Setting out in well order
Smite the sounding furrows;
For my purpose holds- to sail
Beyond the sunset...

Armstead, with its mostly Traladaran populace, has adopted many of the customs of Karameikos. One of the most important to yourselves in the custom of Shearing - of releasing the young men and women into the world to find their own way.

Called Shearing because part of the ceremony involves cutting any family insignia and the bottom few inches from a cloak, those who are Sheared are expected to make their own way in the world for several years, before being accepted back as a full member of their family.

In Armstead, the custom has been modified somewhat for the more 'advanced' culture of Darokin - the Sheared youth (normally somewhere between 14 and 18) is often apprenticed to another member of the town rather than being thrust out into the wilderness. The Shearee joins their Master for the time of the apprentice, often boarding with their Master's family. Once the apprenticeship is complete, they sometimes return to their own family or buy/build their own home.

Some people still adhere to the old ways, however, and leave their home the make their fortune(tm). It is these youngsters that form the new Companies.

Companies
Companies are the traditional "party of adventurers". In this world, there are many such small bands. In Darokin, they are referred to as Companies.

Companies have many roles in this society. At the most mundane, they act as guards - for places, for caravans. They form irregular mercenary units amongst the traditional armies - their perceived familiarity with magic and unusual tactics makes them a favorite for bizarre missions for the military.

All of this is held to be the bread and butter of a company - but their place in mythology and culture has been solidified by tales of heroism and exploration, of defeating the dark monsters and hoards that would destroy humanity. It is for this reason that many young people join together to form a company and make their fortune.