A poster pasted around town, "Join up!"

A poster pasted around the province, "Join up!"

Postby SalsaDoom » Sun Sep 28, 2003 8:50 am

MWNF
Wants you!
For Adventure
For Honor
For Glory
The Honorable 3P Trading Company has been authorized by its Board of Directors to establish and maintain a Myrken Wood Native Force consisting of up a Platoon (200) in strength. Force ideally shall consist of three files (50) of Infantrymen, and one file of Cavalrymen. Cavalryman must supply their own horse to qualify. Regular pay, meals and board supplied by your hosts and employers.
-- Captain-Lieutenant Birch Argolopaulos Commanding.
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Postby Treadwell » Sun Sep 28, 2003 11:08 am

"Good gods!"

Councilor Treadwell was standing in the Myrken drizzle, scrutinizing the poster in front of him. He certainly wouldn't join this ragtag band, and, since the formal Myrken Wood guardsmen were definitely more than enough for Myrken itself, he might just end up opposing this thing. Hmph. Giving peasants weapons and telling them how to defend themselves from the ravages of those above them or around them is never a very good idea, especially when you happen to be one of those above or around them! On his way toward home he kept waddling, now a very huffy, irritated old Tready.
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Postby Tyralor » Sun Sep 28, 2003 6:30 pm

At some point or another, the Order of Straka would begin ensuring that these postings were torn down and disposed of. A number of reasons could be listed behind the decision to remove the posters. Fortunately, Lieutenant Kilborn rarely ever got around to explaining his decisions. Merely had his orders carried out. In this case, without much fanfare. Most of the people native to Myrken Wood wanting to be guards had already been signed up anyways. The Order had been blostered twice within the past year by recruiting efforts. Besides, what on earth would be the point of having two different companies of guards of comparable size and strength?
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Competition..Eh!

Postby Khalika » Mon Sep 29, 2003 1:44 pm

Whatched as the Lt. was overlooking the posting..she could guess this wasn't going to go over well...for such groups usually don't look kindly upon competition...She couldn't exactly blame the man or the order if they did indeed not want this new group around..for who wants someone moving in when you already have a strong foot hold in the area...and heaven forbid someone not fall in line behind the precious order of straka...

She would wait till Kilborn had made his way, and then headed over to one of the posting that was still standing..not wanting to be seen readin git in the open, she pulls it down and heads off.
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...

Postby SalsaDoom » Mon Sep 29, 2003 7:24 pm

Birch was seated at his desk reading the days reports. Most of the reports were of very most mundane variety. The lowest price of grain sold that day, the highest, to and from whom. Intelligence sadly, wasn't all swords and glory. Finally, the report of the Order's latest activies reached him. He read the report with eyebrows raised. "What? Thats absurd. Why would they do that?" he frowned to himself. There must be some kind of misunderstanding. 3P's contract allowed him to maintain and defend a fort... that couldn't possibly be the point of contention.

Surely the guard didn't think they could replace the entire of 3P's own guard? Such a task would be hopeless to achieve anyway. Well, he could make all sorts of suggestions and no doubt utterly incorrect accusations, but that wouldn't solve the problem. Still, it was bloody odd that no one bothered to let him know that something was wrong. Perhaps an oversight.

He stood up, dressed himself in his proper uniform, strapped on his helmet and trooped out to the Guard HeadQuarters. No doubt there was a reasonable misunderstanding, and he would see about it. He entered, and polietly asked the attendent if he would be able to speak to an Officer.
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Postby Tyralor » Tue Sep 30, 2003 6:31 pm

So far, the Lieutenant was not having the greatest of days. Upon hearing that a member of the 3P Trading company, by the name of Birch was present and requesting an audience, he was almost tempted to simply have the man locked up.

Instead however, he decided he would at least provide the man a chance to explain himself, and perhaps correct the error that had been obviously made.

And so Birch would be informed that he could indeed speak with the Heretic.
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Passing Through or Staying?

Postby Cycada » Wed Oct 01, 2003 3:03 am

Suspended in air due to the determination of small opaque wings, she cocks her head at the posted message. A blank expression overcomes her face and she glances around her surroundings. She reaches for the message with her tiny fingers and touches the words while allowing a soft smile to appear on her lips.

The little sprite does an about face and her wings carry her toward the bar....
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Ah!

Postby SalsaDoom » Wed Oct 01, 2003 8:47 am

Admitted to the Lieutenant, Birch presents himself polietly, but gets down to business without delay.

"Lieutenant Kilborn, its been some time since we last met. Too bad its not under better circumstances. My men have observed your guards removing my recuitment posters. I can only presume this action came from an order of one of the officers. I am... at a loss for a possible explanation of this. Could you please enlighten me?"

The man awaits his reply, patient and at ease.
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Postby Tyralor » Thu Oct 02, 2003 12:14 pm

"I've been hearing some peculiar things about you of late, Lieutenant Commander Birch. Not everything a favourable notion."

A momentry pause for the Lieutenant to instruct the arrival of beverages, and a small snack from Key, his aide, accompanied by a gesture for Birch to take a seat.

"First and foremost, I don't like politics, and I don't like the political scent your posters have managed to exude. There is a large number of reasons as to why I do not feel that your posters warrant posting."

"Do you know the current numbers of individuals that protect, patrol, and safeguard Myrken Wood? Two hundred and thirty eight, at this present moment. That number patrols the entire region. We have little over one hundred guardsmen within Myrken Town. And you seem to believe that you require two hundred men to defend a minor fortification?"

"I don't think you have thought through the consequences of your company's actions. Until you put some thought into the economic need, security, and perception of the typical Myrken Wood citizen, and present a more viable plan and alternative to your ludicrous request. I can assure you that future transgressions will not be dealt with so lightly."

"My duty is to defend the townsfolk, and see to their protection. At present, your efforts undermine my duty. I simply can not permit that to proceed. It is most assuredly, nothing personal. Is there anything else?"
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Postby SalsaDoom » Thu Oct 02, 2003 3:07 pm

He takes the offered seat and refreshment. Last time Birch had spoken to Kilborn, the chap had be pleasent and sociable. Likeable. Now, he seemed to be bordering on insulting. "I'm sorry that some people have been whispering bad things about me into your ear, Lieutenant. I can only hope you know better then to listen to street toughs and rogues against the word and honor of a Gentleman. As for politics, I must say, I am surprised to hear you say that. Surely you know that politics come with the job. Politics, I hate to say, are my business almost entirely. But that doesn't mean we still cannot be friends.

I'm not entirely sure that things are so simple. The minor fortification's basic complement is two hundred, this is enough to man its defences. Now, I do admit this is likely not to be required unless one of Myrken Wood's enemies invade, or something of the like. But you are not being attentive to a few issues yet.

Does the Order of Straka provide our convoys escorts? Will it escort our important personnel around? You've never offered so far. Even if the odd time they did, you cannot expect me to believe they would do as well a job as our own boys, and certainly not to follow the orders of our Officers. On top of this, you are well aware, I assume, that our Fort is located a good distance from Myrkentown. A good several hours on horseback. Your two hundred and thirty eight guards are not likely to give our fort the proper patrols it deserves. Nor should they be expected too!

You see Lieutenant, this entire thing has happened because quiet simply, we want to cut costs. Our own troops are rather expensive. We compete with several other groups for man power you see, raises the price. And, honestly, I don't need regulars here. These boys can be better used elsewhere. For every Irregular troop that I hire on from here, thats a Regular troop I can send away. Personally, I think that having locals would be better for everyone involved. A good deal of my troops don't even speak the language. For your own peace of mind, your local people would surely not be willing to interfere with the proper authorities here as well.

As a final note, I should say, that I have absolutely not transgressed upon any laws. I have a contact that allows me to maintain trade and defences here. I have a copy of it on my person, in fact, should you wish too see it."
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Postby Tyralor » Fri Oct 03, 2003 5:42 am

"Politics and the Order of Straka, are as mutually exclusive as they can be. I frankly, do not like politicians in the slightest. They have a tendency of muddling things up, and creating too many problems they expect us to fix."

That was first and foremost. Birch's decision to admit to his involvement in politics probably didn't suddenly and miraculously raise Kilborn's opinion of the man.

"Secondly, I don't listen to scoundrels or street toughs. I act on what I can see and determine by myself."

"Finally, if you require two hundred men to protect your convoys, or your individuals of importance, then you place too much of value on safety. Myrken Wood, has two hundred and thirty eight servicemen. Not the town. These are more than sufficient to maintain a vigilant patrol of the area, and ensure that brigands and raiders are quelched before they begin to be a problem. Myrken Wood is a province of Amasynia, do not forget."

"I do not feel a need to discuss all the pertinent reasons behind the decision. Regardless, it stands. Councillors of Myrken Wood are not surrounded by armed men, simply because there is little crime to speak of. Certainly, you haven't presented any document or established threat against which you would need such a massive amount of troops to protect your....fortification against. No offense, but your arguments are a little weak. You should be more than capable of defending your trading post with no more than a score or two of men. Something akin to that number, at least, would've been reasonable. The number you're searching for is almost a tenth of the population of this province."
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Postby SalsaDoom » Fri Oct 03, 2003 7:09 am

"My arguments are not weak, Lieutenant, you are simply not listening. I have a contract, Lieutenant, its legal, valid, and it gives me the right to man my fort, to protect my caravans -- which do leave this province. It was made with your government when the Company first arrived. I'm curious why you think you can simply override a contact approved by your government. You don't have to agree with it, but by violating it is fact, you, who are transgressing. An officer should know better!" he snaps at the man, getting tired of his obstinance. Tired of its thinly veiled insults. And very tired of his unwarrented arrogence. "If you will not come to reason, I shall simply see you in court. I am sure a true representative of the government will recognize their own signature." He stands up and shakes his head. "Goodday." and stalks out of the office.
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Decision.

Postby SalsaDoom » Thu Oct 09, 2003 6:55 pm

Back the fort, Birch mulled over the last few days events. He spoke with several of the Company officers at the fort, listened to their ideas and suggestions. He let that sink in for a while, then made a decision.

He wrote a report to his superior, Canton Lo, informing him of latest events and his decision about the issue.

Perhaps the Order of Straka isn't completely off base here. This impertinent Lieutenant is surely not in full command of reason, but not devoid of it either. What baffles me, is that he didn't seem to be aware that we are not increasing our garrison force, but changing its contents. I'm not insensitive to the Order's desire for new recuits. I've decided after some concideration, to not persue a legal course against the OoS, but to simply avoid them. Truly, it is in my opinion, that the best stock would be from the small towns where a more hardy and rugged sort are likely to be found. Sorts a bit more used to roughing it. These would be better soldier material. I shall let the OoS alone in Myrkentown and Foggy Bottom, and I shall focus our recuiting efforts in the small hamlets and farmsteads. It is my hope that OoS will realize that I am being entirely reasonable with this issue -- even when they were not -- and give us a similar room. It is a shame that they didn't feel the need to perhaps come and chat with me, though. This entire unpleasent business may well have been avoided if they had. Nonetheless, I believe we shall see this issue resolved.

Best Wishes,
B.A.


He sent the letter off, and had the remaining posters from Myrkentown removed, and put up in the smaller towns. Occasionally, he would send one of the more pleasent Sergeants to a farmstead and ask about any youths who may be interested.
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