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Action by Isles Canines for Forgetfulness Plague

(Public Action, OOC Date: Jan. 8, 2024, 11:03 p.m.)

Princess Fatima Masah'Malak Thrax, Heir to the Throne of Petrioch, will be gathering up the Isles Canines in preparation for transitioning them into a sizeable fleet to sail to Eurus. There are a lot of people running away from things, and she wants to investigate whether this extends to the Mourning Isles as well, and to find out where they came from, and what their story is. So she will take the Isles Canines and explore the Isles to find out their current status, which she'll report back to Alarissa and Victus. Any frightened or displaced refugees, she will attempt to offer them a promise of protection, and shelter and purpose.

The Protection and Shelter - she'll offer them her own protection, and the shelter of House Thrax.

The Purpose - She is hoping to attempt to recruit as many of them as possible into the Isles Canines, building a sizeable fleet in preparation to eventually sail to Eurus and claim her throne in Petrioch. She will be seeking ships, sailors, infantry, archers, siege weapons, and any riches that may also be available to claim throughout the isles, through either tributes or plunder.

Any who resist the Isles Canines with force, of course, she will have her fleet fight back and seize any plunder or materials, and otherwise unclaimed lands so that she can have the funds and waystations to support her efforts.

But the main purpose is to recruit as many into the Fleet as she can, so that she has a fleet that will cause even the Dune Emperor to tremble, as she seeks to support the slave uprising she has become aware of in Eurus. And to find out in general what's going on in the Isles right now. She's aware of the emptied Shardhavens, and a possible army sailing toward the Mourning Isles. The Darkwater is gone. But what does that mean, exactly?

Fatima invites all members of the Isles Canines, displaced refugees, allies within and without the Compact, and all free Eurusi to join her, with promises of riches and adventure ahead. She will continue to build on this, gathering as many as she can to sail for Eurus.

This is mostly an effort for now to gather a large fleet and prepare to sail. The Princess is not sailing for Eurus just yet. Only once they are ready and have investigated what's going on in the Isles.

As promised, Lady Guildmaster Eirene recruits volunteers of the Physicians Guild to join in Fatima's crusade, especially those who may be of Erusi decent and were themselves refugees at one point before joining the Compact. She also makes sure the Medical Pack is up to her high standards for battle medics, and that they're supplied with the medicines, bandages, and other things they might need.

It is often said that an army marches on its stomach and with this in mind Pasquale, with Malespero and Nilanza aid, has offered to build and defend robust supply lines between the Compact and Fatima's war. Believing in the importance of this mission he will step up to advise and lead armed excursions into Eurus whenever it makes solid tactical sense.

Jasper is going to be on the vanguard, helping motivate soldiers on their many future campaigns to bring order and stability to the Isles.

Aconiteand the Whispers begin to ply their social trade with propaganda and the powers of persuasion to not only assist those in fugue from the memory loss, but to help Shav's fleeing slaughter to, if needed, going in to diplomatically convince people that the Shavs lives might have purpose. She's also attempting to get various fealties or refugees from any of the wars to assist the fleet heading to Eurus.

Denica is going to paint. It's a special painting. She will listen to people describe Eurus, she's done this before. Collected stories about a place and painted from other people's memories. When she is done painting Eurus, she will then add symbols of hope to the painting. Denica has done this before in theory, so she hopes that they will appear painting on the walls of the city, like her flower on the Traitor's thorns. If that's the case, people will see these signs of hope and maybe it will give them a better chance in their struggles. Denica wants to inspire the people of Eurus as they rise up.

Katarina has been preparing for this for years. She's been collecting allies among Eurusi refugees and Arvani folk alike. She will be sailing alongside Fatima, bringing with her the Eventide Flotilla and her experience as Fleet Admiral of House Valardin. She will also be calling upon her allies from Cardia, though with no expectation that they will be able to spare anything, given Cardia's current troubles. Her personal priority is Suj'abbat, but she will fight through anything she must in order to get there.

Samira will rely on her social skills while attempting to recruit people to the fleet. She'll talk passionately and persuasively about the importance of their mission, discussing how individual people and their specific skills might play a role, and what might await them when they succeed. This is a cause she wholeheartedly believes in and she hopes that will come across in her recruitment pitch.

Years after the Skal'dajan domination of the Saffron Chain has been ended, a good many of the citizens of that territory boast Eurusi descent. Archduke Patrizio is of mind to let those who have desire to join the flotilla heading to liberate Eurus from the yoke of the Dune Emperor and his allies, after long having had designs himself of seeing that particular foe of the Compact learn a lesson about how turnabout is fair play - one invasion surely deserves another in return.

Faye's father, Berthold Ruger, is alive and in Eurus, so that means Faye has to travel there and find him. There are important things to do once they all get there, so arriving with a strong and determined force is essential. Faye isn't a charming recruiter, she's actually kind of terrifying and yelly. But she's good at working people up and getting them moving, so she helps Princess Fatima add to her people and ships.

Iseulet for many years has been frothing at the mouth to get to Eurus, or as close as she can to it. So, she would like to accompany Fatima (at a distance, personally, acting as cheerleader for morale's sake) and also be directing some of the ships she has control over to join in the fun. Army 455, 456. She brings snacks and booze! And money and resources should they need it. But lets be honest, mostly the booze.

As the reasons behind the recruitment are explained to Mabelle in future reference to something bigger, something she was prepared to oppose to her entire life, Mabelle is happy to lend her voice and influence to the cause. She embarks on that journey with the group, working her charms and reason and maybe something else as well to make sure all understand on what side of that war they need to be.

Titus, with his proven expertise in recruitment and training, lends his strategic acumen to bolster Princess Fatima Masah'Malak Thrax's ambitious initiative. Emphasizing the transformative power of purpose and commitment, Titus frames this campaign as an opportunity for redemption and reconstruction amidst chaos. He reaches out to those haunted by regret, aimlessness, and other burdens, offering them a chance to channel these feelings into a constructive and noble cause. There are plenty of people to harvest and collect, whether they are the newly freed persons under the Foregetfulness Curse, those who were under writs or demands that have either broken or fallen to the wayside, or simply opportunists.

As he traverses the Isles, Titus's message is clear and compelling: Join the formidable force led by Princess Fatima and Katarina, engage in a righteous struggle against the malevolent forces threatening to scorch our world, and earn the chance to rebuild from the ashes. This is not merely a call to arms but an invitation to be part of something greater, to turn personal despair into collective strength.

Titus focuses on the recruitment of various roles necessary for a robust military force - from skilled sailors to valiant infantry, sharp-eyed archers to masterful siege engineers. He underscores the promise of shelter and protection under Fatima, ensuring that those who join will be part of a formidable and caring community.

Furthermore, Titus leverages his persuasive abilities to attract individuals with resources - ships, wealth, and unclaimed lands - contributing significantly to the fleet's readiness and capability. He approaches every encounter with the understanding that this is not only about forming a military force but also about forging a united front with shared dreams and aspirations.

In this endeavor, Titus is not just a recruiter but a beacon of hope and direction, guiding those lost in the turmoil towards a path of valor and potential glory. His involvement is crucial in amassing a fleet that stands as a symbol of defiance and hope, ready to sail to Eurus and aid in a monumental uprising. With Titus's support, Princess Fatima's vision of a formidable fleet capable of making even the Dune Emperor tremble is not just a possibility but an impending reality.

Fatima desires the assistance of her house and Thrax will not turn away those who are family. Traveling with Fatima where and when she can but not at the cost of tending to House Matters, Alarissa lends her voice, position and influence with the Isles to support Fatima and what she's trying to achieve. Encouraging those who wish to join to do just that. With the knowledge of who is already over there, she wishes to see success.

It is most definitely the largest fleet assembled that was not under the banner of a Great House in Compact history. They come by the thousands to assist. Quite nearly ten thousand Eurusi refugees that have made a life in the Compact, fleeing tyranny from home, but knowing that as the fires of revolution spread in Eurus, they have a chance to retake the Dune Kingdoms. There are thousands of sellswords who believe in Fatima and the Isle Canines, and believe that glory and victory can be found under her banner. There are thousands of knights of the Compact, thousands of men-at-arms who have lost from the attacks of Skal'daja, who have fought the Dune Kingdom before, and have hungered for years at a chance to strike back.

They come and are assembled, and wait for the command. For glory. For revenge, and for many?

They are going home.

Action by Fealty Volitant for Forgetfulness Plague

(Public Action, OOC Date: Jan. 8, 2024, 12:50 a.m.)

Ayo, fuck Azazel first and foremost...

Fealty Volitant was created over 10 years ago by Giulio, Mirari and Duarte to serve their own needs as gatherers of information, but it had a large purpose that was more theologically informed.

Fealty Volitant's vaults were built to serve Vellichor. It's complicated, but the vaults were made to be a mirror of Azazel. They collect and hold secrets - not magical ones, just secrets in general. And hidden behind the frivolity of entertainment, gambling and fashion (akin to writing reams of smut in a book before the important stuff) so as not to rouse his or his cult's suspicions.

And now it is time for the vaults to serve their true purpose and deal a blow to the Eater of Stories and Prince of Secrets.

Duarte is not Vellichor's Aspect of Revelation, but he'll wear the hat.

Fealty Volitant for this is going to do a grand, world-shaking sacrifice of secrets. That's right - they're emptying the vaults right into the broad general public. Every illicit affair, every back alley meeting, every Valardin Knight who eats peas with a knife...big or small, likely to cause wars or just evil stares, indiscriminately, everything the vaults has gathered over the past decade is being made public in a massive tidal wave of Revelation. EVERYTHING.

Brought to you by "Perspicacious Owl" - the hero of the beloved Poor Hungry Demon books.

This will likely cause a good amount of CHAOS (which isn't horrible since CHAOS hates Azazel - see? This plan has LAYERS). But to mitigate this, the principals of Fealty Volitant will be flanking this action by playing the roles of concerned diplomats. They are going to attempt to minimize some of the potentially greater fall-out from doing this by giving mediation and leading talks between any rivalries it stirs up.

And of course if any person or group is too much of a salty butthurt asshole about their secrets suddenly floating around the taverns, there is Mirari who has always been good at giving people some...uhh...perspective.

(We got 20k Military to represent protection for the casino and cover for the operatives to keep them anonymous, and we got 20k social to represent the NPC distribution effort)

Katarina DOES feel a little bad about this. Not so much for exposing unjust people as the bastards they are, but for the gossipy stuff, like the poor Valardin knight who eats peas with a knife. He didn't do anything to anyone. All the same, Kat understands the necessity of this vast de-vaulting, and she does her part to make sure that the secrets are properly gossiped about in the Eurusi Quarter and spread out into the greater Eurusi refugee community.

Ferrando has never really been personally concerned with the volume acquisition, storage, and/or retrieval of a mass amount of secrets, but! He's very good at knowing who to talk to around the city to get certain things done, and if you were some organization who wanted to, say, undertake a mass release of (soon to be formerly) secret information to the public, Ferrando can make help link you up with certain smuggling-like operations that will quietly distribute things around the city until one morning, whoa! How did these get there? Never mind that, did you read this!? For what it's worth he also always enjoyed the Perspicacious Owl book series from back when, so that's probably a bit of extra motivation too.

Mirari is a problem solver. A woman with a fondness for chaos, she's curious to see what will happen. It's truly a grand finale, but it's worth it, if it helps people remember. So many secrets, so many squabbles as a result. While others use their political prowess to ease any waves of disconnect, Mirari removes obstacles in their way. There's always someone who decides to make themselves an issue, it's really unfortunate. Mirari will carefully encourage them to make better choices.

Apollo helps distribute these secrets, watching for the fallout but not particularly concerned with it unless it proves as present and existential a threat as Azazel. He doesn't even hold back secrets he finds in Fealty Volitant's stores that might affect how people perceive him, his family, his House: the machinations to ennoble him, various dalliances and affairs.

Mabelle is not very good at gossip but she is good at mitigating damages, acting all innocent and making people think what she wants them to think. Soothing the masses, listening to whatever people have to say and try not to get anyone murdered.

Vitalis is a new recruit to the Fealty Volitant and what a time to join, just as it's being turned inside out. He is good at getting into and out of places he probably shouldn't be in. Who better to get some of these incindiary parcels where the need to go than the Ghost himself?

The joining is a solemn thing for Vitalis, Giulio Corvini was a treasured mentor and is dearly missed. He is proud to be joining the Giulio's storied legacy.

There is something terribly convenient about being viewed as someone who is always willing to help mediate a problem, about being a trustworthy sort. Medeia's reputation for being at the right place at the right time to offer kind advice or to soothe tensions is known throughout noble circles, and so it isn't surprising at all to find her at the Black Fox or Ambassador Salon, speaking carefully with individuals who are upset or hurt by the things revealed. She keeps an eye on the white journals, too, sending well-thought out letters to those who express distress and inviting them to join her for a drink so they might talk about why they're so upset. It's subtle, yet pointed, each interaction whenever the topic comes up, working to turn the populace's view on the revelations neutral if not positive.

It's always hard to tell with something so great in scope and so allegorical it's nature just what tangible effects it has. Certainly they are successful about spreading the word, and certainly a countless number of secrets that would infuriate Azazel are released, but there's not a beam from on high or a sign that can be read without any possible confusion or contradiction.

There are some subtle signs, though.

Without exception, as the refugees come to Arx, it's the Shrine of Vellichor and Great Archive that drives them the most. This certainly wasn't the case before Fealty Volitant acted, but it is without a doubt the case after their secrets spread. Something is drawing people to Vellichor, and it could well be them.

No crows are seen in the city. Not a one. Some farmers comment on it. Could just be migratory patterns.

It must have done something. But precisely what is very hard to say.

Action by Fealty Volitant for The Breaking of the Despite

(Public Action, OOC Date: Nov. 15, 2023, 12:29 p.m.)

Fealty Volitant uses its vast network of spies and informants to distribute a series of anonymously authored and illustrated booklets called "Confessions of a Poor Hungry Demon". This heartfelt series follows the life of a poor, sad toothless fluffy bunny who one day gets asked to eat just one little secret and then becomes an insatiable, mean-tempered gluttonous blob-bunny. Brimming with ridicule, the narrative is told in the first person from the Poor Hungry Demon's perspective. How he was just "so hungry" and "only following orders" - he hopes the reader can find it in their heart to forgive him.

Each edition of the series introduces a new bit of magical knowledge and history (e.g. the role of primum, or a beseeching ritual) which the Poor Hungry Demon greedily devours to hoard for himself, only to be foiled by Perspicacious Owl who reminds the Poor Hungry Demon that he's "not the only game in town" where secrets are concerned. Mostly illustrated, even those of low literacy can glean some understanding of the magical nature of things.

Towards the end of the series, the Poor Hungry Demon reduces in size back to the sad fluff-bunny he was before as all his colleagues and friends desert him for shinier things. He grows so small that he can't even eat a bite-sized secret, and when he's no bigger than a field mouse the Perspicacious Owl eats him up.

Of course, the crew is very careful to cover their tracks, keeping the authorship of this loveable series untraceable even with the most modern of 14th century investigatory technology.

Katarina will be telling her noble friends about the most charming series of books she's read. That said, a book called 'Confessions of a Poor Hungry Demon' might not fly with her more Oathlands-y friends and family, so she'll be choosy about to whom she voices this recommendation. More discreetly, she'll personally translate the books into Eurusi, to ensure that they can be spread in the Eurusi Quarter of the Ward of the Traveler.

Mirari will use her street contacts to help with the distribution of the books. The intent is to make sure that no one knows the source, where they came from, etc. But also, to convince those that receive these shipments to make sure they get distributed and placed front and centre.

Avita has found the most darling books, just laying about!

Why, it's so simple even a child could understand the plight of the Poor Hungry Demon -- and you'd have to be completely heartless not to at least feel a little badly for the obviously remorseful little beastie, right?

Right!

So, with all the generosity and forgiveness that Avita is SO well known for (I heard that scoffing, knock it off), she delivers a copy to that Library Raja's always speaking about in the Lowers -- the one always in need of books -- and to the Archives, that others might enjoy her find as much as she did. She will speak to others about the book candidly, if off-handedly, in a way that marks her as the clueless silk that she is:

It's so original! So evocative! What a strange tale, a new perspective, oh, she just can't say enough about this unknown, unnamed author and illustrator -- but, their cheek! Their audacity! Their -sincerity-!

Why, it's just what those dreary, dusty stacks need, isn't it?

It works. It really, really works, in that most people in the Lowers in particular are now openly making jokes about the demon. In fact, a lot of common people are joking about 'Azazel, the Eater of Stories' in particular, and Duarte is pretty damned sure he never used the name. All of them now seem to be being followed by crows quite often in public. The black birds just... watching them. And angrily cawing at them whenever they pass by.

Action by Sorrel

(Public Action, OOC Date: Sept. 9, 2018, 7:18 p.m.)

Sorrel gathers friends and family to her, around a warm brazier. "The time has come," she says, "To cleanse the primum and to sing the world as it truly is. This is my song. This is my ritual. Yours may be different, in turn, for it must truly come from you. I pray that each of you supports me wholeheartedly in this and that you take this as a sample to perform your own ritual."

"Let me sing you a song of love in thirteen verses, each one carefully written with time and creativity. Let me sing Love into the Dream with joy and sacrifice:"

Each bit of the song is pinned to a scrap of fabric that is meant to represent the person or thing the verse of the song is about. The first one is a scrap of violet baby blanket. The second one is a square of gray fabric with a Thrax sea serpent embroidered on it. The third is simply plain gray fabric. The fourth is a bit of aeterna, very plain. The fifth is another square of plain gray fabric, this one with the sigil of the King's Own. The sixth is a square of green seasilk with a sword worked upon it. The seventh is white silk with a spiraling red vine embroidered on it. The eighth is white aeterna edged in gold threads. The ninth is a dirty piece of wool. The tenth is brilliant green seasilk, embroidered with tiny clovers all over it. The eleventh is umbra with the sigil of House Wyrmguard embroidered thereon. The twelvth is also umbra, this time with the sigil of House Thrax. The thirteenth is umbra edged in gold. As the song is sung, the appropriate bit of fabric is placed into the brazier to be consumed.

1 Kyrios is a hope for the sanctity of life, a beautiful new thing being born, something that can grow into something new and greater than that which proceeded it:

Precious love of mine
For nine long months time
Small one within me
No greater love than thee

2 Galen is love. Passion, ambition, attraction, and all the things that attract people to one another. Let the world be full of love and lovers:

My great love for you is a burning flame
Now one and whole, we are never the same
Half of me is you; what am I to do?
To your dear love I will always be true.

3 Leona is faithfulness and fidelity, the choice of a dearest friend. Beautiful and true, a close bond of spirits in trust and friendship:

Sister not of body but of spirit.
To you do I tell secrets; you hear it.
A special bond of choice and freedom dear:
Our friendship in the purest sense is clear.

4 The Choir is a group of us with similar talents who all sing the Dream as it really is. Freedom and love and beauty:

Beautiful dreamers, listen now to me
Hear my song truly; it lets you be free
Power and strength coming with every note
Let the world be as my song is so wrote.

5 Corban is strength and honor, the true knight. Given the opportunity to do something the right way, he will take the path of righteousness:

Brother you are, though no brother you be
Like my own kin is how you are to me.
To you I entrust the most precious weight
Knowing that you are a knight very great

6 Luca was a Champion, and he stood for the honor of others. He also fights for the Light as a member of the Inquisition. Although he may not be a knight, he is a great man, admirable and true:

A fighter you are, champion to all
Dueling for true, never taking the fall.
Working for Light yet behind the closed door
We're lucky to have you give 'em what for!

7 Tikva represents sisterhood and platonic love. The sort of love that comforts you through tears and is joyful for you when you're joyful, love that melds in harmony:

Beautiful singer, sing your songs with me
Together meld in perfect harmony
Best friend and girl friend and companion true
I'll always be found singing next to you.

8 Ailith is Faith, a friend who has recently found her way to greater heights. Faith and love of the gods is important, a real true religious sort of love:

Peaceful, faithful, knowing of mystery,
Joyful, respectful, caring of history.
Guide me in the ways of the gods and love:
Advice that is tempered by those above.

9 Ian is loyalty. Love born of loyalty between soldiers, comrades in arms, in the field true. Love that is camaraderie:

Always at my back, you do yourself ride
Your right sword hand always at my side
Forever my protection with your men
Come! An adventure! I'll need you again!

10 Clover represents family love, the love that comes from sharing the same life growing up and the natural love and loyalty that inspires:

Beloved sister, bound by blood ties --
We would be best of friends yet anywise.
Bubbly temperament, always a joy:
When you were born, I was glad not a boy!

11 House Wyrmguard is where I grew up and how I developed my fascination with dragons. The love of House Wyrmguard, an ancient house, is one of fealty and devotion forever:

Though on the ground, the wyrms may yet lumber
The House recalls: Not all dragons slumber.
Danger is near? They will not surrender
As Valardin lives, they will remember.

12 House Thrax is where I married and to whom I currently owe fealty. Although I am not a sailor, I am learning to love the sea, and though I have reservations about some of their traditions, I am learning to love their culture:

A mariner's dream, so the current flows
Whenever the tide is out, there Thrax goes
Rough Islanders living off of the sea
One of their number is where you'll find me.

13 Music is what I want to fill the world with. Beautiful music is the song to which we should all live our lives, singing the Dream true and full of love:

A song is a song, but in the right key,
It can be a balm for you or for me.
All the world's dreams can be sung in music:
Finding the right words is the only trick.

Cora will learn the ritual through being present when Sorrel performs it so that she might perform it herself to teach others.

Sabella will quietly watch Sorrel's ritual with rapt attention!

Charlaine will learn the ritual through being present when Sorrel performs it. Charlaine will definitely try to perform it herself later in order to spread the knowledge and asisst in cleaning the primum.

Sparte will be present to observe, learn, and lend support.

Amari will sit in to watch Sorrel enact the ritual so she might learn and perform it herself (not nearly as awesomely, but she'll try her best when it's time)!

Having been invited to witness Sorrel's ritual, and hoping to learn it, Alexis attends to bear witness - and if necessary, offer protection, presuming any danger is even physical.

Carita will observe with awe, take notes as she listens, and quietly lends her support to the cleansing of the primum. There are moments when Sorrel's song brings tears to her eyes, or a smile to her face and while she might want to close her eyes to let that song wash over her, she doesn't so that she can witness every last moment.

Invited to bear witness to the ritual, Denica will stay with them and study with her so that she might perform the ritual herself someday.

Caspian watches the ritual with interest, and when it is over, he can already be seen scribbling down verse ideas!

Katarina is but one of many invited along to bear witness to the ritual that may very well begin cleansing the primum of its poison in the land. She listens, watches with rapt attention and intrigue, ready to help however she may.

Sina has been invited to witness the ritual to learn it. She has agreed to bear witness and learn, that the primum may be cleansed.

Ohboyohboyohboy! THIS IS IT! IT IS HAPPENING! /MAGIC/!!! Well, the first step towards it anyway. When Sorrel invites her to come observe the ritual, Caith is the first one there. Bright and early. Probably even before she and Galen and the baby are even awake that day. 'Don't mind me,' she'll shout through the door at the Thrax Estate. 'I'll just wait out here in the hall until you guys are ready!' A few minutes will go by. 'Are you ready now?' A few minutes more. 'How about now?' Five minutes later: 'Do you need help in there? Have you fallen down and hurts yourselves? Come on! Let's get a move on! IT'S RITUAL DAY! WHEEEE!' Caith is there with paper and pen and ink, all bright-eyed and bushy tailed and ready to take /NOTES/. And when Sorrel is done, she will ask /QUESTIONS/ to double-check, triple-check and cross-check her notes. Because, and maybe this isn't clear but: Caith is VERY INVESTED in this.

Bianca will also be observing so that in the future she too may perform and teach others for the betterment of all humanity.

Sasha will sit and carefully watch the ritual as Princess Sorrel performs it. She is eager to learn to so she can help the Primum be cleansed.

Olivia is likewise joining in to watch and learn!

Edain willl participate and observe the ritual. He will be somber and respectful, but he will be paying close attention. His intention is to attempt to perform this rite at Cairn Valardin in the very near future.

Desiree will be there to witness and study the ritual. She is hoping to learn to perform it.

Zoey will be there as well, watching and, knowing her, probably taking notes. Because ritual. Learning rituals. Et cetera.

Fredrik will, of course, join in these proceedings, knowing how valuable this ritual is, both for himself and for the Compact as a whole. For all our futures, it must be spread.

Reese will join this and will try to assist Sorrel however needed. She will attempt to pay close attention and to learn how to do the ritual herself so that such can be done when the time comes for her own. She will be respectful, helpful and largely quiet during the ritual.

Richard will be present in Sorrel's ritual. So that he may learn it and use it in the future.

Victus is here to learn. He doesn't know much about what he's looking at, so he's taking down notes with a quill and parchment and saving all the details in his head.

Kace will be joining in on the ceremony in order to learn the ritual that she might complete it herself someday soon.

Sorrel gathers friends and family to her, around a warm brazier. "The time has come," she says, "To cleanse the primum and to sing the world as it truly is. This is my song. This is my ritual. Yours may be different, in turn, for it must truly come from you. I pray that each of you supports me wholeheartedly in this and that you take this as a sample to perform your own ritual."

"Let me sing you a song of love in thirteen verses, each one carefully written with time and creativity. Let me sing Love into the Dream with joy and sacrifice."

And then she sings, feeding each slip of verse and a small piece of fabric into the fire, and with each one she weaves love through them all. The love of a child, the love for her husband. For her sister of the heart, for the choir. Freedom and strength, chivalry and righteousness. Honor and comfort, joy and harmony. Faith now, and loyalty. The love for family and home, the love for duty carried long through the generations, for fidelity and for music and happiness.

With each verse her love, deep and abiding and joyous, wraps around all of them. It pushes away the darkness, it pushes at the poison. She is seeking to reshape the future and her contribution is love, and there is one timeless moment where everyone assembled feels that love course through them. And while it fades, each of them knows they will remember always the strength of Sorrel's heart as she fights for the people she loves the most, for her family, for her friends, for the Compact, for humanity.

Action by Katarina for The Dance of Veils & What Lies Beneath

(Public Action, OOC Date: July 30, 2018, 8:49 p.m.)

After more recent events of Eurus was reported to Katarina during an unexpected meeting, Katarina has decided to discreetly enact measures to try and attempt to gain more current information on the happenings in respective dune kingdoms to track the progress of the Dune Emporer in his path to conquer and unite the 13 kingdoms into a unified force, as well gather any more information of interesting happenings. She knows sailors from Eurus have been showing up in Eurus as of late, some of which who have decided to make Arvum their home rather than return to the volatile danger that awaits them back across the Sea of Leviathan.

Keeping her own memories of what caused her to leave Eurus as abruptly as she did, Katarina is going to attempt to forge a network along the ports Eurusi sailors are most likely to visit between Arx and choice destinations in the Mourning Isles. Through these networks, she puts out quiet messages that safe haven awaits them in Arx should they seek it. They need only find those who work with Katarina Al'Sabbat-Muraq in the harbors of Arx and mention, "The Scorpion is never mighter than the dragon". From there, room and board will be provided. Jobs, too. Such charity always comes at a price, but one any can afford to pay: information from back home on what's been going on.

Marquessa Sasha Cirroch is well-versed with the language of Eurusi, something in which she's kept up her practice in with frequent conversations with Katarina. After hearing of the rumors of terrible & wretched things happening, she can empathize with sailors who would rather take a risk of starting a new life on a continent as backwards and strange as they come rather than returning to the dangerous lands of Eurus. Gifted with words, she discreetly employs those trustworthy to spread word on hers and the Princess' behalf of the port of Arx being a potential safe haven for the travel weary of Eurus. And when they come, it's with care that she arranges meetings to speak with them and learn of their story, putting them up in the care of hostels, inns, and other establishments as long as they need with her cousin to ensure their safety. All she asks in return is, again, to simply know their story and all they have to tell.

Merek will not be able to directly visit the Eurusi folk, as he is assisting with other things back in Arx. He will privately be assisting through a middleman he trusts, to write letters within the language to the proper sailors, provide some funding towards bettering their lives in Arvum to supplement what Kat is doing. He has no personal desire to gain information from them, but he wishes to better their lives, which might turn to assist Katarina in gaining what she seeks from it.

There's rumors, though no hard information. Some of the Eurusi claim that the Dune Emperor has it all, that every Dune Kingdom has fallen. Others insist that at least some hold out, while others say that's a misunderstanding, that a few of the Dune Kingdoms have rebelled, and he can't seem to keep them all under control, and that it's a four way war between different kingdoms. Most agree that the Prophet of the Sands, the head of the Magisters of the Mirror fought the Dune Emperor, but has now thrown in his lot with him. Some claim that tens of thousands of prisoners are being escorted across the sands to blackened Pyre, for execution or who knows what.

Action by Katarina for The Wolf Door

(Public Action, OOC Date: July 2, 2018, 1:03 a.m.)

After combing through her catalogue of past ventures, Katarina came across the documents that outlined the results of expeditions based upon the completed records of Song of Lost Names & Weapons she'd kept in her possession. There was one expedition that is said to have been a failure to retrieve a "cache of weapons for rulers most cruel" led by Duke Harald Grimhall and Duke Asger Crovane, which aligns with the curious findings that alluded to recent visitors having been in the strange temple upon the Island of Storms they discovered from the last trip.

Given that signs of the Horned God's activity have begun to rear up, Katarina is resolved to retrieve this final weapon or tool, no matter what it takes. She knows the waters to the Island of Storms like the back of her hand and will gather up a group once more to return and retrieve the cache.

Sorrel has been wanting to go to the Isle of Storms for awhile now. She's an enthusiastic adventurer, and even though this specific mission isn't her end goal, she intends to learn as much as she possibly can from the experience. She'll bring her armor and her sword, for who knows what dangers the Isle will bring, and she'll work to help Katarina come home with the sword.

Ian will be coming along, as he does, bringing some of the Thrax Special Forces as backup. (Probably not all of them as I doubt they'd fit on the Unsullied. But as many as is reasonable.) As usual, his primary goal is to make sure that everyone is as safe as they can be and that everyone (especially Sorrel) comes back alive.

That having been said, Ian is also quite interested in any weapons that can be found in a place like this, and because he sees Harald as a father figure, finishing what he started would have deep meaning for him.

Something is lost? Kenna's totally on board with that, her innate curiosity too much to keep her back upon hearing about the lost weapons. She signs up to come along with Katarina to search bringing her keen eye and knack for finding lost things. Knowing it is particularly dangerous she keeps her wandering spirit more or less in control unless there's a clear compulsion to look someplace in particular. Then she'll speak to Katarina before following after said compulsion, not wishing to have HER actions bring anyone else into danger also.

Intrigued by this particular cache of weapons to help battle the evil to the North, and never having had the opportunity to go to the Isle of Storms in the past, Cullen is quite thrilled to be joining this expedition and ensuring Katarina is successful in this venture. Having years of experience in the tactics and strategy of warfare, both on scales large and on the small group level, he will ensure that the expedition and any military units are deployed in the most advantageous manner possible, should they face adversaries on the Island of Storms.

An open door. A dark pool of water. An empty altar. And sharks. So many sharks. But not normal ones. Why can there never just be NORMAL FREAKING SHARKS?!

Action by Katarina

(Public Action, OOC Date: June 11, 2018, 9:59 a.m.)

As Valardin Admiral of Exploration and Minister of Population, Katarina has a responsibility to see that trade and exploration for her House and the Oathlands flourishes under her leadership. In light of the recent massive losses in both ships and men, she is determined to revitalize recruitment of new blood and drive up investments in ships to grow her fleet, the Eventide Flotilla (#146). She plans to go about her recruitment of new seamen and investors for new ships in two ways: a lucrative business proposition and the irresistable allure of valor and adventure.

Economic (Merchant) Stimulus: Katarina has secured a rather sizeable amount of military writs to begin and complete the construction of a caravel through her own toil and labor over the past year. She chooses the town of Safecove as the building site in hopes that its natural appeal to sea mercantile business and sailors will lure in investors for her to open discussion of sowing into the growth of her fleet.

The more ships tasked to exploration and trade route establishment/protection, the more opportunities for merchants and Houses to increase their profit margins with every discovery, as well as see higher returns for their investments due to increased security of shipments and generate business for all involved parties.

Job Market Growth (Ship & Merchant Marine Recruitment): With expansion of the navy comes new opportunity for employment and security for one's family. Being apart of the warfleet might not appeal to everyone, but there are oft many who would take to the seas to be a merchant marine. Katarina capitalizes on the natural curiosity and wanderlust inherent in many Knight aspirants and would-be adventurers, spinning tales of valor and glory to entice them into joining aboard one of her existing ships, or into the main Valardin navy.

A life of service to the greater good of the Oathlands is often enough of a selling point for most, but Katarina goes a step beyond and ensures the families of potential recruits will be taken care of in the event of loss of life or grevious bodily harm during service on the high seas. Competitive pay and benefits are important after all.

As Valardin Admiral of Exploration and Minister of Population, Katarina has a responsibility to see that trade and exploration for her House and the Oathlands flourishes under her leadership. In light of the recent massive losses in both ships and men, she is determined to revitalize recruitment of new blood and drive up investments in ships to grow her fleet.

She authorizes the building of a caravel for the Evantide Flotilla, the first in the Valardin fleet. As the order hits the shipyards, there's a huge scramble of resources. It'll take a while for this ship to be fully finished, but her bones are starting to be selected and set up, and the Valardin shipyards are abuzz with excitement.

She funds pensions too as part of her recruiting strategies, and now she talks about the security of a life in the Valardin navy. Of adventure, using her own stories as Captain of the Unsullied. Of patriotism, speaking of the drive to protect and serve their House and the Valardin as a whole. It's definitely a stirring speech, and recruits start filtering in. They're all pretty eager to work for the personable Admiral Katarina too, and so her fame increases.

Action by Katarina

(Public Action, OOC Date: May 22, 2018, 11:02 p.m.)

While Princess Coraline Thrax begins her humanitarian efforts in the east as planned, Princess Katarina Valardin turns her attention westward toward the heart of the Oathlands as the base for her own philanthropic operation. She wants to use her position as Valardin Minister of the Hearth to create new learning centers within Sanctum and other major settlements across the Oathlands.

While Dayne's Academy serves as an institution dedicated to taking Knight Aspirants and turning them into shining examples of chivalry, honor, and martial prowess in which the Oathlands prides itself upon, these schools will cater to those who choose pursuits beyond that of knighthood and military service.

Curriculum choices will be extensive. From applied sciences to linguistics and diplomacy, the courses of study made available will cater to a broad range of interests.

In order to raise awareness of her efforts and generate backers from the ranks of the nobility of the Oathlands, Katarina recruits the aid of her like-minded peers to donate their time and resources in a variety of ways suited to them. Be it taking on a young protege to teach them in a chosen craft, hosting forum-style discussions on the possibilities of their futures, or allowing them along in expeditions to inspire in them a thirst for knowledge and adventure, Katarina is supporting it all in a safe and productive environment.

Warfare is one thing that Marquis Rymarr Deepwood knows. A son of the Oathlands, hailing from Tristfell March and Lyon's Redoubt within it, there he served in a number of campaigns against hostile shav'arvani groups and tribes. Then he went away from the Oathlands to pursue other dreams and learned even more. At one point from Duke Gabriel Bisland himself. Now the time has come to pass that knowledge along to others, because while the heaviest of fighting has arrived at a lull - it's not over. Where many have stepped right back into their usual peaceful routines, Marquis Rymarr Deepwood is a Lyonesse at heart and knows eventually, sooner than later, it will all go south.

Marquis Rymarr fully intends to write up a series of rules of warfare to be expanded upon and presented to those seeking out information on the subject of military strategy and maneuvers. Be where your enemy least expects it, don't try to face down a cavalry charge on open terrain, and the rest. Fairly standard explanations and basic levels of instruction, but for some that is the first step to a larger world.

While Alaric can't go to Sanctum personally, he does have a number of Crown operatives at his disposal which he will direct mostly to make sure that no toes get stepped on with respect to the Faith's existing programs for general education and trade learning and that the collective effort is as collaborative as possible without individual groups getting territorial and defensive about matters.

Simone will reach out to the people of both House Greenmarch and House Telmar to try to spread the word of the schools that Princess Katarina is working to establish. She will assist with gathering names and topics for subjects that people may be interested in learning more about. She will also use her charm to convince some of their people to assist with the project as teachers. Though her own skills in teaching are very minimal, she will offer those if needed as well. Her experience in handling diplomatic situations is fairly well known. In addition, she relishes the idea of discussions and explorations alongside other students both into the Faith and into shamanism.

Marius throws his support behind Princess Katarina's initative wholeheartedly. The Marquis of Greenmarch has extensive experience in diplomacy and negotiation, ranging all the way from dealing with Shav tribes, to help negotiating entry into the Compact itself, to the various treaties he has been involved in since. He helps in shaping the curriculum for that subject, offering aid in teaching the teachers of diplomacy, and makes himself available to the students to answer questions periodically.

Additionally, Marius orders room cleared and assistance rendered to build one of the centers on Greenmarch lands for the benefit of his people and the Oathlands in general.

Alis will be lending her voice and leadership skills to Katarina's efforts. Being a leader is not just limited to leading troops, and she will be more then happy to teach some of the finer points of that particular type of expertise at whichever of the learning centers she is needed. In addition, she will spread word far and wide about the new endeavor.

Lisebet is from the far west, and yes, she has every intention of spreading this initiative, one day. This is not that day. So for now, she is throwing her assistance in with this more central work, able to add some resources to Princess Katarina's plan, and to talk to her friends, family and acquaintances about the goodness that this improved education will bring to all. She's not a very good teacher so doesn't imagine she'd be called on to teach, but will do her small bit to help out.

In the Oathlands, Princess Katarina Valardin has been working tirelessly to establish a series of schools and learning centers dedicated to teaching an extensive cirriculum for those who eschew military service and knighthood in pursuit of more scholarly and political pursuits. With respectable members of the Peerage who have demonstrated notable diplomatic and leadership achievements stepping into roles of mentorship and teaching such as Princess Alis Valardin, Marquis Rymarr Deepwood, Marquis Marius and Marquessa Simone Greenmarch, and Lady Lisebet Farshaw, the schools are of immediate interest for many wishing to learn new diplomatic and non-combative vocations from some of the most honorable in Arvum. ((Vox updated))

Action by Katarina for The Wolf Door

(Public Action, OOC Date: May 7, 2018, 1:17 p.m.)

With the Gyre defeated and no other threats currently in play, Katarina has decided to prepare a ship and a crew to send out to the Island of Storms to retrieve an artifact and explore the locale. With the complicated maps and journals that tell of treacherous waters and harrowing landscapes to triangulate the direct location of the island, she's well aware the journey itself will prove to be one of their most challenging voyages yet.

In order to maximize their chances of survival in the event that the absolute worst happens, duplicate maps have been made available for the more seasoned and trusted sailors to serve aboard a second ship tasked with rescue. That ship will anchor as close as they can where the seas are still calmest, just in case. It also helps to make sure the team she's bringing along covers fields of expertise they may need in the expedition.

Ian will be joining Katarina in this venture. As the Lantern of Lagoma is something that Galen expressed an interest in going after, Ian will bring the Thrax Special Forces as a little bit of backup and a little extra muscle.

Monique is here for linguistic support and general investigation and protection support. She can speaks Isles Shav, and will do so quite readily, charming the pants off of anyone who might have the information they need. Her blade, too, is placed in the service of Katarina and this noble endeavor.

While there is peril in navigating and sailing through treacherous waters, Terese will leave the navigation in the hands of Katarina and lend her personal support to act as a defense to anything that should encounter that might try to descend upon them. Should the Island prove too dangerous to stay upon she is hoping to assist with retrieving any item as quickly as possible.

Ansel will be departing the city to accompany Princess Katarina and the others, along with a small contingent of Telmarine armsmen. He's likely not going to be much help insofar as navigating the ship goes, but will be there to lend an extra sword arm if needed, having some experience with marine-type landings before with the Abandoned tribes loyal to the Gyre.

Lisebet has been invited to go along on this mission, so she will be going as well. She's not likely going to be able to help with navigation or sword arms, but can provide some resources to help trade with locals if needed, assisting with those who are negotiating while there. Although young in scholarly pursuits, she is coming along to assist as she may with the non-fighty things, adding her wit, charm and whatever mental acuity she might have to the endeavour.

With the lantern found, and disaster narrowly averted, they return to Arx. Thanks to Lisebet's sure-footedness, Ansel's cowardly courage, Terese's paper, Monique's scouting, Katarina's discernment and Ian's steadiness they are successful. The legend of the Unsullied grows - and so does the legend of The Scarf.

Action by Preston

(Public Action, OOC Date: May 5, 2018, 8:42 p.m.)

With the deaths at Stormwall representing a large portion of the Faith Militant, over half the Templar order at that time, and including Grandmaster Armel of the Knights of Solace Sir Preston, with the support of Dame Thena, has decided that the time has come to have a proper memorial place for the honoured dead of the Templars and the Knights of Solace and those who stood with them to be interred. And where better than to have it close to Sanctum, ancient home of the Faith and spirutually close to the hearts of many of the Faith Militant, especially the majority who look to the Orthodoxy.

Preston envisages something to rival the Cathedral in Arx or the Hall of Heroes. A white marble building with gilded doors, with several halls within. The largest will be for the Faith Militant, with several orders of shrine there to remember notable heroes of the faith, from plaques and busts through to large ornate tombs with a likeness of the individual carved onto the lid.

In the various halls, one for each fealty and one for the Crown, there will be spaces for those knights sworn to the noble houses of the fealties - whose oaths are sworn under the Gods, and Gloria chiefly among those - who fell at Stormwall, Setarco and Darkwater, as well as in future actions alongside the Faith Militant. A lot of space will be left to grow, in case the King should wish to send the King's Own or others who die in service there as well. In the very centre of the Faith's hall will be an ornate fountain, with statues in miniature of those Mercies who fall while in battle, so that in death they are not seperated from those Knights of Solace who looked after them in life.

Under this grand maosoleum of the faith there will be a large series of catacombs to hold the ossuries, with so many fallen the great many will be remembered in long lists on plaques, listed by Parish. It will also hold lesser tombs on its upper levels.

It will have, going forward, a guard of Templars that will be drawn from all the fealties, a deliberate statement that this belongs to all, and the Faith is everywhere. There will also be a dedicated waystation built for the Knights of Solace who guide pilgrims to this holy site. And of course, invitations at its opening to all the high lords and leaders of the Faith, including the Seraph of Sanctum.

The project was organised in the name of the Faith Militant, both the Knights of Solace and the Templars, by Sir Preston and with the support of Dame Thena. The major donors to the project were the Templars under Sir Preston (and a bit of Sir Preston personal donations), the Knights of Solace under Dame Thena, the Mercies under their Voice Cybele, the Faith of the Pantheon via Legate Orazio and with support from Princess Alarissa and Prince Victus of Thrax. Land was provided by Prince Edain of House Valardin.

((OOC: Per request response, we are aiming for the largest category offered of 5000 resources to rival the great cathedral of Arx/Hall of Heroes. Some is provided in silver at the agreed rate of 500 silver to 1 resource. Hubris thy name is creepy big place full of heeby jeeby skeletons that totally won't backfire on us))

To celebrate the construction, and to consecrate the ground, there will be a consecration ceremony taking place. As mentioned, invites will go out to all the high lords, the Seraph of Sanctum and local seraphs, to the Faith.

Preston will be journeying north from Arx with a body of troops to attend and to give a speech on the importance of this endeavour to commemorate loss, and a moment when we were united as a people against evil, and to understand that our continued fight will mean continued sacrifice, but that as long as the Faith endures, our people will be remembered.

As the other arm of the Faith Militant, Thena and the Silver Order provide what resources they can. Thena and a small contingent join the group going to Sanctum and make a terser speech than Preston that is hopefully still inspiring.

In addition to the diverting of resources to this worthy project, Legate Orazio is happy to make his support for the memorial project clear. He reaches out to clergy throughout Arx, but particularly in the Oathlands, and encourages them to support the project as well. He also talks to chapters of the Knights of Solace and the Mercies of Lagoma throughout Arx, sending letters to explain the purpose of the project, and either answering their questions (when he can) or directing them to Sir Preston for whatever he can't anser.

Edain will provide the land that the monument can be built on and will sponsor a yearly Tourney in Sanctum the Victor's of both the joust and the grand melee will be given the honor of being Honor Guards for the tombs for the year that follows. There is no greater honor than defending the rest of fallen Faith Militant.

The primary assistance that Aureth offers Preston here is in consultation regarding the memorial, and the ways to ensure that it best honors Death, as well as the consecration of the memorial for Death. He offers his expertise both theologically and as, essentially, a SPOKESPERSON for Death. (Salesman for Death?)

Twofold actions are led by Ailith. The first is with assisting with the invitation campaign to the neighboring Seraphs and Godsworn to encourage attendance and participation for this memorial consecration ceremony. One such suggestion for those closest to Sanctum is to create and encourage pilgrimages by the Faithful with the Seraphs, Mercies, Godsworn, and Faith militant among them.

The second is to coordinate with the Seraph of Sanctum for a joint consecration ceremony with the attending Seraphs (herself included) assisting the Seraph of Sanctum (because he represents parish of the Heart of the Faith AND the memorial is built near Sanctum). She will provide many traditional orthodox excerpts of the Faith Militant and the Godsworn as this memorial reflects all our holy brethren as well as appropriate excerpts for Gloria, Gild, Lagoma, and the Queen of Endings. This ceremony would be formal and solemn as well as hopeful and honoring those who have passed . . . candles lit, leaving offerings to each god of the pantheon, (for example, to Petrichor for the land and holy domain) and so forth.

Aleksei joins the Faith contingent for the consecration ceremony, making himself a known presence in Sanctum, because it can't hurt to continually check in and see if they've decided he's a servant of the Abyss yet. Skald isn't the foremost of the gods being honored, but Aleksei will talk about honoring the brave choices those interred made to serve the Faith and the cause of light. Since they chose to put their lives at risk to protect others, so to will the Faith choose to honor their sacrifice.

As the adopted sister of the High Lord of the Oathlands, it's with dutiful honor that Katarina accompanies the contingent at the consecration ceremony in Sanctum to show her support for the fallen heroes of Stormwall who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their victory. While she isn't one for grandstanding orations, it's with quiet pleasure that she speaks with the peerage to encourage donations to the ongoing maintenance and memorial services yearly thereafter to remember the people by giving her own.

As a noble daughter of the Oathlands upon which the mausoleum of the faith is to be built Terese sets out to journey with the group as an escort. While others seek to make their speeches upon the grounds, she works in the background to speak with the Oathlands clergy as well as the people that come to see the consecration of the grounds. She speaks of the battle of Stormall, the devastation of its losses and the ever enduring strength and leadership of both the faith and the Templars that act as the sword and the shield that refuses to falter even in the face of such tragedies and the importance of honoring their sacrifices along with all of the knights that fell.

With the deaths at Stormwall representing a large portion of the Faith Militant, over half the Templar order at that time, and including Grandmaster Armel of the Knights of Solace, Sir Preston with the support of Dame Thena has decided that the time has come to have a proper memorial place for the honoured dead of the Templars and the Knights of Solace and those who stood with them to be interred. High Lord Edain provides the land for this mausoleum at Sanctum, promising a yearly tournament in honor of the fallen.

Legate Orazio speaks to those in the Faith, expressing his hope in their support and his own approval of the project. Archlector Aureth consults on the project, and perhaps there is some discussion of small rodents in the mausoleum, or maybe he's just being punny. Seraph Ailith reaches out to her fellow Seraphs, and also to the Seraph of Sanctum, and gets their support for the project, encouraging pilgrimages to the dedication and including them in the consecration ceremony. Blessed Aleksei shows up too, honoring his Oathlands roots as he stands with his fellow priests for the consecration ceremony.

The Valardin turn out in force, most notably Princess Katarina and Princess Terese, standing with their High Lord as they dedicate this mausoleum for the fallen of the Faith to rest. With a huge cathedral above, and catacombs below with ample room for ossuaries for the dead, the mausoleum is a grandiose tribute to fallen heroes, funded and supported by the Faith, the Mercies under Cybele, and donations from High Lord Victus and Princess-Consort Alarissa.

Action by Victus for Gyre Straits

(Public Action, OOC Date: March 4, 2018, 11:01 p.m.)

Part 0: Personal Story Fluff
Nearly two decades years ago, Victus Baseborn waged war on those Prince Donrai Thrax had declared their enemies. The first over the wall of the Tyde rebel's fortress and slaying Duke Titus Tyde on the field of battle personally. He conquered an Isle under the blood red Serpent's banner as a brutal bastard. He came home a Thrax. That was then.

Today, High Lord Victus Thrax has been given the trust of his peers in rulership and the Crown itself to guide the Compact's Fleets to victory. The Serpent's banner does not fly alone as at least a hundred more have come to stand as equals among it. All in defense of their home against one fallen King who would seek to take it from them. He thinks it's an ironic sight, but he's stepping up to the challenge all the same and donning his mantle of Grand Admiral with pride.

Part 1: The Gathering
The amassed fleet will assemble and coordinate from the silken city of Setarco itself. Once all divisions have been gathered and accounted for, they will set out to meet the Gyre's forces a few miles off the shore. It is a hopeful tactic that moving their line of defense a fraction more forward will give Setarco's ground defense forces less headache, as there will be more opportunity to intercept any ships full of troops to land. However it should be noted that they are still employing defensive tactics over offensive ones, should anything of the 'magical bullshit' variety spawn from the Gyre's forces in battle. They want to be prepared. Victus himself will be bringing the Maelstrom's stock of Thrax Fire to be distributed to as much of the fleet as possible. Just in case.

Part 2: Movement and Tactics
It's expected that the Compact's fleet will come out to a numerical advantage against the Gyre's, potentially one that doubles the enemy. Once they are in the thick of things, the fleet will begin to converge around the enemy fleet to encircle and corner them - potentially cutting off any hope of escape and allowing the Compact to attack from all sides. Part of these flanking maneuvers will involve staggering the order of engagement early, with some of the fleet (let's say, 25%) sitting in the bay of Linosia that will circle around the enemy. Which would, if done effectively, bridge an attack from two fronts once the battle has kicked off. ((The bay of Linosia stuff may also be aided by a separate action from Skye as it was her idea!))

Part 3: Scary Monsters
Another significant ordering of the ships will be ensuring that there is as little clumping together as possible. This is to ensure that in the event of say, a Kraken showing up, that whole rows of boats are not at risk for being devoured and sunk by a pair of tentacles raising from the waves. In addition to Krakens it can likely be expected that other giant squid, sharks, swordfish, angry crabs and etc may join the fight on the Gyre's side. Measures that are being taken to defend against such creatures are ensuring that squadrons of ships are fitted with nets (as suggested by Estaban) for hindering their movement. Even more boldly, an order is going out to affix the underside of ships (that are willing to do so, AND won't damage the structural integrity) with jagged pieces of metal on the haul. Hopefully the combination of these two will keep crew and ships safe, by capturing or shredding the beasts that come.

Part 4: Food n' Booze
Supply chains will be set up ahead of time, mostly utilizing the coastline of the Lyceum that isn't under immediate threat to make the live's of the crew for this massive ordeal a bit easier. Materials for repairs, food, water, and most importantly alcohol will be a constant factor needed. For this, they ask of the merchant vessels and those who wish to volunteer without the skill or equipment for war to help transport. The most esteemed honor of organizing these vital volunteers has been passed to Magpie Grayhope. You get 'em, Magpie!

Part 5: Please Don't Die.
Victus has also put the call out to mercies that don't get seasick easily to be on board vessels to tend to their eventual wounded. They will be joined by members of the Faith willing to come who likewise, do not get seasick easily. The combination of prayer and medicine will hopefully keep them alive that much longer. Hopefully.

"We stand as one. One fleet, one army, one Compact. This is not for me or you. This is for Arvum. This is for our homes. They're playing your song, it's time to write your legend. Let's make it a damn good one."

((FOR EVERYONE CONTRIBUTING: Thank you! Feel free to include any of the written above in your actions if you would like to help out in any of the specific parts mentioned! If you would also like to take your own actions then feel free to consider this the IC battle-plan and coordinate or contribute as you will! These are Victus' orders for now, interpret them however you would!))

1. Gathering- Antonio will direct all vassal navys (as well as Lenosia's fleet) to gather at Setarco.

2. Tactics Antonio will command the combined Lycene fleet, and the admirals of Lycene vassals will report to him. He, in turn, will take his sailing orders from Victus. This way the chain of command is clear and reinforced. (This will be reflected in an additional @action.)

Despite the fact that Victus Baseborn won is nobility by destroying her own family, the Tyde and Tydelands navies show up in full force to defend Setarco, with the Duchess of Tyde in command herself. She makes it clear that she will not ask anything of her troops that she will not risk herself. The vassels of the Tydelandsare brought with the main host to follow Vuctus' command, for better or worse.

Blessed Roran, Archlector of Lagoma see's the ships off, offering a mass blessing to the ships leaving Arx to join the main fleet. The Higgh Lord's main vessel is blessed persoally, and flame from the eternal flame in the shrine of lagoma is passed over to be filtered off through the fleet to let Lagoma's light guide them through this change. The man is not heading out with the High Lord's fleet since medical care has finally been found, and instead, only his prayers go with them.

Who is she to cower behind stone walls when her Goddess is at stake? She will assist with Part 5: Please Don't Die
The Archlector Madeleine distributes the Disciples of Mangata each to a vessel to offer prayer and morale bolstering - blessing each crew and vessel with santified water and braziers of incense, she herself physically riding whatever ship Victus deems safe for her to be on. The Disciples are to assist as they can since many of them are seafarers anyhow, but to stay out of the way and defer all matters to the military crews of the vessel.

With prayer and faith as her greatest weapons, Madeleine will join the fight.

#1 Gathering - Wash will assess the readiness of every Thrax fleet and report those numbers and distributions to the Grand Admiral. He will disseminate a simple language of flags and horns to used for ship to ship communication between houses. This will incorporate modern merchantmen messaging alphabet, and will create a unified shorthand for common battlefleet tactics.

#3 Tactics - Wash will command the Thrax fleet, and the admirals of Thrax vassals will report to him. He, in turn, will take his sailing orders from Victus. This way the chain of command is clear and reinforced. (This will be reflected in an additional @action.)

With the Oathlands' naval forces under hers and Caelis' command, Katarina answers to the call of the Great Admiral of the Compact with the full force of their ships. They sail to dispatch from Setarco as the plans dictate, prepared to lend their support to the other admirals however they may.

Skye will be assisting with Movements and Tactics. She will dive into the archives to find any Bathymetry studies that will tell her of the ocean depth at the various locations. She will assist High Lord Victus with recommendation on the best places to keep the ships to lessen their vulnerability to large sea creatures that might be accompanying the enemy fleet. Her aim when studying the numbers and combined with her new knowledge of the area to devise a plan that will allow for the Fleet to take advantage of hidey holes like the bay of Linosia and the nooks around Caina and Bravvra so that they have the advantage of surrounding the ships when they converage on Setarco.

Captain Ariella will be leading the Igniseri fleets in our move against the Gyre

Eleanor, born and raised on a ship and thus comfortable on one, will be joining the Compact's fleet as a representative of the King's Own. She has been asked by Victus to serve as his right hand during the battle, and will therefore join him on his ship along with a few other knights under her command.

Turo will be commanding the Navegant fleet, and doing so with aplomb.
Regarding Part 1: He's been incessantly training his marines and sailors, almost to the point where most can fill in at any role on the ships without much drop-off in training.

Regarding Part 2: Turo will direct his fleet to focus on supply and troop ships, wherever possible. Those he wants sunk as quickly as can be, since an ounce of work now might save a pound of work later. However, he'll not needlessly abandon the orders he's given.

Victoria, a Master Healer with some sailing experience, is joining the fleet as a Healer, assisting with Part 5. See also action 1858 for more on her heading up the gang.

Lethe will be helping with part 5:please don't die. While she is a Harlequin and not a Mercy she is still a healer. She will do her best to assist with the injured.

The fleet in Setarco is the best example of what happens with the Compact comes together as one. The first battle was hard, but when the Pretender-King sent reinforcements it got even worse. And yet the fleet never wavered. Never trembled - they continued together to protect the Lyceum and the Compact as a whole, and it was their unity that won the day. Even old rivalries got a chance to be set to rest, as people who normally hate each other or find themselves on opposite sides of political rivalries set all of that aside to act as one. It made the difference and, in the face of a baffling and powerful enemy, it won the day.

Action by Katarina for Gyre Straits

(Public Action, OOC Date: March 3, 2018, 10:53 p.m.)

The Princess Admirals, Caelis and Katarina, are jointly leading the Oathlands fleet into battle from the west. Given their skill and renown respectively for ingenuity and cunning behind the helm, theirs is a battle plan of upholding the outer ring as defined in the overall plan indicated by Wash Kennex to catch hold of stragglers in the enemy fleet. They will also employ their lighter ships to levy ally ships that may become pinned down or at risk of being boarded by the enemy.

While the Valardin ships catch stragglers and help ally ships, Caelis will also keep an eye out and navigate a smaller vessel to rescue crews from any ships on the ally side that are sunk.

Arn is sending the Telmarch navy along with Princess Katarina and the Oathlands navies. He cedes full command to Katarina, Caelis, and their commanders and offers his naval forces for them to use at their discretion.

Jaerith commands the full force of the Riverdogs under Katarina's direction. He takes all of the naval forces at Keaton's disposal and leads them at Katarina's every whim.

While unable to attend the naval action himself, Thorley has experience as an old sailor in the Westrock Reach Navy. He has been working with the Westrock Navy to make sure to provide assistance to the Princess Admirals as needed. He is providing his experience with the navigatrional waters, riggings and making sure the sailors know their way.

Vano has been put in the position of leading the small contingent of Rivenshari ships and warriors of the clan with the rest of the fleet being one of the eldest warriors left in the clan. The smaller, but nimble ships will likely used as support and blockade runners to pick off stragglers and fill any weak points where asked.

The fleet in Setarco is the best example of what happens with the Compact comes together as one. The first battle was hard, but when the Pretender-King sent reinforcements it got even worse. And yet the fleet never wavered. Never trembled - they continued together to protect the Lyceum and the Compact as a whole, and it was their unity that won the day. Even old rivalries got a chance to be set to rest, as people who normally hate each other or find themselves on opposite sides of political rivalries set all of that aside to act as one. It made the difference and, in the face of a baffling and powerful enemy, it won the day.

Action by Aleksei for Thralldom in the Isles

(Public Action, OOC Date: Nov. 12, 2017, 12:03 a.m.)

The Liberators of Skald have promised aid to all freed thralls: relocation if they wish it to any demense of the Compact, room and board within the housing of the Faith, and assistance finding work or training for it until they have found their feet.

The Liberators of Skald were not expecting twenty thousand people to need this aid at once.

And so Aleksei has reached out to -- pretty much everyone. All the noble houses. Merchant fleets. Friends who have maybe one ship! Basically he's organizing a mass effort to make contact with the newly-freed thralls in Stormward and either get them resituated in Stormward or give them transport elsewhere in the Compact that they may want to go. All of this is stuff he's already set up, but he's having to haul in major support to try and do it on a much larger scale than he was anticipating.

Aleksei will endure the terrors of seasickness to travel to Stormward personally to oversee the efforts of the Liberators and do his best to keep matters calm where possible and work as efficiently as he can.

For those generous enough to offer ships for transport, Aleksei will make sure each ship will have some sort of representative of the Faith on board to help keep an eye on things and discourage any untoward actions in regards to the freed thralls.

Indeed, the Valorous Few are Being Helpful! Since Victus so kindly invited people, Audric (and Shard, and probably a handful of the friendlier types) are heading up with the Liberators. First and foremost will be offering the fabulous life of a sellsword, to any who wish to join up! Money, plunder, see the world, get to kill people fairly frequently, there's nothing but upside, really. Oh, and I guess if there's any room left over they'll help transport some people.

After speaking with Aleksei, the Few have agreed to find space on the ships they're using both for his Faith representatives and his freed Thralls. In fact, Shard's stated her intent to pack everyone in as tightly as possible for the journey, comfort be damned so long as the crew can still function, so between that and Audric's hope to annoy the ears off of the poor priest who gets stuck on his boat, it probably won't be a very pleasant series of trips at all, but at least there will be more people getting to where they need to go.

In addition to this, Shard will be putting in a few words--or many words--or some not so gentle nudges--and maybe some heavy coin--to some people she knows who know some people who know some other people about extra boats and ships for the sole use of Aleksei's cause for the duration. Just don't look too hard at these boats or ask where they came from. They don't take kindly to questions.

Killian is dispatching ships from the Ashford navy to assist with the evacuation of freed thralls, per Aleksei's request. The ships will be providing transport, and staying together with one another, their orders to guardian one another and transport their passengers safely to the appointed destination.

Nicia has agreed to aid Aleksei and the Liberators in their task of helping to resettle the freed thralls, as such she has decided that one galley, and three longships from the Laurent military should be sent to help resettle the freed thralls. Allowing them to choose where they wanted to go, the help is not dependent on them coming to Laurent lands, although she will also make a point of stating that Laurent is willing to accept the resettlement of thralls in their lands.

Belladonna is putting Pravus's fleet at the Liberators' disposal for this. They are fresh and probably antsy for something to do. A skeleton force will be held back to patrol Setarco's borders as they have been, and a scout vessel or two are kept standing by in case the fleet has to be recalled swiftly (plus the ship kept in Arx!), but otherwise they can have use of the fleet as per the terms laid out by Aleksei. They are placed under Alrec's command, and Alrec is directed to report to the Faith on this one (using his judgment). Members of the Faith are most certainly allowed to be on every ship.

As well, she has put forth to both Aleksei and Bianca that those particularly suited for the role of a courtesan and interested in doing so, she will pay for their tuition to and support during the attendance of one of the courtesan schools in Setarco. And! Pioneering spirits that she might be able to interest in Luciva, they are being accepted that way too.

Boots on ground in Stormward while ships are there and have access to people (likely very briefly, but still), they are directed to aid in calming the populace, and provided talking points to do so by Belladonna.

Ford will be kept in the loop by her men as a matter of course throughout the entire mission.

Thena has agreed to assist Aleksei by providing as many Solace agents as can be spared to represent the Faith on ships transporting and resettling freed thralls. Since these agents are already out in the field acting as protectors to travellers and pilgrims, and have a presence long established in the Mourning Isles, shuffling things around shouldn't be too difficult. In addition, Thena is slated to send aid to the Mourning Isles for the Darkwater exploration and should be able to combine these efforts.

Thena is also dispatching a newly commissioned galley to help with transport. The galley will be crewed by freed thralls.

The Knights of Solace will accept freed thralls who wish to work either as soldiers or support staff and pay them a living wage for their services. They need not take vows, though should any wish to follow that path, instruction will be arranged.

Aleksei has asked for support to guard the ships, and knowing that the Knights of Solace will be focusing on supporting the Thralls this means the Templars only need worry about protecting the ships and ensuring that the ships are not mobbed when they land. Accordingly, Preston is making available Templars from the Arx Templars to sail out with the ships and hold order while Solace and the others help the former Thralls. The priority for the Templars is preserving the majority - the boats, the Faith people helping the Thralls. But they are also not the local police force. So. If the boats are at risk of being swamped or a mob forms and attacks the rescue attempts, they will defend. If a mob forms and isn't threatening the boats? Thats for Kennex.

Although she cannot be there in person, Katarina will be sending part of her fleet in her stead; three longships and a galley. These assets are to be used to help ferry newly freed thralls to their intended destinations, with gentle emphasis on a wealth of opportunity that can await them in Valardin-owned lands.

Hana is not the world's best teacher, but she's often been lucky in instructing others. And she's nothing if not enthusiastically devoted to Jayus -- the god of both crafting /and/ of hope. So she travels to the Isles as well, trying to give hope to the former thralls who need to learn a new trade -- those who worked menial jobs and desperately want to do something new, something that provides a chance at a better life. She'll be organizing lessons, yes, but she'll also have worked to encourage other Disciples of Jayus to the same -- to travel with her, and to teach /their/ skills as well. Tailoring, baking, carpentry, and so on. Hopefully, it at least makes a small difference.

Without question, Saedrus has agreed to assist Aleksei. First and foremost he intends to accompany Aleksei, and other Liberators, to Stormward not only as a Disciple of Skald, but as a composed and diplomatic voice in what might be a chaotic situation. Though he cannot offer ships or safe escort, he can be present to try and mollify vassals (or persons of the general populace) crying out against the current crisis. A little charm can go a long way, and hopefully Saed can keep things calm.

In addition, though he cannot take many, he will let it be known that the Grotto can take on a small number of ex-thralls as attendants, board and basic needs seen to, and assistance in finding them trades and future work. Furthermore, pending approval of the Radiant, he can take a handful in under the Whisper House as house staff until either they settle to other livelihoods or to continue on for potential future training. The total is miniscule in comparison to the twenty-thousand, but every little bit helps.

As a Liberator Ferrando is coming along to Stormward to try and generally help un-clusterfuck the situation. He's not really a logistical type or a big public speaker. He's a bouncer! It's fair to say his #1 skill to lend to the effort is an ability to move around heavy stuff. He's probably just going to end up dealing with minor things Aleksei is too busy for.

As promised the Scholars of Vellichor are ready to assist at the word of the Archscholar. Messengers have been sent to the parishes of the discipleship present in Stormward to open the doors to their smaller libraries and utilize donations already in stock to help in upholding the offer of a living wage to freed Thralls seeking higher education or tradeskill apprenticeships. Bianca will also be accompanying Blessed Aleksei to Stormward directly to aid immediately with her own diplomatic abilities and personal resources.

Mydas will be making use of his substantial ability in logistics and economics to ensure the resources deployed to aid the newly freed Thralls are not ill spent or wasted. To summarize, Marquis Mydas Nightgold will play the role of the accountant.

Seraph Ailith will reach out to the local Seraphs in aiding the Faith's efforts of providing solace, community outreach, and humanitarian efforts for the many believers. Using her presence and prowess of propaganda, she'll help kindle hope, compassion, and support among the Faithful and within the Faith such as sermons with stories of the compassion, love, charity, and hope, the many gifts of the Gods, in hopes to soothe and provide a steady familiar place of solace (worship in the shrines) during this chaotic time. When not doing these things, she personally heal the injured and sick who come to the Faith and assist them on their way to the outbound ships, should they be departing.

As minister of warfare and with authorisation to release about half the Velenosa armada into a committed liberation fleet, Talen is overseeing the leading arrangements in that regard. Ensuring the that there are captains who know what they're doing to act as transportation for ex-thralls is key. Faith and Liberator representatives are permitted aboard and allowed to direct the efforts with all reasonable requests to make things easier. The Velenosa are focusing primarily on carrying people, so any security escorts to defend the ships from external attacks will come from the Thrax, and Velenosa vassals organised by the Lyceum aid council.

Lianne is lending ships from Nilanza's navy to aid with the safe transport of the recently freed to Arx. Modest financial assistance will be provided to individuals or families interested in resettling in Nilanza, particularly if they are skilled in a trade or capable sailors interested in enlisting in the navy. Representatives of the Faith will be welcomed on board each vessel.

Victus will be providing transport via the 1st Thrax Fleet, namely in his stated offer of paying work in the Maelstrom and safe haven until they can be transported elsewhere in the Compact. Aleksei's Liberators and other agents of the Faith will be allowed passage on these vessels making runs to and from Stormward to assist in the relocation efforts for Thralls lacking employment. With the exception of any ships provided by Grimhall, per Harald's request. It should be noted that freed Thralls who have gone on to commit crimes against Kennex will not be offered the same on Victus' own vessels, as they are Kennex's right to judge for their actions.

In an unofficial capacity, though with no less focus, Rook will be duplicating the efforts of Mydas Nightgold in an effort. It can't hurt to be certain, can it? Resources in, out and spent all about. In addition there's the counting of ex-Thralls shipped out, sprinkled across the Compact, giving as accurate a set of numbers as possible to all takers of the refugees. Did any go missing, how many died, do they have at least enough coin and resources to keep this mission up until all of Stormward's loose freemen are, well, free?

Lacking much in the way of funds or resources, Fortunato employs his skill and that of his apprentices to make flyers, encouraging people of great means and small means to donate to the resettlement effort and otherwise help smooth out the transition, perhaps by hiring the displaced. Need someone in the back room? Someone to knead dough? Someone, perhaps, to draw more flyers?

Monique will accompany the flotilla and use her charm and diplomacy to convince freed Prodigal thralls to resettle in the Compact, using her knowledge of their native tongue to win their trust. She will also use her significant silver to see they are set up with necessities when they arrive at their destinations.

They manage to avoid violence, which is no minor miracle as of the sheer amount of naval force in the region now. Setarco's massive navy is significantly larger than the pride and joy of many Isles houses, a fact most seem completely unaware of even as House Pravus' dromonds and dozens of longships arrive in Kennex waters under the command of Admiral Alrec to assist the liberators. This is not, in any way, to diminish the forces sent by the Knights of Solace, House Laurent, Lianne's fleet of Nilanza, or the detachments by House Velenosa, Katarina's Oathlands fleet, Ashford or Thrax, but all combined it roughly doubles the overall size of the force, which would likely make any lower rank peers of the Isles distinctly uneasy if they realized its scope.

Fortunately, that's unlikely to happen, as the fleet takes place in a great disapora. There is still a significant percentage that opts to stay in Kennex lands with the support to do so, and in this, the Faith is instrumental. The Faith is one of the great consistent institutions across the entire Compact, even in the shamanism heavy north, but the Isles have always been closer to the Faith than that. Orazio, Thena, Preston, Bianca, Ailith in particular are able to make a great deal of difference in many staying, particularly with the economic work by Rook and Mydas helping to make a chaotic situation be broken down into stabilizing a destroyed economy, and peacekeeping efforts from the forces sent. Killian's Ashford men, Nicia's Laurent forces, Lianne's Nilanzans, Audric and Shard's valorous few, Preston's templars, Thena's knights of solace, Setarco marines all do a part to keeping peace on the ground, with the aid of the Valorous Few being a little questionable and a few of them seem determined to put the 'liberation' in Liberators to mean goods that belonged to individuals. A few hangings by Audric fixes that (and these were the friendlier ones, a shame), as well as Ferrando helpfully letting others know where the problematic elements are.

While a small but significant percentage stays, what truly happens is a massive disapora led by the combined fleet. Some prodigals. Setarco, Nilanza, Maelstrom, Maelstrom, and Ashford lands all see a significant amount of ex-thralls wishing to settle, with Setarco as an example seeing a large bump in capable courtesans at Setarco's schools. The Lycene is a bit more popular as in terms of climate, Setarco or Nilanza is closest to the saffron chain, and what the vast majority of former thralls originally came from. Monique as a prodigal has a great deal in common with many of the newer, louder voices from factions of former thralls, and is able to help many peacefully find new homes throughout the Compact- a smaller percentage opt for different vocations in Arx, with Hana having new weaponsmiths, Saedrus having some new employees at the Grotto and potential Whispers, the Valorous Few see a bump in questionable fellows replacing the ones hanged with Shard sorting out the most promising. There's quite a few new templars, knights of Solace and Scholars, particularly from those wishing to see Arx as godsworn. All in all, a massive amount of refugees are resettled peacefully.

All that's the good, the bad is minor but still significant- the huge amount of ships flying Oathlands and Lycene flags are allowing some pirates to take advantage of the confusion and fly false flags to escape justice, with hundreds of ships in Kennex waters without an overall central command, no one really knows who is who which is allowing some smugglers and pirates to hope that Thrax doesn't have the balls to pick on Oathlands or Lycene ships and provoke an incident (unfortunately for all involved, this is probably untrue). Also, while the great disapora helps the refugees, it doesn't help Kenenx- the recovery they see is modest, as most of their workforce is, in effect, leaving with only a minority staying. They still need a massive amount of investment to survive.

Action by Edain for Thralldom in the Isles

(Public Action, OOC Date: Nov. 11, 2017, 11:19 p.m.)

House Valardin is donating 700,000 silver to help with the initial cash of the economy in the hopes that these funds will be used to help those most afflicted. We will also waive trade tarriffs on Kennex ships coming to Sanctum and ports controlled by the Valardin to help them beable to start financially recovering on their own. Other houses have been invited to donate what they feel they can, and offer aid in otherways to help House Kennex recover. Duchess Nicia Laurent will oversee that the funds that are being sent by the Oathlands are put to their intended purpose.

Alis is contributing some of her own economic resources to assist in setting up any trade deals and helping reduce tariffs on current trade to Kennex. She would also be volunteering to help with the hunting party to provide food and hides for those who need it.

Fiachra will primarily be assisting with organizing hunts to provide meat and hides for those who need it. Fia also knows how to make hardtack (as well as Alis and Eirlys) and will teach those who would like to learn the process. It's not the best-tasting stuff in all Arvum, sure, but when any food is better than no food...

House Keaton will be assisting in aid with the hunt for meat to donate forth to those that are hungry. They will have hounds brought in for the hunting parties to aid the efforts and a storage shed will be made on their property to store the preserved food. In addition to this, Keaton has done a fair amount of trade of lumber with Thrax, and are willing to offer House Kennex a deal (should they take it) where they are the center point in supplying Keaton lumber to Thrax for building vessels, creating profit for House Keaton but also giving a healthy commission to House Kennex.

Reigna Keaton will be helping to set up a trust account into with the Oathlands donations will be put in. She will help administrate this trust to ensure the funds reach the freemen that are to benefit from this trust.

Ryhalt is directing a substantial sum of silver to Countess Reigna's trust at the bank of Arx as well as contributing his experience in financial matters to help grow the principal of the trust until such time as it is expended, finding profitable, short trades that he feels are within acceptable risk parameters to make the initial contributions go farther.

Princess Isabeau will do what she can to assist Nicia in the bookkeeping and paperwork aspects on the economic side of the situation. She possesses some mild familiarity with the concept of economics and she can alphabetize.

As asked, Nicia is going to oversee the funds, collection and allocation of, and make certain that there is no shady sleight-of-hand happening. As such she will be checking everyone's bookkeeping, on all sides, making certain that things are signed off on, and that there are no unusual inflations happening for goods that are being purchased, or donated, and that there are in fact an accounting of every item, every silver. She will be making certain that Kennex keeps good records, approaching the Marquis and her cousin, the Marquessa, as well as Lady Octavia to make certain that what is being donated goes to proper use.

For her part, Katarina contributes both time and energy into raising additional funds to compensate the initial cash investments of House Valardin. Being the wife of the Crown Minister of Coin has it's benefits. She will also use her connections throughout the various coastal ports of the Oathlands to encourage local businesses to open their ranks to potential newly freed thralls that might make their way back from the Mourning Isles under the ships she's already sent to ferry them wherever they might wish to begin their new lives.

The Oathlands' efforts have an immediate, significant effect on dealing with the immense economic damage that House Kennex has suffered. Reigna's idea of a trust is an excellent one, particularly when being overseen by Princess Isabeau and Duchess Nicia in making certain there's no malfeasance that takes part with the funds. Ryhalt's contributions from the Duchy of Westrock with all of its shipping concerns, which combined with Edain's tariff forgiveness and Katarina's contributions takes a good step towards getting Kennex's trade up and running again. Fiachra and Kael's hunting skills, aided by Alis, helps teach the new thralls some subsistence methods, and staves off a great deal of starvation concerns- something that almost certainly would have happened if not for their efforts.

Action by Katarina for Darkwater Revealed

(Public Action, OOC Date: Nov. 4, 2017, 5:17 p.m.)

On an expedition into yet another ruin out in the Mourning Sea, Katarina and other adventurers discovered a curious compass that is marked with the teardrop and lightning bolt - a sign they've come to know to associate with the Cobalt cache weapons previously discovered. It always seems to point East, no matter her location in the city. And given the hints of the mural where it was located, and the dirge that was told to her by Ailith, she wants to find out just where it will lead.

She's got a dedicated crew and the Unsullied primed and ready to follow where it's needle leads, and so she intends to set off and follow it into the East.

Aislin is coming along on the expedition, but she's also going to study that compass. She successfully studied the matching cutlasses with the lightning and teardrop, after all, so she has hopes she might be able to see what this compass is /doing/ -- because knowing what you're sailing into /before/ you sail into it is useful. But beyond that, she'll be there to help as an occult resource -- and a seasoned explorer -- for whatever they find at the end of the journey.

Thena has always felt that the compass should be /used/ instead of stuck in a locker, and she's easer to be a part of that voyage. Mostly she's muscle, and yet another Faith representative. In addition she can provide a few men and woman at arms. Her stealth may come in handy during scouting expeditions.

Marian's skills are twofold: scouting on the land, and providing protection for the rest of the crew. Once they make landfall, Marian will use her skills combined with Katarina's reading of the compass to help find the mural. As a prodigal, she has lived off the land, and will be that secret weapon at the end of the journey. Now on the sea...get the girl a bucket. She's no sailor so those baddies better board the ship cause she's not going to be any help on the voyage portion of their trip.

Preston will happily provide support and guardianship on the mission. He will also ensure that a few Templars are free to come with the group and can help ensure they are safe on their trip more than just Preston's sword. If the group need a boat/additional boats, he can also use his position to obtain one.

Sometimes when you chase something too hard, you find it - and it isn't quite what you thought it would be. It's actually much, much worse. (see event log for details)

Action by Katarina

(Public Action, OOC Date: Sept. 4, 2017, 5:19 p.m.)

With her amulet that once saw her safely through the dark waters before, Katarina takes the Unsullied with her crew out to sea to test whether its enchantment is still in effect with the Dark Water slowly inching its way toward the Mourning Isles. A massive risk, and one that leaves her stomach in no less than thirteen knots, she wants to try and gauge just how quickly it's spreading & collect samples. ;-;

This was done as part of the Darkwater Crisis actions! Apostate GM'd it!

Action by Katarina

(Public Action, OOC Date: June 27, 2017, 10:28 p.m.)

Katarina submits herself before the shrine of Jayus for three days & nights for deep meditation and worship on a dilemma that has plagued her since she fled her homelands for aslyum in Arvum. Lots of gifts to Jayus are made in the form of drawings and poems, all of which are done by her hand.

What was the 'Seal' that only her blood would reveal to the dark masters her Uncle Naddir was to sacrifice her for?

There's an unmistakable image for a moment of thirteen men and women seeming to pray with closed eyes in a massive chamber in a ziggurat, while outside there is a roar that seems to shake the entire world. As their eyes open, the roar turns into a shriek of outrage, and their eyes seem to glow with holy fire.

Action by Katarina

(Public Action, OOC Date: May 13, 2017, 10:35 a.m.)

Princess Katarina Valardin, with the blessing of her elder brother & high lord, Prince Edain Valardin, heads a small fleet of newly-built Valardin ships that carries a generous shipment of supplies and stockpiled foods to be given to Arx to aid in the rebuilding of the city and feeding the mouths of the hungry. The ships come from the Port of Sanctum, and land in Arx' harbors to deliver the supplies. A show of naval progress, albeit a small one.

    Princess Katarina also donates 10,000 silver per week to see families with small children in House Valardin and the Lower Boroughs fed and with access to living necessities indefinitely during this period of rebuilding.

Updated with Vox!

Action by Katarina

(Public Action, OOC Date: March 9, 2017, 11:53 p.m.)

Katarina visited the Shrine of Sentinel for the first time since her arrival into the city, and immediately after being drowned in some serious information about the current events of the city. After some debate, she decided to enter a period of meditation and reverent prayer to Sentinel, to ask the many-faced God for direction. and purpose. Of where she, a foreigner, might invest her energies to best help in the war to come.

Ambiguous and questionable vision added.

Action by Sameera(RIP) for The King's Rest

(Public Action)

While not taking on the grand task of ending thralldom for those sworn to the Thrax Family Dame Sameera Coldrain IS taking on the task of making it so those released from Thralldom can assimilate into the world of freedom far easier, especially for those who have spent many years as a thrall. To this end she is using the land Count Maximilian gave her to manage to create a small village, that is not intended to grow large, for former thralls to use as a 'half way house' of sorts. She is looking to have it run by former thralls and allow for former thralls to create their own safe haven. The thralls will be able to find their niche in the world among those that have been where they were and not be thrown in a world of decisions and freedom unprepared. The final, solid goal for this little village is for the former Thralls to give back what they take and become profitable. What this means, in essence, is she wats to make the former thralls self sufficient and contributing members of society. These people can either stay in Coldreach or find their place out of it, armed with skills to help them survive. Obviously for this to work Sameera needs people skilled in economics, stewardship, and agriculture as well as any resources needed.
Any and all resources will also be very useful for making this happen.
(OOC: For resources: For the moment Apostate said it would be 5 economic resources per person in the village.)
Sameera has gotten money from Niccolo to use towards the village project. He donated 100,000 silver, 42,000 of it has been used to obtain military and social resources to add to the resources being used.
OOC Since Aldwin already has an action in King's Rest but is definitely supporting: Player Aldwin pages you: Farm implements for the farmers and some tools, and guaranteed to buy 10% of the exports for teh first few years, and... Sending a priest to the village with a disciple of mangata to help organize the thralls.
Sameera would be sending a sketch along with those going to Coldreach to give them an idea what is being shot for when it comes to layouts and for potential more than expected. She is shooting for 500 people in the cost department, while trying to assure there is enough cushion for if more than projected amount arrives. Coldreach Sketch: A vague mime of the island is done on this sketch with the buildings focused around the center of it. The buildings are a mix of communal homes and personal, using the buildings already there by repairing them if possible, as well as necessary buildings like the keep. The homes are intended to be set up with herbal, vegetable, and ground fruit gardens for them to feed their families and export any extras. The lands surrounding the village is made up of open animal farms, consisting of smaller animals like sheet, pigs, and goats. Types of animals that don't take a lot of space and can graze openly on the island's grass. Rather than farm lands orchids of limes, lemons, mangos, and bananas are the dominant intentions. Around the island edges, outside the normal ship docks, are docks designed to house homes and businesses should more than the projected amount of people arrive. There is also a designated area for fishing and oyster diving. At the bottom of the sketch is a note listing the desired major exports: tree fruits (limes, lemons, bananas, mangos, etc), fish, and pearls. A list of potential minor exports is also included, which is what would be excess of supplies produced for consumption over anything else.

OOC: Just so it is known the angle Sameera is going for and all that.
Damnit. Any 'sheets'=sheep and 'orchids'=orchards. And in the central area churches/schools as well, since the Faith is sending priests and disciples. Basically, Sameera would do her best to assure that all the expected buildings of a village is there. Taverns, businesses, chruch, school, etc. Maybe not of grand sizes but there. And she would not be expecting it all to happen 'right away'. The orchards, I am loosely playing at the angle of them having been there due to the island originally hosing a plantation.
Since Samantha can't add due to having an action already in: Player Samantha pages you: Samantha will be contributing by donating lumber from Deepwood for structure and furniture building, as well as seeds from grove crops to see if any of them will grow viably on the island. She will offer any former thralls currently residing in Old Oak who want to return to Thrax an opportunity to do so as instructors in lumber and wood artisanship to be presented to Sameera as possible instructors to teach newly free thralls trade.
Donella (since she might still be having net issues?) has decided to throw her whole support behind Sameera's project and is determined to see it succeed. She is using her connections with people and adding any financial help she needs too.

Merek Black and Meeka, along with his two Guards, will be doing what they can to help sway some Merchants/People that might be sympathetic to the ideals of Sameera's task, to support it with funding. In addition to this, he will also be putting his own funding into it to an extent. He does not have the abilities to manage any logistics, so he will be specifically staying away from anything too involved besides the funding aspect, for the time being.

Ariel is doing a fund raiser and using her charm, her dancing, singing or her violin playing to gather funds as well as more help in Sameera's deed. Former thralls need homes too!
Ariel has also donated her own personal resources into the action. 305 economic, 105 military, 50 social.
Ariel has also donated her own personal resources into the action. 305 economic, 105 military, 50 social. She is also hosting an Auction on thursday, auctioning off donated items and vouchers that she has bought personally.

Princess Seva will be having a luncheon at her shop to raise awareness for ex-thralls. She'll be having Count Maximilian speak on Sameera's behalf. She's also try to help sway any merchants or noble's that she knows to get behind the worthy cause.

With her Guild's support, Guildmaster Joscelin Arterius would contract and trade to provide materials and labor to build the village Sameera needs for her endeavors. Joscelin's connections allow her to provide the resources needed as well as the manpower. While that is going on, on the mainland and in the city, Joscelin would speak of Sameera's work to anyone that might be interested, encouraging others to invest and aid the young Dame who looks to use her new title to improve the lives of others who share a common history with Sameera herself.

Harald is training a retainer  in stewardship to assist Sameera in organizing her new domain.  The coded retainer is Henrik, who will remain in Sameera’s service.  Harald will spend further influence to smooth over the view of Sameera’s project among the more reactionary Isles nobility, painting the experiment as a step to preserve Thralldom in the long term (100 social)

Gathering up a handful of Stormward's best Agricultural experts and teachers, Marquis Kennex is sending them to Dame Sameera's new island to work with the ex-Thralls, teaching them what they need to know to improve their living conditions on the field, as well as help them teach themselves.

As the child of a former Thrall, Carita has connections among the Lower Burroughs through her extensive commoner family to raise awareness of the project. A village will need villagers. Through her social connections she will be seeking former Thralls that might be able to aid recently freed Thralls in the transition from one life into the other in a way that is more feasible to the people. Like ought to meet like as it will aid in the learning process. In addition, she will be seeking donations of silver and resources.

Max put Sameera to this task, and he is not leaving her high and dry in any measure. Putting his own economic mind to the task, he will be assisting her with the economic side of things, as well as putting 1000 economic resources into the venture to help getting it going with no possible failure for lack of funding or supply.

Additionally, with generous pensions and bonuses to the military, on top of a highly successful military campaign, Max is ensuring the Darkwater military and local bannermen have no cause to feel like they are losing power or prestige to this effort. In that end, Max is disbursing an additional 250 economic resources for parades, banquets and honors in Darkwater Watch itself.

Having heard of Sameera's plans and the support she's gained Lucius has decided to use his knowledge about stewardship to help the former thrall. He is giving instruction on how to manage the lands properly and assuring people are doing what they are suppose too to keep the village going smoothly.

As a former thrall who has been able to pay his own debt and freedom as well as steward for the Darkwater family, Driskell knows many thralls and understands the issues they face. As a teacher and steward, Driskell will offer to go to the village and provide assistance in educating released thralls on how to manage finances, business and lands to squeeze as much profitability from whatever they have as well as being an example to emulate. He'll also be preaching that the Reflection offers thralls hope in their darkest moments, they can find strength in what others might feel are weaknesses.

Lark has pledged her support, using her influence in both House Grayson and the Crown to draw attention to Sameera's efforts, spreading the word. She uses her knowledge of economics, her contacts with merchants, and her <3<3charm all in conjunction to try to make deals on Sameera's behalf while assuring investors that Sameera has her long term support in this matter.

As Sameera is her lady's maid, and a dear friend, there is nothing Katarina would not do for the half-Eursui. She pledges a sizeable portion of resources, in both economic writs, social and military contacts gained in the time of the siege, to ensure a prosperous start for the island.

Through his persona and alternate identity of sorts Remi as The Tempest has called together friends and those who have sailed under his command now holding to their own vessels. Pirates, Bucaneers, Smugglers and outlaws of the water called under his flag to assist in the aftermath of the siege that nearly ended it all. But rather than having war or riches on their minds they come to help.
     The ships set to arrive in the early morning hours with their flags lowered to half mast and banners of truce flying to show they are there not for raiding or taking but in peace. The men of the crews there to assist in building efforts and if need be lay the ground work for docks for future trips and to aid others coming to help. Before the crews and ships leave any former thralls wishing to take their path beyond the edges of the law are allowed to leave with them learning the trade of sailing and questionable legality.

Khanne Halfshav, Minister of Agriculture for The Crown and Voice of Halfshav House, has agreed to assist Sameera with her efforts. She has spoken to other nobles about the efforts, and how it is a large undertaking that most of the Great Houses should be in support of. Aside from spreading the word, Khanne has offered to assist the thralls learn about agriculture and other means of survival. She offers to teach the thralls how to plant and best care for the crops, how to forage, and even hunt. Though others might be better skilled than she, she has vowed to do what she can, even offered to go on a dreaded boat and help begin on the island itself if need be. She has also offered to speak on shamanism to any thralls interested in the paths, and to work with the thralls in support of their own spirituality.

Juliet is helping - the Salon's long-promised debate on how to replace thralldom now has a practical example to point to, and as both a Spoke of the Silver Consortium, a Senior Associate of Black Mountain, a Diplomat in the Voice of the Compact and a Voice of Fidante, she has a lot of sway to help her pet projects. In this case, that includes encouraging the ethical practice of the village and gathering promises from merchants and nobles to remove their sanctions on Thrax-produced goods guaranteed to be made by the hands of free men and women. She's also making a personal investment into the village of Coldreach to the tune of 125 Economic Resources.

To assist with Sameera's attemps build her community by sending some masons and farmers from the Oathlands to help them build sturdy homes, and to grow crops upon the island.

Edward will assist the efforts of Sameera by using his own House resources to set up intitial trade routes with the expansive merchant fleet that Redreef possesses, to ensure that the village has suitable food imports and reasonable and discounted prices for the first two years. As well as provide, at no cost to the village, construction materials and supplies to ensure that the village has the material needs to get its initial neccessary construction projects under way, such as housing, food storage, defensive structures, and centralized village buildings, without being forced into construction stops due to a lack of those materials. These things to be represented by an influx of economic resources by House Redreef.

For his part, Darren will be garnering support of the noble class in Redrain and the Crown for support of Sameera's island. He takes the position that this is a thing of hope for the City - a true sign that times are changing and evolving for the betterment of all people. And if the Thrax can support an entire island of freed thralls, perhaps that will give them all the incentive they need to continue freeing more Thralls. There is a firm reminder that no one wants to see Thrax's economy stumble as a result, which is why it is all the more important that this island be supported by /all/ fealties and the Crown as well.

Marquis Malesh Stonewood, having heard of the Coldreach Villiage project through the Graysons and the Darkwaters, will be lending his aide as well. Assisting Lady Khanne and Dame Sameera Coldrain in the agricultural department, he lends expertise particularly in the propper care of orchards. Every helpfull, he will also lend his economic expertise to the project, helping to manage things at scale to prevent waste, loss, and graft. All to give the former Thralls of the village the best possible start.

Titania is helping educate the former thralls, when she can, and is trying to send those she thinks would go to help educate along. She is putting focus on sending those she knows are former thralls.

The village of Coldreach is established- still a part of the darkwater domain, but in effect an extension of Darkwater's territory and a strong exemplar project towards the abolition of Thralldom. See Vox update.

Action by Katarina for Fighting Legion

(Public Action)

Ever since her encounter with the Simurgh of Blackwood, and being inducted into the battle against Legion and the Horned God, Katarina has been actively hunting down tools and searching for the First Children of Sea and Salt to stop him.

With the help of several members of the Faith, she's managed to track the tools of Brimstone and Cobalt to the Weeping Daughter Isle. A team of talented people is being assembled to go and search the uninhabited isle, specifically the lightning storm-wracked summit where there is said to be a graveyard of the slain kin of Brimstone & Cobalt.

Aleksei is going along to /vomit/. That is: he'll spend the entire journey over being seasick, but what's important is what happens once they get to the Island. He brings both his full armor and whatever knowledge of esoterica might come into handy in such an investigation; it's difficult to know what to expect. If he needs to fight, he'll fight. If he needs to try and identify some weird shit, he'll try to identify some weird shit. What is his life even.

Morrighan's attendance with the group heading for the Weeping Daughter isle is, for the most part, personal. The Redrain Knight has, as much as she'll admit, a particular connection with Brimstone, and it's the majority of the reason she's going. That and keeping an eye on someone in particular. She'll gladly assist in whatever manner she can, fight if necessary. Morrighan is determined to find -something- more about Cobalt and Brimstone than she already knows, and perhaps see if she can pick up on anything while there. She'll be armed with her rubicund blade and equipped with her exotic leathers, as well as the bits of knowledge she has involving the two - Cobalt and Brimstone, that is.

Shard makes no secret of why she wants to come along: she's looking for a means, any means, to fight the Horned God, and she's wholly on board with any mission that involves tracking said means down. To that end, she's bringing her weapons, her armor, and her wits. Fighting is most of what she can contribute, but she's also a fair hand at wilderness survival, not the worst (if certainly not the best) at investigation, and she's stubborn as the Abyss itself. One might easily get the impression that her desire to fight the Horned God is personally motivated, and not a little single-minded.

Aislin has no powers or family heritage to bring to the table, but she can provide her years of experience as an explorer -- including one who's sailed the Mourning Isles -- her keen observation and investigative skills, and her knowledge of esoterica. (And, of course, her sword -- just in case.) Her particular goal is to find any lost, forgotten lore that might help with fighting either of the Heralds involved -- albeit with a particular focus on the Horned God, and protecting the spirits. Weapons or relics would also be a worthy find. But mostly she's here to provide service as both the Experienced Explorer and the Encyclopedia Esoterica.

Fortunato brings his eyes for searching, his paints for documentation, and his brain for figuring if needs be. He does his best to stay out of /fighting/, having embarrassed himself on one too many occasions. How can he turn up a chance to paint a storm-wracked summit, though, how can he?

It's possible that there's nothing useful whatsoever to be offered in Aureth risking himself on a voyage of this kind. He can literally count the times that he has been beyond the walls of Arx further than the immediate outskirts on the fingers of one hand. But the lure of information is too much for him, so he will accompany the crew with the thought in his head that he may go and kneel in the graveyard itself and pray to Death for further enlightenment very deliberately on site. I mean, you never know, right

This talented team requires a combat medic because obviously someone will likely get hit by lighting. As such, Ailith will read ahead of time on treating lighting victims and stock up on those supplies, aside from the standard ones a combat medic carries (re: following Mercy & Physician's Guild guidelines). In addition, she'll provide aid where she can with matters of the Faith and inspire with her unwavering faith.

The group travel to the Weeping Daughter Isle. It is a strange, haunting place. Bitterly cold and unwelcoming, but the warmth of the hearthfire hidden high in a mountain cave both warms and challenges them. They come out of it with a weapon of indeterminate use and the memory of the warmth of the Salamander's fire. Strange place.