Jenkins0311

Looking around his abode and remembering all that he left to come to Almaris, Guile sighed heavily. To him, all Almaris were his kin since he had none to speak of. Orcs, Elves, Humans, Dwarves.... Nobles and Common alike had taken him in. To Guile, this was another civil war seemed destined to endure again. Cleaning his home and writing a few letters to close friends, Guile closed the door to his home for the last time and headed to Eastfleet.

Once again, I am more impressed by the Children's politics than the Adults politics.

Is it bad that I find the politics of the children more interesting that the politics of the adults?

Hello everyone, I would like to first say thank you all again for making this a wonderful experience for me! I have been taking notes on what to add to Guile's Journal tomorrow and it was CRAZY everything that happened this past weekend! You guys and gals have been amazing to play with and work with. You are truly a dream come true! I have begun the first few sections of the book, and I wanted to make sure I included your inputs into what was going to be presented. So, please feel free to vote on what you all think the Title of the book should be and I will take the highest poll. I will close the poll once Guile's journey is completely over, so there isn't any rush. Feel free to DM me with any questions or concerns, and I look forward to playing this for many more years to come!

Upon hearing this tail, Guile looks around his humble abode nesting atop the furnaces of Hanseti-Ruska. He looks to his armor set, Madinia, and thinks back on his former days serving alongside his brethren and sisters in arms. His eyes begin to glint around his home and how neatly everything has been placed, the cleanliness it holds; a stark contrast to anything he had known before it. As a stern look forms across his aging face, whether of disapproval in himself or of intimate understanding of the circumstances, perhaps he himself not even knowing, as he takes a deep and haggard breath. Finally, after a short time that might be confused as eternity to those whom have ever lived in such moments, Guile rises to his feet mumbling under his breath. "Golden Swords..." he mutters silently to himself and any gods above that might hear the words of an unbelieving man, "Golden Swords." He grabs his sack and apron hanging atop the coat rack beside the door frame as well as the many ingots of gold he had been storing for any such occasion. Heading down the creaking steps of his home and into the furnaces below, he begins fashioning the ingots, preparing them for the burning coals while he stares into the abyssal flames. "Golden Swords it shall be then," he mummers to himself, his brows sweating from the heat of the flames and melted ores as he begins his works through the evening.

When he is famous, everyone needs to know I played with this guy online!

Thanks to everyone following the threads. I am still trying to find a way to have this more accessible and easier to navigate other than sending Links to Google Docs. If anyone has any advice, please let this ole fart know. Also, thanks to everyone who has given input into everything I have been spitting out recently. Have a wonderful day and enjoy! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aKIyUegGAOgghqJ5wIeVOjFqx9KXf-bKrQb6JbwMdUM/edit?usp=sharing

His eyes thrusting open and gasping for breath as if drowning, Guile jerks himself awake. As his vision begins to adjust around him to the bright light of the sun, the oak tree’s shade casts a blanket of shadow over where he lay. Blinking and rubbing round his eyes, Guile finds himself naked and lying upon a crimson blanket under the great oak. Turning to his surroundings, he finds himself in the Vingarian Valley, just west of the foothills of the Valludian Mountains. “Good morning my Love,” a voice then echoes across the valley of gerbera daisies and iris. Turning himself so swiftly that he nearly falls forward, Guile looks across the spanning meadow and sees Madeline, standing nude in the field of flowers, plucking them from the ground and fashioning a small bouquet. “Good morning,” she says while tilting her head allowing her locks of amber hair to fall freely as she smiles. “Madeline,” Guile musters, speaking under his breath as he picks himself up from the bedding of blanket upon the grass beneath the great oak. “Madeline,” he again speaks seemingly without thought, his eyes gazed upon her as she smiles and walks about the flowers. As Guile begins to walk toward his bride, the carpet of growth beneath his bare feet kisses his toes with morning dew. A soft breeze flowing from the mountain sweeps across the valley as Madeline turns her stride to meet Guile, smiling and holding out the bundle of flowers. “Do you like them, Love?” she asks, her youthful smile radiating with her emerald eyes. “I love you,” Guile mutters while taking the flowers, his gaze fixed on Madeline’s beauty and form. “Where, have you been?” he stumbles over his words as his eyes begin to quiver a bit. Chuckling a bit, “the flowers Guile, do you love the Flowers? And what do you mean Guile?” Madeline responds. “I have always been here.” “In the Vingarina Valley?” Guile questions, fingers gripped tight around the flowers in his hand. “No silly,” Madeline replies while stroking Guile's hair to the side and behind his ears, “in the Valley of Gito.” Guile’s face begins to churn while digesting the thought. He turns again to face the Mountains of Vallude and notices the sun setting behind the peaks instead of rising. Turning back, his stature beginning to soften, “I don’t understand.” Madeline’s demeanor seeming amused, she takes Guile's free hand holding it softly. “You promised me when we were children Guile, remember?” She then recites as if from memory, ‘One day when the war is over, we will go across the mountain and into the Valley of Gito, to the land beyond lands’. “You promised to build me a house and we would start a family. Don’t you remember Love,” she whispers as she kissed Guile's hand and holds it against her cheek. His body beginning to tremble nervously and his eyes beginning to tear, Guile answers, “of course I remember my Dear Madeline.” Upon feeling the touch of Madeline’s delicate face, Guile takes a deep and heavy breath, composing himself as best he can as he begins to feel a smile widen across his teeth. “I have always remembered my promise to you Madeline.” “Good, now go grab the blanket,” she gleefully glints away while smiling back at Guile. “There is a brook I want to show you my Love, and we can talk about all the things I wish you to build in our home,” her smile piercing into Guile's soul. Guile then turns, heading back across the meadow, under the oak tree as the soft breeze in the valley begins caressing his bare chest. “Hurry Love,” he heard in the distance. “I’m coming,” Guile grasping the blanket and bouquet. “Madeline!” Guile then shouts upon turning back, dropping both blanket and flowers to the ground around him. Before him a meadow decay and rotting grass, the dew turning to blood as it covers his feet and toes, slippery and thick. The breeze giving way to a cold and void howl that pierces through his skin like needles. And before Guile, his bride. Hanging crucified, disemboweled and dismembered, Guile's wife; a gaping slash across her abdomen, chucks of severed flesh oozing fresh wounds, her kneecaps cut out leaving her hanging limp, and her eyes removed from their sockets hangs Guile's Dear Madeline. “Why Guile?” she begins to scream, her voice cracking in an unnatural state. “Why did you let me to die?” Her body thrashing about as it hangs. “Guile,” another voice cries from behind him, “you left us to die!” Turning, Guile sees Sir Fredrick Bell, also under the same fate as his bride. “Why Guile?” two more voices beckon out, that of Lukas and Iulius. As Guile begins to turn around himself in circles as they seem to multiply; Angelika, Georg, the Bishop family, Hensworth, Gustaff. They and an innumerable other all encircle him as Guile’s breath begins to quiver and his eyes fill with horror. And through it all, as Guile begins to fall onto the ground in tears and agonizing sobs, a figure in a red robe walks through the forest of crucifixes and mangled bodies. As it approaches Guile from behind, it removes its hood, revealing itself to be King Lenus of Sandora. Slowly, he lowers himself kneeling beside Guile as he sobs uncontrollably, and whispers softly into Guile's ear, “I will kill you all Guile... ‘We’ will kill everyone...” As Lenus stands back to his feet, he begins to walk away slowly before turning his head back and stating, “Welcome to the land beyond lands Guile. You shall find no peace here.”

*a few days pass after the War-Chief sends out his response. One morning, a Sea Lantern glowing in vibrant hue sits outside the Theoderic camping, under it a letter of hearty parchment reads* To the War Chief of the Theoderics, I once served under a tyrant King who claimed nobility only through what was considered purity of his bloodline; and in rebelling against him, I served alongside former Nobles and Lords who at one time were considered their titles in the same fashion. However, in our rebellion for freedom, we stood as equal men, one no different from the other and the blood that separated us we also shared in giving it on battle fields that I often wish I could forget. However, no on, I say not one, has ever shown wisdom as you have, and for that your men should consider them selves blessed. For, many a wise man understand that the so called 'Enemy' in this tale is the savior of this poor soldier; but I do say that you are the first I have met to consider his 'Allies' against him as well. Surely War Chief, there have been no other that I have found, and possibly no other in Almaris with the understanding that you have shown. For that, a gift: though it may seem a simple stone to your peoples of Almaris, it would have brought my late wife great delight to behold and I collect them in her memory. This is for you wise War Chief, let it be a light in dark wanders. Now, I need a list of the amount of men under you care and their carried arms. As I stated, I have vowed not to raise arms again unless for my own honor (and the honor of my Late Madeline) or if given no other option to defend my life. However, I will supply your cause and your band with what I can in secrecy. I need a list of a number of service under your charge, their preferred arm, and bows and bolts. Now, War Chief, I implore that you make no mention of this to no one, not even those under your care, lest they become captured or tortured for information one day; I want no mention of my accomplice tied, for then I will be in open breaking of my vows and my name shall be shamed! To reach me is simple. In Eastfleet lay the Prismarine Spires; under the spire furthest North I shall set a clay jar that would look as smooth rock to a passer by. Leave message in the jar and I will come once a week to check, though I shall not mention the day. Upon leaving your message, return 3 weeks later and you will find message in the same jar from me on a location your troops should find my gifts hidden in the Urguan Valley. *In bold print* DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SEARCH FOR ME. I wish you all the best in your endeavors wise War Chief. You have my respect and my word of honor. Signed *The Foreigner*

Actually, it was first used by the Macedonians, and perfected under Alexander the Great during his conquests. He used Cavalry as a Skirmishing element and Flanking element where the Romans used Cavalry as a prominent attacking element. The Romans, by all accounts were horrible war fighters. Good at conquest and installing Governments, but horrible at warfare. Think of any battle they ever fought and look at their losses. Now, some would argue that they were a great force because of their infrastructural capabilities, but if that were not the case, as it is in some cases, the Romans got there cans handed to them.

that's deep...

Hey LOTC clan! Thank you all for your words of support with my posts. I know most of you have to be thinking, "Who is this crazy guy constantly writing on here all the time and bugging us?" Yeah... sorry lol. I have a lot of free-time during my day, and I just really enjoy to write. I just wish I knew of a community like this in the past! You guys are absolutely amazing; both in game and out! Attached is the link to the Guide to Warfare. I have noticed that most of what I write ends up being a bit to much for the Forum to allow due to file size limits, so I am resorting to attaching Google Docs links. I'm sorry if that is off putting to anyone, I just am a bit ignorant to the whole "Forum" format and I'm learning as I go. Any pointers would be well received! Especially with the "Guiles Guide to Everything" Journal entry I have been working on daily. I am trying to find a way to just have that posted on my profile page for anyone to just find there instead of having to dig for it to hard. Also, as it has been pointed out to me 'MANY' times, my typing is horrible! I know I make typos all the time lol. I am sorry for anyone meeting me in game and expecting a smooth RP experience..... be warned that with my typing skills, I will screw it up! lol. Since I normally write freehand and am forced to watch spelling and grammar much more closely, when I type I tend to feel like my fingers are constantly trying to play catch up to my thoughts and it always ends up looking like a 5 year old just started smacking the key board. I'm sorry for any typos in advance; just know my wife hates it too when she tries to read anything I write up lol. Anyway, thanks again guys! You are all awesome! I look forward to playing and adventuring with this community until my next tour! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M4otMNuAUSvNhkcdugs8h3DqCBu119mtX62GcveKjhg/edit?usp=sharing

I just noticed that mistake while typing another document LOL. Making changes now. I get to typing a bit faster than my mind can keep up with. you should have seen the first rough draft... you'd think I was a 5 year old just slamming letter on a keyboard.

A Guide to Warfare The Proper Usage of Those Bearing Arms and Their Rolls on Fields of War While traveling among the Kingdoms of Almaris, it has been pointed out to me that the usage of warfare techniques among many of this region are far different than those I have seen employed while of service to my native lands. While not questioning the measures of those who stand for the protections of their ideologies, lets they be considered unjust by any man considered of sound mind and spirit, I do wish to give insight into the traditional tactics that I have not only bore witness to knowing as true and tested, but also those I have heard, though in theory, have considerable effect in the field of battle. Units Makeups, Their Purposes and Rolls, and Ranks of Leaderships Perhaps best to start this series of letters to any wise enough to pay them head with a compilation of traditional units on the Field of Battle. This can be most easily broken into three categories: Light Infantry, Heavy Infantry, and Cavalry; each being no more important than the other and bearing equal weight in times of conflict as each has its own rolls and responsibilities. Should a crossbowman be mounted upon a horse, and a dragoon be standing on the ground? For the crossbowman upon a horse could not ready a bolt in fray of battle, and a dragoon would not be able to ride their steed into the flanks of the enemy while running along the ground. Each unit has its place in line and are of equal importance. Light infantry most commonly consists of the following three lightly armored units, their purpose to act as attacking forces maneuvering around the Heavy Infantry in order to meld the enemy position into a more favorable position for yourself and a less favorable for your enemy. Note the use of threes among a modern army, as it is a way for General and Kings to best remember each portion in groups of threes. This is known as the “Rule of 3”. Nevertheless, the three portions of Light Infantry are as follows: 1. The Swordsmen: Used to make charge onto an enemy units, mainly in flanking maneuvers, raids, or when in need of highly flexible unit control with high damaging effects. 2. The Bowmen: Normally a Shortbowman, but sometimes a Long if no other option; they provide covering fire for the Swordsmen while they move upon an objective usually from a distance and in line behind the charging elements. 3. The Spearmen: Not to be confused with a ‘Pikeman’, the spearmen move along the outer flanks of the assaulting unit formations to provide defense should the unit be flanked. Heavy Infantry almost always consists of three heavily armored units, all used as a front line in the battle field. their purpose is to act as a base for all other units too maneuver off of: the pikeman, the spearmen, and longbowman/crossbowman: 1. The Pikemen: Providing themselves as the first line of defense in a formation, their long halberds and pikes able to dissuade enemy Calvary and offer extreme punishment for anyone foolish enough to come within their range. 2. The Spearmen: The most trained of Light Infantry Spearman, they integrate with the Heavy Infantry to provide close quarters support should the lines become breached or under serve contact from an enemy unit. These Spearmen are often some of the most well disciplined troops on any modern battlefield. 3. The Heavy Bowman: Carrying a Longbow or Crossbow, it does not matter, they encase themselves protected behind the lines of Pikes and Spears and lie down volleys upon the enemy Cavalry most think do not fall under the Rule of 3, but that is a fool’s thought process and would surely lead to a loss of life for an unwise General of King. Serving as the primary Skirmishing element and acting as a support element for both the Light and Heavy Infantry, an effective Cavalry will often determine the outcome of any battle! Be wise to compose you Dragoons in such a fashion: 1. Light Cavalry: Bowmen whom ride upon their steed and skirmish enemy lines causing disarray among enemy ranks. They act as sparrows, constantly harassing the enemy to give chase to them, so that the enemy ranks break causing an opening to the your forces to take advantage of and attack. 2. Heavy Cavalry: Royal Knights and Brave Master Squires, they charge and batter an enemies flank causing turmoil and fear! They are deadly when used effectively, mostly in a ‘Hammer and Anvil’ fashion. 3. Medical Aids: Yes! Most do not consider such soldiers when preparing for war but this would a fools move. I implore you from my past experiences; mount you clergy upon horseback with sleds to move to and from battle picking up the wounded so they may receive care. Though a soldier may be wounded and not able to finish a certain battle, they may live and continue fighting the entire war! As stated prior, a good King and General of Armies would be wise to remember the Rule of 3, since it is easy to remember and equally easy to enforce. The rule is simple: 3 Different Types of unit categories: Light Infantry, Heavy Infantry, and Cavalry 3 members of like Occupations to a TEAM 3 TEAMS of Like Occupation to a LINE 3 LINES of Like Occupation to a COMPANY 3 Companies, each from differing Occupations but of the same Category, to a BATTALION Finally, 3 BATTALIONS, all of differing Categories, to form an ARMY An illustration is as follows: Finally, it should be noted the Ranking formations of Soldiers, as any good and wise leader knows that the key to an orderly Armies is built not only upon traditions and customs, but also order and discipline; forming a military bearing that can withstand waves of onslaught without flinch. Though, I am unfamiliar with the Customs and Traditions of ranking structures in the Almaris Kingdoms, I shall give my own from Sandora as guide for those who wish to learn. A TEAM is give leadership under a - LANCE CORPORAL A LINE is give leadership under a - CORPORAL AT ARMS A COMPANY is give leadership under a - SERGEANT AT ARMS A BATTALION is give leadership under a - CAPTAIN AT ARMS An ARMY is give leadership under a - GENERAL AT ARMS, who serves directly under the authority of their King. Though this letter be long enough as is, I will continue my works in giving military guidance and insight in my next letter; in it I shall discuss the various Unit Formations that are often seen proven and useful. Until then; be kind, be honorable, and be brave young Masters of Almaris.

(Note that any/all content regarding this letter should be kept IN-GAME and considered in-game role play material) *A messenger brings this to the War-chief* "Twas tied to a tree on the outskirt of our encampment my Liege," handing the rolled parchment to the War-chief. To the War-chief of Theoderic’s Warband, I, though being a stranger of this region, have in my short time here heard rumors of a Warband considering themselves free men, fighting for the freedom of any within their ranks. I myself, having been a Sergeant at Arms of a nation legions across the great eastern oceans, have also fought for the means of freedom for my peoples. Though, I cannot claim to be of fighting age, nor in fighting spirits unless called for to protect those whom I cherish, I can sympathize with your efforts and give lite to your cause. But, before prescribing myself to your cause in secret, because I have vowed to not take up arms again unless for honor or for the safety of those I hold dear, I must ask you of you a simple question to judge your heart and your merit. Should you answer in a way that only those wise and just could understand, I will offer my services to you as a miner of ores and as a smithy of basic tools to help your cause; though both would need to be done in utmost secrecy. So, War Chief of the Theoderics, my questions: A Theoderic Soldier was traveling along a road one day and was robbed and beaten by bandits within an inch of his life and left to die on the side of the road. A Theoderic War Chief came upon him and stated, “Get well soon brother, for our cause is just,” and passed him by. A Theoderic Clergymen walked upon him and stated, “May the gods bless you brother, for our cause is just,” and passed him by. Finally, a Galimarian passing by saw the Theoderic Soldier and placed him on a horse and showed him safe passage into town. The Galimarian told the local inn keep, “Here is 2 weeks pay for his board and 4 weeks care for his wounds.” Who saved the Theoderic Soldier? Answer this question for me with honest heart and I will consider your response. If found pleasing, I will aid your cause. *Signed* The Foreigner

Hello all, Jenkins here. First, I would like to thank everyone who has helped in getting me set up on the server, you were all a huge help! I joined LOTC as a way to gain some creative spark since I have hit a bit of a lull in my amateur writing career. I must say, even in the short time on the server, I have been more than impressed! That all said, Guile Serdio, a stranger to the lands of Almaris, has begun to write a journal he hopes to publish in the future for others to lean on if they find themselves also strangers among the people of this region. I have been asked by a few to post this on the forums, so here goes nothing I guess. Feel free to follow the link and follow Guile's Journal as he travels these strange and foreign lands experiencing it through the eyes of a true outsiders trying to navigate the ebbs and flow of its nations and cultures. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1__lBQRUdsbUlTHQFVSgktDvlz94prCs_EKwTGbBJPYA/edit?usp=sharing I update this on a near daily basis, so feel free to follow along. I ask that anyone meeting Guile please treat his journal as "Extra Content" and not bring it up in game until he has published it. Also, I know that some of the content of his journal features non-cannon accounts of his former life; from a narrative perspective I had to conjure something to make him seem well grounded in the universe of LOTC while keeping him distanced from Almaris, but also relatable as a character with flaws and history. I have been in contact with the Admins of the Server and am willing to update this to better suit any concerns they have in order to respect the servers traditions and prior cannon. Please feel free to reach out to me with any comments or concerns you might have and please enjoy "Guile's Guide to Everything"