(This is a slightly outdated list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Ravens of the Storm, put together by Captain Damask of the East Coast Branch.)

Ravens of the Storm Legends and Lore FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Who the h*ll are these Ravens of the Storm?
Formerly known as Hawk's Riders, the Ravens of the Storm are a mythical mercenary troupe based out of Blacksburg, Virginia. They have a random habit of invading places en masse and, far from entering unnoticed, are stared at by small children and feared by parents. They're a very retro group (with a tendency towards swords and other medieval accoutrements) with a modern touch (going to have a web page, among other things). There are subsidiary chapters of the Ravens of the Storm found in Washington, D.C. and Edmonton, Canada.

Q. What would possess someone to pretend to be a mercenary?
About two months ago, a certain young poser boy decided to try to pick up a lady who shall remain unnamed (grin). His line was that he was a Great Mercenary Captain, and the lady failed to be suitably impressed. After trying various and sundry ruses to escape, the exasperated young lady finally told the poser that she was already happily employed as a mercenary, of Hawk's Riders out of Blacksburg. The poser professed to have heard of the Riders ("Hey, you guys are pretty good.") The lady laughed.
Later, while relating this story over e-mail to some of her friends, a certain katana-bearing individual suggested that the "mythical" merc troop invade D.C. and show up, under the command of the young lady. This was recieved with great hilarity from all involved. Thus, the Ravens were hatched.

Q. What happened to Hawk's Riders?
In one of the first meetings of the Ravens, a name change was instituted. (After all, the lady had had a scant second to think of the original name.) Ravens of the Storm was the consensus for a name. This was explained by the company Bard as the natural occurence following a change of command. (The late lamented Captain Hawk met a rather unpleasant end, leaving Captain Damask in charge of the company.)

Q. What else happened at that meeting?
Well, now that you ask, there were several things decided. First, the name. Second: that the Ravens would identify themselves by wearing a red sash about their waists. (Sashes will be provided for all Ravens, courtesy of your Captain. (dramatic sigh) Such is the price of command -- three dollars a yard!) Third: Company motto: "Blood makes the grass grow". (A close second was "Caw, caw, bang, f*ck, you're dead." Positively *wrong*.) And fourth, company colors: red and black.

Q. Who's this Captain Damask bitch?
Erin, in real life. (In case you hadn't figured out that most of these e-mails were coming from me.)

Q. How come she gets to be in charge?
It was my idea, and I'm coordinating this whole ungodly mess. Believe me, none of you would want to (grin). And no, that is NOT an invitation.

Q. Who else is involved in this dog and pony show?
Commander Dalamar Katana: Executive officer. Why him? He instigated the whole thing, and he's helped me coordinate the details.
Commander Silhouette: Quartermaster. Why her? She also helped with coordination and putting things together.
Intelligence Officer Justice. He finds me things. Heh heh.
Company Bard Edge. He tells our stories and keeps track of people's names.
Officer Mufasa. Minister of Honor and Discipline.
Detachment Commander Raven: In charge of the Edmonton branch of the Ravens of the Storm.
So that's the "command staff", such as it is.

Q. Which of these people are showing up, and what's up with the command structure? I don't like taking orders. Are they gonna boss me around?
Coming on this trip: Captain Damask, Commander Dalamar Katana, Intelligence Officer Justice, Company Bard Edge.
Are we going to boss you around? Only if you feel like playing, and then not much. People are welcome to come on the trip without Ravening, but it will be more fun the more of us there are. As far as what you can expect, well, most of you have roleplayed. Be reasonable. You can expect the Intelligence Officer to be finding things out. You may be recruited as a scout. You can expect the Compny Bard to ask you about your character (more on that later). As far as the Captain goes, the only real thing she'll be a bitch about is being addressed as "Captain" or "Sir". (That whole "military professionalism" thing.) She may recuit you individually for missions, but you'll always have the right to say "F*ck off, Sir! No way in hell, Sir! Get your own d*mned iced tea, Sir!"

Q. Now, what's this about characters?
All of you are real characters. No, really, we invite each of you to create a character. The Ravens are a modern mercenary troupe, so just pick a name for your character, start figuring out what kind of stuff you do, and inform the Company Bard and the Captain. Guidelines and company rules on this:
Don't give your character any skills/talents that you can't do or know nothing about. A little exaggeration is acceptable (i.e. "I'm a blacksmith!"), but no blatant lies (i.e. "I'm a super-ninja- assassin!").
There will be no complete ripoffs of fantasy/sci-fi novels for your character. A little judicious borrowing is grudgingly allowed (eh, Commander Dalamar Katana?), but I don't want to have to deal with 30 people (Yes, we should be 30 strong! Scary, eh?) squabbling over who gets to be Vanyel or Raistlin. Forget it.
You don't have to be a fighter. Merc companies need all sorts of other people than warriors. Even if you barf at the sight of blood, you can still play with us. There are blacksmiths, cooks (ever see "Under Siege"?), stablehands, (alas, we will not really have horses this time), "camp followers", er, I mean Morale Officers . . . you get the point. What we're really hurting for is a couple of Healers. (Plus, if you're not the combative type, this character is a good way to justify your non-combative garb.)
Once you decide on a name and character, stick with it. No point in confusing the poor Bard and Captain.
There will be no stupidity over rank. Rank is earned. Characters such as "Lord High General MEGADEATH of the Evil Merc Empire" will not be allowed.
There will be no stupidity over rank. If one of the officers is being an ass, tell the Captain about it. She'll settle it.
There will be no stupidity over rank. If the Captain is being an ass, tell her so. Sir.

Q. Okay, I have a character. What about magic?
After much thought, we've decided to allow mages/shamans/what have you as legitimate characters. After all, there are such people in real life. (grin) So yes, you can play a mage. But don't claim phenomenal mountain-levelling cosmic power unless you're prepared to demonstrate said power for us all. Common sense.

Q. Now what are the mercs doing at Revel Grove (aka RenFest)?
What does any merc company do when at loose ends? Why, they look for work! So if any inquiries are directed your way, try to sell the potential buyer on the skilled services of our fair company. Send all serious inquiries to the Captain. (grin)

If any of you have further questions, please e-mail me with them and I'll do my best to address the relevant concerns. Thanks!