"Greetings in the name of Lathander," Lukian says. With his right hand, he delicately touches his right ear, the corner of his right eye, and then rests the same hand over his heart. "I am Lukian of the Cyllitria'nel in the Ardeep Forest. My traveling companions and I are headed east from Triboar on a mission concerning giants. However, last evening, I made the acquaintance of one of your families. Halflings. Their grandfather lives along the road just over the river where I understand there has been elevated orc activity lately. We, ourselves, witnessed a band of orcs and just barely escaped an ambush. I would like to request your aid in scouting the area to determine the well-being of this citizen."

For just a moment, Dork's eyes flickered red in tone at the mention of 'lowly town guards'. But, nothing more came of this besides an unerring focus on the guard as they are led inside the fort. Even her usual habit of keeping an eye out for notable exits, weakness in a guard formation, and other like matters are suppressed during the trek. Again, she gives her informal salute; if not out of habit, than out of curiosity to gauge the lieutenant reaction.

"There is more." Dork states as she steps up. "I am a Designated Operative of the Red Knight. As previously mentioned, our mission pertains to giants. However, you should be warned that the coming weeks are to be more tremulous, as Giant activity in the area increases to more actively antagonistic levels. Triboar has already suffered a fairly severe attack due to a previously unknown possession of an artifact." Dork expresses.

"Even without such here, known or otherwise, Yartar should be prepared for the eventuality. As it is likely to be seen as territory worth 'reclaiming' or possessing."

"I would like to request your aid in scouting the area to determine the well-being of this citizen." Lukian asks to which D.O.R.K. adds "However, you should be warned that the coming weeks are to be more tremulous, as Giant activity in the area increases to more actively antagonistic levels."

The solider looks up with a sigh "I am aware that there is increased activity but the powers that be have decided that we are needed here in Yartar. This means that I cannot provide you with any soldiers to assist, however I could deputise you as temporary Shields of Yartar but ..."

"Understandable. But-..." Dork cants her head to the side. "Inquiry: Shields of Yartar? Can you elaborate on the importance, and or benefits of such a title while we are here in Yartar?" She asked, genuinely sounding curious... as much as the construct can at any given moment.

"Shields of Yartar? Can you elaborate on the importance, and or benefits of such a title" D.O.R.K. asks

"Normally we would patrol the environs of Yartar out as far as the eastern edge of the Desarin Hills - halfway to Triboar - to the north up to Flint Rock and up the Evermoor Way to Calling Horns but with the increased disturbances that you talk about the Water Baron has restricted our activities to within half a days ride of Yartar itself" the Lieutenant responds.   

Ebonitus is carefully observing the lieutenant to ensure that he can tell if the discussion is not proceeding as it appears to be on the surface, using insight: 12

Lukian looks from Dork back to the guard. "What is this 'deputize'?"

Dork, who had taken to rubbing the symbol inlaid upon her head in deep thought, doesn't look up as she answers, "It means to be empowered with the title of a deputy. One who is authorized to act as a substitute for an organization. Which in this case, would be Yartar's guard. And as such, we would be entitled to some compensation for assistance provided, as well as..." 

She pauses there, and after a moment of silence, looks up and asks, "Inquiry: Upon being deputized, would you be able to outfit us with arms, armor, and potentially other gear, as one would your current guard?" There's almost a hopeful tilt to her voice. "Additional Inquiries: Are there any other outstanding reports that, in the event we are to operate within the territory of Yartar for an extended period, we may be inclined to look into? In particular, things that may or may not involve giants?"

Ebonitus is carefully observing the lieutenant to ensure that he can tell if the discussion is not proceeding as it appears to be on the surface

Ebonitus can not detect anything of potential concern about the Lieutenant's answers.

"Upon being deputized, would you be able to outfit us with arms, armor, and potentially other gear, as one would your current guard?" D.O.R.K. asks

"Certainly we could provide you with arms and armour as befitting a deputy of the Shields of Yartar - should that be your wish?" the Lieutenant answers.

"Affirmative. Heavy armaments, if possible." Dork admits with a sharp nod. "I will need to have it adjusted. But I believe I can manage such with the tools I have on hand. Inquiry: Will there be a ceremony involved?" Once she had her answer, the construct looks to the rest for either refusal of the offer or more questions that need answering. Though ultimately with approval, she more than eagerly steps up to accept the process.

Lukian is impatient to begin.

The Lieutenant pulls out a set of forms for the Party Members to sign. The gist of the forms is that so long as the individual is a deputised member of the Shields of Yartar they will:

a) receive standard board and lodging in the Military District

b) receive access to the Quartermaster's Store to equip and re-equip themselves

c) follow any orders from a senior officer of the Shields of Yartar

d) remit to the City of Yartar treasury 75 per cent of all treasure discovered whilst on an authorised mission on behalf of the City.

"Are we obligated to sign this?  I'm not sure I'm interested in joining the local militia."

Devin says reading the form and then handing it back unsigned.

Unless given reason not to do so by the others, D.O.R.K more than readily signs her name, or at least the acronym of her name for spacing issues. And while Devin's own refusal gives the construct at least pause, it is not enough to stop her from following through. All in neat, and somehow still blocky lettering despite the necessary cursive spin.

"We are not all obligated to sign, D... Devin. However, any that do will be obligated to adhere to stated rules while operating within Yartar territory. This will also allows us to avoid or mitigate any future misunderstandings if 'caught' administering justice normally covered by Yartar's Shield Officers." She states, but looks to Lietunant briefly for at least a collaborating nod. 

"We are also not bound to remain in the territory, as we are only an extension of standard forces. That said-..." She turns back to the Lieutenant fully now. "Inquires: Will we be reporting directly to you for any outstanding and far ranging missions while within Yartar territory? Or is there another to be introduced? If not, I wish to directed to the Quartermaster for outfitting."

Lukian looks over the form quickly and sighs impatiently. "If this is what must be done, so be it," and signs.

Torunn has no intention of signing into a local militia.

"Are we obligated to sign this?  I'm not sure I'm interested in joining the local militia." Devin says reading the form and then handing it back unsigned.

The Lieutenant looks at both Devin and Toruun "it is up to you - no skin of my nose either way!"

Ebonitus reads the form carefully, and if the detail supports the summary above, with no significant other benefits/threats, he signs the form. 

"Fair enough then, I choose not to sign.  Are allowed to accompany those who do on whatever mission you send them on?" Devin asks.

“City deputies may choose to take whomever and whatever they like on a mission” the lieutenant replies