Look, there is your new army [Andares family]

[Eyvind Redbeard]

26th Brightening of the Second Cycle of the Month of Cryxatum in the season of Summer; Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum.

Eyvind stood at the edge of a large plain area where soldiers were being ordered to dig holes and hold backpacks full of rocks before they started running and marching following a one eyed man. Two smaller groups had taken other directions, the to-be archers to one side and the to-be Assault Troops to another. The remaining would be the bulk of the Provincial Army, hoplites forming a phalanx, or so the Vagaran hoped.

He was waiting for the Sherian representatives after having sent letters to them, to the Thane and to the Governor. They could come with whatever company or escort they wanted, to Eyvind only them men and the mission at hand mattered now.

[Anvael Andares]

Anvael was the first one to arrive where the new Provincial Army was stationed at the moment. A few members of the guard accompagnied the young Governor, as always. With the threat of a war with Ire looming over his head and people trying to abduct him a very real possibility, he rarely travelled alone these days.

He had realized the need for a proper Provincial Army a long time ago and even initiated talks with a few people – the safety of the province could only be ensured if Sherian had its own military unit – but he had thought it would take much longer and that he would have to be the driving force behind it.

It was a pleasant surprise to see the men gathered here, even though that it was obvious that they still had some way to go before they were of any use in a war.

The Governor was actually riding a horse rather than sitting in a fancy carriage for a change. He’d never completely gotten over his fear of horses – they were vile creatures – but he had it under control for the time being. If those men were willing to die for him in battle, he had decided, he could show a little courage himself.

Eyvind probably thought that the man who was in charge of Sherian was a soldier, much like himself, a strong, middle-aged man, and would be surprised to find that the rider who approached now was a dark elf on the brink of adulthood who had done a pretty good job at pretending to be noble and intelligent and sophisticated, but didn’t look like much of a warrior at all.

[Eyvind Redbeard]

The sound of hooves made him turn to where Anvael was coming followed by hi bodyguards. The Vagaran did notice some hesitation in the Governor or the Thane, as he wasn't sure who was who, in making the horse move but he didn't blame him, Eyvind wasn't an expert rider himself just using Arthalof to travel not in battle as the powerful Carmelyn Warsteed was intended to be used.

Aside of this hesitation all the Daekin could see was Anvael's age. The Esh'laier was young but he had managed to become a Provincial Governor or the city's Thane. Sometimes those with weaker looks end up being the braver, he remembered an Ambush long ago in the muddy streets of Old Prime in which he saw the wounded Kella Greeran fighting assaulting rioters alongside him.

Eyvind waved to Anvael and waited for the Governor or the Thane to reach him.

"Serale Mister...Governor, I suppose."

He greeted the newcomer.

"I am Daekin Eyvind "Redbeard" Avornmagor and I am the man in charge of training the first group of the new Sherian Provincial Army. We have gathered one thousand recruits hailing from the whole province. Men coming from Aestas to Hiems, not so many from Taralon but about those I think His Excellency the Thane will be able to do something. As for organization me and my men have divided the recruits in three groups. Group one the biggest comprises seven hundred and fifty men which will be trained as core soldiers, probably as pikemen or phalanx pikemen depending on the available equipment. Group two made out of one hundred men will receive training in raiding techniques and swordsmanship and will act as Assault Troops. To finish we have Group three comprising one hundred and fifty men who will be trained with ranged weapons."

He spoke before the man could confirm who he was. This meeting had the purpose of informing the higher ups of what was going on, not exactly expect any kind of advise. After all they barely had any knowledge of military strategy and warfare.

"Due to the lack of time the men will undergo an intensive training, starting with physical conditioning and moving to how to use their weapon to finish in how to work together and form a unit."

He paused for a moment.

"This is the gist of your new Provincial Army, I hope you like it. I would like to tell you not to expect much from then in the field as we probably won't have six cycles to train them. Does your Excellency has any questions?"

[Malkaer Andares]

Shortly after the Governor’s delegation came another, be it smaller, arrived at the plain. This one contained a man whom Eyvind might sooner expect to be in charge of a city or province. Another esh’lahier on horseback, this one older with a stern looking face sired with scars approached the Governor and the officer. Golden spurs signified his nobility and a viewer would doubt that the sheathed longsword on his side was merely for ornamental purposes. With the ease of an Alyssan cavalry man Malkaer steered his horse to stop before them.

“Imperial Excellency; Daekin”, Malkaer bowed to his brother in his saddle whilst Eyvind received a nod. As he had overheard only the latter part of the Imperial officer’s words the esh’lahier kept his mouth shut and overlooked the training peasants.

[Anvael Andares]

„Mister Governor?“ The elf asked and laughed a little. He hadn’t been called that before. Usually it was either “Your Imperial Excellency” – that was the correct ways of adressing a Governor - but he didn’t correct the human that stood before him now. All those fancy titles were getting on his nerves anyway. “Indeed I am.”

He listened to the short speech that the beardless Mister Redbeard gave. “Only one thousand?” He was no military expert, but a Provincial Army of one thousand didn’t sound that big, at least not compared to fifty thousand orcs. Of course there had only been a short time to gather them, but still …

“How much time do you think you’ll have to train them?”

He stopped as he noticed Malkaer’s arrival. “Your Grace.” He nodded to his brother. He considered it in appropriate to call his older brother by his first name when he was acting as Thane of Taralon. “Daekin Eyvind Avornmagor just told me that he has gathered about one thousand men here, seven hundred and fifty of which will be trained as pikemen, one hundred swordsmen and one hundred and fifty archers. This seems to be our new Provincial Army.”

“What do you think?”

[Malkaer Andares]

“It’s a start”, Malkaer said, his gaze turning from the soldiers-to-be to his brother. “But it is not nearly enough. It is also far below what this province can field in terms of manpower and resources. I think it is time to introduce mandatory service or order the recruitment teams to use more… aggressive means of recruitment, Imperial Excellency.”

”The army composition is sound. Even in inexperienced hands pikes can stand and hold a line.” It was the perfect militia’s weapon: cheap and easy to use. ”The archers must ensure that the enemy actually attacks the line while the swordsmen protect the flanks of the phalanx.” He explained the basic tactical use to Anvael. ”When the pikemen become more disciplined they can even be trained to advance the line and attack.” Malkaer noted he would have to build a sawmill to construct the necessary number of pikes. Fortunately with the stretched forests west of Taralon there was no lack of wood.

“I would prefer though if some of the swordsmen were trained in the use of the halberd or mace in case they face cavalry or heavily armoured opponents”, he said to the Daekin. The men now in training would have to remain focused on the sword, but when the army would be expanded later the numbers would have to be straightened.

[Archalen Andares]

(ooc: Assuming the previous meeting and talks with Malk, Anvael, and Arch go well, otherwise [or if this is a strictly Taralon/government issue] feel free to ask me to delete this! Also sorry, this isn't really good writing but I didn't want to make Red or you guys wait any longer!!)

Only a moment after the newly discovered brother, Malkaer, had finished speaking did Archalen arrive on horseback. His face was blank, much to still absorbing information as anything else. To think! He had family all this time and they were here before him. It was strange and....seemingly fitting at the same time. He had been invited here after their discussion and stood behind the group a bit for a moment. Honestly, he didn't quite know how to act. Would he greet his newly discovered family by first name? Perhaps in the old Esh'lahier language? He didn't know. This was all new to him. Whatever the case, he choose and stuck to it all the same.

The black steed trotted up to where the two Esh'lahier and the Daekin stood discussing. Not far off, an army was forming. Still in its infancy it had a ways to go and Archalen only knew this too well for Imperia held many similarites to what was unfolding here and now. At least, as far as training new sword arms and the like.

Turning toward Anvael, Archalen bowed his head. "Your Excellency." Then to Malk he bowed. "Your Grace." He choose to go with the formal, if nothing else it was polite in front of mixed company. Archalen had heard the last part of the conversation and choose to comment on it then. "My congratulations Daekin, an impressive force gathered from what.....I hear, in haste." Wether it was impressive or not didn't matter, such were formalites when two first met. "My apologies.....I am Lord Esgalvith, of Imperia." Having gotten re-introductions and new alike out of the way Archalen sat in the saddle, watching not only the men in the field, but his newly discovered family as well.

[Eyvind Redbeard]

The Vagaran nodded to Anvael.

"One thousand men gathered in a short period of time and being trained by a Centuri. I intend on having more Centuris training even more recruits. To a minimum of five thousand, more if there is enough time, weapons and armor to train and equip them all."

Shortly after finishing his statement the Vagaran saw another mounted Esh'laier arriving. This was Taralon's Thane for sure since the first man to arrive had just said he was the Governor. The newcomer had been a soldier for sure. His posture was different from Anvael's. Rigid, stern and confident. Eyvind would like to meet him personally if there was enough time. To reply to his greeting the Daekin nodded respectfully. Soldiers didn't need many words.

Eyvind turned to the Governor once more and then looked to the men disappearing down a road in their first running exercise. The men who remaining in the plain area were Black Shield Legionnaires preparing the obstacle courses and other training grounds.

"I don't know how much time we will, it all depends on the high ups, on Provost Imperatis Sheng Kaldres to be exact, but I think they'll have five cycles to prepare. It is the minimum to train a soldier, if we have more time even better. In six cycles I can give you soldiers with the same training of Legionnaires coming out of the Jade Legion. With seven cycles they'll be ready enough to leave what we call Green Centuris in the Legion. Not that they will be organized in Centuris and you should expect some casualties in skirmishes before reaching this degree of proeficience."

The Vagaran listened to the Thane's wise words. when Malkaer finished his explanation he continued.

"I was intending in giving the pikemen large rectangular shields to indeed hold the tide."

He nodded to Malkaer's suggestion.

"It is feasable. I tried to keep it simple for now but in a cycle, when all the swordsmen have their basic taught they can start with other weapons."

The Vagaran turned to face the newcomer. He seemed somewhat nervous but it wasn't something that surprised the Daekin. He was before a man who he thought to be a battle hardened one and had just seen armed men running nearby, not to mention the thousand recruits who'd split into three groups to start their training. With a slight nod and the shadow of a smile he greeted Archalen. Another Esh'laier

"Serale, Lord Esgalvith. I've done my best, thank you."

[Malkaer Andares]

The esh’lahier nodded to the Daekin and then to his new found brother who just arrived. “Your Grace.” He agreed with his sibling that in front of strangers titles were to be used; in fact Malkaer often called his brother by his title even when in company of trusted servants.

The introduction of new family members to the House was no longer new to Malkaer. Through trial and error he had come to accept that Astartus had not been a shining example of fatherhood. Some time ago he had banished their father from his thoughts. Nevertheless it was always a question how the new Andares took up the heavy responsibility of being part of the Empire’s most prestigious esh’lahier household. Malkaer thought that Archalen might be better up to task than Tiyribi had proven to be, having managed to secure a governmental position on his own name, although the patron spirits of the House had undoubtedly aided him in his pursuits. It would be interesting to see how Archalen would adapt to the new situation.

He turned his attention back to the Vagaran officer. “Five cycles… before you head out for Narim?” A rather obvious attempt to get a grip of the Legions’ plans, but sometimes the direct way was the most effective.

[Anvael Andares]

„That’s what I’m planning“, he assured Malkaer as he suggested to him that he introduce mandatory service. “A thousand men are not nearly enough. It’s a start, but if we want to have a chance at winning this war, we need more.”

"You need to tell me what you mean with agressive means of recruitment though ..."

He had little idea what exactly pikemen were good for or where you best used swordsman or archers. He knew that you hit people with the pointy end of your sword and that pikes were big, and that was it. Thus he kept quiet as Malkaer and Eyvind talked about the composition of the army.

As Archalen arrived, he turned around and smiled. The novelty of having another brother hadn’t worn off yet. He still found it strange that this man was actually related to him – althoug he should not have surprised. Astartus had probably fathered bastards all over the Empire, enough to repopulate the burnt Narim with them.

“Serale, Archalen”, he greeted him before he focused his attention on Eyvind again.

“Five cycles?” he echoed Malkaer. Only five cycles and then they’d attack the orcs with a brandnew army? Could this work out?

[Eyvind Redbeard]

The Vagaran shook his head. He had been misunderstood or were the politicians discover something? It was nothing for sure.

"No, Your Graces. Five cycles to train the Provincial soldiers to the minimum required to be able to stand in a fight. I would never send them into battle with so little training. Regarding Narim I don't know, Your Excellency. My plans for this war weren't shown nor told to me. All I know is what to do. Gather recruits, train recruits, equip recruits and give them some hard time to turn them into soldiers. More I cannot tell as more I do not know.

As for the more aggressive recruit methods I would suggest creating them first. If I can have a word in the men who will be chosen to join the Provincial Army I would choose countryside men and not city-dwellers. The men need to know how to respect and obey and they need to be strong, things that lack to most city-dwellers. Going for the poor would help too as their number is larger than that of the wealthy citizens and they won't complain saying the food isn't good enough or that their tent isn't the color they wanted. With your permission I will create here a Professional Army and not a Militia. These men will be ready to face all that may threat this Province and more."

The Daekin paused for a moment and looked to the Legionnaires who had been left digging holes and obstacle courses.

"I will give you an Army that will be the Legion's and the other Provinces' envy."

[Malkaer Andares]

The meaning of the five cycles seemed to alter from the time they had to prepare to the minimum time they should prepare. No matter, the officer seemed not privy to the information Malkaer was looking for anyway, or had strict orders of secrecy.

“We’ll see how many will gather when mandatory service is announced. If that does not bring enough manpower then recruitment teams will have to visit the villages to gather the strong young men.” He did not agree that wealthy citizens were worse soldiers. They were usually fed better and higher motivated because they fought to protect more possessions. Introducing them to service just required a different approach.

The former commander smiled slightly as the Vagaran made his bold promise. “Permission granted Daekin Avornmagor. Rest assured that your superiors will be informed of your efforts”, should this all succeed of course. To mention that the provincial army would be the Legion’s envy was a bit awkward. A sign perhaps that the Vagaran was not completely happy about his role in the legions at this point? If the Daekin proved to be talented that was something to research.

Looking over the training Sherianites he suggested to his brothers: “How about we follow their example and get some practice done ourselves, gentlemen?” While his speech made it seem like a spontaneous suggestion, obviously Malkaer had planned this from the start. His clothes were of a smooth but sturdy leather which allowed much freedom of movement. The swordsman dismounted and waved with his hand, upon which signal his bodyguard approached with two sheathed swords in case Anvael and Archalen had not brought their own.

[Anvael Andares]

„I will make an announcement regarding mandatory service as soon as I return to Taralon“, Anvael promised. They had a war to win after all – a war he didn’t want, but that everybody else insisted on – and you didn’t win wars with such a tiny army.

“And I agree that people from the countryside will be better suited than men who spent their life working in offices and such. I can’t imagine a man that has spent most of his life fighting with a pen becoming a decent swordsman in just a couple of cycles.”

“Of course you have my permission to create a professional army, Daekin Avornmagor. Do your best.” He wasn’t entirely sure whether the provincial army of Sherian would be the Legion’s envy, but he said nothing. He really didn’t want to discourage the Daekin.

“Follow their example?” Anvael wasn’t too happy as his brother suggested that. He had never been particularly good with a sword. His teacher had almost sent him away again after seeing how clumsy he was. He had brought his sword, but it had been intended for display only. He’d never wanted to use it. He wanted to look like he was a good swordsman, but he didn’t actually want to be one!

But refusal was unfortunately impossible, not with the future provincial army nearby and Eyvind watching. What would all those people say if their Governor didn’t want to fight? They’d take him for a coward and lose all their respect for him!

“A good idea, Malkaer”, he said. He even managed to smile a little and fake enthusiasm as he drew his weapon.

[Archalen Andares]

All the talk of mandatory service and preference toward those who lived in the country struck him well. Archalen thought along the same line as the other gentleman assembled here, and did not comment on their ideas or needs. Dismounting from the horse, he looked toward the field where the men were training. Archalen noticed and committed to memory the way this looked, for in his mind he still had the issue of training the guards back in Imperia. Of course, an army was a wholly different entity then guards, but still there were things to learn and pick up.

At his brothers offer to train the Esh'lahiers eyebrows raised. He had no training in weaponry, although he did carry a concealed blade much for assurance then anything else. He had originally been offered by one Provst Elsdragon to be trained in the art of the longsword, but it never happened much to his disappointment.

But not wanting to ruin any image his newly found brothers might have (as well as the ImperialDaekin Avornmagor nearby). Walking over to the Malkaers bodyguard, he took a sword and wielded it most likely a bit clumsily. It would be obvious without saying he wasn't trained, but looked forward to the little sparring all the same. He had been told long ago however, that a blade should only be unsheathed if it was to taste blood, but shrugging he proceeded to make ready all the same.

A question formed in the young Thanes mind and he asked in casual conversation as the men readied for practice. "How much will an army like this.....cost anyways?"

[Malkaer Andares]

That Anvael forged his enthusiasm did not escape Malkaer’s notice, knowing his little brother for longer than a brightening. It was commendable that he even tried to seem enthusiastic to do something he disliked. As the young Governor might realize, training before the troops was an excellent way to boost morale. The esh’lahier lord knew that the lower classes were a simple lot and appreciated it if the highborns occasionally stooped down to their level. Which meant sweating and biting dirt in this case.

The reaction of his newly found brother was more difficult to gauge, but the former Alyssan drill instructor could see that he did not have much experience with a sword. No matter, it was the intention that mattered. Undoubtedly the clumsy recruits in the field also rejoiced to see some clumsiness on the part of their masters.

“Millions upon millions of crowns”, Malkaer took the liberty to answer the question whilst stretching his muscles. “The weaponry for each soldier costs a few hundred crowns, so you can do the math when you have to supply an army thousands strong. Taralon is setting up a weapons manufactory so that the profits remain in Sherian at least. My financial advisor is still looking for a good loan, but I am positive we can attract enough capital in time to overcome the initial set up costs.” It was annoying that his subordinates, the city officials, were a bunch of lazy bastards which meant he had to do the most work personally.

“Will you join us, Daekin?” Malkaer asked the Vagaran. The officer was excused of course if he did not. Certainly he had better things to do than baby-sit a few nobles playing with swords.