In camp the next morning

[GM Craig]

You are already awake and supervising the packing up of the camp when the trumpets sound the muster. A few minutes later, Sir Amig comes by and waves you over.

"Sir Rodric, your forces will be marching under my banner in the morning. I expect we will join the column by the time the sun clear the trees, but watch for it. The Count has started early, so we may not be waiting long." He turns to go, but hesitates. Turning back to you, he adds, "We..." he stumbles, looking for words. "In the coming battle, you may have need of a squire. I strongly encourage you to consider it, if you can support one. In a battle like this, a squire may mean the difference between life and death. I have several candidates in mind, if you are willing to take one on. We have three days until we expect to meet the Saxons. I recommend you decide before the second sunrise."

Sir Amig's manner is very different that you have come to expect from your old trainer. You have never known Sir Amig to stumble over his words before, and there is a tension in his voice that is also unusual.

[Geoffrey]

Rodric gave Amig a nod, holding back the surprise and concern he heard in the knight's voice.  He knew a squire was essential, both as an aid for him, and for him to start training the lad for knighthood as well.  But his families finances were...meager at best.

The knight gave a sigh.  Still, if he'd died in battle for lack of a squire then what.

"I trust your judgement Sir Amig, send one of the candidates to my tent."

[OOC: How much does it cost to have a squire?]

[GM Craig]

[OOC: You need to outfit him with a horse of some description (?1 for a rouncy - you could get away with a sumpter for 100d, 16d for tack and harness), a set of armour (15d), and weapons (about 50d). It also costs ~?1 per year to maintain a squire.

Keep in mind a squire's horse is effectively your spare in battle, and the squires weapons are your spares in battle. The better equipped your squire is, the more use he will be to you. If you equip a squire with a charger, a sword and half a dozen spears, those resources become available to you in the event you are unhorsed, or lose your weapons.

Typical chores that all squires must perform include tending horses, sharpening weapons, polishing armour, helping don armour, carrying messages, preparing and handing over fresh weapons, providing the knight with a horse, taking charge of prisoners on a battlefield, riding errands, standing guard, waiting on the knight at a banquet, rescuing and carrying off a wounded knight from the battlefield, and fighting when so ordered.

[GM Craig]

A short while later, a young lad about 15 years old arrives in your camp in the middle of packing. He looks around for a moment, and spots you. He trots over and stands before you. "Sir Rodric, Sir Amig told me to report to you. I am Suger ap Emmeran."

He is slight for a boy. He carries a rusty dagger, has a threadbare tunic and boots with a hole in the toe. His black hair is a little shaggy, but he seems clean and fit.

[Geoffrey]

Rodric couldn't help but smile, seeing something of himself in the boy when he was that age.  And it was obvious the boy's family wealth was similar to his own.  A good thing, someone from a more well to do family would probably be more difficult to manage.

[OOC: How would Rodric address the boy, both casually and formally?

Assuming Rodric would have some cash on him, I'd like to outfit him with a Rouncy (including tack and harness), armor, a sword and half dozen spears.]

[GM Craig]

[OOC: Just "Suger," or "Squire Suger" if you want to be formal.

[Geoffrey]

"Alright Squire Suger, if you're going to go into battle then we need to make sure you're equipped for it.  Come, we have little time to get everything you'll need."

[GM Craig]

[OOC: There's not a lot to be had this early, but you can go and shake some smiths and the like out of bed. It's your right as a noble.]

With the army mustering, and the hour, you find the merchants setting steep prices. Still, you have some coin, so you manage to get your new squire outfitted for just under ?2.

When you get back it is still early in the morning, and Sir Amig's banner has not been sighted yet. Your men are ready to go, so you take some time checking that Suger knows how to properly saddle a horse.

[OOC: The total bill was ?1 208 d.]