VoiD

The Imperial Dragoons — A Flintlock Fantasy RP [Open]

Are you guys still recruiting new players?

@ArisenMoon

Yes, but you'll probably be the last one for a while!

@Not Fishing@Brocktree Each omadon is a group of five enlisted men led by one cornet (5+1). So the total for a bandon would technically be 31 men.

The Imperial Dragoons — A Flintlock Fantasy RP [Open]

Alright, the first IC post is up! Sorry it took a bit longer than I expected -- I ended up cutting about 30% of the post to use for the next one. Those of you who are fellow Sabres of Infinity fans will notice a few modest similarities too, ha.

Anyway, please don't feel like you have to start your introductory IC where I left off, though it is fine to do so. Go into as much detail as you want, have a flashback, anything you feel like. I'll do character meetings with the Captain as they come, and once everyone has had theirs I'll move the story along to the much-loved training montage.

As always, if you guys have any questions/complaints/etc, don't hesitate to PM me or post here in the OOC. Here's to what is hopefully a long-lived RP :)

The Imperial Dragoons — A Flintlock Fantasy RP [Open]

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do..."
—Ancient Roman idiom, attributed to St. Ambrose

The harbor of Nikomedia bustles with activity as you step off the gangway of the Imperial frigate and onto the crowded pier. All the sights and sounds of Byzantine port civilization greet you: hawkers of every ethnicity shouting in a variety of languages; a procession of Diakons with a Holy Cross twice the size of a man held aloft; merchants sequestering all manner of exotic spices, furs, and barrels of liquor onto heavy-set cargo ships; and throughout, a seemingly endless tide of people travelling to and fro in a chaotic mess of humanity. You are pressed into the mob almost against your will, and once inside, it is most reluctant to let you go. You desperately clutch the sheaf of papers you carry to your chest, as written on the yellowed sheets is the only proof you possess on who you are.

An Imperial Dragoon, in service to the Duke Andreas Alcaeus of Optimates — whose provincial capital you have just arrived in.

As you move into the upper-quarters of the city, you nervously check the documents for the umpteenth time to confirm this fact. Along with the detailed bureaucratical nonsense placing you in service to the Duke lies an order to report to your Moira commanding officer, one Captain Michael Philolakes, at the Duke's citadel upon your arrival. With this order yet again confirmed, you shield your eyes from the sun's glare as you follow the paved road leading to the imposing structure of gleaming white granite sitting atop the city's crest.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sometime later, you find yourself inside the cool interior of the newly-renovated citadel. Functionaries wearing the Duke's colors rush about, disappearing inside the labyrinthine passages of the massive fortification, while nearby a group of officers in the blue & gold of the Imperial Dragoons mingle smoking potent cigars. Some of the officers seem old enough to be your father, while others look barely a day past eighteen.

The threat of war with most of the Catholic world has drawn anyone with a commission or the funds to purchase one to regimental headquarters across the Empire. The Imperial Dragoons are evidently no exception; the promise of fame and glory attracts many, and those not consumed by these gentlemanly ideals are instead drawn to the ranks by the steady pay and the privileged postings inherent of cavalrymen in the Empire. You've even heard tell of some of the more famed cavalry regiments refusing to sell commissions, having become inundated with new officers. The entire Imperial tagmata seems to be readying itself for a war the likes of which has not been seen since the great religious conflicts that consumed Europe a century past. A war that some in the Empire fear it cannot possibly win.

Shaking such dark thoughts out of your head, you consider your options. The office of Captain Philolakes is on the opposite side of the Citadel, and with so many new recruits it likely will be a long wait before you have the chance to report in. You could head over anyway, but the good Captain would likely not be too averse if you did a bit of exploring beforehand. Perhaps you'd like to mingle with your fellow soldiers, or visit the enormous hippodrome which serves as the training grounds for the regiment. Whatever you decide, the Captain likely expects you in his offices within an hour, and any truly egregious tardiness will not be looked upon favorably. After all, your illustrious career in the Imperial Dragoons officially starts, as is typical for many things throughout the Empire, with paperwork. Paperwork which is naturally filled out by your commanding officer.

The Imperial Dragoons — A Flintlock Fantasy RP [Open]

<Snipped quote by Not Fishing>

@Not Fishing

Not at all, thanks for showing interest! I think @Brocktree summed it up fairly well, but what it basically boils down to is that this is a regiment of cavalry, so the officer-to-enlisted ratio is a lot lower than what you'd find in a typical infantry regiment. This is because the need to directly coordinate the men under a cavalry officer's command is much higher than that of a line infantry officer's -- relating back to their respective combat roles and the military tactics at the time. Line infantry simply don't need as much coordination as cavalry.

I based the organization of the army off of Napoleonic era armies (French & Prussian mostly), as well as the composition of the Imperial army in the Komnenian restoration. Of course, I changed some things around as I saw fit to better match the RP and make things less complex!

The Imperial Dragoons — A Flintlock Fantasy RP [Open]

As for everyone else, the IC is about 50% finished. I'm staying up late tonight, so I'm going to finish it and post it sometime around midnight/early morning so everyone can start working on their IC by tomorrow. Thank you for your patience everyone :)

@VoiD

@LordofthePies

The Imperial Dragoons — A Flintlock Fantasy RP [Open]

So are we all going to be in the same Platoon? Or will the Cornets and Lieutenant all have separate commands with the enlisted characters divided between them?

@Not Fishing

We will all be in the same Bandon (platoon). Most events will have everyone working together inside that group (so there will be available NPC characters to order around and redshirt), but Cornets will also have their own command in an Omadon (squad), so as the Lieutenant you may send a detachment of troops to perform some mission, etc.

The Imperial Dragoons — A Flintlock Fantasy RP [Open]

@Sirkaithethird Hey don't worry about it. And @Not Fishing actually just made the Lieutenant character, but cornets are always open.

The Imperial Dragoons — A Flintlock Fantasy RP [Open]

Milos

Name: Milos Karras
Nobility: Second son of a powerful Greek noble.
Sex: Male
Race: Greek
Age: 19

Physical Description: Milos stands at an imposing six foot five, with short dark brown hair that is always kept at less than an inch in length. His face is completely clean shaven, and he is quite determined to keep it that way. He has a light skin tone with a slight tan. His eyes are a piercing dark green, and often appear to be cold and calculating.

Moving down to the rest of his body, Milos has an above-average physique. While not overwhelmingly strong or muscular, he can still deliver a strong punch or bludgeon a foe with the hilt of his sabre, and is exceptionally agile and light on his feet, quick with both pistol and sword. His uniform is crisp, clean, and well-maintained, following regulations to the letter.

Rank: Lieutenant
Magic-Rank: N/A

Goals/Aspirations: As the second son, Milos is not set to inherit the family title, and his only path of advancement is either through business or the army. He has opted for the latter. He has two goals: the first is to rise through the ranks and bring wealth and prestige to his name, and by extension his family. His second goal is to serve the empire and his superiors with loyalty and diligence, but not necessarily without question.

Personality: Milos is not particularly likeable. He is often blunt and critical to both his equals and subordinates. While he shows the required deference to his superiors, he does not carry out their orders with any particular enthusiasm and will often question their plans if he notices what he deems a flaw. He is also a bit of a stickler for the rules. That said, he is loyal: to his superiors, to his friends, and to those who earn his respect. Furthermore, he does not take birth into account when dealing with others. He is courageous and unyielding on the battlefield, but has very few qualms with 'dishonorable' tactics such as pursuing fleeing soldiers or using his environment to gain an unfair advantage.

Backstory: The Karrases are a respectable noble family in Greece. While they are not particularly well-connected, they are exceptionally wealthy, with more than enough money to fulfill their financial obligations to the Empire, maintain their Estates, and enjoy the lavish lifestyle expected of the nobility.

Milos was the third of five children - three brothers and two sisters. He himself was the second son. While many of his siblings were quick to indulge in the privileges and luxuries available for nobles of their station, Milos instead focused on more practical pursuits. He sequestered himself in his family's library, studying history, military tactics, and science. He paid attention and always took an opportunity to learn, whether he was with his father and brothers on a hunting trip or being taught a lesson by his tutors.

Milos's older brother, Atheos, was, in many ways, his opposite. Where Milos was studious and diligent, Atheos was lazy and easily distracted. Where Milos was reserved and distant, Atheos was open and charismatic. This resulted in something of a rivalry between the two - Milos believed himself to be more capable than his brother, and Atheos sensed this, which led him to believe Milos would one day plot against him.

Then there was his younger brother, Nimos, the youngest of the family. Like Milos, Nimos possessed a sharp mind. However, unlike Milos, Nimos was shy and timid, quick to back down and defer to others when challenged. As a result, Milos ended up acting as a protective older brother, and the two formed a close bond.

When he was sixteen, Milos finally brought up his desire to join the army to his father. His father deliberated over the idea for a few days, before finally coming to a decision. Since Milos was the second son, it would come across as rather odd if he was given an officer's commission while the firstborn was not. So, he decided that his two eldest sons would join the army, which Atheos was quick to protest against, but eventually consented - he would not be outdone by his younger brother.

Atheos was given a commission in an infantry regiment, while Milos was sent to the Imperial Dragoons.

Milos's dutiful service, meticulous eye to detail, and commitment to his career eventually caught the notice of his superiors, who approved his promotion after nearly three years as a Cornet. His brother had achieved a promotion as well, just a year earlier, but it was not through merit - he had befriended his superiors and called upon family connections, much to Milos's annoyance. And finally, taking note of the increased tension to the west and suspecting that another war was on the way, their father had decided to buy Nimos a commission as well - in an artillery regiment.

That brings us to today. Milos's father has swore that he will buy no further promotions for his children, which means future advancement must come either through merit or through wealth that they have earned themselves.

@Not Fishing

Ah, finally a lieutenant. Interesting character, feel free to post in the CS. Welcome to the RP :)

@VoiD

Johann Von Nyon

Name: Johann Von Nyon
Nobility: Yes
Sex: Male
Race: Swiss
Age: 20
Physical Description: A lean man with sandy brown hair, aquamarine eyes, broad shoulders, weathered features showing that he is not new to work, he is strong though his outline might not show it.
Rank: Corporal
Magic-Rank: N/A
Goals/Aspirations: Johann wants to become an officer, in his town, Nyon, being an officer is the mark of a gentleman, he will not return with out the rank of Lieutenant or higher.
Personality: Johann is a perfect example of a gentleman, he is respectable, and lives up to his promises. One might describe him as cheerful, or optimistic, others see that in a time of stress Johann makes a joke out of anything. His goal to be a gentleman is almost his shortcoming, he goes out of his way to do good.
Backstory: The son of the Earl of Nyon, Johann grew up working for farmers in the hill sides He lived the same as a farm boy by request, waking early to do his duties, then going into town to sell milk in the afternoons. At the age of 10 the neighboring farm had a horse run away, little Johann coaxed the hose back to her owner. At that moment Johann fell in love with horses The small town all knew him and he knew everyone. But in Nyon it was expected that all men join an army at some point. 2 years ago Johann enlisted in the dragoons figuring that if he was to be in an army he would be around what he loved.

@Sirkaithethird

I'm going to need more than what you've posted here to feel comfortable accepting you. In particular, the backstory needs to be a minimum of three paragraphs. I would also go over your grammar/etc again, because you're missing a lot of punctuation and there are quite a few awkward/run-on sentences. Also note that the son of an Earl would not join the Dragoons as an enlisted man without a very good reason. I could go on - if you want help, feel free to PM me and we can go over this in more detail.

As for everyone else, the IC is about 50% finished. I'm staying up late tonight, so I'm going to finish it and post it sometime around midnight/early morning so everyone can start working on their IC by tomorrow. Thank you for your patience everyone :)

The Imperial Dragoons — A Flintlock Fantasy RP [Open]

@VoiD

That puts us at a full Omadon, maybe now would be an appropriate time to start IC?

@Brocktree

Yup, it will be posted most likely on Sunday, at the latest Monday evening.

The Imperial Dragoons — A Flintlock Fantasy RP [Open]

<Snipped quote by VoiD>

Brilliant. I note that, as I read this on a iphone screen, that we’re supposed to be at a training Depot right now?

@The Wyrm

Yes, RP-wise all characters will start at the Duke Alcaeus' holdings outside Nikomedia -- the Dragoon's mustering grounds and headquarters. If they are a trooper/cornet, they will be trained; otherwise they will help train the other characters. This is to allow everyone an easy character introduction as well as a trial-run of sorts for how I expect the IC's to work. It also allows me to do some world-building, which is nice.