Captain Julius Octavio Arn of the King’s Royal Guards, Special Activities Division, and Training Commandant.

  Training Updates to Royal Command

  It has been 6 months of harsh training thus far that the “Cursed Devils” (Taskforce Team 13) have endured. They have shown promise. Raiding tactics, small unit tactics, hostage scenarios, interrogation techniques, demolition tactics and techniques, intelligence gathering, weapons and explosives handling, fighting techniques, land NAV and SEAR training, and forced marches into the mountains with little to no rations.

  They have remained resilient despite the training instructors’ and my will to break them. None have quit so far. If I were to give brief overall summary of their performance and progress in a few words it would be this: unorthodox yet determined.

  I am proud of this.

  I still cannot fully say if they are ready for the future mission. However, I feel confident in their teamwork and tenacity to fulfill the mission and any future missions given to them. All have persevered through all challenges and tasks thrown at them thus far. Though unorthodox, they still manage to surprise me and my staff every day with how they complete certain training missions or tasks. Each member has stepped up in ways most unexpected.

  I want this update to reflect no personal bias on my end. This . This update will be as truthful and impartial as can be.

  That said, I have once overseen the penal battalion on a few raiding missions. Six of the members I have personally commanded once. There were originally twenty involved in the force, but the past penal missions whittled them down to only six remaining.

  The Black Horde has commenced its raids on the Southern Plains again and half the Northern army and parts of the Eastern armies have moved down to stop them due to the time needed to restrengthen the Southern Army. However, they have pushed as far East as they could before hitting the cursed wastelands. Possibly heading North of the wastelands and into the frozen mountains.

  I wonder if the orcs know something we don’t?

  General Renault has returned from his campaigns in the south and is working with the King and general staff to finalize the mission.

  I am here to give him updates on all members of the Cursed Devils.

  Sir Desmond Rollo, Lieutenant and squad leader:

  He has shown tenacity in the face of adversity. He is not like other officers or knights. He does not yell or belittle. He talks to the men calmly and simply explains the task at hand. He asks for other’s opinions if the mission or task requires ingenuity. He quietly commands respect amongst the squad. His ability to size up any situation he and the Cursed Devils endure is what makes him a good leader overall.

  I was impressed by his humility and support for others when during a joint exercise with another special task force in training. During a speed march competition through adverse terrain, the Cursed Devils won easily. Sir Rollo looked back noticing the competing task force were a mile back laying on the ground from exhaustion. Some had stress fractures and were crawling forward with difficulty through the mud and rain. Sir Rollo and the rest of the Cursed Devils ran back and picked up the exhausted taskforce men and carried them back to the medical team just past the finish line. They were not prompted to help the other taskforce on the exercise, but Sir Rollo saw fit to do so. When asked why he did it, he simply responded by saying that you never leave men behind.

  He has improved greatly with my individual training for him with Light Wielder. Reminds me a lot of Prince Albert II in how he naturally attunes to the sword. His speed and tenacity with Light Wielder grows by each day. However, he still is raw and unpolished in his technique. He pushes himself and practices relentlessly far after the training is done. I sense that he also has a great hatred of himself, or guilt, that is forcing him to push himself beyond normal limits.

  His weakness is his own self-doubt and lack of confidence in his own abilities. Tends to be hypercritical of his actions and decisions causing him to overthink every move he makes. He also pushes himself too far at times and his anger can get the better of him, though rarely. He also remains just at arm’s length away from the squad as to not get too attached. I can tell this bothers him. He cares deeply for everyone in the squad. He tends to blame himself and burden himself with the responsibility of his and his squad’s individual failures during training exercises or classroom failures. This, I presume, is due to his past experiences with his former company forcing him to be like this.

  Despite this, the squad has welcomed him and have embraced him as their leader. Recommend him for promotion in the future. Will make an excellent commanding officer if given the opportunity.

  First Sgt. Skivandrian “Skivvy” Bortel, point man and second in command:

  A natural leader at heart. Stronger than he lets on and physically gifted in an all-around-aspect. Being of Skarin decent helps in this matter. He can run forever it seems. Excellent sword fighter and decent at hand-to-hand combat. Being previously in a Light Swords regiment helped in this regard.

  However, he doubts himself a lot and carries himself more like an older brother watching over his siblings than he does as a senior NCO. In time, I believe he can improve and take over as the permanent leader of the “Cursed Devils” once Sir Desmond moves on. He cares deeply for his squad and is best suited for night operations due to his skin color-changing abilities. The squad respects him overall.

  His ability to take responsibility, or control, when needed as a squad leader shines particularly when Sir Rollo is asked to step out of certain exercises in order to test out the squad. In one example, Skivvy managed to lead a stealth raid unto a heavily guarded, “enemy” fort. Using each of the squad member’s unique abilities, he was able to formulate a quick and decisive operation with no casualties. Swift, effective, slow, and smooth. However, one member sought fit to blow up part of the fort because she tends to enjoy that. This caused damages to the training area and resulted in the entire squad getting a 4 hour, log punishment session.

  He does not thrive well in cold environments as seen by the last mountainous excursion. The rest of the squad had to carry him down the mountain because he froze his feet. When he recovered, he found a way to power through the mountains and snow without complaint or failure of duty this time. He has resilience and heart. Needs more cold weather exposure training.

  His weakness is that he cares too much for the men and not the mission itself as priority. He also endures racism from the other forces due to him being a Skarin. No official complaints have been made by him over it. He has yet to retaliate in response to the racism, which shows he has control over himself. However, there have been moments in which Cpl. Audra Valoran had to hold him back from retaliating. There is a deep cesspool of repressed anger in him and this can make him dangerous to everyone (friend and foe).

  Overall, a good NCO. If he improves his leadership abilities, then I recommend him for officer’s training. A fine candidate for OCS.

  Cpl. Audra Valoran, Medical Cleric and Mage in training:

  The heart and soul of the Cursed Devils. The most athletically gifted amongst all of them. Former professionally trained acrobat before joining the army. The best at hit and run tactics, one on one duels, and scaling walls or rocks. The only magic wielder amongst the squad. Completed basic field medicine training before being reassigned here. Still has yet to fully complete arcane medical cleric certification. Is not a war mage nor has any desire to become one despite natural tendencies from her. Shows flashes of power with her magic in an offensive sense, but rarely ever does so. Eluthar has put in a decent amount of time with her along with the two other cleric instructors to train her on control, medicine, and using offensive magic in order to kill.

  Mostly uses her magic for healing, simple tasks, or occasional fires. Is hesitant to use magic for harm, but only does so out of desperation or when driven to pure anger. This has been seen in prior incidents. Eluthar is currently teaching control when using her arcane abilities in an overall sense along with many lessons on Arcane Theory. The one war mage instructor, besides Eluthar, is constantly trying to unleash her arcane abilities for offensive magic in a combative sense. Though this has been a struggle. However, Audra has shown some instances of improving greatly at this particular arcane training with Eluthar supervising of course. More to follow on this aspect in later reports.

  Note: she was originally the former senior NCO of the squad when in the penal battalion, but was demoted per JAG Case 44 Docket 04 of August 15th in the fields of Pelor on the orc stronghold on the border. It also needs to be noted I was the one responsible for her demotion, her punishment, and for the penal battalion’s actions that day.

  Her weakness is that she lets her emotions get the best of her at times and she doubts her magic and abilities. She fears her own power and tries to hide it by using all of her physical talents and abilities instead of her arcane abilities. However, she would also become a good NCO if she could handle her emotions better, but her past actions have hindered this promotion and needs to be taken into account as well.

  This coupled with her magic abilities has caused severe and near fatal damage to everyone and everything per the JAG case and by the recent destruction of makeshift orc camp for training purposes (outside of the one other squad member who I need to find a new punishment for in the future). Took two days to put the blue flames out.

  Eluthar and the war mage instructor were pleased by Audra's power, but everyone was in fear of her. Eluthar attests that her arcane abilities can be controlled over time. Needs more focused, individual training to prevent another similar accident like the one in training.

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  1st Sgt. Skivvy has been the focal point of her care in particular as of late. She tends to spend a lot of time with him outside of training hours. She calms him down whenever racist remarks are made. She also is the only one who spends time with everyone in the squad taking on their emotional burdens and counseling their mental fatigues. Despite her emotions and weaknesses, she is the glue that keeps the squad together. Sir Rollo, vouches for her despite her moments of failing to control emotions. However, empathy is a great asset for any cleric in this army - especially in this taskforce.

  Recommend her to stay in this type of unit and to advance arcane magic training. Could possibly become a medical cleric in the future once certified.

  PFC. Kale Faeth, archer and marksman:

  Expert with the bow and arrow and cross bow. Decent with the sword and shield. Natural horse rider. Like most Elves, he is a natural runner with hawk-like eyes. However, he feels the need to prove himself because he is a half-elf like his twin sister. He tries to be the best and most well-spoken like anyone of nobility. Despite his and his sister’s family lineage from their absentee, Elvan diplomat father, they are far from nobility.

  Note: Kale and Keely Faeth have severe emotional trauma in their family. This must be noted for explanation of actions.

  He is standoffish at times and believes himself to be better than everyone in the squad. His attitude has caused issues in the past as seen by JAG Case 73 Docket 09 September 25th. Him and his twin sister, along with Specialist Ator Von Erich, were also involved in the incident. I oversaw the punishment as needed after Judge Vola of District 9 sentenced them to my command out of mercy.

  Despite his uncaring attitude and forced bravado, he is willing to help those in need without a second thought. During a twelve mile force march in the mountain cliffs overlooking Rodham city, Private Nikolai nearly fell off the side of a cliff. Kale immediately grabbed him and threw him back in formation without hesitation. He also demonstrated some teaching abilities, especially in joint ranger training circuits with fresh recruits from other task forces. He pretends to be annoyed with having to help recruits and squires, but shows a great aptitude for it. His skills that were refined before army life has been very beneficial to the squad. He may not realize it, but he is a good support overall.

  His main weakness is his selfishness and abrasive attitude.

  Recommend him to stay in type of unit and for future ranger training. Could possibly make a good training instructor for ranger recruits.

  PFC. Keely Faeth, gunner and explosives handler:

  Unpredictable and unorthodox. Her strategies (if you can call it that) cause chaos and disruption yet… Yet this method has helped in completing tasks and missions so far. Still need to make a new punishment for her due to her blowing up a training fort with supplies stolen by her. Quarter Master Agon is beyond infuriated with her.

  Expert gunner and expert with explosives. Skilled knife fighter. Completed a training mission by eliminating a target by finding a way to fire at a barrel of gun powder from three hundred yards away. It was expected for them to eliminate the target stealthily. However, the target was eliminated nonetheless. Also tends to light enemy positions on fire, or blow them up, as a bit of a “calling card.”

  Will need constant supervision, but her experience with explosives and all manner of setting distractions is much needed. Her expertise with the rifle is unparalleled. Her natural ability to calculate distances in matter of seconds whilst retaining a near photographic memory helps her in this regard. She is a lot smarter than she lets on, or possibly does not know herself.

  Her twin brother, Kale Faeth, does a good job of holding her back and keeping her in line. Specialist Ator also steps in to rein her in when needed. He also takes it upon himself to stand up for her whenever any of my training instructors berate her for mistakes. However, she does not handle criticism and classroom instruction very well. Tends to do everything on the fly without a plan of action. Sometimes this works. Most of the time it does not. PFC. Nikolai Bolt does help her a lot in regards to studying, but her focus is only on the field work.

  Gets along well with everyone and is the most open minded amongst the entire squad if not the entire kingdom. Has a knack for being able to talk to nearly anyone and derive information from them easily due to her extroverted and carefree nature. Like her brother, shows an aptitude for instruction especially with recruits in training during one joint training operation with a royal gunner unit. If not for the army life, then she could become a good ambassador or instructor in this army if she applied herself. Could become an NCO if she ever applies herself accordingly (I doubt).

  Spends majority of her time with Specialist Ator. This relationship could possibly cause distractions amongst the squad. Though not officially authorized, she managed to negotiate her way into painting the garish artwork on the squad’s barracks. Still to this day, I cannot fathom a reason as to how she managed to get it approved.

  Her weakness is her lack of impulse control and her unorthodox methods causing chaos. Her disdain and inability to listen to authority also hinders her and the squad at times. However, Sir Rollo (with the help of Kale and Audra) manages to keep her in line and to ensure she focuses on the mission at hand. He lets her creativity flow. She shuts down when berated for mistakes. This is a defense mechanism that needs to be corrected. However, correcting years of past trauma is not my skill set.

  Royal Command Groundskeeping is still in legal battle over the unauthorized designs and paintings on the outside of the Cursed Devil’s barracks done courtesy of Keely. However, through multiple legal loopholes that the squad learned of (primarily thanks to Nikolai's law knowledge), the designs are allowed to stay.

  Overall, she is best suited for this squad and the mission. Recommend her to stay in this type of unit. Possibly could become a good demolitions instructor for special forces if not a sniper instructor.

  PFC. Nikolai Bolt, strategist and chronicler:

  Lacks all manner of physical talent. Was put on double rations to help gain weight. Despite his lack of physical talents, he tries harder than everyone else. He refuses to be the weakest and the biggest burden of the squad. Tends to throw himself into the fray without a care in the world to his well-being at times. He has also sustained the most injuries out everyone in the squad.

  However, all the setbacks have yet to stop him from completing the training and to be with the squad no matter what. Constantly trains with the standard issued gladius and shield. Mirrors Sir Rollo in some aspects minus the natural talent. However in time, he could possibly become a great swordsman.

  Though full of heart and determination, he still needs constant training overall despite his improvements on physical tests. A brilliant strategist and tactician. His academic scores are far above anyone that I have ever seen. But just because he is excellent on paper and in the classroom, it does not mean he will succeed when out in the field.

  He is without a doubt the hardest working soldier in this kingdom’s army in my professional opinion.

  The squad keeps him and wants him in the field due to his ability to think of the best course of action. Sir Desmond has vouched on Nikolai’s behalf and takes full responsibility if Nikolai is to die or fail any exercise. Ator, Audra, and Keely help him the most. He could possibly become a good intelligence officer with how well his tactics, intelligence gathering, and strategy have been thus far.

  He has surprised everyone somewhat. He noted the flaws in the standard issue armor they were originally given and took it upon himself to work with the black smiths and quarter masters on base to improve the armor for everyone in the squad. He drew up the designs and intricate details himself. He and Specialist Ator did receive permission for a custom set of heavy armor for Ator due to his large and hulking frame. When asked for his armor, he made it a point to stick with the standard issue footmen armor (with minor tweaks for improved shoulder mobility and sizing). He only asked for a special set of goggles he made himself in replace of his visor.

  Recommend him to be transferred to intelligence once the mission is complete. If not, then recommend him to stay in this type of unit.

  Specialist Ator Von Erich, shock troop and fighter:

  The strongest and most powerful physically in the squad. Former recon raider. However, the recon units refuse to have him back for reasons that I am not allowed to say per JAG law and under the SOG and Blackburn Act. Despite this, command sees fit to put him in this type of task force and to remain in said task force per the recommendation of Lt. Colonel Butler of the reconnaissance forces. General Renault signed off on Ator’s approval to be in this task force instead of being sent to hard labor as punishment per the JAG Case 73 Docket 09 September 25th. The human Oracle provided testimony on his behalf thus allowing for General Renault’s decision to hand him over to my command.

  Speaks very little. Gets along well with everyone. Excels at small unit and CQB exercises and maneuvers despite his large frame. Sometimes is a human battering ram as seen by the most recent house clearing exercise with the Cursed Devils.

  His weakness is that he is mostly muscle and brute force without the refine techniques. Tends to use power over everything without thinking. Stamina on long marches and runs is lacking in some aspects. Not the worst, but needs improvement. Has been making the times overall. Despite his best efforts to push through, his cardio endurance has yet to be desired. However, he never complains and listens well to every order given.

  Tends to lose his control when angered, mostly by the teasing of others outside the squad or whenever he cannot hit his targets when practice fighting. The rest of the Cursed Devils do a good job of holding him back. Only became berserk-like once. Cpl. Audra had to use calming-mind spell while the rest of the squad members held him down. This incident occurred during a joint exercise with some of the recon taskforce trainees who were mocking him for his lack of stamina and for sexist remarks towards Cpl. Audra and PFC. Keely. Nearly killed one of them and sent three to be hospitalized.

  This needs to be noted. Sir Rollo defends him adamantly and since that incident, Ator has yet to break any rules or harm others.

  A natural and instinctive fighter overall. With more refined training he could become the top fighter in the army if he focused primarily on that alone. Nearly the strongest mentally amongst the squad. Never broke once when under intense interrogation training. Even the other special forces units and instructors were impressed by his mental and physical toughness during it. An almost perfect soldier loyal to the end. Being a part of force recon helps in this regard as noted by his past service.

  He is also the most religious and superstitious amongst all. PFC. Keely Faeth teases him constantly over this. Both have been spending a lot of time together. A lot of his focus has been him being enamored by her. May cause distraction. Needs to seek counseling for repressed anger and rage.

  Recommend him to stay in this unit or to become a fighting instructor for special forces training after the mission.

  Concluding thoughts on the Cursed Devils (Task Force 13):

  Recommend them to be sent out for the mission officially in the coming days once training is complete. I expect word from the general staff soon on when they will be sent out. The Elvan council has made it a point to insert at least one of their own for the mission. Was also made aware of an Elvan ranger joining amongst the squad for the mission. She will be the official second officer in command after Sir Rollo. First Sgt. Skivvy will remain second to Sir Rollo as the senior NCO.

  More updates to follow.