While the Defender's Guild accepts fighters from all castes, there are some fighters who know that the sword does not have to be used to gain honor - sometimes it is more adventageous to turn a profit with the sword. These fighters are not shunned at the Defender's Guild, but neither will the guild train them, and as such they turn towards the Guild of Shadows for training, and the eventual title of Mercenary.
     Mercenaries know that they do not get paid until the job is finished, and therefore concentrate on methods and tactics for killing as swiftly and efficiently as possible. Many Mercenaries forego the use of a shield in place of another sword, and tend to use the small, faster weaponry available to kill as fast as possible.
     But, beneath the lust for coin, Mercenaries still retain honor and dignity. They still refuse to harm a member of their own realm, no matter the offer. They still participate in Realm Warfare because they know if Albion is conquered, they will have no one to pay their fees.