Vanguards for Dasar (public)

[Jain Zar]

OOC:

- A company led by a new Vanguard Commander is about to leave for Dasar and will remain there to make sure the supply chain is maintained in order to keep the City’s stockpiles up, but also to wipe out / prevent Kor build ups.

- Writers WANTED (!!) as this is NOT a personal Elvina tale!
She will lead the company and I am prepared to push the main plot parts, set out the course (any suggestions /co-producers welcome though).
BUT, wouldn’t it be amazing if we, together, could give this Vanguard company a face, the missions and events more points of view, and perhaps add ‘personal’ background/side -stories for more flavor?
For example : a tale of a soldier how he left his home after been called, a campfire thing, a ‘quiet’ rivalry between two Vanguards, a ‘silent’ review about one of the executive, a page of a journal, a day of a soldier, some personal ‘thoughts’, description of a fight (other view), a 'pc' hanging around...etc etc... doesn’t matter what and can be apart from the main stuff... somethings between the writers can be related or not... take your pick and write

- How would this work?
In the first two 'main' parts I made the initial outline of this VG company. In the second part you can/will see there are enough opportunities to take control of a non-existing Vanguard... either new recruit, one already part of the company, or even one (but only one!) of the executive (contact me though if you like the ‘job’ as one of the executive).
So, in other words... everyone can be a Vanguard for a bit, even non-Vanguard players!

The story will have 4 phases:

A) Bastion (preparations, recruitment, waiting to depart) => august
B) March for Dasar (perhaps with the good many problems on the way getting there) => september
C) Arrival and stationing => september, october
D) Some missions and happenings => october, november

PS: I assume the Company will remain there "ic" for a while. As for my own character until she is relieved from command. Of course some out-of-time stuff

- In-game stuff possible (?)
A thought, and a question toward the DM’s... should people be interested in making their characters ‘real’, perhaps we can have even an (some?) in-game event?

- Timing of all this? Well, we started now and see earlier mentioned suggestions next to each phase , … just to avoid people who like to contribute are feeling pushed due time constraints,
Thats why I suggest to take some time for each phase. In-game "time" its all going faster of course!

- Questions, comments, advice?
Send me a pm and extra things may be added to this very post!

[Jain Zar]

Bastion : A new commanding officer

A few days after her meeting with Sam, Elvina arrived at Fort Bastion. It was almost night but that didn’t matter. The tall black-clad woman quickly jumped of her horse and strode towards the officer’s barracks.

“... and we need to get supplies around the Badlands...” the voice faded when the door was opened, a tall white haired woman entering the main room.

Four Vanguards stood next to a round table, a few large maps spread out on its wooden surface, a flavor of hot tea in the air, and low burning fireplace adding warmth and extra light to the room.

They all turned in the direction of the newcomer.

Elvina smiled softly as she recognised three of them. It sure had been a while, but it was good to see some familiar faces were still around. Absently she squeezed the book she was holding in one of her hands.

“Vanguard Elvina,..”, the quartermaster said while she nodded.

The one Vanguard she didn’t know, widened his eyes a little before stepping forward and saluting her.

Elvina, who never had really cared much for salutes, returned the salute nevertheless, “... Vanguard...”

The quartermaster behind the man said,” This is Vanguard Sergeant Harovan, assigned to your company, miss Elvina.”

Harovan was a tall sturdy looking man with light blond hair. The few scars around his neck were proof he had seen more than one fight. The sergeant was probably half way his twenties and he looked rather tough. For a moment he reminded her of Daniel, but that image quickly passed and faded.

“An honour to meet you, Commander,’ Harovan said to the Vanguard lady in front of him.

Elvina inclined her head a bit and said,” What is our current status, Sergeant?”

The man seemed to find it necessary to salute once more,” Our company will be ready to go within two-three days... eh... and if I may use my boot, I’m certain it can be arranged much quicker.”

Elvina shook her head, a light smile,” No need for that. I want to make certain that everything is in apple-pie order as we leave.” She glanced over his shoulder at two other Vanguards next to the quartermaster before looking back at Harovan, “There are still a few people I need to consult. We depart in two days. Before that time I expect a full list of what we have : I want every Vanguard’s name and role who is part of our company, I want to know what we are taking with us, and if any, I want a full shipments list.”

The man saluted once more,” I will see right to it, ma’am... Commander.”

Another faint smile was cast in Harovan’s direction as he left. Elvina looked back at the round table and joined the remaining gathered Vanguards.

[Jain Zar]

Bastion : The Vanguard Company

Elvina opened the door of the small office she was using and accepted the letter from the Vanguard messenger, more a boy than a man.

“Thank you,...” she said and gave the ‘boy’ a brief and rather pensive look. “What is your name, Vanguard?”

The dark haired ‘boy’ saluted, his voice close to becoming manly, but not quite yet,” Vanguard Tristan, at your service, Commander!”

To Elvina he sounded rather excited and she guessed he couldn’t be older than fifteen. The white haired Vanguard nodded, saluted back and closed the door. On her way to her desk she made a note in her mind to make sure this boy wasn’t coming with her Company,” So young...” she mumbled.


Being twenty seven years old not only meant youth for her, but also experience, for her eyes had seen much. Throughout the last one and a half year she witnessed a fair amount of bloodshed, perceived pervading odour of dried sweat, seen how men, who she knew had a family, offered their lives, listened to the lingering cries of the dying... and more.

She glanced at the book on the left side of her desk, a slight shiver running down her back. This time she would even know their names, all of them. Her hand reached out for the Book of the Fallen, and as she touched it she closed her eyes for a moment as if trying to sense the mental weight of this object. Every name of every Free Vanguard who has ever fallen under their command was in it. She nodded as she recalled Sam’s words when he passed it on to her,” The weight of this book finds its way into your heart as well.”


Elvina opened her eyes and looked from the book to the message that had just been delivered by the ‘boy’.
Opening the envelop she saw it was a list made by Harovan, displaying all the names of the Vanguards in her Company, complete with rank, role and date of birth. She smiled as her Sergeant had already proven himself by doing just a bit more than asked. Her finger ran over the names, each time first looking at their date of birth.

“No one younger than sixteen... they gotta be at least sixteen,” she mumbled to herself.

She took a pen and started to scratch a few names :
- Vanguard Marrunson (age 15)
- Vanguard Errit (age 15)
- Vanguard Souran (age 15)

And then she saw the ‘boy’s’ name and blinked as she calculated his age. “No way this boy is seventeen...” she whispered to herself just before muttering. “I think I’ll have to give my Sergeant extra instructions,” she mumbled just before removing Tristan from the list as well.

She leaned backwards in her chair, her forefinger sideways brushing over her lips. Then she nodded to herself, pleased with this decision. It was her call.


Studying the list once more she started to examine the size of her company, its divisions and squads.

The Company would be under her command and she would appoint Sergeant Harovan as XO.

The rest of the executive would consist of one Vanguard out of each unit type.
- Corporal Rochus : speaking for the two divisions of cavalry, each fifteen Vanguards strong.
- Adjudant Tirel : leading the two divisions of infantry, each twenty men strong and able to work on squads of five.
- Corporal Erenil : responsible for the two divisions of archers, each counting ten of the finest.
- Corporal Maz’at : the one who would speak for the two Scout squads... Elvina’s personal favorite unit type.


Elvina leaned back once more and closed her eyes. It was not the first time she would lead men, she did on several occasions actually, but never as big as this. Her personal experience comprised of working as a … special scout. Well, it was more than that. She had experience with spying, distraction, ambushes, sabotage, surprise attacks and eventually raids... in short, guerrilla warfare.

Perhaps... since she was Commander now, she would need an extra member... someone with special... skills and 'gifts'. But where would she find such a person. Well... at least two names occured to her, but neither of them had she seen in a while...
"Hmm, perhaps when the occasion arises..." she mumbled.

She glanced with one eye at the list and started to make a note for her XO, until she suddenly stopped and cursed softly,“ The hells, I’m gonna brief him myself in person.”

With four men short now, on top of his other work, her Serg’ would have his hands full. A short quick verbal instruction was better than a time wasting letter and she really needed to make her presence visible from day one.


On her way to the barracks Elvina yawned as it was going to be a long night... or rather a short one.

[Jain Zar]

Bastion / Cear : Preparations

Right... more she didn’t need.

After Sammil appointed her as a new Vanguard Commander, Elvina had been busy with all kinds of preparations. And in between she met up with her friends whenever her schedule allowed it.

With her hands on her hips, almost Celly-like, she oversaw the little havoc in her bedroom. A splintered door... and that was not the first time..., a collapsed fireplace, a wrecked antique cabinet... she winced once more as it had been a gift from her foster mom. The dirty water in her bath tub was the least of her concern. Right now... she overlooked the floor... there was water everywhere. Her eyes shifted to the rest of the furniture. Fat chance she could keep it.

Water elementals in her own bedroom... she rolled her eyes,... and four people defending a pregnant lady. It had been an intens night with Daniel, Reina, Amy and Cel.

“Ma’m?” a voice behind her.

The white haired Vanguard turned around and sighed,” Right... these are the rebuilding plans... well more like how I want it to look when I get back.” She handed over few rolls to the head of the workers.

He nodded,” When do you get back, ma’m?”

Elvina shook her head,” Probably over a few months, I’m not quite sure yet.”

The man looked at his two sons standing next to him. “We’ll make it look as good as new, ma’m, even better.”

Elvina smiled weakly,” Thanks, I have confidence in you.”

The worker stretched his arm,”As do I in you, ma’m Vanguard. Good luck out there. And when you get back just send word at the smithies for your key.”

Elvina shook his hand and could swear she saw respect in man’s eyes. “See you around, Gerard.” She picked up her bag with scrolls and diary and left her little house.



Not much later Elvina took a room at the Misty, her old room. She could have stayed in another place after Jez’s offer today, but she wanted to stay visible and accessible for others that may need her the next day or two, and there might be a few she needed. It had proven useful in the past two days.

After making up her bed, she took the stairs down and entered the taproom in her Vanguard colors. Noticing the round table near the tap was free, she walked over to it, rolls of paper under her arm.

She nodded and smiled to Roggins and was promptly offered a drink on the house.

Few moments later the Vanguard lady was deep in thought, studying some writings whilst making notes to herself.

After the application of Vanguard Calken and his squad, a letter to Vanguard Anne was written quickly. If she approved... or Sam ordered it, she would invite him over for a serious talk. She wanted to know what potential was lying in this man and his little team. There were still a few gaps in her company she wanted to see filled up.

Another interesting man, one she tried to recruit herself now, was Maliker. Her expectations on this man where rather high, but from what he had shown, he might have a few of the skills she was looking for.

And yesterday, almost as if it were on purpose, there had been a true Vanguard meeting ànd oath taking here at the inn. The newest member of the Vanguard had also been immediately assigned to her Company... thats is... the white haired lady smirked,... after Vanguard Ariadne had trained the man.

Thus far last but not least... there was also now Jezel who would a accompany her with her military experience. They sure had a long talk last night and Jez had nothing but advice.

Elvina mumbled...


Reviewing the chain of command in her Company or not? She decided to not change anything right now.

If Calken joined he would be responsible for his own men and only report to her. But he would not be part of the executive. And his orders would come directly from her.

Same for Maliker, if he showed up, he would operate as her personal special agent, and she would put him to test soon enough to see what he was worth. Perhaps Calken and Maliker might work together, but she wasn’t sure of that yet either... too soon to decide on any of that.

As for the newest Vanguard, Gormok, she would place him under command of Adjudant Tirel, she was convinced he would prove to be a big asset there, literally. One man more or less to the heavy infantry didn’t matter... but a half orc.. well...

That left her with Jez. Having already appointed an XO, Elvina decided to appoint her former lover as a military advisor. She wouldn’t be part of the executive for now, but she would ask her to attend to every meeting with the executive.
And on the field, Jezel would take her place among the cavalry and report to Corporal Rochus when Elvina wasn’t around herself.


Recalling her earlier conversation, Elvina opened a scroll with notes and bit her lip as she saw the list. A list she needed to finish and to get to Lendose as quickly as possible.

She glanced at the door, that wizard helping her with teleports would probably be charging extra....

OOC : feel free to add anything, people, especially the ones already in, or about to

[Amora]

Amora's Recruitment: Caer, Empress District, House #6

After a somewhat eventful day, Amora sat back at her fireplace, a stout rum in a mug thinking over her decision to join Elvina's little group out in the Battlefields. The offer was hard to pass up, little supervison, answering only to Elvina, having command over what troops she needed. Having a free reign operation was going to be useful. She could really test her talents and strategies against the best that the Canites could throw at her.

Taking a sip of Rum however, the weight of all that beared down on her, if she failed, she'd get most everyone killed, if not herself. She wasn't fully recovered from being rid of Reaver. She hoped her traps would make up for her lack of prowess on the field, and she was going to need a lot of high quality holy water if they were going to be fighting on the battlefields with all of the Undead about. Elvina did promise to get good stock of what ever she needed supplied by the Vanguard, Amora could only hope that was true.

With that thought she made her way to her secret room she had installed after she bought the house. Entering her Art gallery, she moved to a book case next to her private journal desk and slid some books out of the way, pushing open the false panel in the back, she pulled the lever hidden there and watched the shelf open. She moved to her trap crafting desk, and started packing her tools, tripwires, and trinkets used to make her traps. Next she assembled all of her already made traps, stocking them into another bag.

She headed to the stables and retrieved her horse, packing the bags onto the saddle, she walked the horse to the docks. Buying fair to the Morell Landing, then ridding to the river boat, two more days to get to the south of Lendose, and another's day ride to the Bastian.

[Jain Zar]

Bastion : Activity

There was great activity within and just outside the Bastion.

Under a radiant sun and a clear blue sky another hundred Vanguards were preparing themselves for their next upcoming adventure by exercising formations, simulating short combat situations, sharpening their weapons, cleaning their boots and writing their last letters for their loved ones. The sound of blacksmiths hammering steel and other metals echoed across the courtyard, while dril sergeants shouted instructions at passing squads and units..

Just outside the palisade, under supervision of the quartermaster, a convoy was preparing for their journey. Wagons were stacked up with supplies for Dasar. Food, weapons, blankets, crafting materials, medicins and even less important correspondence.

Almost two days ago the current executive had been briefed by the newest commander, just before she, with the help of a wizard, disappeared again to seek for one more recruit.



Twisting his moustache Corporal Rochus nodded, approval in his eyes when he looked up from Elvina’s letter at XO Harovan,” A wise decision, two extra horses for each rider. It’ll make us less vulnerable due exhausted animals.”

Harovan nodded,” True, however it means we’ll need to take more supplies with us. Fortunately we’ll be escorting a supply convoy at first, so we’ll leave the extra food and horseshoes with them, for now. After that we can pack it on the reserve horses.”

Rochus glanced back at the letter,” And I see I’ll have a swordmistress among my men.” He looked up again. “Have you already seen Vanguard Kelandon?”

Harovan shook his head,” Commander Hellcat said she would join us a few days before we depart.”
The XO saluted,” If you want to excuse me now, I have a few more letters to deliver.”

Rochus saluted as well, just before turning and getting on his horse, motioning it to the gate and joining the two divisions which were assigned to him. They left in a gust of wind for the last real training.



Meanwhile Sergeant Harovan made his way to the quartermaster, just outside the Bastion. The man was checking a list just near one of the wagons.
He saluted,” A request from Commander Hellcat, just arrived this morning.”

The quartermaster took the letter and read the short content before mumbling,” What is she up to…”

Harovan furrowed a brow,” Something I can help with?”

The quartermaster glanced at Elvina’s XO before looking back at the letter. “She’s hiring a few extra people it seems and giving permission to give one of them materials and supplies when she asks for it.”

Harovan grinned,” Precautions I assume.”

“Right…” the quartermaster mumbled under his breath and took off while rereading the first name on the list… Amora. He knew that girl as Captain Firin’s lady.



Harovan turned around and re-entered the Bastion, while wondering if his commander actually slept. The previous days she had taken her time to speak with practically every member in her company, and even though conversations were kept short, there were small signs of appreciation. He recognised them immediately.

A slight grin appeared on his face. The fact the commander was a woman may have had something to do with it.
Well, at least it wasn’t a bad start for ‘El’s Ninth' and he knew the men may need it.

He glanced at the list of people who would be reporting in soon.

Vanguard Calken and his squad
Vanguard Gormok
Vanguard Jezel Kelandon

Maliker
Amora Reaver

[Amora]

Bastion: Amora's Arrival

As Amora approached the walls of the Bastion she paused for a moment. There wasn't any going back at this point, there wasn't any going back once she set sail for Morell really, and here she was. She felt nervous, She was granted so much responsibility and power so quickly to a commander she felt she barely knew. Amora felt the need to remind Elvina that she isn't the same woman she was after getting rid of Reaver, but that seemed a moot point. Elvina seemed to fully trust in Amora's abilities, and Amora would have to find the same trust in herself.

She strode forward, her horse in tow with all of her trappings on it's back, to the main gate where she was promptly halted by the vanguard men there.

"Hold," he said firmly, "what buisness do you have here?" He quickly looked over the black mithral chainshirt and dark cloak. Amora could read how his stance changed from bored to suspicious as he completed his once over. His partner did the same, a slightly firmer grasp on his spear, as if he would snap to a defensive stance any moment.

"Elvina is expecting me," Amora said calmly, "She's recruited me as a scout commander or something of the sort?"

The men looked at each other then back at her.

"Elvina wouldn't entrust such things to an outsider," his voice almost growling, "She was one of our best scouts, there is no way she'd just give the position to a mercenary."

"It's a good thing I'm not a mercenary then," she smirked, and under the hood her eyes flashed a shadowed wisp before turning back to their pink and whites. Commotion almost immedately started a short ways inside the camp, an orb of darkness seemed to have fallen over a few tents and men were tripping over themselves trying to find a way out. The guards turned at the sound of the commotion and one ran over to see what was going on. Amora tried to press forward into the camp but the second one stopped her.

"Oh no you don't," he warned again in a low growl, "you stay here til you are identifed by our sergeant."

"I don't have time for this," she sighed, she figured both guards would have run off to help with the small bit of chaos in the camp she made, now she'd have to get past this guard. The guard turned back to the bit of chaos and that's when Amora made her move. She slipped in between him and his spear, using her body as a wedge she thrusted him back into the wall as she popped his wrist with an open handed strike, making him drop the spear which she quickly recovered. She spun quickly around, catching the guard to the side of the head with the butt of the spear, knocking him out. Before he could hit the ground however, Amora caught him and propped him up against the wall, pulling down his visor to his helm. She placed the spear back into his hands and placed it in a manor that would help keep standing as long as no one touched him.

She led her horse past the the darkness orb before lifting it with a slight smirk. The men involved looked over each other with great annoyance at tripping over each other, the responders looked confused as anyone would. There was no attack, no real damage other than a few collapsed tents from when the men fell on them. The first guard returned to post to find the woman gone, and his partner slacking off. Slapping him on the shoulder didn't wake him and all the guard did was fall over with a loud thud which slowly brought him around.

"Hey!" he growled at his semi conscious friend, "where did the woman go!"

The second guard mumbled incoherently for a moment before finally getting out, "attacked... me..."

"Damn it," his jaw set in anger he quickly rounded up a few men that had gotten into their armor and lead them after the fresh horse tracks. They caught up with Amora as she tied her horse to the post calmly a few tents down from the commander's tent. Hearing several swords unsheathe behind her caused her to pause momentarily.

"You think you can just walk in here and knock out one of my friends and get away with it!" the original guard shouted at her as she turned slowly to face the horde, the commotion started to draw a crowd.

"No one messes with the Vanguard!" she shouted and charged her as the others closed in, as he made his swipe down at her, she quickly sidestepped the blow, disappearing in a puff of darkness leaving the others confused and eyes darting every direction they could think to look. Amora quietly made her way over toward the larger tents in the middle hoping to find some sort of commanding officer to stop all this.

She reappeared outside the larger tents and lowered her hood, revealing her raven hair, pink eyes, long horns, and her pale gentle face. Once one of the men spotted her, he charged full out with a yell. All Amora could think of was now it would be a good time for someone in charge to stop this before one of them hurt themselves.

[ralfinader]

Maliker listened in to the seemingly impromptu meeting, assured that his presence was undetected. Unable to figure out where he would fit in with this plan being laid out before him, he assumed he would be putting his faith in Teshalia once again. The personalities he witnessed caused him some trepidation, as the military mindset was something he had only observed, and had no desire to embrace. He chuckled to himself, and shook his head.

"The things I do...", He whispered.

In four days he would march with the Vanguards, gambling that upon his return, he would either have gained a position of authority, or at least the ear of those that held it, should he ever need it.

[Jain Zar]

Bastion : Welcoming Amora

Sergeant Harovan and the quartermaster, who were leaning over another list and a map, looked at each other when they heard the commotion outside.

The tall and sturdy sergeant turned around and paced towards the exit of the commander’s tent, the quartermaster only two steps behind him. As soon as his head popped out, he oversaw the mess and when he spotted the soldier about to charge a lady, his eyes bulged with fury and his cheeks turned slighty purple as he shouted. And knowing he had the voice to carpet bomb ones ears…

“STAND DOWN, VANGUARD!!”


Everyone froze up on that moment as they also had visual on the XO. Silence fell over this part of the camp and everyone watched how the sergeant took a deep breath before he unleashed his booming voice.

“Last time I checked this was a military camp! You all take a good look around at this lump of dung this place now is. If you mess up like this out there in the fields I can goddamn guarantee you are already on a one-way trip to Peralia!!”

Spitting out the words he continued, his eyes roaming the gathered,” I need veterans out there, people who can keep their heads cool and not go running around like a bunch of chicken brained Kor barbarians!!”

His eyes shifted to the man who was about to attack the lady,”And you, if you necessarily need to get your prick wet, I can fix you up with a nice workout in northern marshes.”

The man weakly responded,” But...”

“Shut up and start to clean up this mess! It’s not that difficult, soldier! It's not like I asked you to eat a bunch of apples and poo me a jar of fruit salad!”

The sergeant turned his eyes a moment at the rest of the crowd and as if by magic suddenly every attendee miraculously somehow found things to do.


Harovan’s head snapped to the lady. “And you there, miss! State your name and business. I don't like unidentified people running around in my camp. It can make armed soldiers pretty nervous and may cause unwilling accidents.”

Meanwhile the quartermaster behind him mumbled,” That might be…”

"Elvina is expecting me," she repeated as she leaned against a pair of stacked crates, crossing her arms under her breasts looking annoyed at being ordered.
"She recruited me as a scout leader." She looked back over at the encampment and watched a few men wander around. Trying to look busy. Elvina told her that she'd only report to her and that's exactly what Amora was going to stick to.

The sergeant and the quartermaster briefly looked at each other, then the last one said," Miss Amora, welcome to 'Els Ninth'."

The sergeant gave Amora an appraising look, rubbing his four day old beard as he glanced at the quartermaster who continued.

"I'm the quartermaster here. Commander Hellcat will arrive tomorrow. She told me by letter to show you meanwhile to your tent and take a look at any list you might have to support the division Special Operations."

[Jain Zar]

Ravenswatch : One last stop

Morning, Elvina sat at her desk in a room at the Ravenswatch inn and coincidence or not it was her old room. She was pleased but also happy… and had a headache.

Last night, here at the inn, she had seen Vanguard Calken, Amora and Maliker altogether… besides a few other people, not to mention Erica with who she early-celebrated her upcoming birthday. She rubbed her temples, wincing a little.
A short interview with Calken was enough to determine his place among the company… Special Operations. The same applied to Maliker and she also knew who was going to lead that team, Amora.

Her eyes rereading what she wrote down in her notebook stopped at a name. Thanos, an older man who had applied as messenger. She decided to let him come along but wouldn’t trust him yet with important messages. He would be put to the test soon enough and if he proved to be trustworthy and skilled, he could act as a connection between Amora’s team and the company once out there in the field.

That reminded her of another letter that needed to be send. She rubbed her chin. Oh well, tomorrow evening she would be in Lendose anyways.
She could see to it herself that this little team was briefed about the commanding structure and the tasks she saw for this group.
And she would have to introduce Corporal Maz’at to Amora as he probably would be working the most with her.


She closed her book and leaned back, her hands in her neck, her mind running over her busy schedule for today.

One last jump to Mistyvale Inn to gather her belongings, and waiting for one more person who was coming along, … she smiled to that,... and then look for Amy down here at the temple to see if there was already news. With a bit of luck the baby was already born and she could see it before departing to Lendose.

Elvina turned around when someone knocked at the door. That would probably the wizard to whom she owed now a little fortune.
She grinned as she walked over to the door… perhaps she could recruit him too.

[StaffSgtSkunk]

Gormok wasn't quite to sure where exactly the Bastion was let a known how to work a map. At this point he was on his way to what he thought was the direction to the Bastion, turning and moving the map around in trying to see if he could make any scene of it. After a good hour or two he gave up and just crumpled the map up and throwing it onto the ground.

Gormok decided to walk or head in the direction he thought was the right way, it took him well over three hours before he saw what looked like two young guards standing near a camp site. This must be the place where he was going to meed up with the other Vanguards. The two guards where laughing at something before they turned to see Gormok as he had his head tilted with slight confusion.

“Hey, look what we have here, this ork looks as thick as steel ingots”

Both of the guards where laughing a lot to the joke as there eyes where closed due to the laughter. Before anyone of them could turn around and look back at Gormok one of them was lifted clean off the ground by his chest plate. Gormok stood about 6 foot tall and lifted the short guard to his level, the fear in the guards face's not knowing what he was going to do.

“What ya laughing about?”

Gormok's face looked slightly confused as he had the guard in the air but at his level.

“ H . . HELP”

The one that Gormok had in his hands was calling out for aid as more of them came to see what was going on, Gormok just looked confused as the guards surrounded him.

[Jain Zar]

Bastion : Gormok

Adjudant Tirel, almost as sturdy and tall as the XO, with a big scar over his eye, turned around and noticed the commotion near the gate.
He left the training of his men and walked over to crows surrounding a huge figure.

"Alright, back up, back up you people," he said with a rowdy voice.

He stopped in front of the half orc before looking at the two guards. "Right, you can come and explain me later in my tent what the hell just happened," he turned to Gormok," But as for now I think our reinforcements may just have arrived. Name?!"

"Gormok..."

"Right, you can let go off that man now," Tirel glanced at the guard still held in the air before looking at Gormok's face, not showing he has actually rather impressed by this display of power. He sure would be an addition to the infantry, if deployed wisely...

[Jain Zar]

Bastion : Commander returns

Outside the Bastion the trees started to fade into twilight. If there had been time to marvel at the beautiful red and orange colors of the sunset in the sky behind them, the two riders wrapped up in dark cloaks maybe would have stopped to admire this natural phenomenon.

Near the gate the two guards were clearly alert as on the moment they spotted the hooded riders, one of them stepped forward, blocking the entrace into the Bastion.

“STOP! Who goes there?” His eyes peered through the narrow visor of his helmet, but the strangers were still a bit too far away to perceive any signs that may indicate or reveal anything about their identity.


Both riders jumped from the horses, and the left one walked closer. It was clearly a woman leading the horse, and while lowering her hood with her other hand, long white hair was revealed, rolling down over her shoulders. Just before she was in range to be fully recognized as one of them she said,” Commander Hellcat, and… well done, Vanguard.”


The guard blinked when the rather tall woman stopped only four feet away from him and he found her grey-white irises locking on him.
Quickly he saluted only to notice the black-clad commander returned the salute with a rather warm smile. He even blushed a little as he wasn’t accustomed to smiling and beautiful superiors.

“W… welcome back, Ma’am!” He couldn’t help it as he suddenly found his eyes drifting to the person behind the commander.


With the commander glancing over her shoulder, the guard saw how the other person came closer. This person, almost as tall as the commander was clearly also a female but wearing normal traveling clothes instead of armour.
Another hood was lowered, revealing a young woman with medium long blond hair. The facial features displayed were enough for the soldier to call her otherworldly beautiful and attractive. Dark eyelashes encircled the perfect almond eyes, the two golden irises glanced from the commander to the guard and back, the luscious lips of the woman parting to say something, but they suddenly got interrupted.


“Commander! Welcome back!” another voice sounded.

Elvina turned her head and smiled as she saw her XO approaching.

Both saluted.

“Good to see you, sergeant! I hope everything is well. What is our current status?”

He saluted again, motioning them to enter the bastion while throwing a curious look at the woman behind Elvina.
“The supply convoy will be ready to depart over three days. The extra supplies asked arrive tomorrow. Our men are well trained and ready but we are still missing a few.”

“Who has arrived thus far?” she asked referring to their earlier correspondence.

“Miss Amora is here and waiting for you, and Vanguard Gormok, and Calken's squad. Further we have received a letter that this messenger Thanos won’t apply after all.”

Elvina stopped a moment,” Vanguard Calken will arrive shortly. Any word of Vanguard Kelandon and Maliker?”

“No Ma’am. Any orders?”

Elvina nodded,” Inform my executive, meeting tomorrow at 0800 hour in the command post.”

Harovan glanced to his left and nodded to the quartermaster approaching them.

The man looked at Elvina and nodded,” Good to see you again miss Hellcat….” his voice faltering when she saw the other woman.

Elvina smiled a little as she saw how he took two more steps and stretched his arm to the woman behind her.

“Miss D’Payens… it sure has been a while.”

“Indeed it has. It’s good to see you again,” Adele replied.

The quartermaster nodded and looked back at Elvina,” Right, I’ll try to fetch another tent…”

The white haired Vanguard shook her head lightly,” That… won’t be needed, but thank you. We speak further tomorrow.”
Elvina saluted and motioned Adele to offer her horse to an awaiting stable boy. A moment later the two women had disappeared between the tents.

Harovan scratched his neck and tried to recall if there had been any letter he might have missed mentioning the name of this newcomer.
”What the…”

[Krylan]

Fort Bastion: The Misfits

The Small group of Vanguards sat alone in the mess hall of Fort Bastion. They had been waiting for sometime for something to do or something to happen, They had heard of the march order happening soon, but they had been ready to march for the past week, and had already received their orders. The other Vanguards scoffed as they looked at them. This team wasn't worthy of the Vanguard title they thought. Calken's misfits, is what they called the team behind their backs.

In its entirety, Lilian had ignored these insults. They meant nothing on the field of battle, and were just words off of the field of battle. Sure, the Sargent might disagree, He was always a hot head. He was smart, but he could always be a bit Rash. Lilian ate quietly at the table. The team was mostly alone everyone else had chosen to eat at different tables. That of course didnt stop the team from being loud.

sitting next to her was Dwalin. At first Lilian didnt like the Farmers son, She found him too privileged. But since then he had warmed up to the group, and fell in line. During their first battle together, Dwalin had slinked away, abandoning his post. Calken found him later and knocked some sense into him. Dwalin was afraid for his life, and had escaped, Throughout the course of the next week, Calken taught the young man how to fight. Now Dwalin was one of the fiercest fighters of the Squad. He joked loudly with the man sitting across from him, Dorlin. The old Carpenter was eager, and ready to fight, though that had turned out to be simple stupidity. During their second battle together, Dorlin had been wounded during the fighting, he left his guard open, and was quickly struck down by an Orc. With Calken and hers fast response they had managed to save him. This was the first time she had seen the soft side of the Fearless and relentless warrior.

Sitting at the end, slowly sharpening his daggers was George, a quiet man, who at first Calken didn't know what to do with. He started George off with a Spear, but that went nowhere, Then gave him a sword, but that didn't work either. Finally, Calken stuck him with a bow and he excelled at it. In time the squad discovered that George worked best from an ambush position, and he had an extremely sharp eye sight. He wasn't only quiet in his speech but also in his movements. George had since been named the specialist of the squad.

And the last of the group was Cailen, A young stout lad. The young man came into the group with little knowledge of what an actual fight had looked like. Lilian had then watched as Calken spent the next few weeks teaching Cailen how to use a sword.

And then there was the Sargent himself, Sitting alone at the very end of the table, A tall muscular man in black plate. His medium length hair and beard was a chestnut color, his eyes a deep blue. Calken wasnt always the man for kind words, or good humor, and Lilian always suspected there was something dark behind those eyes. A sort of regret.

She knew that Calken took the heat for the Mission transfer, from the patrols of Anne to this campaign, but the squad had agreed on this mission together, they all agreed that it was time that the Vanguard went on the offensive, and with this force, they believed it to be unstoppable.

The other Vanguard could sneer and talk behind their backs all they want, but this squad was a family. They were the Misfits.

[Arianna]

Jezel spent the night going over and over the plans her new Commander and former lover Elvina had laid out for her earlier that day. Elvina had apparently been promoted, and given command of a small combat team, although according to Elvina they would be doing mostly escort duty. Jezel smiled again, she was happy for El, but at the same time had some worries, not doubts mind you but worries none the less.

El had no real experience in command. There was no questioning her abilities as a fighter, but Jez was worried that El would care too much about the people under her command, and thus maybe hesitate to give an order knowing some would lose their life for it.

Jezel's parents both being commanders of large forces, had taught her from childhood that a leader must keep a certain aloofness from the soldiers under them... if one couldn't handle ordering men into battle and accept that some would not survive.. they would go insane, and that is never good for a leader..one had only to look at Canas's history to see that.

It was good that El and she had a chance to talk, Jez hoped that El would take the advice she had given and put it to good use. Jez was able to get through to El the importance of having extra mounts for the cavalry, in case a horse came up lame, fell ill, or fell in battle and enough materials to re-shoe, as necessary, leather and rivets to mend tack as required, and to make sure every man had at least 3 weapons.

Jezel squinted at the map on the table in her manor house. She had bought it only a month before and had yet to spend 3 consecutive days in it, she sighed, and it looked like it would be a long while before she would even see the place again, she was glad she had the good sense to hire a couple to look after the place, Jez liked living in a clean home.. but wasn't very good at keeping it that way.

Jezel straightened and stood very still, only her eyes moving as she listened for the slightest whisper of sound. Someone was in her house, Jezel had an ability to sense the out of place...it was damned near impossible to sneak up on her, and she was sure someone or something was trying to do just that.

She slowly moved her hand towards the dagger she always wore, even in the safety of her own home.. she had come to learn in the past year that no place was safe if someone really wanted to get to you. She grabbed the hilt and was about to draw the blade when a familiar voice came to her ears.

"You really don't need that knife sis." and as the words were spoken one of the young women Jezel had come to love as a sister, stepped from the shadows, wearing an impish smile.

Sar'Lenis walked over to Jez and embraced her heartily. "It's been weeks since we have seen each other sis, now that you're home we can get caught up"

Jezel returned the embrace, having to bend down a bit due to Sar"lenis being just slightly over five feet tall, and Jezel being more than a foot taller. "You little imp! what are you doing sneaking into peoples houses in the dead of night?"

Jez held Sar"Lenis back so she could get a good look at her sister. She smiled, Sar'Lenis looked good...she had a more.. mature air about her, but still that child like face, Sar'Lenis, would always look several years if not decades younger that she was, and she was way too cute for her own good..to meet her made you want to wrap her up and protect her, which is what happened when they met for the first time. Jezel had only been in Cear a couple of weeks and had already met Arianna the third sister, helping the young elf run off a group of dock thugs, after her spells had been exhausted, and was wandering around the city getting her bearings, when she sensed someone trying to steal her coin purse. Jezel automatically drew her knife and spun intending to plunge it into the thief's eye, but when she saw the pitiful creature she stayed her hand. To make a long story short.. Jezel had found a second sister.

Jezel looked down and sighed. " I'm afraid Sar, that I will be leaving with the sun again.. and this time it will be weeks or months before I return."

Sar'Lenis looked up and pouted. A pouting Sar'Lenis broke your heart.. which Jezel had determined long ago was exactly why she did it. Jezel tried hard not to let tears fall, and she could see that Sar'Lenis was having the same problem. They had spent so little time together since Jezel had forsaken the path her parents had laid out for her, which was to take a commission in the Imperial Army and serve under the command of her mother, in favor of the Free Vanguard, and Jezel was saddened by that. She was an only child, and once she had begun training to become a sword Mistress wasn't allowed to accompany either parent when they were posted outside of Rell. So she grew up on a large estate, with her governess, and weapons instructor for company. Jezel often wonder which of the two was stricter.

Sar'Lenis stood there with tears in her eyes, she had come to love Jezel and her other adopted sibling Arianna so much, the young half elf had never known what family or friends were until Jezel took her in, and she was damned if she was going to lose either of them now.

"Where are you going? It's not fair! you just got home, and you're not even staying a day, I'm going to find that Commander of yours and give him a piece of my mind" this was delivered with a stomping of the foot, which made Jezel laugh. It really was funny to see Sar'Lenis stomping her foot and using language no one her age should know.

Jezel got herself under control and managed to say with a straight face, that she was sure Elvina would take Sar'Lenis's objections and give them due consideration. This brought the girls temper tantrum to an abrupt halt.

"What? you mean Elvina is your commander? when...how...why?.. where are you going?" "what are the two of you going to get involved in.. and can I come?"

Jezel had to grab Sar'Lenis to get her to take a breath, and stop the onslaught of questions. "El has been given command of a force that will be escorting supply trains, I can't tell you where we are leaving from or going to for security reasons" Jezel held up a hand to forestall her sisters objections that she could be trusted with a secret.

"I trust you implicitly Sar.. you know that, but in military matters some things are too sensitive for anyone not involved, and some times even those involved in them to know what the ultimate plan is"

Sar'Lenis pouted again which made Jezels heart skip a beat. Damn but the girl could look so pitiful when she wanted.

Sar'Lenis crossed her arms and stood as defiantly as she was able. "I'm coming with you!"

Jezel didn't know whether to smile or frown. She couldn't take Sar'Lenis along could she? El would have enough trouble dealing with sending people she didn't know or care for into battle, let alone someone she loved, and as with everyone who met Sar'Lenis, Elvina had come to love her as much as Jez and Arianna did, In fact Jezel had mentioned to Elvina, that she thought taking Sar'Lenis along as one of the scouts, or even one of the specialists might be wise..it would certainly give Sar'lenis the opportunity to learn to act within a larger group...give her some much needed experience, and given her ability to get in and out of even strongly guarded places with no one the wiser, might prove invaluable.

Jezel thought about it, and tried to dissuade Sar'lenis from the notion, and thought she finally succeeded. Sar'Lenis ,finally gave in and said she would stay. Jezel was too tired to here Sar'lenis's tone or she would have , known the girl had another plan.

As the night continued on it's journey to morning, Sar'Lenis stayed and helped Jezel check, recheck, and pack everything the Warrior would be taking with her. Jezel selected her blades with care, she knew that hey would be facing Kor Orcs mostly, so she chose her heaviest, and most enchanted blades, her strongest armor, including the set of mithril armor given to her as a gift from Elvina's adopted family a few months ago. She included the shield she acquired after a fight with some particularly competent shield maidens outside of Tristan. Once she was sure she had everything stowed in packs and placed securely on the harness's of the pack horses, she hugged Sar'lenis and offered to buy her breakfast at the Misty.

Sar'Lenis still sounding put out agreed saying it was the least she could do. So mounting Dwara the gelding she rode when she was in the city. Spiri, Jolik, and Chamlin her three war horses she kept stabled at a place near the outer gates of Cear in case of attack she would collect on her way out of town, she reached down and pulled Sar'lenis up behind her, and with a light tap of her heels in Dwara's flank set off at a walk for the Misty Vale Inn, and some of Mistress Roggins fresh baked bread and jam, which always went nicely with a few rashers of bacon, sausage and a few eggs.