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[lucke]

[The picture opens on a shot of a young man sitting on a simple wooden bench with a backdrop of trees and other flora. His outfit, which already rather eccentric with the strips of wolf fur accents, is reinforced with plates of armor that seem out of place in this age.

A soft breeze plays with his mane of unnaturally blue hair and his crimson eyes stare at the screen with a look of predatory amusement.]

Yo. Been a while. I see you've managed to keep this world from tearing itself apart. At least for the time being.

I'm here with an announcement and a few questions.

Some of you may know me, I'm a bit of a veteran when it comes to this whole Import business. If you don't, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Cu Chulainn, the Spear of Ireland. I've taken upon myself the mantle of Import protector, meaning that if you ever find yourself in trouble you can call on me for support. That will never change.

But I'm not simply content with sitting passively waiting for the thrill of combat to reach me. So I'm here today to announce that I've formed a group of like minded warriors who wish to fight for their livelihoods, as our hearts and spirits demand. As of now we're calling ourselves the Knights of the Red Branch, after my company back home. And if it wasn't clear, we're offering our services as warriors for hire to all those who need capable fighters. Let me know if you have such a need, and for the right price we can pledge ourselves to your service.

We're always accepting of more to fill our ranks, as we know not everyone is made out for this era's focus on the mercantile. If you're interested let me know and I'll be happy to test your mettle.

But, we're also looking for opportunities to prove ourself so that you can see the promise I've seen in my recruits. For that I come to you, my brothers and sisters. Have you any ideas on how one might do so? Preferably in a legal manner. I was thinking of holding a tournament, or something of the like to showcase our skills. But I don't know if people of this age still value that kind of event.

[Cu's focus drifts off to the side of the shot, watching as a massive black wolf creeps into the picture, looking at the camera curiously. It was easily over three hundred pounds of muscle and majesty. With a smile and a quick pat of it's head, Cu shrugs.]

Well, I've been yapping enough. I value any suggestions and responses you might have.

Comments

Video

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Hired soldiers, huh.

[This is not Jacob's approving face.]

[lucke]

Pretty much. You interested?

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Not a chance. [Jacob shakes his head.] I don't fight for pay.

[lucke]

That's you. But I take it from your tone you don't approve of other's walking this path?

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Let me put it this way: most of the mercs I've met have been shooting at me. Hired guns tend to point whichever way pays the best. And you're supposed to be the protector of all ImPorts?

[lucke]

Are they mutually exclusive? The only difference I see is either I'm reactive for free, risking harm and casualties. Or I'm proactive for a fee. Should that be the contractor holder's wish.

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[bodyshots]

On the one hand, asking for money to help people doesn't really sit all that well with me, but...

...on the other hand, as long as we're not doing anything bad...

[Gotta get that money son.]

[lucke]

Is that so? Isn't that precisely what the militariess of this world do? And the law enforcement? Help people for pay? Is it so strange that I'd like to fight to earn my living as well?

[bodyshots]

I mean, yeah- and don't get me wrong, it's kind of what I was going to do back home too but... like I said. It feels a little... iffy, you know?

[lucke]

Please, explain your feelings. To me it seems perfectly logical, but sometimes my opinion of things turns out to be... dated.

[Being a heroic spirit meant he had basic knowledge of this era. But that didn't mean EVERYTHING made sense to his medieval sensibilities.]

You said you were going to do the same thing, yet it seems inappropriate?

[heartstings]

Oh, sure, try to get people to join the group but don't mention the pub. Y'know, more hands would be useful there too.

voice;

[waiting]

Depends on the kind of tournament you had in mind. People don't go for poking each other with swords and pointy sticks anymore.

[ Hey, people still pay to see wrestling and organized sports, so it's hardly out of the realm of possibility... ]

[bodyshots]

I said kind of! And... Well, it's like this. They gave us places to stay and work and all that when we got here... and it kind of feels like tossing that aside is kind of like a kick in the teeth, you know?

[Yang's sensibilities are a little strange regardless, considering her homeworld.]

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[givetheslip]

How can you just declare yourselves knights?

[voice]

[outlawrain]

...Y'know just because I don't like booze doesn't mean other people don't either. Y'should try mentionin' that to get more interest.

[lucke]

Oh? You think I could bribe possible contracts out of people with drink?

[lucke]

To be fair, I'm likely the only one of us who has been knighted. The others are... informally titled. Sort of like..

[He twists his hand at the wrist a few times, as if trying to churn up the right wording.]

Deputy-Knights.

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[lucke]

People could fight however they choose. It wouldn't be much of a contest if we restricted ourselves. Plus not everyone in my troop fights traditionally anyways.

[Though enough do that if you were to line them up, they just might look like a troop of knights. Albeit a bit unorthadx.]

[lucke]

Aw shit.. You're right... I was so distracted by the possibility of battle that I completely forgot.

[lucke]

...Do you mean this nation's government?

[bodyshots]

Mostly the people who already pay taxes to the government for heroes they apparently aren't getting without a service charge.

[givetheslip]

[She makes a small face at that, her lip curling up slightly.]

If you gave the title to yourself instead of earning it, it can hardly be worth anything.

[heartstings]

I'm not surprised. Thinking with your spear like always.

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

You tell me how exclusive they are. What are you going to do if your contractors tell you to fight against one of us? Or to be your muscle against ordinary people?

[lucke]

You mean, if we were sent against you or civilians for no good reason?

[He frowns, putting a hand on his hip.]

You worry we're the type of people who would accept such a job.