to: everyone

[assembles]

Hey there, everyone. My name is Steve Rogers and I'm one of the people most recently summoned to the Free Cities. I'm also a good friend of Sam Wilson's — we've worked together for a number of years. I know he's made quite the name for himself here.

I've only been here for a little over a month, but in that time I've noticed a sudden increase in military activity within Cadens. There's increased drills and training exercises, equipment moving in and out, that kind of thing. I went by Fort Wilbridge and tried to ask some questions, but all they really had to say was that they were acting out of an abundance of caution. Almost like they're expecting something.

It seems suspicious, so I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a change in how the factions are behaving, whether it's something I haven't picked up on in Cadens or something going on in Thorne or Solvunn. I figure it might be a good idea to compare notes so we won't be completely blindsided if something else is coming our way.

That's all I've got for now, but it's nice to meet you all. In a manner of speaking, anyway.

Comments

[itookashot]

Sam Wilson? Who's that? He sounds annoying.

[techmaturgy]

I was wondering where you went. We had so many heavy boxes at the workshop and no one to move them.

[hextechhead]

Hello Steve, I'm Jayce. It could be that we are coming closer to the start of a war they've been threatening for months, or something else. I've noticed a difference in the academies. They're hiring more research assistants and getting to work on projects that I don't know more details about, but there's a lot of energy happening. So whatever is going on, it isn't just the army, other parts of the city seem to be moving faster.

-Jayce Talis

[carmesi]

You're not getting overwhelmed with the messages, are you?

[this is a big step, steve]

[monomachy]

I've noticed that, too. I have spent a lot of time with the soldiers since I arrived, and they have not run drills like this these past months. I fear tensions between the factions are mounting.

[ordinar]

Well, that doesn't sound good.

[You're welcome for this insightful analysis.]

[wiedzminka]

Border security's up. Checkpoints along the main roads too.

What kind of equipment?

[a_better_man]

Seems like it's business as usual at Castle Thorne to me.

But there's not many soldiers about anyhow. Guards a plenty but not army folk. They're in another part of the kingdom as I understand it.

We aren't allowed to leave the castle town.

[cointosser]

Well, that's very nice to know. I'm more invested in the artistic side of things, but it's still under my purview to be wary of military movements.

Jaskier, Master Bard, creator of Red, at your service. I'm sure you've heard of me.

[Which isn't totally a humblebrag (there's nothing humble about it.) There are only a few select Summoned that have the influence he does in the Free Cities. And Red sometimes pecks people who come in to check on Sam. Just to remind everyone who's in charge.]

I imagine it is a response to both our local warmonger and the events at the Summit. Have you heard about it?

[earthborn]

What is it about all this that strikes you as strange, Mr. Rogers? If you're a friend of Captain Wilson's, then you ought to be well-enough informed. It's not as if this were coming out of the blue.

[thearchangel]

Cadens based here, don't know what else I can add, except I agree with what you've said. What you're seeing.

Think it has something to do with the recent ... whatever the hell that was? Or something else?

[catholica]

Steve Rogers?

I've heard that name before. Sorry, I can't help you with your question as I've just gotten here myself and I haven't really noticed anything but that might be because I'm not sure what was normal and what wasn't.

[gynvael]

Some smiths have run short on materials.
Seized at the border, they said.

[sorser]

There’s an uptick of activity around Thorne, too. The mages are strengthening wards around the castle, and looking for ways to make food reserves last even longer.

Pair that with rumors of the Queen’s trip Borrel and it sounds to me like preparation for something big.

[godshattering]

I've noticed what you have, more or less. Had the same thought that it seemed ominous, and more so because they seem to want to stay secretive about it. There might be a good reason for that - I can't put enough emphasis on might - but in my experience, that doesn't lead to anything good for those not in the know.

[ Deliberate secrecy and sleights of hand might also be tactics he recognizes from using himself in war, but. Details. ]

[harmonian]

Can you pinpoint when, exactly, you noticed this escalation of activity?

[ofthesword]

Solvunn's always been fuckin' weird, but they're working twice as hard to get the Summoned in their good graces. (Cheese offerings are real good tho.) Probably to ignore the weird shit. Based on some recent snooping, I'm guessin' they're either throwing people into a pit or committing mild forest cannibalism. Maybe your city's heard a head's up that their gods are sending over a giant statue to wipe them off the map or something. But hey, at least you'll see it comin'.

[None of this is really a joke.]

[photophobic]

You realise that some would consider revealing movements of the military to be an act of treason.

[solmate]

Do you think they'll try and draft us?

late with sbux

[supersoldier]

[Oh, this is a very busy post. He isn't sure if his own addition to the conversation will be redundant or otherwise, but he tosses it out there all the same. If it is discarded, then so be it.]

I'm part of the Free Cities' military. The guards are checking any and all merchants that come through the city gates. They tell us we're to be on the lookout for any magical items smuggled in.