The Blackwood Company was a mercenary company that ran in direct competition with the Fighter's Guild in the Imperial Province at the end of the Third Era. Its origins were in Black Marsh. It was known to have less-than-ethical practices in its recruitment, training and methods of completing missions. This organization appears in 'The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion'.
Out-of-game, it is said to be one of a number of references to Glenn Cook's legendary dark heroic fantasy series 'The Black Company', based on a mercenary company that tread dark and light morality with both aplomb and chagrin. Other such references,also in ES V, include road names such as 'The Yellow Rose', which was the nom de guerre for the leader of a rebellion both in the scope of Cook's story and another in the rich fictional history of the Black Company's world.