Though it was officially established by Tsaesci Potentate Versidue Shaie in the year 320, it was his kinsman Dinieras ves who suggested an order of mercantile soldiers-for-hire. The order was initially called "The Syffim," after the Tsaesci word for 'soldiers,' but the name was changed by the Potentate to the more common name known by the people: the Fighters' Guild.
The Fighters' Guild was formed sometime after the Potentate conquered Tamriel in one of the bloodiest conflicts in history. The only army left standing was that of the Potentate, but the economy was also knocked off its feet. Local cities had no militia or force to protect them, especially outside of Cyrodiil where the Potentate's forces were concentrated. The Fighters' Guild was formed to combat rising crime rates across the lands. It was originally intended to be a guild for Akaviri races only, but since there were not enough of them to keep order, it was opened to non-Akaviri members as well.
Anyone interested in combat that is focused on an honest living can join the Guild. Unfortunately, the guild has recently started having trouble with a new group of mercenaries known as the Blackwood Company who have been stealing contracts and fighters from them. This is outlined in the Black Horse Courier newsletter A New Guild for Fighters?.
All of the cities except for the Imperial City and Kvatch have a guildhall of the Fighters Guild inside its walls. The most important guildhalls are located in Anvil, Chorrol, and Cheydinhal, as this is where Fighters Guild quests are obtained, but each guild has members who offer various services, including skilltraining.
At Master rank, access to the Guildmaster's Chest in Chorrol is received, which offers a monthly revenue and items from the Fighters' Guild. Orders can be given to Modryn Oreyn in Chorrol to focus on either recruitment of new members, completion of contracts, or both equally. Focusing on recruitment reins in more items in the chest, while doing contracts brings in more gold.
The amount of gold received from Fighters' Guild quests that give a reward in gold is dependent upon level, as follows:
Level
Amount Received
1-4
100
5-9
200
10-14
300
15-19
400
20-25
500
26+
600
Suspension and expulsion from the Guild
If another guild member is killed or stolen from, the violator is temporarily suspended from the guild until the actions are amended. The first offense involves retrieving 20 Bear Pelts for Vilena Donton in Chorrol. The second requires 20 Minotaur Horns be obtained. If the rank of Grand Champion in the Arena has been obtained, then bears or minotaurs can easily be fought, as opposed to searching Cyrodiil for them. Bear Pelts can be purchased from most General item traders.
After three offenses, the member is forever expelled, with no chance of reprieve.
There are a number of members of the Fighters' Guild at each guildhall, as well as some members outside of the guildhalls who play a part in contracts. Also in every guildhall there is a Porter who repairs weapons and armor for a price.