The Reconnaissance Office
Members of the Band charged with collating and distributing information on the various threats the Band are likely to face, as well as initiating or supporting different investigations and research projects being conducted by the Band.
Reconnaissance Officer
The current Reconnaissance Officer of the Band is Rumann MacUltan.
Like all Officer positions, the Reconnaissance Officer is selected by The Thane, with guidance from The Band.
Responsible for the gathering and distribution of intelligence, the Reconnaissance Officer is traditionally afforded a high degree of latitude in pursuit of their duties. One noteworthy area their remit does not cover is The Band itself- although they will be aware of the research of many members of the Band, they do not keep files on the individual members and their actions. Internal investigations are instead handled by the Cinnire-at-arms.
Deputy Reconnaissance Officers
The current Deputy Reconnaissance Officers are Scríofa Fíniúin and Neb.
Deputy Reconnaissance Officers serve as a proxy for the Reconnaissance Officer, and can be trusted with any information that would be of interest to the Reconnaissance Officer should they be unavailable. Likewise they will generally have access to the same information as the Reconnaissance Officer, and will be more than happy to provide any assistance they can.
Role of the Reconnaissance Office
The main purpose of the Reconnaissance Officer is to gather information and then distribute it.
Scouting
The most common information the Reconnaissance Office focuses on is likely threats during the current Season. At the most basic level this means they can advise you on the Beasts, Gwyllt and Undead commonly found in the region, and may also be able to provide guidance or warning regarding unusual threats the Band needs to be aware of. In advance of the Band's arrival scouts are usually sent to investigate the Region and Riding the Band will be campaigning in, as well as the surrounding areas, so that the Band is aware of potential dangers as well anything else noteworthy in the locale. Speaking with a member of the Reconnaissance Office before departing on a contract is strongly advised, and informing them of what you encountered upon your return can help ensure other members of the Band are prepared for such threats when they go out on contracts.
Research
The other focus of the Reconnaissance Office is coordinating research engaged in by the Band. As we travel across Tirneach, Cumhacht Na Reig have encountered many strange and fantastical things, from esoteric magical theorems to ancient rituals to seemingly mythical creatures. Some of the research is actively conducted by members of the Reconnaissance Office or Band members paid by the Office, while some is conducted entirely independently. In the case of the latter, the Reconnaissance Office is usually kept in the loop so they can guide others to that research or provide anything they learn to the relevant parties. The Reconnaissance Office also keeps a list of Band members who may be available to engage in independent research, and can act as an intermediary for those looking to hire a researcher. Informing the Reconnaissance Officers of research is by no means mandatory, but they can provide invaluable aid in establishing where to search, supplying information on similar investigations already conducted by the Band and advising on other Gallóglaigh that may be able to assist.
Methodology
The Reconnaissance Office is funded via a budget from the Quartermaster and donations from members of the Band, which are used to hire scouts and researchers for topics of interest to the Band, selected at the discretion of the Reconnaissance Officer. Members of the Band also volunteer information they have gathered independently. Depending on the accuracy or efficacy of this information reports will be compiled, with the majority of the Scouting information presented during the Officers' Meeting shortly after the Band musters on the first evening of a campaign. Anyone seeking to engage in Scouting or Research on behalf of the Band can speak with the Reconnaissance Officer to see what they require for the next season.
Information gathered by the Office is freely available to any member of the Band, unless the Reconnaissance Office receives explicit orders otherwise. Anyone interested in any information they believe the Band has, or any topic they themselves are interested in need simply speak with a member of the Reconnaissance Office when they are not otherwise engaged and they will seek to inform you of what they can, though it may require a meeting at a future time if the relevant information is not at hand.
Active Investigations
Right now the absolute priority of the Reconnaissance Office is our upcoming assignment in Iomra, Siabhal. If you have contacts in the Realm or an interest in the history and politics of the region and wish to help please reach out to Rumann MacUltan.
The Reconnaissance Office has compiled several briefing packets on investigations currently of interest to the Band. The first two are about various threats and enemies the Band faces, while the last covers some of the topics currently being researched. Where appropriate the names of those in the Band with a particular knowledge or interest in the topic have been included, but anyone with any information or curiosity about a subject can reach out to the Reconnaissance Office to become involved.