Trouble on the Mourning Sea! Except for around Pearlspire, which has held down piracy/raiding (staff confirmed in previous requests/page conversations) because:

* the Portress (action 3141)
* careful vetting of refugees (action 3358)
* navy growth: the caravel 'Tiga' (action 3654); most recent RFR on goal #819; plus routine army purchases mean the Seliki fleet is in line with the Grayson fleet
* cooperative patrolling with Crovane and Kennex (action 3584, which ended raids on the Northlands coast; a PRP in plot 526) - understood as ongoing
* the Crovane-Seliki marriage and building of the Crovane port (action 3642)

The foundations are in place. The time has come to build out for the defense of the mainland coast.

House Seliki and friends are going to visit the various coastal islands adjacent Pearlspire, then heading northward along the mainland coastline toward Stormwall, southward toward Arx.

* Islands held by other Crownlands or Northlands holdings get help building towers
* Islands that are uninhabited get small military stations and towers built
* Islands that are inhabited get towers after...
1) peaceful outreach first, with a message about the peace from pirates and
    reavers Seliki's patrolling has provided (join us, we protect you!) +
    good trade with the mainland as benefits to swearing fealty to Seliki +
    the good care Seliki shows all its people (medicine, artisans, training)
2) those disinclined get a wary eye: if they seem to be harboring pirates/
    reavers/cultists/enemies will turn into military engagements (and Seliki
    will attempt to take and hold those islands by force)
3) disinclined but peaceful Abaondoned get additional warnings about
    threats: Shavsbane, Eurus, and will still be added to patrol routes in
    case they change their mind (Seliki chains no-one)/so that badness
    doesn't take hold.

Signal towers are built purely for function: a continuous line of signaling up and down the coast (Stormwall to Arx, Brighthold if possible) is what we want. Early warning against Eurus (or other naval forces not bearing Compact flags) attacking.

SHORTER VERSION: Take islands, build signalling towers, protect the coast with early warning. The rest is just implementation details.

Countess Consort Scythia would assist Orrin with prepations by visiting the coastal islands that are adjacent to Pearlspire. She would be avoiding any skirmishes if at all possible (and if skirmishes break out, she would be out of there like woah). Her role is in the capacity of diplomat. She would seek to survey the inhabitants, keep matters peaceful, and discreetly alert Orrin to any of those that seem to be less on the up-and-up and more hostile in nature, be it mundane or more nefarious. If she can persuade those to bend the honest folk to bend the knee, all the better.

Kaldur, Duke-consort of Stormwall, emerging from a year spent raising cavalry to patrol Stormwall, turns his attention east. He rallies his people and his vassals to the work of defending the coast, painting the picture of their defense of the mainland not just as defense of their homes, but as service to all of Arvum. The Compact supported Stormwall, helped it rebuild, and now, they must stand as sentinels and shields.

He encourages any contribution to the great effort, from the small: meals cooked, tools mended, songs sung, to the large: boatloads of timber and quarried stone.

This exhoration of effort extends to /any/ encountered, bolstering and coordinating with Scythia.

Peri uses her knowledge of war to command and work with those under her authority to

1) Manage the logistics of naval approaches to various islands, some of which may harbor dangerous and hostile elements.
2) Plan the emplacement of signal towers and work out the logistics of their use (especially in war). This will allow for expansion of the signaling network which in turn allows for quick marshaling of forces in events like invasion fleets or for marshaling help during natural disasters.
3) Perform blockades on any islands harboring hostile elements. This will shrink their resources and lead to their defeats.

Michael Bisland makes it known wide and clear that House Seliki takes precedence in naval matters across Bisland. Its true, isn't it? Admiral Peri Seliki being a Seliki and in charge of Bisland's Navy in its entirety.

No one likes dealing with the finer details. Well almost no one. Mika on the other hand does all the book keeping and the inventory tracking. She also makes sure that none of them get ripped off during this large investment. Though it is the others that go and see her work. She just makes sure that everything is in place for them when they go.

Asher knows that building a structure requires more than just good masonry these days; iron and steel are needed. The same can be said of repairs for ships. He will be on the spot as requested, to hammer out whatever is needed for the building of these temporary towers, as well as repairs for ships that invariably will take damage during any skirmishes or upon the reefs and such. If necessary, he can also repair or craft armaments for those in battle.

The Eurusi fleet on the way to Sungreet isn't all there is to worry about. There are already Eurusi ships landing with people fleeing fighting in the Dune Kingdoms - ostensibly, anyway. There's also a whole world of cultists and other servants of darkness and demons even before Eurus got into the mix, too, as Mia is well-aware. She has the language skills (Eurusi, Crownlands shav, Northlands shav) to listen in on most of the Eurusi or Abandoned they might find on Crownlands-adjacent isles, and if there are refugees that aren't really refugees -- spies or cultists or other adversarial plotters amongst the Abandoned they find -- she'll be able to find them out and signal the appropriate fighting forces. Alternatively, if there are friendly -- or at least non-hostile -- locals with misgivings about their home islands getting scooped up for this purpose, she'll be able to further help tune diplomatic messaging to address their particular concerns. Mia has, after all, taken in refugees more than once. She took in several hundred of former Abandoned that were freed in Kennex's reforms -- specifically those whose tribes had been otherwise wiped out by Thrax raiders and Abbas' plagues -- as well as tribes fleeing oncoming threats from the North and from Shavsbane during the flare ups from the Great Road and the attack on the Lodge. She has a reputation of being good on her word when she offers protection to those in need and of a willingness to work together against threats to Arvum as a whole, and a long-standing one at that.

Thesarin is not at home on boats. When it comes to the details of naval warfare, he's more than content to let Seliki's admiralty handle the overarching strategy.
On the matter of ground combat, however, he's rather undisputed as a master of the practice. The War Chief of Riven will be helping the Seliki defenses in their deployment and preparation, where they can hold and how to best allow defense and escape; on any islands where there's intractible resistance to be found, he'll lead soirties and raids to allow the defenders at their work, and drive out packets of reavers or pirates as need be. He's never been a man to shy from leading soldiers by example.

It's not cheap or easy to construct a series of watchtowers on islands, and geography doesn't make it easier, as there's certainly islands, but they aren't exactly in a perfect semi-circle around the coast or have spacing that could be ideal. Which creates a very irregular claiming of islands, and one island that's essentially a slab of rock jutting from the sea is perfect since it's several hundred feet above sea level, and building a several hundred foot tower gives immense cover over the coast, but it's a tower that will have to be supplied repeatedly at expense time and again. Still, they get it done with construction on uninhabited islands proceeding immediately, as Thesarin gives his expertise on the strategic deployment that could best give warning on likely fleet movements.

Inhabited islands are trickier.

On two islands, nomadic groups simply flee rather than talk to the Compact. Scythia manages to talk to two groups, Clan Redbone and House Waltherton. Clan Redbone is happy to bend the knee as long as their cultural traditions are respected. Like, say, cannibalism. They are pretty defensive of that, in that they only eat convicted criminals and they are cooked first so it's not like they are savages. Still, that probably won't fly. House Waltherton on the other hand claims the land where Pearlspire rests, saying they have claims to it from the time of the Reckoning. They'd settle for half of the current city being set aside for their use, or being introduced into the Compact as a great house. These seem unlikely.

But, Seliki expands its territory, and watchtowers for (nearly) complete coverage are established. It'd be nice to have the islands Waltherton or Redbone claim, but it's probably not strictly necessary.

The Battle of Pieros is like a giant rock that's been hurled into the already not very placid pond of Arvum. First it was just -- "just" -- several thousand freed slaves, most of them scandalously of Arvani origins. Now it's unprecedented waves of Eurusi refugees fleeing their native shores for ones that they hope will be friendlier. Rukhnis's experiences have given her a deeply empathetic understanding of the plight faced by both these groups, and she's particularly sensitive to the challenges that a lot of unwelcome foreigners are likely to face upon their arrival. At the same time, she knows just how badly the duchy of Stormwall is in need of more people to carry out the work of the domain and secure what may be a very precarious foothold upon the always dangerously shifting ground of Arvum's current events. The Crovane Minister of Medicine is determined to address both these problems by bringing these refugees into the fealty as peasants, miners, tradesmen, men-at-arms -- whatever best suits their skills and interests while giving the duchy what it needs.

House Crovane, as a matter of fact, is uniquely positioned to take advantage of an influx of ex-slaves and Eurusi refugees. It's already welcomed a number of Eurusi into the domain, not least among them Rukhnis herself, and as a result the people of the duchy are probably a little less likely to fear the people of the Dune Kingdoms -- or to straight up view them as evil incarnate. Rukhnis is also bound to seem like a more familiar and reassuring face to these latest Eurusi arriving friendless upon Arvani shores, besides being able to communicate with them effortlessly in their native tongue. And then there's Lady Mikani, herself a former thrall, Duke Kaldur who hails from a family liberated from bondage only a few generations ago, and all the various other members and friends of the family with their love of freedom and independence, all of them together in possession of a wide range of skills that Rukhnis plans to draw upon to help plan out the details of this initiative and make it successful in every way.

For her own part, besides heading up the project Rukhnis will use her diverse connections around Arx, particularly those from her work at the Commons Clinic in the Lowers, to help her make contact with as many freed slaves and Eurusi refugees as she can so that she can meet with them and get a feel for their abilities and disposition while assessing their suitability for resettlement in the duchy. Just as importantly, she'll be working to convince all these whom she deems trustworthy to swear their allegiance to the House and cast in their lot with the Northlands. Rukhnis may not be exactly charming, but she has an air of quiet command and sincere compassion that tend to earn the confidence and trust of others, particularly the most vulnerable and desperate, and she'll be putting these traits to the best possible use to recruit new settlers. She's also willing to use these same skills within the communities where the refugees might be settling, working to smooth over any possible problems before they can even start.

Since she can't do everything by herself, she'll also have the assistance of her trusted physician's apprentice Ayallah and others from the Eurusi shipwreck who came to serve at the Black Hall (Event #3166) to help her speak with the refugees to obtain basic information about their background and skills, arrange medical care, and also to personally vouch for the welcome they themselves have received from the Crovanes. And to serve as a staging area and waystation for refugees preparing to embark for the North, Rukhnis will be opening the doors of her newly-renovated but not yet open for business pub and medicinary, the Stormbird's Roost, for the refugees' use.

Altogether it's an ambitious mission, but one that Rukhnis and the house itself are determined to see succeed.

As the Duchess of Stormwall, Fianna shows her support of this grand effort by offering hands-on assistance as much as possible. She travels alongside Duke Kaldur whenever she can and speaks to refugees alongside Lord Rysen as a top priority to show the refugees that she is invested in their future. She assists Lady Lenne with the paperwork and digging through reports and sending letters to Stormwall's vassals to keep clear lines of communication open. Fianna is outgoing and invested in this project, giving silver and economic resources to fund the endeavor.

Fianna shows up in person to meetings and speaks to refugees that have an interest in Mistress Petal's vast knowledge of agriculture and the land. She offers to help teach animal husbandry and also gives riding lessons to help those refugees that may have an interest in the farming culture of the territory. Working alongside her Minister of Agriculture, Fianna will do her very best to thread her skill for teaching animal ken skills to help sustain a growing population.

Every free moment that Fianna has will be spent on this mission. It is an important endeavor that she takes very seriously and one that she is very passionate about.

For his entire tenure as Duke-consort, Kaldur has been patrolling the roadways of Stormwall, both Great and small, as a Knight of Solace and Duke of the realm, seeing personally to the province's safety and has come to know the land and its people as well as anyone might in this short time. Kaldur supports Rukhnis' message to the Eurusi settlers that his own stock were thralls in generations past, who threw off shackles and made a home on Arvani soil as free men and women. An offer extended likewise to those who will honor Arvani gods, and the spirits of the land and Oaths to Crovane.

An offer extended where Eurusi are known because of Rukhnis' near-miraculous interventions: Twilight Dale. A village that suffered under corrupt leadership, which fell under the sway of practitioner of dark lore who angered the spirits. A village where one Eurusi woman made an unforgettable impact.

Where Rukhnis is not charming, Kaldur is. He is a man of the people, they've likely seen him patrolling, in shining steel on a gold warhorse, sincere and devout and wholly convinced of a path forward for everyone, Northerner and Eurusi alike. He will likewise be working to allay any fears of interlopers by speaking with leaders in villages and towns, seeing that the sentiments against these Eurusi fleeing for their lives (contrasted to the ones coming for blood) don't take root in Stormwall.

Rysen speaks with those Eurusi refugees whom Rukhnis has deemed fit to emigrate into the Duchy of Stormwall. He will take note of their skills and desired vocations, and then travel to Stormwall to meet with tradesfolk, farmers, artisans, sailors, miners and outdoorsmen in order to find the best places for the refugees to settle and join a community.

Rysen also asks those Eurusi who have settled in Stormwall after arriving on the burning ship so many seasons ago, to help aid the newcomers in the transition to a life in the Duchy. Finally, Rysen will seek out a gregarious and charismatic member of the Faith to travel with the refugees and their guards to the Northlands, so that the arriving people might have rudimentary instruction and the most positive possible view of religious tenants and customs.

Mikani had learned to watch the books. It isn't glamorous, it isn't something that usually gets your name in the history books. Yet it is something that makes sure someone doesn't swindle you out of a lot of money. Behind the scenes, Mika does her work in securing materials needed and overlooking finances to make sure that the project lives up to Ruhknis' vision and makes best use of the money the have received for the project. That's what good connections are for, right?

Having seen the troubles that can come from just cramming people into the Lowers, Lenne has set forward all of her savings to be used to secure passage, shelter and supplies for the ex-slaves. More than that, she does what she does best, to assist. Paperwork! (Disclaimer: May or may not be what Lenne does best). She turns her skill for digging through piles of information on current reports on the state of Crovane lands, and sends letters to administrators in the city to gather more information still. She looks for lands owned by the family that may be suitable for farming. For jobs and projects in need of labour or skilled tradesmen. For open lodging and homes that can be bought on the cheap. Anything to ease the transition for the greatest number of the refugees, so they may find a home and employment as quickly as is feasible.

Likewise, that information, and any other tasked for her to gather, will be distributed to others working on the project, to be acted upon, where her own skills are lacking.

While Breidaia is no healer, or great diplomat, she is a seasoned and experienced ship captain. Using her knowledge of sailing, as well as her understanding of the sea, the weather, and the tides. Working to help coordinate, as well as sail the various ships that will be needed to help move the refugees to Stormwall and any other places they will be going to. In addition, she will help with any sort of protection that is needed for the endeavor.

Perhaps even find some refugees that are looking for work as sailors, or would like to join a ships crew and learn to be one.

Petal plans to help with the refuges, largely by tryin gto make sure that they enough food, crops and plants to feed them. She also will help by contributing some of her economic resources to help provide the food and to help provide basic common clothing in wool and basic shoes with common pelt leather soles to help clothe the refuges. She will get the plants in Crovane producing as much as she can. She will take care of any harvested food, storing it to help it last long and she will pay attention to distrubuting food so that Crovane has enough for them and yet still shares with the refuges.

After hearing about how many refugees there are, Rosalind came up with a great idea! After talking to her sister/Countess of course. How about bringing some of them to Stormheart! Not like tons, but some!

Rosalind is quite charming and empathetic to the refugees. She understands what it's like to be the outsider. She will talk to them, giving them all the perks about her home and of course it's Countess. Rosa will tell them about the jobs offered, such as farming, mining, and the mills. Not to mention the new shipyard.

Rhue will be assisting in her capacity as a healer and apothecary. She knows the challenges that will come with an enormous influx of freed slaves and refugees and is eager to help. Her main focus will be on the health of those who arrive, treating illness and malnutrition as well as tending to chronic ailments and any wounds or injuries that may be present. With a solid understanding of healing methodologies as well as a strong dose of empathy, she will exhibit a kind and caring bedside manner.

Rhue also brings her experience as an apothecary, providing knowledge of medicinal plants and herbs. She will find the necessary herbs and ingredients, prepare and serve medicinal teas and salves, and offer consult to those who may require medicinal cures for their ailments.

On the slummy streets of the Lowers, Ras keeps an eye out for Eurusi refugees of all kinds. He has learned a certain Eurusi phrase in order to communicate with them, though in an awkwardly mispronounced manner.

Families who may be struggling to afford the dubious offerings at the Knock, or begging at the Soup Kitchen, will be encouraged to go speak to Rukhnis at the Commons Clinic. Orphans who might have been incorporated into the Tragedy while unable to speak the language or understand Arvani culture will be pointed out to Rukhnis in case she is able to re-connect them with Eurusi relatives or more familiar guardians who would take them on as wards.

Would-be Eurusi criminals, being taken advantage of by gangs or black market rings, will be informed that there might be better options for them in the north - and told to speak to Rukhnis at the Commons Clinic.

Ras will determinedly check for refugees in all the haunts he knows - the warehouses near the river and along the Bay where homeless people often sleep, the cheapest ramshackle tenements with dangerous living conditions, the emptier ships at the dockyards, the most sheltered alleyways and abandoned broken buildings. Bribes in the Lowers aren't extremely expensive, and he devotes his coinpouch where necessary to help refugees get in contact with Rukhnis.

Suffice to say, there might be a lot of Eurusi swamping the Commons Clinic in the following weeks, and not all of them requiring medical aid - just asking after someone they've heard of called 'the bird of storms' who has 'offered them shade'.

The journey to Stormwall from Arx, whether by land or sea, is a long one, and often beset by difficulties. Geralt, let's face it, doesn't exactly have a silvered tongue, or really any social skills much at all. He does have quite a lot of imposing bulk, however, and a decent knowledge of the wilds, so he sets himself to head north for a bit, and keep the roads clear for the impending deluge of refugees, or at least those that don't come by sail, or those who are making their way to holdings further inland, once they make port at Stormwall. Because really, the less direct interaction the boorish mammoth of a man has with these new vassals, likely the better it is for everyone.

Mirk is there as a shaman and representative of the Spirit Walkers, tasked with teachings the refugees about the spiritual beliefs of their new home. He meets with refugees to discuss shamanism, sharing his own beliefs and experiences and comparing them to Eurusi religions as he understands them, highlighting the similarities (such as the Great Mirror and spirits and the land being reflections of one another [Lore Theology 4]) and the differences (taboos against blood sacrifice in all forms).

Then he escorts groups of refugees to sacred places throughout the Stormwall, accompanied by what guards he deems necessary. There, he leads them in small rituals to make offerings to the spirits and give thanks for their blessings, with the goal of making them feel like a part of these beliefs rather than outsiders looking in.

He also reaches out to local shamans to ask for their support, including Lykka and Tookral, who he met at Westwind Point (NPCs from Plot 553). He inquires with them about sacred places, taking care that none of them are too secretive or too dangerous, and attempts to arrange opportunities for those shamans to speak to refugees so that they can get a variety of perspectives, rather than doing everything himself.

Cillian will be there to help train the refuges in self-defence as he is sword of his house and Minster of warfare, he will also teach them the Northland ways, how to keep them selves, warm, how to build shelters and to hunt things of that nature.

It's not easy to pull off adding a great number of culturally distinct new people to a place and avoid clashes, but they pull it off.

Rukhnis as a Eurusi is particularly helpful in easing much of the conflicts, and helping Eurusi choose Stormwall in the first place. Charming or no, a friendly Eurusi is a great comfort to many scared refugees fleeing the war that has come to their home in the Dune Kingdom of Suj'Abbat.

The Duchess of Stormwall's personal meetings with the refugees is extremely reassuring and helps ease the transition, and the personal touch has won her many, many new enthusiastic subjects on her lands.

Rysen's charm in particular is decisive- as a member of the Faith, his outreach convinces the Eurusi they won't see persecution, and helps convince the Crovane subjects living in Stormwall that the Eurusi are no threat. Even when the Eurusi bring their own religion with them from Suj'Abbat, creating a few small makeshift Temples of the Veil, there's little more than some mild unease.

Mikani's life as a thrall is a great assurance to those who spent life as a slave, and wins a number of the Saffron chain refugees. Truthfully, some of the handful of growing pains have been between former slaves from the Saffron and refugees from Eurusi, who some of the former slaves equate with slavers.

Lenne's large investment in silver and paperwork is an enormous help, particularly since making certain that someone counts as sworn to House Crovane matters a great deal to the Compact- without it, they are merely shavs, so she sees to it that they are properly accounted for and have help in finding jobs.

Transportation is certainly not easy, but Breidaia has that covered. Most were moved before the Whirlpool formed in Arx's harbor, but even afterwards Breidaia is able to arrange for pickups north along the beaches in the Crownlands. Difficult but she manages.

Petal, Rosalind, Ras, Geralt, and Rhue see the needs of the refugees- they need to be fed, taken care of, guarded, and healed for the injured. Ras doesn't find anything out of the ordinary initially, except for odd rumors overheard from some of the Priestesses of the Veil among the Eurusi refugees.

Mirk and Cillian teach refugees the way of the North. Most of the Eurusi are willing to learn, though some of the refugees came not from modest beginnings at all, and some are even nobles fleeing their cities. Shamanistic traditions to many strike them as a bit barbaric, but they are civil enough while listening. Some Suj'Abbati even abandon the Church of the Veil. Well. They say they do. Lying is a cultural touchstone, so it's a little unclear if they mean it.

After attempting to research in the library, Zoey determines the best course of action is to return to the Water Keepers. Exercising her diplomatic skills, she seeks to learn the following from them:

*What these creatures of great wisdom and age who live far beyond the surface of the sea are. (Sources indicate they may be Balean, the mirror opposite of the kraken and sacred to Mangata.)

*What the tribe's responsibility to them is.

*What the tribe can tell us of the coming danger, both in its nature and its numbers. (Sources indicate that it is Orichalcum, AKA the Horned God, herald of the Slaver.)

*What tools or abilities the Water Keepers have that can be utilized for the creatures' defense.

*What tools or abilities House Kennex must still gain access to in order to effectively assist in the creatures' defense.

Catalana has always been one of the voices for house Kennex. First Delholm, then Ford, Octavia and now Aethan. Anything that requires tact and charm has Catalana helping.

She heads to the shore and meets with the leaders of the water keepers. She will speak with them on what they need to protect in return for bending the knee. She will negotiate deals and protections with a smile and a laugh. She will view their lands with her full interest and work out what how they can help exactly.

Her goal is to return to Aethan with a new vassal and a plan to keep them safe.

Lilah, as an explorer and a talented theologian, wouldn't miss an adventure like this. While the others handle diplomacy and martial concerns, she seeks to ensure clear understanding of the dangers ahead and gather precious lore that builds out a broader picture about the Water Keepers and their charges. What are these creatures, what do they need, and what sort of tales surround them? Using her background in religion/shamanism and cultural practices, she aims to learn from the tribe about their needs. If necessary, she can help the Kennexes avoid any faux pas or giving offense. She particularly strives to learn about the threat they face and will connect the evidence to any known troubles (especially if it's Orichalcum or his allies) or other references as part of a broader exchange to try and build an accurate picture of their foremost concerns. This isn't the first time she has participated in cross-cultural exchanges.

Evander will be joining the other Kennex in traveling to meet with the Water Keepers. He is, in particular, interested in any oral or written lore they may have, with an intent to transcribe everything. He will engage them in talk often, not just the leaders but various members of the tribe, expressing an ongoing interest in learning about their history and lore. In turn, he will share what lore he has that might coincide with theirs, establishing a basis for mutual understanding and hopefully fostering a better understanding of each other.

From the deck of his cog, the Bounty of Cirella, Wash surveyed the sea. He was no stranger to command, and the Kennex fleet escorting Lady Zoey to a meeting with mysterious shavs was a responsibility he took solemnly. With military precision he commanded the escort ships upon arrival to set a defensive position outside the island's harbor and regular patrols surveyed the island. He would allow no mortal action to endanger a Voice of House Kennex without first circumnavigating his defenses, especially when she was engaged in such delicate and important negotiations. He knew that this was no ordinary exchange of fealty, but that Beings of Great Importance, may be watching this encounter from afar. He may not have magic to counter their will, but at sea he had learned to put his trust in Mangata when That Which Was Beyond His Ken came calling. He kept his blessed Mangata tokens close at hand and reminded his men that anything out of the ordinary should be brought to his attention, no matter how seemingly inconsequential. By the time the negotiations had come to a close, Wash knew the island's contours as well as he knew his newborn son. He had devised a plan to protect it, not just it's inhabitants, but to prevent any creature, man or fish, from entering that all-important harbor where he was told the sacred creatures took refuge.

Mikani is excited to be asked to join. As Ambassador to the Marin'alfar she sends out a missive seeing what they know of the creatures, may be Balean, and if there is anything that the Marin'alfar know about keeping them safe. In an effort to help with the Water Keepers, Mikani uses her language and investigative to study as much about the Water Keepers and the Balean as she is able to. She would help Evander and Delilah in anything they needed.

While not a Kennex, Evonleigh has been lending her voice, charm, and diplomatic graces to the house for a couple of years now, and is happy to assist yet again in one of their endeavors. Speaking with a tribe like this -- well, that's less common for her, but not completely out of her wheelhouse either. She will use all of the skills she has learned as a diplomat and lean on those she's learned as an actress and lady as well, to help the Kennexes in their negotiations, by speaking well of the Kennexes, especially of their loyalty and bravery.

Llewella goes at Zoey's request to help with the matter. She'll do what she can to ensure proper supplies are organized for everyone, that all the retainers brought along are kept efficiently about their duties, and other matters of stewardship that allow the diplomat and researchers to do what they need to do.

Thea is not a Kennex but Lady Zoey is somewhat family now. With Lady Kaia now being Thea's sister by marriage. She will be traveling as s medic this round, being asked personally. So of course, Thea agrees--keeping the sister safe.

Archlector Madeleine of Mangata is here to learn and see what can be done to help.

In her own soft spoken, calm way, occasionally ditzy way, Madeleine will try to learn from the Water Keepers about both themselves and the creatures that are suspected to be sacred to Mangata. She is curious to learn first hand from the Water Keepers about their ways, beliefs in relation to Mangata. She is also very curious to know about the creatures and what they know of them

Understanding the creatures are sacred to Mangata she desires to help protect them however she may, even though they are a Shav tribe. Perhaps they can be brought into the Pantheon over time.

Aethan leaves the diplomacy-ing and investigating to others, but he does accompany the party with a contingent of the Stormward Fleet, due to dangers inherent in the waters. He will also meet with the tribe as needed/wanted.

The Kennex Delegation and Friends travel to where the Water Keepers live their simple lives. The journey there is fairly easy, though they aren't far from shore when they see a light from a fire on the beach. They weigh anchor and take a rowboat in, and are informed that the time of the birthing is almost upon them. They are asked to guard the entry to the cove while the birthing commences, though Madeleine is invited ashore as the Archlector of Mangata, to help with the prayers and the sacred rites. Mikani, who has sent a missive to the Marin'alfar and has received three strange balls of something that seem like little more than seaweed in return, is also invited ashore. The rest they ask to do their best on the seas outside the cove, and to remember that the Water Keepers are under their protection now. The way it is phrased seems important, and very grave indeed.

From there, their experiences differ wildly. Aethan takes the ship and the fleet to the entrance of the cove. Under the water, they can see dark shapes fully as large as the ship itself, swimming under the water and then submerging deeper, until even the hint of them is not seen. And then there's a single ship on the horizon. It does not rise from the Bloodwater at least, so that's something? And yet that single ship seems to bring with it an ominous feel, and the fleet sets sail to engage.

They close enough to warn them off, but the answer comes back almost eerily, as though every crew member on the deck is speaking as one. "And from the Sea shall come new life, and with its death shall Our God be exalted and freed at last." And with that, the battle is on. The ship is hard to track, and harder to kill. It's almost impossible to shoot it, to fire at it. There's a feeling emanating from it, an eerie sense that it would be better to join than to resist after all.

On the deck of the flagship, Aethan is suddenly struck mute, his hand gripping the rail so tightly his knuckles are white. It is up to Wash and Evander to try to marshal their forces. Aethan is muttering a wordless denial, shaking his head over and over again while Wash and Evander take command. The ship evades them, but through their skilled sailing they are still keeping the cove safe.

"Help Aethan!" Delilah is the first to recognize what's going on, with her knowledge of the occult what it is. Zoey, Catalana, Thea, Llewella, and Evonleigh gather around and link hands with Aethan in the center. Delilah, desperate to save the situation, starts speaking. "We are free. We will not submit. We are free. We will not submit." The women pick up the chant, throwing their whole intention into it as they chant together. Until at last Aethan starts murmuring with them. "We are free. We will not submit. We are free."

And then Aethan roars. "WE WILL NOT SUBMIT. YOU CANNOT HAVE THEM." His roar stops the ship, and it is as though with intent alone the ship is pushed back, back, and back - over the horizon and into nothingness, the threat gone, as the circle of women and Aethan himself fall to the deck unconscious.

With the threat negated, Wash and Evander look to the shore and see the signal fire has been lit again, and they make their way ashore as soon as the rest awaken.

Madeleine too has a tale to tell, of how she prayed with the Water Keepers for Mangata's blessings upon them and the new Balean. Of how two of them surfaced, almost large enough to fill the cove, and on their backs born in sadness were two small Balean calves, clinging to life but almost dead. Mikani sprung into action at this, and somehow the two of them coaxed the Balean close enough to feed two of the small balls of seaweed to the calves, who slowly, so slowly started to stir, and then gradually rolled into the water as their parents vanished with them into the depths. The Water Keepers turned to them with tears in their eyes. "Always we lose some," they say with great depth of feeling. "Always, as long as we can remember. Until now. Thank you."

The rites that Madeleine participated in were little more than prayers to Mangata, or so it seemed. But something in them seemed powerful, and yet not quite powerful enough to completely counteract the taint - of poison, of the abyss, of whatever is hunting them. Until the Kennexes came to help, that is.

And so as they begin to sail home, they do so with a company of Balean under their ships for the first hour or so, their huge presence making sure the Kennexes know that what was done will not be forgotten.

Stormheart is located in a valley between mountains, carefully tucked for the protection the mountains can afford. These mountains are also quite useful for other purposes, such as increasing the goods with which House Ravenseye has to offer to the fealty they bent the knee to and the Compact as a whole.

Exploring the mountains surrounding Stormheart is Aella's focus as she and volunteers head out to discover the secrets that they might hold. She is specifically looking to increase her County's mining by finding new places where her people are able to find material such as metal to use for ship building and stones to trade for other goods.

While Aella is not an explorer in her own right, she knows her land and will be there as a guide, protecting those who have offer their aide.

Arthen Dayne wasn't surprised that Countess Aella would come to him for something like this - he's a notable explorer after all and a fair enough hand for the wilderlands when exploring goes wrong like it sometimes will - but he was honored to have her ask all the same. While he doesn't know a lot about /mines/ save for the kinds where history has been lost down 'em, he can get a group of folks across the rugged north well enough. Anyway he's convinced there's probably more valuable things hidden out across Stormheart than mines and he's got an eye for that sort of stuff so while he's making sure nobody loses a hand or an eye and probably has to stop Riagnon from putting weird berries in his mouth from time to time he'll also be on the lookout for the rare and unusual.

Volcica isn't exactly a great scout, or a great fighter. She is, however, a pretty great Shaman. She'll focus on the more spiritual side of things, treating with local spirits to help find locations of note for Aella and her House. While she'll try to look for the metal and stones Aella hopes for, Volcica knows that spirits are capricious and alien, and will accept whatever hints they offer without pressing too hard.

Very recently, House Ravenseye came to House Acheron's assistance. House Acheron endeavors to do the same! Lord Riagnon will be escorting a pair of mining surveyors from Aviaron's Peak operations, where iron and steel flow as easily as gold and silver. Hopefully, these miners can contribute some of their expertise Aella's plan!

Riagnon is not an explorer. He IS a Northern knight, very familiar with mountainous terrain and cold climate. This will be fine, this is fine.

Arcadia is a good scout and she knows it. She comes along to aid with the expansion. She's able to look at maps and point out areas which may be of interest and helps move everyone ahead.

While she expects little danger, she does have her crossbow and will use it, if any danger befalls them.

Countess Aella is a vassal and, as such, Kaldur turns out in support of her efforts to improve Stormheart. He lends the weight of Crovane's support to the effort and applies himself to treat with those they encounter to support or make way. He's also got a very fine warhorse, Dumpling, who is worth her weight in diamondplate who may not be descending into any mines, but has a history of stoving cultist skulls while standing guard.

Mika being the explorer she is, enjoys that she is called along to join in. She uses her investigative skills to search for hints of mining indications and other materials that Aella could use to bolster her economy.

Rosalind has just gotten back to the city, but the opportunity arises that she can head home again! Rosalind has always been a pretty perceptive woman, even as a child. She plans to help Aella and the others search the mountains and of course keep them safe. After all, it's her home and she's spent more time outdoors and in said mountains than anyone. Because of that, she's gotten to become pretty good at tracking , being a bit sneaky and such and can tell when there are dangers about.

She will of course have her long bow, just in case something does come up. To protect everyone of course.

Aksel has been asked to come along to help Ravenseye with scouting of locations for mining. The Nygards are a devoted family of miners and at one time Aksel would have taken up that career. So while he certainly remembers some of the things about mining, prospecting is an entirely different story. Still, he has family in Stonedeep that are prospectors who maybe willing to impart some advice to Aksel before he helps Aella on her quest for mining opportunities. Plus he's pretty handy if there are things to get bloodied up.

Baltus has been invited to help Aella in her exploration. Though he's more accustomed to maritime exploration, he's a fair hand in a fight and is willing to be a general helper however the Countess made need to direct him.

The mines in Stormheart are already good, but Aella wants to make them better. So she enlists help, as any sensible Countess would - she's not going to mine all those minerals herself, clearly. Lady Volcica is first - a shaman who speaks with the spirits, hoping to find good places to search for mining locations. Arthen Dayne is also hired on as a notable explorer. Marquessa Arcadia is also an excellent scout, and points out several areas of interest. Lady Mikani, no slouch in the exploration and scouting department herself, also joins.

Aksel Nygard, with his experience of mines and miners (he could have been a miner himself if he'd followed the family tradition, after all), work hard to find just the right spots. Baltus also pitches in, and Lady Rosalind points them at possible locations. Duke-Consort Kaldur grants the aid of Crovane as well, helping his vassal expand and explore - this is his bailiwick, for certain.

Of course, all doesn't go quite as smoothly as everyone might want. The first place they try is all wrong - when the first pick lands, the stone crumbles away softly, and Volcica gets a feeling that this place is not going to be strong enough to build large, safe tunnels for miners. They move on.

The second place they try looks better, and they're starting to build, when there's an odd rumbling. Aksel knows that sound well and shouts for everyone to evacuate. They do, as quickly as possible, but one miner stumbles. It's Lady Rosalind that grabs his hand and pulls him to his feet, urging him to run - and Countess Aella herself who's the last one out, making sure that everyone gets out safely.

But the third mine - the third mine is the right place, and the mine they establish there is strong, and large, and seems to go deeper than the mountain itself. This is going to be a good place to find exactly the thing she's looking for - a solid foundation for an expanded domain.

Success!

Since winter, the Stone Grove has been withered, the plants crumbling, the spirits themselves quiet and filled with pain. Now, Spring has arrived, and it's time for the Spirit Walkers to begin their restoration of the Grove. As the one who lead the ritual that inadvertently poisoned their sacred space, Mirk will be leading their efforts to heal what still remains.

Their rituals begin with a transplant of a healthy plant into the Stone Grove as an offering to the spirits. After months of cultivating each one and preparing them for transplant, it's a symbol of their devotion, one that might help breathe new life into the Grove.

For his part, Mirk aims to plant a seed from Cybele and Bashira's tree, in hopes of drawing on that special connection he has to that particular tree (See: Action 3194).

That's only the beginning, however, as Mirk leads the Spirit Walkers in calls to the spirits of the forest, begging for their presence and their aid. Perhaps this will persuade the spirits to heal the Stone Grove, or perhaps there will be an additional price to be paid for purification. He takes pains to warn each Spirit Walker privately about that possibility.

There are volunteers from outside their ranks, who do not participate in their rituals, but instead collect offerings for the Spirit Walkers and assist in the mundane aspects of tending to the land.

A special invitation is extended to the Faith, and the Disciples of Petrichor in particular, for a grove is a sacred space to Petrichor as well: The Faithful are offered space to conduct their own prayers as a gesture of respect. Mirk is careful to maintain an appearance of separation between the rituals of the Spirit Walkers and the prayers of the Faith, so that no one might accuse them of mixing the religions together.

In the end, the three groups shake out as follows:
Spirit Walkers: Mirk, Drea, Khanne, Danvir, Kaldur, Jyri, Acantha, Vano, Leonaess, Mikani.
Faith of the Pantheon: Sina, Brigida, Aiden, Sophie.
Invited Guests: Vincenzo, Petal, Darren, Cillian, Fianna.

Drea is holding rituals at the Grove. To her, it's not just about the Spirit Walkers and Shamanism, the Grove is sacred to Petrichor as well. She holds a big event that is open to all where they rededicate the grove, anoint and rededicate the altar, and offerings are made from those who attend. Rope is strung in the trees and participants hang bells up on that rope to show that they honor the Grove and want continuous evidence of their dedication and desire to help it heal and be made anew. (http://play.arxgame.org/dom/cal/detail/3285/. http://play.arxgame.org/dom/cal/detail/3267/)

Khanne has been contributing towards the recovery of the Stone Grove since she discovered it was withered. She leaves offerings to the Spirits, prays to Petrichor and Mangata, and talks to the stones. She assisted with plantings, and even gathered the Spirit Walkers to plant a Remembrance tree for Cybele and Bashira there that she hopes will grow tall for many years with branches that will stretch wide.

She knows it is not jsut about planting. It is about the Spirits. It is about the Gods... She knows the tales of the origin of the Stone Grove, and that... for her... is her point of reference in what she can do to help restore it once more. She does most of her offerings and prayings before one particular pillar, the one that was broken years ago, one that she helped repair then.

This space is sacred to her in many, many ways. She will see it recovered, and will not stop trying until it is.

Will plant 2 blueberry bushes in a spot behind the far benches in full sunlight. Will spend working the soil ensuring that it is fertilized and ready for the planting when the time comes for the planting he will join the others in planting.

Kaldur makes a trip to Pearlspire to go diving with the spirit he's linked to seeking pearls in a bed that's important to his people. A place important for centuries, possibly millennia, streching back perhaps as far as to the time of the Old Gods themselves. He dives, and swims, and surfaces with oysters from the craggy beds, returning to shore when he's exhausted. He brings these treasures from the ocean back to the Stone Grove.

Jyri will get his hands dirty and clear away dead plants, preparing for the replanting of the new. Having spent a fair deal up north around Hawkhold due to his ties with the Whitehawks, he's brought back some plants from there that grow wild; blue anemones that only blossom in spring normally. A yellow flower that starts to blossom shortly after the anemones. A purple flower that blossoms after that. A white flower that starts to grow beginning of summer. All wild flowers that grow in the meadows around Hawkhold, planted in a any patch he'll be given to do so. For every planting he will also give thanks to the spirits of the Forest for their bounty and to the Stone Grove spirits, for their sacrifice.

With Petal's assistance on selecting the best saplings and with Merek's direct help on where to plant to align with marking seasons change, Vincenzo transplants twelve trees to help encircle the stone grove. At each of the saplings, Vincenzo has paid for the best stonemasons to craft a small stone plinth with offerings of food, drink and clothing to any and all that might stop by the particular tree. But his main work is the ballad that he has composed which he plays on his harp, and he sings it for thirteen days and nights at each of the saplings. It combines his deep love of the Faith along with those who follow the Spirit Walkers and braids their stories and meanings together. His membership with the Crafters Guild, and his daily close proximity with the highest of nobles due to his craft, he is pouring a significant amount of his own social and economic resources into this action (1,500 economic and 2,000 social) to show that Jayus can inspire great things and through creation, we can connect closer to the gods (or spirits, as the case may be).

The Ballad of Nature's Prayer, for harp and voice.
Mountains reign majestic, their diamond summits gleam pale.
The wind sings with the wolves, dear pilgrim listen.
Their bones rest deep in the world, the sky scrapes on their crowns.
Petrichor's strength lays in them, dear pilgrim listen.

Dark forests stretch, like blankets they roll.
Their arms uplifted in prayer, dear pilgrim listen.
Their treasures and help they give, to any and all.
Petrichor's friends do speak, dear pilgrim listen.

Old Ashtalon, teach us to be resilient.
While the storms come and go, may we be flexible.

Beechspur, teach us tolerance.
While words like axes bite, may we not lash out.

Birchleaf, teach us to seek truth.
As darkness of ignorance falls, may we shine so bright.

Cedartooth, teach us to find inner peace.
As our days grow so chaotic and busy, may we find our thoughts cleansed.

Cherryblossom, teach us compassion.
As the seasons come and go, may our prosperity be shared.

Old Elmbeard, teach us to be wise.
While suffering comes and go, may all scars fade in time.

Hollysprig, teach us to overcome anger.
To friend and foe alike, may we always protect.

Mapletwig, teach us your generosity.
Be great or small, may we quick to give.

Old Oakheart, teach us to have courage.
While challenges may arise, may our conviction be strong.

Old Pineskin, teach us harmony.
To our enemies of all kind, may war be temporary.

Cleverwalnut, to us bring focus.
As we are pulled so many ways, may our work be fruitful.

Willowhusk, to us give an open mind.
Whether Faith or Spirit Walk, we are all Skald's children!

Petrichor, Petrichor. May we remember your words.
While dominion is ours, may we do so responsibly.
We pray for your help, and we thank you this day.
To you and your friends, we pilgrims humbly listen.

When the time comes to assist with healing the Stone Grove, Sina follows through on her promise to Mirk, and comes prepared to offer up prayers to Petrichor, as well as the other gods of the triad of creation - Lagoma and Mangata. She will bring offerings with her - a vial of water blessed before Mangata's great statue on the beach, thirteen plants of different varieties to plant after the withered growth has been cleared, and a small painting on a cut-out circle of fine vellum along with a small brazier lit with Lagoma's eternal flame. The painting is a depiction of the change of season from winter to spring with a lovely border of leaves and vines. On the left half of the painting, there are delicately-painted winter trees with bare branches and scrubby and leafless plants among snow drifts, with a pale sky of lavendery pink and gold as if at dawn or sunset. Lush green growth, trees and flowers and plants with animals frolicking among them decorate the right half of the painting.

She will kneel within the grove in an area set aside for the Godsworn to do their prayers, separate from the shaman present, and pray, slipping into that meditative state she's come to learn. Once she has prayed over each plant, she will plant them with her own two hands. Then she will pray:

"Petrichor, lord of the forest, the deep woods, and of growing things - your stewards come before you to ask for your blessing and your grace upon this withered grove. Aid us as we seek to drive away this blight, and restore the peace and sanctity of this place. Let your blessing infuse the land to sactify it once more, and heal the plants and trees here from within, to restore their glory.

Next, she will uncork the vial of holy water, and scatter droplets of it upon the ground. She'll slip deeper into meditation, and attempt to find that place within herself that weeps for the wound created here. She will add her own tears to the mix, along with the holy water. She will pray:

"Mangata, blessed of the Air and Waves, we call upon your grace to bless this grove, for life springs from you in the very air we breathe. Let your cleansing rains wash away the pain, and the sorrow, and the blight within this place. Let your nourishing waters bless this land, sustain it, and renew the life which springs from it."

Finally, she will roll up the tiny painting she created with her own hands and skill and burns it in a small brazier that she will bring with her which was lit with a spark from Lagoma's eternal flame. She will pray:

"Lagoma, Lady of Change, Goddess of seasons and the healing of wounds - we ask your blessing upon this grove, that the land may once again be healed. Let this offering be a symbol of the passage of seasons, winter to spring. So too, we pray, may this withering be healed, and new life come forth within this place."

Once she has finished with her prayers, Sina will linger in silent meditation for a time. She'll help with planting, clearing away the old and withered things, and offering her quiet support to her shaman friends. She will be very careful, however, to only call upon the Gods of the Pantheon, though she will show respect for the traditions of the Spirit Walkers, and those who hold this place sacred.

Sword Cillian Weatherwood married Petal Penrose in the grove in hopes in a offering to the spirits in hopes that they will come back and help grow the grove once more. It is a special place for him and he feels a deeo connection to it. He also attended the Ritual a few hours before hand giving a offering to the spirits, he continues to return to the grove daily to offer in hopes that it will help.

Petal will attend this attempt to help the grove. She will use her knowledge of plants to help with the plants in the grove, checking their health and well being. She was married to Cillian at the grove of which was part of the healing ritual of the grove. She will offer her own prayers as well.

Darren is more than pleased to take part in the cleansing of the Stone Grove. He provides the resources and manpower to bolster the efforts of the Spirit Walkers along with his own personal attendance.

Acantha is going to help with this by transplanting the pumpkins and the carrot garden that she was dealing with over the months in the Spirit Walkers Hall. She's been stopping in once a day and tending to things at the grove. She's been going daily at dawn along with Lord Vano. They have been making small offerings to the spirits together. She will be assisting in the rituals when it comes around to it as well.

Vano will nurse some of Riva's local flowers, the fairyslipper, to transplant into the grove where it can get good sunlight and plenty of water. As he already intends to visit the Grove every morning with Acantha, he wil spend extra effort to make sure they have sufficent water and tended soil. Additionally he will be participating in the dedication rituals when it comes down to calling on the spirits.

Archlector Brigida of Petrichor is joining in the Healing the Stone Grove. She'll be making sure that the separation between the rituals of the Spirit Walkers and the prayers of the Faith is properly maintained and will be giving making sure none of the Faith stray over too far beyond respecting and acknowledging the Spirits. There will be no mixing the religions together on her watch. Kind reminders will be backed up by her sharp tongue and the thwack of her staff if necessary.

But of course no one will be foolish enough for that right?

Brigida will be leading prayers to Petrichor during this, maintaining a presence throughout in the section put aside for the Faithful. She will take steps back to allow others to do their songs, chants and prayers during this time but ensue that there is, at the least, constant worship to Petrichor during this time.

Her own personal contribution to the proceedings will be the planting of 13 Golden Yellow Roses from Tor. These roses of course will still have thorns attached.

Once upon a time, Aiden was part of the Observers and the Courts of Arx. While he is no longer a part of either, he is still affiliated with the scholars and the Society of Explorers. Why is that relevant? Because the necessary skills and habits have been taught to the man, specifically the ability to make detailed accountings of what he experiences and observes. He has written books before, so it is not an uncharacteristic thing for him to do, during this ritual, to capture the essence of it as it transpires. Truth, to his eyes, will be documented on the pages that Arvum is lucky enough to have to properly praise Vellichor. It is on blank pages he will write, almost without looking down at the pages themselves, as his eyes turn from person to person, capturing in whimsical detail the personal touches each has to offer the ritual. He acts today as the Scholar that will preserve these memories of this day into text for all time, keeping it safe from entities that would otherwise attempt to cloud the aspects of his writing with deceptions.

Baron Archibald Chirpingtong, his loyal adviser, no really, it's quite possible the Gyrfalcon has such a standing now, is roosting near too Aiden, be it on a perch he has brought for the Baron or simply upon the branches of a nearby tree. Oddly enough, some of the words Aiden writes into documentation will carry a distinctive ... or unique, perspective - quite possibly something that humans just couldn't or wouldn't comprehend. At some point, Aiden will walk over to the Baron and the Baron will offer a plucked feather. Taking the feather in hand, Aiden will settle it before the seedling dedicated to Cybele, murmuring, "May you guide us once again." Then he goes on to make a quiet prayer to Petrichor, before retaining the pen of Vellichor to ensure he doesn't miss a single detail of how everyone is contributing - the music in the background, that harp, soothing to write alongside with.

The support of the Faith is given, at least by the Mother Mercy, Sophie Valardin and the Mercies. Sophie has procured thirteen fire lily (Clivia miniata) bulbs, and on the day of the ritual she gathers 12 of her most trusted senior Mercies, and they have formed a circle around the area containing the blight. Holes have been dug and prepared, and when the time comes they all kneel in tandem, bowing their heads in a prayer that's whispered in unison.

Our Lady of Change
Transformation and restoration are your domain.
Patron of Farmers
The land and the plants that restore us are your domain.
We beseech you both to restore this land, just as you restore the lost to the Faith
We ask that you bless the plants and flowers that grow in this holy space.
We ask that Lagoma's holy cleansing fire remove the blight from this land,
Leaving healthy plants behind.
We ask that Petrichor smiles upon the grove, that it might flourish.
We ask that the healing herbs that grow here heal wounds of the body and the spirit.
That your children might better serve you and the entire Pantheon.

Once the prayers are given the Mercies plant the bulbs, covering them with dirt.

The Stone Grove was a place new to herself but it's pain was felt with a keen sense of disruption, brows furrowing as she walked about the sickened space with an ear open to what whispers or thoughts might be gleaned from flora and fauna. Leonaess supplies two sprouted plants that had been cultivated lovingly in colorful pots, it was Anise and Lavender that would be her offering. All the while would she sing and hum, the rich soil she used in the pots used in setting the plants in their new beds where she surrounded the dark recently patted soil with seashells she had picked from the shore and glittering bits of colorful quartz. Accustomed to camping out, she'd spend a day or two in an attempt to connect with the area.

As often as she is able to, Fianna visits the Stone Grove to make her offerings and connect with the sacred space through controlled breathing and meditation. She does her best to quiet her thoughts and focus on connecting with the spirit realm and to one spirit in particular for answers and guidance (See: Action 2340) regarding the matter at hand: the cleansing and renewal of the Stone Grove. When she's not in quiet contemplation, Fianna is planting and tending to the Edelweiss flowers that she brought as seeds from the lands of her beloved Stormwall. She makes sure that her gratitude is conveyed clearly to the spirits before leaving the Stone Grove every day that she can visit.

Mika is glad to help with the cleansing of the Stone Grove. It was a place of peace and solace after her Cousin Bashira died. So Mikani brought a fireberry bush from Cedar Vale to be planted. She hoped that the bush would thrive. It wasn't that she knew much about plants but she said a soft memory of Bashira before leaving the plant at the Grove.

There's something different about the Stone Grove. Something has changed, and recently. But even so, the blight remains and so a determined group heads to the Grove to do what they casn to fix it. Sophie, Brigida, Aiden, and Sina work together on behalf of the Faith of the Pantheon. The Stone Grove is, after all, sacred to them too. Sophie and twelve of her senior mercies form a circle around the area containing the blight, and on the day they all are working, they do their best to beseech Lagoma and Petrichor to heal the land, murmuring their prayer in unison as they plant thirteen fire lily bulbs in a circle around the blight.

As the Mother Mercy plants bulbs, Archlector Brigida leads a prayer to Petrichor, praying for his help. Archscholar Sina leads a prayer to the Traid of Creation. All involved focus on healing, on rejuvenation, on cleansing the Blight that infects the Stone Grove.

Meanwhile, Aiden watches carefully, recording and protecting what they do there. At one point, he moves over to take a feather offered by Baron Archibald Chirpington, but as soon as he takes it, the Gyrefalcon takes wing with a screech, and circles the grove thirteen times.

Others come to help too - shaman and non-shaman alike, who feel strongly about the Stone Grove and its place in their history. Mikani brings a fireberry bush from Cedar Vale. Fianna makes her offerings and tries to connect to the spirits of the Stone Grove, and tending the Edelweiss flowers brought as seeds from Stormwall. Vano and Acasntha transplant things mundane and fanciful - pumpkins and carrots and fairyslippers to grow, tending the flowers as they are transplanted. Darren oversees it all, watching and helping where he can, unafraid to roll up his sleeves and do a little planting of his own. That he also supplied resources and help is just what he does as High Lord - but it means something that he would be here to help them.

Petal uses her knowledge of plants and helps coax the Grove back to health, with Cillian at her side every day. He too offers his knowledge and his assistance - and both Petal and Cillian are particularly helpful when Vincenzo starts selecting saplings and planting trees. He has paid for stonemasons to craft a small stone plinth, but the main work is the ballad he sings and plays on his harp. He plays it next to each of the saplings, and it is truly a beautiful thing. Indeed, it seems for a moment that the trees themselves start to sway when he gets to the verse about their particular type of tree.

But perhaps that's just wishful thinking.

Or is it?

The shaman perform their rituals and rites, asking the spirits to help revitalize the Grove. Drea organizes the stringing up of bells and chimes that ring pleasantly with a gentle breeze. Seeds are planted for special plants. Healthy plants. A seed from Cybele and Bashira's tree. Please, they entreat the spirits, help heal the Grove. They are willing to take a geas if they must, but will the spirits help or is the Stone Grove doomed to be Blighted forever?

Danvir plants blueberry bushes. Kaldur brings water from time spent communing with Bluewave. Jyri clears out the dead growth. Leonaess adds two sprouted plants - anise and lavender - to add to the Grove.

In the end, when they step back and look - the dead growth is cleared. New plants are everywhere - some simple plants, food plants. Others are flowers. Some from far away, some from nearby. Some common. Some less so. But with their efforts, there is no evidence of Blight - not any more. No, this Stone Grove is a green, growing place - will it stay that way?

And then the place where the seed from the tree where Cybele and Bashira died shimmers suddenly. And slowly, cautiously, a small sapling sprouts - too fast for it to be natural, it breaks the soil and grows. Six, seven inches high, with one little branch as they all watch in awe - and then ever so slowly it unfurls a single green, unblighted leaf.

It seems at last that they have succeeded, and the Stone Grove is cleansed once more.

Lady Evonleigh Whitehawk has penned a tragic drama of star-crossed love entitled "A Wager of Hearts," to be staged in the Bard's College. To bring the tale of woe to life, she has pulled together an amazing cast and crew, showcasing the talents of Arx's finest actors, as well as painters, costumers, and musicians. Evonleigh herself will be acting as well as directing.

The synopsis: Perris is the youngest son of Marquessa Rowanworth -- no one expects much of the playboy lord. Delphine is the daughter of an ennobled former knight, Count Lafoy. The two meet at a ball, with Perris instantly falling for the sweet and beautiful Delphine. She is skeptical of his admiration, but the two begin a friendship. Delphine uncovers hidden depths of the young man -- who is in fact a skilled poet and philosopher with deep emotions hidden behind the facade of the nonchalant playboy.

Perris requests to speak with the Count, to formally court her, and Delphine at first declines, disbelieving his sincerity, but Perris makes a bet with Delphine that he will be seen with no other woman on his arm for a month, while challenging her to be escorted by several different suitors in the same time -- because he doubts he truly is worthy of her affections and wants her to be as sure of him as he is of her. This causes both some awkward, comedic moments as it also reveals the true feelings of Delphine and Perris.

When the month is up, Perris is granted permission to speak to Count and Countess Lafoy, who happily approve of the match -- but Marquessa Rowanworth does not. She rejects the betrothal and instead tells Perris to marry Princess Sylpha, a woman of great beauty but one who is spoiled and prone to temper tantrums. Delphine, though brokenhearted, swears she can never hate Perris and that he should do right by his family, and Perris reluctantly agrees to the match.

The courtship period passes with Delphine disappearing from the social scene and from Perris' life. As the wedding day draws nearer, Perris becomes more and more distraught, until on the stormy day of the wedding he can take it no longer. While his household prepares for the marriage ceremony, he sneaks out after a discussion with his sisters Maitea and Amaryllis, who tell him love is more important than rank and propriety, and to follow his heart. The runaway groom rushes through the terrible storm to the Lafoys. Disaster strikes, in the form of lightning, causing the lord's horse to buck in terror, throwing him from the saddle. It is Delphine who finds him in the woods nearby, but his wounds are too grievous and the two whisper their last goodbyes and vow to find one another in another life.

Tabitha has extensive experience with designing and painting set backgrounds, props and other dressings for Prince Niklas and Princess Sabella's plays. Now it's time to put those well-refined skills to work to bring exactly the right mood to Evonleigh's first drama. She's going to work tirelessly to get everything just right, from the elegant ballroom where the lovers meet, to the mournful wood where their love comes to die. Tabitha will also be talking up the play and promoting it whenever she can, because of course she will! It's her cousin's play, after all! She'll be painting beautifully tasteful and evocative posters to advertise A Wager of Hearts, and placing them in the venues where they'll be seen by the sort of people who will best enjoy the theatrical production at hand. (OOC: 500 econ and 20,000 silver added to the action, to be distributed in any way that'll increase chances of success.)

Sabella is more than happy to play the role of one Countess Lafoy, lending her sparkling spirit and infectious joy to the role -- a mother that only wishes the best for her daughter? She's certain she can manage to capture the essence of such a character. She is also very keen on talking up the show to any and all that will hear her, and puts forth her social might in ensuring that the evening should be a smashing success!

Prince Lorenzo Redrain is positively delighted that his protege Lady Evonleigh has taken on such a creative and dramatic project, and he will spare no effort in promoting it. He will use his social connections to chat up friends and acquaintance, nobles and commoners, to ensure that this upcoming play is the talk of the city. He also buys up a block of tickets for opening night and get them into the hands of the movers and shakers of Arx's society, proving that this event is seen by everyone as the place to be. (adding 200 social and 100 economic)

Inspired to assist her husband's protege after reading the play, Gwenna offers to act in the production. Taking the role of Lady Amaryllis, one of Perris' sisters, she will hopefully bring life to the part. Lady Amaryllis is kind, sweet, and believes in love above all, which Gwenna hopes to convey convincingly in the production!

Aerwyna, with her experience in sewing and tailoring has been invited as costumer and will be making the appropriate clothing for the actors in the play. She will be taking measurements of the cast and sewing together the outfits then having fittings and doing adjustments til everything is perfect and to Lady Evonleigh's standards. She will also assist in any other areas that her eye for design is needed and cloth is involved such as any curtains and drapery for the stage. She also donates some silver to help with materials.

Lord Eddard Clement will be taking on his first role in Evonleigh's play. As Count Lafoy, the father of Lady Delphine whom he wishes to find a good match and happiness in marriage. This shouldn't be too hard. To pretend to be Baron Norwood Clement but nicer. And less gruff. And less strong. Acting seems to come easy to him, he foresees no problems in being amazing.

Lord Dariel Bisland has vast experience of acting back home in Pridehall but in Arx he's not had so much work. Even so, he feels it's only natural he'd be getting the role of Lord Perris. Perhaps a playboy Lord isn't too far from Dariel himself, though he having to have to make sure the he is a little more sympathetic.

Dariel is committed to the production. Talking to friends, family and those who stand still long enough. Investing some of his own money as well. Much of this could be down to the fact that he really is get his name out there and become as famous in Arx as he feels he should, though what's an actor without a successful play?

Place Holder: Sapphira would be honored to assist in anyway, be it as a actor/performer or however she can support Evonleigh.

Gesa joins the cast as Princess Sylpha. She attempts to add some comedy to the tragic play by making the Princess's temper tantrums as comedic as possible.

Mikani is playing the Villian ... Marquessa of Rowanworth. While this entertains her that the part is different from herself. She enjoys that she gets to throw herself into the roll. And throw herself in with two feet she does. Mika uses her experience as a child growing up with more traditional families to know the type of woman she is playing. Eager for the adventure to play the villian she readies herself to hit the stage.

Yasmine has been cast to play the leading role of the Lady Delphine, one which she assumes with enthusiasm and grace. She brings to life every emotion invoked within the story of ill-timed lovers, channeling from experiences in her meteoric rise to fame and the many tribulations along the way. Of course, as an actress of the Blackrose Theater, she does more than her fair share of spreading the word among various spheres she frequents, building up anticipation for its premiere.

If there's one thing Mailys is good at, it's playing a seductress! She'll take the part of Lady Laguna, one of the many women trying to steal Perris' attention from Delphine.

Saro is putting her practical skills in woodworking to use by helping to produce platforms, furniture, and any other wooden props that might be needed to help set the stage for the play. It may not be the most glamorous role in the production (yeah, all right, it's probably about the /least/ glamorous role), but she's not one to shy away from practical work. Some of those pieces of prop furniture might end up with some entirely unnecessary highly decorative flourishes, though.

Lady Azolla was offered the role as Lady Murrietta who is one of the ladies that is trying to get the attention of Perris who has currently sworn off other women. This is her first role in a play and she hopes to do well., so she dedicates herself to learning the lines and rehearsing in order to prepare for the show.

Haptenna has been invited aboard as part of the musical accompaniment. Being multitalented and capable of playing a few different instruments, she will be on both the lute and the harp at alternating intervals where necessary for various scenes, or simply confine herself to one if the musical section is filled out enough. She's fine with that. Either way, the young troubador will be in attendance, putting her talntes god good work. Ideally.

The play titled "A Wager of Hearts" has become widely praised in Arx and beyond, an immensely popular performance that has left an impression due to its deft social commentary and sympathy towards neo-nobles in the Compact. Produced by Lady Evonleigh Whitehawk, the play tells the tale of Lord Perris Rowanworth, with Lord Dariel Bisland in the role. Lord Perris' tragic love with the Lady Delphine LaFoy, portrayed brilliantly by Yasmine Champagne, calls upon the common themes of love warring with noble duty, and particularly of the lack of regard given to neo-nobles as old houses consider marriage alliances, as Perris attempts to win Delphine while being pursued by rivals such as Lady Laguna (charmingly played by Mailys Corsetina), and ultimately wins a betrothal from the count and countess LaFoy (as played by Eddard and Sabella respectively). Much of the audiences enjoy the light satire of the fragility of certain marriage pacts and associated negotiations as portrayed by Gesa Whisper playing the comically spoiled Princess Sylpha, who wins a marriage pact with Lord Perris with the approval of Mikani as Marquessa of Rowanworth, negating all the efforts of Perris and showing the crushing burdens of duty placed upon nobles to do well by their family. Lady Evonleigh herself plays Perris' sister Maitea Rowanworth, who along with his other sister Amaryllis (played by Princess Gwenna), give a stirring speech on in the play detailing the struggles of nobles in sacrificing love for duty, and how they should be forgiven for pursuing their hearts, and that neo-nobles are worthy of matches. The tragic death of Perris at the end of the play, thwarting his family and trying to win Delphine at last, is a hotly debated message by much of the Compact, with traditionalists particularly in the Oathlands and Mourning Isles seeing it as a morality play showing that Perris failed to uphold his obligations to his family and was punished for it, while less conservative elements in the Lyceum see it as a criticism of the institutions that doomed the star crossed lovers. Fortunately, the play is good enough where individuals mostly argue with each other and firmly believe that the play supports their own biases. There's widespread recognition for all the cast, and even for the crew, with Aerwyna as costumer, Tabitha's props, Haptenna's music, Saro's set construction, and Lorenzo's advertising.

As a result of "A Wager of Hearts", traditionalist antipathy towards neo-nobles softens ever so slightly. This is a fragile thing, likely to not last if there's more ennoblements, but it makes life easier for current neos.

It is the 13th day of the month and the 12th hour has just dawned in Maelstrom. High Lord Victus Thrax has gathered his retinue and those willing to attend this ceremony at Maelstrom's memorial of swords. The same field that Victus had prepared for the dead and unrecovered of the Gyre war. Attendees stand among the blades of the fallen, with a raging bonfire having been sent at the epicenter of the field. Victus has sat here for the past few hours, meditating upon the work yet to be done. When all is gathered and the hour at turns over to the 13th, it begins.

"Tonight, I am here to show you my vision of the world. Of the dream. Of how I would shape it and most importantly, how I would help it." The High Lord begins, addressing the crowd. "I show you this because our world must be healed. Because it is our duty be it as noble or common, good or evil, and light or dark to restore what has been lost. Tonight, I perform this duty. Tomorrow, one of you will perform this duty. Then another, and another, and another..." Victus draws in a breath as he stares into the flames. "Here we go."

The first item he brings before the fire is a red and aqua banner of House Thrax.

"My first vision is one of home." He explains. "Thrax. The Mourning Isles. Where I was born and where I hope to rest when my time here is done. My House is my calling, my service to its name is everything to me. Every step I take, every motion I make, it will always be for Thrax. For Home. Never will my vision exist without my House present. This is what this banner represents to me." He casts the banner into the flames.

The second item he holds is an armful of children's toys. Wooden swords, tiny makeshift boats, rattles, teddy bears and other plush animals.

"My second vision are my children." Victus speaks, a far-off look in his eyes tonight. "The world surprises me in many ways throughout my life. The most surprising perhaps is the very idea that I would bear children and come to love my offspring as much as any father could. I had never thought a day would come where I would cosign so much of my life to nurturing a babe. So much time dedicated to love. Astrid. Danse. Siggy. Delia. In each of their faces I have seen a new light. When I look to these simple toys, I see that light reflecting back at me. Hope." He casts the toys into the flames.

The third item brought forward is a simple sash of aeterna.

"My wife." Victus' eyes reflect a fondness. "It is the duty of nobility to marry and solidfy their family's influence. Yet so few marriages end in finding one that completes you. I say it with no doubt in my heart that Alarissa has filled a spot in my life, perhaps even in my soul that I would have never guessed. She was once a griffon, next a drake, and now one of the many serpents that coil around our homeland. With her, I have security. The sturdy platform that reminds me that in the end, we will prevail. No matter the odds. These little pieces of fabric, the expensive and the flashy will always remind me of her." He casts the sash into the flames.

The fourth item he takes into hand is but a stone, carved with a simple rune.

Victus stares at this little trinket for sometime before he's able to speak on it. "Mother. I have so many thoughts for this part of my vision. Yet, so few actual words to do them justice." He turns the runestone over in his hand. "In her spirit I found something I'd been looking for, for a very long time. Purpose. How to live my life not in excess, but as a man of my station should. Were it not for her, I wouldn't have taken the pathes I have. I wouldn't have realized the right choices. For that... she will always be a part of me. One I will always cherish." He casts the runestone into the flames.

The fifth item is a bundle. Unwrapped from its linens, it reveals a group of seashells.

These bring a grin to Victus' face. "I've collected these from every Isle where Thrax holds dominion. Tyde Hall. Grihem's Point. Escuma. Redkeep. Astarrea. Whitefrost. New Hope. Redreef Shores. Darkwater Watch. Stormward. More. Each of these pieces come from the shores of Thrax's people. The people who I serve, the people who I swore an oath to protect. The people of the salt. Their hopes, their dreams, their survival. All things that I hope to see prosper in my dream of the world." He tosses the shells into the flame, one by one.

The sixth item is a familiar one. An unopened bottle of rum.

This one Victus looks on with a frown. "I see a lot of things when I look at this bottle. Merriment, yes. Comfort also. But tonight I look at it in a different light. Tonight, the only thing I see myself holding is a vessel of regret." The High Lord grimaced. "I did many stupid things that ended in me staring at the bottom of the bottle. I was a brutish man. A cruel man. A man who took no responsibility seriously. A man much less than who I aspired to be. Insecurity and doubt wracked my days beneath this bottle. In this self-reflection, I acknowledge these mistakes as mine and mine alone to carry. Though I have atoned for much, I still see a stretch of road left ahead of me. It is my vision to free myself of who I was, so I may propser as who I truly am." He casts the rum into the fire.

The seventh item Victus brings forward is an old, beaten axe handle.

"My first weapon." He speaks and then he chuckles grimly. "It lost its head ages ago, broken off and fallen into the sea. It is a momento of my past. A past that I look on often for guidance and lessons as I move into the future." He raps the top of the handle against his palm. "I recall carrying this with me through much of my childhood. Through the days I was punished or rewarded by my Uncle. Through the days of training to lead, to fight. To follow my elders and have my cousins follow me while they were small. When I swung for my first honorable kill. When I led my first band of soldiers into the breach." The memories pass by fondly. "I'd never forget where I came from. Never in my vision of the world." He tosses the handle into the flames.

The eighth item he has is not present at first. Rather, it appears exactly when its supposed to. Victus reaches for the left arm of his coat and tears a fresh article of leather from it.

"This coat has served me for years. Weathered storms. Blocked blades and arrows. It has as many scars as I've collected and yet, still it serves as my hide. Protects me from harm." Victus lets out another chuckle. "I wouldn't trade this coat for anything. For me it represents what I find to be the greatest quality any can have, and one I have aspired to nurture for all my time. The strength of perseverance. The strength to endure. The strength to keep going. The rock that sits in the center of the river, a literal tapestry of the lands I've walked and the dangers I've faced. It is as much a part of me as my own flesh and bones." He tosses the leather scrap into the flames.

The ninth item is presented as a broken sword.

"Another momento of mine." Victus explains. "I took this from a battlefield, long ago. Whether it was Tyde Hall, whether it was the Silent War, whether it was simply a reaving... I have no idea. But now I use this as a vessel of my dream. Of the battles I have fought. Of the honor I have sought to bring in every fight against the Compact's enemies, to the light I hope to outshine the darkness of the Abyss that we work to defend against. I have fought many battles. I will fight in many more. It will always be a part of me. Likely one day, I will day by battle. Whether that is to be or not to be is not up to me... But until then, I must acknowledge what I excel at. And how I will continue to bring honor by the sword, axe, mace, and everything else. This is what this broken, weathered piece of steel represents to me." He tosses the sword into the flames.

The tenth item brought forward is a rather luxurious one. It is a breastplate made of the finest high quality steel, covered in emblems and honors of Thrax proper. Ceremonial.

"I owe Thrax many things. Not the least of which is our sense of tradition. For the institutions that have held my seat and my charge together are where we draw our strength as a people." Victus lifts the breastplate high, letting the waning sun catch its glint. "I do not wish to live in a world where we've forgotten homage to our deepest traditions. Hence I cosign this piece of it to the fires, so this vision of mine might burn brightly. May we never stray far from our roots. May it last long." He tosses the breastplate into the flames.

The eleventh item is soft linen bag, jingling with the weight of stones inside it. "Never call me a creative man, for you would be very wrong."

Within its contents is a series of pearls. "I've had a pearl fashioned to represent those who are dear to me. Not in the sense of bloodline. Not in the sense of their service to the Isles. But simply in their camraderie. Companions. Friends. I have few of them. I have just as many as I need as well." He lets the pearls fall into his palm, one after another. "And the pearl is perhaps my favorite stone. Christened straight from the ocean. I use them to show my appreciation for those who have aided my journey up to this point and how important their contribution to my world has been. Their names are close in my heart as I cosign these symbols to the flames..." He tosses the pearls into the fire.

The twelfth item is perhaps a strange one for any but an islander to be using. It is three inches of iron chain.

"The chains are a fickle symbol." Victus says with a demure expression. "Used to bind. For darkness and for light. They are but a tool, however. A tool that is shaped by its creator's vision. Tonight, I share it with a noble purpose. I share it to invoke a dream of mine that I have held since I was a little one. Unity. United as a people. United as the Isles. United against the darkness, united against the creatures that would sack our homes, united in survival. United in purpose. United in duty. United in honor. This chain stands to show all of these things. As a strong link. A link to bond, not in slavery, but in a shared noble purpose." He casts the chains into the flames.

Finally, they arrive to the thirteenth and final offering of the rite. Victus holds nothing.

For awhile, there is nothing but silence. Victus' gaze remains locked onto the flames. "Loyalty is perhaps the most important quality I aspire to see in everyone. I have spoken much of oaths, promises, pledges, responsibilities and duty tonight. Preaching almost of their importance. Of adhering to tradition, of learning from one's mistakes, of valuing those around us. What kind of man would I be if I did not reaffirm these things myself?" Slowly he draws that alaricite axe from his back. "I make my final offering as a pledge. A reaffirming of things I spoke before the Gods long ago. I seal it with something of my own body. For this is the strength of my loyalty to my ideals, my principles and my cause."

Victus cuts the braided ponytail he sported, half of his hair gone just like that as the alaricite slices through it like nothing. As the strands flutter, he holds the tail over the flame - the ends catching fire as the flames travel upwards. His own hand getting singed. "We fight. We protect. We guard. Not for ourselves. Not for our own glory, but for the preservation of the world. I will uphold. I will not bend or break. I will fight to preserve." Every word comes with conviction. Conviction that is added to the flames, for the rite's benefit.

Then he draws his hand away, a fresh burn on the back of it as the rest of his cut locks fall into the pyre. Thirteen things offered on the thirteenth hour of the thirteenth day. In the heart of Thrax, Maelstrom. Victus slowly raises his head and looks upon the embers. Looks upon what he has done here today. "I can only hope this is enough. I want you all to hope with me. Carry that hope with you when you perform this yourselves. For our world will be made stronger by it."

With that, their grim business is complete.

Alarissa is present in Maelstrom as the ritual is started and has been through it all - that is a piece of Aeterna from her dress after all. She stands quietly, with their oldest daughter standing in front of her, warm cloaks around their shoulders and observes.

Lethe is there to watch Victus perform the ritual. She plans to pay close attention and learn the rite of cleansing.

Magpie watches the ritual as quietly as the others, but partway through he reaches an arm around Harper's shoulders and draws her close in an embrace that he doesn't release until the High Lord has finished.

Mikani watches her dark eyes taking in the ritual as if memorizing it and giving it the reverence it deserves. In the moment she feels the one-ness of the group.

Auda's hear to support and witness, nothing more. She watches closely, as if she's trying to memorize the night and all it encompasses.

Nuala remains an attentive participant at the ritual, playing close watch to everything that Victus does. She may take notes afterward, but everything she does is focused wholly upon the specifics of the rite.

Vanora observes the ritual attentively, attempting to commit the basics to memory. She listens to Victus' words with reverence and respect, sincerely thanking him for the opportunity to do so.

Jasher stands in attendance, a black wraith in silent vigil amidst Maelstrom's memorial of swords. He will listen to Victus' words with varying degrees of emotion flickering like the firelight across his face; some of the High Lord's paths tread closer to his than others, it seems. At the end, when the thirteenth offering is made and the words are spoken, Jasher will /hope/. He will /dare/ to hope that it will be enough.

Harper is there in her full armor, standing straight and at attention as Victus performs his ritual. She will watch and learn, as requested, deep respect shining on her face at the High Lord's words.

On the 13th hour of the 13th day, Victus gathers people to watch his rite of cleansing. "Tonight, I am here to show you my vision of the world. Of the dream. Of how I would shape it and most importantly, how I would help it." The High Lord begins, addressing the crowd. "I show you this because our world must be healed. Because it is our duty be it as noble or common, good or evil, and light or dark to restore what has been lost. Tonight, I perform this duty. Tomorrow, one of you will perform this duty. Then another, and another, and another..." Victus draws in a breath as he stares into the flames. "Here we go."

Even now, even before the ritual starts, a feel of heavy duty lays across everyone's shoulders. Victus stands tall though, and as he feeds that first thing to the flames - a banner of aqua and red, the symbol of House Thrax - even as he gives that to the flames there is the knowledge that this man is very aware of the burden that lays upon his shoulders. Heavy the weight of his duty, and everyone in the room knows how seriously he takes that.

He speaks of the honor of the House. Of the responsibility he has to care for it, to guide Thrax into the future. Of his love for his children, his hope that they will inherit a better future. Of his wife, who provides a stability for him even as he forges a new path for Thrax. Of his mother. A rock, with a rune on it. To symbolize his mother - and in that moment, that sense of heavy responsibility becomes something more.

As they stand for Victus' rite, watching him, all of them hear the sounds of battle dimly, as though the clang of swords is distant and untouchable. And yet there is a lifting of their spirits as he speaks of right choices, of duties befitting his station. There's a change in the air now as he adds seashells and a bottle of rum, and an old axe handle. Leather and mementos from the past, given to the fire. Symbols of hope, of old evils left behind, of new paths to forge anew.

And then he speaks of unity, offering chains and lastly a braid of his hair. And he speaks of loyalty and hope. It's a good vision, and together they listen to the sounds of battle - coming closer, moving away - but the feel of it changes. Where before there was grim duty and future slaughter, now there is the righteous battle to protect all that is loved. Everything he holds dear. The man has been by turns brutish and self-serving, and kind and self-sacrificing. And as the ritual concludes the fire suddenly flares, for a moment too bright to view, too bright to withstand.

And then it ebbs again, and they are left with a feeling of hope, taking a breath in this new moment where the High Lord of Thrax is a fighter for justice, and for right, and for a future of freedom for all. He is changed, cleansed anew with the ritual and by his will. And nothing will ever be quite the same.

Some time ago the idea of improving County Pearlspire's infrastructure was seeded. The idea began as a military effort, improving roads to improve troop movements. Which would improve trade. And like the bit of grit that eventually becomes a pearl, the idea has grown and taken shape. And grown some more. Inspired by Lord Michael Bisland, the success of the Empyrean trade route, and encouraged by Marquessa Deepwood, Lord Kaldur has begun shepherding a massive infrastructure project - an overland analog to the Empyrean Route that will set a series of trade roads through Grayson's principalities and farther. /From Stormwall to Ostria and beyond!/ says young Kaldur, with emphasis on 'and beyond.'

When the planning is done and construction begins in earnest, Lord Kaldur is a man who prefers to lead from the front when he can. In County Pearlspire he will work tirelessly alongside the men and women (and horses!) of the Seliki Engineering Corps as they plan and execute the work laid before them. He is a steadying presence with encouragement and focus at setbacks and ready with praise for work well done.

(OOC: Recommended support is 100-200 resources for Baronies and Counties, 200-500 resources for Marches and Duchies; but any and all support is welcome)

As work proceeds all over the Compact, who knows what will be discovered!!

Lady Peri Seliki has a strong relationship with the prominent traders that already flock to Pearlspire's shores and has reached out to those that she tipped off previously to some lucrative opportunities on lumber. She gathers information from them on where the best routes would benefit from roads to add to her brother's efforts and arranges for them to get the word out to others, both to fulfill the gap in transporting materials to the workers and in preparation for the new network.

Considering that some adult supervision will be required, Kalani would be happy to go along and serve as a stand-in for said-adults. Chiefly, if anyone is going to build anything, someone is bound to get hurt in the process. It's a natural outcome of people + tools = broken body parts.

Samantha is wholeheartedly invested in this notion, especially with Old Oak (presumably) being one of the stop points on the road. She'll invest resources into its creation, and encourage the hiring of the March's population for all levels of its creation. She will also look into facilitating the formation of security for the road, and aid in the diplomactic and economic efforts surrounded projecting its cost to create and projection of its maintenance.

As a purveyor of stone, particularly granite and marble, Grazia is going to have stone shipped to the Selikis for Pearlspine. Some of the stone will be used for the very roads it is to be transferred along, but the bulk of it will be sailed along the coast to the actual port city to be used to build the harbor. This is an important trading endeavor, and Grazia expects that due to the long-term nature of the project that it will offer a nice economic boost for her quarries.

Aviaron's Peak rests atop a MOUNTAIN, which means its architects and workers have experience working in... the MOUNTAINS. So Rhea will consult with her stewards to put together a crew of advisors and workers to help with Kaldur's project, lending them valuable experience. Aviaron's Peak will also provide any necessary metal for the project at a discount.

As stewards and protectors on the roads of Arvum, and as followers of Gild who favors trade, civilization and hospitality, the Knights of Solace lend their aid to the project with the promise that it will feature a few Solace waystations and shrines for pilgrimage. Thena offers the Solace soldiers stationed near the proposed route for protection and manpower. She also sends resources and silver for the project. Once complete, the route will be added to the Knights of Solace regular coverage.

Ann believes in Kaldur's efforts for a trade route and signs Stormwall up, understanding that he needs support in many ways to see success in the long run.
*She puts her economic mind to use, saving Kaldur where she can and maximizing profits.
*Pours over paperwork with him to make sure no one is pulling a fast one on him.
*Assigns Crovane's reserves to patrol the route inside Crovane lands.
*Uses her Inquisitorial contacts to make sure no one is sharing the details of the road to those outside of the Compact for their own benefit.

Michael Bisland rounds up maps and engineers who know how to READ said maps to help a vassal in need. Or in want. Since Kaldur doesn't /need/ these roads but he sure does love to talk about it. So much. Just constantly. Leave me alone, I helped!

Grady is following Samantha's lead here, helping smooth the way for increased security and infrastructure between Pearlspire and Old Oak, ideally helping both domains grow stronger and more secure. He talks to people, he negotiates, he encourages the soldiers, and he keeps a careful eye out for any rising arguments, moving to help quell those as swiftly as possible.

Gabriel Bisland is encouraged by the younger generation's drive to see the Compact reach new heights. He adds the weight of the mighty House Bisland to the project. Not only to fund the improvement (or new construction of) roads in Pridehall, but so that the project over all might avoid the danger of dipping into the red.

Giulio will assist in helping those that wish it in building a uniform code / set of agreements to make the best money they can on this.

Stonewood is no stranger to road building, having recently refurbished the road to Pridehall that helped put them on the map. What's not on the map, however, is a great way to cross the river at Stonehearth. So in coordination with this network of roads, Malesh will oversee the creation of a bridge or ferry (whichever is more practical/profitable) crossing the Gray River not far from the docks at Stonehearth.

Recognizing the opportunities for trade and also for his house, Fecundo is lending his diplomatic skills to getting the project moving, working through any of the lands where the road is planned to go. It also doesn't hurt that he'll be able to point to the quality of output from the Gemecitta stone.

Etienne has a vested interest in the pursuit of the expansion of civilization, trade, commerce, and the cause of safe journeys. All of which are accomplished by a well funded and functional transportation system. Etienne will be contributing silver generously provided by the Faith as well as speaking well of the endeavor whenever possible to those that need help convincing. Etienne would indicates the funds are for the builders, and those that support them, soldiers, cooks, and the like. Etienne would also be on hand for cutting any ribbons with hilariously large scissors.

Eddard uses all of his wiles and charm to help speed along permits and coax constructions crews to take on the needed jobs. If Duskshire ends up on the new set of roads, thats not so bad, eh?

Lord Bedivere Whitehawk will be acting on behalf of his dear newphew (Baron Silas Whitehawk) to lead forth Whitehawk soldiers to help out on the road project for Lord Kaldur Seliki. Bedivere himself will be out there as a managerial force to help out every day.
He seeks the help of huntsmen and cartographers in the area to help map the road around mountainous and hilly terrain to connect agricultural communities.
Since gravel and paving is time-consuming and expensive, wood is used in these instances to limit excessive sliding on the steeper side of a hill.
Whitehawk soldiers are deployed to help with security and digging where soil is already worn away, close to the bedrock, so muck will be less of a concern.

While the Volkov Woods is one of the newer areas of the map, and that they may not come anywhere near the proposed current trade route - Ruslan is hopeful that someday, when the trade route starts to create the terciary routes, that the Volkov Woods would be part of this future. As such, he has created a small patrol of 150 troops to be sent to provide security and protection for the crews along the route.

Lady Rey Laveer, as Voice of Laveer and a Mercy has decided that roads are more than needed to connect trade routes, but as a side not would be good for movement of healers to farther reaches of Arx. And has offered her House's support as well as her personal support to the Roads Project.

Given the Twainfort's traditional seat as a trading hub due to its control of the fork of the Mother in the Daughter and Son Rivers, it's simply good sense to see that more and more overland routes from far-flung, land-locked Houses can reach Riven's ports and speed the passage of their goods along its way. Mia will work with a number of her advisors, particularly those most familiar with the landscape and locations throughout her County, and those recently joined Prodigals from surrounding areas of the Gray Forest to find the appropriate blend of transversible but also defensible routes through the woodlands.

In her role as minister of upkeep to Inverno, Mirella will be working on behalf of the house to aid Lord Kaldur's project. Alongside advisors from house Inverno she'll be investigating the safest and most convenient routes for roads to the island city of Caina and any surrounding settlements, as well as figuring out required costs prior to these roads being built. She'll share this research with the Seliki Engineering Corps and assist them in any way that's helpful and beneficial to Inverno and Seliki. She'll also be donating 100 economic resources to the project, representing Inverno's ministry of income rising to the task to provide funds.

Though their home is an out-of-the-way island, the Truesworn are often keen to participate in the broader life of the Compact. A grand project to improve the infrastructure of the coastal trade routes evidently meets with the Truespeaker's approval. Sudara duly brings to bear all the Setarcan know-how and book-learning she can muster, in guiding her people through work to develop Esterhold's internal structure and develop its external trade.

Tenebrae, a warrior above all things, will help in this endeavor by both allocating and commanding soldiers to protect the works, as well as using soldiers as workers on the Isle of Esterhold. They will be learning from the engineers as much as possible, while also ensuring no resources go missing, and protecting lives. This protection also applies to guarding the sea lanes to ensure the transport of resources, skilled craftsmen, and the money to pay them.

The Marquessa of Nilanza is happy to supply as much as we can of the materials and labor required for the stretch of road to be built across the march, if the engineers to see it through can be provided by other means. Then we, House Malespero, can contribute both economic and social resources to the effort, and to all upkeep.

Belladonna has received an invitation to take part on Kaldur's new efforts to build a more cohesive network of roads for commerce. She will be seizing that opportunity and trying to convince other lords, traders, merchants, crafters, etc, to join in with some of their own resources, thus investing much of her Social pull into this. She wants to make Setarco, the whole island, a place of culture and wealth. She will know places to avoid and where the roads should go through.

Lord Sebastian Pravus will be visiting Setarco during January of 1010 as part of some other work. While there, he will talk with local contacts to get an understanding of the breadth and scope of work needed to build roads on the island, as well as the best ideas for placement to assist the engineering corp. Additionally, he will assist the project by spruiking the benefits of a well-built trade road far and wide with his many contacts in Arx and especially within the Pravus lands to drum up additional support and interest in the project and its potential benefits to the local economy.

Following her sister's lead, Celeste is offering her expertise in terms of patrol schedules, strategic importance to areas, most likely to be ambushed here... that kind of thing. She'll further take effort to extol the virtues of this project to important and influential figures in Arx and Setarco.

Mikani helps Kaldur understand the unique location that is Redreef. She gathers funds and encourages the infrastructure project through out her Barony. Mikani addes in economic resources to help with the building of the roads and other paths knowing that anything can be useful.

Baroness Skye Blackshore is a founder of the Empyrean Trade Route. She provides all the mappings where the ships will stop along the way, providing recommendations for fortifications so that goods can be transfered from the ships to the land. Then she will using her mapping skills and knowledge of war to figure out potential ambush points and provide that to people who are going to managing security of this route. She will also use her economic skills to assist Duchess Ann with negotiating better building rates, using her woodworking and infrastructure talents to make sure they get the necessary supplies for building without spending to much.

Dycard is going to help out with the persuading of people that this is a good idea and one that should be supported. After all, roads help farmers get their produce to market as well as letting military forces travel much faster, and that has to be to everyone's benefit come tax-time, right?

Tyde lands are connected both by more traditional roads on Tyde Isle, but more often by more watery roads. Increased trade is good by land, but with goods arriving all the time and boats being a bit more infrequent but with larger cargo capacity than a cart, it is important that there are places to store the goods and efficient places to load and offload. As part of Kaldur's efforts, and to connect this large Grayson road network to the Empyrean and the Isles, Tyde makes land and resource available for the construction of proper warehousing and expanded stone piers to allow for efficient offloading, and offer this same expertise to help build them on the Grayson shores.

Mirk had planned something similar himself, so there's no hesitation when he's offered the chance to connect Whitehold and Cascade Springs to this planned network of roads. As the Minister of Coin for the Halfshavs, he brings some of his House's resources to the table: chiefly stone for the main roads, but also access to scouts with experience finding routes through the mountains. He acts mostly as a diplomat and negotiator, working with others to see to it that those resources are used where they'd be most effective.

Magnus will participate by guiding and assisting in the direction and protection of the roads approach to the Bonespire and surrounding winter wasteland. Utilizing his tactical and martial aptitude he will make himself available to personally advise on any potential known threats or Shav'arvani bands in the area's which they pass through as well as coordinate the protection of all participants with other collaborative members of the team, to include the usage of a detachment of assigned Bone Warden's.

With the building and improving of roads into the far reaches of the Compact, some things might be discovered-- or rediscovered that are best left alone or need a Shaman's expertise to navigate. Volcica will be lending all of her skills to this effort, making sure the spirits remain content in Stahlben's lands and as far out as she can help.

House Ravenseye will happily do their part to be included in a road project to try and make their remote area a little more accessible. Cadern will be sending out missives to Ravenseye and some of their neighbors to avoid any ruffled feathers and ensure things get handled amenably for the usually isolated northerners.

As Voice of Steelhart, Col will invite the trade road to Highhill and provide some military support and strategy as needed to ensure everything is kept safe.

Believing this to be a good endeavor for his house (roads are great for horses), Count Philippe signs up for the project. Alongside his officials, they lay the foundation for dirt paths, making sure to disturb as little as possible of their natural resources by routing the road system through ground that has already been used. Philippe is adamant about raising ranger stations for the Knights of Solace on these roads.

The Rivenshari know other roads, those of the water ways that move through the lands. Which is not a bad thing, they can use that knowledge to help intergrate the two road ways together as well as the roads that will run through Riva. Eshra puts her best minds to this, with the Knights of Solace already having a barracks in Riva and the trade routes that have already been established.

Sasha is gather up 500 economic writs, 500 social writs, and 500 military writs for the roads coming through Giant's Reach. She is also offering to aid with the spreading of the good word of the trade route.

As Marquis of one of the more remote holdings, Gaston is thrilled at the prospect of expanding the Roads and making Cloudspine more accessible. Aside from lending Blackram's political support for the effort, Gaston will also dedicate silver, and military resources to help protect the engineers as they work through expanding into the wilder parts of Arvum.

Cullen will work with his brother-in-law, Lord Alessandro, to make sure that the section of the road that will link Greenhaven to the network (by running along the south bank of the river and establishing a ferry system just west of the fork, ideally with the aid of Rivenshari river captain expertise) will be well-defended during its construction. He will take personal command of a troop of light cavalry and archers. He will also inform any other soldiers, including the engineers, where the safest - and most dangerous - places in the area lie, and how best to fight in the region.

As Minister of Upkeep for Greenmarch, Alessandro is eager to collaborate on a project such as Lord Kaldur has put forth. He will work with the Seliki engineering corps, as well as all other engineers who are assisting, to devise the best route through Greenmarch lands for the roads, perhaps partly running near the river as suggested by his brother-in-law, Lord Cullen, for easier trade with those houses such as Rivenshari and others who are at the forefront of maritime trade. He will also assist with bookkeeping, allocations of funds if necessary, and various economic portions of the endeavor, should it be needed.

The Voice of House Lyonesse takes a personal hand in the great roadworks project, enthusiastic for the potential of growth it can bring to Lyonesse lands and its people. Lady Jenessa temporarily returns to Lyon's Redoubt to assist, providing insight into the geography of the area as well as the best routes for travel. Not only does she oversee the exchange of lumber for proper stones for the road surface, she also plots out the route itself with the Seliki engineers and Lord Kaldur. Furthermore, the Lyonesse offers use of what sailworthy ships they possess to expedite the transport of building materials up and down the river to the surrounding holdings of those involved. Not only is time spent and investments made, but Jenessa further encourages the locals of Lyon's Redoubt to make the experience a memorable one for the visiting engineers and Lord Kaldur himself, throwing a modest but personal banquet for the guests of House Lyonesse and all the workers who put in time and labor.

Reigna had been planning on building roads throughout Oakhaven to stimulate trade and facilitate troop movements throughout the March. Kaldur's plans dovetail perfectly into this plan, and she shifts her focus from just Oakhaven to the surrounding areas as well. She will be contributing resources from wood and stone, to engineers and laborers to help with the construction.

Olivia will draft a plan for House Ashford's particiaption, along with providing some necessary material support. Given her area of expertise, she will prioritize roads in Ashford territory to provide good access to typical regions of agricultural surplus so that these products can be moved to market more quickly without risk of spoilage.

Lilia Telmar offers maps and recommendations for routes through the Temarch, with particular diligence paid to their placement in respect to pre-existing towns and trading routes. She's trying to find that sweet spot between maximum efficiency in road construction and minimum disruption to the people of the land, who might like to use the roads but who don't want to give up their lands. She's tagged a particular river crossing for the establishment of a new bridge, and indicated that it is likely to become the site of a thriving inn catering to travelers.

In an effort to bring more interesting people to Acorn Hill, and support the travel development plan, Tessa is personally funding the construction of an inn in the town of Acorn Hill, with stables enough for larger groups of merchants, mercenaries and travellers that may be passing through. The Golden Dame, as the inn is called, also keeps a very comfortable room always open and free of charge to any musicians or entertainers that are willing to perform for their supper so to speak. The HOPE is that this will make the stays for every one more pleasent.

Kritr will put people working towards a road in the land he controls to link it with the rest of the road system and accept whatever help of engineers is offered.

House Grayson will be taking advantage of the economy of scale of the overall effort to acquire the supplies to improve the existing roads surrounding Bastion and Arx at favorable rates, with an eye to planning linkages for future expansion to the ducal territories of the Crownlands.

Saikland Greens is a small area but a link and a junction along the path between areas to the north and Iasu to the west and Ostria to the south should the route extend that far. The route, if it succeeds, is an opportunity for networking with other houses and fealities, for enhanced trade opportunities. The mappers, guards and engineers provided by Lord Kaldur to begin the initial planning and feasibility of the route are welcomed and she accompanies them during one of her trips to Saikland to make sure they find places that do not disturb the farming and vineyard, existing businesses, have resting points with water, camping areas, spots near villages and military posts for protection and provisions. They plan out areas to avoid such as difficult stream fords, the small bog to the south that moving inland a bit can circle. Lucita adds some of her military forces to the group as they look over the areas to the south and north and around the perimeter of Saikland, careful not to intrude into Fidante Holdings but to see the locations and condition of any existing routes and trails, help secure the areas within and adjacent to Saikland and the number and location of any abandoned groups along the way. Her charm and propaganda skills can sooth the way and help persuade some to join the compact rather than resist and prey upon the merchants using such a trade route. Once areas are secured, she will assess to see if improvements to her docks becomes necessary.

Sabella is well aware of the issues that might come up with this road and so she is ready to be on hand to talk it up to anyone and everyone that wants to listen. And even those that don't want to listen, painting a picture for people of the Compact of safe, faster travel and trade, and trying to pitch it to the Shavs that instead of having Compact people traipsing their way everywhere through their lands this will keep them all in one place and hey, they can set up stalls to sell them products along the way and everybody wins! Yay roads!

Tikva thinks this is a terrible idea. She has been repeatedly insistent that it is a terrible idea whenever it has come up. However, a number of her vassals are insisting on involving themselves in it anyway, and despite her best efforts to persuade him and others otherwise, the help of House Grayson has been sought. It is not in her to refuse what aid she can offer in order to defray some of the hazards that she perceives in creating a massive overland trade route through lands that are not held by the Compact. She does what she can to ensure that any workers are actively protected by soldiery, that there are relay stations set up along the route that she believes to be an ultimately doomed project so that messages and emergency cries for help when the raiding parties come can help protect them. Tikva does not anticipate that her efforts will be able to prevent anything from ending in disaster, loss of life and potential deep economic distress for those houses embarking on an ill-advised venture, but at least if she does something to try to stave off some of the worst, maybe she can mitigate the damage to people who insist on failing to follow her good advice.

Niklas will mostly make jokes about how they should extend the road to Stormward. Like, hey guys, why can't we do a road to Stormward? This is a massive undertaking, but you know what would really make you guys legends? Uh. A road to Stormward. Really, he'll keep doing it until people are annoyed with him. But only the people who are actually working on the project. For everyone else the celebrity prince will turn on the megawatt smile and gladhand like the white hot grease fire of charm and charisma he happens to be. He's no good with a sword, he doesn't run his own domain and he doesn't have an army to offer, but what he does have are contacts who can help to make sure the money gets to where it needs to be and parts more easily from those who may be reluctant to turn it over. Call it monetary logistics. You don't need to know what you're moving, you just need to move it.

As Minsiter of Infrastructure for the Crown, Jaenelle understands the captial city is certainly a hub of activity. Arx will continue to assist where needed, making sure the roads leading to and from Arx are kept safe to the traders as well as making sure the steets themselves are kept free from holes, cracks, or anything that might make travel harder. Jaenelle's focus will be the roads directly around Arx.

Jennyva has been given permission from Duke Malcolm to sign Graypeak up for this project and contribute writs, time, whatever Kaldur may need. Her expertise is in negotiations and marketing and she ensures that the merchants know to use these new roads to their advantages.

As a capable steward and Voice for Blackram, Teagan has stepped up to oversee her family's participation in this expansive project. As remote as the Cloudspine is, such a road will be greatly beneficial. She will gladly see to aiding in what ways she can beyond providing what Blackram will for the connection of their holdings to the road: primarily with her economic skills.

Sir Andry Bayweather seems more then interested in the idea of helping connect the compact into a more unified whole and is helping arrange patrols with the Knights of Solace as well putting in work to arrange funding for any sections which otherwise seem to be neglected

Seymour believes an effort like this can only further enhance the trade network between fealties, to the benefits of trade at all levels. Seymour is ensuring that there are ample resources to ensure the holdings in Stormwall and Ashford he is responsible for can be a part of this, and to establish new trade posts for Oak Mercantile where the need for additional trade along the new route may exist.

The Great Road is easily one of the most ambitious projects launched in recent years in the Compact, though the scope is so vast and the current state of travel in the Compact is so dangerous that it verges on quixotic. Still, the bold ambition is embraced by scores of notables in the Compact, and ambitious or no, they get to work with the massive project.

There are numerous challenges. First and foremost, the traditional respect for the autonomy of every domain holder. The Compact has always had paths, or even rough mud roads between major thoroughfares, and the Knights of Solace have long patrolled many of the most popular, but the proposed brand new road attracts notice of every domain holder that they would pass through, and this is hundreds of them. The majority welcome the increase in trade... provided a) it doesn't stir up an Abandoned response and b) that they aren't responsible for patrolling it with their own funds. That is relatively little help, and they are happy to profit from it, if it is at no cost to them. A smaller number enthusiastically welcome it, and are EAGER for an Abandoned response, and are actively looking forward to doing battle with their hated enemies. Particularly in the Oathlands, there's talk about 'cleansing their lands for good and all', which goes well outside the bounds of a friendly trade agreement, and is more than a little worrisome. Some of the talk goes well past a little worrisome, in fact. And a very few outright refuse to have any new road built on their land, despite all reasoning, pleading, threats, forcing the road to be built entirely around some random baronies and counties that simply do not wish to risk any sort of conflict with Abandoned or increase the flow of riff-raff through their borders.

But with initial agreements signed up, then comes construction. This is thousands upon thousands upon thousands of miles of road to build a road that unites the different domains on somethnig more than dirt, often overgrown, hunting paths. The sheer engineering this takes in laying down the stones and creating the waystations will stand as one of the most remarkable marvels done in the Compact in centuries. Much of the land goes through Abandoned controlled territory, even if it is ostensibly owned by the Compact, but the amount of forces brought make most of the Abandoned steer clear aside from the odd skirmish here and there as the road is being built with overwhelming force. But the key words are 'as the road is being built'.

The good news is that trade spikes up immediately, and many of the traders in the Compact are absolutely thrilled to have better overland paths in order to move their goods when rivers are inaccessible or impractical. It's a boon many of the domains, and the economic consequences should be strong, in the long term. The bad news is that there simply are not anywhere near enough Knights of Solace in the Compact to patrol thousands of miles of road. Certainly they do what they can, but the raids start immediately, and in great force, and the losses from the Knights of Solace start to mount, even as caravans start to hire sellswords and travel in greater numbers for protection. Which in turn, has prompted stronger raids. Much stronger.

The Great Road is an economic success, overall, despite the raids. And fame comes with such a large, daring project. But the social and political consequences are another matter all together, and those will be forthcoming.

Reaving has long been a source of income for Thrax, as it bears fortune taken from the hands of the Compact's enemies. High Lord Victus, desiring to partake in some of Thrax's ancient traditions, will be taking a party of fellow Islanders to join his vassal's next party of reavers.

They will wage battle against hostile shav, taking down those who would threaten the shorelines of the Isles and Compact. With hopes of taking back riches for their people as they do, either in the form of pure plunder or as thralls.

Victus himself is personally hoping that beyond the thralling and battle that will be to come, that Thrax might recognize their High Lord sailing the seas and bringing the Isles' militaristic might upon those beyond the Compact, for the sake of forwarding House Thrax's glory.

As a knight of Thrax, Cora feels it only right to serve her House directly. If the High Lord wants battle, Cora will lend her axe to this as well.

Auda's still an untested recruit into Thrax's household, and the young woman is eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to prove herself. While she doesn't bring much more than spirit and daggers to the table, she hopes to help as much as she can.

Representing House Stormbreak, Edward will deploy some of the House navy as a component to be lead under Admiral Turo Navegant and his magnificent leadership. Edward himself will serve with the Navegant fleet element for logistics and supply, ensuring that both the Stormbreak and Navegant ships have the necessary things to keep going for the full duration of the sortie.

It doesn't take any convincing to get Turo Navegant out on the water, and he's all too happy to join in with his fleet. His sailors and marines have been drilled and trained endlessly, and now they get to put their skills to good use. And Turo - admiral strategist that he is - relishes the opportunity to plan the most effective naval encounters possible; sink the ships and don't have to fight them on the land.

The last time Jasher and Victus shared the same battlefield, it was...oh, around a war or two ago, so it was high time they caught up on matters, and the opportunity for blood and silver doesn't hurt. Jasher will keep a lookout for pirates and other notable events where he can, relay orders from Turo, Victus, or himself when needed, and when things get dirty? Well, he's sharpened his sword for that purpose.

Mikani, anxious to get to know others in House Thrax, an on learned a lot fighting side by side. Mikani added resources to the cause and looked forward to seeing Victus in his prime. Also her protective nature lent to keeping back those that might harm the innocent that were just trying to live out their lives around the Mourning Isles.

At every turn they are chasing something. It's an adventure on the high seas, and in this particular time of turmoil and trouble, it provides an outlet for Thrax and friends. The High Lord takes command of the mission, Turo takes command of the ships, and everyone works together supplying the mission and off they sail. Piracy abounds just now, there's no shortage of people doing unsavory things and sailing away free and clear - but on this day they finally overtake two ships. One, the armored, faster one, gets away. The other, laden with goods and materials, is easier to catch and catch it they do. And the Captain doesn't want to surrender either - nor does his crew.

The fight is brutal and swift - the High Lord and Admiral Turo waste no time, and perhaps Turo is less than forgiving, given that they're flying the Navegant flag on this particular day. The pirates are slaughtered to the last man, and while they get no good information out of them, they do come away with a large galley full of goods that were likely earmarked for the Lyceum. Though when they do an accounting, it seems that roughly ten percent of each set of goods is set aside in a separate shipment, and marked with initials - "R.T." Pirates, doing their pirate thing? Where were they expecting to be?

It may be a surprise to many, but the name 'Bliss' is one that seems to have a rather storied history within the Telmarch. Many knights, duelists, and nobles seem to know of the storm of a woman who went through this famously stodgy area years ago, and there might even be a famous story or two associated with her.

With all that, it seems like she is ready to go back to the Telmarch once more and relive some of her past. Hosting a proper festival, she is going to be providing basic arms and armor for any who wish to participate, with a grand tournament among the duelists happening over multiple days. A chance to fight the Champions and prove your name - and earn some silver on the side!

Past that, the woman loves performances, and there will be stage shows, bards - perhaps even some from the College? - and grand obstacles in the duels the further into the bracket they go. Many of her own duels have featured props, after all, and crowds seem to love them.

The finale of the show? The winner of the tournament will perform a proper Rite to Gloria with Bliss herself (who is not participating in the tournament) as a proper show of respect to the Faith in this very orthodox region.

But who says you can't have fun doing all that?

Invited along on the trip by Bliss, the new prospect Capri de Lire comes along to do exactly what one might expect of him: to fight. He's there to perform, to out-show everyone else, and to win. He's after the chance to impress the audience and gain prestige, as well as perform the Rite to Gloria with Bliss.

He's the Peerless of the Champions' Guild. Of course he knows how to put on a show. Are you not entertained? Of course you are. Look at your Champion. Now look at me. Now back to your Champion. If you had a proper contract with the Champions Guild, he'd look like me. Oh yes, and Bliss of course. Isn't she great? Now, let's talk more about me.

Joining those present, Ezekiel will play songs during the various tournaments. He will also tell tales of the various participants and expound upon the virtues of the victors.

Estelle was asked to join and happily accepted the chance to return closer to home. More helpfully, the Mercy will be on hand to attend to the various forms of wounds that can arise over the course of physical competition and fighting to, well, wound.

Joslyn will of course attend such an event, with a grand tourney to prove her worth in the heat of battle against her fellow champions. She'll fight with all her strength, as competetive as always, hoping to lead herself to ultimate victory, looking forward to performing her own rite of Gloria with Bliss.

Bliss' request to Gianna was pretty simple: was she interested in performing? Yes, please. Gianna is almost always interested in performing, and that means singing, and she's very good at singing. She will perhaps sing some inspiring anthem to open the event. Are there medieval half-time shows? Because half-time shows. She has also mentioned this project to the other Bards to see if they'll bite. Maybe some NPC bards come along.

Navi shall attend such an auspicious event -- if nothing else, such should be an experience in regions she's not yet seen with people she's not yet met. Of course, glory always awaits, but her expectations remain reined in just now. She intends to duel, to display her prowess as a Champion, and offer comradery to those seeking the same.

Mikani will attend the event. She will join the tourney for practicing her talents and working on her showmanship. She intends to get to know her fellow champions better.

Wearing the favor of Princess Isidora Valardin, Fecundo will enter the tournament to try an make a name for himself, among the Champions and perhaps outside of Arx.

The Champions are going to the Oathlands. Specifically the Telmarch - and the Tournament is being billed as "Tourney in the Telmarch" and led by none other than Champion Bliss Whisper.

This is a complicated moment for the Telmarch. On the one hand, Bliss Whisper has been very public about her feud with House Telmar. And many believe she is justified in her grievances, and are looking for Duke Arn to come up with a solution and quickly. The Oathlands as a whole are not only devout, but hold honor as their watchword, and many believe that it is on Duke Arn to give her the sword - after all, honor before all things is a main tenet in the Oathlands. But giving up the Sword is also unconscionable, so the more pragmatic among them understand his reluctance to do so. And so as the Champions come to Telmar, they turn their attention to Bliss to see what she is really up to.

The tournament itself is everything they could hope for. She provides arms and armor to any who want to have a moment in the sun to fight one of the renowned Champions. She brings with her the ever-popular Nightingale, Gianna Whisper, and a Mercy of her own - Estelle, She has invited a veritable bevy of who's who among the Champions too - Fecundo, Mikani, Navi, Joslyn, Ezekiel, Capri - even Peerless Beaumont shows up. Which lends a little weight to Bliss Whisper, having a son of Valardin backing her up in this.

And the show goes off without a hitch. It's truly interesting and fun for all concerned. And at the end, the winner challenges Bliss in a Rite of Gloria - and the faithful among the Valardin come away from that quite troubled. She seems devout, and accusations of selfishness pale in comparison to this devout woman who is fierce and filled with righteousness.

Even as they applaud the Tourney in the Telmar, they're now starting to put a little more pressure on Arn and Ansel to resolve things honorably and soon.