he colors of Rabenstein are green and
black, and are embodied by the twnety hooded forest-green cloaks purchased
for its legion. Most of the company have leather boots, acquired from the
shoemaker in Fröhnleiten, and due to the vicinity of Graz, weapons
are plentiful and cheap.
Patrols are organized according to the season, weather, and availability of men. They generally cover all nearby trails (many of which have been trod by the socii since the Covenant's founding in 1196), as well as extending from the ridge of the Stübalpen to the Mür River in the valley below. The peak of the mountains, the Hochalpe above, is difficult to reach due to the steep climb, and lies covered in snow most of the year. One main trail leads away from the Covenant and splits north as a cart-path towards Fröhnleiten, and southeast towards the river valley. Also, a small footpath winds up from the second terrace of the Covenant grounds towards the high ridge and Roman ruins above (it is a 45 minute, exhausting climb up from the Covenant).
The patrols search for signs of men or beast (or perhaps even stranger visitations), and occur twice per day when possible. At dawn the patrol extends all the way to the river, while in the late afternoon/early evening, the patrol extends along the mountainside (in either case they are coordinated by Sergeant Bertóul). During foul weather sentries are increased as the extent of patrols is often reduced. Usually 5 men make up the patrol.
Once per week a midnight patrol is ordered, though this varies according to the Miles' will, who originated the concept. The entire turb is also responsible for protecting the sheep and goats of the Covenant. Informal expeditions as far as Bruck also arise as need dictates (to gather milk, foods, baskets, etc.).
On the first Saturday of every month, a group of 5 to 7 grogs are sent to the market of Leoben to requisition supplies. The sergeant picks the members of this expedition and if enough men can be spared, they wear their uniforms and armor.
During daylight hours, a minimum of two socii patrol the ramparts at all times, and are replaced by the sentries at night (formerly there were 4 sentries, but a shortage of men has reduced this number the 3 in 1209). It is their duty not only to watch the Covenant grounds for signs of trouble, but the hills around and the approach to the Covenant. There are two alarms. The first sounds the approach of nobility or clergy, and is marked by the striking of silver tonal bars throughout the Covenant by the current watch (three pairs exist). The second is the general alarm and indicates urgent danger (though two iron bells hang along the ramparts for such use - one over the gatehouse and the other adjacent to Julian's sanctum - panic-induced screams of danger have proven sufficient in the past).
This page last modified 8/29/97.
Comments to murphy@email.unc.edu
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