The Gathering Storm
Robert
the War Dog returns from the Marshals grumbling, ŇThey failed my helm. The bars
on the face grill are too far apart.Ó Oswulf grabs the faulty helm and proceeds
to wrap each bar with a layer of duct tape. Two minutes later Robert charges
off towards the MarshalsŐ tent with a barely passable helm...
Get
a ride to the battlefield if you can. Pickup trucks are good because they are
open to the air, and you can pile lots of gear and people in them.
If
not, then you will experience the first horror of war, the forced march. Put on
your armor and get ready to hike.
HereŐs
a good way to sling your shield over your shoulder if you didnŐt build a sling
on it. Push the point of your sword through the arm loop and into the handgrip
on your shield. Grasp the hilt of your sword and rest the blade on your
shoulder with your shield behind you. I like to call it the mercenaryŐs
parasol.
Find
your unitŐs mustering point. This will be the place near the battlefield where
all of your friends are lounging around, or frantically strapping on bits of
armor with duct tape.
Inspection
ItŐs
time to put on your helm, grab your Fighter Authorization Card, and find a
Marshal.
Here
are some of the key things the Marshal will be looking for:
Helm
- There should be no opening in the helm large enough for a one inch diameter
dowel to enter the helm. This includes face grills, air holes-anything. Your
helm should be securely fastened to your head. When the Marshal pushes on the
front of the helm, the grill should not touch your nose.
Gorget
- Your AdamŐs apple and cervical vertebra should be covered. A sword should not
easily reach your face from below.
Cup
- Wear it! Women obviously need different groin protection, but it is no less
important.
Most
inspection problems can be fixed with the judicious application of duct tape.
If your gear fails inspection, the Marshal may even tell you how to fix it.
Now
go back to your unit, pop your top and relax. No, really, just hang out and try
to stay cool. War is often a case of Ňhurry up and wait,Ó so be ready for it.
If
your helmet is not on your head, it should be under your shield or in the
shade. There are few things worse than cramming your head into a steel helm,
only to discover that it is hot enough to fry eggs.
Take
a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your unit. You may often fight with
people you donŐt know well. If you all wear the same tabard itŐs simple to
identify your allies in battle. If not, look at your friendsŐ shields, their
helmets, and the color of their armor. Look at allied units assembling close
by.
Unless
you spend lots of time training to fight as a unit, the basic chain of command
is this; shieldmen in front take orders from guys with big sticks standing
behind them. When moving in a line, follow the guy on your right.
Five
minutes! When the Marshals give the five-minute warning, you can ignore it if
you have all of your gear together. If not, start running...
Hats
and bats! When you hear this, get your helm on, and get into formation, cohort,
horde, crowd, or bunch. The starting cannon is about to fire.
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