[19:00 GMT]

19:00 GMT - BARONIAL MONGBAT HUNT, BRING YOUR MONGBAT HUNTING HOUNDS! OTHER CREATURES MAY BE CONSIDERED. RALLY OUTSIDE THE BARRACKS!

20:00 GMT - PROMOTIONS AND AWARDS PARADE, BARRACKS ROOFTOP! LATECOMERS WILL BE BOOED THOROUGHLY!

20:30 GMT - WEDDING OF LEANNE AND ELIZABETH 'PICKLES' MARTIN - STRICTLY INVITE ONLY

[19:00 GMT -]

19:00 GMT - OPEN AIR MASS HELD IN YEW, GATHER AT THE CHAPEL FOR TRANSPORT AT 18.55 SHARP!

20:00 GMT - PROMOTIONS AND AWARDS PARADE, ALL TROOPS TO THE BARRACKS ROOFTOP!

[S]

Squire Casseiul,

Thy loyalty and good character being demonstrated, thy time in the Order as a Squire is to come to an end...pending the completion of thy trials herein. You hath begun to show the demeanour and prowess required of those who may eventually don the garb of a Templar. Though thou doth have far still to go, should thee pass thy trials and demonstrate Avatar's approval, you shalt continue on this path as a Templi Initiate.

Trial One
The relationship between our Order and the Guardsmen is an important one for Cove, but one that always needs cultivation. You hath witnessed the growth of the Undead, and ventured into Doom to seek them out with the Guardsmen. Though you slew many, you left His work undone. Staying to perish in the face of overwhelming odds doth not please Avatar, but neither doth retreat. Thou shalt rally thy allies in the army and seek out another den of undeath suitable to thy skill and see it wiped clean. You may consider bringing a Cleric to cleanse the place after thy work is done.

Trial Two
Thy physical might hath improved drastically, and thou art more than capable militarily of taking on the role of Initiate. However, we require final proof of their spiritual piety. Write a treatise on what you hath learned of the Virtues in thy time as a Squire. Reflect on the extent to which thou doth embody them, and where thou art in want of improvement. The ability to honestly reflect on thy spirituality is an essential aspect of being a Templar.

Trial Three
You shalt lead a training of your fellows, delivering all knowledge of combat that thou hath acquired in thy time in the Order.

Trial Four
Without our Sisters, the Order would be as a household without a Mother. While we are the sword of Avatar, without their wisdom we are liable to stray too far into the realm of Valour at the cost of all else. Obtain the approval of one of our Clerics, fulfilling any tasks they set to demonstrate thy suitability to them.

Trial Five
Commitment to our fellow Brother is what enabled the Order to survive in its darkest hour. In time, this bond shall be tested again and again. It is better to be few and trusted, than many and splintered. Seek out the approval of a Templar and convince him that thou art ready and able to stand at their side as his Brother. Perform the tasks that they set thee, should they consider this desirable.

*signed sternly*

Sir Hugo of Rothermere

[19:00 GMT:]

19:00 GMT: MASS IN NUJEL'M - RALLY AT THE CHAPEL SHARPISH FOR TRANSPORT TO THE NEWLY AVATARIAN COLONY!

20:00 GMT: VICTORY PARADE IN NUJEL'M - CITIZENS AND GUARDSMEN ALIKE ALL WELCOME TO COME AND REJOICE!

21:00 GMT:  EXPEDITION TO DOOM LED BY ARCANIST CORPORAL PICKLES!

[It was in the darkest hour that heroes are made.]

The Covian wounded solemnly filed past the barracks in a long chain, holding onto one another for support, still coated in blood and sand. Hastily applied bandages from the medical post decorated nearly every one of them, a sorry sight to behold. Many more had been left in the lunar landscape of Nujel'm, face down in the sand. The ragged Covian standard fluttered weakly in the light breeze, the men ashen faced. Tiberius looked on, it was a sight he'd seen dozens of times before - yet it never got any easier. Fighting on, without their allies, against superior numbers. How could they hope to win? He frowned at the question, gripping his halberd tightly. It was in the darkest hour that heroes are made.

****

The undead and orcs circled all around the mercenary formation, the Yewish militiamen in sight but too far to reach, the two formations cut off from one another. Arrows whizzed by, the forces of the Guardian sensing the smaller band of mercenaries were more vulnerable, directing all their might against them. Recruits began to fall beneath the darting figures, the ranks mercenary ranks thinning, fear setting in. Tiberius looked around, sweat pooling beneath his helm. The determined eyes of Greystone met his for a moment. The duo said nothing, but they knew what had to be done. Tiberius suddenly barked an order: "STAY IN FORMATION!" Greystone grabbed a faltering soldier, shoving him back into the ranks. The men closed shoulder to shoulder. Heal. Attack. Move. Heal. Never breaking sight of each other, as one, the few shadow clad hired swords started to push back the Guardian's minions.

****

The enemies were different, but the methods were the same. The first two battles had won not only by numbers, but by team work. Sticking within sight of each other, healing, attacking and moving as one. It was an age old problem, but easy victories could soon lead to easy defeats. The men had come a long way from when this war began, but there was much more for them to learn. Tiberius adjusted his cap, before saluting to the passing soldiers. They had lost the battle, but he was going to try with all his might to make sure they didn't lose the damned war.

[19:00 GMT - AVATARIAN MASS, CONGREGATE AT THE CHAPEL TO CLEANSE THY SOUL!20:00 GMT - THE LONG AWAITED SUMMER FAIRE AT MEMORIAL SQUARE - ALL ALLIES WELCOME, GUARDSMEN MAY DRESS OFF DUTY, DRINK AND MAKE MERRY! BUY THINGS! 21:00 GMT - THE BATTLE AGAINST THE VESPERIAN BEARPIGS CONTINUES! ALL ARE TO RALLY OUTSIDE THE BARRACKS AFTER THE MARKET TO PREPARE FOR BATTLE! THE YEWISH MILITIA WILL NOT BE JOINING US THIS TIME, SO MAKE SURE YOU ARE THERE! COVE DEPENDS ON YOU!]

19:00 GMT - AVATARIAN MASS, CONGREGATE AT THE CHAPEL TO CLEANSE THY SOUL!

20:00 GMT - THE LONG AWAITED SUMMER FAIRE AT MEMORIAL SQUARE - ALL ALLIES WELCOME, GUARDSMEN MAY DRESS OFF DUTY, DRINK AND MAKE MERRY! BUY THINGS!

21:00 GMT - THE BATTLE AGAINST THE VESPERIAN BEARPIGS CONTINUES! ALL ARE TO RALLY OUTSIDE THE BARRACKS AFTER THE MARKET TO PREPARE FOR BATTLE! THE YEWISH MILITIA WILL NOT BE JOINING US THIS TIME, SO MAKE SURE YOU ARE THERE! COVE DEPENDS ON YOU!

[Gather at the barracks at 8 PM GMT sharpish to prepare for our defence of Nujel'm against the Vesperian hordes!The full schedule of battles for the campaign can be found HERE.]

Gather at the barracks at 8 PM GMT sharpish to prepare for our defence of Nujel'm against the Vesperian hordes!

The full schedule of battles for the campaign can be found HERE.

[Who, if not him?]

****

Tiberius awoke in a haze, his humble cottage in the Covetowne covered more in empty ale bottles than furnishings. He let out a long sigh, running his hand through his grey hair before staring into the basin of water. It was no longer the fresh faced young mercenary staring back. He was old now. He grunted, for a brief moment reflecting on it. But out of the window, he caught a glimpse of a proud watchman already manning the walls of Cove, the tan banners fluttering behind him. Tomorrow, he might be dead. Every generation has their war - that's army life. But this one... were they ready for it? He moved over to a wardrobe, slowly turning the heavy iron key. He pulled a pristine sash from it, looking over his campaign medals, some Tel'marian, some Covian. The battles of the East Post. The wars against the Undead and the Orcs. The Kaldor Campaign. The Minoc Campaign. The Battle of Yew Abbey. The medals abruptly stopped, causing him to pause. There was still room for one more. He shot a half grin to himself, snatching the sash up and putting it on. Who, if not him?

He'd seen more Covian soldiers march out from the parade ground than he cared to remember. He'd been drilling soldiers in the art of war for well... seemingly as long as war itself had been around. But with all the glory hunting and parading, they'd gone soft. Then again, maybe so he had he. He eyed the collection of ale bottles, grabbing each in turn and hurling them from his window into the bay. Enough. He quickly pulled on his armour, stepping into his boots, using the water's reflection to make sure his cap was properly in place. He unhooked the halberd from its latch above the hearth, throwing his door open before striding out into the Covian sunrise, running swiftly along the coast, shooting the watchman a hurried salute. It was time. Before long he'd reached the barracks, ringing the bell frantically. "COVIANS, TO ARMS! TO ARMS!!!!"

****

Few came at first. The untrusted watchman Tingleith and Regular Cowin ambled up the stairs. Hell, may as well start with the those in need of most training Tiberius smirked to himself. He lent on his halberd. Soon the Yewish militiamen arrived in healthy numbers, and the odd scout Eben slunk onto the grounds, the sheepish Junior Palmer tardy but in tow. Lastly one of the Churchmen arrived - the Initiate is all they seemed to call him. Didn't say much, but certainly had kept his armour shining. It was quite a motley crew, but this was never going to be easy. It was time to start with the basics. What wins wars? Healing. Targeting. Listening to Orders. Preparation. But most of all - being bloody awake in the first place.

With Palmer, Sward and Captain Wilkes laying into them, the assembled troops on the parade ground had a sharp wake up call delivered to their shoulders, stomachs, and just about everywhere else. A few collapsed straight away, unable to keep up with the pace of the healing training. Tiberius wrestled them gruffly to their feet. Targeting was next. Everyone loves running about like headless chickens - may as well let them get used to it. He let all the troops on the parade ground race off around the arena, calling each in turn to be downed. They were improving. Just a little. Time for the real shock.

He nodded to the scout and the shimmering portal to Nujel'm was opened, the blazing heat bearing down on them as soon as they stepped through, dust whirling all around in the acrid air. "HOPE YOU LIKE HEAT, BOYS!" Tiberius bellowed, a bead of sweat on his brow. The town square had been prepared, Cowin and Wilkes taking charge of the teams. In the confined space of that dainty square, sword met arrow, spells shot by.  Shocked footmen and trainees littered the floor, heat and exertion wearing them down. The Covians weren't faring much better.

Tiberius grunted, sliding his helm on. He slipped into Cowin's team and sent Captain Wilkes to defend the Palace. He huddled the men around. Targets. Healing. Team work. He glanced between the gathered few souls, nodding as they set out. The fighting in the Sultan's palace was fierce - the long corridors reverberating with the thudding  sound of running boots. Priceless heirlooms clattered to the floor. Militiamen and Covians fought atop tables. The Initiate ran by with a train of assailants in tow, parrying their blows with ease. "Is that all you can muster!?" he chided them. The whole thing was chaotic, loud, confusing and too damn hot. Just like a real war, Tiberius grinned to himself. The men were battered - but they were starting to get it.

The palace thoroughly remodelled, they returned to the square. Covians and Yewlanders divided fully into their own teams at last. The Covians nodded to each other with determined purpose before the strength of their combined arms swiftly overcame that of their allies. Tiberius and the others briskly helped the Yewlanders up, before he surveyed the men. Just the free for all left.

All took their place in the crowded square, arms gleaming as the high sun reflected on them, each man marking his opponent. The silence was broken by Tiberius' bark: "GO!" Mayhem and the clash of steel upon steel was soon all that could be seen or heard, and many were swift to fall. He knew after running a gruelling training, most liked nothing better than to have their revenge and he was soon kissing the stone and sand himself as Sheriam's sword glanced off his helm. Eventually the ranks thinned to just two: Sheriam and the Initiate, toe toe toe, shield to shield. All watched on with surprise and intrigue in this contest between the Army and the Church; but just as their blades locked, the Junior suddenly stepped back and yielded. Was she afraid to offend Avatar? Or did she just not want to be knocked on her arse? Who knows.

Tiberius glanced around the impromptu training ground with a contented nod. The men were exhausted, sandy, and bruised. But above all - they were ready. Hell, they might even stand a chance in the war to come.

****

Covian Attendees:

(Hosting) Senior Guardsman: Tiberius Kane
Arcanist Corporal: Elizabeth Martin
Regular Guardsman: Jassi Cowin
Junior Scout: Eben Roichar
Junior Guardsman: Sheriam Palmer
Untrusted Watchman: Tingleith
Initiate: Danaeyl

[TOMORROW (21st of August)]

Guardsmen! Churchmen! Citizens! YOU ARE CALLED TO ARMS!

The Nujel'm campaign launches TOMORROW (21st of August) and will run over two weeks!

Warm up battle - Tuesday 21st August: RALLY AT 20:00 GMT!

1st Battle - Thursday 23rd August: RALLY AT 21:00 GMT!

2nd Battle - Sunday 26th August RALLY AT 21:00 GMT!

3rd Battle - Wednesday 29th August RALLY AT 20:00 GMT!

4th Battle - Monday 3rd September  TIME TBC

5th Battle - Thursday 6th September TIME TBC

This is your chance to be part of a proud Covian history. Don't let the Covian banner fall! Take your place in the ranks of the great men and women who have fought for Cove! DO YOUR BARON AND COUNTRY PROUD!

[REAL]

Maggots. Cowards. Fresh faced fleas.

Rally on the barracks roof top for some REAL war training this evening, 8.30 sharp!

*signed*

Senior Guardsman Kane

[18:00 REPAIR HOUR - BARRACKS STORES, BE THERE, OR BE RUSTY!19:00 MASS FEATURING A SPECIAL GUEST! GATHER AT THE CHAPEL SHARPLY!20:00 PROMOTIONS & DEMOTIONS PARADE! CLEAN YOUR HALBERD!]

18:00 REPAIR HOUR - BARRACKS STORES, BE THERE, OR BE RUSTY!

19:00 MASS FEATURING A SPECIAL GUEST! GATHER AT THE CHAPEL SHARPLY!

20:00 PROMOTIONS & DEMOTIONS PARADE! CLEAN YOUR HALBERD!

[G]

Grenadiers,

You are to assist the Baron's Bailiff in his invaluable work of collecting revenues from licenses and Covian properties. Non-payers shall soon be visited and you will provide protection and encouragement for the Bailiff during these visits.

Make it so!

****

*stamped with the Baron's seal*

[Name:]

Name: Jarvis Miller
Occupation: Miner and owner of the Miller Mining Corporation.

Licenses held: None.

Current shillings: 25

15: Speed it up
10: Civilising the bog

[1 shilling per cannon]

Craftsmen of Cove,

The Covian navy is in a dire state! How will we repel the Vesperian menace with naught but our booing and Covian swagger!?

I hereby commission the following:

10 heavy cannons, each one delivered to be paid at the rate of 1 shilling per cannon

10 light cannons, each one delivered to be paid at the rate of 1 shilling per cannon

1000 heavy cannon balls (1 shilling per 100)

1000 light cannon balls (1 shilling per 100)

100 fuse cord (1 shilling per 10)

100 charges (1 shilling per 10)

Post your reports of crafting these magnificent weapons of war below!

****

*stamped with the Baron's seal*

I made a few sketches myself! If you need any help on your tome, don't hesitate to ask.











*signed*

Jarvis Miller