General Readiness Seminar - Session Two

From FiranMUX

Marsalos snickers at Thaddia. "I'll let Banian know that." He gathers his notes and stands up to address the soldiers gathered. "Good morning, all, and thank you for attending. Today I'm going to try and answer the more common questions about preparing for the front - namely packing and protocol. I'll give plenty of time for questions, so don't be afraid to ask when I call for them."

Tyrsun strides in quickly and tucks himself in the back, so he can casually watch the proceedings. Leaning up against a wall, he gives a nod to Marsalos across the way.

Alastor picks, a little, at his burnt crisp, attention on Marsalos. It's his first war season. He's not really sure what to expect.

Thaddia makes a face at Marsalos. "Don't make me spank /you/." But it's all good natured ribbing and she sits up a bit, being more attentive and more formal once Mars starts the seminar. *Firan*

Tanya slips in and takes a seat closest to the door.

You say "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. We have five things we strongly encourage you to bring, and here is the list:" *Firan*

Apalonius is running a bit late and looking faintly exasperated as he comes into the room. His face is slightly flushed, as though he'd been running, and he settles into a seat quietly.

Riosan rests with his eyes on Marsalos and a wide punchable grin on his face. He nods seriously at this suggestion and his lips move quickly as he mouths what Marsalos says about five things and a kit and the like.

Marsalos nods to Tyrsun when he spots his friend, and also to Tanya. A brief smirk at Thaddia before he goes on. "Item One: 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. Check all your armour for damage BEFORE you head out and have it repaired to top shape. 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*

The Commander steps in to listen. She's not wearing any of her uniform, so she's not here on any official business, certainly.

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*

Jericho is late! He silently slips in, hoping no one notices.

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

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*

Donos enters followed by 10 Bear clan guards and 2 republic guards.

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*

Elvetus raises his hand a bit to indicate he has a question.

Tanya is sitting and listening.

Alastor already has a question, from the looks of him. He keeps it for now in case it's answered later, and picks at his tart. He's even thinking of a second one, burnt though they are.

That's five, so Marsalos takes the pause to nod to Elvetus. "Yes Sentry, go ahead."

Elvetus says "I was just wondering if you or anyone else here has the armor appraisal skill, so they could teach it? Since we have everyone together, it'd be a good time for it." *Firan*

Donos's entry is as unobtrusive as over a dozen people can be. He and his escort and aides pass through the barracks towards the officer's lounge, lingering there a time before moving on to the war room.

Marsalos nods to Elvetus. "I can teach you, or I'm sure there are many in here who can. Let's take care of that after we do the rest of the session." *Firan*

Marsalos then looks up as a giant cadre of guards comes in, straightening and saluting. "Lord General, sir." *Firan*

Donos quickly answers with "At ease, carry on with your briefing." *Firan*

Alastor hears that shuffling that happens when an officer of high rank enters the room. He quickly sets his tart down, stands, and salutes, until they're given the 'at ease'.

Thaddia gets to her feet and gives a salute to Donos as Marsalos does.

Balinda salutes as Donos enters and continues to pay attention to Marsalos.

Elvetus also jumps up to salute, then sits back down when the "at ease" is given. *Firan*

Riosan quickly stands up and salutes Donos before immediately sitting down. His eyes stay on him for a moment before returning to the shiny speaker.

Tagda spies Donos as he walks by and she doesn't salute. But she does wave and heads in his direction.

"Yes, sir." Marsalos nods, then looks back at the others. "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 three. "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 any questions about that specifically if anyone has them."

Tanya rises to her feet as the General enter, salutes and just as quickly sits. At ease is at ease.

Lemachus salutes and at eases along with everyone else, before settling himself back in his seat and returning his attention to the briefing.

Alastor does get another crisp while all this general to-do is dying down. Some people never learn.

Alastor ohs, and questions. He raises his uninjured hand.

Marsalos nods to Alastor. "Yes, Sentry." *Firan*

"What about animals?" Alastor asks, and leave it to him to ask a question like that. "Personally ones, I mean. Can we bring ferrets to the Front? My dad said he did, one year."

Tagda speaks quietly with Donos, and smirks just a tad at whatever she said.

"I wouldn't, if I were you," Marsalos says, raising an eyebrow. "Why would put an animal through that, first of all? Second, we'll have griffons and dogs in close quarters, do you really want a ferret around all that?"

"I could feed it to a griffon. I'm sure it'd be a nice treat." Tagda mutters.

Riosan listens to Alastor's question with a broad grin on his face and shakes his head a bit. He then waits patiently until that question is past to raise his hand for a question.

Marsalos nods to Riosan then, gesturing. "Go ahead, Sentry." *Firan*

Alastor's dad did it. This is why he asks. He looks disappointed at the answer, but nods.

Riosan stands up quickly and grins broadly at Marsalos before asking calmly, "Are we to leave all other jewelry at home as well? Rings or bracelets for identification and such." *Firan*

Marsalos nods. "Yes. Defeinitely leave your jewellery and any ID at home. The last thing you want is to have something on your body saying 'Hey, I've got expensive stuff and I live THAT WAY'." *Firan*

Lemachus has adopted the slightly glazed look of someone who owns barely anything, but he is trying to listen dutifully anyway.

Riosan nods very seriously at Marsalos and says, "Thank you, M'Lord." He sits down and looks down at his ring, spinning it carefully on his finger. *Firan*

Marsalos nods and looks around at the others. "Are there any other questions on what to bring or what not to bring?" *Firan*

Tyrsun smiles a bit grimly at the talk of jewelry and IDs, and glances over towards Donos as he converses with Tagda, before turning back to watch Marsalos again.

Thaddia alternates between watching Marsalos and watching those in the audience. The Princess hasn't been to the front before, but it's clear that she's eager to get there and do her part.

Tanya frowns at a sudden thought after Marsalos's 'hey I've got' statement and her head swings in the direction of Donos.

Balinda says "Scrolls or journals permitted to be kept?"" *Firan*

Marsalos nods to Balinda. "Getting to that in just a second actually, Dame Balinda, hold on to that. If that's it, we'll move on to battlefield protocol that you should know. First order of business: 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. Are there any questions about that?" *Firan*

Niobe grins darkly at the mention of no saluting or rank calling. Because... that's good for scum that doesn't know what from what.

Riosan shakes his head at that question and leans forward to pay close attention so as to avoid missing anything important.

Tagda glances over to Tyrsun briefly as she keeps muttering with Donos. Official business and all that. The mention of a mermaid and a log can be heard, but then she goes quiet again.

Marsalos gives it a couple seconds more for questions on that point, skimming faces in the crowd.

Thaddia frowns at a sudden thought. Her gaze flicks towards Donos' direction, but she doesn't offer any questions at Marsalos' prompt.

Quenna raises her hand.

Apalonius raises his hand, too.

Marsalos motions to Quenna. "Go ahead, Sentry." *Firan*

Melani is late, but makes no apologies for it. She simply heads to a place in the back and takes up a position for listening and observing.

Quenna says "Does this include nobility titles?" *Firan*

Tagda says "Yes." *Firan*

Tanya sees her sister and scoots to the next chair so that Melani can sit.

Marsalos is about to reply but that Tagda does. So he doesn't. Moving on to Apalonius, he nods. "Sentry?" *Firan*

Apalonius asks, "Sir, without insignia or titles, how do we recognize officers? Should we trust it if someone gives an order, or only follow instructions from officers we've met and recognize?" And will there be floggings for not obeying orders from unfamiliar officers, or with bad memories? Apalonius looks concerned. *Firan*

"The only people who should be giving you orders are those who are supposed to be doing so," Marsalos replies. "You should know your chain of command back to front and up and down, as largely that is where your orders are going to be coming from. Those who don't know their chain of command, memorise it. Swiftly. As yes, there are severe consequences for failing to follow an order. If you receive one, follow it."

Melani grimaces at something, remembering something that is, and suddenly heads out... fast.

"Thank you, sir," Apalonius says, though he doesn't look tremendously comforted by this answer.

Lemachus's brow knits, and he hunches his shoulders a little where he sits, but he doesn't volunteer any questions at this tine. Or time.

You say "Is there anything else on the topic of address on the battlefield?" *Firan*

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. Are there any questions there?" *Firan*

Elvetus raises his hand again, and speaks his question. "/Should/ we bring our own stores of food, and if so, how much, and of what types?" *Firan*

Tanya mutters, "Fruitcake packs well." She knows. *Firan*

Tagda watches Marsalos intently as she whispers again to Donos. Then, she crosses her arms over her chest and surveys the rest of the group carefully, taking note on who is here and who is not.

Prima slips in when she said she would, she moves around the edges of the group and then settles against the wall as she falls into what is being spoken of.

Marsalos eyes Elvetus. "My memory must have gone, because I could swear that was Item Four not fifteen minutes ago, Sentry. Preserved meat or fruit, non-perishable items. Bring what you can without hugely overburdening yourself." ((OOC This will depend somewhat on your size/muscle)) *Firan*

You say "Any other questions on that point?" *Firan*

You say "Moving on then, and to address Dame Balinda's earlier question. Third: Mail will be going back and forth from the front to home. You are allowed to wbring scrolls and write home. However, you are not allowed to put in writing -- in letters or in journals -- 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*

Apalonius raises his hand again.

Lemachus's frown deepens and he studies his hands for a long moment.

Marsalos nods to Apalonius. "Yes, go ahead." *Firan*

Apalonius says "Are we allowed to mention individual injuries or deaths, m'lord? If we are hurt, or if someone we know is hurt? Not numbers, just individuals." *Firan*

Tyrsun crinkles his brow at the mention of letter writing, and then takes his own turn stealing a glance here and there of who's here and who's not. He smirks faintly about something, then, and then stands up straight, keeping his arms well away from his chest.

Riosan furrows his brow deeply as this question comes up and looks slightly uncomfortable as he looks down to the floor and shuffles his feet slightly.

Bashar lurks quietly in the back, attentive but silent for the moment. His eyes turn from Marsalos, to Apalonius, and back to Marsalos.

You say "The best answer is no, Sentry, don't detail yours or another's injuries. Before you write, it's always best ask yourself: "Would I want my enemy knowing this?", and err on the side of caution." *Firan*

Apalonius nods. He doesn't look very surprised by the answer, but it is always best to ask, right? Though why a Hydran is asking questions about letters to home is a whole other issue.

Marsalos nods once. "Any other questions on that before I move on to my final point? *Firan*

Tagda leans against the wall and runs her hand over the scar on her cheek. She listens to all of the questions and pretty much ignores the answers, since she's been there and done that.

Thaddia shakes her head, completely unnecessarily indicating a lack of questions on her part.

You say "Finally and most importantly: Learn and respect your chain of command. This may sound painfully obvious, but you would be shocked. The front is not a place to whine, 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 it isn't a joke. Stay in contact with your CO at all times, and -follow orders-."

He pauses briefly after that, then goes on. "Now, the floor is open if you have any questions on what's been covered or anything that hasn't been covered. We have plenty of veterans here, so ask what you like now."" *Firan*

"I would just like to remind everyone," Tagda pushes herself off of the wall now and sort of takes the floor, albeit briefly. "What the consequences are for not following orders at the front."

Lemachus searches out Thaddia amongst the assembled soldiery almost reflexively. Having found his CO in case he needs to stay in contact with her, he looks back towards Marsalos and shifts in his seat, loosely clasping his hands in his lap -- perhaps to indicate the relative unlikelihood of them being raised.

Tanya isn't sure and she's been gone for a while so she raises her hand and asks, "How are we informed where we are assigned?" *Firan*

Drumroll please! Tagda pauses for dramatic effect, but then just comes out and says it, "If you refuse to take or follows orders at the Front, it is punishable by death...either there, or when you are returned home. Personally, for my pilots, if anyone disobeys any orders given to them, I can promise you'll end up with an arrow somewhere in your anatomy. I can not promise you will walk away from it. You compromise our forces, and you risk your life. It is as simple as that. There's no time to second guess your COs. Do as you are told."

Tagda goes back to leaning against the wall then. It is as if that was an issue last war season or something!

Marsalos silent as Tagda speaks about her thing, then asks Tanya quietly. "You haven't been placed in a squad yet, Lady Captain?" *Firan*

Thaddia gives Lemachus a little nod of acknowledgement, but her attention is mostly on Marsalos and the details he's giving out.

Tanya says "Not that I am aware of, Lord Captain." *Firan*

Riosan listens to Tagda's explanation seriously, though the grin does not slip from his face. He then raises his hand to be called on whenever seems fitting.

Donos says, "Lady Captain Tanya has just returned from detached duty for her Clan. I'm not even sure I've had a formal transfer request from the first for heryet. However, if you check the duty rosters and notices in the officer's lounge and barracks, Lady Tanya, you will see a number of briefings. Assignments and..a great deal of other matters will be dealt with in those." His lips quirk up into a smile. "I think clerk or somesuch was your request, was it not?"

Alastor snorts a little, at the general's question.

Arik eases his way into the room quietly. He smells of smithy and has ingots and feathers at hand. He frowns vaguely at the comment from Tagda, earning a glance towards the Commander. Luckily frowning is his natural state so it isn't anything particularly noticeable.

Tanya looks over at Donos. "Nothing from General Taleena?" Someone's sister is going to be in big trouble. "Errr, clerk? No Sir, I think my request was mixed up with someone else's." Anyone elses. *Firan*

Tagda squinty eyes at Arik, ""hat are you doing back here?""She wonders. *Firan*

Marsalos purses his lips, trying not to smile. As Donos seems to be handling Tanya's issue, he motions to Riosan. "Go ahead, Sentry." *Firan*

Karish makes his way into the Barracks quietly. He's a first timer, so he's taking it slow.

Riosan stands up quickly and salutes Marsalos. His grin then expands nearly across his face and dimples show up as he asks, "After we take Ellish, do we plan to move on Shamibel or secure control first?" *Firan*

Jericho has been sitting in the back talking with Umut on the finer ways to make Roast Fowl. Hes heard all this before, its been dirlled into his head. He nods now and then to the advice Marsalos gives, but mostly remains quiet.

Donos's wry smile threatens to spread as he tilts his head towards Tanya. "Ahh, no doubt. You'll be under Prince Commander Argin, I'll make sure you get your orders before he returns from liasing with the 3rd." *Firan*

Tanya can't help it. She stares for a long moment at Riosan.

Arik meets Tagda's gaze absently, "Serving my Clan, Commander. If there is a more in depth response required, perhaps it would best be offered at the end of the Lord Captain's briefing." *Firan*

Tagda twitches at the mention of Shamibel.

Marsalos snorts at Riosan, not sounding particularly amused. "That's not a concern for this particular session, Sentry. Are there any other questions having to do with -preparation- or -battlefield concerns-?" *Firan*

Riosan nods at Marsalos and sits down with a slightly sheepish grin on his face. Though a confident glint in his eyes is still very present.

"Don't be sassy, Centurion." Tagda half-chides. But mostly she smiles at having Arik back.

Karish lingers near the back to listen.

Tanya looks at Donos and says, "Lord General, what division might Commander Argin be overseeing?" She's not trusting that smile he's trying to hold back. It better not be supplies. *Firan*

Arik's eyebrow lifts higher twitching faintly at Tagda's comment. "Sassy, I'm fairly sure, is not one of my characteristics Commander." His gaze fixes back upon Marsalos then. *Firan*

You say "Very well. 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, for my part. Those who wished to learn basic appraisal of their weapons or armour may speak up now." *Firan*