'No Question Left Unasked'

The Scholars have successfully undertaken two waves of spreading knowledge at unprecedented levels to the far reaches of our society. They are giving people answers, and that is important. Yet more important still is the will to ask questions. The right questions for a person to grow, to give new answers to seek, new heights to reach.

Believing that is the single greatest opportunity to realize the mission of the Salon, a new initiative has been proposed named No Question Left Unasked. It is a joint mission of The Salon working with the Scholars to embolden people to ask questions. To give them the spark of wonder and curiousity and nurture it into a flame.

This seeks to achieve that by spreading philosophy, the principles of debate, as well as instruction on skills such as diplomacy, empathy, and critical thinking techniques. This is a continuation of the spread of knowledge that the Scholars undertook, but focused on knowledge that helps people ask questions and hear questions.

Let us be the guiding stars to a new wave of curious minds.

Leola knows that knowledge is needed, but that people care most about their day to day lives. To that end, the knowledge she makes available is simple things - agricultural techniques for visitors to the city. The discussions are conducted in the same style as the other lesosns and teachings of the Salon; only the content is directed to things more relevent to everyday life in Arvum

Growing the ranks of inquisitive minds is of utmost importance to Samael. He will be leading the Scholars in their share of the efforts to help educate the realm. He will be focusing on the advertisement of the groups' efforts, spreading the word and enhancing the turn out to their instructional lectures.

The Salon, a philosophical group that gathers to discuss the burning questions of the day, has joined with the Scholars in a new initiative titled No Question Left Unasked. Together their goal is training, teaching, and uncovering the strange maunderings of the intelligent mind - to intellectually explore out the strange eddies of thought and twists and turns of ethics and philosophy.

With Officer Sparte, Dame Leola, and Lord Samael Bisland, the first round of these questions is focused more on agriculture and learning than anything else. And it is successful too - farmers come away with improved tips and knowledge of crop rotation and animal husbandry that have long been lost to time. For those who make their living by the till, this is important, vital knowledge they recover now.

Perhaps more importantly to those leading the efforts though, this foray into agricultural techniques shows the importance of asking questions of all sorts. No question is too small, no searcher for knowledge too unimportant. Salon membership grows, and people get a little more used to asking questions.

Michael Bisland is going to hire on foreman and construction crews to build up Pridehall's holdings, as well as the vassal houses of Bisland. He will use his leadership and command skills to track down the best architects and planners for the jobs. A great number of Serfs stand unencumbered by steady employment and a public works rebuilding is a good way to get the moving as well as improve the economy of Bisland and its vassals.

Michael is doing most of the leg work on this one. Riding horseback, interviewing folks and all the assorted menial meetings and such to get projects like this moving. Assistance will be rendered by other players via advice most likely.

Samael will use his oratory skills to spread news of their plans to build up the duchy. Some may be concerned with the constant threats plaguing the Isles and the Compact has torn the Bisland's attention from the problems at home. Samael will use journalism and activism to spread and inspire the people. He will give speeches and distribute literature and make contacts with his friends in Pridehall. He is well liked in Pridehall and, even better, he is well respected.

The tugging of fealty's duty has trickled down to the county. Seliki pledges armsmen to Lord Michael's efforts to build and re-build the duchy. Guards for the goods flowing to and fro set out from Pearlspire.

Silas uses his contacts within the Crafters Guild to reach out to experts in the fields of construction and architecture (particularly masons, carpenters, artisans, etc.) to aid Lord Bisland in his goal to Make Pridehall Even Greater. A good amount of stone and timber is sent down south from Hawkhold to assist, as well.

As minister of population Kenna Whitehawk keeps a close eye on the growing number of people in Whitehawk lands. With Michael's offer to build up vassal lands Kenna grabs onto the opportunity to put some of those newcomers to work building up old housing and setting up newer housing for growing families. She passes on the needs of Whitehawk and points out how beneficial it is to make sure that the area is flourishing rather than rat eaten considering their prominent placement at the head of promising trade routes.

Titania is going to ensure the merchants fulfil noble orders first to provide support for the initative.

How can Pridehall and its vassals help a wounded Compact but from a position of bolstered strength? While others look over trade agreements and ledgers, subjects Lumen is well-versed in, she appeals to the sense of patriotism in select merchants and Commoner business owners with personal visits. "At the end of the day, what's good for the Duchy's economic health is what's good for us all." Using the social clout available to her as Softest Whisper, an experienced Diplomat, and the child of a Commoner from the Bisland lands which are now the subject of discussion, Lumen has quite a few different cards in her hand... and she plays them well on her cousin Michael's behalf.

Lumen is careful to leave her role as a daughter of House Bisland implicit. She's a bastard, after all. Anything more would be in poor taste. Of course, if somebody were to infer by themselves that she's acting with the full support of the young future Duke... well, that's a personal choice.

Jev has been asked to pour over the ledgers and offer advisement to Michael in proper distribution and utilization of the serf workforce. He is looking at cutting wasted labor and shifting under and unutilized serfs to areas where they will be more production to help drive production to expected levels closer to the capacity. Lumber, for example, can be bolstered to become a primary trade commodity. Yes it's all very dry. It's all very boring. But Jev's off-the-cuff assessment of things as he fiddles with trying to put puzzle pieces together should - if the dice are kind - make a ton of sense and provide a ton of help.

Barric is going to appeal to the nobles and merchants he knows within Grayson, and without, appealing to them to help get Bisland back up on it's feet. He is going to promote the House as being one of the backbones within Grayson, and the Compact, that the Compact needs Bisland strong and rebuilt. The war is not over and every House needs to be brought back up to strength if we are to have a chance. He will speak of how a strong Bisland is a strong House Grayson as they will be able to call upon the support of the House more fully when required.

It was only a few short days ago that Mia Riven announced she would be opening Riven's warehouses to her sister Houses under the Bisland banners -- and at a discount, no less. Lumber was made available to rebuild lost ships, siege weapons, bows. Leathers and furs were offered for armor. Now she was adding the powdered clay that could be made into bricks to the list and, furthermore, was lending the weight of her words to convince the artisans, architects, and crafters of the Crownlands to add their own skills to the projects begun across the Duchy.

Under Lord Michael Bisland, Pridehall is making some advances and infrastructure changes. Baron Silas reaches out to his contacts in the Crafter's Guild to secure experts in construction. He sends stone and timber south from Hawkwood as well. Lord Kaldur Seliki gets involved, pledging armsmen to patrol the rebuilding efforts and strengthening trade between Pearlspire and Pridehall.

Lady Kenna Whitehawk, follows Lord Michael's example and puts some public works projects in or her own, improving Hawkhold even as they trade and work with Pridehall. Prince Barric Grayson makes the appeal to merchants and nobles within Grayson, to help Bisland rebuild. Countess Mia Riven meanwhile is offering deep discounts from the Riven warehouses to Bisland forces for rebuilding and building.

Meanwhile an accountant named Jev pours over ledgers and makes sure they're paying as little as possible, and that every silver is accounted for. And Lumen Whisper and Lord Samael Bisland work hard too, reminding the people that Lord Michael is focused on Bisland territories, seeking to ensure that their homes are secure and their tax monies are used to make their homes strong and protected. All in all it goes over well, and the Bisland and Whitehawk peoples are working hard.

As "Let No Question Go Unanswered" continues going strong, the next phase in the project pushes forward. While prior the focus had been on historical knowledge in a general sense, attentions now add in addition the involvement of the Faith throughout history. Bianca has outlined a curriculum passed to the extended parishes and libraries throughout Arvum and the isles of the Scholars of Vellichor, encouraging the discipleship to further educate the general population of the Faith's struggles and successes. As in prior projects, what once was considered matters of legend are now gently reintroduced to the public in subtle subtext of the studies as truth. The miracles of the gods are real though easy to miss in our daily lives. Small successes of a fresh rain after a dry spell, the enhanced beauty of a particularly well crafted armchair... all of these things are their blessings and in them we are given vision of the divine.

There are various ways those who seek to lend themselves to the cause may assist. Hosting their own classes, writing songs or stories about the heroes of the past, copying tomes to be distributed freely... How will you rise to the call of education?

Christine will continue with her work copying those tomes, songs and documents so they can be distributed around and shared with others. She will also copy some illustrations if they aren't too hard!

Although he is Legate of Concepts rather than Arts, with the position of Legate of Arts currently open, Orazio makes a special effort to take on the work of facilitating the distribution of the curriculum beyond the Scholars. He writes to godsworn, particularly in the Lyceum where he has friends and associates, encouraging them to take it up, and giving guidance on how to handle doctrinal issues from the gentle reintroduction of some unusual concepts. He also takes it upon himself to encourage people with concerns to speak to him, and uses his diplomatic skills to address those concerns and soothe ruffled feathers and worries. Basically, making the effort to be a solid, tradition-respecting face of the Faith to lend credence and respectability to the ideas involved.

Ilvin easily warms to the concept of the miracles of the gods sprinkled throughout the lives of the populace. He does not so much teach as encourage those he encounters to teach each other, sharing an abbreviated version of the story of their own lives while Ilvin and the others so assembled listen and share their own thoughts about the effects that the gods have had on the sharer's life. In some cases he acts only as facilitator, while in others he takes a more active role, depending on the makeup of the group, in order that the participants end the process with a more powerful feeling of the gods' influence in their own lives.

Cybele is a teacher. Cybele teaches disciples of Lagoma, in the House of Solace. Cybele teaches students in the Apotechary College of Tor (Arx Branch). Cybele teaches as part of the Scholars of Vellichor's teaching programme, as a curator and assistant there. Cybele teaches. And Cybele is happy to share in what they know, with whomever asks, and all the more happy to visit any and all parts of Arx to share in their knowledge ever more.

Wylla is eager to help! She wants to teach the history of the Faith through artworks -- including even armchairs. She's already had the painting festival, and now she has the concert. She'd like to help Jayus' miracles be known throughout the Compact. Even if she can't express herself that well in spoken word, she is a ready assistant to let others speak of the Faith through their works.

Reigna is a teacher and a historian and she is working to devise a history curriculum for the people of Oakhaven, focusing on more than just local history, but seeking to broaden the average understanding of the history of Arvum in general. She is also going to write out her own treatise on medicinal remedies and techniques focusing on the local flora found in Oakhaven. Once she has finished these books, she will be having them copied and sent to the scholars at Keaton Keep and work with them on lesson plans to teach the serfs and villagers. Here in Arx she works as a teacher at the Academy, offering classes and expanding minds here.

As the intermediary between the Scholars of Vellichor and the Arvum Philosophical Society of the Empowerment and Enlightenment of Curious Minds (The Salon), Sparte is doing his part by focusing on helping people ask questions.

Where Bianca is leading the charge in making information available, he is attempting to give people that spark of curiousity and wonder.

"I believe this is the single greatest opportunity to realize the mission of the Salon since its formation. It is our role to embolden people to ask questions. To give them the spark of wonder and curiousity and nurture it into a flame. The wisdom the Scholars are sharing is the kindling that will bring those flames to life, and the Salon stands with them."

In addition to putting his personal time and effort into it, he has requested a special disbursement of resources from the Salon to help realize this vision.

Samael is a skill orator and teacher. He'll do his time teaching classes on various topics.

Estaban will help by aid in copying tomes, songs and documents so they can be distributed around and shared with others. He will also open up the Saik garden once a week for a few hours to the children of Arx for a story day, each day he will tell about a different Heros in the Faith!

Fortunato lends his illumination skills to the project, focusing on detailed, realistic work, taking historical accounts and interpreting them with the greatest fidelity pen and brush can lend. Myth and heroic legend he depicts, but roots them in such a way that they don't /seem/ like myth and heroic legend. Unicorns as physical as horses, the heroes of the Reckoning as human as neighbors, clergy, soldiers. The past was as real as the present, the future is as real as the present. Fortunato's goal in his art is to make the forgotten things, the miracles, seem within the realm of today's possibility. You, too, could be great.

Prince Aiden has taken his duties as a scholar-liaison with utmost duty and care. He coordinates with students from other organizations (SoE) as well as paying close attention to the scholar teaching programme for individuals seeking skills he possesses, and freely offering himself with no obligation to the student other than their time. The Prince shows his dedication through taking this personal time to host teaching lessons, such as survival and archery in large sessions (previous @events), using the Silver Wings to assist when it comes to Archery to set up targets and help keep an eye out on the students.

There also might be a volume or two of personal writings that he has quietly stocked in bookshelves around Arvum, speaking of the topic he had been most impassioned about. Though it is a quiet addition, allowing the curiosity of readers to find it on their own time rather than declaring it's existance. With exposing legends of the old through this manner, he hopes more people will come to speak of their curiosities on the matter or perhaps, they can add more to his collected data.

He repeats throughout his mentoring and writing: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. We will seek it."

Around the time the project finally comes to a close and the last books are being put into their appropriate places in the catalog, something /changes/. Those in the Archives find there are new rooms -- rooms they don't remember being there, full of books that no one seems to have cataloged. While few date back before the Great Fire, there are still new memoirs written by those who fought alongside Queen Alarice the Great; indeed, even some of Alarice's own journals are found among the items, delighting historians.

Even more confusingly, one of the Scholars trusted to venture into the Deep Labyrinth notes that things down there seem /different/. The uneasy sense of being /watched/ that most report in the Labyrinth is gone, though there's still a feeling of a /presence/ there. It's as though something lurking down there is asleep, or distracted.

A handful of Scholars seem awfully unsettled by all of this, even downright upset, perhaps due to the seemingly inexplicable nature of things. But most merely question why these rooms had been sealed off, while expressing great gratitude that they've been rediscovered. (And, of course, it's nice that people are no longer being spooked by some imaginary bogeyman down in the Deep Labyrinth.)

But whatever it all means, /something/ has changed around the Archives, and for the moment they're charged with a new sense of purpose.

There are, after all, a great many new -- well, old -- journals and books to catalog now.

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))

Reese would like to organize scouting parties to hopefully subtly track the actions of the slaver and/or his minions in the Gray Forest. Her intention is not to be noticed by the slaver (although she is not sure if such is possible). She would like to look for the following. 1. The location of any hostile Shav forces, including how close they are to Compact or Grayson lands. 2. Into any stories, reports or evidence of attacks by the slaver or his minions against those living in the forest and/or on the outlaying Graysin lands. 3. The presence of any abyss tainted animals or plants. She is especially interested in looking into the presence of wasps, wolf packs, tainted bears and etc. 4. The state and condition of the land. 5. Any signs of the slaver.

She would like to encourage the parties she sends out to remain as subtle and discrete as possible. They will have orders to retreat from any overwhelming odds and to quietly clean up threats only if they think can win. This is primarily and info gathering venture. Reese is overseeing the missions, taking reports from scouts, but not heading out herself. She feels that sometimes a good leader doesn't do all the things herself. Sh also feels like she is not stealthy and subtle enough for this. She will include pcs who seem suited to the task and some Grayson npc tasks. I hope to run prps for those joining the scouting missions.

Aiden would help with the scouting and the archers

Samael has offered up the Bisland army on a volunteer basis as per General Reese's insistence on this mission being strictly volunteer only. The Bisland army will support the Grayson army and/or act as reserve units. Samael makes a passionate speech to the army attempting to encourage volunteers without coercion.

Approved to run - sent @mail to Reese with some additional suggestions.