[Royal Guard] A Call For Volunteers

[Dan]

(Please see Mark's earlier email about the Banners plot for more details.)

Unto all members of the Royal Guard in Drache:

We have recently received word from Gerd ul-Alfrith Elgire, Aptentrod* 
of Valkthres, concerning increased bandit activity along the northern 
reaches of the Darian in an area called Whitepool, near to both the 
Elgar Forest and the Ruthmarnan border. While the countryside is not 
usually our responsibility, I have received word that the Border Watch 
is contending with an unusual amount of raiding by the Assi in the 
disputed border zone of Eastern Arangoth, and cannot provide enough 
manpower to deal with the situation alone. In addition, the request for 
aid has come from a fellow guardsman.

Therefore, I have been commanded by the Sithire to raise a contingent of 
volunteers to travel north to Valkthres and investigate the situation, 
and cooperate with representatives of the Border Watch in dealing with 
the bandits and making sure that travel by road and by river between 
Ruthmarna and Transdariania is made safe again.

This is a dangerous situation, and hazard bonuses may be awarded if 
circumstances merit it. Sheriff Elgire made it clear that he fears for 
his life, and may be dead by the time you reach Valkthres. It would not 
be unwise to treat anyone claiming to be Elgire with a degree of 
suspicion until his identity can be verified. Sheriff Elgire also 
noticed some unusual behavior on the part of the local Vorfon, who has 
taken on new guards who rebuffed the Aptentrod from the manor. Be aware 
that you may not have the cooperation of the local lord and his retinue 
in your investigation.

If anyone is interested in volunteering for this assignment in 
Valkthres, please notify me** forthwith so I may organize the expedition 
and give the volunteers further instruction.

Me enxenim,

Lucius von Stahl
Captain of the Royal Guard in Drache

29. III. 474.

[Seal Affixed]

----------------------

* Aptentrod literally means "Overseer" in Arangothian. As a Guard rank, 
it translates into common as Sheriff or Constable. An Aptentrod is equal 
to a Sergeant in the rank hierarchy, and are posted as  representatives 
of the Guard in small villages in the countryside. The local lord's 
guards usually serve as an Aptentrod's deputies when he needs 
reinforcements.

** Email the list if you want to volunteer a Guard character. As Mark 
said, this plot could take a while, so it could result in your character 
being out of Drache and out of the inn for several weeks.