Emily leads Jericho through a side gate into the guard yard behind the noble quarter. Lanterns hang from iron hooks, illuminating recruits, veteran watchers, practice dummies, and rain-dark stones.
Rin accompanies them, her silver-white hair bright beneath the lantern glow. The nobles remain inside Flores's hall, carrying news of the alliance and the expedition toward Trent.
Emily
Stand straight. Watch the gates, not merely the prince. A guard that protects one person while missing the danger around him protects nobody.
The recruits adjust their stances. Several veterans study Jericho's royal pin, while others examine Emily, measuring whether her command has truly begun.
Emily
At Trent, we will face ruined walls, hungry families, bandits, and every opportunist who believes rebuilding makes us weak. Discipline comes before glory.
Rin
And loyalty must have a reason beyond fear. These people will want to know what Prince Jericho means to protect, and why his banner deserves their lives.
Emily
Prince Jericho, the yard is listening. Tell them what your guard protects, and give them a reason to follow you into Trent.
✓ Quest Accepted
Strengthen Emily's confidence in Jericho's purpose.
“"Before me I see a group of young and talented men, yet with some experienced veterans sprinkled amongst you." I begin to pace around and address different groups of men. I see this as a negotiation between myself and the guards as a whole. "Most of you are here today because like many others in the kingdom you have suffered from the stagnation that came from the end of the succession war. What I am offering you all is a chance to escape the quagmire you find yourselves in." My voice begins to pick up and become more impassioned. "I am offering you all the chance to join me in the revival of the once great city of Trent! Those who join me will have the chance to have their names go down in history! All who join me in Trent will earn riches they could acquire no where else. Additionally for those who truly distinguish themselves, they will not only earn a fortune large enough to build a house from, but also landed titles of nobility."”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled +2)
Jericho paces through the guard yard, addressing the young recruits first, then the veterans who watch with guarded attention. Rain glistens on the stones beneath his steps.
Jericho Font Helmsworth
Most of you are here because, like many others in the kingdom, you have suffered from the stagnation left by the end of the succession war.
Jericho Font Helmsworth
I offer you a chance to escape that quagmire. Join me in the revival of the once-great city of Trent, and your names may go down in history.
Jericho Font Helmsworth
Those who join me there will find riches unavailable elsewhere. Those who truly distinguish themselves may earn fortunes enough to build houses, and landed titles of nobility.
Silence holds for a breath. Then a veteran lowers his spear from parade rest, and a young recruit steps forward. Around them, more guards straighten, their uncertainty giving way to calculation.
the guards
We will go to Trent. Give us terms, Prince Jericho, and we will serve beneath your banner.
Emily
Then you have your first ranks, Prince. They heard an offer of purpose, not merely promises of comfort. I will make sure their discipline matches their ambition.
Formalize the guards' service beneath Jericho's banner.
Quest Complete
Strengthen Emily's confidence in Jericho's purpose.