Virtuous Worms
The Grand Company of the Virtuous Worms was a Corummese mercenary army active in various conflicts starting in the 900's CE until their forceful disbandment in 1250 CE. Formed in the dying years of the Chen dynasty as its power waned and desertion became more widespread among border garrisons, its initial core was formed from the soldiers of the fortress of Kathok who deserted after their wages were stolen by treasury officials. Under the command of the self styled High Marshall Xol, Will of Thousands they entered the service of the usurper Tengu Peg-Leg and after his overthrow, the United Cities. From an initial size of around eight hundred men, the intake of adventurers, bandits and prisoners of war would by the 1200's balloon the company to a size of around nine thousand men under arms.
Origin
The general malaise and military decrepitude of the late period Chen dynasty coupled with the start of the crisis of the Four Great Impostors meant that the years from 900 CE and onwards saw considerable upheaval in all strata of society, including military formations. Corruption and falling military budgets meant that military forces guarding the borders often went unpaid for long stretches of time. This led to high rates of desertion, pillaging and abuses towards local populations and revolts. The fortress of Kathok was one of the most important strongholds protecting Pingu province, sitting right on the border with all the eastern territories that had already defected to usurper Tengu Peg Leg. Having repulsed at least two attacks by Tengu's forces and having not been paid for six months, mutinous sentiment began to quickly spread inside the garrison. Upon news that a caravan from Zhongzi carrying the soldier's wages had either been robbed by bandits or diverted by corrupt officials, the garrison mutinied. They immediately sent messengers to Tengu and offered to sell Kathok to him, an offer he agreed to.