Peri admires all of the work her brother organized the Seliki Engineering Corp and so many of the Compact into building the Great Road. Her brother has inspired her. Are there not more great engineering projects the Selikis can accomplish? What of a fortress to protect the Pearlspire and the Compact and give the Pearlspire a shipyard and port? Seliki engineers are capable of this great work. Pearlspire will be able to create a fleet like no other. Her allies will be able to use the port and have ships built for them. Peri will finally be able to give Kalani a hospital ship to command.

Peri will use her command and leadership skills to organize teams of people in this work. She directs people to build fortifications that will provide protection and early warning for hostilities in the sea.

Peri wishes for this project to provide protection along the North East coast of Arvum and in the waterways between Arvum and the northern chain of the Mourning Isles. The fortress will be able to provide defense as well as a base for patrol fleets to keep the sealanes clear from piracy.

Peri also wishes for this project to provide a stable location from which scouts and couriers can be safely quartered and provisioned while also ensuring access to a well maintained stretch of road, should a rider need to be dispatched post haste OR a larger response be fielded to the shore line, The fortifications will provide lookout for impending threats. (OOC: thanks! Kalani provided words for this paragraph. she is good at this.)

Peri will consult with with people who provide quick responses to emergencies at sea and along the coast to ensure that the construction will meet their needs and allow them a base to push from. People such as Physicians, Mercies, Order of The East Light. They will have facilities and docking rights.

Peri has spoken with Legate Ailith to get advice on prayers and blessings, and Legate Ailith recommended that Peri meet with her Seraph in Pearlspire to ask for prayers and blessings for the work. Peri asks to have prayers on the people doing the work so that they are protected from injury and harm. She ask for prayers for wisdom in planning. She will ask for blessings upon the construction and for a dedication of it to the pantheon.

Peri will speak with economic advisors to have them plan new trade routes for the area.

Orrin is primarily providing military expertise so that the fortress and shipyard will be properly outfitted for those purposes; though it will surely provide economic benefit, his priority is seeing to the enduring security of the Pearlspire, the Crownlands, and the Compact, in that order. He will be reviewing design choices made by others to ensure that war vessels can be produced at speed; that shipping lanes and cargo platforms are well-protected by the edifices; and that the towers are appropriately arrayed to provide a complete range of visibility to warn of impending attacks, whether by pirates, raiders, or military forces, foreign or otherwise. He will be leveraging military contacts so that it is clear that this port and fortress are meant to provide a continuity of protection for the sea and coasts north of Arx.

Maru does his best to drum up support and resources for the port, extolling the virtues of increased naval defenses and shipbuilding capabilities along the northern coast of the Crownlands.

A lifetime of war has given Gabriel a great appreciation for the usefulness of a well situated fortress and awareness some of the common pitfalls that allowed him to breach countless Shav'arvani fortifications in the gray forest. It's this experience he offers to share with the Seliki engineers as well as an amount of material support from Bisland itself

Always pleased to assist in developing the strength of the Crownlands, Alaric lends some of the Crown bureaucracy's technical expertise as well as some resources for building the project.

Michael Bisland sets about securing authorization for just such a behemoth. Permits and such, ensuring it'll be marked upon mercantile maps. Being a Voice means access to diplomatic channels that some don't have. And the wherewithal to negiotiate within them.

Using the Crafters Guild's best artisans, Joscelin would help the Selikis design a fortress that is not only funtional, but the most beautiful, a tribute to the location and the legacy of its people, as well as a clear testament of the Crafters Guild's nurtured talent and growth in these years past. She would also help negotiate on behalf of the Selikis, ensuring they get the best materials available at the most affordable prices without cutting anyone out.

Etienne lends his expertise where it is applicable, furthering the efforts of civilization and advising where he can for best economic results. This in addition to be generally supportive and lending perspective, education, and teaching the ideals of the Faith to others.

For a feat of such magnitude, there should be significant propaganda campaign done to ensure that word is spread regarding the greatness of House Seliki and what they are doing. Scythia is seeking to do precisely this, using what contacts she has to sway them to supporting the cause. After all, would it not be great to have defenses in that region from the dangers that might be faced? Would it not be beneficial to look to make trade deals with a port, freshly formed, that allows for easy export in both Northlands and Crownlands? What about the ample opportunity of employment in such a place on the surge of an economic boom? Naturally Scythia seeks to sway the population into thinking precisely this, and better yet, ensuring that they believe that is really what they wanted to do to begin with.

Reese will join and help with this by using her military background to support the project, but even more so she will try to lend her voice by providing and help provide hype for the building. She will make sure to be seen about as the night of ribbons, being positing and excited about the project. She will try to inspire those working upon such, including laborers and others who are in the area. Reese will spend time on the site and try to help keep spirits high. She will talk to not only those building, but she will visit any nearby shops and merchants, try the local food, talk to children who around, people bringing lunch to their family. The whole idea is to help keep people energetic, excited and unified about the project.

Prince Ahriman Grayson as a recently appointed admiral after ensuring the engineers build him a command room of his own and making sure he has a copy of the blueprints will assist in the strategic position and location of this fortress.

1) He will make sure that the approaches and location is a prime defensible position.

2) He will advise to build additional defensive measures such as lumber to generate smoke (in case of sky born assault) to help obscure the fortress from elevated targeting for a time.

3) Ahriman will aslo make sure to do his best to ensure that the currents nearby are charted, timed, and that ranges of defenses are timed and adjusted regularly to be optimal in their defense of the fort.

He will advise on other measures and generally assist with the strategic elements of this fort.

Rysen organizes the shipping of blackwood lumber to be used in the construction of the port, and makes diplomatic entreaties for Crovane sailors to use the new port as the primary port of call for trade voyages on their way south to the Oathlands and east to the Mourning Isles.

Fianna will ensure that shipments to the port are approved and will also support its construction with lumber from Stormwall. She will also offer naval assistance should the effort need it, as well as any other support that she is able to provide to see that this project is a success.

In the wake of his successful tour of Pearlspire with Lady Rey, Kaldur returns to Pearlspire as advocate for the people of the county, especially those who will be most affected by the large undertaking, highlighting that change - Lagoma be praised - is essential for growth.

Pearlspire and the new port will be a jewel - a beautiful, gleaming pearl - in the crown of the Great Road, seated (or seeded) appropriately in the Pearlspire. It doesn't escape his - or anyone's notice - that pearls are born from grit... from intrusions turned by long and steady effort into things of beauty. It's the point! To support this message of change and perseverence, he works to ensure that the everyone is working together so that the outcomes are positive and to minimize any negative impacts on the people and industry of Pearlspire.

He also makes a sizeable donation to the Faith, to support the Faith's outreach in the Pearlspire or wherever it is most needed (OOC: 100,000 silver, 50k attached to the action, 50k given or donated to the Faith when the action resolves).

Lady Ilmia is going to be working with Peri to talk up the port and how it can help numerous people. Her social graces have been needing to be put to use and this is a great opportunity while also helping another of the Grayson fealty.

The Seliki Engineers work very hard on what Lady Peri is calling "The Portress." A fortress and a port all at one, this provides quite a staging point for ships and patrolling. With high walls and strategic defense positions, it makes for a surprisingly safe port of call.

Under Count Orrin, the plans are strategically sound. With Lord Kaldur helping direct the Engineering Corps - and spending a surprising amount of time working on the port and out in a ship handling... something to do with water, no one's quite sure - the work goes smoothly. Duke Gabriel and Prince Ahriman also provide sound tactical advice on locations and setup. Guildmistress Joscelin makes minor adjustments to the plans that just somehow make the whole thing seem - just right somehow. Unexplainable, but right.

Etienne offers a blessing along with the Seraph of Pearlspire. Lady Ilmia, Duchess Fianna, Lord Rysen, Princess Reese, Lady Scythia, Lord Maru, Lord Michael, and even the King work very hard to promote this as a Very Good Thing, and people - not just the people in Seliki but also their allies who have every intention of using that new and safe port - are excited about it. Piracy is down and trade is up, and overall that's a very, very good thing.

The Great Road. What a cock up! Saoirse Velenosa has been tasked by the King to find a way to fix it. She and a team of diplomats are going to work to find compromises via a signed accord between the Houses along the road bringing them together in the spirit of cooperation. For this first stage, the Great Road Negotiators are going to meet with houses along the road to hear feedback and propositions in regards to possible treaty issues. Saoirse is generally sending lords and ladies from the assorted fealties to handle their own, to listen and be seen. In addition to listening to Houses' wishes, Saoirse will also propose to the houses a toll on the roads, paid in part for the upkeep and safety of the road and in part to the houses that are along said road.

The ultimate goal of the Treaty will be to establish a broad base of support that brings the houses on the road together with tangible benefits and expanded cooperation.

As a diplomatic sort himself, Alaric is quite happy to lend some assistance to the project he has set before Saoirse of identifying the benefits merchants and Houses are getting from the Great Road and assigning Crown personnel to go out and get input to find out what's working so it can be made better or easier, as well as put together a wish list of things they'd like to see to help commerce develop, and also float some ideas by people to see if anything gets traction. A standardized system of barrels and crates for easier goods transfer and inspection? Traveling veterinarians paid for by a collective donation? A system of amnesty for bandits that give themselves up to be sworn to the Knights of Solace for training and posting elsewhere? Ultimately the goal is to find out what sort of things have enough widespread support to form the basis for an accord spanning most of the Road itself.

Gwenna will travel the affected areas in the Northlands, especially those along the contentious borders with the Oathlands. She does /not/ go as an authority figure, Voice of House Redrain, seeing as she believes quite strongly in the autonomous nature of Houses, but as a diplomat who also happens to be born of Houses Redrain and Laurent. While she can not fix what has been done, she will speak to the positive history between the fealties, of alliances forged by marriages after bloody wars. Princess Marian, now a respected War Chief of House Redrain, for example, came to be known after a marriage that started in such a way with House Valardin. Lastly, she pledges to make this trip a yearly one going forward should things settle, visiting each of the Houses and hosting small banquets with them, if they allow. In sum, she will be a firm but soft voice requesting negotiations and peace.

Donella is a pragmatist at her core. There are plenty of people talking to the folk along the road where havoc is having a heyday, so she focuses on touring the nearest neighbors of impacted holdings to make them understand what their skin in the game is. She can only be in one place for a given amount of time, but changed or empowered minds are there all the time to put the pressure on. Donella is saying that if the Road endeavor fails, then it will continue to be difficult, costly, and slow to move manpower, materiel, and intelligence across Arvum. And that equals death, deprivation, and darkness for damn-near everyone. If it succeeds, everyone benefits-- defensively, economically, and strategically. She can also point out that the High Lords of Sanctum, Bastion, and Maelstrom are going to be taking as dim view of vassals' violent incursions on the holdings of their allies, just as Darren Redrain does. So let's calm things down, shall we?

Zara has never thought the roads idea was bad, but she as many knew that with any advance there were by setbacks as the people got used to the ideas and sadly others would take advantage of the change and unrest follows. That is what Zara will be helping with. Soothing the fears, offering suggestions on personal levels and in general putting people at ease for the houses she steps in front for, and doing the same in the background//in support of the others Negotiators.

Desiree will talk to the people and listen to what they have to say. She will do what she can to put their mind at ease and see if she can help them work something out.

While Sabella still doesn't believe the Great Road was a failure or a bad idea, she is all for going out and talking to people about it to try to keep bad feelings down to a minimum. She'll listen, talk to people, put a positive spin on everything, and then either delegate to the proper vassal houses to go deal with their people or go out to talk to people herself. Focus on the positive!

Diplomacy? It's not actually Berenice's /foremost/ strength, but getting people to agree to compromise? That is something she is very, very good at. The more intricate details of treaties and the like are often beyond her: instead, she focuses on finding ways to give people what they want -- and compromise what she needs them to compromise. She'll be there to ply her whims on the heads of the various houses they visit, so very attentive to their hopes and wishes, and finding those points where she needs them to give a little. She's not above fluttering her eyelashes where she needs to. (She is, in fact, so far below.)

Sophie, the Mother Mercy of Arx arranges Mercies to accompany the diplomats on their missions in an attempt to both reduce the loss of life, and to help drum up goodwill with the Abandoned tribes along the road. The Mercies will provide healing to all who need it, regardless of fealty, and they will share knowledge of healing techniques with any abandoned healers that wish it. The Mercies throw their support behind this effort to bridge the divide between the compact and the abandoned tribes along the Great Road.

Selene seeks the most vocally opposed and stubbornly resistant to the Great Road, banking on the reputation of Whisper House as quiet negotiators between troubled parties. Any particularly troubling snarls are where she wants to be, playing the compassionate listener, patient diplomat, and only then proceeding to address the concerns. Organizations she takes a direct hand, noble houses she sends words and messengers with, offering to help mediate any concerns. She will speak to ongoing economic and social advantages, using examples of the Empyrean Trade Route, interest expressed by merchants, and similar infrastructure projects in other lordships or realms. Point out the positive, downplay the negative. Groups that need further encouragement how they might benefit, she'll offer ideas or suggest connections to proper parties like the Scholars for research or the Crafter's Guild and Silver Consortium. She presents a sympathetic, willing ear to their worries and problem-solver par excellence as need be.

Does anyone in the Compact know how tedious and difficult it is to get literally scores of different houses to agree to a uniform anything? Probably not, but everyone involved in this treaty effort now does. It is excruciating to get dozens upon dozens of proud (the diplomatically polite version of 'obnoxiously arrogant') lords to agree to nearly everything, as virtually all of them expect special treatment where of course every -other- domain should be taxed endlessly, and be forced to make massive commitments of troops to keep their roads safe, but by virtue of their own importance they should be spared any such considerations. Fortunately, this effort has ten of the finest diplomats in Arvum involved, and they are able to make progress which would have been hopeless for anyone else. That they are almost all leaders, exceptionally important in their field, and supported by the King helps. Also, that they are almost without exception charming and stunningly attractive doesn't really hurt either, since most of the leaders they are dealing with are not and very not.

In the end, Saoirse and her team manages to create a sprawling treaty of hundreds of pages dealing with a million exceptions for the Mill That No One Cares About Except Baron Stubbornface and similar circumstances, while creating some very, very basic rules for dealing with territorial disputes that come up from the Great Road, and basic guidelines for uniform tolls paid by travelers that can contribute to upkeep and increased patrols to increase safety.

More importantly, while most of the brushfire conflicts already in progress continue, the diplomatic team has headed off, by their calculation, probably several hundred wars started by total idiots. Preventing something from happening is, when you get down to it, a vastly underappreciated triumph.

Every so often Jaenelle will hear whispers of things. Greetings, farewells, some formal while others speak her name as if they know her. She can never quite place the voices as those she knows from present day, so she is unaware of who these people are or even what they might be. Due to this, she has decided to go to the Hall of Heroes, a place where history surrounds those who enter with each step taken to try to find some answer. Through meditation and assistance, she will try to be receptive to learning a little more about these voices.

As the apparent conduit for most of these disembodied whispers, Alaric will be coming along with the trip to the Hall both to provide moral support but also sort of to just existentially feel very -strongly- about the fact that the whispers ought to be a little more forthcoming about their identity.

Really, the voices are thrilled to be heard. And happy to help explain, in the relatively few lucid moments, that Jaenelle is hearing some of the souls that are hanging around Alaric and are ecstatic someone among the living is hearing them. Jaenelle even hears two ghosts arguing, at great length, about whether Jaenelle is 'technically a deathspeaker or not'. The ghosts aren't sure, even though they were both scholars in life, and say that she'd probably have to ask Volcica and the other deathspeakers to be sure, to get an expert opinion. But the ghosts each ask Jaenelle to take their side, with one saying she should say she's not a deathspeaker, but something else, and the other saying she technically is a deathspeaker for sure. Both ghosts tell her they can wait literally forever for her to sort it out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

River Begins working with Joscelin to make his way to the various shrines praying over each element of a prayer bracelet to have the gods touch them, perhaps making something that'll help in the conflicts about the city.

Joscelin made this beautiful bracelet (title: 'a striking bracelet of thirteen distinct beads, each made of different materials, symbols for every God in the Pantheon') at River's request, thirteen unique beads spaced with an iridescite bead between each. Each bead is a symbol for a God, worked with care, prayed to Jayus for over every bead and every detail. She's not sure what will come of such focus, simply concentrating on her creation, as in tune with Jayus as she can be, bringing together the symbols of each deity as each bead comes to fruition. After it's done, she follows River to every altar and every person he has pray over it, adding her own prayers and hopes along with it.

While Fairen might not know of a specific Rite, he is fairly familiar with the Gods in general. He knows all of the prayers, and is more than willing to pray over the bracelet, at each of the Shrines.

River told the King he and Joscelin were working on some kind of Faith-themed art piece, and as a patron of the arts Alaric is quite fine with throwing some money at stuff like this for future modeling considerations.

Etienne admires the ambition and craftsmanship of the bracelet, and is accommodating in asking for Gild's guidance, and help with the success of River's desires. He prays over the bracelet.

Joscelin makes a gorgeous bracelet indeed, full of gems and power and symbolism. It's a stunning piece - they didn't pick her as Guildmaster of the Crafter's Guild for her sailing ability, after all. Joscelin is very much in tune with Jayus as she does, focusing her attention on the bracelet and praying as she does. And indeed she has done this before - she is in tune with Jayus and the bracelet, when it is done, is the talk of the town for quite some time.

It's the talk of the town at least in part because the King is talking about it, and let's not pretend when something is beautiful enough that the King is dropping a word, well. People look. People want to look. River is occasionally swamped with people who just want to see this newest piece of art by the hand of Joscelin.

And then Fairen, and River, and Etienne get involved - praying over the bracelet, asking the Gods to give it power. They simply ask - the Archlector of Gild asks Gild for a blessing. Fairen prays at all the Shrines. And River works with Joscelin and then prays too, hoping the bracelet will provide protection of some sort.

Does it? It's impossible to tell - not without being in a dire situation facing Abyssal foes. It is a beautiful bracelet though.

With the news that many shav'arvani tribes are fearful for their lives in the face of the Horned God, Samantha has decided to attempt what she has previously done successfully: open her borders to shav'arvani refugees, without obligation of joining the Compact, but with the requirement that they adhere to the rule of law while within her borders. That being said, as there is great concern regarding any spies or Horned God loyalists coming in amongst the refugees, Samantha is going to utilize the procedures that she helped develop when she acted as a Liberator and needed to screen for true criminals amongst the freed thralls when helping them re-establish their lives. She will also turn to her Prodigal population from the time before, asking them to take an active hand in this process, as they themselves can speak from experience as to the veracity of Samantha's word, and she believes they would be extremely scrutinizing in making sure any spies or enemies slip through the process. As before, Samantha will show by example the benefit of joining the Compact, and hope that her actions result in further prosperity.

Grady is used to the quiet spaces. To growing up in the woods, and being away from Arx. Having recently made the journey himself, he'll talk of his own experiences. It's not quite the same journey, mind - he's always been part of the Compact. But it's not so different out in the middle of nowhere. He appreciates the quiet spaces too, and so he'll talk about how expansive the world can be. How there's still room to be free. How the Compact isn't a trap it's a gift of security. He'll mention children too, and building for a bright future together. How the Compact takes care of its own, and in these difficult times that's important. How we fight for each other, and celebrate the joys together, and come together in times of sorrow. We can build together. It's not a bad thing at all, is it?

Marquis-Consort Rymarr Deepwood has sent along notice to Old Oak of the plans of the ruling Marquessa, Samantha. In that notice he calls for volunteers that may be prepared to accept new Prodigals and teach them the way of life in the Compact - ideally pulling from the great many Prodigals already become citizens of Deepwood Hold. Along with that efforts are to be taken to ensure the safety and security of Old Oak, whether from these welcomed Abandoned in the form of a subtly close eye being kept on them or ensuring that they do not bring something altogether unpleasant in with them. Up to and including disease or other less than savory affairs.

Mia will be following Samantha's lead, opening up Riven's borders to allow for the transport of various shav'arvani tribes along the rivers that run north-to-south through the county, ferrying people from dangerous locations to more secure ones. Those who have been thoroughly vetted by all of the procedures laid out may also be permitted to remain at the Twainfort, on condition that all laws of the Compact be adhered to while present.

Moving a large number of people is an undertaking. Moving whole villages into Deepwood territory, in winter, will take food, blankets, foragers, guides, fires, and waystations. Thesarin, and his Riven subjects (Prodigals especially), will be working with Deepwood and Grayson to arrange everything needed to bring the shavs into the refugee camps, and see them protected on their way.

Lord Kaldur will shadow Samantha in her efforts to welcome the shav'arvani who take shelter in Deepwood as the Traitors forces stir. He's reasonably observant, so he'll be on the look out for mannerisms or customs, greetings, physicalities, sayings. He will be of particular use if any cultists are discovered.

Reese would like to help protect the shavs who are wanting to move to safer lands. She would like to try and be a positive force and to gently encourage those in danger to move. She will be highly focused on protecting any shavs as they move.

Dame Esoka's efforts are two-fold. First, she assists with security under the Marquessa's direction, keeping a particular eye (and feel) out for any shavs who might be Abyssal spies. Second, she speaks to those who come about her own experiences as a prodigal among the Deepwoods and Rivens and encourages them to bend the knee, trying to show them they can maintain their pride and tradition within the Compact.

As Voice of Whitehawk, Kenna organizes routes for the shav'arvani who meet the Deepwood requirements through Whitehawk land, as well as places for them to stay within the barony as space and protections exist that deep within the forest. Her greatest effort is directed towards helping arrange passage down the two branches of river that cup surround the Barony to where there are better defenses.

Alaric will be comitting some military resources and support from House Grayson to temporarily bolster garrison postings that have had forces diverted to help in other areas of the effort. Otherwise, he will be putting his diplomatic skills to managing any complaints, disagreements, and other general issues in regards to residents with problems with refugees traversing the Crownlands.

Bethany will bring the Mercier trade network to bear, handling logistics, tracking down suppliers for the needed sundries and negotiating the best possible prices. She won't go herself, but she'll do everything that can be done from the safety of her tea shop to make sure that on the ground, everything runs as smooth as a well oiled... anachronism.

The Baron of Whitehawk will provide his cousin Kenna with the military personnel, food, and resources she may need in assisting the prodigal population to or through Hawkhold. Rangers, healers, boats, caravans - the works. He will delegate the actual orders and organization to her, though, to preserve the plans she has already set in place.

Scouts in the Gray Forest are reporting a significant number of shav who are afraid of the actions being taken in the Forest by a cult figure known only as the Horned God. While most reasonable people in Arx know that this is clearly a figure trying to draw from various scary pieces of folklore, some of the leaders of Grayson are seeing a chance to extend their lands and expand their populations.

Under Marquessa Samantha Deepwood's diplomatic leadership, diplomats from the Compact gather - Countess Mia Riven, Lady Kenna Whitehawk, and Princess Reese Grayson among them. They assemble support - Marquis Rymarr Deepwood, Baron Silas Whitehawk, Lord Grady Deepwood, Dame Esoka Greenblood, Bethany Mercier, Count Thesarin Riven, and Lord Kaldur Seliki - to render aid, tactical leadership, diplomatic outreach, and economic strength to their proposition. King Alaric Grayson even signs off on this attempt, putting his not inconsiderable charm to work.

They offer safe haven for those who want to flee potential "recruitment" by this cult leader. No overt mention is made of the need to bend the knee and yet those responding bend the knee anyway. Without prompting. One tribal leader even comments, 'It's a protection isn't it, to have someone we're oathed to already?' And so it seems. Riven, Whitehawk, and Deepwood lands expand, their populations swell, and for now it seems as though this is a very good thing for everyone.

One wonders what the response in the forest will be to that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it enough?

Monique knows that a certain individual has been spreading rumors about the Minx. She also knows that Corban has been tarnished by this feather. And she knows that Corban has many, many friends who will help to cheer the Telmar Lord on publicly and not let someone else bring him down! So she's speaking to friends and kin of Corban Telmar, in an effort to have the man's honor be recognized above those who would inadvertently tarnish it, especially since it's his birthday coming up!

Agnarr, knowing Corban is a good paying client, occasionally takes a few moments to extoll his virtues and whatever it is that Telmar sells. (He isn't really sure.) Or else...

Bianca is happy to express Corban's virtues. From his gracious donations to the Scholars to his undying dedication to the Compact, she is happy to sing the praises of the man in any casual conversation that the topic may organically arise.

Every occasion in which Samael has been given the opportunity to meet Lord Corban has been a good one. That coupled with the fact he has the heart of his good friend, leaves Lord Corban in Samael's high esteem. He'll be telling anyone who will listen.

Dame Esoka Greenblood has always found Lord Corban Telmar to be an honorable, upstanding man and a fine warrior. She's happy to speak up on his behalf and tell all she knows that she's never found his conduct to be anything but chivalrous.

Thesarin Riven doesn't speak often, but he'll speak in support of Corban Telmar. A strong arm, some good company, and a man who helped keep his wife safe during a dangerous journey.

Reese would like to help by using her influence to speak positively of Lord Corban. She speaks of his help on the missions, his skill in battle, his level-headedness under pressure, his command abilities and his willing to step up when needed.

Marquis Rymarr's certainly willing to speak of Lord Corban's virtues. The Telmar did very probably save his life once. So speaking well of him? Not difficult to do.

Always a fan of talking up people, the King of the Compact makes a point of it to mention how pleasant he's found his interactions with Lord Corban Telmar in a few well-placed ears.

Clover will be doing what she can to start a propaganda campaign; going over Corban's many virtues to those Sworn of Valardin and Crownsworn. Telling about how how he worked with her as a vassal of Telmar in his duties as Voice. She will tell stories of how honorable and kind he is. And in general try to sway people to seeing hima s a respectable, and honorable, Oathlands lord. Who works hard for his duchy, fealty, and the compact.

There's a roving bard singing a song these days extolling the virtues of Lord Corban Telmar and it's incredibly catchy. To the point that random people are humming it in the streets now. And by the time they get to the clever ending, everyone's singing along. "Say it again! Who's that man among men? And we'll say it once more! Who's that hero next store? Who's that super success, don't you know can't you guess? Ask his fans and his five hangers on.... There's just one guy in town who's got all of it DOWWWWWWWWWN. And his name's C-O-R... C-O-R-B... C-O-R-B-A.....CORBANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!

The truth shall set us free.

The call has been made and a great archival is being set into motion by the Scholars of Vellichor, reaching out to the entirety of the discipleship far and wide in an effort to duplicate and spread information contained in each outpost of Vellichor’s faithful from the grandest library to the smallest monastery.

The plan itself is no small task and in reality Bianca is aware it will take years to come to fruition, but they had to start somewhere.

Phase 1: Organization - A rather large focus team is gathered utilizing local Scholars and overseen by three Senior Scholars (NPCs) to take point on the clerical end of the Archival process. The role of this team is ongoing, their job being to disseminate information to the known enclaves of the discipleship throughout the many territories of Arvum regarding the archival process and how it will function. Once the process begins, they will be the ones dealing with the incoming reports and developing an encoded master inventory list of all outlying literary collections within the jurisdiction of the Scholars. A secondary list will also be created in regards to the location of lost relics that may be hidden away though in the possession of the Scholars. This secondary list shall also be encoded, its construction remains solely in the hands of the three senior scholars on point for this team and is only to be viewed by them and Archscholar Bianca. Once both lists are completed a secondary action will be taken to protect the contents of the pages (either via in-game actions or a storyrequest). From there a procedure will be set in place for all future acquisitions to be reported to the Archives to be properly categorized and added to the proper encoded list.

Phase 2: Reproduction - The next step of this accounting is the duplication of documented works. Any pieces of literary record (fiction AND historical) not found in duplicate shall be reproduced by the Scholars located in the parish these works are found to be and aid from Arx will be sent to the smaller libraries in the form of manpower to help. The goal is that a copy of everything not deemed ‘imprimatur’ will be replicated and disseminated to the Archives as well as the discipleship’s library in each of the five regional capitals: Sanctum, Lenosia, Maelstrom, Farhaven, Bastion. Anything deemed ‘imprimatur’ will also be duplicated though these duplications will only be sent to the Great Archive. This process will also be applied to all new information coming into the Archives or discovered by the discipleship moving forward.

Phase 3: Dissemination to the Public - While the Archives have always been open to the public and all noble houses, an immediate public relations campaign is set in place to better inform those of Arx and Arvum on the whole that the pursuit of knowledge and information will not be turned away or looked upon with wary eyes. This campaign is to be fostered by /all/ of the discipleship setting the stage for an open door policy and as more information is collected in Phase 1 and Phase 2, the Archive will be able to ideally provide direction if not a copies of what is being sought. The title of the campaign is “Let no question go unanswered.” For those seeking knowledge that extends beyond the bounds of what is considered safe for public consumption, they will be directed to petition the Scholars for access. A small council of senior scholars headed by Archscholar Bianca will be set to task in reviewing such requests and disseminating information on a case by case basis (unless of course PCs come to her directly).

Now, with the discipleship’s funds recently diminished due to the recent expenditure in Stormward, Bianca is also reaching out to all those outside the Scholars willing to aid with this tremendous undertaking. Donations are to be accepted in specific to aid in the Archival as well as individual manpower for replication of books not marked ‘imprimatur,’ though the most poignant request in the forefront is martial cooperation and aid. There is a great danger present and those tasked with the duplication or simply traveling to disperse information and transport copies will undoubtedly need protection and assistance while traversing the many territories of Arvum. And sometimes boats. Boats are cool and there are a lot of islands to be reached.

Lady Monique Greenmarch has a wide net of contacts she employs, along with their silver and her own gratuitous charm, on behalf of the ArchScholar's endeavor. How does she find out the things she does? It's impossible to know, but she will attempt to secure safe roads to travel, and trusted safe houses for those scholars and their handlers to stay in, alongside vaults for the information to be saved.

Fortunato, although no official scholar, is happy to lend his hands and eyes to the work of replication (if with a tiny bit of illumination in the margins as strikes him, not enough to seriously detract from the speed of the task). He is able and willing to travel to the regional archives to aid copying work there as well, if, of course, with escort.

Sophie will be aiding in Phase 2, leading any and all Mercy volunteers to go through the extensive medical records and white journals of known Mercies, collating what is deemed important information. She will also write to the Mercy chapters throughout the Compact, seeking their cooperation, and offering organizational instruction to those wanting. Finally, she'll do what she can to procure what House Valardin has.

Phase I-III: Ailith will coordinate through her increasing network of Seraph contacts across the Compact, and reaching out also to the Seraphs that the Dominus and Legate of Creation informed Ailith about. She'll explain the first Phase of Archlector Bianca's process and encourage the Seraphs in how the parishes may assist such as the Seraphs providing copies of any texts to the Archlector or the three Senior Scholars. Ailith will assist in fielding any questions if the Seraphs respond directly to her. In additional letter will be included.

Calaudrin will be joining with other members of the Iron Guard in helping protect the Faith's documents as they move through the city. He'll be especially on the lookout for anything at all suspicious as they go.

Lord Commander Silas will be helping direct his men in protecting the precious cargo -- copies of invaluable lore from several great libraries and archives. He himself will likely lead the retinue guarding the largest cache. They will avoid all thoroughfares known to be havens for thieves and criminals, and all guardsmen on this mission will be thoroughly armed and alert. They will also not be guardsmen with past criminal history, themselves, no matter how small the theft or how long ago the incident occurred. No chances!

Ainsley will be helping with the Iron Guard portion of things. He'll be assigning more senior soldiers to help with the transportation and dissemination portion-- helping to protect the scholars. He, himself, will be with one squad of people helping to transport and protect. Carrying with him his Alaricite sword and his rubicund plate, as he leads the forces. He'll also supply some of his own military favors, writs, and currency to help with the project.

Harald has given leave for the the scholars of Vellichor to travel to Grihem's Point aboard his ships and under his protection, as well as granting them access to the Grimhall libraries. While the private Grimhall libraries are largely collections of literature (especially traditional poetic sagas which are widely believed simple verse fiction) any pieces desired for copying will be made available. After all, the Scholars certainly aren't likely to find any decent sagas on the mainland; it's a mission of mercy, really.

Phase 1: Knights of Solace agents, in the course of their usual duties, will help disseminate the new archival procedures across Arvum, and bring back reports if needed. They will also be instructed to share with Blessed Bianca or her chosen representatives any information they may have picked up in the course of their journeys regarding the possible locations of valuable documents that should be included in the archival effort. Phase 2: Knights of Solace will help protect sensitive archival works as they are transported to or from the various repositories in Arvum.

Mae has began to distribute the Commoners Bulletin, as well as a primer on a subject (Marin'alfar) that has otherwise been erased from history. She'll be writing more, including a book on reincarnation, and all will be spread far and wide. Take that, Fable!

Christine will help with phase 2, copying books that need to be reproduced, and translating those in Isles shav so they could be spread more easily.

Eirene, with the help of her own soldiers, goes through any of the Malvici libraries in Arx and sends word for the libraries of Southport to be duplicated and the copies added to the efforts, transported as quickly as the lot can be completed. As Malvici has a longstanding history of fighting demonic forces, she hopes to find useful information to be added to the master archives.

Lord Corban Telmar will invest both time, treasure, and resources into the Archscholar's appeal to duplicate and preserve knowledge. He will donate 200,000 in House Telmar silver to copying, transporting, and preserving Archives information in the Oathlands. He will also call in House Telmar's extensive network of military favors to ensure that the convoys transporting the materials are protected, and will personally lead some himself, lending his sword and considerable leadership abilities to the effort.

Armand, as a Templar disciple, will aid in the Scholar's efforts by ensuring their protection, notably during the more dangerous Phase 3 of the project, the dissemination and duplication. Able and willing to travel wherever the Scholars need to go, he will ensure that those he is tasked to protect are able to do their work unhindered. No criminal nor servant of the Abyss shall be allowed to stand in the way of Vellichor's holy work.

The main effort the Templars will offer, as well as general help should they be asked, is during phase 2. With the threat that bandits or indeed things more foul could try to stop the material reaching Arx, the Templars will make up to 1000 men at arms available to escort material from the various holds back to the capital. Alongside this, each Parish will be expected to have their templars provide additional support as material moves through their lands, more a procession of honour though that for military support. As the various archival holdings come together from the regions to head to Arx, the Templars will blob the escorting forces together and ensure that the material makes its way safely to Arx.

Cybele is good at organising and teaching and digging up info, so more than happy to dive into the deep stacks, and set to work looking at what comes in. Besides, the shaman has a knack for finding the right texts. Right? Right.

Delilah will be focusing her efforts on Phase 2, working closely with other scholars to replicate as many texts as she possibly can in her spare time. She will also be speaking with the Master of Questions in an attempt to more closely incorporate the Inquisition with the ongoings of this entire process.

Alaric will be having lots of nice things to say about the project, dropping little mentions to nobles and Crown functionaries and important merchants alike about how nice it would be to hear of people and groups lending some aid to the Vellichorian discipleship with their work, and generally generating some positive PR and motivation for people to get involved with helping.

Fatima will allow the Scholars access to the Thrax libraries available in Maelstrom to aid the Archscholar. More than that, though, she's using her social circle to help circulate the news of Phase 3: Dissemination to the Public. When Bianca signals it's time, Fatima will utilize her propaganda machine to get out the word the Archscholar desires.

Percephon will be participating heavily with the Phase 2 portion of this very important project. Working within his position as Senior Scholar, he will go to the library in Sanctum to assist in creating faithful duplicates of all materials that are that are uncovered and found. With a focus on organizing which overly important and sensitive materials will be sent to the Great Archives.

Estaban will be opening the Saik Library to the scholars of Vellichor, he will also be giving military esscort the schollars where they may need to go.

Victus will be allowing the Scholars of Vellichor within the libraries of the Maelstrom, as well as to comb the Isle the capital fortress is located on for nay other information they deem noteworthy. In addition, he'll be sending a detachment of some Thraxian scholars and stewards who are better versed in history than he is. Surely, the Isles will have LOADs of interesting stories to tell!

Aiden can help considerably in Phase 1 and Phase 2. Since he's had a lot of practice with the Court in reproducing works, that's where he will initially provide the most support, however, he's got a good eye for organization, so he'll certainly swap between the two roles, depending on what's more important at the time. Though since he's an excellent teacher, he puts a lot of his time into Phase 3 as well, answering as honestly as he can and has he has done to anyone in the past who has come to him for answers.

Not being much of a smarty himself, Edain will do his best to give the scholarly types the access and the trust they need to do something good, making sure they have access to the archives in Sanctum. He will also task 100 of his knights with the task of helping to escort the travelling scholars, with as much travel as this entails it is sure to tax even the Knights of Solace and so Edain will do his best to help them escort travelling scholars.

Alis has offered to help Bianca by assigning military escorts to and from Sanctum for the scholars that she sends, ensuring their safety and the safety of any materials they bring with.

Princess Isabeau Valardin will primarily be lending her assistance to this endeavor (in Phase 3) by using her considerable charm and skill in persuasion and propaganda to get the word out to the people that the great Archive's enriched texts are available and that the Scholars of Vellichor can guide everyone, high or low, rich or poor, to greater understanding of their world and the vast knowledge contained within.

Lark is opening the Grayson library to the Scholars, and spending her own time overseeing and directing efforts of scribes to copy their works.

While waiting to offer what aid he can for the protection of contents, Aleksei will also reach out to his the vague network he's beginning to form of those freed or aided in their freedom by the Liberators of Skald. Plenty of ex-thralls served in administrative capacities, and he'll kindly ask if they'd be willing to help the Scholars in their various local parishes. Hopefully it will provide some additional manpower for the copying of books and journals to be conducted under the local Godsworn at these various parishes.

Cicero is promising the scholars the use of the Silver Consortiums contacts and networking of infrastructure for moving about the Compact and keeping their scribes supplied as needed.

Deacon will focus his efforts on Phase 3. As a composer of some small renown, he will write a short series of ballads to promote the knowledge contained within the walls of the Archives. The goal will be to help popularize the pursuit of knowledge on the cultural level. Once he's written the music, he will make it available to every bard and performer whom he can convince to take it.

Samael will open up Pridehall libraries and provide military escorts for the Scholars coming to and leaving Pridehall. In addition to that in Phase 3 Samael will help to disseminate information using his oratory skills.

Sasha will in Phase 1 and Phase 2, she is able to reproduce and also translate many texts should the need be there. She is also a very good teacher as well so she will also assist with Phase 3 when the time comes.

Lucita, with her love of music, has been collecting old songs and legends through trading them with other musicians and travelers, bards and music lovers in the taverns, inns, bars and during social events in Arx. Many of these serve as oral history and some have not been documented. This she does and helps contribute to the overall effort toward Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Sebastian will be assisting in accompanying scholars to provide protection and whatever other assistance is needed as they travel throughout the Lyceum to various smaller locations. He will assist in acquiring passage through the lands and courts with which he is familiar, particularly around Setarco and the surrounding isles. He will also assist in locating the smaller repositories of knowledge, acquiring the information and documents required, and seeing their return to Arx during Phase 1. He will also work to help with transcription and the reproduction of drawings and other artistic work contained within the documents acquired during Phase 2. During Phase 3, he will help with the public relations campaign to help promote the use of the Archives and the future expansion of the knowledge contained therein through art and social engagements.

Juliana will be helping Sebastian and the accompanying scholars to provide protection and healing as well as any other assistance is needed as they travel throughout the Lyceum to various smaller locations. She will assisting him in acquiring passage through the lands and courts with which they are familiar, particularly around Setarco and the surrounding isles. She will also assist him in finding the smaller repositories of knowledge and in acquiring the information and documentation, to see that they are returned to Arx during Phase 1. She will also try to help with the work of transcription of the documents acquired during Phase 2. During Phase 3, She will help with the public relations campaign to help promote the use of the Archives and the future expansion of the knowledge contained therein through art and social engagements.

Orathy will be helping Sebastian and Juliana Pravus during the course of the events. He's particularly good at flanking the enemies if there are any, his fighting style coming from the shadows rather than direct assault, therefore, scouting might be his thing. He'll shield Sebastian and Juliana while on mission, body guarding for them.

Nierzen sets to work writing propaganda in support of Phase 3 to move the hearts of people to favour and support the work and effort. He aims propaganda at nobles, motivating them to generously give silver to the Scholarly work, and he aims propaganda at the residents of the Boroughs, moving them to cooperate and even go out of their way to help collect stories and information. In all things, his propaganda tugs at the ideals of duty, faith, and self interest.

The Great Archival Project of 1007 AR causes a complete uproar. In every corner of the Compact, people turn up to add books to the archives, to add knowledge to the archives. To make copies of precious books and send them on. To spread the word - if you need information, your best hope is to find it in the Archives. High Lords and Nobles have opened their libraries. The Templars and the Knights of Solace, as well as many guards hired by various families across Arvum are moving to preserve knowledge and see it safely from the far corners of the Compact into Arx itself. It's a huge project, and under Archscholar Bianca's watchful eye, an incredibly successful one.

Tomes once thought lost are found, copied, and brought to Arx under guard. People are encouraged to come to Arx to seek knowledge. Learn from the Archives of Vellichor, learn from our tutors, our Scholars. Knowledge is available, free for the asking.

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))

Alaric is marshalling the various Crown organizations to respond to the crisis. Three million silver total has been budgeted to the Crown's overall crisis response. As the Faith is concentrating mostly on outreach to the freed thralls, The Crown Observers are leading the Crown's effort to assist non-thrall citizens of the Compact mitigate the effects of the economic disruption, with the Ministry of Defense tasked with arranging the Observers' (and all that cash's) security through their various contacts. The primary focus is on small individual families that were reliant on thrall debt payments for support, giving them a bridge and a buffer to make their future plans without the threat of immediate bankruptcy forcing their hands. Back in Arx, the Ministry of Infrastructure has been tasked with finding 'underutilized areas' of Arx to repurpose to handle the influx of housing needs from newly arrived freedpeople.

Alaric personally is holding lots of meetings to drum up overall assistance, encourage cooperation between the various efforts, smooth over disagreements, and generally instill confidence that the Compact's collective actions will be equal to the task before them.

Canvasing neighborhoods within the upper and lower boroughs, the Minister of Infrastructure has sent out her staff to knock on doors and perform a small census in specific areas. Each empty home or apartment is noted and rented by the Crown to home freed thralls who wish to relocate to the captial city with the expectation that they will learn a useable, marketable trade, becoming productive members of society within a year of relocation.

That level of investment with Alaric and Jaenelle's help has a profound effect on Kennex's ability to recover. Stormward's regular citizens, particularly the ones that had been bankrupt by thrall debt being wiped away, are able to recover, and the economy begins to function once more. In Arx, there's a significant number of refugees that find housing and employment, particularly in the boroughs. Arx sees a small but significant uptick in economic recovery as a result, and both Kennex and the Crown sees their incomes increase as a result of three million silver in investment.