General Readiness Seminar - Session One

From FiranMUX

Marsalos stands up as the hour rolls past, setting the written-on scrolls down on the table nearby. "Good afternoon, all. Take a seat, those of you who are standing. We'll begin in just a moment." *Firan*

"No, we've not started yet. I've just arrived myself," Yacen replies with a shake of his head to his fellow 5ther. Marsalos calls out and he gives Arinsana a lopsided grin. "Looks like we're about to start."

Hufimo walks in for the seminar for soldiers, gives a brief salute then goes to find a place to stand and listen, and wonder when the heck did the barracks turned into a day-care center, noticing some kids.

Cortik nods to the Prince's question and then turns his head as Marsalos seems to be starting things. He, indeed, is paying close attention as it is his first season going to the front and he'd like to go many more times.

"I did not /expect/ to be back on my feet after such a blow," Aeryk admits, as he looks downward at Casivan with that light ghost of a smile. He holds his hand out low, in case Casivan wants to punch that, too, or, uh, something. "But since I was, I thought it would be a waste if I did not keep going. But no wooden leg needed for now. And even if we had to have one fitted, we would indeed keep fighting, wouldn't we, Prince Lucas?" is all in a quiet kind of muse.

Marsalos skims the faces in the crowd, nodding to Adan when he notices him. "There's a mix of new soldiers and veterans here, which I'm glad to see. We'll be going over some basics that will apply to every division out on the front today to give you a solid idea of both what you need to do before you leave and while out there on the line, and afterwards give you all some time to ask any questions that you might have. Remember that it is better to ask now than to risk not knowing, as ignorance is never an excuse during a time of war." *Firan*

No, Casivan just wants to punch armor. Out of the way, hand! Lucas reels in his violent child and tugs him down onto the floor again. "Of course." is his simple response to Aeryk and he quiets down now that Marsalos seems prepared to begin the seminar.

Ion's blue eyes scour the room for an available seat. One is appropriately located, and slipped into.

Aeryk likewise subsides quiet, after a single nod toward Lucas.

Marsalos goes on, talking to the room at large. "One of the questions we hear most often is 'What do I bring to the front?', so I will address this first, and then you can ask any relevant questions there. Before you go, you'll want to get a get a kit together and make sure it's in top shape.

Item one: Check all your armour for damage. You are allowed and encouraged to bring a personal set along with your greens. Your CO can tell you whether you are allowed to bring a personal set that is bronze, if you are a sentry, or iron if you are below Commander. Ask them if you don't know, and have everything checked over and repaired. It is a good idea to learn at least basic armour appraisal so that you can do this for yourself out at the front as well." *Firan*

Hufimo decides to come to the other one, hoping that it will be taken more seriously. What happened to the good old days, no kids running about, and if any wanted to know what the barracks looked like they had to enlist. He just sneaks out.

Hufimo walks by the guards and out the door. Hufimo has left.

You say "Item Two: For archers, bring a full quiver of iron arrows. Do -not- use flint, as they will do next to no damage against Shamibelian iron armour. The Fifth will be bringing iron arrows along, but you should have a full quiver with you at all times." *Firan*

You say "Item Three: Spare melee weapons. Some people choose to bring them, some people do not. You can if you so desire." *Firan*

Tyrin slips into the barracks, meaning to catch a few Zzzz's when he notices all the people gathered. Right, meeting! The youth slips into the back, and tries not to be disruptive. Of course, he was always here.

You say "Item Four: A small personal supply of non-perishable food, such as preserved meat or fruit. The Fifth will obviously be providing this, however much like arrows you don't want to get caught separated from the line without enough food to last you if you end up being attacked." *Firan*

Thaddia wasn't late. Nope. She was here all along. Listening very intently. Anyone who disagrees will be flogged! Well, probably not, but they will get glowered at grumpily.

Cortik purses his lips at a few points and seems to be making mental note of them.

You say "Item Five: A mininum of five bandages on you at all times. We also suggest a waterskin of yarrow tea to take care of bruises. The healers will handle anything more serious. A note to those with rudimentary healing skill: At the front there are certain people authorised to heal, and that is -all-. Even if you know basic healing, you are not to be healing soldiers unless you are approved to do so." *Firan*

Arik listens intently a faint twitch of amusement. As much as the military might change some things don't. He nods along as Marsalos goes down the list of preparations to make. Occasionally he glances about to see how people take it and where the questions may be forming, and tries not to notice that he's the oldest one in the room by a fair margin.

Aeryk has begun taking a quiet series of notes, himself. Waterskin, bandages, food.

Kadikos seems to be paying a modicum of attention, more interested in the comings and goings of other people. As most of his family are soldiers, he'll probably figures he'll just swipe one of their packs before heading off.

Tyrin marks a little star by point number 5. The young medic in training looks curiously at it some more, before lifting his head to hear the rest of what is said.

Sabria wakes up to the sound of voices and tries to move a little but the back splint causes her to stay still. She just sighs softly and turns her attention to whatever is going on.

Marsalos pushes on. "Now that I've covered what to bring, I will go over what -not- to bring. It's a simple list." He holds up his fingers, ticking off. "Remove your keyring. Remove your insignia. Remove your wedding necklace. Deliver them to someone you trust. If you have questions why you don't bring these three things, feel free to ask. Now, that's all concerning the kit, so I will open up to questions about that specifically if anyone has them." *Firan*

Yacen writes down a few more things, then raises his hand briefly to indicate he has something to say.

Adan takes down a few notes from himself as well, looking thoughtful. He turns his head when Yacen raises his hand.

Marsalos nods to Yacen. "Sentry." *Firan* You say "Er...Centurion, sorry." *Firan*

Just about to correct Marsalos, Yacen sees that he's done it himself. A lopsided grin touches his lips before he starts, "I would just like to add, that you might want to bring an extra pair of boots with you too. I've been told that they tend to wear out a bit more quickly during war and with no good cobblers available, it'd be good for soldiers to have an extra pair on hand if they can."

Ion's eyebrows lift, cautiously, but these last few points get jotted down quickly. In abysmal handwriting. To be fair, he -is- writing across his thigh.

Marsalos nods to Yacen. "An extra pair of boots is a good idea, Centurion. As you say, they can wear out quickly and the Fifth can only work so fast. Bring an extra pair. Are there other questions?" *Firan*

Arik can't help but chuckle faintly. That's probably one of the downsides of the list being prepared by a pilot.... he didn't have to walk much. Arik makes a mental note to remember it for the next year.

Arinsana remains silent where she sits, idly flexing her hands, an intent expression on her face as she considers and mentally files away the various recommendations being made.

Marsalos looks around again, seeing nothing else. "If that's it, we'll move on to battlefield protocol that you should know." *Firan*

Kadikos perks up as the conversation moves from supplies to protocol. He probably can't cheat his way around this, so he sits up and turns his eyes towards the instructor.

Marsalos goes on, "One of the biggest issues that people forget is never -ever- to salute on the front, or use someone's rank. It is akin to drawing a giant target on them. We don't bring insignias for a reason, don't negate that by saluting or calling by rank. On the battlefield you refer to equals by name, and superiors by 'Sir' or 'Ma'am' only." *Firan*

Cortik raises a hand for a question at that point.

Marsalos is about to go on, but pauses, motioning to Cortik. "Yes, Lord Centurion?" *Firan*

Cortik speaks up, "So, Lord Captain, it's better to simply call anyone by their name rather than let slip a rank, correct? Even if a sir or ma'am would be called for?" *Firan*

You say "You may use sir or ma'am. Simply do not use proper rank, such as 'Captain', or 'Commander'. Or even 'Sentry'." *Firan*

Cortik nods, satisfied with that.

Yacen also raises a hand, waiting for Cortik to finish with his question.

Marsalos motions to Yacen.

"Does this include proper noble titles as well?" asks Yacen, somewhat uncomfortably.

OOC I was misinformed OOCly on the answer to this and so am inserting this note instead of the pose! No, don't use noble titles on the battlefield!

"For permission to bring personal iron armor," the Princess asks, "do we just need our direct CO, or permission from someone with a Commander's rank?"

"Ask your direct CO first," Marsalos replies to Thaddia. "They will know what to do with the request, whether they are authorised themselves to make the decision or whether it needs to go further." That answered he pauses for any more questions, looking around.

You say "Alright, then. Second order of business, something else often forgotten. Do not eat any food you see lying about on the ground. Shamibelians have been known to poison food and leave it in our camps. Eat only from stores that you have carried on you in a closed bag, or from the rations given to you directly from the Fifth." *Firan*

Aeryk makes further notes. No food lying around. Honestly. That has dirt on it. One does not eat dirty food /intentionally/.

You say "Third: Mail will be going back and forth from the front to home. You are allowed to write home. However, you are not allowed to communicate anything about troop movements, battles, losses, or anything else having to do with the military. Do not even mention that 'X number of people died'. Remember that mail movements can be intercepted." *Firan*

You say "Finally and most importantly: Respect your chain of command. This may sound obvious, but you would be shocked. The front is not a place to complain, question your orders, or decide that you're going to do whatever you want because you think you know better than your CO. Failing to follow direct orders is, I warn you, punishable, and direly. Stay in contact with your CO at all times, and follow your orders to the T." *Firan*

You say "Are there any questions?" *Firan*

Aeryk continues writing. Do not report death tolls. Reassuring Diamia you are not dead if you are writing letters is not necessary. Talk about tactics with siblings /later/. Chain of command important. There is another subdued headshake from him.

Yacen continues with his list of notes, shaking his head subtley when questions are asked for.

Marsalos waits for a while while the crickets chirp, then nods. "If you do end up having questions, you can address them to your CO. They will be able to answer, or get an answer for you. If there is nothing at this time, then the seminar is closed for today." *Firan*

Thaddia grins at Marsalos when he calls it to a close. "Very helpful information, Lord Captain." *Firan*

Kadikos bounds to his feet and stretches, "Thanks for the advice, Captain," he says with sincerity, "I'm really looking forward to this. It will be an honor to win glory by the side of so ---- fine --- --- women." *Firan*

Tyrin notes that the meeting has adjourned, and quickly slips out of the barracks before the eating commences.