goat for their standard. Their standard is a black goat with bloody horns, symbolizing the Black Goat of Qohor.[2]

Unlike most soldiers, the vile and violent Brave Companions are considered to be malignantly cruel;[3][4] their reputation is even worse than that of the Second Sons under Mero.[5]

History

According to semi-canon sources, the Brave Companions are not as old as other mercenary companies and were established before Vargo Hoat became their leader. Their numbers consist of the scum of the west, and a few from the east and the south. Their previous leader was likely not a Qohorik, and their next might possibly be a Lyseni, a Dornishman or even an Ibbenese.[6]

Their diverse ranks are said to include copper men with bells in their braids;[2] lancers astride black-and-white horses;[2] bowmen with powdered cheeks;[2] squat hairy men with shaggy shields;[2] brown-skinned men in feathered cloaks;[2] swordsmen with fantastic forked beards dyed green and purple and silver;[2] spearmen with colored scars that cover their cheeks;[2][7] Myrish crossbowmen,[7] pale Lyseni;[8] and dark Dornishmen.[8]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Following the Battle of the Camps, Lord Tywin Lannister sends Vargo Hoat, Ser Gregor Clegane, and Ser Amory Lorch to pillage the riverlands near the Gods Eye and the Red Fork with three hundred horse each.[9]

A Clash of Kings

The Brave Companions arrive riding zorses, by Sidharth Chaturvedi © Fantasy Flight Games

The Brave Companions are reported to have slain Lord Beric Dondarrion during the War of the Five Kings.[2]

Arya Stark observes the sellswords' arrival at Harrenhal, where they are housed in the Widow's Tower.[2] Vargo's men quarrel with Amory's garrison, causing both to be reprimanded by Tywin. On the night they arrive, a fight breaks out between the company and Lannister men, resulting in the deaths of Ser Harys Swyft's squire, two wounded Brave Companions who are later hanged, and one of Lord Lewys Lydden's archers who started the fight.[2]

After Tywin leaves Harrenhal, Vargo secretly aligns with Lord Roose Bolton in support of Robb Stark, King in the North. The Brave Companions bring northmen led by Robett Glover and Ser Aenys Frey into Harrenhal as prisoners with the intention of freeing them to attack Amory's garrison from the inside. Separately, Jaqen, Rorge, and Biter help Arya Stark free the northerner prisoners, and Rorge tells Robett that the three men have joined the Brave Companions. With the northmen freed early, the Companions help slaughter the Lannister garrison and open the castle's gates to Roose after the fall of Harrenhal.[10]

Lord Bolton tasks the Brave Companions with rooting out Lannister forces in the surrounding countryside.[11] Vargo, who is to be granted the castle as Lord of Harrenhal after Roose's eventual departure, divides his men into four bands, giving smaller ones to his trusted captains while he leads the largest one himself.[11] He uses his past affiliation with Lord Tywin to fool Lannister garrisons that are unaware of their betrayal, before seizing them and returning with bags of coin as well as baskets of heads.[11] Septon Utt's camp is attacked by a pack of wild wolves which kills two of their horses.[11]

A Storm of Swords

Iggo, an Ibbenese axeman, a Dornish archer, and a Lyseni hunt Arya, Gendry, and Hot Pie after they flee Harrenhal, but the four Companions fall prey to a wolf pack led by Arya's direwolf, Nymeria.[8] Mummers forage as far south as Stoney Sept.[12]

Within the hollow hill, Sandor Clegane offends the brotherhood without banners by calling them "brave companions".[13] Beric and Thoros of Myr lead the brotherhood in attacking a sept held by a detachment of the Brave Companions which includes, among others, a Myrman, two Ibbenese, three Volantenes, and several Dothraki. Captured Companions, including Utt, are hanged by the brotherhood after this battle at the burning septry.[7]

Following the Battle of the Blackwater, Vargo grows to suspect that his new Bolton allies will join the Lannisters. After Urswyck's group captures Ser Jaime Lannister and Brienne of Tarth, Vargo has Zollo chop off Jaime's sword hand to drive a wedge between Tywin and Roose.[14] Qyburn, a former maester, treats Jaime's stump.[15] The ploy to drive a wedge between Tywin and Roose does not work, however, and Roose soon departs for the Twins and leaves Harrenhal with Vargo. While attempting to rape the imprisoned Brienne in Harrenhal, Vargo's ear is bitten off and the wound becomes infected.[3]

In the aftermath of the Red Wedding, Lord Tywin offers to spare any castle which yields, with the exception of Harrenhal; a vengeful Tywin instead orders Ser Gregor Clegane to put the Brave Companions to the sword.[16] With Lannister reprisal looming and Vargo slowly maddening from a fever, most of the Companions desert the group. By the time Gregor retakes Harrenhal[17] and kills Vargo, the band has dissolved into smaller groups.[18]

A Feast for Crows

In the aftermath of the war, many Brave Companions become bandits and vagabonds. One particular group led by Rorge burns and slaughters during the raid on Saltpans. Because Rorge wears the infamous helm of Sandor Clegane, these deeds are attributed to the Hound.[19]

When Brienne comes across Timeon, Shagwell, and Pyg at the Whispers, Timeon tells her that Urswyck was heading towards Oldtown with a small band. The three Companions are then killed by Brienne.[20] Rorge and Biter are later killed in a confrontation with Brienne at the crossroads inn.[21] Zollo, Togg Joth, and Three Toes remain on the run throughout Westeros.[22]

Qyburn rises to the position of master of whisperers for Queen Cersei Lannister[23] and is allowed to continue his experiments with people Cersei wants rid of.[24]

Known members

Vargo Hoat, by Matt Olson ©

Quotes

They're sellswords, Weasel girl. Call themselves the Brave Companions. Don't use them other names where they can hear, or they'll hurt you bad.[2]

Timeon: You and your father lost too many battles. We had to trade our lion pelts for wolfskins.

Urswyck: What Timeon means to say is that the Brave Companions are no longer in the hire of House Lannister. We now serve Lord Bolton, and the King in the North.

Jaime: And men say I have shit for honor?[14]

The Brave Companions did not fight in the Battle of the Blackwater, yet they died there all the same.[26]

Bringing the Brave Companions across the narrow sea was not one of Father's better notions.[1]

I told your father I would forage for him, but he refused me. Some tasks are fit for lions, he said, but foraging is best left for goats and dogs.[27]

References

This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The original content was at Organizations in A Song of Ice and Fire.
The list of authors can be seen in the page history of Organizations in A Song of Ice and Fire.
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