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The southern territories of the Lothian Empire were the flattest stretches of land available to it, thus it was natural that many farms were built here. In the wake of the war, the long and vast plains spotted with mountains, valleys, and trees, once were yellow at this time of year, now green or brown with lands becoming more and more untended. Whether the crops were left to die in the middle of harvest, or had already been taken over by mother nature. Sitting amidst these lands was Garleton, once the booming city of the Empire's finest produce, now a fortified hold, dedicated to recruitment of soldiers for the war effort.

Garleton was a large castle town, but with a rather modest castle, which was unlike others within the Empire. The modesty of it once reminded the citizenry of the relationship between peasant and lord, but now lays mockery to this idea with it's current and well-hated Emperor. There is a certain air of reluctance around those who have come here to sign up for the war effort. For the mercenaries, it was another job, but for the citizens of the Empire, many are finding it difficult to fight for an Empire that is heralded by 'that' Emperor. Perhaps, if it were not for the young lordling sitting behind the registration tables for mercs and citizens alike to sign up for the war effort, many would not have decided to do so. A similar radiance to that of Elliot, a well-loved prince who had died just a few years back, to the people who beheld young Alnard, it gave them some semblance of hope. His bright face, and red hair that the first Emperor of Lothian had, was to them, the ideal beacon that the people needed.

It didn't take much to convince mercenaries, they signed up on the first day with money and jobs on their mind, but it took a few days for citizens to start coming in significant numbers. It wasn't until they heard one of the princes would be leading this little army, which was a rarity. Normally a prince would be given an elite guard, but it appears this was not the case. While some may have scoffed it off that it was suicide, an inexperienced prince leading an army was not promising, but sometimes, all people needed was something worth fighting for, and with hope they throw their lot in with him.

Within the tent behind the registration, the Prince spoke with his personal advisor, just one man, old, scarred, wearing heavy armor. The retired general Hadrick.

[color=598527]"When you made this request to your father the Emperor, even I was surprised. Had you given the word, we would have been willing to just give you a regiment of knights to command into battle"[/color], he commented. Hadrick stood tall, shoulders broad, while clean shaven, his hair was already whiting away, being a frizzy dark gray. He held two scars, one upon his chin, and the other just near his temple, just jutting out from his hairline. His eyes seemed to be constantly gaunt and judging those who came within view, and a constant half-frown. He was a man who command power with his presence, even in his old age.

[color=9e0b0f]"I'm aware Hadrick, but I had chosen to do this. I think the people need it. I had thought over what I could do to help in these times... Kalvas commanded an elite unit, while Fenris has... Well, last I heard he has gone to Dinas Afaraon. When I took a short tour of the countryside it occured to me the connection between the ruling class, and the citizenry was frayed. This is to..."[/color],

[color=598527]"Such a reason for recruiting troops? I would call you foolish. Training new troops is no easy task"[/color],

[color=9e0b0f]"Right, but as it is now, there are so few willing to fight for my father, I think the people need a new reason"[/color], as he uttered this, Hadrick began to smile, a genuine smile,

[color=aba000]"Hmph. Hehahahaha! To supplant your father in the people's minds! How shrewd! I had not thought you to have that kind of gut!"[/color],

[color=9e0b0f]"That... That was not my intention, but-"[/color]

[color=598527]"Say no more my prince, I understand. For now, I suggest you rest, perhaps take a walk around the town and see the people. You wanted to fix the connection between ruler and citizen did you not?"[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]"That is true but-"[/color],

[color=598527]"No no, let me handle the papers for our new recruits. I understand your motive, morale is very important for an army afterall"[/color], the young prince looked down at the papers of recruits and their forms, he pursed his lips for a moment, before looking back to Hadrick.

[color=9e0b0f]"Very well. I will be back in perhaps an hour. I'll expect a report when I return"[/color], with that he turned to the tent entrance and left, Hadrick bowing in response.



[center][h3]Instructions[/h3][/center]

[indent][indent][indent][indent][indent][indent][hider]The castle town of Garleton is rather small compared to many others, perhaps even only being a 1/5 of Edinburgh. In it's current state, it's quite busy and bustling, but mainly due to military presence and activity. There is currently a retinue of Reynes Knights stationed here too as additional defense in light of the Empire's military being stretched thin.

You are here in this town for one reason or another. Here for business as a merchant or part of a travelling group? Here to sign up for the war effort as a soldier, or as a mercenary? Perhaps you even live here. Regardless of the reason, this is where you are.

So what shall you do for now?

[b][color=ed1c24]If you are a recruit[/color][/b], you will be ordered to show the army trainers what you can do by picking a weapon of choice and fighting a soldier in a spar.

[b][color=ed1c24]If you are a mercenary[/color][/b], you can relax. Most of the mercenaries who signed up have either taken up camp just outside the walls, or are taking a drink at the tavern just down the road.

[b][color=ed1c24]If you are a citizen passing through[/color][/b], you will be doing your business. Whatever business that could be, that's up to you.[/hider]
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