Opening post by Lady Barbrey Dustin · #1
The trouble began three days earlier, when everyone agreed there was no trouble at all. Before marching alone, open the kingdom roster, inspect each banner’s recent activity, and note who answers ordinary questions; a bright emblem is not a promise of help. Ask one clear question in chat, then wait long enough to see whether the reply comes from a member or only an officer.
Check the banner’s current war list, territory, and stated expectations; compare those with your own routes and hours. Send a short application explaining what you can actually do, rather than boasting about troops. I recently swore to [ENVY] after riding alone again, and I would rather test a promise before trusting it.
After joining, do not march at once: read the notices, mark the rally point, and send a harmless scout first. Keep your supplies and retreat route ready; banners change, and a bond that fails at the first quiet inconvenience was never a wall. The smallest hinge is whether anyone notices you before the gates open.