>Say <Huh, I would have liked to keep the talking to only Theo but whats done is done. We are entities that have the power alter reality. We are not demons, spirits, angels or any other such crap. We wish to help you protect the city and stop an attacks on it. Don't freak out and do something stupid.>
Actions: Gerlof sputters for a bit.
Theodoor says, "So there is a Tritheist plot afoot, isn't there? I knew it!"
>Task_Set <Gerlof>,<Become a wizard>,<1,000>
Task set.Warning: Task value is too low. The chances of the task being processed are small.>Object_Create_Message <You have been given a QUEST. Use it wisely.> <Floor>
Actions: Gerlof jumps back as the message is created. Theodoor only mutters and crosses himself.
Theodoor says, "You should give more warning when you're about to do that."
Aldert, Werner, Hubert, Adriaan, Alfred, Lambert and Koos run out of the inn, followed closely by Tom Baanders.
Tom yells, "Form up in front of the guard house, you lazy gits! You may be the ugliest bastards to ever crawl out of the pits, but by the Lord I'll have you all fit and ready when those blasted Danam come!"
Theodoor and Gerlof join the ragged line as Tom Baander inspects it, hurling abuse at anybody who doesn't meet his standards. After each soldier has met his abuse in turn, the line is a little straighter and prouder.
Tom Baanders peers down the road, "Did Elbert say how far the Danam were behind him?"
Theodoor says, "No. He did not."
Tom laughs, "Well it's a good time for a drill as any. Stand straight men. If I see you slouching I'll have your hide!"
Everyone except for Theodoor, Adriaan and Alfred shifts uneasily at the prospect of standing at ready until the Danam arrive. As the sun rises over the horizon the soldiers shift and fidget, only to be forced back into position by Tom. Eventually several people staying at the inn stick their heads out of the windows to watch Tom, hooting and joining in with a few of their favourite curses. Twenty five minutes later the sound of marching can be heard. Tom gives the line one final inspection, finishing just as the Danam march into view.
Danam Pike Company: Each soldier is equipped with a short pike, about 3 meters in length, along with a backsword at their side for emergencies. Each soldier wears an undyed woollen tunic and pants, along with leather boots. For armour they are equipped with a cuirass and a simple helmet, both stored safely in their large packs for the long march.
One hundred and twenty pikemen are in the pike company, each of them short and stout with red eyes and short blonde hair. Riding in front of the company is Captain Mannix Carran and his wife Aithne Monahan, accompanied with 10 guards, all on horses and armoured head to toe. Large two-handed swords rest comfortably in their hands as they ride. Trailing behind the pikemen are three covered wagons surrounded by camp followers and servants, along with a simple carriage, its curtains drawn against the rising sun.
The people staying in the inn watch as the Danam pass, yelling a few insults at the impassive pikemen. Tom Baanders and his men mutter darkly among themselves.
Werner Beumers whispers, "What do those blasted Danam think they're up to?"
Theodoor mutters, "From what I've heard? They're thinking of taking the city."
Aldert says incredulously, "They're after old Bakwer? Even if they armed all of their number they'd only have, what, two hundred men? The militia would still outnumber them two to one, and they still have some of that Alchemist powder from when Vela was governor."
All the soldiers cross themselves.
Tom whispers, "Aye, and if they did make it into the city there'd be a marksmen in every window, eager to take down a Tritheist in the name of the Lord. They'd need more than this merger band to take the city."
Alfred says, "Still, I wouldn't like to tangle with those mounted bastards. They look like knights of yore, eager to smite down some heathens."
The rest of the guards mutter in agreement.