[Lyra Greenleaf]

About the recruiting- I wrote this, Nerindel, I don't know how it would fit into your idea or anything. I'll post it here and then you can use it if you want. Or not, whatever. Or use bits of it. You see, I'm going away for two weeks so I won't be here to do it myself.

“Damodred”
Damodred turned with surprise at the sound of his name. Sammael surely hadn’t been let off his punishment? No, it was the Sea Captain, Ghurdan.
“Damodred, I want you to come with me. I understand you know this area?”
“Yes” Damodred replied uncertainly.
“Very well. I need to find a village which I understand is somewhere around here. We need reinforcements to fight the savages. You can show me the way.”

Oh can I indeed? Damodred thought privately. Would you talk to Sammael like this? Well perhaps you would, he recollected, but I have a feeling you think I'm just a useless old man anyway. Well, we shall see.
"I can show you the way, yes" he answered with little enthusiasm.

Luckily the village was not very far out of their way- only about 3 miles. The rest of the party continued their journey as Ghurdan, Damodred and one of Ghurdan's crew broke off over the sand dunes.

When they reached it they saw a dusty little desert town, slightly bigger than the last. At the sight of strangers, townspeople appeared, standing around egarding them or peeking out of doors and windows. Once they reached the central square, Ghurdan motioned to the crewman, who pulled a large bell from the bag he had slung over his shoulder. He rung it, twice then put it away and stood silent.

Curious townsfolk began to pack the little square, until Damodred estimated there were about 150 of them talking quietly.
"Friends before the Eye" Ghurdan began "I am here to tell you of an important mission. We are going to convert the heathen tribesmen of the South to the great Dark Religion. We call for your help as loyal subjects of the same master. You receive great freedom here, now it is time for you to repay your debt to the great Eye! Volunteers come and report to me."

Damodred looked up at him. That was a clever speech- the hint of a threat was inherent in the mention of their freedom. Yes, no doubt about it, Ghurdan had brains. But then, so did Sammael unlikely though that often seemed. Between the two of them, there was a good chance that this mission would go very well.

This is what I wrote to post on every discussion thread about going away. (I'm so organised!). See you in two weeks!

As I said before, I’m going away on holiday for two weeks, starting tomorrow. I’m hoping to be able to check in on the 2nd of August, and probably post. Please continue to use my characters, so that they don’t drop out of sight. You can do pretty much what you like, as long as it’s in character. Use them as much as you want!