Valdemar is going to begin planning for improvements to be made to Grimhold at Grihem's Point. Primarily, this will be expanding it and fortifying it, making the walls stronger where possible and adding arrow slits, murder holes, and pots for boiling pitch. While he is at it, he would include some renovations for the purpose of comfort, but this will be secondary to making it a more secure dwelling for his family.

Ingrid has studied much of economics and with her intellect and perception, she can spot the best deals, and hopefully avoid the rips, for building materials and labor for the improvements to be made to the Grimhold at Grihem's Point. The materials should be the best they can find, while at the most affordable price considering it is a huge project. An emphasis will be made on directing more business the way of whomever deals fairly. For the labor as well, she seeks those that are honest and hardworking.

Duchess Vanora Grimhall has been highly focused on improving Grihem's Point since her husband became Duke, for just as he is the Builder of Grihem's Point she may be the muse that inspires many of the expansions and additions to the Isle. Certainly she played a key role in the Grim Seminary down to details of architectural design...and she lent her support to the Harald Grimhall Naval Academy as well, with slightly less expertise. Expansions and renovations to Grimhold are certainly in her wheelhouse. As her husband considers ways to sure up its defenses, she focuses on the appearance of the castle itself, suggesting the addition of high outer walls and turrets that lend appropriate grandeur to the Grimhall family seat. She supervises the addition of onyx from the famed Grimhall onyx mines to the columns in the great hall and the decor around the gates.

As with any building expansion project, this one requires labor and thus provides jobs for the people, and for some those jobs are the first they have as free men, thralls who are released and paid fairly for their work. Her experience at organizing large efforts of this kind, as well as her charm and diplomacy, which aim to convince the people of Grihem's Point that this endeavor is for the glory of all of them. If her speeches are moving enough, perhaps there will be donations to the cause from the noble vassals and wealthy merchants, in order to impress their Duke and his family.

Orchid is going to help Valdemar with his fortifying and renovations by suggesting changes to optimize the land and organizing the people used for renovations. She isn't really focusing on the military aspect but the more building and people oraganizing.

Iseulet uses her vast network of merchants and people that know people in order to make this a more financially viable affair for House Grimhall. She focuses on sourcing all the materials from local merchants where possible and wields the Empyrean Route to direct more materials that they need to bring in from elsewhere without incurring extra taxes/tariffs. She focuses on not sacrificing quality, just price by (gently) making the merchants compete a little for this business.

Having considerable construction experience - from helping to rebuild Darkwater after the Gyre, to building up the colony at Whitefrost, and assisting in the rebuilding efforts of Stormwall in Redrain lands - Edward is going to leverage his ability with economics and logistics to make sure that quality materials are brought to the efforts of the rebuilding that is being done by House Grimhall. In addition, given his military background and experience - particularly in his assistance with sieges from the Siege of Arx and other locations - he will advise the Duke on how to best place the defenses so as to make full use of the design of the castle at Grimheim's Point.

Fortifying a castle is no small feat; it takes time, people and money. Thankfully, the Duke of Grihem's Point has all of those things. The end result is a heavily fortified keep, complete with secret boltholes and escape routes, a reinforced curtain wall and increase defenses. The people of Grihem's Point are pleased to see that their Duke is looking out for them in these trying and dangerous times.

The Tina Laurent teaching hospital in Artshall is a project by Lady Mabelle Laurent and a joint venture of the Physicians, The College of Apothecary and The College of Agriculture. The hospital is designed to serve the medical need of the people of Artshall and the neighboring villages as well as offer lectures and a place where they can learn a new vocation, be it as a physician, a mercy or an apothecary. Research facilities lay ground for future developments, particularly of herbal uses.

The hospital will feature care and service facilities, including an operating theatre, lecturing areas, a large library for studies and information, a research laboratory and a large garden in the back of the building, planted by the College of Agriculture in order to assure the self-sustenance of the hospital’s herbal requirements.

In addition the garden will include plants and herbs that are recommended by shaman healers as commonly used by local tribes that have bent the knee to the compact and to the Laurents, in order to encourage their presence in the hospital as patients, students and teachers alike.

A shrine for the 13 will be built within the hospital and saplings will be planted beyond the garden to develop into a grove for those of more spiritual inclinations.

While not any kind of healer, or physician, Nicia has been around enough to know what sorts of things might be helpful from an apothecary standpoint. So on behalf of the Apothecary College she provides insights into what might be needed to keep a fully stocked garden and lab for their purposes. She has even pledged to send over teachers to help establish the teaching hospital and train future apothecary students until such time as there are enough locals that might want to take over teaching duties, but also forge a bond between the hospital and the College to further everyone's education despite distances. As well as a promise to aid when needed in the event of a crisis.

Shae has volunteered to help build and plant the Hospital's garden and grove. With Shae's knowledge of the land; including the terrain, weather patterns, and the like, as well as her mastery of agriculture. She will use all that she knows to find the perfect location for the garden and grove. Even better if there is already a grove or woods that she could make use of, nothing wrong with using what is already there.

From there she will gather on the recommendation from various Mercies, Physicians, Shamans, and healers the herbs and plants they believe will be needed to help their patients. For the uses of first aid, tinctures, liniments, slaves, teas and so forth. If she is able to find a grove that already exists, she will build upon it, adding additional trees that are used in healing. And if not, then she will happily create one various trees that are good for medicinal purposes, including: Alder, Apple, Ash, Beech, Birch, Cedar, Cherry, Elder, Elm, Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Basswood (Linden), Maple, Oak, Pine, Poplar, Rowan, Walnut, Willow, Witch Hazel.

In addition to finding the right place to plant the garden and grove, Shae would also make sure they are planted in ways that help provoke a sense of peace, to help aid in convalescing, and healing those that spend time within them. Including adding a greenhouse for growing more delicate plants, benches for resting on, and enjoying the garden. Birdhouses, and baths, and a couple beehives. To help keep the health of the grove and garden, and provide honey for uses in medicinal purposes.

And of course she would say a prayer to Petrichor after planting the garden and grove. Thanking him for the gifts he has given them all, and hopes that he will watch over them, and help keep them safe, a place of safety and peace for those in need of such.

Brigid, while not someone who is of a medical mind or has been trained, has come to lend her help in other ways. House Moore has been prosperous in their soil given certain experimentation conducted largely by House Champagne. This soil which is considered highly fertile, has been gifted to help foster the growth of medicinal gardens in which a bevy of plants can grow and the hospital will be able to always have a supply on hand. Further more, two snippings of a rare herb known as Frosthope have been gifted to Mabelle Laurent, it contains specific properties known for helping to fight back blight as well is it known for curative and anesthetic properties among physicians. A home for all of these places, however comes with six large raised planter boxes built from the mighty oaks of Acorn Hill.

Cristoph is obviously very in favor of anything that's going to improve Artshall. He lends his stamp of approval for the project and also uses his extensive connections in the Peerage within the Oathlands and across the Compact to talk it up. He speaks not only of the benefits of such a project but about what an exemplary member of the Laurent family Lady Mabelle is and what's an incredible asset she's grown into.

As Minister of Loyalty for House Laurent, Naka engages the populace near Artshall regarding the project and the numerous ways it will improve their lives. In addition to this education effort, he also elicits their input, particularly regarding local herbal lore, for the benefit of the planning and construction. If nothing else, he hopes to help them feel connected to the project from the very beginning, even if their suggestions are not forthcoming or feasible where given.

Kritr has been called in to consult on the Artshall Hospital project. He has been asked how to make the hospital more comfortable for prodigals such as himself. He is only a few years removed from seeing the Compact as the enemy, so he will use his considerable powers of persuasion to ensure prodigals that the Laurents have only the best intentions with their school and hospital. He will visit the newly inducted clans and tribes in the hopes of encouraging their healers to send apprentices and promising recruits to learn the Compact's methods of treating injuries. He is living proof of the scars that primitive treatment can leave.

Thea is a combat medic. That's what she primarily does, anyway. So for the school, she will be teaching them how to set up field hospitals, properly and SWIFTLY care for those that have fallen and are wounded, and all the other quick things you should know. So please don't be squeamish! It isn't the first time she's taught such. Thea has also taught battlefield surgeons in Southport(action 3423), so she knows what she's doing. Southport's soldiers are being well taken care of, so hopefully she can teach others what she taught them.

Ilsa, though she now resides in Arx, understands the difficulties of those who live far from modern conveniences when attempting to provide medical care. While she offers her experience as a doctor and teacher to the new teaching hospital she also offers her knowledge of traditional herbs and herbal remedies. A skilled apothecary, she offers lessons in the natural flora which can be gathered and brewed and crafted into medicine when one is far from more established medical care. It is her hope that by providing instruction on those medicinal plants which can be gathered in and around the areas of Arthall, she can create opportunities for those living in the outlying villages greater abiity to tend to the illnesses of their neighbours when travel to the hospital is not possible.

Rukhnis is always glad to hear of more institutions being founded to bring together and disseminate medical knowledge of various kinds, and she is going to enthusiastically offer her own assistance in this project. She will be working to draw up detailed curricula in her own particular fields of expertise, with a full course each on holistic medicine and epidemic disease. Between these two courses there will be both introductory material and more advanced content dealing with such matters as the interconnections of mind and body in the delicate balance of health; the influence of environment, climate, and the seasons upon the humours; the impact of diet and the prescription of special dietary regimens for people with various conditions and temperaments; the causes, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis of a number of miasmic fevers and other epidemic diseases; and so much more! Each curriculum will additionally be extensively illustrated by case histories from her own work. In fact Rukhnis is, on the whole, far happier and more enthusiastic about putting together lesson plans, reading lists, illustrative examples, and teaching schedules than any sane person should be.

And then because apparently this isn't enough work, she's also volunteered to visit the teaching hospital for periodic lectures. Having trained in Eurus under a leading expert in the physiology of the eye, she's particularly glad to offer supplementary lectures about the eye and its various unique maladies, as well as providing demonstrations of surgical techniques such as the couching of cataracts.

Having assisted in establishing the Saving Grace Hospital in Arx, and being one of the leaders of the Physicians guild (at one point) Eirene knows what goes into establishing such an endeavor. She lends her expertise in medicine to make sure the administration is there to support the doctors first, not the other way around. She ensures the proper tools are being cleaned proper prayer sterilization practices to Lagoma. And she knows what kind of beds, operating tables, and supplies are needed to staff such a location.

Gwenna could not be more excited to be allowed to attempt to help on such a promising endeavor, especially for her cousin Lady Mabelle and the Laurents. The Redrain isn't at all skilled in the areas of medicine or apothecary, with just a passing fancy in agriculture, but what she has sometimes been rather capable of is talking up the merits of such projects to help gain further support. Having been involved in no few building ventures across the Compact, Gwenna will use her experiences to do the same for The Tina Laurent teaching hospital in Artshall, and hope her words around the region and personal support assist in making it a great success.

Curricula. Comfort. Medical administration. That all seems to be covered which leaves Edward to perform in what has slowly become a specialty of his own. Construction, costs, and logistics. While the physicians and alchemists and doctors decide how it will be run and what is needed to run after the place is completed he focuses on the process of building.

Using his experience in construction and logistics from prior projects he will ensure that the materials used to build the hospital are quality materials. That cost saving endeavors are not detrimental to the overall quality and structure of the building. And ensure that the laborers hired are capable of doing the work with an eye towards the overall quality that is expected of such a place where people come to seek better health. Additionally, Edward will leverage his considerable economic knowledge to keep cost overruns down and attempt to obtain supplies and construction materials for prices that allow an excess of materials to help with last minute problems that always come up in large building projects.

Kedehern isn't much of a builder, or someone with medical experience. He does however, know how to get people organized, and working efficiently. He'll make sure that tasks are properly delegated, and lend morale to the workers' efforts, as well as make sure that logistics are taken care and running seemlessly. His skills may have been honed on the battlefield, but there's something refreshing about putting them to use on a work of healing, instead.

Rosalie is going to be helping with the teching hospital that Mabelle is looking to have constructed in Artshall. More specifically, she will be helping with the creation and blessing of the shrine therein. Small, really more of a chapel than a true shrine, it will be crafted, at least on the interior, as a tridecagon. A 13-sided room, each wall panel bearing a small mural representative of its respective God, with a bas relief of the God's sigil at the top of the wall. Pews will be the majority of the furniture in the room, thirteen to be exact. Small pews, able to seat just a few people at each. At the front, a small altar where worshippers can leave offerings or where the resident Godsworn priest can offer counseling or tutoring. And a small bookshelf replenished as needed, filled with primers, a beginner's introduction to the Faith. Thin volumes offered in Arvani, each of the four shav'arvani dialects, even Eurusi.

The blessing itself will encompass each of the Gods, with an offering made at each panel before being placed into the altar.

Aion receives a request for restful sleep and sweet Dreams made possible through hard work and trust in the Gods, the wall panel brushed with crushed moonstone mixed with spring water gathered beneath a full moon.

Death receives a request for help with the transition from one life to another, of starting anew and being reborn into a new way, the wall given home to a tiny spider in its silken web.

Gild receives a prayer for goodwill and charitable thoughts to be granted to all who pass through the shrine, the wall panel brushed with powdered gold mixed with myrrh oil.

Gloria is given prayer for strength and honor to walk the proper path, no matter how hard it may seem at the time, the wall panel brushed with steel and cleaning oil.

Jayus receives a request for inspiration to guide those seeking answers or help to find what they need within the walls of the hospital, the wall brushed with a small rainbow of paints created from local flowers and herbs.

Lagoma receives a prayer for healing of course, but also for change to lead people to new lives and down new paths, the wall brushed with the soot gathered from one of Lagoma's eternal lanterns.

Limerance receives a request for love for new homes and new beginnings, and fidelity to the paths chosen and each other, the wall brushed with purest silver mixed with rose oil.

Mangata receives a prayer for new life and hope to spring as eternal and steady as the tides pull at the shores, the wall brushed with a mixture of crushed coral and local springs.

Petrichor receives a request for a fertile field of the mind as well as body, allowing new ideas and learnings to take root as well as the flora in nature, the wall brushed with powdered leaves mixed with sap from local trees.

Sentinel receives a prayer for order to rise from chaos and help to leave those who enter with a clearer sense of purpose and self, the wall brushed with powdered iron mixed with armor oil.

Skald is given thanks for his gift of Choice and prayer that those who enter will find their way to the Choice best suited for them and the strength to accept the consequences of it, the wall brushed with crushed metal from broken shackles mixed with a healing salve.

Tehom receives a request to give those that enter the strength to look at themselves and see those things within that they must acknowledge before they can move forward in their new paths, the wall is brushed with crushed stygian mixed with mirror polish.

Vellichor receives a prayer for the wisdom to embrace new paths and new teachings with open arms and in turn to share that wisdom with others, the wall brushed with dust mixed with ink.

In Artshall rises the Tina Laurent Teaching Hospital, a grand endeavor planned by Lady Mabelle Laurent as a joint venture of the Physicians, the College of Apothecary, and the College of Architecture. Beyond library, lecture halls, and laboratory, the teaching hospital has a vast herb garden that includes both a shrine to the Pantheon, and, more controversially, a grove. Less controversially and more spectacularly, the herbs in the garden include Frosthope, an herb previously thought legendary. Lady Mabelle's deep diplomatic skills and the exciting novelty of the new herb means that the inclusion of more shamanistic traditions draws little more than grumbling, for the moment, and people with such beliefs alongside pantheon worship appreciate the nod. And the invitation.

Duchess Nicia Laurent, on behalf of the Apothecary College, provides insights into the best healing herbs. Baroness Shae Fortier provides the design of garden and grove, greenhouse and birdhouse and beehive, and, it is said, was key to the Frosthope planting. Lady Brigid Moore helps see to the soil. Sister Rosalie Redtyde sees to the design, dedication, and blessing of the new shrine, emphasizing each of the gods, and providing a small theological library. Duke Cristoph Laurent and Princess Gwenna Redrain promote the hospital as a wonder and a boon, while Lord Naka does similarly more locally, with a special emphasis on those who've recently bent the knee. Lord Kritr Clearlake intensifies this emphasis, providing propaganda for the Compact way of health. Lady Thea Malvici provides instruction in that Compact way of health, while Ilsa focuses more on herbal instruction. Rukhnis also assists with instruction and curriculum and scheduling, excited by the organizational challenge. Lady Eirene Malvici ensures that the administration prioritizes support for doctors and good medical practice.

Baron Edward Stormbreak sees to the economic efficience of the construction. Baron Kedehern Fortier sees to the morale of the workers and the logistics of that construction, as well as aiding his wife with the garden.

The hospital, once completed, is indeed a marvel, and the successful tending of Frosthope is truly exciting to the Arvani, even the vast majority who aren't sure yet what it is. It represents a fundamental success, and an exciting novelty, and a sign of ever increasing medical knowledge.

Valdemar is going to go on a tour of Grimhall's holdings, recruiting new sailors for the Grim Fleet. At each stop, he will give a speech about the warrior tradition of their people, their devotion to duty, and urging them to step up for the sake of the safety and security of the Mourning Isles. Meanwhile, he is also placing an order for new ships with Stormheart Shipyard, asking his protege Aella to assist with expediting the order, so that these new sailors have ships to crew.

With the construction of the Stormheart Naval yard, orders have been coming in at a steady rate, providing work and opportunities to the people of Stormheart. Aella's Patron, and donator to the naval yard, has sought assistance in bolstering the naval forces of Grihem's Point so one good deed deserves another. Aella has opened construction of the naval yard to the Grimhalls, providing them with a workforce more than willing to build ships and assist the Compact.

The Duchess-Consort will be accompanying Valdemar on his tour of the Grimhall holdings, and will do her best to assist Valdemar in recruiting new sailors for the Grim Fleet. She'll host several different events in Grihem's Point, including lavish parties for the nobility and more public speeches directed towards merchants and commoners, all of which are focused on getting as many new recruits as possible, whether through inspiring Grimhall patriotism among the masses or subtle social pressures for noble families to see that their sons have at /least/ a few years of military experience under their belts as Isles traditions would dictate.

The Grim Fleet Admiral will be making his rounds with Valdemar and Vanora on their tour of the Grimhall holdings. Offering speeches and sitting and talking with any potential recruits along the way to bolster up the Grim Fleet's numbers to fill the new ships that are being built.

Seroza is not particularly a fan of long voyages himself, so why not get others to do it for him? Or rather, a recruitment drive. That should help the family out, right? At least, thats what he thinks. So it is Seroza will take it upon himself to rouse up the public in hopes of joining the Grimhall Fleet.

Edward will travel with is Patron, the Duchess Vanora, to help with her efforts at a recruitment drive for the Grimhall military. He will be the veteran of the Gyre's War and the War of Silence, with plenty of stories to share regarding the bravery of House Grimhall and the strength of its military. He will focus on logistical facts and about how it is the merchants who provide supplies and material and the nobles who seek out recruits and opportunities that benefit all of them, that becomes the backbone of strength that makes House Grimhall the mightiest and most well trained military arm in the Mourning Isles.

Lastly, he will even speak not just of the tenacity of the Grimhall fleet - but he will speak on the strength of Duke Valdemar and how the military tradition is very strong with him at the lead. Edward will speak about heros soldiers that the House has had in the past and how every soldier is not just a part of a military but is part of a potential, a group out of many who can rise up and be the next hero recognized by House Grimhall.

The efforts to recruit new sailors and build ships for said sailors is a rousing success. Between the combined efforts of Valedmar, Vanora, Seroza, Edward and Ingvar dozens, hundreds of men report for duty to the Grimhall navy. And given Aella's shipyard, a staggering number of ships set sail for Grihem's Point. 75 Longships, 13 galleys and 2 dromonds all bearing the colors and flag of Grimhall arrive, ready to be manned by the new sailors. Grimhall's fleet nearly doubles and all feel safer for it.

Yasmine Champagne has taken a keen interest in stepping into the business of agriculture – specifically the experimentation and creation of new food crops that are both nutritious and delicious for consumers, as well as equitably sustainable for the producers with an excellent yield and turn around. House Champagne has no shortage of wealth, influence and connections among the Compact to see this done; however, they lack the lands to do so.

In order to rectify this and cultivate new trade relations within the fealties, Yasmine has hand-picked several noble houses situated upon lands with unique and challenging conditions to base her work upon.

From the Crownlands: It is perhaps rather symbolic that Yasmine approached a house with an ancestry rooted in creating something substantial from nothing. With their penchant for being the most industrious lot Yasmine has come across, Yasmine partnered with Count Orrin Seliki to try and bring them a new food crop.

From the Northlands:Yasmine approached House Clearlake and brokered an agreement with Baroness Acantha Clearlake and Lord Ringvald Clearlake to utilize their lands to experiment with root vegetables that will prosper in the cooler climate regions and be delicious despite the lack of reliable sunlight when the winter months are long and dark. (Think swiss chard, and similar dark greens.)

From the Oathlands: Baroness Brigid Moore and Lady Katherine Moore gave their consent to allow House Champagne use of their lands. Given that they were once the breadbasket of the Oathlands, Yasmine wants to help revitalize their reputation with the careful implementation of new cereal grains and legumes that will attract new lifeblood into the area as the Moores seek to rebuild what they lost in recent tragedies.

The Mourning Isles: From the Isles, Yasmine has brokered a deal with House Stormbreak to make use of their flatlands that may be suitable as a site of new crops. She knows there’s going to be a challenge there with it being so far flung north of the Isles that brutal winters will be a worry, so she knows that cold-resistant and hardy is the way to go.

There are more houses that Yasmine has struck deals with and who’ve agreed to lend a helping hand in the experimentation, guarding, and other fairly important tasks that she hopes will further their successes beyond her initial massive investments into the respective lands.

Harlex Valtyr hasn't been a farmer since he left home at the age of seventeen. But here he is, aiding in the spreading of these agricultural plans. Not as an expert, of course. He remains the business partner of Yasmine Champagne, deciding to not only join her as a personal bodyguard, but also to make sure she doesn't get in over her head. Certainly looking scary is a good way to dissuade anyone from at least not hearing her out. Other than that, he provides the assurance that she couldn't be safer than in his company. Lets make some money moves.

Ringvald, being an economic mind is going to be actively overseeing proceedings that take place in Clearlake hold. His main contribution will be overseeing the beauracracy involved in the matter, and ensuring that should the plan come to fruition, it will be adequate for the surrounding area.

Baron Stormbreak will provide Yasmine with the necessary parcels of land to be used and tended by the colonists of Whitefrost. Those farmers who put their land up for volunteer will get a stipend to offset their costs and ensure that they suffer no hardships going into the winter for their own households. The Baron will also take responsibility for overseeing all logistics and economic concerns for his part of the project, as well as be ready to assist any others whose requries it or with whom he will need to coordinate.

If there is anything the lands of Estroch Isle might have, it's ample amounts of fertile soil. She sets some agriculturally vyable land aside for Yasmine's project and contributes some of her wealth to clearing it and preparing it for farming.

That's about as much of farming as Iseulet knows, unfortunately. But she can help in other ways! As the founder of the Empyrean Route, she can make sure that things get to where they need to go quickly and what needs to be sold gets there and the right ears hear tell of the new crop and all of its benefits.

On behalf of Duchess Cambria Mazetti, her Voice will be seeing to this proposed project. Arrangements in the city-state of Ostria will be made to set aside arable land for this project. On account of the fact that it will prove useful in increasing the stockpiles of food for the people under the protection of House Mazetti and that it may prove financial beneficial for the household, the project is given the full support of the Hydra. In addition to this Duke Hadrian Mazetti stands prepared to aid in stretching out the investments into the project as far as they can possibly go. Putting business talents garnered from the First Bank of Ostria, Port Valerio, the refurbishment and reinforcement of Stone Keep, House Mazetti's recent construction of three caravels, and more to good use. House Mazetti stands prepared to give its full support to the efforts on their land at the request of Yasmine Champagne.

Baroness Brigid Moore, with no small amount of cautious excitement decided to accept the offer for it would be a foolish thing for a decimated house to disregard - especially since Yasmine Champagne comes highly regarded by both the Marquis and Marquessa Keaton but the acceptance came with warnings and stipulations. The full scope of Acorn Hill is as follows: it’s soil has been corrupted by the foul forces that snuffed out all life on the barony and its surrounding woods are haunted with not a living thing remaining as even the Abandoned have fled marking it as cursed.

Once a cleansing has been done and a way found to be rid of troubles past, the parcels shall be open for Yasmine’s profitable experimentation.The Baroness herself will personally find hands to help work the land, acquire horses to help plow even if her own warhorse must be put to use, dig out the agricultural knowledge of Acorn Hill past, and use her own hands to see it done.

It's not easy, but the tremendous investment in time, effort and funding yields fruit. Not quite literally, since it's mostly vegetables for the different fealties, but still.

In the Crownlands, House Champagne and Seliki are able to develop a type of greens based off of an edible (and pretty delicious) seaweed that grows in their waters. Seliki Greens could be grown in most of the calmer coastal areas of the Crownlands in fairly large quantities. It becomes quite a popular vegetable to mix in dishes at Pearlspire, and has started to spread throughout the Crownlands.

At Clearlake Hold, it's a matter of experimentation with different root vegetables, and finding ones that are more hardy and can be grown on land that has brief periods of thawed ground and is not quite to the line of permafrost. Mixing some of the more hardy vegetable roots from more arid regions works well, as they respond well to the portracted sunlight during the thawing months and damp ground, and are able to be harvested still as the ground cools. Clearlake Roots are a hit, and are durable enough that they can provide a staple throughout the land just short of the Everwinter.

In the Oathlands, Acorn Hill is cleared and the lands are used for experimentation with legumes. Some of the ground seems unusually fertile as House Champagne and Moore experiment with it- a possible side effect of the atrocity that happened there. The new Moore Legumes make an excellent complementary addition to the harvests, and can grown as an excellent rotation crop that greatly increases the wheat and rye yields so popular throughout the Oathlands and beyond.

The cooler lands near Whitefrost often have had crops damaged by particularly bad storms, and the newly developed Mourning Beets are extremely resistant to storms and flooding that have often badly damaged harvests. In addition, they are an excellent source of sugar, which is markedly popular.

House Champagne requires a reputation under Yasmine Champagne as one of the foremost investors in the Compact in developing new food sources and specifically in fighting against any dangers of starvation from difficult times. Trade is brisk after the first harvests, particularly for Ostria, Clearlake Hold, Whitefrost, Acorn Hill and the Empyrean, with many domains clamoring to try the newly developed crops. More importantly the Compact has a strong bulwark against starvation.

After many months of planning, the Laurents, spearheaded by Mabelle decide to construct a waystation: road-station / Inn near Artshall. a structure that offers hospitality for all travellers for a set period of time That should, in theory, encourage merchants and other visitors to experience their lands and will probably help with strengthening bonds with neighbours and foreigners alike. A way station right outside Artshall that will offer any and all guests simple room and board for a period of three days. The waystation with facilities for merchants and travellers, will have shops and stabling to help fund it. After three days visitors can stay but will have to pay inn rates. Relies very heavily on a cultural importance of guest-right/hospitality as demonstrated in the Oathlands, the waystation will also include services of physicians, animal groomers, hagglers, religious representative and the like.

The waystation is planned to be not only a place for traders to lay down, have a warm meal and gather the energies to carry on in their hazardous journey, but also crucial hubs where travelers didn't waste the opportunity to do business with local markets and traders, and cultural crossroads where merchants didn't just exchange textiles and spices but also ideas, traditions, languages, and even news, both importing their own and taking back home what they had learned along the way.

The project will be engaging different individuals from the Compact to assist, be it people to handle logistics, economical aspects, guarding duties, blessing of the Faith and building a of shrine for gild, artists to embellish the place with fabrics, mosaics, paintings and wood works. Do not forget the beehive chandelier.

This should encourage merchants and other travellers to visit Laurent lands and hopefully increase pilgrimage, merchant business and immigration as a result.

Inspiration sketch: http://www.pizzatravel.com.ua/uploads/2014/16645.jpg
Inspiration pics and info: http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/sultan-hani-caravanserai.html

Having reviewed Mabelle's plans for this project, Cristoph gives it the stamp of approval. He also does *a lot* of talking it up while he's at court.

Jael recruits and trains a number of soldiers to keep order and peace at the new waystation.

With a clear understanding of the goals Mabelle has in mind and the ways that everyone else is helping, Edward still step in and fulfill the economics logistic and oversight role. While others help with location, procuring materials, and ensuring they get to the site for construction in a timely manner, he will do his best to ensure that cost overruns and quality of materials are used to their utmost. This will also allow him to ensure that there is no siphoning of materials, limit theft, and ensure that high quality materials are not replaced with cheaper or lesser quality materials.

Iseulet helps Mabelle (and the Laurents!) by using the many many contacts she has made over the years to not only spread the word about the waystation to the people that need to know about it (merchants, traders, hagglers), but also ensure that she gets the goods and supplies to build the waystation at the cheapest possible rates.

With the success of the Bold Espressions in Arx, Ryhalt jumped on the opportunity for possible expansion of another shop at this outpost. He reasoned that travelers weary from the road or messengers needing a boost to keep them going down the road would be sure to find a coffee shop a welcome amenity among the other features of the outpost. Therefore, an investment in the Laurent's latest project to ensure a prime location for the shop was a carefully calculated business decision.

To honor the Laurents, the menu selection would weigh towards flavors of coffee that went well with their honey, along with more standard fare for those that did not want such sweetness and would otherwise suit regional tastes. The shop would not be as big as the establishment in Arx, but would still have a cozy area for chatting and drinking inside for cold or inclement weather. Outside would be a small patio for street-side tables to help advertise and to give a place for those who have only a couple minutes to pause a place to sit and enjoy. For staff, mostly locals would be hired, but Ryhalt would send a more experienced member of the Arx branch to manage the shop to ensure the quality did not waver.

Besides the coffee shop, he arranges for the export of other specialty goods from Westrock such as pomegranates, sugar, pineapples to boost variety of products offered by the outpost and to pique the interest of passing traders to goods not yet available in their region, intending to spread not just coffee through the Compact and ensure wider success of the outpost.

And, as promised, he provided Mabelle with tips on the general plan, drawing on his business and life experience to maximize the placement of the outpost and potential for growth and profit for the entire outpost.

Delia uses her family connections to merchants and tradesfolk to spread word about the new Laurent waystation. She focuses specifically on merchants who might have found it somewhat inconvenient to make their way through Laurent lands, talking up the waystation as a solution for that inconvenience. She also intends to travel out there once the building is complete, to bring back personal descriptions of the place.

Llewella eagerly jumps into the project with Mabelle as it allows her to express an artistic and diplomatic idea she's wanted to put into use. Her help takes the form of labor as well as an art installation.

First, Llewella will buy the freedom of more thralls in the isles, seeking to select them from houses sincere in their efforts of reform. These freed thralls will be asked to find employment with Astarrea or House Laurent and used as paid labor to help with Mabelle's project and Llewella's art.

Second, Llewella will talk to the Knights of Solace, House Laurent, and related trading concerns to learn more about the area that is being worked and the people (Arvani or Shav'arvani) that may be involved. She'll seek out their stories, the things important to their cultures, and so on. Using this information leads to...

And third, Llewella and her labor crews will quarry/buy tall blocks of local stone and arrange them at notable, interesting locations around the waystation. On each of these stones will be carved images of trade and cooperation, or civilization and knowledge being exchange. She'll have carved into each several written versions of the stories in all the related languages for those that stand the most chance of passing this way.

Dante has come to protect those who are working upon the waystation. With Tor bordering the Laurent lands (who are also their allies by marriage), the Sword of Tor sees this as an excellent opportunity to aid allies and traffic to and from Tor alike.

Athaur is more then happy to help out his friends in House Laurent. Especially when he believes in the usefulness of their goal. In his own time spent expanding his own house he has developed quite a bit of knowledge in developing and expanding lands and making improvements. He will bring this knowledge to help the Laurents decide where they should build their waystation, how to expand and supply it.

Sanya aids Mabelle in her efforts by spreading word of the project, drawing attention to it in hopes of gaining assistance. She'll discuss the advantages of the Waystation for merchants and travellers in particular.

Colette doesn't really know much about this stuff, but she is more than happy to scout the are and find places to set up new watchposts along the road to help ensure the safety of travelers on their way to Artshall.

There are definitely better people for the purpose of spreading the word about an ambitious project of construction, artistry and, ultimately, diplomacy. But those people probably wouldn't talk to the exact same people as Naka Laurent, so he figures his lesser efforts might still have some efficacy. So Naka goes about talking up the waystation concept and its needs among the Scholars and other primarily Faith folk he comes across in his day to day. Other persons are not immune to a good talking to about this effort, but the above are the sorts of people he most often interacts with.

Dame Alexis leaps at the chance to aid in Lady Mabelle's project. While the Gold Order is respectful of the faith and careful not to overstep boundaries with the Knights of Solace, Alexis sees little issue in ensuring that there are members of the Order at the Waystaton to help relieve the pressure - the Knights, after all, must frequently aid travellers along the way. Besides, the Golden Order are Questing Knights at heart, and what better place to pick up news of those in need of aid than a Waystation? There's even an inn here! So it is that the Gold Order's insignia is seen on soldiers, squires, and knights who rotate in and out, but always maintain a permanent, reassuring presence.

Vicente's roll in this is largely advisory. He will be seeing to any elements that might make the location vulnerable to attacks or raids. Any troops that need trained or advised on defensive or offensive positions based on the surrounding terrain and advising on ideal ambush locations.

Felix will assist not only in helping to establish the shrine for Gild; the building of statue, metal artworks and the like, but in his role as Godsworn - asking for Gild's blessing in this venture for those travelers and merchants who come from near and far to this place. He will also help to establish a shop here for whichever apprentice is soon to earn their journeyman mark and wishes to preside here for a time to represent this branch of Seaborn Weaponry, giving the majority of business to them, while maintaining shipments of quality blades from his own forges for those who do not wish to travel all the way to Arx itself.

Sir Bhandn is here to both represent the Knights of Solace as well as see to the Knights' efforts in maintaining safety for those travelers who would call the waystation a haven from travel and danger. He brings with him a notable contribution (in the form of 6000 military resources) from the Grandmaster for the purpose of improving the fortification and security of the waystation and the area it's in.

Hospitality. Generosity. Home and Hearth.

The Domestique Bell, as Legate Ailith proposed, also known as the Haven of the Honey Bee embodies the vision set by Lady Mabelle - a haven to forge bonds between travelers and traders across the Compact with the community, and to honor Gild and Limerance.

Between the two (more prominently Mabelle), unique and personalized additions were discussed and carefully selected to create a haven that reflects the love of the Gods by way of the hospitality through Gild and the community bonds through Limerance (see OOC section for silver/resources). Boutiques feature such local works by Laurent and its vassals such as honeycomb and wax crafts or the specialty chocolate coated honey coins embossed with the Gild and Limerance symbols. The rooms at the inn offer a "slice of home" with adornments imported from all across the Compact. Ailith reached out to the scholars to create an embossed guest book to be prominently displayed in the foyer of the inn; any visitor may write their name to be recorded in the archives at the new shrine.

For the shrine, Ailith coordinates with Legate Bianca and the Seraph of Artshall to promote a Godsworn as Seraph to this haven - a person who shares the vision for hospitality and community. In addition, Ailith sought to ensure the godsworn and disciples carry forth charitable deeds - offering sanctuary to the weary, healing to the hurt, and compassion to the downtrodden. It is her hope by the hard work and sermons by the Faith as well as the long-standing Faithful leadership by House Laurent that this haven would be remembered as a place where people felt the love of the gods, not just metaphorically.

And as such, Ailith travels to the haven to lead an elaborate consecration ceremony and ritual for the new Shrine of Gild and out to the center of the crossroads that leads into the waystation. Honeycomb shaped bricks pave the walkway with the outer edges in gold, shimmering like honey. A map of the compact is painted on the walkway with the Laurent lands at center. Names create the roads from the waystation on the map - names of local travelers, prominent and respected traders, inn keepers, and so forth to represent the bonds in the community and those who shared in the creation of this place.

Dead center of the map, Ailith pours a special brand of Laurent honey, wildflower with hints of chocolate blended with holy water. As she pours the honey to create the symbol of the pantheon, she recites the Canticles of Gild and Limerance, sharing stories of how havens as these linked even the smallest of towns to the largest of cities (even remarking on her childhood being from a backwater region of the Oathlands that trade links to civilizations) - news, stories, and songs come way by the road - and the hearts of the locals offering hospitality by generously offering a place to stay can make a difficult journey in life a little lighter. The doors open to the shrine and a feast for all (free for all) is offered. She works with the locals including the surrounding Seraphs to ensure that the stories she shares echo that of people from the community, thereby further personalizing and including them in this haven.

It's a massive construction project, as the Domestique Bell begins to take shape. Called also the Haven of the Honey Bee, or simply the Waystation of Artshall, the waystation is part fortress, part inn and part holy place, and it's a remarkable feat of construction that it serves those three roles relatively seamlessly. Lady Mabelle Laurent's project is heavily hyped from the beginning throughout the Compact. Delia and the Whispers drum up excitement at Court, and Duke Cristoph lending his stamp of approval has many taking notice, due to his continued, triumph success in making Artshall a beacon of security and stability in difficult times. With Iseulet and Naka also helping spread the word, more help is offered though there is a noticably large groundswell of support from suspiciously enthusiastic members of the public after Sanya speaks movingly about its virtues. It really resonated, and goes better than it probably should.

Construction and security of the Domestique Bell is overseen by Edward, Jael, Athaur, Colette, Vicente, Dante, Llewella, Bhandn, and Alexis with her Gold Order. While it's not an inherently military structure, it still is strategically important as its a large fort outside of the city proper for Artshall, that lets travelers rest in safety without having to go to the trouble of entering the city itself. As such it should be a key target for Abandoned, but due to the heavy security there's no meaningful attempts to attack the waystation, and only a few petty acts of sabotage from Abandoned likely pretending to be volunteer workers that don't prove to be more than an annoyance. As its finished, it stands as a huge trading post, fortress, shrine and inn that can easily house hundreds of travelers and in a pinch could likely protect thousands within its walls if packed tight. Ryhalt's trade goods from Westrock gain immediate interest, and Felix's Seaborn Weaponry branch is quite popular.

The care in construction is not lost on the throngs that come to hear Ailith's consecration of the large Shrine in the waystation. Much of the beautiful designs are from Ailith's directions, speaking to a celebration of Gild, Limerance and all of the gods. The huge crowd cheers and applauds Ailith's words at consecretion, and some remark afterwards that eating the providing honey coins created by Ailith gives them nostalgic feelings of hearth and home.

People feel safe at the Domestique Bell- to worship, to rest, and to trade. There's a larger response than there probably should be to the completed waystation, even one as large and significant as the Haven of the Honey Bee. Trade floods in immediately towards Artshall, coming from Tor, Westrock Reach and other places. Many marvel at the comfortable rooms, the sense of welcome from the Shrine, and some say they feel particularly at ease when they inspect the masonry that came from the Isles, with much of the stonework of the waystation having symbols of Gild, and some have writing in a language no one can recognize that makes readers feel at ease.

Aside from the general triumph of the Domestique Bell, a new fabric coming from Artshall catches on and immediately draws notice from the Compact. Artshall velvet, a new luxury fabric, will be spreading throughout the Compact in large part due to the waystation, and the timing of its roll out and completion of the Haven of the Honey Bee is near perfect.

For some time now, house Grimhall has been planning to build a school of theology at Grihem's Point, to teach Mourning Islanders about all of the Gods of the Pantheon and encourage more of them to become Godsworn. The time has come for construction to begin, and so Valdemar will be getting things in order to do this: finalizing the plans for the building, getting them out to construction crews, arranging for the import of any materials needed that are not produced at Grihem's Point, and so on. His focus is on building a grand structure worthy of the Gods, to inspire people to come and learn about all of them, not just Mangata. Vanora will be the face of the project, getting the word out about the school and coordinating with others who will be assisting with matters like finding instructors and support staff or once the school is open.

For more than a year the Grimhall family has been working towards building a school of theology the likes of which few places in all the Compact have ever seen. Called the Grihem Seminary and Philosophical Academy, it is even in its building stages referred to more commonly as the Grim Seminary.

Designs for the Seminary include a massive structure of locally sourced marble that gleams like a beacon from the top of a cliff providing stunning views of the sea, located just outside the bustling city of Grihem's Point that it can be seen by those in the city below. Interiors are to be beautiful and spare no expense, with large auditoriums for lectures and sermons and smaller classrooms dedicated to more discussion focused education. It includes a library that is well stocked yet still growing its collection, as well as several outbuildings such as a cathedral for religious rites and prayer, and housing for teachers, students, and other workers and their families.

For this initial groundbreaking and dedication, House Grimhall is focusing on the following:

1 Hosting Godsworn and Legates from the City of Arx in order to help design curriculum, perform the dedications when the Seminary opens for students, and in some cases to offer guest lectures and classes to the first class to begin their studies.

2 Spreading word of the endeavor throughout the Mourning Isles in order to drum up interest and fill the classrooms. This includes reaching out to recently freed thralls or those about to be freed, for either studying or working at the Seminary provides housing and meals to students without cost, and the same for employees in addition to a fair wage for their work.

3 Creating paying jobs not only for the construction of the school but for its ongoing maintenance, employing everything from assistant teachers and caregivers for employees children to groundskeepers and maids who keep the buildings at their best.

4 Emphasizing through outreach that the Faith is yet another of the traditional institutions that are so important to Islanders, and that Grimhall continues to invest in these that traditionalists in their holdings are able to see that though there has been great change with abolition, the Isles are not forgetting their traditions or the institutions that keep them in place.

For Vanora's part personally, she will be focused on spreading the word and emphasizing the traditions that the Seminary will be deepening Grimhall commitment to, those of the Faith. She will be traveling around Grimhall holdings as well as Grihem's Point itself to tell of the Seminary and invite students and laborers to come and be a part of it.

As the Minister of Income and Trade for Grimhall, Cassima uses her profound knowledge of economics and experience managing the finances of House Grimhall to set up a stable economic framework for building this grand school of Theology at Grihem's Point so that there is coin enough to pay for the import of building materials, the labourers and so on in this endeavour. She also drafts a financial plan for the smooth and sustainable running of the school when the time comes.

Aureth's principal position here is as a student of theology (with his mid-life career change) and as a designer of a comprehensive and thorough curriculum for the school, piggybacking upon the work of the other priests who are involved and utilizing his long experience as an educator to do so. He also dedicates his own time to the project where he can by aiding in the interview and selection of instructors "on the ground" (so to speak).

One of the things that he primarily finds it important to ensure is that new priests will be trained not only in theology but in the kinds of thing local seraphies need: basic agricultural knowledge, for example, simple economics, introductory teaching, and what training he can design in empathetic and active listening. It's super important that training for new priests take into account the actual nitty-gritty details of their jobs, not just theological questions but practical ones.

Archscholar Sina has been aware of the project to create a school of theology at Grihem's Point for quite some time, since the very early days of its inception. Therefore, she is more than willing to offer whatever aid she can when the time finally comes to set those plans into motion. Using all of the resources at her disposal as Archscholar, she will assist with providing learning materials, copies of texts, writing implements and more. She'll send a delegation of eight to ten Godsworn Scholars to Grihem's Point to begin with, so that they can help with the initial establishment of the school and remain to teach, if they wish. (Represented by 800 Social resources.)

Then, she will be journeying to Grihem's point herself, in order to give her official blessing to the School in Vellichor's name. She will also be teaching a guest lecture, which she will be calling, "Heeding the Call". During this lecture, she'll tell her own story of how she, a Mourning Islander, felt the pull to become Godsworn. She'll tell the story of her how her own mother was a thrall aboard her father's ship before it was destroyed, and how she, Sina, came to serve in the kitchens of House Thrax, and then became handmaiden to Princess Donella and then Princess Alarissa. How, during a tour of the Mourning Isles, she passed through Grihem's Point and heard the choir in the amphitheater singing praises to Mangata, of how the artists and disciples of Jayus of Escuma moved her, and how Mother Ailith inspired her throughout the journey. These things, she will tell them, are all a part of what brought her to the service of the Gods.

She'll tell them, though, that in the end everyone has a different story, and that story has, one way or another, brought them to the seminary. Whatever story has brought them here, she hopes that those choices will carry them to the service of the Gods. But if not, that's okay. To become Godsworn isn't an easy path. She will explain all that it entails, both the pros and the cons, and she will 'keep it real'. She will end by inviting anyone who wishes to ask her questions, to do so. And then she'll give her blessing and benediction over the first class of Grim Seminary hopefuls.

Vayne sets in place curricula for training new godsworn, using his considerable experience and skills to help godsworn be well-rounded servants of the Pantheon. This includes ensuring a wide range of books and other resources are available, of high quality. Lessons and education tracks are established, giving the new godsworn every opportunity to succeed. He also lends the Shrine of Tehom's considerable influence toward advertising this effort.

Sanya will be heading over to Grihem's Point for purposes of spreading word and outreach. She'll use her skill with words and her popularity among the people to encourage them (including former thralls) to study/work at the seminary as well as improve the work ethic of those working to build the school. She'll also aid in hosting the men and women of the faith that have come to help design the curriculum.

As Lilia's first major contribution to her new house, she is determined simply to help where she can. As the former Minister of Upkeep for the Telmarch, she has some experience dealing with infrastructure and public works and that plays into helping with the construction phase, organizing and keeping track of paperwork and otherwise dealing with boring, nitty, gritty details that are otherwise tiresome. As former Voice, she's used to letters and meetings and encouraging people to get with whatever program is being pushed, by whatever means necessary. At every turn she looks for ways to assist, always with the goal that the Seminary should be a triumph and a beacon of theology not just to the Mourning Isles, but to the Compact as a whole.

As an investor, Edward will be on hand to help with logistics and managing supply for the materials that are used for the school. Specifically he has helped broker deals for House Grimhall in the past and knows how the ins and outs of their merchant business dealings more than most, so will make use of that information to help get discounted goods and materials that are still of the high quality that would be expected in the construction project.

It's a massive undertaking, and the better part of a year is spent fully constructing the Grim Seminary, but it's a remarkable achievement once complete.

The response is strong, with many noble houses throughout the Isles nudging a member of the family to be among the first seminaries to study at the school, so that their houses can have another claim in support of a great institution. Of course, the response from former thralls who are struggling to return to their old lives is even stronger, and even with the massive size of the Seminary, the thousands upon thousands of responses make it difficult to sort them all into classes, but the Seminary manages. The Faith will most certainly grow, and it will make it possible to spread some of the parishes, and have better trained Seraphs that will make it less likely for there to be spiritual divisions later (with the resulting unpleasantness in heresies and crusades).

Back when Harald was still Duke, Valdemar led an expedition to the island to the south of Grihem's Point on the map. Some shavs bent the knee, and some territory was claimed (action 2315). Now Valdemar wants to return, to build a fortress there as a base for further exploration and conquest of the island. Something modest but sturdy, with a dock for unloading from ships. He also plans on leaving a small garrison (the ground troops assigned to this action) there when construction is completed, though they will be circulated out every three months (officers every six) in order to keep them fresh and alert.

Faelan will be commanding the men set to guard the builders and work crews that are building the fort. He'll be organizing patrols and guard duty shifts, as well as taking command of any land engagements that may spring up with the local shavs during the construction process.

Edward has done this before and so will lend his talents to doing so again. Using his skill at economics and logistics he will make sure that all the materials needed and personnel needed for the construction of the FOB are able to be moved on site in a timely manner with a high efficiency to cost. He will also make use of newly freed thralls to bring to the island to help with the construction, as a public benefit for House Grimhall. He will not only make sure to incorporate the base construction to be what Valdemar sees it as but will also consult with the officers who will be cycling through the island over the first year to make sure that soldier needs are incorporated as well. Above all Edward wants to make sure that these fighting men know that House Grimhall has their concerns in mind for long-term deployment.

Turo lends his considerable skills and experience in martial matters toward seeting up this forward operating base, helping select the best place for it, what defensive measures should be implemented, and helping Grimhall as their admiral in establishing the appropriate staffing and supply practices.

Erik will join the expedition to help his family settle properly in the island. Offering some help on the economics side, he will make sure that the supplies that will reach the island will be kept in a proper warehouse, safe from weather and plunder, as well as making sure everything is organized so that the guards can spring into action should the situation call for it.

The expeditionary force that Valdemar and his comrades have assembled sets out for the island south of Grihem's Point, and the bit of territory they'd previously claimed there. They set out with the intention of building a small fortress as a base of operations, and come supplied -- and staffed -- for such.

They arrive to find such a thing is probably not a bad idea; it seems that the shav'arvani who didn't bend the knee last tiem around have taken something of a dislike to those who did choose to become vassals of Grimhall. So far this hasn't progressed past simple skirmishes and encroaching on fishing grounds, but there's definitely some /tensions/ that have grown where there weren't before.

Those who did join Grimhall are generally feeling favorably towards the Grimhall delegation, particularly inasmuch as the Grimhall delegation came with a good force of men. Armed ones, at that. And so they're happy to help point out possible places for a fortress. (They're also happy to help point out which other villages they think should probably be rolled over with all the might of the Compact. Or at least have a few of their fishing boats sunk to make a point.)

In the end, the best place they can find is a place of compromises. Oh, they could pick the site high on the cliffs, with a commanding view of its surroundings, but the nearest convenient place for a dock is a good ten minutes' walk away, and would almost certainly fall outside of any reasonable fortifications that could be built. They could pick the spot in the sheltered little bay perfect for a port, but it's surrounded by cliffs that would give an enemy force a position well above the fortifications from which to launch an assault. Every site that's /perfect/ in one way is deeply flawed in another. In the end, Turo's expertise finds a solid compromise; the fortress will be at the top of a small hill -- no commanding view of the area, but the docks can be built below and enclosed within the fortifications.

The plans are relatively easily adapted to the terrain, and Edward is able to make good use of the funds and materials; Erik even gets a warehouse. In all, the project seems to be going well.

The one hiccup is with Faelan's defense of the location during construction. One of the Abandoned villages launches an attack on the project under cover of night, and unfortunately they come from two directions simultaneously: one group across land, and one quietly on fishing boats. The guards are caught by surprise, and the resulting skirmish isn't as decisively weighted in favor of Grimhall as some feel it should have been. Still, while there's some loss of men -- and some lost materials, too, as the surviving raiders make their escape with what they were able to grab -- it's not enough to hamstring the project. And so, in the end, they have a solid little fortification and a force there to hold the territory -- and, the prodigals hope, a place from which their new liege's forces will defend their villages, too.

For some time now, Valdemar has been planning to build a naval school in Grimhall territory, and he is finally ready to get started in earnest on this very important project. The Harald Grimhall Naval Academy will serve a number of purposes, though primarily it will be meant to be the best available training facility for sailors, naval officers, and shipwrights, open freely to qualified students from all over the Mourning Isles, as well as other parts of the Compact through sponsorship by the Academy of War. It is also, clearly, a tribute to Valdemar's father, will provide jobs that will be needed as thralls are freed in the coming months and years, and remind the traditionalists of Grihem's Point about traditions other than thralldom, in this case their tradition of naval excellence. The school is to have facilities for classroom as well as practical instruction, built on the western shore of the island of Grihem's Point so that there is space in the bay for naval maneuvers. His part in this will be to oversee the actual construction of the place, managing the expenses, hiring and coordinating the masons, carpenters, and other craftspeople who will be needed to get the place built.

Natalia will be reaching out through the Academy of War to assist in finding instructors for the naval school, as well as providing consultation for the logistics particular to setting up an academy. She will work with Valdemar and others he designates to meet with potential instructors to ensure they know what is expected of them, and to ensure that they are reasonably qualified in what they are supposed to be teaching. And also to ensure that they're not terrible people who will be awful teachers because (insert one of a million reasons here). All connections will be used.

Having helped not only Halfshav with their dock location and placement, not to mention the rebuilding of Darkwater, Carita is well versed now in just how to get the right people that know people for the end result being utter perfection and the highest efficiency.

Her goals aren't small, as she calls on people for:

* The site of building mapped out for the best placement.

* Buildings for new members having a place to stay, a place to eat, the barracks laid out for optimal happiness - especially if this will the the home for the soon to be freed thralls.

* A place of worship.

* An area for training and exercise, with the help and advice of Count Turo and his planned curriculum.

* Naval archives for studies and teaching.

* A central courtyard for the future site for Duke Harald Grimhall's monument, or statue.


Carita also offers some of Darkwater's economic writs, toward this adventure of House Grimhall's, to accompany the help being offered up in support of the reinforcment of naval excellence, and to encourage stronger growth that has nothing to do with thralldom.

Lucita has been told this naval school will have an impact upon the acceptance of Thrall release and ease the resistance to it, helping promote a peaceable transition. Skills and gainful employment available sooner than the distant end to debt paid off. She is in favor of stability and of assisting the effort to free the thralls so lends her abilities to Grimhall for the purpose assisting this establishment. The barring of females she is a little leery about having sailed with and having skilled sailors in her own family, but one step at a time. First education and freedom and acceptance and stability. She is skilled with propaanda, and goes about attempting to convince people with charm and reasonable logical facts, helping sooth ruffled feathers and pointing out strengths and benefits in this concept.

Vanora will assist her husband and build up anticipation and interest in the military school. Her charms will be used to convince several of the Grim Fleet’s most promising young commanders to consider a stint of teaching at the Academy. She will also help spread word throughout the fealty in order to recruit teachers and also students. Her focused attention will be on ensuring that the school is a grand success and that everyone hopes to send sons there to study warcraft, sailing, and shipbuilding.

Katya is good with words, and she's willing to talk to get things done. When it reaches her attention that the family is working on getting a naval academy set up she pitches in her help. You want to have the best, that means that you need the best, and she starts sending out word to people, trying to get them to sign on to come teach at the academy. She talks, she woes, she tries every trick in the book to get people to sign on the dotted line to come teach.

Being familiar with construction projects and having helped on a great many, Edward will be there to help the logistics of the project. He will ensure that all of the money is accounted for economically and that materials used by those hired to construct the project are of good quality. In addition to helping set up the school, Edward will gladly volunteer to be an outreach instructor - taking on a select few chosen by the school to learn directly with him. Edward himself was taught naval warfare and tactics by the great Duke Harald Grimhall himself and so will be more than happy to pass on those teachings to other eager learners.

Turo lends his considerable skill and experience toward this end. He not only sets himself to creating curricula that will inform, challenge, and prepare the students of the academy, but also enlists the aid of his own captains to make the academy a success for generations to come.

Erik has a deep passion for the pursuit of knowledge and the opportunity presented by The Harald Grimhall Naval Academy fits him like a glove. To help incentivate others to join the Academy, he will host some of the initial classes and invite some of his crew at the Grimhall fleet to join him there. He should also be able to host some wargaming sessions to test the commanding skills of the new students.

The Harald Grimhall Naval Academy is established to uphold the naval traditions at Grihem's Point. It's a strong reminder of the man once called the Grim Duke, and it couldn't come at a better time for Grimhall. Duke Valdemar, son of Harald, spearheads the planning, and focuses on emphasizing how there are many traditions in the Isles. Oh sure, thralldom is at the forefront, but Duke Valdemar is very particularly emphasizing the proud tradition of naval excellence. Grimhall traditions are why Duke Harald was once a Voice of Thrax. Grimhall naval traditions are why Duke Harald once served as the Admiral of the Thrax Navy. These traditions are strong and proud, and now Duke Valdemar son of Harald means to remind the Isles of this tradition in the best way - and to ensure that it's carried on to next generations.

The execution of it is flawless. He hires Natalia Whisper to work with the Academy of War, hiring instructors that understand Grimhall Traditions and are excellent teachers. Countess Carita and Baron Edward work to make sure they get the most for their money, and that the placement of the school is ideal. Baroness Lucita gives aid too, helping establish programs where freed thralls can be used as workers, but also where they can learn the proud traditions of Grimhall.

Admiral Turo helps create curricula, and Lord Erik Grimhall hosts some of the very first classes. Throughout, Duchess Vanora continues to emphasize how great the Academy will be, and how it will continue to uphold those proud traditions of Grihem's Point. It's an obvious move to support Grimhall traditions.

Traditionalists across all of Thrax are uncomfortable and unhappy these days, and it should be noted that each of the Duchies of Thrax are traditionalists in truth. With murmurs of the end of thralldom, it's hard for these people, who set such store by tradition, to look at the future with anything but the grim certainty of war. And yet this naval academy reminds them, Duke Valdemar emphasizes again, that there are many proud traditions of Thrax - and the focused support of one of their greatest traditions wins praise for everyone involved.

House Grimhall will be touring Grihem's Point on a mission of celebration, diplomacy, and showing their availability to the people. Organized by Duchess-Consort Vanora Grimhall, those diplomats and other Grimhall allies accompanying on the trip are offering their assistance typically in one of three ways.

1) Rousing speeches are given to the men of the Grim fleet and Grim Legion, with praise on all of their recent work and propaganda about how important it is to be a part of one of the strongest naval powers in the seas. Citizens will be encouraged to join the Fleet or the Legion in order to show their devotion, reminded that though we have had successes, the battles 'our race' must win are only beginning.

2) The Duke and Duchess Grimhall, their family, and their visiting allies will spread the message of stability across Grimhall holdings. While the Grim Duke was much admired (if not always loved) he is succeeded by his son, and his grandsons will succeed after that, a line of succession cast strong through the males of Grimhall that should keep the holding stable for some time. The chaos of Euginie and then Dmitry's brief rules is in the past, and the era of prosperity and power that Duke Harald ushered in is now continued by his son. To demonstrate this, the new dromonde named after Harald and now used as Grimhall's flagship will be displayed in the harbor to much fanfare. The twins, Arkyn and Anthony, will be brought before the crowds that the generations of Grimhall rule have been secured for years to come.

3) The last mission of the Grimhall party in this visit and tour of Grihem's Point is to take the temperature of the people, after a fashion. Whether it Valdemar joking with soldiers and generals over drinks or Vanora visiting young families with her own children in tow, the Grimhall family will attempt to find out how their people are feeling about their lives and the current situation in the Isles. Are traditionalists afraid that more will be lost, and what is it they fear for? Are some of those of Grihem's Point beginning to have a more progressive outlook? What issues do they feel impact them the most, and what do they hope their rulers will accomplish for them?

Vanora has assisted Sanya in organizing this several pronged mission of diplomacy, and will play her part in executing it as well. She will be at her husband's side when the new Duke addresses his people, playing the expected role of traditional Islander wife while also serving as a reminder of the potential for progress as generations change. She will show off all three of her sons, including little Harald the Younger, that the citizens of Grihem's Point can see the strong line of succession. She will also focus on taking the temperature of the people. With the sweeping reforms that have changed the Isles in the last few years under Victus' leadership to the potential for the Compact allying with Brass and the practice of thralldom being abolished completely, she wants to ensure that the people House Grimhall is charged with leading are feeling heard, and that the Grimhalls know what their primary concerns are. This information will be used to guide upcoming decisions that impact Grihem's Point, with the goal being to avoid civil strife and loss of faith in Grimhall leadership.

Valdemar will do his best to make sure the speeches to the military are rousing, telling the Grim Legion and the Grim Fleet that they need to remain a force to be reckoned with. That his father would be proud of what they've become, but that there is still a lot of work to be done to be ready for the new order of the Mourning Isles.

He will also be helping to drive home the message of stability, showing off his twin sons and speaking of the importance of tradition to house Grimhall. Talking of how Arkyn and Anthony will learn about their roots in the same way that he did himself, so that they can be informed by those traditions as they face the future and rulee Grihem's Point just as he is.

During the smaller talks, he will spend plenty of time with the soldiers, officers, and other important men of Grihem's Point. Though he will do his best to keep them on topic, he will otherwise mainly listen to what they have to say, offering reassurance at times that they seem too agitated by some particular topic.

If there's anything Iseulet is good at, it's rousing speeches and improving morale, so she will assist in Vanora's recruitment drive! She encourages those in Grihem's point to join in their efforts. Between speeches, she too will be getting to know some of the people and aid in the hosting of meetings to get to know the concerns of the citizens.

Joining House Grimhall on their tour is a no brainer for Edward, who will represent House Stormbreak in speaking highly of the new Duke and Duchess. A big part of this will be using stories and gilded talk to step Valdemar outside of the shadow of Duke Harald Grimhall to highlight the new Duke on his own but also equate the two men together as being of the same sort - that Valdemar was a son that Harald was proud of both publicly and privately, and is more than worthy of stepping into the role of Duke. And for those who have doubts and dissent Edward will speak with further - levying his place of trust with the old Duke to provide him leverage and insights - he will do everything he can to reassure those who stand opposed or on the fence, that Valdemar carries every ounce of strength that his father had and more.

Karina will emerge from her on-again, off-again artist cocoon, join the expedition, and actually be social, offering to do a handful of free portraits for a mixed bag of nobility and commonfolk. Most importantly, she'll chat them up (temperature-taking) while she paints them, their magnificent holdings, their adorable and not at all messy and annoying babies, and/or their favorite lapdogs. And while they chat, Karina might just throw in a word or two about how rock-solid (message of stability) her FuzzyCuz AKA the New Duke is and will be.

Baroness Skye Blackshore will craft a wooden door awning to go in front of the entrance of Grihem's Point, giving homage to the what has come before through Harold's reign, showing off some of his deeds and military victories. With the former Duke clasping the hands of Valdemar, showing off the military might and capability of the new duke who has taken over. A reminder that Grimhall's history and traditions will be remembered even as Valdemar takes them into the next piece of the journey.

The baroness will also play a part in the diplomatic envoy by speaking to those vassals about her own experiences, giving them comfort that they are in good hands. It's clear that House Blackshore supports House Grimhall in words and actions.

The tour is a wild success, in terms of raising the profile of the leaders and winning the approval of the people of Grihem's Point. In terms of what they want, the people under House Grimhall are VERY traditional. Most strongly disapprove of things like men doing women's work by going into law or scholarly work even moreso than female soldiers and sailors, and some of them ask that male lawyers and judges be denied the right to practice law in Grimhall lands, due to distrusting their experience. A majority would rather than female soldiers be denied on Grimhall lands, and at the very least they should not serve in the Grimhall military. And most see removing thralldom as an assault on Islander way of life, and strongly disapprove of destroying the institution, as they see it as justice.

Valdemar is going to compare the notes and maps recovered from his own mission in defense of the Lodge of Petrichor (action 2747) with those he received copies of from Sparte (clue 1212), looking for similarities, as well as mention of any places in or around Grihem's Point or spots marked on the maps in that same area. He is then going to grab some people to help him organize a search using that information, to have the Grim Legion scour the island in search of what the minions of the Horned God, those of Reveka Tyde, or both, might be in search of. Or else signs of either group. The Grim Legion would have orders to capture the enemy where possible for questioning later.

Exploration seems to be the key of the day and Edward will answer a call from House Grimhall. Suited up Edward will join the Duke in his explorations with a ready arm for combat and an eye towards logistics. His primary task will be to ensure that the forces going out have proper logistical support and supplies to complete their task. He will also make sure that any needed supply lines are set up and provide little chance for graft.

There is a call to arms to secure Sparte's maternal ancestral home against cultists. So of course Sparte answers, adding his own knowledge of maps and resources to Valdemar's study of the cultist's targets and potential activity. Then his arm and staff to efforts meant to ensure the island is secure.

As the Admiral for the Grim Fleet, Turo sets his skill and talents toward the surveys being done, as well as any mop-up duties might be required. He'd pass on the orders to capture not kill anyone they happen to encounter. Where needed, he'd be available for land-based duty, applying his significant skill in warfare and tactics to lend support to whatever else is going on.

The first surprise are the cultists in robes decorated with a symbol of a giant mass of centipedes apparently praying at an abandoned grove. Truthfully, no one really expected to find anything- the villagers saying that some people had been acting weird and talking in strange ways, as if pairs of people would speak for each other and get confused about who was speaking, and acting very odd, and how these odd fellows would visit town and leave. And then some people disappearing without a trace for no reason. That warranted investigation, after all, for this isolated part of Grihem's Point in a grove a few hundred yards across that has no specific name.

The second surprise is the robed individuals all shrieking when discovered, with a loud skittering sound that sounds like the beating of a million insect wings, as they all shout together, "THEY ARE INTERRUPTING THE RITUAL, WE HAVE NOT FREED OUR SLAVES, SLAY THEM ALL!" Fortunately, really, there's thirteen cultists, and dozens of soldiers, so it wouldn't be much of a fight.

Except for the second surprise, when they all turn into masses of thousands of centipedes.

Three different Grimhall soldiers are devoured alive, but in the end with copious amount of torches and many, many hacking swords and spears, the bugs are dead. It's a hard one to discuss and tell their families how they died, but there is something going on, and something about that grove with no name.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once upon a time, Victus met some otter-pirates out in the forest who stole his flask. Rather than write this off as a possible drunken nightmare, one cannot easily forget Petrichor's Fluffybottoms nor the Blackwhiskers. So Victus and a cadre of other people who are going along with this for some reason are going out into the forest to find those otters again.

While the Blackwhiskers clearly knew their stuff when it came to sailing, a lot of them also got eaten by sharks. Victus however, is Victus Thrax, and Victus Thrax knows a thing or two about sailing. And reaving. And ship combat! With an upcoming flurry of bad stuff coming to threaten the Lodge of Petrichor, Victus is going out to lend his sailing expertise to the Blackwhiskers. This includes training the otters in how to rig a sail, teaching them how to properly board with tools like boarding axes and the like, and how to keep ones morale together when you're about to be swallowed by waves and sea monsters.

Hopefully the language barrier won't be a problem.

Being quite familiar with the Blackwhisker Pirates, and having met them on adventures before, Edward will pack up a barrel of rum and accompany the High Lord out on his sortie to make sure that they are taken care of. To assist he will provide an able sword arm and his logistical expertise to the mission to increase its success rate through supply. To help with the supply he will also consult the expertise of the animal managers at the Managerie regarding otters.

Leola provides translation services. She does her part to learn the basics, as well, of sailing; and even springs for the good wood and materials to let the Blackwhiskers have their own small boat, or repair their existing one. The river, after all, runs right by the Lodge ...

Archeron Tyde is going along with his High Prince on this little adventure. Admitedly, he is only somewhat familiar with Petrichor's chosen but the Gray Forest is probably more his home than any other place on Arvum. The trees, the animals, their tracks. Archeron will use his skills in the woods to help Victus find these otters he wants to, well, talk to. I guess you don't question the High Lord even when he sounds a little drunk.

He is no great sailor, but he can deal with animals and he can help them with selection of wood for boats, and axe work. But mostly he'll help Victus deal with animals and the forest. And keep the gaggle safe from others. He will bring along a range of smaller bows and tools for fletchery and try to help train up otters in the ways of naval archery should they wish it.

With Dame Leola's help as translator, Victus, Edward, and Archeron set out to help the Blackwhisker Pirates. They bring smaller ships built to be a little easier to manage by the otters and, though they are well aware of their compatriots' otter resourcefulness, they prove themselves otterly willing to share strategies and tactics of piracy...er.... privateering. It's an otterly ridiculous olive branch, but it seems to be appreciated - each of them finds a freshly caught fish in their backpacks a day or so after they leave the otters.

The stench of gratitude is otterly unbelievable.

After hearing from High Lord Victus that Jakric Hullman has been spotted around Grihem's Point with pirates flying what seems to be Reveka Tyde's flag, after our own intelligence pointed at a large number of pirates flocking to that same flag, house Grimhall has decided to go pirate hunting. Valdemar will be taking the Grim Fleet out to try to thin out the pirates around his home, along with other key military commanders. They will be trying to capture as many pirates and ships as possible, though the emphasis will be on allowing as few as possible to escape. Valdemar will be looking at maps of trade routes that pass through or near Grihem's Point, including the new one set up by Iseulet Blackshore's group, so that he can find the best places to patrol and set up ambushes for the pirates. He will be focusing mostly on the strategic aspects of the expedition, allowing others who are along to take immediate tactical command when the enemy is actually engaged. Though he will take part in the fighting, of course, wielding Grimhowl when that time comes.

Logistics. That is what will make a fleet run successful even before and after all the fighting is done. And Edward is going to apply his talents at making sure that the fleet has proper logistics for going on a lengthy pirate hunt. In addition he is the one responsible for making sure the Captains of the various ships and command ships are lined up, they know whom they are answering to and which flag ships they take primary orders from. This will free up Lord Valdemar and Count Turo to focus on other primary fleet maneuvers without worrying about ships getting out of formation. In addition, Edward will be flying his own flag, so to speak, from the dromond of the Isles Canines so that he can ensure that fleet integration between the Grimhall ships and the mercenaries goes well - while Commodore Dycard Blackshore as the one giving official commands to the mercenary elements.

As Commodore of the Isles Canines fleet - that is, the man acting as go-between between the forces of Grimhall, Navegant and the mercenary fleet they've hired - Dycard is using the Canines Dromond as his flagship and chief bait, and relaying orders as necessary to keep the Pack working with rather than against the Grimhalls and their allies. Dycard is also making sure that communications flow freely, and that no noble hackles get raised by the Canines' less-orthodox tactics. He's been hired to hunt pirates - this time at least - but the goodwill value of happy customers can't be overestimated.

Pirates! Turo is all in for pirates. The fleet - the ones that are free, anyway - are mobilised to become a part of the effort to sweep them all up. He applies himself fully to the effort, too. Whether it's in planning the attacks, strategising how to get the most bang for their buck, so to speak, or planning specific engagements, Turo is 100% in on this. While he's not going to swashbuckle his way to the enemy decks, he'll be there for the fighting, commanding ships to maximise their effectiveness.

Princess Marian Redrain brings the Redrain navy to the aid of Grimhall. With the help of her naval commanders, she uses her war strategy and fighting skills to drive the pirates into the sea. While she'll leave the sailing to the experts, Marian will help in whatever other ways that she can.

Being the commanding officer of the Navegant Marine forces, Regla Navegant is not going to let her Brother off to fight pirates alone. She, on the other hand, will be there for swashbuckling her way on to enemy decks via boarding operations, landing operations, search and destroy, all that cool military ground stuff.

Pirates! Adventure! Trying not to fall overboard! Orelia will be accompanying, having been requested to chronicle the venture. Though she's not hired as a soldier, she's more than willing to defend herself if necessary and will be using Siren Song should the situation arise. The escapades of those involved she will be putting to verse and performing until it 'catches on', embodying all the thrill and swashbuckling drama that audiences are certain to adore.

Jakric Hullman is a hard man to find. But Valdemar Grimhall has every intention of finding him nonetheless. With the aid of Baron Edward and Lord Dycard and the Isles Canines, they pin him down at last. And though there's some who think there's no way it could be easy, Dycard certainly makes it look that way. Somehow he just knows - they are biding their time and planning to attack just before dawn, but Dycard presses on forward, attacking in the late afternoon instead, earlier than expected.

It catches Hullman off guard, and they catch his fleet as the sailors are preparing to sail with the tide. With Count Turo and Lady Regla, Princess Marian, Lord Valdemar and Baron Edward and Lord Dycard - there's not much getting out of it. Buckles are swashed and the fighting is intense - but very brief, and in the end there are two captive galleys and a handful of pirates that Valdemar has every intention of sending through the court system to enthrall or punish.

And Hullman? Hullman is captured for questioning. And there are so many questions.

Under the command of Lord Romulius Blackshore, the new navy for House Blackshore launches with a dromond, galley and long ships that will now protect the newly rebuilt Blackshore Isle. Proper fortifications, a watchtower and barracks have been planned by Baroness Skye Blackshore. She also assists her brother by training new sailors on Blackshore Isle, getting them up to speed to the latest war and sailing tactics, and doing maneveurs with her brother to make sure the new military force is ship shape.

Dycard helps with the recruitment efforts, finding those sailors who believe in what the Blackshores are doing and are willing to defend their new home. Previous experience on warships helps but is not necessary, and he'll also point out that being closer to one place is good for men and women with young families or elderly relatives, or other reasons to not want to voyage the length and breadth of Arvum but still keep working as sailors. And when all's said and done, battleships aren't actually that much more dangerous than fishing boats or merchantmen, and at least they'll be armed and waiting if the pirates come.

Iseulet helps Baroness Skye with recruitment efforts by praising her and the new hope (get it?) she's given Blackshore. She busies herself with not only swaying hearts and minds but also with the economic side of things, keeping the costs low (but not miserly - that never wins you friends).

Kael has been a steadfast supporter of Baroness Skye and has promised to support her where he is able to. One of the ways that he has been supporting her is by way of supplying lumber from Oakheart Woods toward the efforts of building ships. Some supply of lumber will be added, at cost to the Keatons, for their use. In addition to this he will be speaking to Keaton vassals about the potential of trade with Blackshore to make it a win-win for both parties.

To help Blackshore build and develop their naval forces, Edward will provide assistance through education. He will make some of his own Whitefrost fleet elements available to do war games and other naval exercises with the Blackshore Navy so that they can get hands on practical experience at sea. Addtionally, he will get reports based on the performance of Blackshore's ships and Captain's so as to provide proper recommendations for those men who should be promoted to higher officer ranks and those who the Baroness might want to consider replacing.

Baroness Skye is still working hard to strengthen New Hope. Under her guidance her land is flourishing. With the new shipyards at New Hope, a dromond, a galley, and longships are built for the Blackshore Navy. Baron Edward aids in training these sailors. Count Kael makes sure the Keaton's Oakheart Woods supplies some of the best lumber possible - and some at a discount, and more for free. Lord Dycard also trains sailors and makes sure the navy is up to snuff, and Lady Iseulet makes sure everyone knows of the phenomenal job that the Blackshore family is doing to rebuild their ravaged home. All in all, the people of New Hope are quite pleased with the leadership provided by their ruling family, and work diligently to build their own home and the beautiful new domain. Through adversity, they have found their strength.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's still a spectacular success.

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

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

On Valdemar's last trip to Grihem's Point, he and his scouts checked out the shoreline of a modest-sized island just south of his home. Now house Grimhall is looking to explore that island, to see if it is worth settling, or if there is anything of interest or value to be found there. No coastal settlements were noted last time, but as this expedition moves further inland, they will be on the lookout for Abandoned who might live there. They will be offered the opportunity to bend the knee and become Prodigals, but if they refuse, survivors will be taken thrall according to Islander tradition. According to the new laws of Grimhall, however, orphans will be taken in to be raised and taught alongside child thralls who have been freed already.

Vanora isn't much of a scout, but she is a skilled diplomat and has been training in Isles Shav too. She plans to blend those skills and try to convince groups of shavs to bend the knee to Grimhall, The Mourning Isles, and the Compact. She'll co-ordinate and lead a group of similar diplomatic types to work with, and will try to stay out of the way if anything more violent threatens to occur. She will also bring along trinkets (or just silver) that the shavs might enjoy to be offered as gifts should they agree to join the Compact.

Harald will be working side-by-side with Valdemar to scout the island for signs of life. Should any Abandoned be found occupying the island, he will use the fearsome reputation of Grimhall to convince them to bend the knee to the Grimhall, Thrax, and the Compact.

Ingvar has been asked to take charge of the scouts and head out and start surveying the island searching for any signs of habitation by the Abandoned, or any signs of past habitation in general. In addition he will be bringing back information about what he finds that may suggest natural resources or other landmarks of interest to allow the others of the expedition to make better assessments of the island. He is not going to engage any locals in hostilities, just observe, and retreat back to the main force if any hostilities begin.

Being the veteran explorer on the team, Edward will give an idea of how many potential Shavs could live on the island based on its size and location - using the same methods that Harald used the first time to know the general size of the population of Whitefrost's Shav population before they were dealt with. Edward will also use Ingvar's information from the scouting trip to help estimate the value of the resources on the island and give exerpience based information on how habitable the island is - having done this with Whitefrost he's learned about how long it can take a colony to hit self sufficiency based on the islands resources that it is known to have. Besides information, Edward will also be ready to help either fighting teams or diplomacy teams. He can recommend some of the more appealing trade items to Vanora that Isles Shavs might be interested in.

Ingrid will turn to old maps and chronicles to see if there are any historical accounts documenting the layout and possible resources that may be found on the island. She is trying to determine whether the amount of resources found on the island is worth the risk of trying to settle it. What she is seeking is locations of potential farmlands, mines and any sightings of grazing animals or anything else of interest.

Cold winter months are not well known as good months to be on the water, but that doesn't stop the delegation from Grihem's Point at all. Under Lord Valdemar Grimhall, heir to Grimhall, a group sails forth to look at a smaller island south of Grihem's Point. Unclaimed and unbothered by the Compact in years past, now Grim attention turns toward it.

Advised by Baron Edward, who did something similar in his own holdings, they first sail around to take stock of it. It's not a huge island, certainly not big enough for a large holding in its own right, but it's not small either. They find a good place to land the ships and the group goes ashore, complete with their armies.

Lady Ingrid has poured over maps for months now, trying to find the most likely places that would hold good resources and good opportunity. Lord Ingvar scouts ahead, looking for potential problems or opportunities as his sister directs. Some of they places he scouts seem to be abandoned, as though the shav there saw them coming.

Others though welcome them. News of the recent events in Darkwater and Setarco have reached even the shav here, and those who stay to hear what Lady Vanora, their diplomat has to say. Though some are fractious, Duke Harald's glower calms them down and they listen.

In the end, several villages worth of shav bend the knee, and a small toehold is established on this nameless island.

In the relative calm that has fallen over Arx since the Gyre's defeat, Valdemar has decided that a trip home, of sorts, is a good idea. He is going to take a number of Grimhall's longships out to thoroughly scout Grihem's Point and the surrounding waters. With the enemy fleets from Setarco and Darkwater Watch dispersed but not entirely destoryed, he wants to make certain that his home has no nasty surprises lurking about. Once done, he will also pay his family's acestral home a visit, though there isn't a specific purpose to that other than to see his mother and siblings before returning to Arx.

Sameera, as per usual for her, is prioritizing helping a Grimhall. Though, in this case it is Valdemar instead of Harald. She is using her investigative knowledge and skills to help him sniff out any possible threats that might be lurkign in Grimhall lands. She, as is her usual duty as a member of the Grimhall's people assuring the longships are set up with the proper supplies and the people are organized as they should be for the plans. Basically, her usual duties.

Having extensively studied the trade routes and set up most of Grimhall's trading himself as his time working for the Duke, Edward will provide Valdemar with the proper charts and coursings to patrol first to search for pirates that might still be flying under the banner of the Gyre or the remnants of his fleet. In addition, he will provide Valdemar with places near Grimheim's Point that were revealed as places of hiding for the Gyre's men and naval forces, this information created from prior investigations into House Darkwater and its illicit tradings with Abandoned and Venta Darkwater's continued trade with Port Defiance and its pirates. Making these places of interest for Valdemar to search for Gyre's men and forces in hiding.

Lady Vanora Pravus will focus on gathering information through contacts in the Isles in order to cover more ground. Any leads that she hears via friends in Stormward or surrounding territories will be passed on to Valdemar so that he and Grimhall can follow up. In addition to attempting to suss out any groups of Gyre loyalists or pirate enclaves that Grimhall may need to demonstrate shows of force to, she will also be seeking information on territories close to Grihem's Point still populated by shavs and Abandoned. She is well aware that economic struggle may be a factor in the Isles for some time, so any potential territories rich in natural resources or ideally located for trade she will hope to hear something of and share with the scouting team. She will attend physically but remain well protected on the ships unless there is reason where diplomacy might be of immediate benefit, at which time she would be more than willing to use charm in order to encourage cooperation and see that the fact-finding mission is a successful one.

The trip home goes well. Everyone is glad to see him, and glad too that he survived. Proud of his accomplishments in Setarco - this pride and joy is well communicated - his mother, he can see, almost smiled. -_-

The rest of Grihem's Point seems to be doing well - safe from the attacks that leveled Darkwater and Stormwall, the Grimhall home has weathered the storm admirably. Even as they return to more mundane concerns (is abolitionism going to take hold in Grimhall too, or are they safe from these dangerous, newfangled political messes?!) there are still pirates to contend with. Reports have them unable to triangulate a base of operations, but predations of pirates on coastal towns and merchant vessels continues as it ever has.

Though now the reports are they fly a different flag - no longer the flag of Marin, some pirates have taken to flying the Tyde flag on a background of red. It's not enough to set fear in their hearts yet, but there are already rumblings about what they call "the Tyde problem." Some praise Donrai for attempting to cull them completely. A few say he didn't go far enough. Others curse that Victus undid a great deal of his good works by marrying Dagon to Margot. And some - notably those who were at Setarco themselves - urge caution. This is not the Tyde we know. This is someone different, and her rage is as deep as the ocean.

Of the small island to the south of Grihem's point, there is no sign of settlement or civilization. What is there remains to be seen, but from the water there are no docks nor ports nor cities in evidence. If the pirates have set up a base of operations, their ships make port somewhere hidden and undiscovered.

Harald is gathering heralds and bards of the Isles to the Hall of Fallen Heroes in Grihem's Point. He will declare the summoning of all banners, and charge them with carrying his words to all lords and captains in the Grimhall chain of fealty: the war their race was born to fight is at hand. Mortal glory, immortal fame, and great wealth await those who answer, while scorn and terrible retribution will fall upon those who shrink from the battles ahead.

Vanora will be attempting to catch with honey any bannermen that Harald's fear and vinegar method does not work for completely. The Marquessa Kennex will use her charm and diplomatic skills to gently persuade those Harald calls upon to heed that call. She will be dong this via post for the most part as well as through persuading allies and friends among the Grimhall holdings to do so in person. She will be engaging with Kennex and vassals therein as well, for though the diplomatic endeavor that Octavia and Catalana will be undertaking when Kennex's own banners are called has not yet begun, she wants those she has sway over within Kennex to be ready when that summons appears. In addition among the Kennex lands still populated by new 'freedmen' she will be exercising her influence to encourage all recently freed thralls with any skills at sailing (or others useful in similar undertakings, such a ship and sail repair, ropeworks, etc) to join into this upcoming challenge faced by the Compact. These once-thralls will be reminded that they serve the Gods well and show thanks to those who cared for them when the step out to defend their homes. As well as reminded that unlike in many other trades, the widows and children of soldiers and sailors who lose their lives in battle are well care ford by the lieges.

A few particular persuasive letters will be sent in the direction of the zealot population settled into Stormward, reminding those among them that the upcoming battles are not strictly those of war but have legends implying it is a 'holy' clash as well, between the beloved gods of the Pantheon and the Heralds and Archfiends who would destroy what the Compact has built. These Orazians will be asked not only to consider offering their service to the vassals of Kennex and Grimhall, but also to use their preaching and engaging while in Stormward to mobilize freedmen to do the same.

With Edward I will use his Propaganda skill to gather as many combatants to the banners as possible. His Barony is so new it probably does not have any. So he will help others.

Turo sets about rallying the captains and soliders and sailors he knows with absolutely no hand-holding, nor discussion of future glory. Instead, he mixes a combination of straight-up ordering people to get to work, along with some mention of duty and whatnot. There's not a lot of yelling per se, but he's not really letting anyone give any excuses about why they couldn't possibly be involved in the upcoming war. He focusses on everyone doing their duty, whatever it might be, from the sailor to the captain to the ropemaker.

Faelan will be taking sailors and ships and going out to spread the word, and recruit every able bodied man he can convince to come aid in the coming battles. He'll be focusing on Navegant lands, but will also help out with Grimhall lands if it's needed. He'll mostly be relying on the soldier's fame earned during his previous battles in the ongoing war to help him draw men to the cause.

Ivarr will be grabbing his reavers and going out to press captains and vassals of Grimhall into rallying the banners. He will include pirate acquaintances he has met in this if they swear fealty. His angle: Leave the women to making laws and doing hard math, grab your axes, and come grab glory that will make your ancestors jealous . He is promising great glory, honour, fame, and the best deaths anyone could ask for. As extra incentive, he will burn down the hall of and crucify anyone left over from the first group to refuse the call to rally, using that as leverage against any captains that do not want to rally afterward.

Sameera, as per usual for her, is organizing the people and goods that will be going with the Grimhall fleets. She'll be rallying the Coldrains that wish to fight to do as such. She is assuring food, supplies, weaponry, etc, is all directed to where they need to be so they are most efficiently done. Those under her command are given orders on what they are to do, where they are to be, and clear procceedures on what they are to do.

Also, even if just rallying, Sameera IS assuring Grimhalls and THrax Family members are not at risk (AKA in a getting dead place).

Ian will go and do some drunken carousing with friends he has among the more martial noble NPCs among Harald's vassals. He'll regale them with some of the best Brothers Kennex stories (like the time Aethan decided to sneak up on a faster ship over open waters by hiding behind the swells, and everyone thought he was crazy, but then they did it, and you should have seen the LOOKS on the pirates' faces!) and listen to their battle stories as well. As a note: He will only be going to vassals of Grimhall, not vassals of Kennex. Ford has yet, as far as Ian knows, to mobilize his vassals, and Ian doesn't want to step on Ford's toes.

Wash will pick at least one outlying vassal with a limited naval force and sail out with the repopulated Kennex fleet. He'll invite them to participate in maneuvers, and share his knowledge of the enemy and sailing with them.

Darrow Darkwater visits the nobles and captains comprising both the Darkwater vassalage, and those of Grimhall and Kennex he's known from the many manuevers and actions in the past few years. He's known amongst them for not losing his head, and its this angle he will press - to firm the resolve of the armies to rally to the Darkwater Redoubt.

Though not a bard, Caspian will still answer the call to action as a bard, seeking audiences with those within the Grimhall chain of fealty to perform songs and poetry for them. These songs and poetry are meant to inspire courage, honor, and a desire for heroism while mocking those who hide away or do the bare minium as their brothers and sisters give it their all for glory.

Baroness Skye Blackshore answers the summons, offering to help even though she has no men to call to her banners. The brave young woman who looks like she can barely stand up in a fierce wind offers to command a ship against the Gyre, citing her sailing skills are her best talent. Hmmm, perhaps other vassals will be shamed by being upstaged by a petite little lady and answer Duke Grimhall's call.

Ember will have a frank talk with her military lieutenants rallying them to join the fight that is coming. She'll give a bold speech, telling her army that the might of Redreef is needed to help with the upcoming battles. There will be a lot of yelling and posturing, but the tiny woman is adept at getting her point across. Once her lieutenants and sailors are on board to fight, she'll pass that information along to the Thrax family, letting them know that Redreef will be present and geared and ready to fight.

Valdemar will be sending letters to Grimhall's vassals, making liberal use of terms like "honor", "duty", "loyalty" and so on in an attempt to fire them up for the fight to come against the Gyre and his minions.

Duke Harald calls the Grimhall banners with a decidedly less-gentle touch. Mortal glory, immortal fame, and great wealth await those who answer, while scorn and terrible retribution will fall upon those who shrink from the battles ahead. You cowards. Lord Valdemar Grimhall also assists, making liberal use of terms like "honor", "duty", and "loyalty" in an attempt to fire vassals up for the fight to come. Marquessa Vanora also lends her softer skills, persuasion and diplomacy her watchwords to convince even the hardest of hearts and the yellowest of cowards to join the join this holy war. Grimhall and its vassals respond surprisingly well to this three-pronged exhortation.

Baron Edward Stormbreak, needing little urging, follows suit, calling his banners to fame and glory. Count Turo Navegant doesn't ask so much as order, but he leads the way in preparing for war with Lord Faelan at his side. They are clearly expecting those well-accustomed to Turo's leadership to follow suit.

Sameera Coldrain works hard to get supplies organized for everyone, and make sure that as they're preparing for war they're doing so with ships well-stocked and mended, and enough provisions for all. Ivarr goes looking for pirates, who give him the finger and sail off, shouting about how they're not going to fight for him now when Thrax is openly going up against pirates, dammit. Don't they know The Code?

Lord Ian Kennex goes drinking - as Ian is wont to do - but uses this time to swap drinking stories with buddies in the Ebb and Flow. He regales them with stories and reminds them of the fun to be had on the open seas, even when times are Grim. Lord Wash Kennex for his part sails to train others in the Navy, hoping to coordinate ship maneuvers with them and encourage them to set sail.

Lord Darrow Darkwater also calls his banners, even as his people begin a mass evacuation. Here Caspian Wild plys his skills, using songs and poetry to inspire people to answer the call to arms and subtly shame those who don't.

And not to be left out, Baroness Ember Redreef and Baroness Skye Blackshore talk to the various troops, challenging them by their size and gender alone to prove they can fighter better than a couple of women. It's maybe not the most effective tactic, but it's not the least effective tactic either.

Grimhall and their vassals sail to war. -_-

Prince Fiachra Valardin has uncovered the location of a weapons cache containing weapons needed to fight The Gyre. Princess Alis is putting together a small strike team to retrieve the weapons, and hopefully provide the Thrax with more they can use to fight the monster in the deeps.

Fiachra's main strength is as a scout, so he'll be making use of his survival skills in getting to the location of the cache, and will be searching for traps or potential guardians as he goes. In addition, as expected of someone of his training, he has the ability to move silently when needed, and is a skilled archer.

Cristoph will be helping Princess Alis and Prince Fiachra in their hunt for the weapons. He's an okay warrior but a better tactician. So he'll approach things from that angle.

Edward has joined the expedition by Alis, bringing his experience in the hunt for the special weapons to the expedition. He also is able to recognize the weapons now that he has seen them first hand. For the most part he is here to do as he is told to help secure the success of the mission, even if that includes leading soldiers or providing logistics to make sure the expedition is well supplied for its success.

Antonio will be joining the expedition. He's an expert sailor, as well as a more than fair hand with a sword. He's also been involved with one of these expeditions in the past- having found a cache of weapons with Caelis. So perhaps that experience will come to bear.

They make their way to the island, following ancient paths and good scouting to a place once used to forge weapons. Fiachra finds a journal, and Edward takes some sketches - but the real treasure is the crate of weapons below. And yet there were two more crates taken by the Kraken's Kin and out of their reach forever. They try to track the thieves, but they catch up just in time to see a longboat filled with the Kraken's Kin though - 6 of them, to be precise - and two large crates, headed to a ship waiting for them just off shore. So even though they have a crate of weapons, the sight of one of them giving a mocking salute as they sail away will linger.

Watchwords are circulated to allies, to be given when any Isles warship approaches. Allies are also encouraged to group their merchants into convoys for ease of protection and inspection. One week later, to allow this new policy to spread, Mourning Isles patrols will begin challenging all ships in Kennex waters. If the watchword is wrong, the ship in question will be boarded and inspected, to be confiscated if evidence of smuggling or piracy is found (inaccurate ship's ledger suggesting smuggling, illegal cargo, goods suggesting trade with Abandoned, etc.)

The warships of the Grim Fleet will spread into smaller squadrons of 2-3, in order to patrol more widely among the thousands of merchant ships coming and going from Stormward.

Yet again, The Grim Duke calls, and yet again, House Navegant answers. As voice, the lady navegant will mobilize her forces in suport of the dukes actions. The Navegant fleet, instead of protecting it's own traders, will instead be forming a picket and defense line of patrolling vessles. This new "Mourning Watch" will dedicate itself to full spectrum maritime patrol operations. This includes, escort, anti-piracy actions, rescue operations if needed, and Watchword questioning with Visting, board, search, and seizure operations as needed. To see the boarding operations in case of a failure to utter the correct watchword, Regla has detached Navegant Marines with each warship.

Victus will be committing the full might of the Thrax Fleet to hunting down these smugglers and false flag pirates. Ensuring to learn of the proper watchwords and pass them through the crew. Much like in dealing with the Thralls and Mutineers, Victus will be personally there for this. However he will not be bringing the Red Serpent, as to not immediately reveal that the High Lord of the Mourning Isles has re-entered Kennex waters. Rather he'll be taking more of a backseat role, standing in as a Lord to ensure no international incidents are going to happen if one or two vessels ends up forgetting their watchwords. Or even if the smugglers may learn of one themselves.

Edward will accompany boarding crews that are to inspect ships for smuggling to check manifests and other ships documentation for signs of deception or malfeasance. In addition, given this was part of his job for House Redreef he will apply his know how to searching ships for hidden compartments and where cargo may commonly be stashed - as well as the types of tricks that smugglers may use. Such as towing, barreling, keel riding and so on.

Sameera is doing as she normally does on missions Harald undertakes: She is managing inventory, keeping track of the people and organzing things on the ship to run as smoothly as possible. She has the added duty of checking ship ledgers and trying to find any suspicious activity. Anything that might give cause for concern is reported to Harald. As per normal for her all other duties are disregarded if a Thrax or Grimhalll family member is at risk (AKA has a potential of dying or running off to do something dangerous alone) and she will put her life on the line to protect them.

Faelan is going to be leading one of the longship squadrons in the hunt for more pirates and smugglers.

So, not much into the sneaky stuff. But as soon as one of these pirates gets caught?  I’m gonna axe him a question.

Ian, hopefully along with Wash, Porter and Aethan, will be setting up a small task force that adds actual hunting and deterrence to Harald's strategy of pirate isolation. They'll be setting up a 'bait' ship, ie a ship that seems like a lone merchant ship or trader, a plum target for pirates. The 'merchant sailors' of course will be Kennex pirate hunters, and any pirate who takes the bait and tries to board the 'merchant ship' will live (or not live, as the case may be) to regret it.

Porter will be accompanying Ian on a task force to attempt to bait the pirates into attacking them, and then fight back! Porter will be laying in weight with the ambush crowd.

Aethan will be taking part in the pirate hunting expdition with his brothers and Wash.

Duchess General Calypso works closely with Harald Grimhall and his fleet to support this new policy. Her captains have been given the Watchwords and been instructed to cast out any pirates, smugglers or otherwise undocumented and unwanted travelers on her ships. This only pertains to the fleet she had originally sent out in to Kennex waters.

Titania will be supporting Harald in this and leanding aid in whatever way she can with both Kennex Soldiers and Ships. She will be making sure that all work with Harald so that the situation in Kennex is not taken advantage of and Smuggling and Piracy will be stopped and dealt with.

Lark has forwarded the watchwords to her vassals to use as needed. So as not to confuse the issue, however, she has reduced Grayson naval footprint in Stormward waters to nilch, and suggested that her vassals similarly reduce their traffic there while Grimhall deals with pirates and criminals.

Wash will disguise himself and his personal vessel as a merchant ship, load it down with armed sailors from other Kennex vessels and attempt to lure the pirates into a raid. He will spread word through the lower boroughs (through proxies) of the wealth the ship is bringing to Stormward. Wash will be in command of the vessel, despite his usual disinclination toward hand to hand combat.

Darrow joins the efforts in the Stormward March with his marines and ship, the Reaper, to sail in the efforts of Harald Grimhall. He himself and a squadron of the Lament marines place themselves on the bait ship, knowing that it is likely to draw the most interest of pirates, smugglers, or any other submarine forces that might be lurking. This bait will not be easy prey with Darrow on its deck.

Valery is researching how to improve her smoke bombs, adding pigments so the smoke will come in different colors. (Action 1435) She's been told that could be used for signals!
She's handing Harald a few of these experiments, 3 of three different colors (red, yellow and blue) and another 3 white, making a total of 12.
(Added ap and resources for their cost)

Once watchwords are distributed, the Valardin navy will offer aid in light of increased piracy to escort and defend merchant vessels that are confirmed to be pirate free in the spirit of protecting and bolstering trade while giving the small and growing navy some opportunity to hone it's teeth on pirate vessels.

Watchwords are better than nothing, but actionable intelligence is what Halsim deals with. While everyone else is handling naval issues, Halsim goes pro-active and consults with informants across the Isles about pirates and probable false flaggers, sending any serious leads to Harald for him to actively hunt down. Narrowing the wide net to actual problems.

is going to take a different approach to the smuggling issue. Most lords think the problem is at the sea, that boarding will solve the problems, and often they're right. However, the Crimson giant and his men will be at the ports, stopping anything that they can that falls through the cracks. If contraband is spotted, he will threaten and beat his way to the source, and in turn he will turn over those hiding spots to the boarding parties, as not to let them be tricked twice.

201 ships participate in the massive pickets surrounding Kennex waters. The watchwords catch a number of smugglers off guard, and at least in the initial weeks, 4 longships and 2 galleys are captured running false flags, with their crews turned over to House Grimhall and the ships confiscated. Piracy dies down overnight, and if there were more than that they are definitely avoiding Kennex waters at present.

Fatima found slight in the betrayal of the Isles Canines when they abandoned Thrax in the wake of Dominic's death. She found injury in their taking up with Port Defiance. Neither of these are conditions that the princess can leave alone, especially if the sellsails might sully the good name of House Thrax - either by showing how easy it is to escape their grasp with impugnity or through their actions and association with Thrax through their former master, Dominic. Action, then, must be taken.

Fatima is organizing a watch of the docks for when the dromond appears so she can set into action the following (with helper actions for each part, listed below):
* Edward will lead Thrax forces to take the Dromond. He'll be aided by Iron Guard forces so that, with overhwhelming force, we might minimize violence.
* Iron Guard will pick up the crew on shore leave.
* Thrax ships will prevent escape (Faelan in command) and take the Isles Canines longship if it doesn't dock. Harald will back up this action as well.

* Halsim will continue to investigate for proof of treason.

* Samael is making sure this is all legal.
* Alaric is king and does what he wants.

* Fatima, then, will go to the bankers and lay claim to all funds and resources of the Isles Canines.

Princess Fatima has laid out the role she would like Edward to play in taking the Dromond. With 50 Infantry and 35 Infantry in Reserve he will wait for the timing of the taking of the Dromond. Either at sunset or sunrise when the ship activity is to be the lowest and will permit the men to get on the ship without raising an immediate alarm. The primary goal is to take the Captain under arrest. Any who resist will be put to the sword. Those who surrender will be taken captive and handed off to House Thrax on charges of mutiny and sedition. As far as Edward knows this is an internal matter of House Thrax resolving itself and the House is handling all other legalities and thus Iron Guard who arrive will be permitted to observe but not intervene.

Samael was consulted on the legal position Princess Fatima has and he has agreed to oversee her actions pro gratis, so that a conflict doesn't present itself considering he is the Acting Chief Magistrate of the Court of the Crown. The matter is likely Thrax business and they have the legal grounds to execute their legal authority but if it were to come to something Samael might be expected to rule on he would be obligated to recuse himself for conflicting interest. Samael's role is simply making sure everything is legal and above reproach.

Faelan is going to be commanding the detachment of longships trying to prevent the escape of former Isles Canines ships when they dock at Arx.

Harald has detached a few ships to support the recapture of the renegade vessels. He will take a supporting role, leaving command of the initial operation to Edward and Faelan. If called upon by the commanders, or if the mercenary ships look to be in danger of escape, he and his men will step in.

Calaudrin will be helping capture the thieves that Princess Fatima is after. He'll lead groups of the Iron Guard through the city in the event that they make it to shore and will be certain to put an arrow in the knee of any would be adventurer that thinks it's okay to break the law. Because it's not, it's really not.

Halsim takes the time to help the team, cleaning up operational details with intelligence work on his and other 'friends' parts. Using bribery, stealth, and old fashioned observation, Halsim will try to take as much of the guesswork out of things as possible.

In the run-up to the operation Alaric will be stopping by some of the Guard platoons and crews expected to be involved in the interdiction to give them a little royal pep talk, tell them how great a job they're doing, how proud he is of them, how this operation will be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the Crown's strength and ability to provide security for Arx and its vassal houses, and so on basically topping up unit morale for any necessary action to come.

Silas will be commanding the Iron Guardsmen being used to help apprehend the traitorous sellswords, like a good Lord Commander. He will assign experienced Lieutenants to help him with this particular endeavor, alongside Ainsley and Calaudrin, as well as guardsmen who may have passing familiarity with mercenary companies and sailing. There will be more emphasis on capturing than killing, but his men will defend themselves, obviously.

Ainsley will be organizing a battalion of Iron Guard for this operation. Gathering men who have experience in this sort of situation and getting them prepared and out. He'll be assigning 500- roughly 10 platoons in a single battalion -of the Iron Guard infantry so that there are plenty of IG on the mission to handle the arrests that may/will come up.

Per Alaric's request, the Inquisition has a few lovely little cells set aside for some of the prospective prisoners. Laric and some inquisitors will be treating each of them to 'amiable chats' (thorough interrogations) over 'good food' (bland bread) and 'fine tea' (actually the most bitter of coffees). They'll be released to House Thrax afterwards.

Every once in a while, things go well. Suspiciously well. As if there is divine, karmic counterbalance to everything that happened recently in Stormward, for example. The ships could have escaped. But they didn't- the dromond never got underway, and the two longships were politely guided back to the harbor by Harald and Faelan's ships. There could have been overwhelming violence and a massive political incident with the crownsworn being horrified at House soldiers of the Isles fighting crownsworn in the streets. But full Iron Guard support made certain it never happened. There was several dozen mercenaries aboard each ship, but when a full five hundred iron guardsmen showed up along with the Inquisition, the Lord Commander of the Iron Guard, two of his most trusted, and seventy five house troops under Lord Edward, none of the mercenaries were all that eager to die and surrendered without a fight.

Now, they probably would not have done that if they were aware that they could be charged with treason for dealing with Abandoned, and none of them knew that this was anything more tha a dispute over possession of the Black Diamond, Dominic's ship, which they all suspected the moment they saw Thrax troops. There's loud protests as they are handed over to the Inquisition for questioning.

With the thrax men on the ships, the ships are now back under Fatima's control, with her ganing possession of the recent ledgers of the mercenary company. ((Clue sent to Laric for his questioning, Fatima made back in charge of Isles Canines, army under her command that could be moved wherever))

Harald is committing the Grim Fleet to the support of Kennex in the following ways: first, in hunting down the renegade Kennex longships which newly freed thralls took over, as well as cracking down on any other pirates looking to exploit the chaos. He will lead this effort personally. If found, the leaders of the mutineers will be publicly crucified as traitors in Grihem's Point, and the crews returned to thralldom under Grimhall.

Second, the fleet will escort any Kennex Freedmen who accept passage from Stormward March to Grihem's Point, where they will be considered free serfs. They won't be paid much, but they'll have work, shelter, and food for their families. Harald rejects Aleksei's placement of Churchmen aboard his vessels in this relocation.

Third, the fleet will provide escort to any mainland ships bringing aid to Stormward March, to ensure pirates do not prey on idiot mainlanders who announce they are transporting loads of silver and supplies.

Lastly, the Grim Legion is being prepared against the possibility that Stormward March falls into open revolt. Should this happen, Harald is prepared to land his troops together with Thrax to prevent a lengthy civil war and impose an overlord's order on the March. Should this be necessary, the army will bring supplies and silver to encourage cooperation, so that there is a carrot to go with the stick.

Ian will be going along with the grim fleet (hopefully together with Aethan and Porter). He's not just there to lend his blade to the fight, but also his expertise; Ian sailed Kennex waters for years, and if it comes to fighting pirates, it's a fair bet that they'll be pirates who became thralls after a ship Ian was on caught them in the first place. He knows the tactics that pirates in that area use, where they like to hide, etc. More personally, he's spent a lot of time with the grim legion, and also wants to go because he feels a certain obligation to dive into trouble alongside them. As an aside, it may or may not be worthy of remark that the Brothers Kennex, who used to have a reputation as pirate hunters, at least in their own House if not on the Isles as a whole, are together again on a reunion tour of sorts, and together under Grimhall's banner. Given the tension between Ford and Harald, it might set tongues wagging.

Aethan is joining his brothers in sailing with Harald to hunt former thralls turned pirate.

Faelan is going to come along with Harald to fight and hunt down the renegade Kennex freedmen. He is also going to bring Navegant soldiers with to help.

Traveling with the Grimhall Fleet, Edward will go as someone to meet with traditionalists and progressive who are concerned over their loss of thralls and provide financial and economic advice on how to spend the monies they should expect and demand of House Kennex and the Compact to help with the transition, recommending wage prices for thralls who want to stay and how to incentivize them to not leave on the great fleets that come to pick them up to take them away. This will include conversations to confused and lost thralls who do not know what to do, encouraging them to stay and continue their trade and craft - with examples of how wealthy a crafter in the Compact can become. And for those who still desire to escape their Kennex cages an encouragement to resettle inside Thrax instead of without - his focus then on places like Navegant and Whitefrost.

Melinda will be using her skills in Propaganda to help her father keep morale amongst his crew and his ships. She is also getting Artorius to lend more ships to her fathers cause.

Sameera, being more of an organazier, it set on keeping track of the inventory of the Grimhall fleet as well as organzing those on reserve for occupation Kennex, should it come to it. She is heeding any change of orders that Harald might give her or acting on any ill actions done by those following the Grimhall Duke. As a note, if Harald or a Grimhall, especially Harald, is in a situation of risk she will, absolutely disregard the orders Harald gives her to keep them safe. She will also attempt to try getting former thralls to follow her command, using her status as a former thrall, to draw them in and convince them to cease and then swear themselves to Grimhall. She will be nudign Torstein to join her, under her command.

Torstein will be assisting and playing bodyguard (babysitter) to Sameera.

Let's get some pirates! And probably do some other helpful and boring stuff, too. But mostly catching some pirates!

The High Lord is providing Thrax's own marine forces to assist Harald in combating piracy and aid in whatever other military campaigns that the Duke sees fit. By Victus' order, they will be led under Harald's command until order has been restored to Stormward and the mutineers are brought to swift justice.

Piracy? In our waters? Against our people? No. That will not stand. The Lady Regla Navegant, alongside the Marines and Navegant fleet will assist in anti-piracy and escort operations.

Two things go extremely well, from the standpoint of the Isles. First, no revolt happens under the watchful eyes of Isles' military might, which in turn stops the flow of blood due to anarchy and help stabilize the freefall of Kennex's economy. Most of the traditionalists are happy about that, even if they are disinclined to put their own money forward to buy old thrall debts that have now been abrogated by Ford's actions. Secondly, two renegade longships have been run down by their forces and destroyed. They were flying Kennex colors, but the flayed crucified bodies of their former commanders on decks made it not very ambiguous about whether they were legitimate Kennex vessels or not. Those ships were run down, cornered, and slaughtered with the surrendering survivors brought back to Grihem's Point to be presented to the sea. The overwhelming force combined with the vastly more disciplined soldiers made them extraordinarily one sided, with only three Grimhall men dying for 78 former thralls being slain in combat, and one of the deaths was from a man named Rolf trying to leap from a boarding plank, hitting the side of a longboat, and then drowning.

As a result of the show of force, a small amount of refugees choose to settle on Grihem's Point, Escuma, Whitefrost and Maelstrom. They all see a modest boost in their labor forces as a result.

It's not a complete success, but that is largely out of their control and their forces wish for more clarification on how to proceed, since they are crossing into some dangerous waters (a pun which they all argue is not intended). The problem is there are now hundreds of ships of the Compact's houses in Kenenx waters helping with relief efforts. While the morons on the two renegade longships were easily dealt with because they got carried away, more professional pirates and smugglers are much less stupid, and are taking advantage of the chaos by flying false flags. This is a predicament because many of the other ships are ducal houses from the Lyceum, Grayson, and the Oathlands at least. And some suspect that some pirates are flying Thrax colors as well, and this creates issues as asking any other ship to stop to be boarded could provoke some extremely ugly incidents- particularly since most would expect Kennex to be the ones doing this by law, and they aren't here. Grimhall could argue they have the rigths for this, as the liege of Kennex and it being a problem, but some of the craftier pirates might be flying Grimhall flags. It's very hard to tell how many are out there, but there was at least 3 attacks on isolated ships after the two longships of Kennex mutineers were killed, meaning -someone- at least is still in the business of piracy, and those ones are being extremely careful. Most of the large fleets of the Compact are traveling in far to big detachments for pirates to risk, but for smaller groups of refugees fleeing, it's a serious concern.

A joint Grimhall-Navegant campaign is being launched to subjugate one of the abandoned northern Isles near Escuma.  The island must be large enough to eventually support a stable barony. The combined fleets of both houses under Turo will secure the coasts, deliver warriors and supplies to support the armies ashore. The Grim Legion (Army #91) under Harald will land on the western shore, establishing a base of operations on the coast, where a palisade and ditch will be raised for defense, while Navegant warriors under Lady Regla (Quirin’s Army #105) will land and begin their sweep from the south coast.  Merida and Valdemar will also be with the army.

This fortified camp is intended to grow into a town after the campaign, once settlers are brought in. Initially, the camp will support a lengthy and thorough sweep of the island by the armies.  Organization of the camp will be entrusted to Sameera Coldrain, who will also direct initial construction while the military operation is underway, with an eye toward the settlement to follow.

Diplomats (Melinda, Titania, Edward) will travel with the armies to handle negotiation with any tribes of Abandoned who are encountered. Their aim is to avoid the massacre and enthralling of any Abandoned  tribes by persuading them to turn Prodigal. Titania speaks Island Shav, and will be primary translator. Shavs who resist before surrendering will become thralls, Tribes who kneel peacefully will become free subjects. (Rolf will not be allowed anywhere near negotiations. Fucking Rolf.) The diplomats will have the secondary task of inquiring after any rumors of magic, or sorcery among the Abandoned.  Gifts of steel, mead, and furs will be offered, to sweeten the offer.

Should the island be pacified, the final phase of the campaign is long term settlement. Refugees from the Silence have been promised land through Lady Caelis Malvici, who has agreed to re-settle any fisherfolk, farmers, woodworkers, or any folk willing to learn those trades, starting at the fortified coastal camp.  Combined with any Prodigals, this should provide the island with a self sufficient population base after a few successful growing seasons.  With Navegant's approval, governance of the island will be entrusted to Edward Stormbreak, in vassalage to Navegant.

Made all the roles, made ALL the posts, and the adjustments, opened up the new dominion too. Congratulations! You have colonized an island!

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.

Princess Fatima is coordinating privateers from all the Houses in the Compact who wish to be involved in restoring order to the Mourning Sea. Seeing the wisdom in combining Duchess Margot Tyde's diplomatic mission and Lady Regla's search for the weapons into one large initiative, the High Lord believes there will be a higher chance of success by banding together to form a sizable armada. For the sake of logistics and chain of command, Princess Fatima has organized the mission directive into three separate Corps within the armada. The Privateer Corps, the Diplomatic Corps, and the Cobalt Corps. These are not necessarily the official names of each division within the fleet, but it has made organizing the endeavor much easier. The Thraxian princess has gathered together capable sailors, reavers, warriors, strategists and military leaders from across the fealties. Each is dedicated to routing out the Pirate Clans and Abandoned Houses of the Isles participating in acts of piracy and raiding. After speaking with several experienced Admirals, Captains and sailors - Fatima knows that most pirate activity happens just off the coast and along well known trade lanes. It is likely that the cobalt weapons might be in enemy territory or in the same places that pirate activity is heavily concentrated. While searching for the cobalt weapons under Lady Regla's direction, the armada will deal with any Pirate Clan or Abandoned they come across. Duchess Margot will lead the Diplomatic Corps in negotiations with the aforementioned groups in an effort to see them bend the knee and rejoin the Compact. Those who refuse to give up their banditry will be meted out the King's justice; their ships and stolen cargos will be siezed by the armada. Offers of surrender will be accepted and those that do can join the armada as Prodigal crew members with fair wages and the same rights as any citizen of the Compact. Thus far the fleet consists of two dromonds, twenty-seven longships, and two galleys. More ships will be joining the efforts as the other Houses of the Compact get in touch and coordinate with Princess Fatima. Sometimes the Lady Regla will have to break off with a small division of ships and soldiers during her search for the cobalt weapons and contingencies have been put in place for such an event. Fatima is a wise leader and has delegated several positions with their own purview of authority to those who've sworn to the cause.

Division Leader of the Privateer Corps and Head of the Armada - Princess Fatima Thrax
Fleet Admiral of the Privateer Corps - Count Turo Navegant
Quartermaster of the Armada - Baron Edward Stormbreak
Division Leader of the Cobalt Corps and First Mate of the Crimson Shadow- Lady Regla Navegant
Division Leader of the Diplomatic Corps - Duchess Margot Tyde
Countess Aella Ravenseye graciously contributes two longships to the Armada and will serve as the Commander of her forces. Skapti Thrallson, vassal to House Navegant has graciously contributed one dromond to the Armada and will serve as the Captain of said vessel.

After receiving a vision in which Gloria spoke with her about several things, and hearing from others in regards to similar visions from Mangata, Regla has taken it upon herself to begin searching for the weapons that have been mentioned/described/seen that will aid them in their fight against the danger growing in the Darkwater Deep. It was Turo’s own vision regarding a mountain with a blue tear and lightning that has given her the starting point, mixed in with the fact that Gloria showed her Escuma for what she can only figure is a very specific reason. Combined together she is aiming her attention in the northern islands, starting with any that have a mountain large enough to fit what Turo saw. Things that she will be using/doing for this search are as follows:

Sailing charts that have terrain depicted on them.

Gossip and rumors of sailors, searching for any island that seems to have a high frequency of storms AND a mountain.

This is very much a no stone left unturned situation for Regla, and her main priority in things is the search for these weapons, as systematically as she possibly can be under the circumstances.

Edward has been asked to the job in the fleet that is that of logistics and primary quartermaster, given his history of doing this for House Redreef. He will be responsible for ensuring that the fleet is adequately supplied with food and spare stores of equipment and repair materials for the ships for the long cruise. In addition he is first level of responsibility for ensuring that all seized cargo and resources are catalogued and recorded for proper distribution among Houses Stormbreak, Navegant, Tyde, and Thrax.

In addition, he is also primarily serving in the portion of the fleet that is in search of the cobalt weapons, assisting the Sword and Lady Regla Navegant in her search for these weapons.

Sivard will be aiding both Regla and Fatima as they have need of him, though when left to his own choice he will default to helping Regla. He can be used as a scout, infiltraitor, or sword as needed of him.

With the shakdown of assignments, Skapti is taking the Leatherback to be Turo's flagship and him the Captain. With this in mind Skapti will take part in the primary fleet actions with the Thrax fleet to handle pirates and other Shav raider ships the combined fleet is on the hunt for. When Lady Regla Navegant is dispatched to any nearby islands to search for the weapons, the ship and its escorts become the center of her primary command with Admiral Turo moving his flag to the Crimson Shadow; while the Leatheback and its escorts conduct the Sword of House Navegant to her destination and then back to the fleet.

With Fatima's reaching out, Aella is taking two of her longships with her at their head. Aella will take part in the primary fleet actions with the Privateer Corp to handle pirates and other Abandoned raider ships the combined fleet is on the hunt for. When action is spotted, Aella will do her best to act as a forward scout, as well as entreating the spirits, and praying to Mangata to attempt to becalm hostile ships, and fill the sails of their own. If the fleet runs into bad weather, she will attempt to beseech them to ease the storm as well, by offering up tokens of personal sentimental value, and fine liquor.

Ariel is contributing two longships to the Armada under the command of Commander Reginald Bosier (NPC) to assist. Commander Reginald will follow the orders given to him by his higher ups.

On behalf of Valardin, Sir Tarrant is accompanying the expedition aboard the Crimson Shadow. In typical Oathland fashion, he will step to the front in any dangerous or combative situations as a glorified bodyguard to any VIPs, or as a shock troop for any attacks, as he is directed. Should the opportunity arise (and should the commanders allow), he will seek single combat with any enemy champions.

Margot leaves the mission in the Grey Forest straight to go board a ship to perform diplomacy with the abandoned, bringing with her 5 of the Tyde longships and 2 galleys, with members of the crews that previously attended the mission to the Eswynds as they have an idea of what to expect. All her ships have peace flags flying and will not engage in violence with out explicit orders to do so from herself or Fatima (any who do will be kicked over board). They will take their share of recovered cargo and/or ships but no thralls will be taken by Tyde. Her goal is to where ever safe to do so, make first contact with groups they encounter and attempt to sway them to bending knee to Thrax/Tyde/Grimhall. Margot will offer a represenitive or two of any groups who swear themselves to the Isles a place on the Galley she herself is on so she can learn more from them regarding thier peoples, circomstance, and what they have seen of the Darkwater. (Note: Margot speaks Isles Shav fluently)

Alexis is not very diplomatic or particularly cunning, but she is a decent meatshield, and so her job in this matter will simply be to escort those VIPs she's told to escort, to attempt to keep them safe, as much as possible. She may also be part of other military action, if needed.

While Princess Isabeau Valardin won't be setting sail with Princess Fatima's fleet, the Oathlands princess will be assisting the Privateer Corps by provided materiel support on behalf of House Valardin and using her considerable social sway to ensure that trade ships take the threat of increased piracy seriously and that any potential pirates might reconsider their life choices. She will use both open lines of communication and whisper campaigns of propaganda to ensure that Princess Fatima and Lady Regla encounter diminished resistance.

Estaban will be bringing 3 longships and 1 Galley to the fun, he will commander his ships as he is the Admiral of them and assist the Thrax in whatever it is they need him and his men to do.

Edain is supporting Fatima's attemps protect Duchess Margot's diplomatic outreaches and to limit reaver/pirate activity during this crisis. Too support her armada, Edain is sending 1 Dromon, 2 Galley's and 5 long ships. They will be commanded by NPC commanders (Katarina is helping other actions on her own.)

Taking command of the ships in the fleet as Fleet Admiral, Turo will be overseeing the warfare aspects of where the ships are, where they should go, their formations, divvying up fleet to make proper sea units of varying ships, and planning logistics of any battle that might come to pass. If there is to be battle, whether with pirates or shavs, he will plan the offensive and defensive movements, as well as any counter-strikes should they be needed. The fleet will be broken in smaller groups, so as to cover enough ground in Regla's search, but differing combinations of longships, galleys, and dromonds so as unit strength is not detracted or taken away. The main priority is to make sure the safety of the crews, the second is the minimize the potential losses of ships and soldiers by developing the proper strategy for each situation that may result in combat. Thirdly, to make sure they cast a wide enough net to be able to search for the weapons in a timely manner.

Aksel with be assisting with whatever is needed during privateering actions, mostly fighting and fighting and likely a little more fighting. However, when Regla sets off on missions of Cobalty nature, Aksel will assist there. If fighting is on snow and ice, he'll use his skills and knowledge of the North to assist in ensuring those on the landing team survive that sort of weather and battle conditions.

Freja will be using her own scouting skills and spooky shaman hijinks to help Regla in her search for the weapons to help them in their fight in the Darkwater Deep.

One group attacked and dispatched murderous Marinites. One group found a cache of Cobalt weapons. And one group found some shav who were willing to bend the knee as free people in return for information! Sure, some ships were lost but that's not /that/ big a deal, is it?

Duchess General Calypso Malvici is leading half of the Malvici Military and hald of the Velenosa Military Northwards to help Duke Vercyn stave off any Abyssal tainted Shavs in the Northlands. They will also hold the area secure in hope of keeping the Horned God's influence from spreading. She intends to travel north with the rest of the committed Lycene troops to help coordinate with the Redrain forces there.

She will also be working to coordinate with Princess Freja's efforts to search for weapons and locate the weapon which is thought to be hidden inside the Palace of Arx.


Calypso will be taking the following team with her in to the Palace to search for the weapon rumored to be there. She has expressed permission from His Majesty King Alaric, with the stipulation that any weapons uncovered become the property of the King's Own. Agreeing to that, the team is formed - Sir Miles of the King's Own, Princess-General Alis Valardin, Princess Reese Grayson and Master Costas.

As is her role as a Brigadier General, Eirene will be taking command of the Malvici battle-medic Phoenix Brigade but will also be coordinating with the other medical forces of the Lycene houses to ensure there is ample medical attention and protection for the healers working in triage outside of the lines.

She will also use her knowledge of occult lore and superstition to be on the lookout for any magical maladies or unusual attacks which may be used against their forces.

Working on the 'wolf of Skald' being a counter to the Horned King's magic, she will keep a small supply (from Eleyna- not poisoned) to test on any out of the ordinary wounds or afflications she may encounter.
She also prepares for frostbite and trenchfoot and other cold-weather maladies.

A man known for being adept with Logistics, Edward will bring his expert skill at quartermastering and logistics to the entirety of Calypso's forces. Working with the Captains and Sergeants he will make sure that each command has the necessary equipment and supplies needed to do their job but also have a proper amount of extra resources allocated to cover unfortunate happenstances. He will work with the supply teams to ensure proper packing of foods and materials that an army on the move will need and ensure that it is packed efficiently and in as few trains as possible to keep a short and tight supply line to limit its vulnerability.

In addition, he brings with him a portion of his own Whitefrost forces who are adept at defensive combat due to the military conditions in the Isles that breed that kind of warrior. He will use his forces as the Duchess General directs with the recommendation she deploy them in a defensive capacity.

To be appended.
Merek will travel with the forces that are heading to the North with Fidante (should any of them be assisting in this, if not then generically he will be under Calypso's Command). He will take a token force of the Iron Guard if permitted to assist them, with permission from Velenosa and Redrain should it be allowed. He also has his three personal guards and champion assigned to his protection, and his secretary for logistic matters. His action is a bit different from the others. While he will be willing to fight and will travel north, and has skill and his special blade in case any Abyssal threats are met that require such weapons, his main focus will be on the monetary and logistics only in a different manner, instead as a Merchant he will be working on forging the best of weapons and armor he can, which admittedly isn't too much, and he will be helping with field repairs as well. In addition to that he will be assisting in funding the expedition so that the army lacks for less as they travel. This likely means he will be assisting 'Edward' in addition to any Fidante forces, to help boost the man's work in logistics. (In other words, non-combatant unless he's required to fight in full. Mostly Command/Logistics/Smithing to some extent)

Special note: His personal Guard is loyal and willing to lay down their lives to ensure his safety, and I accept that if this happens to them it will be a loss of the Agents/Retainers that do such an act.


[He will be bringing 80 Iron Guardsmen to assist the soldiers. A token force at most, but more folk it is nonetheless.]

Since Inigo is marching out, he will be with the Fidante folk, who are under Calypso, and then the Guards he brought will be under him, with oversight of the chain of command upwards but answering to him.

Estaban will be gathering his troops in the next few days running them through drills and since most are from the south teaching them about the cold counditions of the North as he has been there first had and almost froze. Once they are ready he will let Calypso know and they will being prepping to march out at her side.
Estaban will be marching with the House Saik army, I can not add them to the Crisis at the moment because I am Admiral of the Malvici fleet at and can not also command the saik Army at the the same time code wise. I spoke with Apostate and he told me to note it in the crisis.

Alis is going to help Calypso with searching the Palace for a shiny.

Count Artorius Magnotta sends warriors to aid and serve in Duchess Calypso's army in the effort to help the fight against Legion, as well as personally joining the fray himself to fight in the impending conflict.

As the commander of the Army of Tor, Duke Inigo Fidante will be leading half of the strength of the Fidante army north to assist in the military exercise. Inigo has been under the tutelage of the Duchess General in leadership and warfare but is still very green when it comes to engagements. This being the case, the Duke will be issuing commands to his army but under the instruction and guidance of Duchess Malvici. If needed, i.e. if things get messy and he needs to take a more hands on approach, the Duke is outfitted with his armor and diamond plate sword 'Recompense'.

Sparte will be marching out with the Iron Guard contingent, to assist in what ways he can. As a line and file guardsman that may not be much, but he'll still be there. His main contribution will likely be chiding the other guardsmen on packing appropriately for cold weather, and making poor quality maps of things they see along the way.

Anze begins the preparations to support Vercyn with the Malvici troops by making sure that the Malvici forces are well prepared for the journey north. Having grown up in Farhaven and serving under Vercyn, he makes sure to meet with the Malvici forces commanders and Lieutenants to go over the basics of the terrain, their path up, and what the weather might be like. Knowing that the Malvici forces are from the furthest southernmost tip of Arvum, he makes sure that they will bring cloaks and other supplies to keep them warm in the for northern spring.

Any Lycene forces showing an interest in learning what Anze knows also get his support, going over the basics of maps, terrain, and weather so that they know what to expect.

Anze will spend his time helping Calypso command the Malvici forces, and being ready to step in in case she has to move to another location or work with other groups. Having worked with Vercyn and knowing the northern forces well, he would work to make sure that the Malvici and northern forces mesh well and can work together in the most efficient way.

In addition to half of the Velenosa forces being lent to the cause of fighting Legion, Talen has committed half of the Mirrorguard forces as well. He'll personally lead these as a strike force available to the plans and whims of Duchess CAlypso Malvici who has been given the temporary control of southern forces pledged to Darren under her command by Eleyna Velenosa. Talen's agents are primarily focusing on geurilla-style warfare, laying traps and ambushes to known points where the Northlands shavs attack. This will be in addition to any forces provided by Baron Audric De Lire who is sending his Valorous Few, if any, as they are known to have similar styles of assault and a 'get the job done under any means necessary' attitudes.
Talen is using Eleyna's wolf-blood poison (detailed in her action) against the corrupted Shav'Arvani in battle and other creatures under the Horned God's control to demonstrate whether the theory is correct.

Miles will babysit these Malvici (all except Eirene who needs no babysitter) as they bumble about the Palace. To keep them in line he will tactically and strategically grump at them. Miles is working with them to explore the palace, keeping an eye out for potential security breaches and if a weapon is found, securing it for the Crown per His Majesty's orders.

Costas will be present in his role as Calypso's bodyguard as she hunts in the Palace.

Duchess Calista Fidante is assisting House Fidante's actions to better prepare the military for battle in the North.
Duchess Calista Fidante is assisting House Fidante's actions to better prepare the military for battle in the North. House Fidante is sending in half their military forces under the command of Duke Inigo Fidante with Sword of Tor Dante Fidante on the helm. For her part, the Duchesses of Roses will be aiding in diplomatic efforts.

Mirari will be using her knowledge of alchemy and apothecarism. She'll be selecting skilled warriors that she knows won't object-- and she'll be poisoning their blades. Things that will debilitate and make it easier for the warriors to win, but not be particularly torturous or awful.

Being neither a commander nor a scholar of the occult, Eleyna's actions are those of support from Arx rather than traipsing into the field with the others. As a show of her faith in the alliance between Redrain and Velenosa, bonds forged in shared grief and, now, in deep friendship between Eleyna and Darren, she pledges half of the Velenosa army to go North and assist. As a show of trust, she offers Duchess General Calypso Malvici command of those forces in the North as Talen will be focusing on the Mirrorguard, who are better suited toward guerilla-style combat than military maneuvers.

As a small side action, after a discussion with Lady Eirene Malvici, Eleyna retreats into her lab and, using what she learned in the last war regarding spiders and their use against Bringers, mixes up a concoction of wolf's blood (ethically sourced, of course!) sinces wolves were thought to be a 'Skald' thing and nettle poison, known for causing painful blistery rashes. She instructs Talen to put it on his sword at some opportune time. Just as a test.
((Could not add the army due to org permissions, but they will be there!))

As part of the Malvici Military, Fiora accompanies in helping Duke Vercyn by providing archery support and heeding the orders of her cousin, Duchess General Calypso. And for kicks, maybe she'll see about protecting her family members from getting hurt or instead goad her twin brother into fight alongside her like old times. The things people do for family, liege, and fealty.

Lord Dante Fidante, Voice of Fidante and Sword of Tor will be headed North to help in assisting Duke Inigo with the Fidante forces, along with this, as half of the Mirrorguard have been committed to the attack, Dante will be assisting Prince Talen and the Mirrorguard as well. He will mostly be there on a combative basis, and not so much as being in command. Despite this, if Inigo were to need assistance leading the Fidante forces, he is there in his position as both voice and Sword.

Dafne entrusts half of the Rubino-Zaffria troops to Calypso's command for this action. She takes time to give them a stirring speech beforehand. And warm clothing.

Back in the Gray Forest, even more fortifications are being built and strengthened. Baron Edward Stormbreak brings his particular expertise in logistics and quartermastering to aid and advise the forces led by Duchess General Calypso Malvici. Merek Black also comes, helping with the setup of their home away from home and helping make sure that the logistics and supply chain is as secure as possible. Brigadier General Eirene Malvici coordinates a triage center as well, using supplies graciously donated by Princess Eleyna Velenosa. Duchess Dafne Zaffria assists by sending troops, and Mirari Corsetina seems to have developed an unholy interest in polishing blades (that is not a euphemism, folks). Those soldiers willing to let her look at their swords tend to be very careful with handling them afterwards. All in all though, these defenses are a success, and the soldiers operating in the Gray Forest are safer as a result. Estaban, Artorius, Inigo, Sparte, Anze, Talen, Fiora, Dante, Calista, and Calypso are handling some guerilla action as well, drawing the shavs loyal to the Horned God deeper and deeper into a trap.