Medeia has a few theories about the origin of the masses of refugees appearing with little memory, especially those claiming to be from places that don't seem to exist. One theory hits close to home: They were all taken by the Eater of Stories, and they have somehow been returned. If this is true, it would mean that the breaking of all shackles in the wake of the death of Orichalcum resulted in the release of those shackled away from memory. How to prove it?

Medeia's older brother, Estaban, had claimed to have a twin - Emilio - that no one else can remember. According to Estaban, Emilio had been pursuing the Eater (maybe as part of his work as a member of the Inquisition) and got too close. If Emilio can be found among the refugees, it would prove this particular theory. And, if he can be found, it would restore a member of the Saik family to his rightful place.

It won't be easy, but Medeia ensures that everyone who is helping this search is equipped with a detailed sketch of Estaban (And the rest of the siblings - maybe they weren't identical! Medeia and Neilda aren't, after all.) to compare to. While she helps the Physicians tend refugees, she pays extra close attention to men with Lycene accents who would be about 30 years of age. And she engages every part of her whisper network to have eyes in places she cannot be. If Emilio is out there, someone will know something, and she intends to keeps asking questions until he's found.

Emelio was a topic that Estaban spoke of to Lucita on many occasions, what he looked like, how he missed his twin, how none of the other siblings and parents, friends, servants, other Inquisition members remembered him. Journals, family records, old school notes, all were missing references to Emilio yet Estaban remembered him so clearly. Perhaps some information has reappeared so those records are being reviewed again.

People change over the years but some things remain the same. Mannerisms, habits, expressions, a physical build, coloration are often the same with twins, and that is what Lucita will be looking for. She can eliminate a lot of the refugees due to sex, complexion hue, height and such details not matching what Estaban said. She does not know if his age 'froze' at the time he disappeared or if his experiences 'aged' him so will be observing expressions, movements, mannerisms in an effort to narrow down and identify Emilio if she can as she looks through the many crowds of refugees.

Quenia lends her own resources and asks her own information network to start combing through the refugees to see if they can find the missing Lord Emilio Saik. She makes sure they are given miniature paintings of Estaban, in case they were identical and just so they are aware of the familial traits if they are not. She also personally goes along with any member of their more immediate party to ensure no one is asking around alone, making use of the buddy system in case trouble arises. People without memories might be a bit more upset than they imagine.

Duarte lends support through his own information channels, sending some friends of his to scour around. His friends don't seem like the proper sort. They certainly aren't nobles or noble house staff. They're the sort that can get into different nooks and crannies entirely, especially ones someone who doesn't want to be found might be hiding in.

Denica will take what information she hears about Emilio and try to improve the pictures they have of him. Listening to anyone who might describe him, using what she thinks, but also just trying to immerse herself in the knowledge of the man to paint him. Denica will continue to paint portraits of Emilio, not only to share with others, but she hopes that through painting his image, she might connect with him and get a sense of where he might be.

Faye has been around the House of Questions since she was a child, and she still has a few odds-and-ends records of her father's, from when he was Master of Questions. While she has no memory of a man named Emilio, perhaps his name can be found somewhere in the old records, along with an account of what happened to him.

As Medeia informs him that her brother Emilio was a member of the Inquisition, and many of their number were devoured by the Eater of Stories, Alistair gives Medeia access to Inquisition records and old rosters. Perhaps an old report or paper mentions her brother and helps her identify the man in the throngs of thousands that now flood the city.

House Velenosa has a vast array of various resources at their disposal and is not afraid to use them! Jaenelle reaches out to every city and assigns a team to make sure informatio flows freely between the Lyceum to make certain that if something is needed at one end by a city on the other it is easily accessed through well trained planners and logistics department. This includes missing people, as one of the first things the team is responsible for is matching refugees with whatever cities they remember in hopes that their family is there and remembers. Emilio's description, his history, and any other information that is found in the process are sent through the proper channels in hopes that if he is somewhere, he is found.

Emilio is not to be found among the refugees. Emilio will never be found at all. And unfortunately, Medeia is able to discover why.

As they work with the refugees, and now have magic to take a closer look at Azazel's magic, they come to a horrifying realization as they look at some of the most traumatic suppressed memories of the refugees. Azazel's first writ, the one placed on him long ago, empowered him to enforce the Despite as the only time he could take mortal lives- ostensibly as a last ditch effort to prevent another Reckoning and awakening Baalphrigor. Overtime, the Despite of Fable twisted, and became the suppression of quite nearly anything magical at all- and when someone strayed over that, Azazel killed them. He consumed them, and devoured the knowledge that they had ever been. He ate them, and he ate all traces of them.

The missing, the forgotten, they're all dead. Azazel killed them personally.

And they are left with that, as they deal with refugees talking about whole cities no one remembers. Thousands. Tens of thousands. Hundreds of thousands.

Azazel intends genocide, and he is coming with an army to do so.

A promise was made to the Shadowspeaker Clan to free them from their life of servitude and sever their connection to the hive that controlled them. A promise made by Eleyna and reaffirmed by Jaenelle. Some were freed (Action 3696), while others clung to their writ as if a life saver and refused to accept the aid, Those that were freed settled in Lenosia while a few went to Iasu. With writs broken and no longer able to be created, those that were too far gone to accept the assistance will most likelt require it now. With the assistance of the Shadowspeakers that have made lives for themselves within the Lyceum, it is Jaenelle's hope that those lost without memories that arrive to the cities within the Lyceum could be identified as members of the Shadowspeaker Clan and reunited with those who were lost to them when their path's split.

Jaenelle is an experienced Soul Healer, and now with her new found availability to magic she is able to control her abilities a bit more. She hopes that she is able to assist those without memory by looking in their souls. She has the ability whie soul healing to view the memories of others, and she hopes that while looking she is able to draw memories out and reestablish their connection to the person who lived them. Memories of family, of hope and love, of a time when they were free to think on their own. She also hopes that while looking at memories she can piece together the things that are unknown like the maps and where they had been.

Jan will use her knowledge of managing large groups of people in often less than ideal circumstances. She will create bundles of items the refugees will need. A few changes of clothes, a pair of boots, a belt, a military-rucksack meant to carry everything a soldier may need but in this case instead of armor and weapons it's a waterskin, a few days dry rations, a wool blanket and bedroll, parchment and pencil, and a tinderbox with flint. All of this is neatly packaged and arranged so as refugees are sorted and sent on their way they have the bare necessities for their journey where ever it takes them.

Medeia includes Jaenelle's intentions in her considerations as she works with the people of Saikland to handle any refugees coming into the villages of the barony. As they are screened ase settled or transported to other holdings that may be better able to support them (or be where they belong), she makes sure that anyone who is either a now-writ-free Shadowspeaker or who might be affiliated in some way is connected with those who are coordinating Jaenelle's efforts.

Quenia will use her considerable charm and skill with persuasion to speak to the refugees and get them sorted into proper homes. Any that could be identified as Shadowspeakers, either through word of mouth or marks will be directed to Jaenelle for additional services and/or healing as needed before they are reunited with the settled Shadowspeaker Clan/Tribe living on Lenosia lands.

Thea will help aide those refugees with as much guidance as she can. She will listen and take notes, checking to see which famil and or home they come from. Try to reconnect them. If there is no home to go to, she will see how that can be fixed as well.

An undertaking of this magnitude requires someone experienced with logistics and record keeping. Arman hopes to use his skills to ensure the Archduchess is able to work her abilities in a timely manner, managing the influx of refugees, and reconnecting those to their proper kin. In addition, those who cannot be directly linked he hopes to channel to an area of the Lyceum where an influx of residences would both be welcome and benefical.

When the archduchess calls you answer. At least Theo does. Theo will meet and greet the refugees and see what kind of needs to be met. Making a tally of sorts to make sure it happens. Encouraging them that the archduchess only wants to help and seeks after their well being.

During time spent talking with Jaenelle, she explained what a toll emotionally that looking into the souls and memories of others takes. To support her in the effort, Lucita is looking through her music collection and writing songs that are the equivalent of 'comfort food'. They are to lighten the spirit, comfort, remind of familiar pleasant times and amuse so that the burden Jaenelle has becomes more bearable and strengthens her. She attempts to use spellsong when possible and if that does not seem to be working, she uses plain-song.

Berenice is not really built for the /field/, but needs must. She'll mostly try to aim her focus at the Shadowspeakers /leadership/, speaking /persuasively/ and /diplomatically/ (hopefully) about the value of being among the vassals of the great House Velenosa.

Pasquale brings a number of Malespero volunteers and medics along to help find and tend to the newly freed Shadowspeakers (and those refugees who get mixed up with them.) He ensures that Jan's aid packs are well funded and that she has all the help she might needs creating and distributing them. Finally, should any of the refugees wish it he will see to their passage to Nilanza.

Duchess Calista Fidante is well known for her abilities to assuage the masses. In times of troubles such as these, she has been able to offer assistance in bringing comfort to those who desperately need it. When the refugees show up in Tor, Calista forms a special team of highly skilled and trained healers, apothecaries, trained guards, servants and general good doers to tend to the refugees, and offer them comforts while they are brought up to date on all current events. In addition to this team, Calista works closely with other leaders to help fill these gaps and try to get to the bottom of what is happening.

Vitalis has been party to the finding and fighting and restoring of the Shadowspeakers, from a gut full of rusty steel in the burrows under the Lodge of Petrichor where cultists fought and fled leaving traces that lead to the Lyceum, to forays to defang recalcitrant clans, or reaffirm support to those who broke away and pledged themselves free of abyssal influence. He joins Jaenelle (because, like Theo, when the Archduchess calls...) to find and shepherd the group's efforts.

He joins Arman in being the pointy end of the Prince's logistical planning -- the man on the ground implementing those plans. Expedition leader while the group is in transit from place to place. The group's physical well-being as they travel is his primary concern.

(and he gives a load of really comfy wool socks with cheese wheels embroidered on them to Jan for her bundles)

Diplomacy mission? Who better than the Archduke Noah Velenosa himself? He is sure to create some sort of stir. If Jaenelle's going (and he hears about it), so then is Noah. While the others are there talking about the values of Velenosa and joining together (maybe holding hands and singing). Noah has one goal. That goal is that Jae goes in. Jae comes out. So he is armed with all his pointy little blades of 'diplomacy'. If needed, he is more than willing to use each and every one of them. Mostly, he's just there to be stoic and observe, offer a few 'hmms', and keep his blades at ready.

They love Jaenelle. They really do. Everyone helps a great deal, and their efforts to help the refugees will see many settle to become productive members of Lenosia and dependable subjects of House Velenosa. But it's the Archduchess that the Shadowspeakers really look to, putting aside much of their long lingering traumas and ties to darkness at the comfort she offers. They are soothed, and many will be proud to call Lenosia home.

But as many regain their memories, all too many are concerned for Lenosia's future, and whether it and the Lyceum can withstand what is coming.

Under the direction and suggestion of Archducess Jaenelle Velenosa, and under the leadership of Marquessa Quenia Igniseri, the Mirrorguard are going to scout around the hedges to look for any sign of cultists or dangers that they can deal with head on, within reason. They will be making certain to stay away from the danger of the hedges itself, having been informed about the dangers that lurk when people get too close from those with past experience.

The Mirrorguard have been instructed to make smart choices about handling any dangerous cultists or monsters they come in contact with. If it is something that's too big for them to handle as a group, they are instructed to make a note, then move on and keep scouting. If the group determines they can handle the lurking dangers, they will attempt to do so to the best of their ability.

Quenia will be staying behind at the Mirrorguard Headquarters to help organize the efforts, working as a researcher and tactician in the background, but making sure the group is well coordinated to get the job done. If any question comes up with regards as to how to defeat a certain type of monster, she'll do her best to find any answers she can about weaknesses they can exploit to help get the job done. She'll also make certain the members of the Mirrorguard that are going out scouting are outfitted and have enough supplies to see their efforts through. She will make certain that Jaenelle is kept abreast of any activity as soon she is aware of it herself.

Jaenelle will go with the Mirrorguard to assist Quenia in any issues that might arrise. She will be there to command or direct as needed while also working with other groups to make sure that the Mirrorguard can be used where needed.

Caspian has already been to the thorns once.. so what is once more. And even better now that this time he isn't hacking his way into the heart of it. He has seen a good deal of cult activity, and knows some of the signs to look for. More over, he is experienced with surviving int he wilds and knows what to look for to identify oddities and potential areas of attack.

Duarte is not likely to leave Arx, but he is sending out some hired help he thinks are just perfect for this job! "Researchers and cartographers!" he claims, with his winning smile. Certain to only better document the scouting effort, while he stays behind and helps Quenia sort through the reports that come back in. Why is there a bowl grapes and a bottle of wine? Well - that's necessary to help keep Quenia well motivated, Duarte claims!

Thea is pretty familiar with the vines. So very familiar. The bright side is she at least knows what to look for at this point. So she’ll go and scope out the area, going as close as she can without disturbing the maneaters. The Countess will record whatever it is she finds and report it back to headquarters, likely in great detail.

Alexio will focus on preparing supplies, documents, maps, and ensuring messages are getting conveyed discretely from different groups. Alexio also will clearly play favorites and make sure as many mirrorguards make it into the Mirrormask blessings when and wherever they are. Alexio will also support Quenia's efforts to make sure Mirorrguard have optimal equipment for their work.

Jan is not one for subtly or stealth but she has the legendary Glinting Gale which apparently has it out for the abyss and a mind to help. Thusly armed she will use her knowledge and experience of war tactics to stage areas near where the scouts will be scouting so if the sneaking encounters trouble she and others there to help provide protection. She will assist in providing cover and assist those there to offer protection to the scouters can quickly join any trouble and try to keep scouters safe.

Most of the Mirrorguard experiments are very frustrating. The hedge grows back. Most of it can't be burned, or even chopped. It is dangerous to approach. And on and on. But one small shadowed stretch of the hedge doesn't seem to grow back at all, and can be chopped or burned. A very dark part of it, where the towers of Harrow Hall block the moonlight from shining upon it.

While the rest of Arx is engaged in figuring out this thorn business, Fealty Volitant engages in a counterespionage program.

Knowing that some past attempts to deal with thornweave were thwarted by a certain abyssal agent, it's necessary to identify any other potential enemy agents of the abyss who are among the compact and its allies. Nothing will be done with this information, yet.

The goal is to use Fealty Volitant's expansive network of spies and informants to identify actual or potential enemy spies, informants and saboteurs.

The information gathered will be used in a future action.

(OOC NOTE: This is not meant for rooting out PCs who are on 'team bad'. The intent is to gather a large list of NPC identities like 'Joe Blow the cultist' or 'Harry Buts the sabotaging scholar' or 'the book club down the street that's really a satellite cell consisting of a bunch of Horned God loving lunatics' who can be targeted in a future action. This action will lean on Clue #2846 as well as the story action contributions of Fealty Volitant members.)

Quenia is no stranger to working with a network of spies and informants, having been a spy master herself back in Granato, sometimes doing the dirty work herself to get the information she needed. She puts her considerable charm and social skills and treks out into the world, asking questions, taking names, and making use of the Fealty's network to pass information along where she can. She's careful to apply make up, change her appearance, and make sure she's not followed home, using more private areas in public buildings in the city to make subtle changes here and there before beating feet back out into the world once more to get the job done.

It helps to be involved in many different ... organizations. On the surface level, here's a neo-noble who earned his Knighthood and has gained some respect on numerous accounts through various dangerous trials and tribulations. Here's also a man who dazzled everyone with his Spectacular Spectacular, becoming well known enough for his death-defying escapism that certainly people would LOVE to talk to him. On the underbelly of it all, well, he'll use what connections (ie. secret orgs) he has to pull on a few more strings, to get a few more jingles of information to play with. Low hanging fruit is obvious the best to fill the basket with.

One way or another, Mirari always finds a solution to every problem. There are different ways to get an answer, and the woman is skilled in the ones that work. As head of the Corsetina family, Mirari has a vast network of connections in many parts of the Compact. Let's be honest, some might be questionable sorts, but those are the kinds that get the best information. And so, she will smile and she will tempt people into telling her their secrets.

Well you do not become a Minister of a Duchy without having a few aces up your sleeve and Mabelle has plenty. Aside from the spy network controlled by her alleged cookie girl, she has something else now: people she broke free from the control of the traitor that were once hive minds to his cause and are so grateful, they want to bend the knee to Laurent. Certainly she can learn from them about missions they carried out for him, especially to handle threats to him or allies he gathered.

People just seem to trust Medeia. A lot. It's almost effortless for her to meet someone and understand them deeply, providing a foundation for that trust. Which is likely why Duarte brought her in to review collected profiles and see what information she can glean from them. He promised her the comfort of an office, and so she nestles away in his - for easy access to whiskey - with several stacks of information over a few nights. Her focus is particularly upon the possible motivations of each person profiled. Are they desperate, ambitious, bored? This is all compared against what she already knows of various Abyssal cults to try to find connections between them.

Celine has been obsessively working with Occultists for years (Clue #4183 'Celine's Secret') and has therefore built up a tightly-knit network of people (NPCs) whom she implicitly trusts. She'll meet and speak with those that she's able to reach out to at such short notice in order to gather names of interest that may pop up, not only in connection with the current Thornweave crisis, but others that are known to sympathise and work with the Horned God's followers.

Never one to maintain something quite so formal as an organized network of contacts (or, to be fair, an organized much of anything), Ferrando's ubiquitous gregariousness and access to every social strata from the Whisper House down to the Murder of Crows nonetheless provides him access to a fairly comprehensive set of people of all shades, stripes, and walks of life. And he's a good listener, which everyone really appreciates! Over the years in Arx his habit of stacking up contacts from guys who know a guy and informally fixing person who has this with person who needs that has built up to a semi-chaotic web of unconventional access, and combined with the finely tuned nose for the street he had ever since his young days as a cadet guard back in Lenosia, any diligent effort he puts into ferreting out something out-of-the-way tends to scare up some results more often than not. Put simply, few people know the city top to bottom as comprehensively as Arx's favorite (semi-retired-from-bouncing) bouncer. Combined with the typical Artiglio trait of over-and-above tenacity, it's a very useful thing to leverage for contributions to a little list-building project.

There's an awful lot that indicate a half dozen nobles and prominent individuals are working in the Horned God's service, having been promised power or positions of authority when he takes over the world. Some are fairly certain, with individuals making admissions or trying to sway others to the Horned God in private. But the trouble is there's nothing that could really be presented as evidence, such as writings or objects, and all would just be testimony at any trial. So they can definitely pinpoint individuals, but public trials might not go their way.

There have always been rumors of the founding of the Lyceum, there have always been stories of things that might not make sense or sound completely logical that have been shared through generations or used as warnings to keep Lycenes from leaning too heavily into the stereotypes other Fealties believe. The signs of the unknown and mystical have always been there.

Though the Lyceum is often skeptical of others, they are also very pragmatic when it comes to issues and problems that need to be solved. The people of the Lyceum are reminded that House Velenosa has always protected them throughout the years even if they did not know what they were being protected for. The people are invited to the Princess Jaenelle Velenosa Library within Lenosia to learn and explore the stories further and to educate themselves even better on the currect state of the world. The people are reminded of the Watchtowers, and how they are used as a warning system to prevent surprises. The people are reminded of the caravels that House Velenosa assisted each house in gaining to better prepare for any occasion. The people are reminded that the cities have been reinforced to aide each territory in defending the people who call the cities home. The people are reminded that despite the chaos that appears to have always been there without their knowledge, the Lyceum has flourished and will continue to do so.

Duchess of Roses, Calista Fidante, returns to her beloved city of Tor to ensure the people there that they are safe. She follows the Archduchess' lead in reminding the people of Tor of all the good fortune that has come to the Lyceum as a whole. She is a well educated woman and well informed in this rich history of the Lyceum and the stories of how it came to be. While in Tor, Calista hosts open audience hours at the castle and is a constant presence at the Torean Shrine of the Thirteenth and at the local market. Her purpose is not only to be transparent with her people, but more importantly to show them that she understands their concerns and reinforce their safety.

Medeia takes the stories that Jaenelle especially wants to highlight and begins to share them with Lycenes and guests at the Black Fox and Hundred Cities Inn. Calling upon her storytelling skills, she makes sure to speak just a little too loudly so that each tale draws a crowd, and each detail is conveyed with earnest positivity. Of course the Lyceum shall prevail, of course there have always been protections in place, of course those protections will continue to be improved upon. Now is not the time for fear, she tells them, but rather it is the time for opportunity! She speaks with warmth and certainty, steadfast in her backing of Velenosa.

Lucita's strength is in songs, and she uses them skillfully. From her song, 'Garden of War', citing the Lycene and Velenosa skillful preparations in the war of 1008, to mentions in her songs 'The Black Fox', Keeping Watch, and others, her music recognizes and celebrates the strengths and history of her fealty. She sings these in various taverns and in small groups of friends. Copies of some of these songs are in the Vellichor archives and in personal collections such as that of Seraph Ailith, Princess Alarissa. This serves to help unify, reassure and raise a sense of hope.

Theo will linger in Jaenelle's library for any that may have questions in what they read and answers that he can give freely of course. Anything to appease the public that all is well and they have nothing to fear. If he is not able to satisfy their curiosity he will point them to others that may give them better answers than he does.

Berenice is DELIGHTED to remind the public just how much House Velenosa has accomplished in the past many years in terms of bolstering the Lyceum, increasing its prosperity, and helping their vassals to secure their lands. These may be scary days, but set aside the fear and look at the pragmatic practicalities: the Lyceum's leadership has made it a stronger place. No true gods would object to the generosity and care shown to the Lyceum by House Velenosa.

As a leader within the Mirrorguard and also the leader of House Igniseri, Marquessa Quenia Igniseri reminds the people that the Lyceum has always worked to help keep the people of their Fealty safe, both through research and actual measures and plans put together to tackle any issues, supernatural or otherwise, that might need to be addressed. Within the Mirrorguard, this was accomplished first by the leadership of Prince Talen Velenosa, then Count Giulio Corvini, and finally Archducess Jaenelle Velenosa, making certain all threats were neutralized. She also reminds the people of the various upgrades made to the Lyceum and how the Archduchess has taken great strides and lengths to ensure that their fealty was as protected as ever through her various improvement advancements; making the Lyceum stronger together, the watchtowers, the caravels, and the new and improved walls most domains saw recently. She reminds them that together they can stay strong as a people and overcome any obstacle put to them.

Lianne very much agrees with the approach of educating the population. How better to address the incomprehensible than by making it easier to understand. She's glad to field questions, both about her area of Abyssal expertise and broader occult topics, and put the answers into clear, easy to digest, bite-sized pieces.

The Inquisition is not suppose to operate in the various House lands, although what about trained agents wearing the appropriate colors and with the appropriate permission? Alistair and a team of Confessors and Inquisitors (wear Velenosa colors) go on a mission to assist the Lyceum guards, investigators, and Mirrorguard on developing their skills (and not just the leg breaking kind) so that they can better serve the populace. And keep an eye out for esoteric threats. Of course he is sure the people he helps train will go at things with the appropriate Lyceum flair, but that is to be expected. As long as the people are safe and other threats to House Velenosa are kept at bay.

Giada is the Archlector of the Thirteenth, the head Mirrormask, and a Lenosian to boot. There's no way she's not helping Velenosa out. While she herself remains in Arx to administer the entirety of the Discipleship, she -does- write personal letters. Or dictates them. She dictates a lot of letters. She dictates letters to each city state, sending them with trusted Mirrormasks handpicked for their oratorical skills to be read from village to village, great city to great city, in shrines and town squares and pubs.

In these letters, she speaks to the Lyceum, reminding them of their Faith and how their own home was founded upon purposeful Balance and blessed by the Gods of the Pantheon as a result. She appeals to The Hundred Cities, urging them to cleave hard to what they know to be true: they are supported by both Gods and Liege. She promises to continue to serve the Faithful as Tehom's Voice, she promises to protect them to her last breath. She promises that magic is not the provenance of the Abyss, but that Elysian magic exists, too. The Gods are not powerless. Giada's hope is to soothe the Lycene people's fears through both theological reassurance and the tailored nature of each letter by reminding them that they are not alone and helpless.

It's rather scary out there, isn't it? Despite the heavy weight of anxiety spreading throughout the city of Arx and beyond, Ophelia is that little ray of sunshine in the expanding darkness. She holds fast to the truth and spreads the good word about her beloved Archduchess, her House, and its long history of being steadfast. House Velenosa has always been a bright beacon of hope and safety in the Lyceum, and Ophelia speaks passionately of its strength during trying times in an attempt to reassure the public that it will protect them forever and always.

Jasper is a newly-minted Prince by marriage so doesn't have much in the way of 'getting to talk with the folk'. But he does have an idea, and this idea is to mobilize himself and a small number of volunteer servants to hear the mayors of each smaller settlement paying homage to Velenosa, getting written accounts of anything that they want to request from the Archduchess, such as better roads, or a new town hall, or anything of the sort, and in exchange, he will request that they assist in keeping things calm and manageable. He knows it can be a tall ask in these trying times, but it is only by working together that they can achieve the best result, and Velenosa has never failed them, after all.

Lord Macario Malespero joins his fiancee, Duchess Calista, on a tour of Tor. He's most often seen by her side, as Calista takes the lead on this trip. He nods and smiles and greets and makes a sorrowful face when someone is having a bad time and gives a proper high-five to cheer on people's success. Sure, if anyone asks him about the law, he'll contribute wonderfully to the conversation. The Lyceum has hand incredible fortune, a place where we're respected and have a pride for our history. When it comes to the faith, he's active at the Torean Shrine of the Thirteenth, showing his support and devotion. Here, he'll attend on his own and with Calista, and show his devotion.

The leaders of the Lyceum, and the Grand Duchess in particular, have a great deal of sway with the population of the Hundred Cities. They are scared (well, terrified really), but willing to take the leadership at its word that they have matters in hand, with just a touch of Lycene skepticism and cynacism. But panic is kept to a minimum, there's no widespread riots, and many of the more wild eyed performing human sacrifices are quietly tracked down and killed while tactfully excluding such things that would cause potential panics. In short, while there's no guarantee that they can keep a handle on it in the face of major crises, the population is willing to be patient for now.

Quenia Igniseri is not entirely sure that House Igniseri is experiencing financial troubles. Since the death of Malrico, their finances have gone up and not down, like others within the Lyceum. However, she's not about to let her confidence in her domain's ability to stay afloat get the best of her. Granato is the main shipping area for both Igniseri and for Rubino-Zaffria, so she's well aware the ports could house folk, unbeknownst to her, who might have been digging into shadier elements that might bring either domain to ruin.

So Quenia is going to do her due diligence. She's going to travel to Granato to speak with her mother, Emisilia, who has been managing the affairs of the city while Quenia has been governing from Arx. She will go over the books with her mother to help figure out any discrepancies. She's also going to travel to the various banks within the city and to the docks to see if they've noticed anything off with their accounts or with the shipping records of goods coming to and from the city.

If they find anything from the records, or by talking to the bankers or the dockmasters, she's going to follow that trail to see if it leads to any actionable circumstances. IE: she'll confront those people they discover who might be responsible for shady dealings.

To achieve this, she'll be using her various investigative and social skills and she will bring along those people who can support her in digging out information; those good with street skills, those good with additional investigative skills, and those who can provide muscle should muscle be needed. She's employed the help of her family and her friends, and has hired outside help with this task, in hopes of being able to retrieve some of the missing hoard of Malrico or at least find a lead on where else they must look.

In an effort to aid both the Lyceum and House Igniseri, Luis will add his knowledge and skills to working at securing what was lost, or misplaced, or hidden away. Through his contacts and with some of the knowledge that he has gleaned over the years with respect to this exact issue, he will work towards helping Quenia recover the missing goods. He has made contact with the one who controls the gold through Arx and those whom have attempted to oppose them, which he believes will likely be involved with the missing goods.

The fact that Malrico's name has been replaced with a bloody coin is something that Luis believes is tied to the coinmaster. Many things have gone missing in the last year and they are all likely tied together in some elaborate plot, so Luis will pool his knowledge and resources with his family and those whom are helping them in uncovering this.

Luis will also utilize his understanding of the Grey Mages and the True Lyceum to attempt to put some context to the situation and help address the possible fallout from the change in heralds, as well as the long standing issues that they have had and how those conflicts could affect current affairs.

Lucita was a former Igniseri before marrying out. Saik and Igniseri are close allies. When Quenia asks help of Lucita, she willingly assists her in the effort to dig through records. A little charm and bit of subtle manipulation goes a long ways to persuade bankers and dockmasters to talk in order to try to discern if any are involved in diverting funds from their proper destination and following up as such information shows to be necessary. Thieves, bah! Thieves for a Herald, tripply bah!

It might not be so surprising to hear that Mailys and a host of Corsetina accountants are well aware of the discrepancies with ledgers throughout the Lyceum. Though her family's two previous leaders sided with the Pravosi, Mailys has remained a constant presence and service to the Princess Jaenelle, and the Archduchess' counties, like House Igniseri. So the missing shadow ledgers weren't required to see silver flowing back into the Igniseri coffers. What seems to be the trouble, across the Lyceum, is locating where silver was wandering off to, and what (if anything) was the silver used to buy?

Recovering stolen goods, laundering sums of money into investments, purchasing things through other representatives all have a shady element that is hard to pin down unless you know where to find those people. Mailys knows how to find those people, and in what languages those people discuss business. The Dockyard and the Merchant District of any good port city holds key details to which businesses and owners grew fabulously wealthy, and which found themselves lost when a sudden disappearance folded an entrepreneur's success. There would always be stories, rumours, and jealousy to keep details flowing over the decades, or so the Corsetina hoped. A desire can fall into many categories, and the Corsetina toolbox is very full with options to trade for leads.

Intrigue really was at the heart of her games to turn people into assets of knowledge. When Mailys had but only a single thread, she can weave all the charm and control necessary to get what she wants and deliver.

Duarte is going to use what remains of his lycene connections to see what he can do to assist Quenia's search.

Economics and ledgers are not a strong suit for Raja. However, she does understand shady dealings rather well. Instead of focusing on the finances of things at the top, she goes straight to the bottom. Using some of her shadier contacts, she will work to follow the silver trail and root out the criminal enterprises of the area. What she is ultimately looking for is discovering who the criminal groups work for. Sure, Malrico is gone, but Raja assumes a lot of his criminal infrastructure remains in some degree or fashion. Someone out there is still getting the money.

Caspian is not a criminal mastermind. But he is clever. He is not a blade in the dark. but he is a blade. Quenia has called for the more shady folks to help her root out corruption. Caspian cant be of huge help in THAT part, but when it comes to the actual rooting.. he is very good at that. He is damned good with a blade, knows the streets, and can blend in easy enough.

Also, as they search through these caches, Caspian will be looking out for that Amber maulet.. the one Malrico was given by Weohstan. It could be useful in future endeavors and so he will take careful note of any reference that that.

Raven will prowl around the nearby city and settlements looking for places which may stand out to her. She won't use mage sight but she will see if she can find anything suspicious or anyplace that reminds her of those shadowy places of Setarco-those forboding nooks and corners where people shy going near because of the feelings of ominous, or maybe it's being watched-she will mingle and look for the spooky hidey holes of the area Marquessa Quenia and her house are searching.

Things /are/ tied up in some elaborate plot. That much is clear. The spy networks do seem to point to various Suspicious Caves around the Lyceum but any attempt to venture into them has lead to death or severe maiming with the survivors telling tale of an elaborate underground system. Though with the location of some of these being known, including in Granato vassal territories, perhaps a larger group can make the effort in the future.

Looking into potential criminal enterprises is more promising. There are at leas five different merchant families that seem to have far greater an influence on trade than they ought to, with supply and demand fluctuating as a result of their whims, though they've quietened down since Malrico's death, leading to some stabilisation of the market. But they are still around...

House Velenosa's leadership was made aware of Malrico's sticky fingers some time ago, but had to deal with the issue slowly and carefully to avoid detection. With his death, there is a little more room to maneuver to dig through the layers upon layers, leaving no stone left unturned and no ledger left unopened. House Velenosa will explore their own accounts, trading ledgers, and bank statements in hopes to start from the top to work downward. The Great House will also travel to other domains, specifically Caith under House Gilden and Fen de Lire under House De Lire (for this round of crisis actions), as they are the smallest of Velenosa's vassals and it would not be a surprise if Malrico's allies took advantage of their size to sneak things from the Lyceum into coffers elsewhere.

With the investigations into Lenosia, Caith, and Fen de Lire, it is House Velenosa's goal to root out those left responsible, close loose ends, stop further embezzlement, and recover what they can.

Berenice is clever, but not an accountant. However, what she is very good at is persuading /other/ people to give her information. So that is what she will focus on: finding people who may know something, and then convincing them to share. Will a few end up snared to be tossed to Harlex the Headsman in the course of matters? Maybe.

Evaristo has a FAINT idea - just a little he knows from rumors, it's not like he ever SMUGGLED or anything, of course not - about how illegal money is made and hidden. So, he joyfully gets to work on what he has done for years already - talking to the right people at the right places along the coast cities of the Lyceum, using his old cog to do so and not announcing exactly who he works for. He is a known TRADER since decades, and known in many harbours, after all. So, rumor gathering, talking to smugglers and other shady types, for any hints of the gold that disappeared.

There are likely not many alive who know Lenosia as well as Arman does, given his age and deep ties to every part of the city. He knows all the prominent families, business folk and traders. They might even owe him a favor or two, real or imagined. He uses this network to investigate any usual flows of coin, by whom, and where they might lead.

Noah can be a man of extremely charming grace. He is afterall, a Grayson. However, he is more known for when the charm doesn't work. To be the shadow to the Archduchess' radiance. This is what he does in regards to Malrico. There are those things that people know who shouldn't. Those that also walk the line of shadow and of interest. He will banter where needed and more importantly -- threaten -- where needed. His RestingGraysonFace gives more to this.

He has been known to make an ill-timed joke, but he's also known for running tackling those involved in the economic 'crisis'. He is quite the wordsmith and just how he'll implement the various techniques of finding answers and he's extremely unapologetic about it. Poison parties? All the rage, until the poison is explained in the most painful manner. While the Archduke Consort may temper his -- temper at the request of his wife. He also lets it known that he's more than happy to lose that temper too. He hopes to find out what is happening, no matter what it takes.

Though she doesn't have as much experience in the world of economics as some, she knows enough that she's willing to put it through the test. She'll go over the ledgers and see if there is any suspicious laundering, fraud, embezzlement. She will come down hard on anything resembling a pyramid-scheme.

Having spent the past year in Lenosia, basking in the social scene, the moment Silvio heard of the business with Malrico's sticky fingers and the subsequent Velenosa investigation, he set to work using both his charm and his skill at manipulation to subtly pursue any whisper of a rumor which might aid his family in this matter.

Far better with people than ledgers, Silvio will use every ounce of guile at his disposal - his smiles, his banter, vague promises, and the very best wine, of course - to seek out leads into those aforementioned loose ends and missing funds.

Harlex knows one way to deal with 'loose ends' and as Sword of Lenosia, he's all too ready to snuff out those responsible. Once allies of Malrico are identified, as well as the coffers they've stuffed, he'll set upon them as a hunter to its prey. The grisly work will speak for itself, and hopefully the rest get the red message. Most nobles think they have silver-tongues until someone is pinning them to a parlor wall with a longsword.

To say that Enyo has an interest in Malrico and his deeds is a bit of an understatement, it might be argued that it's becoming an obsession. That paired with the news that Velenosa was going to start with two domains that she once called home it was an easy choice for her to lend what aid she could in the investigations.

Caith and those within it was a somewhat brief stint, however Fen de Lire was not, plus her son still technically has stake there considering his parentage. So Fen de Lire is her primary focus, reaching out to those she knows and had dealings with when she was Baroness de Lire to see if she can't assist with getting to the bottom of everything. Ledgers, books, scrolls, anything that has a physical trail, but she also will be looking into rumors and whispers as often things done in secret don't always leave a physical trail to follow.

As the current minister of Economics for House Velenosa, Quenia will be scouring the past logs made by previous ministers for any information that might seem like a discrepancy and compare them to her current logs and the logs that everyone has sent her since her tenure of what's due to House Velenosa. Anything she finds will be reported to Jaenelle.

She'll also take some time to visit Lenosia, Caith, Fen De Lire and take a boots on the ground approach and talk to the various merchants that are found within the cities. She'll visit the docks, the banks - particularly in Lenosia, and any other place that might offer a way to find information that might give them a clue as to where Malrico might have influenced business, trade, and banking in all of the cities. She'll use her authority as the Great House's minister to get access where she is able and also take some time to meet up with some long standing contacts she may have in each city.

As Minister of Income for House Gilden, Vittorio is going to spend his time reviewing the ledgers of the collections over the past several years and trying to identify any individuals who seem to be involved in under collecting according to the books. If he can find anyone who MIGHT be involved, he will do his best to talk to them and convince them that it was "ok" to have been involved, and that it would not be their fault if they were snookered. He will try to engender some trust in the individuals in question, tell them that it will be fine so long as they can help him track down where the funds went. Of course, in reality, while _Vittorio_ may not take action against them, House Velenosa might with that information, but those people do not need to know that.

No house has been as affected by Malrico's antics quite like House Velenosa. He hasn't been the greatest of ancestors and it shows with every new revelation that their investigations uncover.

He and his agents may have been incredibly careful with their paper trails but it's not hard to question/torture/seduce an agent who just so happens to have copies of ledgers before the numbers were altered. Perhaps they'd once foolishly hoped to use it for blackmail. Even without paper evidence, the information they're able to draw out of people is telling and the amount of money embezzled from simply the past decade is astonishing. Funds that had been withdrawn for projects that never happened, missing taxes, counterfeit coin used to cover up tracks.

Many baronies seem to have fallen prey to these machinations with corrupted Ministers and advisors. Or sometimes even thieves that had gone unnoticed. With the exception of Baron Demarcio, who is currently in Lenosian custody (if not already killed), the rot doesn't seem to have gone up as high as leadership of the baronies. Nonetheless, with the number of agents that they have apprehended and questioned, they've chipped away at the influence of the merchant families and criminals operating in the Lyceum, in service to Malrico.

All that was left in the end was to find Malrico's stash, in the island south of Caith that they were previously informed about. It's an island that most had never noticed despite many travels down this route... perhaps an enchantment had worn off. It has seen better days and whatever scouts that remained were unable to defend the horde in the face of Velenosa's fast ships. Monstrous entities with flesh blended with molten gold and gemstones, that were left to guard the horde were dispatched, leaving behind only clumps of flesh with their deaths, allowing the party to recover the treasures held within the island.

What they encounter is an absurd sum. Potentially billions worth of gold and treasure scattered throughout the island. It's a ridiculous amount of wealth that would surely shatter the economy if knowledge of it became public.

((OOC: I've added 25 million to Velenosa's vault - for now to represent what they physically return to Lenosia - and will alter their income accordingly.)).

The Lyceum is under attack from multiple sides, some hidden within shadows and spoken through whispers while others are front and center and unafraid to have their intentions known. Each domain has their watchtowers, a Lyceum wide system to alert of dangers, but that is only the first step in protecting from outside elements and warnings may be seen but then what? Jaenelle's next large project is to make sure each domain is reinforced against any enemy which comes to the front door.

Malvici: 40,000 Military resources. (4 to 5)
Magnotta: 4,500 Military resources. (1 to 3)
Saik: 13,000 Military resources. (2 to 4)
Fidante: 40,000 Military resources. (4 to 5)
Mazetti: 150,000 Military resources. (3 to 6)
Rubino-Zaffria: 40,000 Military resources. (4 to 5)
Igniseri: 50,000 Military resources. (3 to 5)
Malespero: 10,000 Military resources. (3 to 4)
Hawkmour: 10,000 Military resources. (3 to 4)

Total: 357,500 Military Resources.

Since Lucita became Baroness-regent she has learned that Saik was founded at the time that Platinum left Arx. Alessandra Saik was given the task of moving the Platinum Guard to the area now known as Saikland Greens and to watch for and defend from enemies. She was enobled by Duke Lorenzo Fidante who then abdicated his title and married Alessandra. Exploration has found what was once a strong castle. This was negotiated with the Inquisition, to lease it as a training ground for Templars and Inquisition, helping give a little additional strength to the Barony should it come under attack from enemies that fall within their interest yet not meddle in internal Barony or Lyseum or mundane affairs. A cave and tunnel system used as a sort of fall back, storage, and bank system was also found.

For the past 10 years Lucita has been steadily working on restoring Saikland Greens stability and strength closer to what it once was. Her current goal is to have a strong castle with its walls, protection, storage, and provisions built as a seat of the Barony government.

Protecting home and family has always been a number one priority for Enyo, and while she has been MIA for a little while, that urge to keep those in her fealty safe has not wavered. So when it comes to assisting with the Archduchess' next large project, she pitches in with what she can by offering her sword arm. It's an old and familiar position for her, and one that was easy to fall back into. As goods go too and fro, she offers to protect those that are transporting the materials where they need to go.

Since resuming her mantle as Duchess Zaffria of Gemecitta, Sylvie and Grazia have begun to form a strong alliance to work together and within the Lyceum. Sylvie helps with the efforts to strengthen not just Gemecitta, but all of the Lyceum by ensuring that stones that come from their region are sent across the Lyceum efficiently and fairly. Notably, she does this by diplomatically ensuring the quarries that are being run in her region do not take this opportunity to raise their prices, and encouraging them to keep them low.

Ostria has long been famed as the City of Walls, the Walled City by the Sea, and other similar monikers. What can often seem like an ever-changing labryinth of walls, means that the city of Ostria demands the very best of walls for the safety and security of its people. Under the direction of Duchess Cambria and Duke Hadrian Mazetti, Ostria will have them. Rotating workers and work sites, coupled with the architectural blueprints are closely guarded - and even reputed to not even exist - and even a few inaccurate copies which could result in a deadly error if used, are permitted to leak out into the hands of known spies. House Mazetti is known for guarding its secrets closely and the details of their robust series of walls are no exception.

Outwardly emissaries from Ostria will be dispatched to neighbors, near and far, both Compact and Abandoned in order to keep diplomatic lines fresh while also offering explanation for the walls: defensive purposes, citing the First Bank of Ostria as one of many examples of Ostria's defensive nature.

Giada assists House Velenosa by acting as a logistical consultant in exchange for a generous donation to the Mirrormasks. She will be using her particular specialization of plotting secure routes that shave time off the usual pace and smooth the inherent dangers and difficulties of such a large project. A great deal of time is spent poring over maps, especially considering the number of Houses receiving military aid from the Archduchess and how great their geographical distances are.

House Igniseri has long had its eye on defense, especially since they've uncovered some of their role within the Sylv'alfar War, with Lady Maria Igniseri holding off 50,000 Hounds of the Swarm off with a small contingent of soldiers (clue 3720) and Lady Payton Igniseri rescuing a phoenix from the Sylv'alfar and later finding a place for it to safely hatch, only to have it become her familiar (clues 880, 893, 908).

Quenia has done everything she can to bolster the army and add additional defenses to the grounds surrounding Granato, which includes building up the walls to the strongest possible materials she can find. She uses her considerable social skills to win over the workers, while also using her exceptional understanding of economics to make sure they get a fair price for the materials being used, bargaining for stone all around the Lyceum to ensure that several different domains profit.

She feels this is especially important after three Thornweave were found on her lands during their early attacks, only to be stopped by Sir Corban Telmar, Lady Eirene Riven, Lady Mia Riven, and several other companions. She feels it is the least she can do to ensure her people are safe.

All of their domains see significant improvements in their fortifications, and for Ostria in particular it's become one of the most defensible city-states in Arvum. One notable side effect is this has led to the Lyceum as a whole diverting far more of its resources into defensive fortifications, as other city-states not involved have become far more nervous about the development of year-long defensive build ups and did not want their own domains to look vulnerable.

Castles updated, resources removed from Jaenelle.

Fealty Volitant uses its vast network of spies and informants to propagandize on behalf of Victus Thrax. They pose as merchants and traders, sailors and such to speak well of the Thrax High Lord and, also, maybe exaggerate the horribleness of the pretender in Eurus with healthy mix of disinformation and outright rumor.

Orland uses his network of spies (clue 2846) to gain the upper advantage here. His sole intent will be using the network to laying out propaganda in favor of progression and change! The world doesn't need to be held in stasis for so long that it refuses to change! All those neo-nobles that were elevated in the Thrax compact? Suddenly they're getting glowing reviews and stories abound about their heroic deeds! Imagine that, they do deserve to be nobles after all!!!

Savio will pose as (well, and actually is) a bard to make songs and other content that exaggerate the horribleness of the pretender in Eurus with healthy mix of disinformation and outright rumor.

Quenia takes a somewhat different approach than the others with regard to the schism. She still uses bunch of spies and informants from the network to do the work of sending out propaganda. And, she does somewhat focus on the issue of how change can be good. However, she doesn't speak to how having neo-nobles is good. That might inflame a few people that they're trying to convince. So, she focuses on how Thrax has thrived and prospered ever since Thralldom was abolished, how people have benefited, and gained strength and wealth through those changes, and what a positive impact that has had on the Compact overall, since many people viewed the practices of Thralldom barbaric. Those who embraced change suddenly found themselves with new trading contracts and alliances that were, perhaps, not previously available to them. These are things that many nobles think about, the prosperity and wealth of their families, the reputation of their House, and the sort of legacy they want to leave behind. Be the change you want to see. Be the House that puts forward a positive legacy. Be the house that shines in the eyes of the Compact. This is the message she directs the spies and informants to put out there.

Zakhar takes to the streets, his knowledge of how Thrax works and what the traitors seek, using each to power through and send proper information along with misinformation for those of his contacts on both sides.

Thralldom hasn't been popular across the mainland in since the time of Alarice the Great 500 years ago, when abolishing slavery in the Compact was one of her core reforms following the Elven War. It's there that Fealty Volitant will see their greatest degree of success. Duarte organizes the vast network of spies and informants (and their spies and informants and so and so forth...) with a degree of skill that's impressive, and it works out well. It helps that Zakhar is on the ground level, taking information at crucial choke points among society and feeding it back to him. He has far better luck than some others, speaking to traders and servants that can give him the scoop on members of the Peerage. The help hears /everything/.

Orland and Savio are a splendid team together, not that anyone was going to suspect otherwise. Utilizing the information and tips that come from Duarte and Zakhar, they're able to press their propaganda at the appropriate people using their own network among the Compact. Those that might be swayed by a compelling story of neo-nobles and their rise to fame find themselves listening a bit more intently and openly.

Quenia is there with a less sensational touch, she doesn't speak on Eurus or the neo-nobles. Instead she has her informants spread the good word on how well Thrax has been doing since the abolishment of Thralldom. Her people whisper in the ears of the Compact that they too could enjoy such prosperity.

The Lyceum, Northlands and Saffron Chain are generally the most receptive, with some traditionalists agreeing that this wave of change in the east is worthwhile, possibly even good for everyone. The Crownlands and Oathlands are less so, stuck firmly on their distaste for the neo-nobility but agreeing that Thralldom has to go.

It's in the Mourning Isles itself that they see the most resistance. The line between the progressives and traditionalists is drawn long and wide. There's particular hate brewing for Thrax, Kennex, Redreef, Darkwater and Eswynd, viewed as dangerous radicals to the way of the Compact. It will take more than songs and positive whispers to change hearts and minds there.

The Lyceum was home to the former Dominus, Orazio, and Velenosa's words of No one may harm us unpunished strikes true for any and all who have called the Lyceum their home. House Velenosa will not attack those who have harmed one of ours with steal of swords but of wit and charm and the brand of diplomacy often embraced within the south than most other fealties, manipulation. A propaganda mission to remind people who Dominus Orazio, and what he accomplished. House Velenosa will remind people that assassinations are poor sportsmanship, especially to get what you want and then not even get that. A celebration of the Faith and the traditions upheld by the Dominus as only the Lyceum can do.

Arman is persuasive at an individual level and at convincing the masses as a whole. Given how literate the Compact is, Arman will oragnize a leaflet campaign where his agents go about key towns and villages in the isles posting messages denouncing the claims of Waldo and how supporting him is dangerously close to apostasy.

Well Isolde's certainly keen to nullify the influence of Waldo in the Isles and prevent the anti-dominus from acquiring new supporters. Isolde uses her vast knowledge of theology to combat many of his talking points, suggesting that the changes being made are good things actually. In addition, she'll list the many things that Orazio had done in his time as Legate and then Dominus. She'll put emphasis on justice and the law - hinting strongly that Waldo's rebellion goes against the tenets of the Sentinel. She'll also remind the people that Aureth is the choice successor and so if any of them respected Orazio, they should stay behind the /real/ Dominus of the Faith.

There aren't many places where Theo doesn't have a connection and it's by these veins that his word spreads. He will verbally combat Waldo's influence by planting seeds of information that he predicts will spread like wildfire, with a goal to redirect focus to the true Dominus and how Waldo's rebellion is oath breaking at its very core. He will speak on all the accomplishments of Dominus Orazio and on the true traditions of the Faith to the right people he knows will take the information and run with it. While Theo is not one for public grandstanding, he knows exactly where to be at the right time for his word to have the most impact among prominent groups of Islanders and non-Islanders alike.

Alistair is a man of Faith and not Faith. He certainly feels bound to Sentinel, but has never been one for the rigidity of civilized faith that came with bending the knee and joining the Compact. Despite that he worked alongside Orazio many times and respected the man greatly. Even if he is a Beast of the Sword, he can try and offer a stern and dour word or two. Show that even a once prodigal like him deeply respected the man and the Inquisition as a whole did as well. Primarily he will keep his efforts down played, as he knows the Faith is not a fan of him, so he will likely seek to protect others who engage in this mission of words, to make sure they are not waylaid, interrupted, or assailed.

At one point in Quenia's life when she was working for her brothers, she had a network of people whom she considered friends, allies, and information brokers. She reaches out to that network to start a propaganda campaign to remind everyone what a good and decent Dominus that Orazio was and how he always had a helping hand for the people and reminded them often of the will of the Gods. He was a guidling light among the Compact that many looked up to and favored, until Waldo killed him in cold blood in the Queen's Rest that fateful day, and then proclaimed himself the Dominus of the Compact. This is not the way of the faithful, to kill their successors and then name themselves the keeper of the faith. These are the actions of a baseless, cowardly murderer who could not have made a bid as Dominus of the Faith in good faith, so contrived his own reasons for doing so. She throws her support behind House Velenosa and reminds everyone that Dominus Aureth is the rightfully elected leader of the Faith.

Agostino will begin spreading a couple of different messages among his friends and contacts, targeted a bit differently for two different groups. The first message will be targeted toward Isladners, and will speak to how Waldo's split from the Faith goes against Limerance, as he has broken his holy vows of service to the Dominus. That his "election" did not take place according to the traditions of the Faith, and so his subsequent claims of defending tradition are pure hypocrisy with a foundation of oath-breaking.

For those outside of the Isles, the discussions he attempts to start are a bit more pointed. He reminds any non-Islanders who seem to lean toward supporting Waldo that he set down this rebel path solely to defend the "tradition" of thinly-masked slavery in the Mourning Isles.

Macario connects with the Mourning Isles traditionalists on their shared appreciation of law. This is a two-fold attempt, that on the first he simply wishes to charm them. Law sets precedence, and precedence strengthens bonds. Without rules and law, there be chaos. But further to that point, legal contracts define how the people work together and the nasty business of assassinations and wars could wipe out centuries of legal work (contracts would become unenforceable). Mostly, though, Macario is charming and his instincts would help navigate this path set by Jaenelle.

To aid House Velenosa's goal to reminding the Lyceum of the good works from Dominus Orazio. The Duke Martino will be making a public address in Southport about the good work from the former-Saik Dominus to remind citizens that one of our own gave their life for the Compact. Additionally a feast in the Dominus' honour organised.

Waldo, Waldo, Waldo... that troublemaker! Lucita has come in contact with him before during her efforts to help Ailith in Sungreet. Songs were effective before, songs of hope, of unity, of loyalty, of faith. They swayed people's thoughts, their moods, helped counter Waldo's efforts. Thus she selects from songs of the past and some she wrote herself, sings, and teaches them to others to distribute them joyfully as a propaganda tool. It is especially satisfying to her to participate in this since Orazio was a Saik!

Prince Galen Thrax is not just a Warlord and does not just aid his blood-given house. With his sister ruling the Lyceum Galen has taken on some tasks to assist them, primarily with military training, naval guidance, and other such matters. However, Galen is also gifted in the arts of charm and propaganda and it is this that he employes on behalf of Velenosa. Over the years he has traveled far and wide and built quite a network of connections. It is this network, his charm, and his talents that he uses to help push the messaging his sister desires. If there is a grand opportunity to do some drinking along the way or to influence people...This he would not pass up nor would he a chance to be generous and honor Gild!

Ysabel goes for a more simplistic and modest route. Tending to the needs of the local villages and people by offering a friendly hand out of fruits from her House's orchards while also making idle chit chat and slipping some propaganda into the ears of her listeners. She tells them of the great deeds and works Dominus Orazio did and how Dominus Aureth is the rightful leader. She asks them what there worries and concerns are, and tries to lift their spirits up. Making friendly with the people is one way to win there hearts and votes, and obviously turn the tide in Aureth's favor.

The Lyceum has had their eyes turned to Arx since the moment that Orazio was named Dominus, and they haven't been able to peel their attention away since. As much as Lycenes enjoy the intrigue (or perhaps because they do), having one of their own being closest to the Gods bore a certain mark of pride. When he was struck down, there was outrage against Waldo and his supporters. That was /their/ Dominus. His popularity was highest amongst the Saiklands, and so they have the strongest degree of anti-Waldo sentiment.

There are a good number of people in the Compact that don't necessarily approve of Aureth's rise to Dominus, some because of his support of a 'new' God and others because of the association with his family prior to joining the Faith. He's a hard sell in those areas of the Compact. Not necessarily in the Lyceum for obvious reasons, but there are holdouts still.

Velenosa's attempts to truly win those holdouts over for Aureth don't go as well as might be hoped for. But they also don't go horribly wrong either. There's a bit of 'pro-Aureth' sentiment brewing on its own already, partially because the Dominus that was assassinated was one of their own. If Waldo is going to go around killing a perfectly good Dominus then they're /almost/ glad he was replaced with someone even less traditionalist! It's not something that they'd announce at the Assembly of Peers, but it's there in the undercurrent.

Traditionalists are still upset across the major domains, a fact that makes it especially difficult to nudge those stances from quips at parties to more public facing announcements. Those that might normally be more emboldened, are working to keep things peaceful in their own holdings and so are sticking to their own personal interests for now.

As for those that are following Waldo in the Lyceum? Their hearts remain unchanged for the moment, but they are quiet. They're smart enough to know that House Velenosa is watching them and that 'no one may harm us unpunished' is not just a fancy catchphrase.

Jaenelle has called the Lyceum fleet to action by reaching out to her banners. Through her leadership, she will unify the Lyceum to this threat. She will go to Lenosia to see preparations are being made herself, but will return to Arx afterwards.

Admiral Antonio Velenosa will take lead, working with the other houses of the Lyceum and Prince Victus Thrax or whomever he has placed in charge of the Mourning Isle's Fleet.

The Lyceum fleet will be helping to transport members of the Templars beneath Sir Preston's leadership.

The Isles Canines Fleet, including the two Caravels will be going with Velenosa for this intervention? Juliana as Voice for the Isles has committed them to Jaenelle. Jules will be going along but in the complicity of a Healer and if needed Diplomat.

While actually leading Malvici's fleet will be Domonico's responsibility, Calypso is the one in possession of the Duchess Beatstick, so she takes the responsibility of rounding up her vassals and making sure they understand that 1) This not a drill and 2) She will be paying very close attention to who responds and who doesn't. She reminds the reticent that the Eurusi threat isn't just to the Mourning Isles and Setarco, and if it's not turned back while it's still far away, the Lyceum is going to find itself fighting a war on two fronts.

Calypso isn't blind to the concerns her vassals might have about the Thornweave threat, however, and makes sure they understand that she's taking it into account. She reminds them that Southport's city guards and ground forces will be staying in Southport at the ready, and they'll be able to respond quickly if there's need to do so, and she even offers Southport's protection in the event of trouble, telling the truly reticent about the improvements the city has made to its defenses (Action #3858) and about the new and improved city guard and the very competent woman who leads them (Thea). She even drops hints about dock improvements being made by Martino (Action #3852), a subtle reminder that Malvici's wealth and power in the region is only growing, making them a very good friend to have. She makes sure they understand that the shav issue is being handled by Eirene (Action #3882) and won't make itself into a distraction at an inopportune moment; quite to the contrary, they as well as Malvici will be protected by Malvici allied ships patrolling the coast.

Between proving that Malvici has it's collective shit well and truly together, her offers of safety, and the Duchess Beatstick, Calypso is hoping to make sure the political calculus that her vassals do leads them to the conclusion that they're going to get more out of rallying to her banner with everything they can muster than they'll protect by holding back.

War is a tricky thing. /Banners/ are a tricky thing. The Compact has experienced two wars in recent years that span across the Great Houses, but there still must be resistance to the idea of sailing the Lenosian fleet off to the /Mourning Isles/. So Berenice is going to make sure to minimize that resistance. She will charm the Lenosian armies -- navies? military -- into action. A smile, a word, a promise of glory and Lenosian greatness. A reminder of promises made to allies, and the importance of standing with them against foreign hostile forces -- even if only to protect the Lyceum in the end. Whatever gets the job done.

The entire Southport Fleet sails in response to Velenosa calling their banners and Domonico will be commanding them from his own caravel, the Tempest. This is what the fleet and Domonico have been training for for some time now and they aim to see it through.
The Malvici Admiral will offer his expertise and assistance to Admiral Antonio and the other naval leaders, in tactics, strategems and particularly in the field of helping enable inter House communication and co-ordination, both with Lycene fleets and those of the other fealties, something that he has specifically trained for (Action #3052 and Action #3462). The book Compact Naval Lexicon will be of good use here.
The Malvici Fleet have been bolstered by a dozen ships from Saik, (6 Longships and 6 Galleys) which have been placed under the command of Admiral Domonico and will be fighting alongside the main fleet.
The fleet will be well equipped with arms and armour from Southport Steel (Action #3190) and supplies from Goldhawk Naval Base (Action #2351).
The Malvici fleet will form around their Dromonds and in particular the siege weapon armed Sea Hawk, with the longships aiming to board and take the fight to ships that have been rammed by the galleys. The Tempest will use it's speed and maneuverability to be where it is needed most in the Malvici fleet, as well as coordinating it.
If it comes to battle then Admiral Domonico and the fleet will not shirk their duties.

Ornella is going to act as Antonio's bodyguard during the assault. If it comes too close, it will find itself on a long swim back to shore. If it gets uppity, she has a cutting implement for that. Antonio is in good hands. If it turns out that Antonio needs her to go perform more personal missions, then she can do that too.

Quenia answers the call of the banners and directs a bulk of her naval forces to travel with the Lyceum fleet, putting them under the direct charge of Admiral Antonio Velenosa. She also does her best to talk up the efforts Jaenelle is making to create a unified fleet, reminding the members of the Lyceum that their very freedom could be at stake if they fail to answer the call themselves.

Cambria makes certain that her own city-state of Ostria heeds the call of its liege, Velenosa. It is important not only to reassure the citizens, but also ensure the soldiery is in prime condition for action. Through her leadership, Duchess Cambria Mazetti does her utmost to show the Lyceum - and the rest of the Compact, that Ostria is ready to tackle anything.

Selene carries the title "Whisper of Peace," earned for her tireless efforts dealing with the Great Road. She relies on that reputation as the travels among the Hundred Cities, reaching out to the smaller and far-flung domains and the largest cities alike. At each place, she throws wide the glittering net of  Whisper prestige and influence to pull the beloved Lycene population close. The message is direct and clear -- lending assistance to the Archduchess' efforts to repulse the Eurusi navy, to once again rise with grace and dark wit to overcome their enemies' cunning. Is not this the appropriate hour to remind the whole of the Compact that the Lyceum can tip the balance in war with more than simply strength of arms? Everyone has a part to play from devising brilliant naval strategy to increasing the expansion of sail-weaving, rope making, setting supplies for hungry crews or marshalling resources to support those gone to war.

She speaks to merchants and nobles, sailors and sword-dancers of their possible contributions. Let them walk away with ideas humming in their ears, for a chance to make their mark on the annals of history. Where conflict or opposition to participation is found, she hears out the parties' concerns and seeks a collaborative resolution. At the least she informs Jaenelle to unsnarl the snarls, and otherwise lower hurdles, dazzles the reluctant, and employs the full, seductive force of her charms to just about deliver many a boat or crew to her patroness. Why not try to be the face that launched a hundred ships? (Hey, a thousand could be overkill.)

Having recently discovered a gift for communication laced with persuasion, Ophelia will use such an ability to speak to those of the Lyceum that may be wavering their support in regards to assisting the Archduchess and the calling of banners. The princess will travel throughout the Lyceum and speak to those both inside and outside of her social circle, drawing people in to help unite and support Jaenelle. Many know Ophelia to be overwhelmingly sweet and kind, but she is also adorably convincing when she sets her mind toward swaying an opinion -- such a heart-melting combination, how could /anyone/ say no to her? She will work tirelessly to see that the Lyceum is united with its support.

The Lyceum's fleet has been put in his care, so of course Antonio will see to all the necessary logistics to make sure said fleet is ready to sail on time, and be well supplied for the trip. In addition, in his capacity as admiral and minister of war, he's never stopped building up Lenosia's forces for such an occasion- both by using the shipyards he's had access to, as well continuing Lenosia's privateering program to capture and re-fit shav and pirate ships for Lenosia's usage. Lenosia's grounds forces have also been bolstered- new soldiers trained and experienced veterans coaxed out of retirement to join the battles. To that end, he was given a dragonweep gemstone by Jaenelle, to sell and use the proceeds for recruitment, in addition to Lenosia's considerable military forces.

Waldemai will accompany the Malvici fleet, sailing on Lord Domonico's ship The Tempest. Waldemai will provide skilled crafting support before and after the battle, repairing and improving armor and weapons for the troops and whatever can be done for the ships as well. An experienced soldier who led a company at Setarco and fought pirates under Lady Calypso, he will be fighting in any battles as well.

Saoirse spends the days, weeks, after Jaenelle calls the banners researching Lycene lore -- stories of different houses, of families, of wars past, love, loss, and moments of pride. Armed with scores of papers and mountains of books about each and every house -- from great to small -- Saoirse Velenosa begins a tour of the Lyceum with her family.

She arrives as a guest of great honor and spends her time in each region regaling the houses with stories of their histories, of how they came to be Lycene, of why they unite under Velenosa, and of anything pertinent that would so convince a house to lift their banners.

And with so much research, Saoirse comes to know an *awful lot* about Lycene lore, the players within it, and the players who play now. She uses her web of influence and her ability to spot intriguing connections between people and houses to convince the troops to rally -- and that may involve subtle manipulation between two fractious houses or reminders of favors granted.

A powerhouse of influence in her own right, Princess Valencia sets aside her misgivings for now to see that her House and the people of Lyceum -- noble and common alike -- are well supported, supplied, inspired and kept in high spirits. With seemingly no diplomatic means to end this threat, the little vixen of Lycene mobilizes her connections and adds her voice, resources and talents to the call for Lyceum and its allies to stand in solidarity, doing what is needed to summon strong support for the effort and her people at home and abroad.

As Minister of Civil Welfare she takes particular care to see that the homefront is well supported, prepared and protected. This way soldiers and those assisting in their noble work can focus on the fight at hand and Lyceum can firmly hold the line and remain protected from other foes while continuing to support the defense of the Mourning Isles. As a princess of Lycnene, she also quickly joins the others in their efforts to bolster, inspire and support the troops/fleet and their support units.

However, the little vixen doesn't stop there. Before the fleet even sets sail, a secret campaign of unrest and fear against Euris is also launched to sow seeds of uncertainty and dissent designed undermine the enemy and destroy them from within in an effort to gain advantage and, with luck, help to win the fight by peaceful means or not.

Silvio is using both his physical and diplomatic skills in the assistance of the Skal'dajan affair. He is able to disarm most people that he speaks with through the use of confounding and confusing ramblings, which are all expertly executed for that exact purpose. Manipulative and seductive, he gleefully submits himself to the mission and whatever tasks are assigned to him, even if it means his doom, such is his confidence. He's also fairly distracting and good for morale.

Strozza commands the forces of he First Fleet from the flagship Caravel the Erudite - providing transport for troops or harrier support should he call for such and Duchess Cambria can release him for such duties

Alejandro isn't a naval commander. His role is far more diplomatic and swings to the side of propaganda. Using his skills, he will charm whomever needs charming, work with whomever needs working with and will do what he can to smoothe the process for everyone involved and help make a successful Lycene effort successful.

There are scores of city-states underneath the banner of House Velenosa, and mobilizing the hundreds of ships and tens of thousands of sailors and soldiers from all across the Lyceum has normally taken months. This time, it does not take months. Through all of their efforts, the forces consolidate under Antonio's overall command in quite possibly the fastest mobilization in Lycene history, with templars and forces of the Faith militant picked up from hundreds of different rally points throughout the Compact. The massive Lycene fleet, far bigger than many expected since the departure of House Pravus, meets with the fleet of the Mourning Isle and sets sail for Sungreet.

Of course, while the speed is astonishing, the templars are only given landfall slightly before the arrival of the Eurusi. The Eurusi fleet declines to engage the combined forces of the Mourning Isles and the Lyceum, and bizarrely begins to fight among itself before roughly two thirds sail from Sungreet to the south and southwest. Which suggests an attack upon the Saffron, potentially.

This is a project a long time in the making, ever since before Quenia first started working on improving the Igniseri lands. She queried her family, and other friends, for ideas of what to include as part of the progression of improvement, and one of the things suggested was to include something on the Path of Pilgrims, and thus the idea of an agricultural center was born. This center is to be built just outside of Granato itself, on a stretch of land cleared specifically for this purpose. It will be built using the finest materials, made to withstand the ages, as well as be dedicated to the Triad of Creation - Petrichor, Mangata, and Lagoma. There will also be a small building attached to the side, for use by the Scholars of Vellichor, for writing up any agricultural research findings they might discover. The inclusion of the agricultural center on the Path of Pilgrims was cleared by Legate Ailith, of the Faith.

Quenia has made efforts to reach out to the Faith, House Rubino-Zaffria, House Velenosa, the Lodge of Petrichor, the Mercies of Lagoma, members of the Crafters Guild, the Whisper House, and the Scholars of Vellichor to help with this project.

Jyri's task in this endeavour, which he looks upon as a chance for his cared for refugees to get those jobs that Quenia has worked hard on earlier to ensure, is to be the leader he is good at. As a former Abandoned, and with many of the refugees now being new prodigals, he'll help lead this group of workers to be efficient, but also to ensure they acclimate to the new conditions - but also to be their voice during everything, as the Goodwill Ambassador of ARRG.

Teireno is helping with recruitment towards the project and spreading word about it. He's helping to bring on board people who will help out in various ways, from construction to promoting.

Samuele has been working on mustering up his MIlitary contacts including members of his own guard staff along with other able bodied men to provide protection for the construction sight as well as manual labor for the project handled by Quenia. He makes an effort to assist Miranda.

As Voice of Rubino-Zaffria, Miranda will add resources to the efforts of their most loyal vassal, House Igniseri. As such, RZ will be providing 600 social writs, 600 economic writs, and 300 military writs towards this endeavor. In addition, if there is any security needs, Miranda, as commander of the Gyrfalcon Infantry of Gemecitta, will gladly coordinate with Igniseri's military to make sure those involved in this project will be as safe as possible. Working closely with Quenia, Miranda will be the eyes and ears for Rubino-Zaffria and thus be able to let the Duchesses know of the progress and any additional needs that Igniseri may need. This project coincides with a project not yet in the works, still in the planning stages, of Rubino-Zaffria: to expand their own lands by creating more farmlands. This project will, in the future, assist in their own endeavors making both Houses better for it.

Videl is active by organizing various events to raise funds for the center, parties and lotteries among other things, trying to excite people to bring in the resources needed to make this center the best it can be.

Swaying public opinion, exciting the masses, building the mystery.. this is something Juliana is good at. Trough social engagement or casual meetin; speak in the correct ear and the word goes out a thousand times more. Juliana may be Igniseri but she was born Pravus and this is something she excels at.

Archlector Brigida is here here to make sure that the dedications go ahead properly and that the Gods of the Triad of Creation get their respects given properly. She'll lead prayers and meditations on the nature of the work they are doing, focusing of course on Petrichor but giving both Lagoma and Magnata a good deal of time and ensuring that the proper prayers are used along with the correct services.

Isobella has no experience in matters agricultural, but as a Voice of the Velenosa, she can certainly share word throughout her socialite circle that agriculture is good and supporting agriculture is better, if they want to keep eating nice things at parties. Especially if they want to keep being invited to said parties.

Olivia is going to help actually get the center planted and good to go. She has quite the connection with plants and will do everything she can to ensure they are doing well, and will flourish for years to come

Duchess Grazia wants to see her vassals thrive, and as such, she'll be talking up the project to various sources. She'd like to see it bring in a wealth of economic opportunity to Granato, and she'll help by making certain that people know about it. She's also interested in the wealth of knowledge this will create for the future.

Petal plans to help with this by helping to tend to the plant in the agricultural center and to choose out the best ones for growing there. She wants to help make sure the land is healthy and well cared. She wants to see the well being of the plants, checking to make sure they are healthy, have the right soil, the right amount of water and so forth.

After prior successes in architectural endeavors, Willow hears of the project at the Lycene clothing raffle and is invited as an architect/engineer. Drawing from prior experience both at the Nightgold Mansion and in a similar project to help increase productivity of food during her diplomatic tour of the Mourning Isles, she volunteers to assist with drawing up blueprints and schematics to assist with construction of the center. In addition, she offers to create sculptures and murals of the Triad of Creation drawing on her well known name as an artist.

Evangeline Whisper lends her support and expertise of contract negotiations to assist with the import of the finest quality materials and labor she can find.

Lottie is looking to assist Willow (and learn from her) in the design element of the structures and art to be placed within the Agricultural Center. She is simply an assistant, though while she is a notable baker she is also competent in design work. After all, everything starts with a picture. In combination with her work she prays, ever a heart of faith, for guidance to help bring glory to the gods featured on the site.

The act of raising the food through out the Compact has been made tantimount on Kincade's priorities. He's learned a fair bit working with Olivia and Harlan on a gourd project and embracing it in Chevalle with it's own society. Here however Kincade focuses his efforts on ensuring that the resources tied up in the project are spent shrewdly and go farther than they need ensuring extra funds when challenges may arrive. The waste on the project is minimised calling for reuse of materials where prudent and ensuring the highest quality where it matters.

The agriculture center proves a massive boon to Granato and the combination of beauty and practicality plus the careful partnership with the Faith enhances everyone's reputation with the Faith. Everyone is spoken about for some time after for their organizational prowess - this was quite the project to bring together and so successfully, too.

As consul of Arvum Refugee Relief Group, Jyri is not one to be idle. In fact, he might be doing things a bit too fast sometimes, but he sees little point in waiting around while people suffer, and if he can do something, he will do it. This mission, under the (literal) banner of ARRG (he's made one, based off a painting he's made), is something that he feels strongly about. However - he really can't do this alone because he is not a diplomat. Hence...

Jyri gathers a team of diplomats, healers, empaths and soldiers who will go out and talk to refugees along the great road, abandoned ones particularly but others too if there are any. Abandoned refugees will be given an offer: bend the knee, swear fealty to the Compact, and they will be given quite a few good options.

1. Move to Stahlben lands - the Stahlbens are willing to take refugees on and give them homes and work.
2. Move to Laurent lands - Laurent house too has offered to take in refugees and offer homes and work.
3. Those of an agricultural bent (farmers, crafters) can move to Igniseri lands as Countess Quenia is in need of workers. They will be provided homes.
4. Soldiers can apply to join the Iron Guard, assuming they get through the vetting process.

Families will not be split up and groups will be moved with their tribal affiliations in mind as much as possible. They're not choiceless and will be listened to, even if there is a hard demand on them to bend the knee before being offered new homes.

To ensure this meets with some success, he won't be the one doing the talking if he can help it; that's why he's asked the experts to help with this. He will lead the group, he will protect them (and bring some hired guards along), and he can tell any Shav'arvani about his own experiences as an ex refugee who has joined the compact, but smooth talking is not his forte.

Additionally, a lot of resources and silver will be poured into it. The refugees will be well fed and equipped with good basic gear if they are lacking (even those that do not want to bend the knee will be given this.) Medical supplies will be provided too, for those that are hurt or sick, as much as they can be helped. The ARRG has received a fair few donations in a raffle and through the Whitehawk Charity shop, which is put into this endeavour.

An adventure upon the Great Road in order to bring peace and prosperity throughout Arvum! That's the dream and the ambition, anyway. There are people in need... there are people out there who aren't necessarily in need, but no less need to be given the good word of the Compact. Marquis-Consort Hadrian Mazetti is there to support Lord Jyri Whitehawk's efforts. To speak to the Abandoned about the virtues of the Arvum Refugee Relief Group(ARRG), the works they've done thus far in settling those returned to the Compact and even those citizens of the Compact, into new homes. Fluent in the shav'arvani dialects of the Lyceum and Oathlands, he lends his aid in that manner. Acting as both a translator and hosting more direct communication between himself and those they encounter. He lays on the charm, of course, because that's what Hadrian Mazetti do... but neither does he lie to these people - he's honest that reintegrating into the Compact can have challenges that one must face and overcome. He points to Lord Jyri Whitehawk as a success story, points to other renowned Prodigals within the Compact in recent years who have distinguished themselves with service to the Compact, the Pantheon, and more.

He would be remiss not to include mention of the many Prodigals which joined the banners of House Mazetti with the threat of the Pirate King on the horizon and how they have prospered under Mazetti rule, under the auspice of the Compact. He, again, is not above being honest and forward in mentioning that while the Prodigals under House Mazetti (and many other Houses, no doubt) have prospered, so too have those lands and noble Houses which the Prodigals have bent the knee to. A House, its lands, and cultures are people. From high to low, it takes all working together to create a brighter future, which is what is on offer. A chance to work together through shared dreams, mutual cooperation, and an eagerness to forge a better (and perhaps bolder) future for all.

Ever eager to prove she's more than a mere character on a stage in a pretty costume, the actress-turned-diplomat Evonleigh Whitehawk is happy to speak to the Abandoned and other Refugees. She speaks persuasively on the behalf of her fellow Whitehawk Jyri, the Compact, and the houses Stahlben and Laurent, lauding the merits of their lands and the security of life under their protections. Lady Evonleigh uses her charms, as ever, but her recent experiences with diplomacy have taught her a bit more about knowing how to approach different groups of people -- what approach will work best, which to steer away from, when to change approaches, etc. Evonleigh will rely too on her knowledge of Crownlands Shav, to pick up any tidbits here or there while they travel, or to use when she thinks showing she can speak it might earn her a point or two in her favor. And she'll play with the children, teaching them here

Cambria lends her aid to Jyri's grand effort. As they travel the Great Road, she does her best to promote those key points that all are hoping to drive home to those who are either uncertain, or against what is being proposed.

Lothar is, of course, ready and willing to help when the call comes; he's there to help protect the other envoys as they travel out along the road, though it happens that his own life serves well as an example of the benefits of bending the knee and accepting the light of the Gods into your life, particularly Gild.

Mina has been doing a lot of work for the Iron Guard, it's a lot of talking and soothing bruised egos, but it's something she loves doing. Amicable outcomes are extremely satisfying, but improving a group of people's lives would be even better. After hearing about Lord Jyri's raffle, she dumped quite a bit of her resources gained from her work into it to help out with the refugee problems. It didn't hurt that there was a beautiful painting up for grabs, either.

When Lord Jyri offered the country bumpkin a place in the group to reach out to the refugees she could hardly believe it. She could change people's lives by just using her silver tongue. It's never too difficult for the farm girl, the promise of something good along with a cheery demeanor and some flattery would convince many a listener. And Mina certainly had a cheery demeanor, she was so excited to talk with them and greet them with all of the stories of how so many of the people of Arx, nobles included, welcomed and helped her get settled in. Surely some first hand experience with relocation would be beneficial.

If there's any arena in which Isabeau might arguably excel, it's matters of diplomacy. Accordingly, she will accompany Lord Jyri's small contingent of those looking to persuade any Abandoned refugees to consider bending the knee, joining the Compact, and settling in House Laurent's lands. As it so happens, she is versed in Oathlander shav'arvani slang, and may even be able to communicate with them in their own tongue.

Happy to help try to bring hope and healing to anyone, Elora joins Jyri and the others. While they work on the democratic style dealings, she will focus her efforts on looking after the sick, both animal and human alike. She'll make sure that nyone who might want aid will get it, along with offering a little teachings on their own methods of first aid to help the healers and medicine people learn more methods.

Quenia talks about the benefits of being part of the compact, and a community that absorbs other people in their environment. She speaks to the work that she did with the former Thraxian thralls, taking those that wanted new homes and lives into House Igniseri as well as giving them jobs, homes, and a solid way to live their lives on their own terms within the confines of the law. She tells them of the project that she has that's up and coming, building a large agricultural center - which should take quite some time to complete - and offers those that wish jobs and homes within the compact to come work for House Igniseri, provided of course they bend the knee. She promises they'll have a safe place to live, and additional work even after the ag center project is completed. Additionally, she will provide safe passage via ship to make the travel load for those that want to go to Arx, Granato, Artshall or Bonespire much shorter than traveling completely over land.

Rather than attempting to sway hearts and minds with logical arguments and compelling oratory, Tabitha will act to gather information that the real diplomats can make use of. She'll talk with respect and kindness to the Abandoned refugees, with the aim of using her natural empathy to discern their interest and concerns relating to joining the Compact. The idea here is to listen carefully, and to pass on her findings to the diplomats so that they can use them to figure out the best approaches to their task, and hopefully apply some diplomatic damage limitation to the endevour in advance. Misunderstandings between the Compact and the Abandoned have been an issue in the past, after all. Tabitha also speaks Crownlands shav'arvani, so hopefully this will be of use.

The amount of suffering on the Great Road for different Abandoned is immense, and Jyri on behalf of the Arvum Refugee Relief Group leads a successful effort to relieve that, though it's not without complications.

Most Abandoned traditionally flee or fight on any contact with the Compact, and most bend the knee really only after defeats, but these diplomatic efforts have a higher percentage of success, particularly when Evonleigh and Isabeau help speak to them. Some groups still refuse and flee, particularly ones with heretical beliefs that they simply will not Abandon in order to join the Compact, but it's a much larger amount that settles to Stahlben, Laurent, Mazetti or Igniseri lands than most have accomplished, and a significant number that choose to move towards Arx look to join the Iron Guard. Hadrian, Cambria, Quenia help ease the transition to the different lands, and Tabitha, Elora, Mina and Lothar help keep them safe in transit, which is no easy task.

The biggest danger, of course, is that some of the traditionalist factions that object to -any- Abandoned becoming prodigals, and associate houses friendly to refugees as extremely friendly towards Abandoned, but that will be happening regardless for any outreach efforts.

For the past half year, the Bard's College has been under construction. Curiously, it was essentially the perfect building when Gianna first found it; the work has mostly been restoration and the construction of a stage suitable for putting on plays. Donations from various supporters has fueled rapid progress, and now the College is ready to open, fully functional. There will be an event. Gianna will perform at this event.

As the Voice of the Bard's College, Nik will be pulling all the strings he has to make certain that the grand opening of the Bard's College is seen as a momentous and defining cultural occasion in the history of Arx. The Black Rose what? The Empyrewho? It's all about the Bard's College. Your premiere source in the entire Compact for becoming the best performer, musician or singer possible and, for the party host, your source for the finest entertainers in the whole damn world. You heard me, Cardia! Your barbershop dragon quartets got NOTHIN' on the Bard's College! So he'll gladhand his fellow nobles and convince them that the grand opening of the Bard's College is easily the most incredible thing that's ever happened to them, even if they have beautiful children or fought in ugly wars, the Bard's College still comes in at #1! This could be THE moment of this era. Why would they not want to be part of it? And if they're going to be part of it, why wouldn't they want to donate so they can /really/ feel like they participated in a generational shift for Arvum? What's a few (thousand) silver if it means you can be a part of history? Legends come and go, people, but Nightingale Gianna is an ICON and ICONS ARE FOREVER. Be a part of her story! It'll only cost you your money.

Sabella will be going all out talking up the Bard's College opening to anyone that will listen! It's the first time something like this has opened in Arx and don't you want to be part of history?! Especially nobility--there's always a need for skilled musicians at parties and wouldn't you like the Whispers you hire to be able to mingle? Well, now they can because you'll have such wonderful, trained musicians to choose from thanks to the Bard's College! Why not show up for the opening and maybe make a donation!

Porter Kennex spends some time dragooning the more urbane ship captains, and the ones who were just inclined toward music in general, about the opening of the Bard's College. They should come. Bring your wives, they'll love you for it. Most especially, he provides a donation and starts a stipend to the Bard's College.

Aahana is using her charm and ways of conversation to mention EVERYONE who is ANYONE should attend the grand opening of the Bard's College. She provides social and economic writs in aide.

Who loves the arts? Elgana loves the arts! And nothing makes her heart soar more than the idea of assisting with the grand opening of the Bard's College. She knows how much love, blood, sweat, and tears (and maybe booze) that Gianna has poured into this, so Elgana will do her part, play her role, and ensure that it is the talk of the city, the Compact, for years to come for all the right reasons. Anyone who will give the Redrain princess a moment of their time will leave her presence knowing it is the place to throw their silver, their time, and the place to be seen if they want to be at the forefront of the social scene. Who doesn't love a good bard? And since she knows how much Prince Niklas and Princess Sabella love the arts she'll work with them as well to assist in spreading the love and the word to get those donations rolling in.

Given that Lucita is part of the bardic college, and Quenia is Lucita's protege, she wishes to see this organization thrive. She puts some of her social might behind it, as well as some of her economic might, and talks to all of her friends and allies about the organization, and how they teach others how to be the best performers they can be.

Wylla loves art! Of course she does. She wants others to love it too. She'll be providing a blessing at the opening of the Bard's College, and will be using her status as the Archlector of Jayus to throw some theological weight behind the college as well.

Eddard Clement takes to announcing himself as a member of the Bard's College everytime he performs at a low-key corner of a tavern or pub. Then reminding patrons of the soon upon them Grand Opening of the Bard's College! His time is well spent practicing songs of this sort or the other to ensure he is ready to *perform at the grand opening*.

Perronne does not necessarily LOVE art, but she likes art! And she likes the idea of the Bard's College, so she will go to her fellow merchants and speak with them about the economics of an organized group of bardic entertainers, who could potentially aid in the promotion of various goods and services, if well-payed and well-treated. She also points out the value of hiring bards on long caravans, and that bards trained and patroned by the College have a much lower possibility of being thieves or brigands in disguise. She donates significant of her own funds towards the opening and initial support of the college, and encourages her peers to do likewise.

The opening of the Bard College is a grand affair, hosted by - and hosting - many notables across the breadth of the city. The Nightingale herself performs - this is not a surprise, since the establishment of this has been her focus for years now. Prince Niklas handles publicity, organizing an army of people to talk about every facet of the upcoming event - Princess Sabella, Lord Porter, Lady Aahana, Princess Elgana, Marquessa Quenia, Archlector Wylla, Lord Eddard, and an adventurer named Perrone move through the city doing their best to make sure everyone knows what's coming.

And people show up from all across Arx, some even coming to the city for a visit with plans to see the College. The bardic tradition is important, and rumor has it that this old building, newly-refurbished, is quite beautiful indeed. And on the night of the grand opening, everything is stunningly perfect and polished within an inch of its life. The music is glorious, the company sublime, the acoustics absolutely amazing. And the mural? The mural on the floor is gorgeous, and no one can seem to agree on what they liked best about it.

In fact, upon closer examination the mural seems to shift depending on who's looking at it and when. Cleaned and restored, the night of the party people mention their favorite parts of the mural - a hooded figure with a lute, a woman with laughing green eyes and a sly smile opening her mouth to sing, a choir of figures singing in the woods, and sometimes it looks like the trunks of the trees have faces. It's a fascinating piece of art, and new details are seemingly noticed every day.

Grazia calls together her friends and family to perform a ritual to cleanse the primum at the thirteenth hour of the thirteenth day. She has set up a brazier to receive her offerings, which are set beside her: some valuable and some just personal mementos. Some jewelry, some paper, some scraps, but all thirteen objects have some sort of meaning to her. She has been meditating deeply prior to their arrival, and once they are all arranged, she says, "This is my ritual to cleanse the primum. May you all watch and learn. These are my sacrifices. May they help to create a stronger dream. A beautiful dream where magic is used for good and all may enjoy its fruits." And then she goes through her objects, explains each one, and commits it to the flames.

1 "A pair of copper armbands with attached umbra that were given to me by my new husband Aiden. A representation of the life that we find ourselves sharing, not by love but by politics, with affection nonetheless swelling in the background."

2 "A curiously cute but fake fur seal handwarmer, given to me by some young friends who found my generally cold demeanor in need of some warmth and amusement. The object is in the shape of a baby seal, as if they expected I could be cold and cruel enough to kill a baby seal for the warmth of its fur. But I can take a joke and I like it."

3 "A pair of sterling silver earrings set with multi-hued Gemecittan quartz, valued more since they were a gift from Guildmaster Joscelin, who enjoys working with the beautiful stones of my homeland."

4 "A ring set with Gemecittan quartz, not important in and of itself but precious to me because it comes to me from my homeland, Gemecitta. This ring was part of the set of favors that we gave out at both Lysander and Silvio's wedding, and at my own wedding to Duke Aiden, and thus it carries memories and strength of politics, doing right by Gemecitta."

5 "A small hairball of cat fur, valueless, but scraped from one of my umbra gowns after interacting with my beloved co-duchess Dafne. Although many assume we are in competition, we coordinate well, and we live like sisters."

6 "A message written to me by my brother Lysander, complaining about the lighting in the palazzo, because if you can't live in a beautiful world, Lysander will make it more beautiful for you."

7 "A mask, representing the Masquerades that Aiden throws, at which I may hide my face and enjoy the party without being the hostess. An excuse to be myself wholly, hidden behind the shield."

8 "A fabulous piece of fabric for Silvio, because he has fantastic taste in clothes and makes my dear brother very happy."

9 "A scribbled letter written by Valkeiri, a remembrance that no plans are truly set and for the man himself, in fondness."

10 "A dawnstone, like the dawnstone I gave the Archduchess, a reminder that a new dawn is breaking for the Lyceum and we are all part of it."

11 "An Inquisition badge, for being an Inquisitor and learning many things and investigating many problems is extremely rewarding."

12 "A simple law folio, as skill as a lawyer made me a valuable member of my family as well as a member of the Court."

13 "A piece of paper on which is copied a white journal from Theron Mazetti, publicly announcing he was coming home from war specifically to see me. I have loved no other the way I loved him."

Dafne is there, to affectionately support her co-ruler, and ready for anything unexpected. She will be paying close and careful note to the ritual as well, in preparation for doing it herself in future.

Miranda has been requested to witness this ritual. She will be observing with attention to detail so that she may learn and repeat it herself, eventually passing it on to others.

Quenia, being every curious about things, heartily agrees to participate in Grazia's ritual. She's intrigued about what it takes the cleanse the primum. She's very attentive to what Grazia has to teach her, and where possible she takes copious notes so that she can proceed with this act herself, and further teach others. She is there in support of Grazia, listening very carefully to what it is she is sacrificing, and sharing with her the memories that each of the sacrifice created. She smiles in support of her Duchess, and takes care not to interrupt her during this long process.

Luis has been invited as well and the curiosity in the man's demeanor cannot be denied. He will attend with paper and other implements ready to make notes on anything he does not believe that he can remember, though in turn he will reach out with questions after the ritual has been completed, attempting to understand the underlying cause and effect of the ritual.

Lucita observes each aspect of the ritual attentively, committing it to memory so she may replicate it using her own items to assist with the cleansing.

Mae is not entirely unfamiliar with odd rituals, so she'll not only be observing, but also helping, best she can. Pass ingredients over, help drawing lines with chalk, whatever it is Grazia might need, Mae will be the dutiful ritual assistant!

Mayir is, well -- Mayir is there. He seems more curious than anything, hanging out on the edges of the ceremony and observing what he sees, trying to make mental notes for his own ritual some day. When an Inquisition badge goes in, however, he smiles. Nothing like seeing the Inquisition get burned up. Metaphorically.

Notes will be taken. Copious amounts of notes. Details will be cross referenced. So. Many. Cross-references. Even more cross references then that. He does, however, keep the pen skritching to a minimum. Giulio is all about that 'not dying from primum poisoning'.

Antonio will attend the ritual, and quietly observe what happens, taking notes as he can.

Silvio listens to the ritual and participates

Jordan will be present for this ritual, keeping himself solemn as he takes mental note of all that is said, all that is sacrificed. He prays as the ritual continues, solemn and disciplined as a knight.

Fecundo has been invited to witness the ritual. He is attending to observe and learn how the ritual is performed, as requested by the head of his house and for his own benefit.

Grazia calls together her friends and family to perform a ritual to cleanse the primum at the thirteenth hour of the thirteenth day. She has set up a brazier to receive her offerings, which are set beside her: some valuable and some just personal mementos. Some jewelry, some paper, some scraps, but all thirteen objects have some sort of meaning to her. She has been meditating deeply prior to their arrival, and once they are all arranged, she says, "This is my ritual to cleanse the primum. May you all watch and learn. These are my sacrifices. May they help to create a stronger dream. A beautiful dream where magic is used for good and all may enjoy its fruits."

She starts with copper armbands gifted to her by her husband. The copper flares and the flame burns green for a moment, flickering in the room as all watch carefully. Then a handwarmer, given as a gift - and as she explains its purpose and its meaning, Dafne laughs aloud. In fact, for a moment they are all sharing in the joke of it, touched by the humor of her gift and her vision of the Dream.

A set of silver earrings is next, and it's obvious this is the work of Joscelin. It's followed by a ring of Gemecitta, and as the two pieces of jewelry slowly melt in the flames, there's a sense of home, and beauty, and the touching feeling of welcome after a long journey away.

Then a hairball, and if it's an unusual sacrifice, Grazia's explanation has everyone turning to Dafne. For a moment there's a connection between the two women, shining and true in the light, and then it fades as the ritual continues.

Piece by piece she consigns to the flames, and with each one the feeling of warmth and welcome and home - complex and tangled, binding and freeing all at once surrounds each of them. When the ritual is completed at last, they all breathe a little freer - and with them always will linger a sense of family and home and connection, clean and true.

House Igniseri has an eye to the future with the potential for expansion on the horizon. In order to factilitate such expansions, Quenia needs to have a solid idea on what might be on the property of her March, as well as what areas seem most likely available to expand into in order to grow her march. She has hired a team of explorers, to be led by Lord Luis Igniseri, to survey House Igniseri holdings, and the immediate areas around Granato for future expansion.

1) The party being sent out has been instructed to map out the lands owned by House Igniseri, paying special attention to locations that might be used for mines, mills, or historical value - such as ruins.

2) They have also been asked to list any properties that might be adjacent to their lands owned by others (baronies, counties, duchies), and to see what land is available for possible expansion in order to grow the 'domain' of House Igniseri further, and what obstacles they might encounter for that to happen - IE: local shav'arvani that must be dealt with, critters that might need to be vacated, etc.

Quenia will be accompaning the group, to act as a translater for any Lycene shav'arvani tribes they might encounter, as well as to work any diplomatic efforts with them. To help smooth the way, if a way to be smoothed is needed, she makes sure to bring gifts to exchange for any potential encounter of the shav'arvani people (referenced by the inclusion of 300 economic resources). She's also hired extra guards (referenced by 300 military resources) to go along in order to ensure that the party going on the scouting mission stays safe, should there be any dangers involved.

Leading an expedition, Luis will begin with what he knows and the rumours that he has heard from his time as a youth in Granato. From there he will utilize the explorers as best he can with their strengths and what makes them valuable for being part of the mission. For himself, he is mostly muscle and charm, with the ability to lead those whom would come with. Differeing to each of their specialties and allowing Quenia to set the goals, Luis will help the team to achieve the goals set out.

Calaudrin will be accompanying the group of Explorers as they survey. He'll use his experience scouting to the groups advantage when they're out in the wild.

There's better negotiators and better scouts, so Jasher does what works for him. He keeps an eye on things, provides a voice to bark orders and provide direction when needed, and worse comes to worst...well, he's already brought his sword.

Donato donates several ships to the cause and sets about mapping the coastline in the indicated areas, taking regular measurements of depth and marking reefs, rocks and other obstacles, as well as promising natural harbors and key strategic positions. When opportunity arises, he turns on the charm with the local nobility, looking for opportunities to expand Caina's network of trading relationships.

Oswyn is good at cartography. It's involved in his Senior Scholar project, after all, not that that has anything to do with southern lands. He's using his best social graces to chat people up, too. Beyond that, his other function is to be a field medic, in case something goes horribly wrong... or if they encounter people who need help.

Aahana is accompanying alongside Marquessa Quenia, offering her diplomacy in her native tongue should it be needed. As well as helping with understanding the cultures of any of the tribes they run into, since she is a newly ennobled prodigal herself.

Donato is taking one direction, Ariella takes the other! She sets out in the Red Bargain, determined to map out the coat leading into the Bay of Granato on the other side, looking for places that would make for good fishing villages, or which call for fortification, or which could use lighthouses to protect ships, or coastal shav settlements that could use someone to go and see if they're friend or foe.

Lord Cullen, the General of Greenmarch, has come to see Granato for himself! But beyond that, to assist the scouting party in matters of battlefield tactics and strategy, should it come to that. Highly experienced at both commanding on the field and wartime theory, should they come under attack, he'll be able to hopefully utilize the guards to their maximum advantage. Also, through the Marquessa translating, he can speak with any non-hostile Abandoned about the advantages of bending the knee, given his own history in the matter.

Marquessa Quenia gathers a crack team of scouts to search her lands. She's looking for anything - places to expand, places for infrastructure projects, places just outside her reach where maybe the shav would be amenable to bending the knee and adding to Igniseri - and Compact - control.

Ariella and Donato go by ship, and find two secluded coves that would make excellent locations for quiet villages to block potential smuggling - that's always a potential problem, though for many in the Lyceum this would potentially amount more to an increase on taxes by calling them bribes to make them more palatable for these pira...privateers. In any case, there are places to expand along the shore.

Lord Luis and Sir Calaudrin scout across land, and take Marquessa Quenia, Lady Aahana, and Lord Cullen with them - particularly with Scholar Oswyn to make maps. They find another area - a mine that appears to be - haunted in some manner, if the stories those who live nearby can be trusted. Most concerning is a nest of... creatures. Creatures that potentially escaped the carnage at Setarco and traveled far to find a quiet place to live. Of course, quiet is relative, as it seems there are plenty of nearby citizens of Igniseri who would like the night terrors to go away. They can't precisely describe the creatures, but they're fairly afraid of them.

All in all, it's a mixed bag - there are plenty of places to expand, but also there are some troubled areas to which the Marquessa could direct forces. And indeed her people hope sincerely that she does just that.

Iseulet begins spearheading a campaign to put into motion a new -MASSIVE- permanent trading route by water that stretches from the Telmarch, round the coast of the Oathlands, heading south round the Lyceum, to the Thraxian Isles, and cutting across to Arx up to Stonehearth.

Each House that participates is asked to donate 50-100 military writs for the funding of security escorts and the fightin' off of Pirates - river and otherwise). Optionally, each House can /also/ donate some social writs to help spread the word along.

The goal is to stimulate trade between Houses - Houses both import and export goods and benefit from the taxes and stimulated economy! Thereby giving a monthly income boost (and maybe some initial economic writs) to all houses represented here. Every House gets an equal share of all the profits, with the exception of the Houses contracted to secure the route from bandits/pirates (those that have attached ships to the action). Not only are these houses entitled to a bigger share of the profits (due to their increased risk) any and all contraband seized by pirates along the route will of course, be theirs.

The Count of Riva himself has taken a very strong interest in this wonderful mission, probably most likely because the idea was born out of a conversation with he and Iseulet. He knew he would be especially helpful among the peoples on the rivers and so the Count would head out to use his charm and diplomatic skill, as well as his life experiences and relationships to assist in the negotiating among not just the peoples of the rivers, but anyone who seemed inclined to hear him.

Belladonna endorses the deal, meeting with merchants and sailors around her port city and spreading word, building hype and excitement for this new trade route that will open up new revenue streams for the bold and daring who sieze the opportunity at hand!

Baroness Skye Blackshore lends Lady Iseulet the resources she needs to start the trading route, giving her military escort and blessing to move forward with these trading agreements.

Lady Tesha Telmar has spoken with Lord Ansel Telmar and they have decided that this is a good idea for the Telmarch to join in. So they are going to be providing Military and Social support for Lady Blackshore in hopes that this venture goes smoothly and without any bumps.

Always on the lookout to place Caina in traderoutes, Oriana, as a Voice of Inverno, interviews her ship captains to carve a new force from Caian's navy specifically to provide safe passage for trade from New Hope and spreads the word through her contacts and mertchant captains at home and in Arx.

As the Queen of Silver for the isles of Ischia, it's important to pursue business policy and trade like it's nobody's business. No pun intended. So when Lady Iseulet begins such a massive campaign she knew she had to be a part of it and was grateful for the opportunity. Providing ships and the Black Curs' finest corsairs, this southern House hopes to protect the vested interests (and further them when possible) of everyone involved. With the blessings of Gild and the spirits of air, luck and sea, Prisila will work closely with the Voice of Inverno and contribute her forces to helping provide safe passage as well as investing economically into this beautiful project.

Aethan will be supporting Lady Blackshore in her trade endeavors by escorting trade ships as needed, as well as clearing pirates from optimal trade routes able to be accessed by the Kennex navy.

Octavia notes the need for Stormward to be part of the building trade route, and commits significant resources to the establishment and securing of the trade route. The Stormward Fleet, an anti-pirate patrol by its origins, will certainly be excited to join the fray and tear the pirates apart.

Having received contact from Iseulet, Marquis Fairen meets with his staff and vassals to discuss the trade route, examining it's feasability to improve on the economy of Leaholdt. The resulting meeting ensures that not only does Fairen support the goals and objectives of the project, but he also uses this as a way to improve the sales on the unique product, Leaholdt Dreamwine: A rare and expensive alcoholic drink with a milky, herbal texture, and forest green in color said to produce lucid dreams if the consumer drink a full glass. Not to mention, the Marquis encourages his vassals and the merchants in Leaholdt to take advantage of this trade arrangement.

When she was a young woman, Petra listened to the wind and used her gift of clarity to guide her tribe to safe paths. Now that she is helping her family rebuild after the tragedy that Brand inflicted upon them, she has been relying on this ability again and she does so in this instance to help establish a trade route. She asked the voices threaded within the breezes which route they should follow: 'What course best balances safety and prosperity?' When she is given an answer, she relays it to the others and advises them which currents to follow.

Following the lead of Tesha, Ansel will be assisting in commiting the resources of the Telmarch to bear on establishing and maintaining the trade route project. As the northernmost bastion of the Oathlands, the Telmarch itself holds a key position in economic routes through the area, and Telmarine forces will be dedicated specifically to establishing and safeguarding the route. They will clear the way of any bandits, help establish any trading posts along the way, and provide security for the first few rounds of caravans that make the trip, in order to establish it as a safe trading route.

While the Trade Route is largely over sea, but for it to be successful once it finally reaches the end of the route in the Oathlands, where there are relatively few ports, there has to be ways goods can reach overland, as well as goods reach Sanctum and other Oathland Ports so they can travel back along the route. Edain will focus his efforts on setting up solidly defended trade line to Pride Hall to the East and Farhaven to the North. Attempting to extend the reach of the Blackshore's trade route, and to give the Oathlands, Crownlands and Northlands more ways to access the route if they are far inland from it. Where Isabeau is brokering most of the deals, Edain will do his best to make certain they are well protected and those roads are safe.

On behalf of House Valardin and the overarching route(s) through the Oathlands, Princess Isabeau will coordinate and negotiate with local merchants and militia knights to ensure that trade is fair and the caravans are secure. What's more, she will offer a small tax incentive for merchants who wish to travel on the new trade route and/or share their goods with customers outside of the Oathlands. She will also do what she can to help coordinate with the other Oathlands houses and provide assistance to them where required. (Assisting with an additional 200 writs of economic, military, and social resources.)

With the desire to trade by sea and Harthall being an Island based house, the two mesh rather well. Orvyn will work closely with Iseulet and others to best organize the ships and their routes. His own contacts among the various sailing groups will come into play as the pocketbooks of others will likely aid in ensuring that proper bribes and deals take place throughout the seas of the compact. He will commit several of the house trade ships and encourage their sailors and captains to find ways to follow the prescribed routes in an attempt to streamline the fee structures. Further organization with the other Voices and heads will take place so that two ships loaded with similar goods will not pass each other on the seas, organizing bills of trade so that expedience and profit can both be maximized.

It is Hadrian's attention to set about making arrangements for the planned commerce within the city-state of Ostria through acute applications of... delegation! Putting the proper minds to work within Ostria itself to work in establishing the necessary measures to safeguard Ostria and House Mazetti. Making absolutely certain that visitors, whether merchants or otherwise, to the city-state adhere to the laws and traditions of Ostria and remain in the Outer Round. The fleet of House Mazetti shall patrol their own waters and, if necessary, defend traveling merchants with utmost tenacity from the First Ostrian Fleet. Ostria will welcome escorts attached to commercial traffic in order to maintain the safety of the convoys of merchant vessels. The escorts will however be expected to maintain a respectable distance from the Walled City by the Sea. House Mazetti too will be promoting the endeavor, urging those citizens in need of employment to make inquiries at the docks with the potential boom of new trade. Finally, Hadrian will be dispatching his invaluable lawyer to review any documentation before providing his final nod to Hadrian before anything is agreed upon by the Hydra.

Lady Catalana Kennex will be supporting these endeavors. She will personally speak to every noble of Stormward to negotiate such things. She will happily trade with Blackshore of course to boost both of their economies.

The Crown Minister of Coin permits the use of the harbours and ports in the vicinity of the City of Arx as part of the trade route and provides a measure of support in economic waivers, military permits and social connections for the suitable parties. All in all, the effort is more administrative, indicating that on behalf of the Crown and King that the initiative will not be hindered. All they take, of course, is their cut through taxes from any eventual profits.

Malesh is going to commission a brand new trade center at Stonehearth. Port facilities will be expanded, as well as new warehouses and vaults. City defenses in general shall be beefed up as well, in an effort to make Stonehearth THE place to trust your goods with quick an easy access to several trade routes including this new one. As his people handle that at his expense, he will be busy touring the existing routes speaking to the benefit of this new route as well as the virtues of Gild and, of course, the value of trading through Stonewood. Stonewood forces will take charge of protecting the final leg of the trade route, from Arx to Stonehearth, both on the river and along side it. (1000 Economic Resources, 500 each Social and Military)

Ariel will be hosting a trade fair and festival to Gild to coincide with the trade route announcement. She is aiming for a week-long event showcasing the goods, services, and performers of the region. A tithe of 10% will be given to Gild of all money's made/raised. She will be putting forth the money to host the event so the craftsmen spend nothing out of pocket to set up. The trade fair will run during the day why the night will be devoted to performers. Singers, dancing, and theatre productions.

Amari, acting as House Keaton's Minister of Finance, will oversee the Oakhaven leg of the trade route, while the Riverdogs under the command of her cousin are committed to escort merchant ships and inspect them for contraband. A strong supporter of Lady Iseulet's endeavor, she'll tout the benefits to local merchants and others in Arx she's dealt with during her tenure and offer incentives to bring them on board. Otherwise she mainly concerns herself with the numbers and logistics of the undertaking with a lawyer's eye for detail and compliance, trying to make sure it's all as profitable and legal as can be.

Operating as a merchant for years, Lord Fredrik knows the best and most profitable routes among the Isles. How to avoid pirates, how to get the best profit for your returns, and how to make certain that you are not ripped off by the hundreds of hidden fees that are scattered in every port authority. He will bend this knowledge to help the trade efforts, as well as examining the rest of the route thoroughly for wastage or investment opportunities, trying to make this route one large, flowing river of product that benefits everyone involved.

Duarte represents not only Bravura, but also the greater goal and group, in negotiating trade routes and costs with transporters and contractors, mercenaries and merchants. Tying together such an intricately detailed route and nailing down precise agreements for the benefit of all is not always as straight forward as 'Let's do the thing!' and Duarte is there to help smooth the waters and finalize the commitments as a new, but adept, diplomat.

Lys, Voice of Afflua, will of course help! Granted, Fen de Lire is not particularly nearby the water. So she'll be doing what she can to put the word out for the project and see if she can get people to help with it! And of course they'll provide some extra muscle via the Valorous Few.

Lucita evaluates the maps and plans shown her and decides to assist. She uses her charm and skills with propaganda to heighten interest in this project, both locally in Saikland Greens and amid the trade partners she has already established, Secure trade and steady protection and trade partners can only help build the economy and strengthen the military protection against pirates of all who are involved. 100 military resources are put into helping fund the protection from pirates, 300 economic resources are invested.

Lady Cadenza Fidante is happy to assist with this endeavor. As both the Voice of Hawkmour as well as the Admiral of the Tempest Rose, she will be ensuring that Tor and their vassal's lands are properly patrolled and protected as they have always done. She will see to it that the waters around Tor and Brassfall March are properly guarded for the trade route to be safe and successful. In addition, of course Brassfall will be taking part of this trading endeavor to boost their economy.

Duchess Calista Fidante is well know for her charming ways and when it comes to public relations, there are few who can match her talent. She speaks with the Merchants of Tor about new trade commissions and how this opportunity will stimulate the economy. Tor is a city-state that is rich with resources. More trade means more money and everyone likes money.

While gratuitously thanking House Malvici for its offer to protect areas which include areas under control of Tor, their offer will have to be declined. House Fidante has protected Tor and her surrounding lands for a very long time. Knight-Captain Ignacio Fidante shall instead however increase patrols within the Torean region to ensure any efforts by bandits or pirates will be thwarted.

Quenia hears out Iseulet's plan, and agrees to talk to her merchants and her nobles. She works to convince them that this would be a good idea, bringing in new goods, and much needed new avenues for export. She also reminds them that all the new goods would also be traveling to Gemcitta, since Granato is the hub for trade with Rubino-Zaffria lands as well, which should help convince them. She talks to her fleets, and sees that they handle additional protection around the ports of Granato. It's not that she doesn't trust Malvici, getting on with the Duchess well, just she wants her own people to be out in the waters as well in a combined effort to protect the trade routes. Working as one Lyceum. As such, she invests military favors (100) and economic favors (200) into seeing this prosper.

House Malvici will most certainly not come anywhere near Lenosia with its ships. House Velenosa shall protect its own waters, with their own ships, and ensure the proper passing of any trade vessels along its part of the sea route. Prince Mydas Velenosa makes that abundantly clear, before setting to work on using his own knowledge of economics to ensure the venture is a successful one. He also brings in the Silver Consortium as its Voice, to supply their expertise and existing networks to the effort. All for commerce! And to each their own waters!

The proposed trade-route precisely fits with Sudara's hopes for the kingdom as a whole and the Truesworn in particular. Given Esterhold's location, this plan could bring many advantages to her beloved Prodigals: she is committing herself and her little House to its support. Personally, this entails uncovering as much relevant information as possible, and accurately passing it on to her people to help them serve as guides and guardians in their home waters: the latest maps, schedules, accounts of seasonal changes in weather and currents and tides, recognition signals and flags for all the nations and Houses, and more besides. Her hope is that she can make the waters near Esterhold as safe as possible for merchant shipping, and turn her little fief into a favoured port of call.

Tenebrae, like her Lady Sudara, is devoted to helping her people gain power and riches that they deserve. She will do all she can to assist in this endeavor, though with her skills, it will probably be restricted to ensuring the safety of ships around Esterhold and assisting with the navigation of the nearby seas.

Pasquale represents Malespero in seeing the trade route established, putting what military weight his young House has into helping secure the waters and encouraging Nilanza's sailors and merchants to utilize the route for buying and selling. He also puts some of his own personal time to use in studying the raiding patterns of pirates along the route and tries to come up with strategies to avoid and combat them.

Duke Harlan Ashford will also supply social and military support towards this endeavor, but also bring up the fact that he's expanding Fortune's Harvest in Oak's Rest -- and suggests expanding the trading route towards there, especially as he's already building a road from Arx that will lead there -- and the Knights of Solace are patrolling (see action 2250)! The duke will also be allocating 100 military and social writs to the cause.

Lady Olivia authorizes House Ashford's participation in the route, as well as encouraging its (NPC!) vassals to participate and supplying resources in support of the endeavor. In terms of personal contribution, while not a merchant, she is an expert in agricultural affairs and will effectively use that skillset to try and leverage Ashford's participation in the network as a food exporter, studying crop patterns and directing a focus toward those likely to create surpluses in excess of local use. She can also to a degree export that agricultural knowledge as a good itself, ie by selling good seed stocks and other such bounties to their trade partners, hopefully increasing production among all the participating holdings.

Dycard will be working his way through the social scene, reinforcing that this is a great idea and the profit should be rich - and that other trade routes will likely come of it. Not in on this one? Well, when it's a success, there'll be others. Worried about changes? Life is change, and not all changes are for the bad.

Turo commits to protecting the trade routes to and from his waters, ensuring clean hand-offs of responsibility to other fleets as they occur. He also commits his formidable skills and experience in planning naval efforts to maximising these routes. Turo collaborates with the merchants in Escuma, as well as the Arts Academy, and brings Estil - the minister of Income - into those discussions as well.

Arcelia will work to support the additional trading routes at port sites around Escuma. She will also attempt to combine her own efforts in establishing trade routes(@action 2257) for Escuma with Iseulet's much larger expansion of trade routes around Arvum. She will attempt to utilize her relations with the Marin'alfar to expand trade routes to them as well, an attempt to see to it that our potential underwater allies are well supported.

Given the proximity of House Darkwater, Redreef, and Blackshore - Edward already knows these routes fairly well. These are the routes that his family, when he was still Redreef, had him personally following and tracking to ensure efficiency and little loss of cargo for the two Houses. Now he will apply this same knowledge for House Blackshore, showing Iseulet how to incorporate House Blackshore into these trade routes which includes at least two routes down to the Lycem, one specifically going to Setarco. This information is meant to be used to not establish the route since there is one but to ensure the depth of its efficiency - knowing when it is safe to push hugging the coast line against when it is okay to move out. How much cargo can be moved before spillage takes place in terms of perishables, and what the most commonly desired imports for those places are so there is no guesswork to be had.

As Voice of House Tyde, Archeron is keen to promote trade which takes Tyde's hardwoods and other exotic goods wider than just the Mourning Isles and the East coast, especially as they are trying to expand their forestry. Tyde provides a good number of resources to acquire military guards, even recommending a few of the old reavers who have retired from House service but who know the waves and how to defend goods. They also put the feelers out to their vassal houses, spreading the word through their social skills and resources. Archeron will be as charming as he can, of course, to those who wish to trade - showing them the fine qualities of Tyde hardwoods, with the confidence a woodsman has. And of course, direct the leaders to the best and most skilled former soldiers, as mentioned, to defend them.

While her brother, Valdemar, sets up the trade routes, Ingrid's focus is to ensure an economical boost to exports while expertly managing the taxes and other red tape associated with establishing a trade route coming in/out of Grihem's Point. Understanding that often you must spend resources to net in a bigger profit, House Grimhall does just that, using some of their economical clout to influence potential new partners.

Ember prepares Redreef Shores for an influx in trade by organizing patrols to protect the trading ships entering the waters near Redreef shore as well as meeting with local merchants so Redreef Shore may benefit from the new trade.

Donato will take command of Caina's fleet and help to secure the burgeoning trade route. He will drill the sailors and inspect the fleet to ensure they are fighting fit and disciplined and help to plan out the most effective and efficient naval patrol routes to ensure everything goes according to plan.

Demura has given Anabelle the responsibility to oversee the new investments of the Trade Route with Blackshore, and as such the girl has taken an interest in learning more about the world of Investments and the Finnacial Stability of Lyon's Redoubt and her family. The girl seem very interested in the potential of this great partnership to be used for something more among the Dominions, and will make sure that the profit is guaranteed to all parts.

Marquessa Demura Lyonesse will command personally the Lyonesse navy to make sure the first few days of the trade route will go smoothly. She will organise routine patrols and establish proper scouting alongside her strecht of the route to make sure no merchant will be harmed while trying to pass through the Lyon's Redoubt, while promoting the incoming trade goods among her folk. (100 military resources will be donated, 100 social resources will be donated and the Lyonesse navy will be added to the action)

Clover would give aid in spreading the news about this campaign, talking to people and getting others interested in not only investing but using this new trade route once it's settled. She has friends in all sorts of places, and connections plenty. She would see if she could also get independent captains willing to provide help with protection.

House Farshaw adds to this trade route some of its merchant fleet to assist in the shipment of goods as well as two ships to help with escort. What is good for the betterment of the west also is for the betterment of Westcrown. All in Farshaw are in agreement increased trade is to the benefit of all. There is a profit to be made here.

Calypso is going to be using her newest assets to their fullest extent. While using the new naval base (still pending @action, Apost still needed to review early) as a logistical strongpoint for her fleet, she will be directing it to help ensure that the ships she is applying to the trade route not only are deployed properly, but that she is exercising the best coverage. Being relied-on to guarantee the southern route for now, she will be ordering her ships to keep a watchful eye for pirates. Ships Captains are expected to prosecute pirates with extreme prejudice. Her vessels will not be entering waters recognized as belonging to other Houses, however. In the meantime she has been coordinating with Valardin about the logistical angles while building out her combat fleet (Apost is aware of plans, pending base @action approval) and plans to spend a few days in Southport directly rallying her troops and sailors, getting them motivated and putting her best people forward. (The Army attachment should include pending additional Longship purchases, as discussed.)

There's a lot more pirates than expected. A -lot- more. And they seem to have caught word of exactly this new trade route, with a suspicious amount of forewarning about exactly when and where different galleys would be making port calls, as well as a decent amount of resistance by coastal lords who are resistant to seeing any warships in their waters even to guard commerce, which makes things tense and difficult.

It's still a spectacular success.

The amount of diplomatic work in easing tensions, and the amount of military forces dispatched to help oversee this, even with the limitation on where they can and can't go, means that the overwhelming majority of galleys are making their port calls, and after a few crushing defeats of piratical forces, it doesn't look like much will threaten that... provided that the forces stay committed to patrolling the waters of their domains.

The Empyrean Trade Route, as it is being known, covers over thirty primary domains as ports of call or in-land trading partners, and the gains in commerce is significant, even if it is just starting.

The marriage of Grayson and Rubino should be celebrated - it is likely the first time a Grayson has been married into the House in living memory! It is auspicious for the Duchy that their Duke-Consort is not only of Grayson heritage, but comes with a proven martial prowess to compliment the Duchess Rubino's own political strength. The pair will be strong. Heirs will be strong. Ties with the Great House will be strong. The future looks promising.

It is no shock then that such a leader, as he was seen in Crovane walking among the injured and months after among the ruins, would see fit to tour the land and the people to which he'll serve. It is done with a personal touch, that not long after marriage, the Duke arrived in Gemecitta and began a tour of surrounding lands to meet those who worked it (OOC: covers my OOC absence). He carried himself with a composed and commanding strength, to be able to meet with new people, leaders, delegates, and officials of the City-State without the Duchess on his arm, and often with a gentle smile on his face. He also had heart and cared for them, hearing them out. He spent a greater precentage of his time with the military; with their present leaders, their captains, and yes, even those at the bottom to see how the gears worked together. He approached them as a confident young man but not an arrogant one, listening more than he would speak, absorbing through observation and humbleness, praising them as he could.

But when the Duchess and Duke both tour together, it is not difficult to cheer at the sight, the embodiment of a unified leadership, of the Duke working to strengthen his Duchess, of the Duchess working to strengthen her Duke for the betterment of all the people... as this match was designed for their future.

Grazia wants to show off her new husband to her people. She wants to set him up as a military leader and potentially recruit new people into the Gemecittan army. They did, after all, lose some people in Setarco, and it's important to be strong and ready, especially now that they've got this new general for a duke. And not untested either -- she speaks well of his prowess at Crovane, making sure people know it was him and not his brother who was the leadership there. She also talks about how interested he is in maintaining and improving infrastructure, and how an arrangement with the Great House Grayson will be excellent for trade and economic prowess. It's a real social win for Gemecitta, too. All in all, this new duke is an excellent investment for them.

Marquessa Quenia Igniseri, having known Aiden long before he became a Duke, talks up the best qualities of the man. She speaks to his kind and caring attitude, and of his accomplishments at Crovane. She speaks to his willingness to genuinely wish to help other people, and see to their needs. And, she speaks to what a good man he is in general. She's certain he can thrive as both their General and their liege, with the skills and prowess he brings with him.

Just after the wedding of Prince Aiden Grayson to Duchess Grazia Rubino-Zaffria, the new Duke and Duchess, along with their friend Marquessa Quenia Igniseri, embarked upon a tour of their lands. Their goal was to introduce Aiden to his new people, and to recruit for the army to make up for some of the losses suffered in the actions at Setarco and Stormwall.

While initially lukewarm to him, the people warmed up over time - and especially with the endorsement of their Duchess, and also Quenia, long-time friend of their ruling family. The tour is generally successful, highlighting Aiden's military experience and diplomatic connections. The people cheer - and start signing up when recruitment time comes around.

House Igniseri has several improvements planned for the city-state of Granato, in order to mitigate some of their population increases as they have taken in a number of refugees from various sources over the last few years, especially now that people have had time to settle, find jobs, and get acclimated.

The first of the planned improvements include the following:

1. Current Farms. Improvements to the lands that are currently used for farming needs, and for the orchards and vineyards. Making certain that the soil is still fertile, and if not making certain that the appropriate nutrients are purchased in order to make the land fertile again. General crops are rotated out with those that will use different nutrients from the ground, while also putting nutrients in the ground decayed material after the crops are harvested. Overused fields will be allowed to lay fallow and recover. Orchards and vineyards will be reviewed to see which trees and plants are flourishing and any measures necessary will be taken to cull or replace those trees or plants that are unable to produce and thrive any longer. Skilled laborors and consultants with agriculutural skills will be hired to help with the improvements of current lands.

2. Adding Farms, Vineyards, Orchards. In order to ensure that the people of Granato can be adequately fed and cared for, the land surrounding the city-state of Granato will be surveyed to see where additional farms, vineyards, and orchards can be safely added to those already being cared for - and those areas will be cleared away and planted with new plants and trees for new food sources and materials for the items that Granto produces. Additionally, orchards of lemon and fig trees will be introduced. Those skilled in agricultural and farming skills will be hired to help identify which areas have the best land to suit the needs of the city.

3. New Housing and Infrastructure. Surveys are being conducted of the current city development to see where new housing avenues can be provided in order to prevent overcrowding of the city. Once those surveys are completed, workers will be hired to start building new housing areas in the city of Granato, making certain to do so in such a way that avenues of commerce and trade are still open and available to the people of the city without creating new traffic jams or crowding out already packed areas of the city. Those skilled in building, engineering, and masonry will be hired to help identify the areas that would work best for this project, and to building the housing unit and the necessary infrastructure needed to ensure proper sanitary conditions within the city.

4. Hiring Guards. With an increased number of people in Granato, it is identified that an increased number of guards might be needed in the city of Granato to keep the peace and make the city safe, and so House Igniseri seeks to hire a significant number of individuals, with varying skill levels, making certain to pave the way for those who might have once been refugees to learn a new trade. They will be tasked with learning the skills necessary to keep the peace for the city of Granato.

Additional plans will be made, as time progresses, to further improve the city, but these were the first improvements considered necessary in order to see the city prosper for now.

Ariella's not one for farms. Or infrastructure. Or any of that other stuff! But she knows what to look for in good and reliable people, so she will put her efforts into helping to find people for the Granato guard. She will put her charm and leadership skills toward the effort of getting the best people into the right positions so as to reduce lawlessness and help refugees and others come to the city seeking safety find the security they're after.

Luis will interview the guards and with his leadership and teaching begin training them for their specific purposes throughout the expansion and construction phases. Encouraging loyalty and camaraderie while also ensuring that each new member is competent for their duties, Luis will invest heavily in the future of Granato.

Lucita uses her charm and propaganda to help encourage skilled farmers and builders to work for a short time in Granato to get the project started and to help current Granato residents to accept the coming changes without resisting them, to be supportive of the efforts Quenia is proposing with donations of their time, efforts, skills and suggestions of things with which they have experience (IE certain plants thrive, others do not, avoid building in that flood-prone spot).This also benefits her own farmers and builders as they have a chance to learn from other consultants during their time there. She has been advising Quenia and teaching her what is needed for successful, sustainable, balanced growth. Additionally, she gives a discounted price on glass for windows for new houses, a project to help both finiancially and strengthen trade.

Leola rides the land. She speaks with farmers about crops, about sales, what has been produced. She offers her own expertise in these matters - if necessary, drawing on the Lodge's resources to offer skilled tutors in this. She tries to reintroduce the higher agricultural concepts - showing how they can bring a greater yield. What crops grow best, and when, and how to revitalise the land

Duchess Grazia is always one to support her vassals, and she speaks of the economic improvements that are being made. She assists her new Duke-Consort by helping to speak well of the military and why people should join up. She particularly focuses, though, on matters of infrastructure, even putting her money where her mouth is and providing quarried stone, including granite and marble, to help with building and supporting any currently needed repairs.

Conveniently taking the opportunity to escape the cold, Ennettia is taking a short vaca-- err, work trip -- back to the south with her boy. This is twofold: to help with the bookkeeping and all the financial and trade paperwork that will likely need to be handled along with the upcoming infrastructure, pension programs, trade setups, and even the buying of the new farmstead equipment, and to escape the Arxian cold. One of these reasons is just an excuse - different people will assume the real reason is one or the other depending how well they know Enny!

Princess Astraea believes in the efforts of Marquessa Quenia, her beloved cousin. She is proud to see such initiative being taken and will support her endeavors in the unexpected way of leading by example no doubt. The princess would love to bolster the efforts by lending her own two hands and beseeching (little b, not big b) nature spirits and Petrichor to bless the agricultural fields, and the domain in general, with bountiful harvests. She doesn't do so easily and will make sure to pay in blood and sweat, carrying soil and seeds, tilling fields, and otherwise helping in the tasks. Most importantly though while she is among the people of Granato she makes it a priority to pay the proper praises to the Marquessa for having such a mind for a just and wise reign.

As new Duke-Consort of Rubino, Aiden has spent at least a good 4-5 weeks in the region after his wedding to Duchess Grazia. In that time, he was learning the needs of the landbase around him, which includes House Igniseri. He uses his established reputation with the Crovane wars to help Marquessa Quenia with a guardsmen program, taking a little inspiration from the Iron Guard and the Silver Wings - the Grayson Archery unit he was in command of - to ensure that the established guard program can cope with the need to expand rapidly, as well as ensuring a way to filter out anyone who would be there to abuse such powers. The personal touch and presence of the Duke-Consort of Rubino may have the desired effect to at least encourage more support for the program, through a few good speeches to sitting down with the present commanders and advising them on tactics and strategies with such efforts that will be required to train a large new group of recruits. -- Adding 200 military writs

Echo desperately wants to help but she's not so good with any of the big picture stuff. So she'll be heading to Granato and doing whatever handiwork she can. It's probably going to be a lot of work and she'll probably be grumpy for the next few days, but it's what she's best at and she wants to make a difference.

As the Minister of Infrastructure for Thrax, Baroness Skye Blackshore has experience with surveying and planning city expansions. She will lend her services to the Marquessa Igniseri on behalf of Thrax, reviewing what new housing avenues make sense to prevent overcrowding. She will provide Igniseri architects with building techniques that Thrax is using. Provide alternative routes to ease traffic on busy streets. She will also review the aqueducts to ensure waste is properly disposed of.

Under Marquessa Quenia Igniseri, Granato is quietly flourishing. She is focused on infrastructure improvements and started calling in favors. Lady Ariella, Lord Luis, and Duke Aiden Rubino target recruitment to bolster army numbers depleted in the action in Setarco.

With Lady Ennettia and Baroness Skye working together to make sure their finances are in order and outlay is exceeded by income, Dame Leola Allenatore, Princess Astraea, Princess Echo, and Baroness Lucita work with the farmers and infrastructure folks and increase Granato's farmlands and the support for their people.

Duchess Grazia works with the people and encourages acceptance and approval of the efforts by the Marquessa is. And she is successful - the Igniseri people are very impressed and happy to work hand in hand with Quenia to improve their homes and Granato in general, and they're rather impressed that their little March is friends with so many important people.

This is part two of the ongoing economic development plan for Saikland Greens started in action 1963 and incorporates its organization, planning, and can be referenced for details. The focus of this action shifts from direct input of resources and silver to acquiring them through improved trade of wines, whiskey and Saikland Greens Glassworks products. Intended usage is silver and military resources added to Saik bank accounts to save and use for military and barony needs, economic resources and some silver to be directly funneled back into Saikland for improvements and adding farms, populace, jobs, addition of a specific archive or archive room (explained below). Silver and resources are not added to the effort because this is supposed to generate them.

Initiation:
Lucita uses charm to spread word of mouth to increase popularity, sales and trade of Saikland Greens whiskey, wine and glassworks products throughout the Compact and to recruit others to help her do this. She uses skills in investigation to review reports of other successful efforts, talk to people to ask what worked and what did not. This is not just 'dry numbers' strict economics but also current trends and popularity as well as reviewing 'old standbys' that are always needed and wanted.
Marcos, Karadoc and Lucita hosted a dinner at which guests were served Saik house wines, given ornate bottles of premium whiskey or gift boxes of higher quality wines. Guests that assisted with prior econimic actions for Saikland were given a one-of-a-kind keepsake boxes, customized just for them, other guests given whiskey or wine. (dinner guests were: Jaenelle, Calypso, Quenia, Luis, Karadoc, Lucita, Katarina, Ignacio, Vitalis, Delilah, Marcos, Cadenza, Emily). Additional keepsake boxes were given to Hadrian, Ian and Zoey, Alarissa, Leola, Eleyna, Eleanor, Silvio and Lysander, Aiden. Wines and whiskeys have been used in rp and used as gifts.
Barony Expense mitigation to free resources and silver for other purposes: Self-funding military family support--'Saikland Remembers' Whiskey, suggestive of remembering old stories, songs, or toasting, not just Saiklanders but all across the Compact. It is good enough whiskey that people would buy and drink it no matter what name is stuck on the label. Profit (after expenses) from that brand to help support families of Saikland military who fell in battles 1006 and onward. This would be ongoing not a limited edition whiskey. Sales/trade frees up resources to expend on more direct improvements. The realizition 'We take care of our own.' improves morale and word of mouth of it helps the Barony seem a desirable area in which to live.

Usage of whatever gains are achieved:

Military resources: bank-save (ships, train general, more army later).
Silver: Bank and improvement assists.
Economic
1. Add one room to existing Saikland archives
or if we have no archives, this is a beginning of it.
Purpose--area for 1006 and later historical records AND a unique war memorial, a double purpose, very cost efficient resource use and space to last for years. Shelf end uprights have years (start-1006 and ongoing) carved at the top and below, in small letters, names of the Saikland military fallen in battle that year. The cases on which the names are carved are left for scholars to acquire tomes and references, and for Saiklanders to leave momentos to help to create their own war memorial. Backs of shelves in the room center usable for Saikland 'allies' whose family actually visit Saikland Greens to add a name and item, giving reasons to visit and something to view/do while there. Suggested name: Saikland Remembers Memorial Archive.
2. Additional population and the variety of buildings needed for infrastructure improvements and moving closer toward eligibility to become a larger holding. Such growth to use resources generated from trade on ongoing logical/wise/balanced growth as detailed in action 1963. with housing, crops for making wines/whiskey and food plus extra to store, jobs, security, health and sanitation, education, faith all carefully balanced as the barony grows. Care is taken to avoid growing too rapidly to sustain or be self sufficient and to avoid a negative impact on existing businesses and economy.

Lady Cadenza Fidante has become rather close with the Baroness of Saik and has had the pleasure of tasting these wonderful wines and whiskeys of Saikland. Being a sailor...she has always loved her libations and now that she is the Admiral of the Rose Tempest....she will be sharing the love of this land's whiskeys with her men! What better way to raise morale as the new admiral than to gift them all battles of whiskey from Saik. Being neighbors and all, why not share the love of drinks amongst each other.

Marquessa Quenia Igniseri encourages her merchants to pick up trade with Saikland Greens products, particularly any glass products that might be needed. Fancy new glass blown bottles for perfumes, new colored bottles for wines, or other glass products for general use - such as tableware or window panes. She also encourages her merchants to pick up bottles of Saikland Remembers Whiskey - reminding them that House Igniseri and House Saik have close ties to one another now that the former Lady Lucita Igniseri is now Baroness Lucita Saik, and that House Igniseri honors the sacrifices House Saik made in the battle against the Gyre in Setarco.

Being the good neighbor that she is, and given the Baroness's long relationship with Gemecitta as a vassal, Duchess Grazia Rubino is donating the marble for many of the statues involved in the war memorial, as well as offering a small but useful discount on the other stone required for the project. She will encourage trade with Saikland to help build its economy and further diversify her own economy.

Lord Karadoc Saik will work his charms on merchants that are bound north and east - waxing lyrical on all the positive products that Saikland Greens has for export. With an extra emphasis on the 'Saikland Remembers' branded whiskey. Northerners like whiskey, right? And those sailors sorts in the Mourning Isles like their drink, don't they?

Saedrus can't help directly with the trade out of Saikland Greens anymore, but he can help from a distance. It's through the Grotto and the Whisper House that wines are tasted-- delicious, yes? Alas, there is no rights to selling them here, it is an old favour he even receives them; they are all sold by Saik traders. He speaks with his merchant clientele, all smiles and gentle flattery, to have goods exported to get the Saik name travelling a little further. It's not much, but it is a start.

Calypso, fresh off the Southport item, is using her popularity to spread certain words in order to help not just her own home, but that of Saik. The Duchess will be bringing bottles of Saik whiskey and wines with her to various dinners and events through the city. A few will even be donated to local bars and taverns, delivered as thanks for the greater efforts and faith in Malvici and her lower Houses. Of course, Calypso will pay market value for these so as not to off-set the intent of gain. Further, she is going to begin whispering that she's considering sending some people to Saik for cavalry training because the land is ideal and she has been wanting to set up a cavalry training facility for some time. It might do good to invest in House Saik militarily, wink wink nudge nudge, and in turn Malvici might be willing to smile on them in the future if their own Houses need training.

Baroness Lucita Saik is not taking any time after the birth of her children to slow down and rest. Already she is full of plans to improve Saikland Greens. Reaching out to her allies - to Lady Cadenza Fidante, Marquessa Quenia Igniseri, Duchess Grazia Rubino, Lord Karadoc Saik, and Duchess Calypso Malvici, along with Saedrus Whisper who smooths communication and just makes everything seem that much easier, she puts both money and effort into developing Saik's economy.

"Saikland Remembers" whiskey sees a strong upsurgence in popularity particularly, thanks to Duchess Calypso and Lady Cadenza, among the military. A war memorial is carved from exceptionally fine marble from Gemecitta, thanks to Duchess Grazia. House Igniseri makes it a point to buy wines and some of that fine Saikland glass. Trade is on the upswing and the Barony of Saik is developing as an economic strength.

Prince Artur Redrain begins organizing the creation of a massive memorial quilt, giving people from across the compact both great and small the chance to honor their friends and loved ones who fought at Setarco, Darkwater Watch and Stormwall.

Anyone who wishes to may create a small piece of quilted artwork, commemorating the life of somebody who fought, and submit it with a small donation of 100 silver pieces. The squares will then be stitched together into an enormous quilt, which will be a permanent memorial of those who fought.

It can be displayed at a prominent location, or each of the great houses can volunteer to hos it in their ward or in one of their holdings around the compact, giving people everywhere a chance to see it.

Artur begins organizing volunteers to coordinate the efforts centrally and spread the word about his project, so that (hopefully) people will be aware of the project and peoples donations and submissions can be dealt with efficiently.

Wylla isn't a seamstress, but she is the Archlector of Jayus. She will bless what artwork is there, as well as donating money from the Shrine to cover whoever doesn't have the money to help.

Valery will ask the children from her gardening school to make some squares for the quilt if they wish. Since drawing is an option, most of them want to join in! There are a few crude drawings of ships, a house, a flower, and a shark. There is even a very very simple embroidering of a fish and another of what seems a city.

Lisebet has procured a piece of silk cloth, featuring a white sail on a bright blue sea. She has taken care to have "Armand Farshaw" embroidered neatly on it. This piece of cloth is meant to be included in the quilt being made.

As she aided in the evacuation of Stormwall, Gwenna was told many stories of soldiers left behind to fight, many of whom never made it to Farhaven to rejoin their families. Having spent her younger years alongside her mother knitting, crocheting and such, she has a small bit of experience with quilts. She embroiders a square meant to depict warriors standing on the edge of the sea, chins held high as the surf crashes before them. Pride of not just the Northlands, but hues that portray each of the groups who came to aid cities across the realm; Templars, Shamans, healers, soldiers...all standing together.

After setting up his new shop, Kaine has a workspace he can actually use, which is a massive improvement from sitting on the ground and sewing something on his lap. So he softens some wool and shapes it into a fine, quilt-worthy square, and dyes it a rich teal. He then embroiders the fabric, depicting an armor-clad knight walking side-by-side with a child, linked hand-in-hand - or gauntleted hand and tiny hand. Embroidered lettering curves around the imagery at the top and bottom, reading "They Fought" at the top and "For The Future" at the bottom.

Kaldur and House Seliki will contribute wooden framing to hang the quilt on. A yard salvaged from his operation at Setarco if possible, but otherwise, a fresh hewn yard to hang the quilt from.

Marquessa Quenia Igniseri has found a large pillow within her household with a stylized phoenix. She has her seemstress carefully pick away the seams of the pillow so that the cover can be reused in the quilt. She then has the seamstress very carefully make a square to be used in the larger project to honor House Igniseri's representation at war in Setarco. At the bottom of the square it reads "We will not be quenched." in tiny, elaborate stitches. She also donates 100 economic resources and 10,000 silver to help pay for any additional workers that might be needed in order to properly finish it and make it the best quilt ever.

Armani doesn't sew nor does hse have an interest in it. However, she does know some of her her sailors like too. She is nudging those of them that like to contribute to do as such. She is even paying for all their supplies and donations so all they need to do is have their fun. though, most of them, since it is a memorial quilt, are likely using something of personal value. Either way, Armani is just donating money to help with the pretty things and being all leadery.

Prince Artur Redrain begins organizing the creation of a massive memorial quilt. It is meant as a memorial to those lost at Darkwater, and Stormwall, and Setarco. He gathers craftspeople from all over, and sends out the noticies - anyone who wants to have a piece included in this quilt can donate a small sum. The silver goes toward the funding of the project, and from all over squares and memories come in to be included.

The famed alchemist Valery, who teaches at a gardening school, helps the children make squares and draw on them. Crude drawings of ships and houses, flowers and sharks are sent. Lady Lisebet Farshaw sends a square in memory of Lord Armand Farshaw, his name written in careful embroidery. Princess Gwenna embroiders a square with warriors standing on the edge of the sea, chins held high as the surf crashes before them. All the forces of the Compact that came together are depicted, standing as one against the enemy.

Kaine Algair sends a rich teal square, embroidered with an image of a knight and a child walking together, hand in hand - and the words: "They Fought for the Future" carefully stitched around the image. Marquessa Quenia Igniseri contributes a square with a phoenix embroidered on it, and the words: "We will not be quenched" in tiny, elaborate stitches. She also donates a large sum to the project to help fund the creation and display of the memorial quilt. And Lady Armani Gilden reaches out to sailors and has them sending in quilt squares too - and if their embroidery is the rough stitchery of those who make their life at sea, still they are represented in the memorial quilt.

Lord Kaldur Seliki contributes large wooden framing from which to hang the quilt, and Mother Wylla, Archlector of Jayus, blesses it. It is a massive undertaking, and a success all around - many come to see this memorial quilt, reaching out to touch it reverently. And as it is displayed, it becomes custom to bring a note and a flower with the name of a loved one lost in the actions against the Pirate King, and to leave it at the base of the display in memory.

Lucita has a network of contacts made while Voice of Igniseri. She will ask them to be advisors, consultants and trade partners, encourage use of Saikland docks and Mirrored Ballroom and start to accept refugees. She will invest 1000 economic and 250 social writs into helping the economic development plan detailed below to succeed. Most of this is just evaluation and investing resources to both improve existing things and add necessary ones for refugees to be added wisely to the population and trying new trade venues to help keep new citizens gainfully employed, all of which relate to each other. She uses her ability to get along with people (charm) combined with her ability to find out information (investigation) and facts she needs to know to initiate the plans she and Marcos have made.

To be initiated immediately after Estaban's celebration of life.
1. Assess the situation--visit Saikland directly with Marcos
-Present united leadership of new Baroness-Regent and Voice,
foster cooperation and acceptance of Saiklanders.
-Listen not only to what is said, but to what is not said for
cues to problems, needs amid the people amd the barony.
-Evaluate Saikland Greens as Princess Jaenelle and Marquis
Hadrian Mazetti taught. Goal-aid growing population to be
self sufficient. Housing, sanitation, clean water, jobs,
education, health, faith, security-military all considered.
New farms, businesses, to avoid infringing on livelyhood
already existing ones, avoid high risk flood/fire areas.
-Find out if there are known but un-utilized natural resources
present to be used without altering the bucolic aspect
of the barony. (see ooc intent questions)

2. As Lucita did successfully with Granato while working with ARRG to place Siege refugees, she will carefully accept refugees seeking a new place to live. (Those evacuated or impacted by Gyre crisis who ask to relocate accepted as a compassionate offer, not done to steal vassals of another house, and not Southport prodigals) Care is taken to avoid lack of food, housing, security, services and means of self-support. Effort is made to see this does not cause disease or damage existing economy, buisinesses, and farms.

3. Improve existing infrastructure, use what exists more efficiently
and make necessary additions.
-Food: Farms to grow food the populace needs, extra stored or
preserved for emergencies. Nearby water for fish, meadows
for cattle, game to hunt are also sources to be used.
-Education-Faith: Encourage highly trained healers, midwives,
craftsmen, scholars. Make sure each God has an altar some-
where. (In a village, a modest temple with altars to each
works. Make sure there is a usable library for Scholars.
-Health: Adequate sanitation, clean water, healers, midwives,
herb gardens to serve the population. Keep as healthy and
disease-free as possible.
-Economy: Improve and build docks, security, and warehouses
to make a desirable provision stop for ships and boats.
Ships able to carry fewer provisions means more cargo
room, fresher food and water, and visitors encouraged
to view and use the Grand Mirrored Ballroom, bars, inns,
and shops. Increased usage should occur as a thriving
safe impression is presented from the docks onward.
Tor (Calista), Granato (Luis) contacted re this.
-Economy 2: Improve brewery, winery. Seek expanded venues
of trade so goods to trade with Oathlanders or houses
that produce alcoholic beverages. (ooc_intent explains)

Hadrian will be utilizing the Arvum Refugee Relief Group to assist Baroness-Regent Lucita and House Saik with the integration of the new population bound for Saikland Greens. Whether it is material or refugees from the recent conflict itself, Hadrian's hope is to foster a greater sense of ease in the transition. He'll be investing resources, materials, and people into the endeavor. While also utilizing the social power of Hadrian himself to assist Baroness-Regent Lucita within her role of acceptance by the people of Saikland Greens; the former Duke of Southport isn't above using friendly charm to name-drop Baron Eos or Baroness Kima Saik and the long-time friendship that he had with either of the pair in order to remind citizens of Saikland Greens that while Lucita may not be a born Saik, she is the Baroness-Regent left to tend the seat of power until the Saik heir comes of age.

Luis will help with many things that he's offered to Lucita in her time of need. Be it through helping with the Saik troops. Aiding the Economy and distributing the population as needed, or simply to encourage those who remain to stay loyal to the Saik line. Through his various skills and charming personality, he will support Lucita, helping to draw the population to follow her as well as to encourage her armies to draw strength from their allies and focus on the rebuilding and protection of the Saik lands in this time of need.

Marcos intends to travel with Lucita and present the unified front to those of the Saik lands and else where. Durring the trip he will be assessing the security needs of their lands as well as listening to his people. He plans on making himself available to talk to the people and truely listening to their concerns. Gettign a feel for their needs and passing this information along to Lucita whom may not be seen yet as a 'true' Saik despite her marriage to Estaban.
He will be looking for easy fixes as well as the hard ones and also trying to get a feel for how much is 'too much' change for the often easy going and content folk of his homeland so he can make recomendations to Lucita and ease her way into the role of Baroness.

Between her experience of assisting House Velenosa run smoothly as well as her position within the Crown as a Minister, Jaenelle has shared her knowledge with Lucita on trade routes, the importance of infrastructure, and the need for strengthening allies for assistance. Lucita has come to many public meetings Jaenelle has hosted as well as sought her out for private discussions on how to better aid her people.

Quenia is actively teaching Lucita the various skills she needs to help run the Barony of Saik. Quenia has started with leadership, teaching Lucita the finer points of how to assess various situations that will come up within her position, and handle them in greater detail than she did as Voice of House Igniseri. Quenia is also serving as a general consultant for Lucita should she run into any snags, offering advice only when asked for it -- and always in the presence of another member of the Saik family so there is no perceived bias with regards to how Lucita is leading her people. She will continue by teaching Lucita the art of diplomacy and propaganda as well, so Lucita might be able to broker better, more favorable deals for her family, and shed the family in a favorable light for any actions they take.

Karadoc will operate as the minimally motivated (to most eyes) jack-of-all trades. Whether it's to charm others alongside the Baroness-Regent Lucita, or casually name-dropping his Saik cousins who bravely sacrificed their lives for various wartime causes, or speaking up in ways that will lift spirits and raise morale wherever necessary. Although, behind the scenes, Karadoc is using his specialized knowledge of economics in order to truly help the cause.

Under Baroness-Regent Lucita's guidance, Saikland Greens are starting to recover. With the strong support of Lord Marcos and Lord Karadoc Saik, the three of them travel Saik lands and get a real feel for what is needed. After consultation with allies - and it does not go unnoticed that Baroness Lucita is making allies of consequence in the forms of Princess Jaenelle Velenosa, Lord Luis Igniseri, Marquessa Quenia Igniseri, and Duke Hadrian Mazetti - she orders the establishment of several large furnaces for making glass. From stemware to windows to pieces of art, new and beautiful glassworks are starting to come out of Saik forges and finding their way into eager hands.

After the tragic loss of Baron Estaban, Saikland Greens is starting to slowly recover - capitalizing on some of the sand found on its stunning beaches the new glasswork from the seat of the Saik family is particularly beautiful. The people making it are taking pride in what they make too, and as a result morale in the Barony is slowly turning around.

An impressive feat for a new Baroness indeed.

Quenia will take the time to travel to all of her vassal's holdings, so she can speak to her people face to face. While she's at each of the holdings, she'll take the time to purchase local goods and products, and hold a small community event. At these community events she'll talk about the bonds of family and community and how there is strength in both. She'll talk about how if that family or community is threatened, they need to come together in a show of support to stop that threat; to preserve not only their family and their community, but also their homes, their culture, and their way of life. She talks of the threat they are facing now, with the ships out sea, and how they are threatening family, community, and homes. Their freedom, their livelihood, their ability to take care of the people they love. She does her best to stress the importance of joining the fight, and how if they overwhelm the fleet, they'll have a better opportunity to win the war and protect that which they love. She pledges House Igniseri to that fight, to fight for their homes, their loved ones, their livelihoods, their continued freedom. She also pledges that House Igniseri will help rebuild, once the war is over. At the end of the gatherings, she formally issues a call to the banners, asking her people to rally and fight.

Lucita assists Quenia in her efforts using her skills. She writes an inspirational and morale lifting song 'To Arms, Came the Rallying Call'. It is crafted to avoid causing guilt or fear but to turn thoughts toward heroism, working together, protecting home, family, friends and how people from any walk of life can help. To assist bringing the message to commoners she hires with economic and social resources a bard to speak encouragingly to people on their level and sing the song for them, to create an amicable and receptive atmosphere with providing a round of drinks. She uses her charm and performance abilities to display to her representatives how she wants Quenia's efforts supported and enhanced. A copy of 'To Arms, Came the Rallying Call' is located in the bookcase in Saik Tower - Music Chamber.

While Quenia is going from place to place speaking to the general populace and the nobles, Luis will attend the soldiers and guardsmen as well as anyone whom shows interest in joining the army,. He will encourage them with his Charm and his skills, while also encouraging those younger lads ato listen to the older veterans when it comes to being ready. He will stage some mock spars with the sergeants and the like, letting himself be beat at times on purpose so as to build the respect for the trainers in the troops, and trounce the hotshots to help them realize they still need to listen to those above them. In the end, he will appoint new soldiers, raise up others that need to be, and encourage unit cohesiveness throughout the lands.

Marquessa Quenia Igniseri takes the time to travel to all of her vassal's holdings, holding events in the communities, purchasing local goods and products. She takes the time to talk about bonds of family and community, the strength of Igniseri and the bonds of loyalty, fealty, and friends. She speaks of freedom and the life they love and encourages them to fight for it, pledging Igniseri to stand with them and help them fight, and to rebuild if necessary afterwards.

Lord Luis speaks with soldiers and guardsmen, training and inspiring them. Reminding them of the need for experienced soldiers and eager soldiers alike. And Lady Lucita helps by writing an inspirational song that makes its way through the various corners of Igniseri lands. People sing it around the fire at night, and while they're mending their armor and readying for battle, and as they call the banners, people come.

'To arms, to arms!' Came the rallying call.
'Guard your freedom, your family, your all.'
Faith sustains us through troubling days
To find heroic bravery not fearful ways.
Unity binds us giving strength and hope
Like fragile fibers wound into strong rope.

Duchess General Calypso will be heading back home to Southport to be with her people during this time of turmoil. Having a very public and visible presence with her signature state of calm and grace in hopes that it will reassure those who would otherwise be unsure of her leadership. She will be appointing new leaders to fill the positions that were lost and bring stability back to the military. During this time she will also be having her two children, Cosette and Lukas Malvici, naming Cosette the heir and assuring the line of succession. Hopefully giving the people something to celebrate. She will also be enlisting the support of allied politicians to help spread the word of her competence, and allied economists to help sure up the stability of the Duchy and make best use of its resources while others hunt down the missing silver.

Anze is going to southport to be side by side with Calypso not only to be visible along with her but to be present for the birth of their children. Anze may not have calm and grace in the same way that Calypso does but he has worked to make himself a part of the Malvici and instead of relying on grace will instead try and use charm and good nature to calm the people of Southport. Anze will also pull no stops in giving honest opinions of his wife. How she is brilliant, capable, talented, and strong and the best leader Southport could possibly have in this time or in any other.

Harald will send several longships to accompany Calypso in her homecoming, to further illustrate that even traditional rivals support the Duchess against her enemies. One ship of veterans who fought with Harald and Calypso at the Battle of Giant's Fall will get a brief vacation in the Lyceum as winter looms near. Harald's message is that so long as Calypso and Malvici rule, all is well. Should they be overthrown... not so much.

Reese would like to support Calypso by talking about how great a leader she and trying to prompt her leadership in Southport

Edain has assigned 25 of his 100 sworn blades that are present in Arx, under the command of Captain Calevaro to escort to Archlector Bianca in her efforts to assist Lady Eirene in finding the missing Southport Soldiers.

On a more personal note, Edain will do his best to show his faith in Duchess Calypso publicly, and will send some new shipments of lumber to Southport for their ship building efforts to continue and keep up with their contracts. Edain will take this opportunity to distribute some pamphlets about the great achievements of Duchess Calypso as the MInister of Defense and the leader of Southport.

Alarissa's putting her silvered tongue to good use with regards to the Duchess Calypso. Never has she met a woman who even blindfolded, knows how precisely to complete a task effeciently and correctly and come out shining on the other end. Where Calypso's name comes up or even an opportunity to apropriately laud the woman, Alarissa is doing just that. Her support of the Duchess Calypso is without fault. Sure as the sun rises in the morning, Thrax and the Princess-Consort supports Calypso.

Calista Fidante is known for being an exemplary courtier prior to taking up the role as Duchess of Roses and as such there are few who can hold a candle to her charm and grace. When called upon by Duchess Calypso Malvici to offer assistance to Southport, Calista did not think twice. One time fierce enemies, the two cities are bonded by the bridge of marriage. The pending arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Tor's first child and heir is the perfect opportunity to help assuage the ill feelings the people of Southport are feeling these days. The pen is mightier than the sword and words offer a soothing balm to ease the disgruntled citizens. There are many friends and allies to Southport who are coming out in support of House Malvici and Duchess Calypso. Calista will make sure to reiterate this to the people of Southport and do all in her power to make sure they understand they are not alone and will not be left in the dark during troubled times.

Eleyna Velenosa, Archduchess of Lenosia and Grand Duchess of the Lyceum, lets stand no question as to her feelings regarding the competence of Duchess Calypso Malvici. But it's not in what the Archduchess does that speaks to her faith in her vassal, but what she does NOT do. Despite rumors of unrest and turmoil, she does not march Velenosa soldiers into Southport to secure the city. Despite the dire situation that seems to be unfolding, Eleyna doesn't seem particularly moved to 'sweep in and save the day'. It's not as if rebellion and political intrigue are particularly unusual in the Lyceum. Instead, when she is asked, the Grand Duchess simply explains that she trusts Calypso to set things right, which speaks more to her liege's confidence in her abilities than an incessant insistence on the fact.

The Newly made countess of Magotta has a vested interest in her new county and its ports. She will reach out to the serfs and providing morale where morale is short. Spreading propaganda of Calypso's great deeds and reassuring she has the best intentions for all that live within.

Princess Roxana Grayson was first and foremost a Malvici and is loyal to her siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews just as they are to her. She will attempt to assist the family while staying in Arx, letting Calypso handle what needs handling in Southport itself. Roxana will be writing letters to nobles she is in contact with back 'home' in Southport to reassure them that the Duchy is as safe and reliable as it ever has been under the rule of House Malvici, and praising the work of her sister Eirene and her niece Calypso in their dedication to addressing this turmoil. In addition she will be sharing those same opinions with her contacts in her house-by-marriage, House Grayson. Her status as a Grayson princess and a widowed one at that has elicted warmth and sympathy for years, and she will leverage this through gentle cajoling and occasional hints of manipulation. The focus will be having Calypso's competence praised on several fronts, enough so that any support among her contacts for a rebellion in Southport is quashed and redirected.

Donella doesn't just talk Calypso Malvici and her leadership up at home with Northerners who do business in the south. She makes overtures to captains on the Lycene coastal transport routes (esp. those interested in Redrain business), and puts a ship or two of bullish veterans who served as raiders and soldiers during the Silence crisis on shore leave in Southport. With extra coin to spend on resupply and repairs, of course. She makes sure that crews talk war stories on the way into port, encouraging effusiveness in their praise of the Duchess, and generosity during the process of social lubrication. Because nothing speaks louder, literally or figuratively, than a man (Thrax or otherwise) waxing poetic about the woman who successfully led them in battle. It just doesn't happen that often, unless there's something extraordinary to praise. The captains themselves can speak to the prosperity of Southport with an outsider's perspective. "The princess-consort of Farhaven will gladly take Calypso's leadership wherever it lands. Arx would not still stand if not for her able administration of our defense effort."

Karadoc will call in every favor he has to stimulate trade to and from Southport, get the silver flowing, even if, in some cases, this means trading IOUs for IOUs until the coffers can support the ebbs and flows of day-to-day exchange. He will lean hardest on markets that need Southport goods the most, and are thus most likely to accept brief hiccups. (He will, of course, try to keep the hiccups modest to low. Eradicate where possible!)

Marquis Mydas Nightgold aids by applying his knowledge of economics to Southport's aid. As such, he works with Karadoc to not only ensure trade flows, but pays particular attention to ensure proper book-keeping is kept of the finances, with as many copies as is required to ensure no information regarding the economy is lost. As such, his role is far more the one of an accountant, than to personally encourage further trade or making deals with various houses and groups.

Cicero will work with Karadoc and Mydas to bring trade and commerce to Southport to get that tax/customs money flowing. Silver Consortium gonna Consort

Dafne works on encouraging trade between Gemecitta and Southport, assuring Gemecittan merchants that such trade is both safe and profitable, and Southport is stable under the rule of Duchess Calypso. Among the goods flowing to Southport is a certain amount of Gemecittan granite, just in case any fortifications need repair.

Quenia will be speaking to her various nobles and merchants, and sending letters to Granato, letting her people know she has complete faith and confidence in House Malvici and Duchesss Calypso. She'll also remind them what an important trade hub Southport is, and that if trade fails there, that the effects of the disrupted economy may very well hit their own bottom line.

The King of the Compact aims to cut off support to rebellious factions in Southport by any party who wants to hedge against a possible change at the top (or get ahead by getting in on the ground floor of an potential transition) by making it known through various diplomatic channels that the Crown judges the situation in Southport to have very suspicious indications of an externally directed plot to personally discredit an effective Minister of War by foreign powers that would stand to gain a lot by the Compact -not- having an effective Minister of War. As such any aid at all to the rebellious factions is actively discouraged by the clear implication that anyone found doing so will draw attention to their own dealings in Arx and with the Crown for invasive scrutiny by the Inquisition for any other evidence of collaborating with enemies of the Compact. And the Inquisition has a reputation for being good at finding things, whether they were originally there or not.

Alis will be singing Calypso's prpaises as a General and a Leader every chance she gets, going so far as to give anecdotes and stories from each of the battles they have fought together. Strong, smart, capable, loyal. And she will encourage those cavalry that were given to Malvici as part of the marriage contract between Edain and Caelis to do the same.

Khanne is known for many things, for those who know her. She is not widely known as an economist though, despite her role in the NDC (she prefers to be thought of as an idea person on that front), so lets Darren and Mydas help support Calypso and Southport when it comes to their economy. She is not known as a soldier, so is more than happy to let those more capable help there. She is also not widely known for her negotiating skills or diplomacy so to speak... though she does have experience there. What she might be known for is her ability to connect to people, understand their concerns, and speak to them in ways that ease their minds. This is where she focuses her time in helping, knowing and working with Calypso for some time, as a fellow Crown Minister, she assures them that the Duchess General is more than capable in her position, and is not responsible for Southport's current issue. She agrees with King Alaric that it was an external force of some sort. She would emphasize the fact that all of the Houses of the Compact are behind her offering their support and assistance as needed to help Southport thrive again, through economics, trade, and whatever support is needed. She would talk to those in Arx, but would also travel to Southport to spread the word if it would be of further help.

As High Lord of Redrain, Darren will offer his public and private support to Calypso and the Malvici family as a whole. Darren is going to be sure anyone who will listen will hear about how much confidence he has in her leadership, and at a time when evils from outside the Compact threaten our shores, we must all stand behind the Minister of Defense. Patriotism and all that. Finally, to seal the deal, Darren is going to encourage the distillers on Farhaven to release a special, "Calypso's Reserve" whiskey brand, top shelf stuff with the slogan "Strong, but smooth - like the General herself." Because, you know, the Northlands!

And now Duchess Calypso Malvici arrives in Southport herself. She brings offerings from her friends, and she brings friends as well - a special limited edition whiskey from Redrain, a ship full of Redrain sailors speaking well of her. Grayson charm and Velenosan confidence, words of support from Fidante, praise from the Princess-Consort of Maelstrom and longships of Grimhall as an escort. Soldiers from Valardin and trade credit from Saik and the Silver Consortium alike - well and carefully accounted for. Trade with Gemecitta and personal friends too, as well as an endorsement from the King of the Compact himself!

All of this means that Calypso arrives with friends and allies and gifts aplenty, ready to set things right in Southport. Indeed, as she arrives she finds the path eased for her by Hadrian and Melinda. She finds work done by Eirene, Orazio, Bianca, Leola, and Sophie. She works to establish order. She works to make peace, to fill in the ranks that were decimated by soldiers not at their posts. In short, she steps off the ship and she goes to work.

Is it enough?