[Siona] – An Imperial Tour (Milo)

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Sir Raliric Ered`Gard, the leader of the Knights of the Argent Sword and Lord of Siona, led the Imperial Regent Milo L’Evienne into what had been dubbed the ‘Killing Grounds’ by those who lived within the growing town. It was aptly named for if an army ever attacked the town and breached the gate they would need to get past this corridor to get into the city proper… and this corridor was constructed for killing those enemy. The corridor was roofless with arrow slits and crenelated walls; obviously used to rain death down upon an enemy whilst protecting the death dealers. It might well have brought uncertainty to the Imperial Entourage to being led through such a place that could easily have turned into an ambush that would have rocked the Empire on its foundations. However nothing happened and the entourage soon reached the Inner Gate, though that was after two turns in the corridor designed to stop siege equipment and the momentum of an enemy charge. The Inner Gate was open, though it was of much the same construction and defensive features as the Outer Gate, forcing an attacking army to breach two gates instead of just the one, and breaching the Inner Gate, at the end of such a corridor, would cost countless souls.
Once they had passed under the Inner Gate they emerged into a field with a road leading toward the center of the town. The town of Siona had all been built before any citizens even began living in it and thus it had been built to accommodate a certain amount of people that they believed they would get within the first few eras, whilst leaving a massive cleared space for more housing so the city could expand and still be protected. Then Walls had been constructed so that the defense of the town and its growth were taken into consideration. It seemed that a great amount of thought had gone into this town, and it appeared that those who had thought it up and constructed it had great hopes for its future, and it defensive capabilities for Centripax and the Empire. The shear fact that such a fortified town existed near the Arium, Carmelya and Centripax borderlands was testament to the fact that should anarchy ensure in the Empire this fortress would have the ability to cut Arium off from Carmelya and Centripax.

Already Milo and the Imperial Entourage could see construction occuring; Insulae (apartment blocks) were being constructed on what counted for the town’s current urban limits; the town was already expanding to accommodate its increase in population. Sure enough though, the road that they rode upon followed an arrow straight line to a walled compound in the center of the town. As they rode down this main street, which was exactly what it was called, ‘Main Street’… imaginative… they passed shops that took up the ground floor of each of the Insulae buildings, they passed small taverns, shrines to the various Aetherian gods (an even a shrine to the Aeternian Jalat), small parks and gardens. They also passed a Tavern or Inn, a large sign hanging out front declaring that it was ‘The Drunken Wizard; Tavern, Inn and Arena’. There was no other Tavern or Inn like it in the Empire and that was why it was a popular place to be. It was also directed at a level of society that was interesting to note given its owner was a noble (albeit a low level one).

They moved past the Drunken Wizard, not going to stop there just yet, they could do that on their way back, or on their way to the entrance to the Arcis Firmitas Pietas if the Regent wished to see it in greater detail. It did not take long for them to reach the Compound at the end of Main Street for the town was not large, though what it made up from width and breadth it made up in height; every building was at least three or four stories high and relatively close together, though most of the Insulae buildings had roads or alleyways in between them, thus ensuring a fire would not spread too quickly if one ever did occur.

The Knight’s Compound itself was quite large; its walls were of similar heights to that of the outer city walls, its gates working on a similar system though Milo wouldn’t have realized what that system was exactly. They passed through the Compound’s Gates into a courtyard, or rather a mustering field or parade ground. It was a wide space and there were various Knights moving to and fro, all moving about their business. The Dracon Knight motioned around this half of the compound; it was split in half by a very large four story building that could only have been the Barracks. The buildings close to the walls were, it seemed part of the walls. These buildings protruded out from the inner side of the walls to allow a larger walkway as well as give a goodly amount of support. It also meant that it was hard to raze the buildings as they had no wooden roofs or even supports. There were signs on each of the buildings and Raliric escorted Milo around this half of the compound before stopping again. This half contained; an administrative building, a weapon smithy, an armour smithy, the commander’s quarters, the stable and the Hospital. The other half of the compound, which was next to be shown to the Imperial Entourage, consisted of a large central training field were various courses had been built as well as a two lane running track around its circumference. The buildings on this half were the supply warehouse, briefing room, training hall and archery hall.

Raliric ceased the first half of the tour here to allow any questions to be raised by Milo. Throughout the whole of the tour thus far Raliric had explained various things about the town and its construction; telling the Regent which buildings were which and for what purpose. Most of the Knights who had followed, once they had reached the Knight’s Compound, veered off from the main group and rode into the Stables, there depositing their horses and taking care of them before returning to the barracks. They would go about their normal business in Siona now that the ceremonial escorting of the Imperial Regent had been completed. The next part of the tour would see the Regent taken to the Arcis Firmitas Pietas and it was left to Raliric, Gedriwyn and Barthanes to see to that portion of the tour.

[Milo L'Evienne]

ooc: apologies for the delay Raliric.

Needless to say the corridor ridden through by Milo and his entourage had one staff toting wizard a little jumpy, the other wearing an ever unreadable and droll expression, and a number of Rosemen higher up on their toes, so to speak, though it was for them to maintain an air of alert and focused calm in the course of minding their sworn duty. The more eccentric of the two sorcerers was under no such obligation, or at least not to the extent that his traveling companions were.

But while Milo listened with interest as Raliric talked of the fortress and its points of interest, there aside the knight and atop his borrowed mount, Sir Pious and his counterparts had no such interest but that of the Regent’s continued welfare. The place was fortified indeed and Milo imagined it would prove quite the undertaking should it ever come under seige.

But come out of the corridor he could see for himself a city in the process of building itself, and even Gwygwin was impressed on spotting the Drunken Wizard, in fact the first appreciable interest the elder and ruddy cheeked human had shown up to now. ”Excellency,” he interjected quietly while leaning a good bit out of his saddle, ”I wonder if later we might…” A withering glance from Manyc riding beside him put a stop to it though, leaving only a lingering but wry grin on Milo’s face while turning back to Raliric’s explanations.

But onwards they went, Milo sweeping a gaze across the landscape as they rode, and up ahead to the Arcis Firmitas Pietas where it lingered a second or three. ”What does it mean, the name, Raliric?” he asked while studying the structure.

Then stopped and having seen a number of Raliric’s knights off elsewhere, Milo sat his mount, leaned forward and forearms crossed and rested on his saddle horn. ”It’s quite the setup you have here Raliric. How long did it take to build all of this, from start to now? I imagine there’s been a good deal of manpower required as well along the way.”

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

”It is Ancient Allerian, and it roughly translates to the following. Arcis is Citadel and obviously to describe that it is a fortress in a commanding position in or near a city. Firmitas translates to Tenacity and is the strength of one’s mind and their ability to stick to their purpose. And Pietas roughly translates to Dutifulness and religious piety but extends to more than that. It extends to a natural respect for the natural order socially, politically and religiously, including the ideals of patriotism and devotion to others.” A pause before he went into the next questions. They were nearing the great gates at the base of the mountain which would admit them into the tunnel that led through the mountain; a tunnel that had the potential to be completed and thus extend through to Arium province. They approached what appeared to be a massive square of steel and wood, upon which were four crests; there was the Dove of Centripax high up in the right corner, the Blazing Phoenix of the Phoenix Legion high in the left corner, the crest of the Allerian Empire high in the center and taking up the better amount of the lower half of the great steel and wooden square was the Crest of the Knights of the Argent Sword.

”It was planned to take three eras in totality to complete, however the government of Primus Gaudeo donated the help of two elementalists to assist in the process, which cut down the time by almost half. All and all it took a little over an era and a half to create. Mind you we did have over three thousand labourers and engineers working on it, as well as a contingent of Phoenix Legionaries whom were donated by Primus Gaudeo to protect the location during its construction.” As they drew closer it was obvious that the whole metal square was not the Gate for such a device would need some sort of magical mechanism to open it given its weight. No, there was a much smaller gate, of a normal size to any other city or fortress that slowly opened out of the center of the square when they approached. Two Knights had opened it easily enough, pushing the two great doors aside with each other’s help.

”Because most of the Citadel itself is underground there was a great deal of stone and minerals that were excavated during the construction process. This was all used to construct Siona. The elementalists obviously helped a great deal when they eventually came, moulding the earth and stone easily and reinforcing work that would be quite dangerous for labourers. That is why we are able to half nearly all of the Citadel contained within the mountain; the elementalists ensured that the tunnels and rooms were all safe and as if they were part of the mountain itself.”

They rode through the Gates and into a cavernous tunnel. There were only a few torches lining the walls and showing the direction of the ramps which would lead upward into the higher rooms of the mountain fortress. The Corridor itself seemed to have been created for the purpose of mass traffic moving through it, and also for the purpose of storing animals should the citadel ever get be siege. It also served as an area of great space that could be used to cavalry’s advantage should an enemy break through the Gates. An attacking force would not last very long if they broke through the gates only to find themselves the target of a full on cavalry charge. It was clear that the tunnel had not been completed, for when they reached the ramps that led upward they could see the rough cut wall which could be extended into Arium. ”This tunnel has yet to be completed as we have not yet sort permission from the Arium government to extend it into their territory and create a causeway through the mountain into their provincial territory. My original plans for this large tunnel were many and varying. It could be used, first and foremost, during a siege to house animals of various sorts to sustain the army here indefinitely. Allowing a cavalry charge to take place which would decimate any advancing army who managed to breach those gates, which are the only conventional means of entry to the fortress and the only way it could fall from convention warfare. Another plan was that in times of peace it could be used as a large market place area, bringing together Arium and Centripax. Another reason was that it could be an quicker route to take to get to Arium from the southern provinces, and also serve as a halfway point for riders to rest. The tunnels completion would also mean that for an invading army to siege the location to full effect they would need an army on the Arium side and the Centripax side to stop us from escaping, receiving food and water, or receiving reinforcements. One of the obstacles we have since encountered is an efficient method of permanent lighting in the Tunnel. Because it is so large it would take a great many torches to light the entirety of it, thus some sort of arcane method must be found.”

The ramps that they reaches, one on each side of the tunnel, led upward slowly, allowing for them to continue onward riding. ”The beauty of a subterranean fortress is that it has no really restrictions on space and expansion. Using elementalists and the best engineers we have created a citadel that has many different levels, each level different in its construction with rooms ranging in size from; large enough for one person to live comfortably, to our large church hall. As long as the logical practices of construction are observed the possibilities are endless. This fortress extends upward from the ground floor; we have yet to tap into the ground below the Citadel and Siona.”

”It essentially means that more tunnels, rooms and levels can be added when the need arises; for instance if you wished to station an Imperial Legion here numbering some ten thousand troops, it could be done in maybe two or three months with elementalists, labourers and Centripax’ engineers; though perhaps not individual rooms for each Legionary more like Barrack levels. At this point in time the Citadel houses a garrison of three thousand Phoenix Legionaries from the Centripax Government and the one hundred and eighty or so Knights of the Argent Sword. It can, at this moment, house five thousand troops in total, though as I said it could be expanded if the need arose.”

They rode slowly through the corridors, the system of levels was accessible in a variety of locations, there seemed to be some sort of base floor plan that ensured the stairwells and ramps were all located in the same place, thus allowing someone to walk or ride up from the first level to the very top of the subterranean levels. At the top of that level only two of the wells proceeded to take the group back outside at the very top of the Citadel. It took a long time for the tour of the Citadel, which was quite unremarkable at that point in time. There were no decorations throughout the underground corridors, making them all appear alike and very unappealing to the eye. ”The reason for that is simply that we have not devoted much time or effort to presenting the citadel yet. It serves its purpose at this point in time and when the Knights have more time and more manpower we will see to making the Citadel a welcoming home. The occupied rooms are all welcoming and warm, due to personal touches and individuality; however the corridors are still unfortunately cold and inspiring.” A shrug to indicate that whilst it was a fault it could not, at this point in time, be avoided.

They finally emerged from the ramps into a courtyard of sorts which was situated at the very top of the mountain citadel, though not at the top of the mountain itself which reared up behind them penetrated the ominously close cloud formations. Raliric dismounted here as he did not like riding a horse at such height for he did not wish to scare the beasts. The courtyard was large and surrounded on all sides, except one, by buildings. Storehouses, a Barracks, a Command Center, and others which had no purpose as yet, but no doubt would if the Citadel was fully manned. The most awe inspiring building of them all was the Mage Tower. It appeared to be created from the very rock of the mountain itself and it reached up into the sky to penetrate the clouds, thus its top could not be seen.

”This vantage point provides an excellent view of the surrounding provinces. It is amazing what can be seen from up here.” He led Milo and the entourage over toward what appeared to be the top of crenellated walls, situated on the side of the courtyard that had no buildings. As they drew closer they would be able to see a magnificent view of the provinces. From that location one could see, on a clear day, as far as the city of Primus Gaudeo, Midpoint and Diana; even the sea that housed the Isles of Ieffreon. ”Magnificent isn’t it? It takes my breath away every time I look over it.”

[Milo L'Evienne]

”Ahh,” Milo remarked of the name’s origin with a smile while riding relaxed alongside Raliric, his entourage strung out in front, aside and behind him with Gwygwin taking up the rear. A harder time for the old wizard it seemed, given he was far more accustomed to travel by portal than on any beast of burden. He hadn’t quite resolved himself to it in fact and for all his talents, seemed somewhat uncertain of the animal’s temperament or intent. ”It’s a fine name Raliric,” the Regent added while shifting in his saddle to take it all in. ”Says it all quite nicely in fact and its not the first time since taking up the Regency that I’ve thought I might benefit from learning a bit of Ancient Allerian.”

An era and a half all told, never mind the aid of elementalists was quite an accomplishment he thought, and said as much while drawing his mount up in order to wait for the way ahead to be opened, and again for Sir James’ word on the matter. Truth told he’d always suffered from a touch of claustrophobia and ordinarily, tunnels would have qualified for causing a small amount of discomfort, but given the scope of things it was hardly a concern worth pondering. ”It’s impressive to say the least Raliric, all of it,” he said while the Knight expanded on the intent of the place, it’s design and purpose, it’s hoped for future, and they began to navigate a series of ramps. ”A fortress in every sense of the word and an engineering marvel. I can imagine as well a world of other possibilities.”

When Raliric dismounted, so too did Rosemen, wizards and Regent, Gwygwin gladly so and when Milo touched ground, Manyc beside him took the reins of his mount while they continued their tour on foot. And naturally, while the Mage’s Tower was a sight for all, it held a particular appeal for the two sorcerers in the group. The view though was a wondrous thing and while Sirs James and Pious hovered close by like overprotective mother hens for a Regent they imagined was standing recklessly close to the edge if he was anywhere near it at all in fact, Milo himself merely scanned the landscape spread out before them. ”It is indeed. I imagine Nellie might like to see this, if not for all else seen along the way, the view alone is worth the journey. For the sake of curiosity, how high do we stand now all told?’

ooc: my apologies for the delay.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

The dracon knight nodded, ”I have always found the Ancient Aelyrian tongue to be quite intriguing; I am not aware of how useful it really is in this brightening and age, other than reading old manuscripts and royal edicts; however it does inspire a sense of the Aelyrian when names are produced from it.” And the name Arcis Firmitas Pietas did inspire the men and women who defended it; a fortress that was mighty to say the least, but also one that could be taken as easily as any other if there were not stalwart men to defend it.

The knight could only agree with the Regent, it was impressive and an engineering marvel with a multitude of possibilities; for that he had to thank the engineers who had assisted him in his planning and taken it onto themselves to realize the fortress through the construction. He had only supplied the funds and the idea, they had made it happen. ”The Centripax engineers who lead the construction and planning are truly gifted individuals. I have striven since the fortress’ completion to keep those men employed and well taken care of; they deserve no less for their genius.”

The dracon was not unaware of the appeal the Mage Tower held for those of a sorcerer’s inclination. All of the Arcanicly inclined Knights used the Tower for their purposes; there was no restriction on whom could use it so long as it was used with respect and care. ”The very top most room of the Mage Tower rests above the clouds and, on a clear brightening, one can see well over the Great Mountains to the West and quite far to the East. It is truly an unparalleled view of the Empire and world we live within. That top most room also contains an Arcanically attuned pentacle and is the site of any arcane rituals we require to perform upon it’s alter. You are most welcome to explore it further if you wish?” He spoke to the Sorcerers knowing full well their interest, he felt exactly the same every time he came up this far even though he had lived here for over two eras and come to this place nearly every second brightening.

He then turned to Milo to answer the Regent’s question, ”You and your wife are most welcome here whenever you please, Milo, and now that your sorcerers have come here they will no doubt be able to bring you directly to this Mage Tower should you have a wish to visit again. There are also quarters this high in the fortress that is always available if you should wish to spend more than a few hours here. The fortress is not very populated as yet, and the quarters that are taken are all in the lower levels close to the Great Gate. Only the Magi and Leaders of the Knighthood frequent this level of the fortress. You would have relative privacy and extreme safety.” A pause as he looked down at Siona which hugged the mountain below. ”In actual fact I do not know how high we stand, though it would definitely have to be somewhere in the range of thousands of feet, at the very least…” He nodded, as if to himself, though he was interested in finding out exactly how far up they were, though he was unaware of a method to find out.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Raliric had no more than uttered the words that would send them to the top of the tower than both wizards as good as beamed in response…Well, Gwygwin beamed, Manyc was hardly given to beaming, it was as good as unheard of for the half elf to crack a smile…but nonetheless both glanced at Milo for his leave before they were sent on their way to the top of the tower. ”You might as well have offered a crowd of hungry children a sack of sweets,” Milo said of the two sorcerers while continuing to accompany Raliric on his rounds.

”I might just take you up on that Raliric,” he said of the offer to bring Nell back for a visit, and while taking in the view. "Up here, it’s a bird’s eye view of something I miss in Prime for all that the capitol city alone stretches out as far as the eye can see.”

”So,” he added then with a smile while pulling a small silver case from the pocket of his waistcoat. Out of that he plucked a slim cigarillo and lit it, offered the option to Raliric as well then snapped the case shut and dropped it back in his pocket. ”You and your knights were knighted by Audrey, and swore her an oath and again to Arabella, in addition to another you’d already sworn for yourselves yes?” he asked by way of clarification to make sure he understood completely.

”You mentioned in your letter that warfare has changed. It has, one need only look at recent events to know that. Paxia’s destruction would not have occurred at all had it not been for the involvement of a single high powered mage. It doesn’t take many of those, of that level, to change the playing field. Of course it goes both ways naturally, but they turn up on the wrong side... I don’t believe though that traditional warfare has become obsolete, not at all in fact, simply that adjustments are necessary. We’ve recently enjoyed a somewhat quiet time though certainly not a time to become complacent, quite the contrary in fact, there never is a time for that. So you seek a clarification of your mandate, word of what the Knighthood might do for the Empire and the jurisdiction to proceed?”

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric smiled at the response from the arcanists, and then giving a chuckle at the Regent’s comment, ”I just remember how I felt the first time I set eyes upon the finished Mage Tower, a truly wondrous sight it was, and still is… if not more so now that the interior has been suitably adorned.” There was also the bonus of Barthanes and the other magi who were currently using the tower jumping upon the opportunity to enter into arcanic discussions with new people.

The Knight nodded in agreement with the Regent, resting his arms against the stone crenellated wall separating Milo and he from a rather long plummet. He made no other reply other than the agreeing nod, not until another question was asked of him; his completely black eyes scanning over the horizon, taking in the splendor of the Centripian and Carmelyn countryside. ”Aye, we have sworn oath to Audrey, whom knighted us, and I, on behalf of the Knighthood, swore that same oath again before Arabella. We also have been sworn to our Creed.” He confirmed for Milo, only then turning his gaze back to the man who stood with him.

”Firstly I do agree with you that traditional warfare has become obsolete. There are uses for it and those uses are in play as we speak. However when faced with the type of warfare that we are seeing recently, more gorilla, secret and covert tactics are being employed by the empire’s enemies. The only response is to similarly use the same tactics against them. That calls for the implementation of new units, retraining and restructuring of existing units.” He paused to gauge the Regents response; he was moving into somewhat of a tangent and had yet to actually ask the question the man had posed to him. In the dracon’s mind that was the lesser of the two concerns. ”No longer can large formation tactics be used to neutralize these types of enemies, there needs to be small squads of skilled individuals who can work together with their strengths. I believe that these squads do not even need to contain users of arcana, though it is preferable.” He spoke as if he had already tested his theories, that the type of warfare he was speaking of was something he was not unfamiliar with.

In a way his long winded reply was an answer to the question asked of him, though he only now openly addressed the question, ”Yes, a clarification of mandate, jurisdiction and mission would assist greatly. We are here for the Empire, sworn to it, and we have our individual skills ready to be used to the Empire’s advantage. We merely wait for your word.”

[Milo L'Evienne]

”I agree with you Raliric,” Milo said while thumping away an overlong ash and staring out across the landscape with narrowed eyes. ”We need to change the way we fight our wars, information gathering has become all the more important as has the need for willingness to engage in covert activities either in cooperation with more traditional, large force operations, or in their stead in some cases."

"We need to be willing to let go of this notion that defending the Empire means epic battles, beating drums and waving banners. It's a sight, but it's not getting the job done is it? And quite frankly, the masses are only impressed when you win and Narim has shown us that being caught with your britches down causes damage well beyond lives lost. I have been of the opinion more than once that a small handful of individuals carrying out a covert and dedicated strike might accomplish as much or more than an entire Legion in some cases but I’ve wondered if old habits are so damned difficult to break that such things may ultimately fall on deaf ears. Of course such things exist, but not nearly to the extent that's needed, and not used nearly so often as should be.”

”But frankly Raliric, I’m not interested in how a threat to the Empire’s security or her innocents is eliminated or who ultimately gets a medal pinned on their chest for it. My interest is in getting the job done, with as little harm done to innocents in the process as possible. And given those who practice the art of information gathering beyond what we already have at our disposal, in traditional hotspots in particular, we might remove a number of these threats altogether before they've the chance to turn themselves into larger conflicts.”

”I’m glad to know there are those who agree with me,” he said with a smile then as he turned his attention from the landscape and back to Raliric. ”So I wonder, you sound as if you know something on the subject. Would you be interested in putting together and training such a unit on behalf of the Empire, should I grant you the means and mandate to do it?”

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric had never been one to want recognition for his deeds, sure it felt good to get a little reward here and then for good service or to be known as someone who accomplished a particularly hard to do feat but at the end of the brightening it was all wind and accomplished nothing in and of itself. He was a man of action and had no quarms about doing something and not getting known for it; hell he had implemented nearly all of his Lieutenant Governor plans and given the credit to Sharinya after all.

”I do not believe that it is old habits that are hard to break, but rather what were to happen should said habits be broken. As I remember the Imperial Legions number close to or above two hundred thousand strong, can you imagine what would occur if those soldiers were made redundant for smaller more specialized troop formations? Such a boost into the citizenry of individuals only skilled in the arts of warfare with nothing else to do would be more of a blow to the empire than using large formation tactics to take care of the empire’s pests.” He shrugged; it was obviously a topic that could go any which way and there was no way to predict any of it. ”They are good for the showy stuff though, and even though the showy stuff accomplishes nothing substantial it does give the populous faith and a sense of the safety the empire can provide.” Though he did not mention that the protection that needed to be provided had of late been rather poor; however that was not Milo’s fault and the man was doing all that he could to rectify the situation.

”I hope I know something of the subject, up until now I have not been able to try out my new tactics, in fact most of those tactics are all here and waiting for the opportunity to manifest.” He tapped his temple. ”I would be most interested in putting together and training a unit on behalf of the Empire, with the means and mandate to do so. In fact, if you give me a candle mark I can bring ten such units before you. Though they are not fully equipped with everything I have in mind, they do have the skills and drive to perform the duties we are speaking about. All they need is to be equipped properly, have a little more training with the new equipment, and then they would be ready to test and finally implement.” He paused for a moment and then said. ”Give me four months and access to some more elementalists, sorcerers and thaumaturgists, and I can have ten units ready for your use.” He gave a definite nod as if agreeing with himself on the time frame, though he was a little hesitant about it considering the amount of work that would need to be done in that time to equip and bring the units up to scratch.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Absorbing Raliric’s comments regarding the Legions, Milo could only nod his agreement while sparing a glance up at the top of the mage’s tower. A flash of raspberry felt caught his eye and he smiled, only imagining how challenging it would be to convince Gwygwin to leave the place without a fuss. ”Don’t mistake me Raliric,” he said with smile still lingering while turning back to the knight. ”I’ve nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for the job our Legions and Navy men and women do, and other smaller forces like them in fact. Were it not for their loyalty, determination and sacrifice on behalf of the Empire we’d be looking out over a vastly different landscape this brightening, and not one for the better.”

”You’re right too that their very presence gives the citizens a much needed sense of security in spite of recent losses in Narim and Paxia. And after all, not all is rogue high powered mages meddling with security, and oft times a show of good old fashioned force is what’s needed. They took a blow certainly but are no less ready to fight for the Empire’s sovereignty and security, they’ve a fine man leading them in the Minister of War. It’s warfare that’s gone and changed on us, and it's something extra that’s needed to help insure that things like Narim and Paxia don’t happen again and should they threaten to, that we are never again caught unaware.”

”It appears you’ve been thinking along similar lines,” he added with a grin. ”Good, I’m very glad to hear it and I’ve faith that you’re a man who can accomplish such an undertaking. You said you might show me what you have in mind, and I’ve the candlemark to spare. I’d like to see it.”

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

The Knight Champion nodded in agreement, he had been thinking along the same lines as the Regent and that had spurred him to change his Knighthood, which had been set up very much like an army, into something that could be used to fight against these new tactics used by the enemy. ”It shouldn’t take too long to assemble the men for a brief peek into what is planned, however do bear in mind that this is without that essential equipment I mentioned, which I will explain more of as you view the squads. One moment please.” He inclined his head to Milo and then moved off to one of the Knights patrolling this courtyard so high in the mountain fortress.

After speaking with the Knight for a minute or so he returned to Milo whilst the Knight ran off to assemble the men called upon. ”Everything is being prepared. A full display is obviously out of the question, however you will be able to see the squads as they are and I can talk you through my plans.”

It took roughly three quarters of the candlemark to assemble and equip the squads before they made their entrance into the mountain courtyard of the fortress. The twenty-eight men and women walked up from the ramp from below in no particular order at all, speaking quietly to each other. When they came closer to Raliric and the Regent four men split off from the rest and began to issue orders; these appeared to be two humans, one elf and a dracon. The men split into four squads of six individuals, and then had the squad leader stand in front of them once they were set.

Raliric only now approached the Regent again. ”The men are ready to be viewed, please follow me.” He took them over to the first squad led by an elf that appeared to be middle aged, though it was always difficult to tell with the longer lived races. The elf was dressed in what could be classed medium armour; a breastplate over the top of leathers and mail though without any of the other additions that would have made him heavily armed. His weapons consisted of a long sword, dagger and hand axe. [b]”This is Nydilaba, he is the Squad Leader of the our first squad and also of the rank Champion in the Knights of the Argent Sword, which is the third highest rank we have.”[b/] Nydilaba bowed with respect to the Regent and then stepped aside so that they could view his men.

The first squad consisted of: three female elves, two humans and a large female ork. The first elf, who was introduced as Etheli, held a long bow and had a shortsword sheathed at her side; her armour consisted of unremarkable leathers. The second elf, introduced as Diewyth, was definitely larger than a normal elf should be and sported a two handed hammer, a short thrusting spear and a dagger, and she wore what could be classed as heavy armour; a breastplate, mail and various other pieces of plate that protected other parts of her body. The last elf, introduced simply as Sorrow, was of a normal size and wore a set of leathers and mail that had been blackened and was held in check by a leather harness which kept everything quite tightly and neatly held in place; her weapons appeared to be the two short swords crossed upon her back and the two elven long knives sheathed at her thighs. She also had as part of her equipment some small pouches attached to her belt, their use unknown.

Both humans were male but they differed a great deal in attire and armament. The first, introduced as Journeyman Thaumaturge Braradon, was tall, wearing leather and mail with what appeared to be a dull white tabard over the top, though there weren’t any markings upon it to show his lineage. His weaponry consisted of a short bow and a short sword, though there was something about the man that seemed to exude power and confidence. The last human, introduced as Elite Nysis Honotia, was dressed in leathers and mail similar to Sorrow, though his weapons consisted of a medium crossbow hooked to his back, a short curved sword sheathed at his side, two elven long knives and a pair of gloves with spikes upon the knuckles. He also wore a set of bracers upon his forearms, both of which appeared to have scratches on them which looked to have been made by swords. The last member of the First Squad was an Ork, introduced as Ariraa. She was quite a large Ork, and she only looked bigger with her set of heavy armour, much the same as Diewyth’s, though she sported a large two handed sword as her weapon of choice, with only a long knife as her other weapon.

Once they had been inspected and introduced to the Regent Raliric began to speak about the squad and its function in the capacity it had been assembled. ”As you can see the squad varies in the type of men that make it up, their individual skills varying in order to complement each other. The idea behind this is that a squad made up of individuals of the same skill base and armour types would not have as much flexibility to move and react to events that could occur in a battle and in a more secretive operation. This squad has two Heavy Infantry, a Medium Infantry, a Marine, a Sapper, a Scout, and a Mage. Designed in such a way, this squad is quite a fast moving and deadly force, especially moving through city streets and closer quarters fighting, however it also has the ability to be used on a battle field. Now the Marine and Sapper’s job are perhaps the most important in what these squads are being trained to do. At the moment their missile weapons and arrows are normal, however my plan is for a range of imbued to arrows to be supplied to them; and also for a range of modified bolts to be supplied to our Sapper. Their job is to essentially take care of other Magi and to lend assistance with the use of those imbued and modified mis