Editing Announcements - 2009/12 - Gaining Ground (section)

== Rollout Article ==
{{Turbine 2008
 |  Link = http://ac.turbine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=531-rollout-fiction&catid=75-2009
 | Title = Rollout Fiction
 |  Text = The scout stood outside the door preparing himself for the news he was about to deliver. It seemed that he was always the one to deliver the failings of the current mission, and feared his commander would begin associating himself with the news. It was better just to get it over with and get out of site as quickly as possible.


“Sir, we have the reports from our efforts on Nyr'leha.“


He stood hunched over the maps on his table, calculating his next moves. This new mission set forth by the powers above was the most difficult one this fledgling society had yet to receive. The dangers that lay on the newly discovered lands was not yet fully known, and sending men there to find out also meant sending men to their death.


As he looked up at the young scout he knew that these new reports would almost certainly be filled with failure and death, a common read since this mission began. If his own morale mirrored that of his troops then hope was fading quickly. The beasts on these islands were more powerful than most of the creatures any of these men had encountered before. Their armor seemed thin and weak like parchment, their weapons and spells seemed but training instruments compared to those of their enemies.


“Bring them here”


As he read over the reports the disdain was apparent in his face. Their beach head on Nyr'leha was being attacked almost daily, the losses were many. To make matters worse the other societies had begun making their own attempts at gaining control of the area.


He had tried to warn Her Mistress that the isle was too dangerous to begin moving troops there, but his protest had been ignored. There is no other choice at a time like this and the orders must be followed, even if they sound foolish and ill-conceived. He wondered if his men understood this, or if they blamed him for the deaths of their friends and brothers.


“And what of our scouts on freebooter isle, what news have they sent.”


The scout seemed to get nervous, his hands could not remain steady and his eyes shifted from the commander's gaze. He knew his commander was not known for his self control and his outburst of anger could mean trouble for the young soldier.


“We haven't heard a word from any of them, and have had no success in attempting to make contact ourselves.”


Color began to wash over his face until it was as deep a red shade as was his gauntlets that slammed into the table in front of him. He strained to control his anger, why did She insist on forcing him to plan these missions. Did she not understand these are normal men, not an ancient or undead race, just men? Now he would have to deal with her wrath, even though he had tried to put a stop to this foolish plan. Perhaps he would try one last assault before passing the news along, he would play his last card from his hand.


“The Mistress will not be pleased to hear this news. I think it is time we put our new recruits to work, dispatch orders that all soldiers are required to report to the beach head and aid in defense there. And send out a party to find out what happened to our scouts on Freebooter Isle, tell them to be prepared. Whatever is out there, it is most certainly dangerous.”


“At once sir.”


The messenger turned and left quickly before the commander's anger had a chance to fully set in. The days ahead would be difficult and many good men will fall before the mission is complete.
}}