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Recruiting

Deep within the Fort Caspien garrison, General Minso impatiently paced back and forth in his command room.

“This is the best you could find?” He finally asked, looking at a group of five individuals.

“Yes sir,” responded Lieutenant Orm.

“Are you sure no one else was available?  Maybe the Knights of Sardinia…”

“I checked sir,” Orm abruptly answered.  “The Knights of Sardinia were called back to the Capital last week as per orders from Master General Higua.”

“What about the Yili Brotherhood, or a contingent of Akhal-Teke Soldiers?” The General asked.

“The Yili Brotherhood have not been seen for over a month,” said the Lieutenant.  “As for Akhal-Teke, we’re still awaiting communication from General Jali as to whether or not she can spare some of her troops, although I doubt that she’ll be willing to give up any extra soldiers freely.”

Minso frowned – he knew Orm was right.  The Yili Brotherhood, as well as many other professional adventuring parties, had all vanished in the wake of what many believed was an upcoming war with the neighboring Aquis kingdom.  Even General Jali, who’s primary responsibility was the protection and defense of the border city of Akhal-Teke, would want to keep all available soldiers as close as possible to ward off any attacks.

Minso knew that he would have to make due with what he had and, looking at the group that Lieutenant Orm had brought him: a dragonborn, a halfling and three elves, he knew he didn’t have much.

“So, what is your name?” he asked the eldest elf in the group.

“Eh, Omar, sir…” The elf responded, somewhat taken by surprise.

“And what are your qualifications?”

“Well sir, my wife and I own this restaurant in the market.  We make this sandwich where you wrap chicken meat in a flat circular bread, we call it a sh…”

“That’s quite enough,” Minso interrupted.

He moved over to the younger elf, who was sporting a bow and arrow.

“And you, what do you do?” He asked.

“I’m an archer,” the elf proudly responded.

“Good, and what’s your name?”

“Well,” the elf hesitated, “my friends call me Archer…”

“Of course they do,” Minso sighed, heading back behind his desk.  “Alright, listen up all of you.  The information we have received about threatning Aquis military activity has forced the King to declare that all summoned civilians deemed suitable for combat are to become subjects of the King and soldiers in his army.”

“What does that mean?” Asked the Dragonborn, obviously wanting to be somewhere else.

“That means that you are now soldiers in the Tarra army, whether you like it or not,” Minso bluntly answered.

“But what about my wife?” Omar asked.

“She will be proud to know that her husband is doing his part in protecting the Tarra Kingdom,” Minso dismissed.  ”Now, as new members of the Tarra army, your first orders are to head the a supply post and stock up on any equipment you will require while in the line of duty.  Supply Officer Rollin is currently waiting for you and will help equip you with the best kind of weapons and armour for your specific skillsets.”

“Yea like a spatula and apron for Grandpa Omar over here,” the halfling said under his breath, causing the group to giggle.

“Quiet!” Minso shouted, silencing the group.  “Are there any questions?”

“Um, what do we do after we get our supplies?” Asked the young female elf, shily putting her hand in the air as though she was in a classroom.

“You come see Lieutenant Orm,” Minso Answered.  “He will have your orders ready and signed.”

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