With the fallout of the battle at Harrow Hall, Donella rallies humanitarian aid from the scrappy and can-do-spirited Northerners. The displaced and wandering amnesiacs must be provided for, stably housed, reintegrated, and given purpose. They must be made whole in so far as that is possible. They must also be debriefed so that the pattern of how they came to be as they are can inform the preparation of a strategy to deal with the Devourer, who is surely linked to their condition. If nothing new is learned, at the very least they will have done good work by bringing people in need back into the fold.

Using her skills in leadership and diplomacy, Donella sets a plan in place to organize the vassals and delegate duties to ensure all these needs are met by inviting/entreating/haranguing vassals of Redrain to take part in some facet of this work. She doesn't say that anything bad will happen if they do not... but the seriousness with which she treats if strongly implies something very well might.

Gwenna works to make sure the Northlands can handle and absorb the influx of refugees from a resources standpoint. She makes it known that the other Houses of the Northlands may have economic assistance from House Redrain, as endeavors like this take not only time, but silver to accomplish. There are few things more important to her than the people of the North and she makes sure that there are ample allowances available to coordinate the collective efforts.

Magaen extends an offer for the resettlement of refugees in Glacial Grove, where there are homes available (though in varying states of neglect) and jobs aplenty, particularly in the rebuilding and reconstruction of the holding's infrastructure.

Mirk commits House Halfshav to resettlement of refugees, and he makes time to greet them in Whitehold personally, where speaks to some of the refugees about their experiences. He acts as shaman, offering spiritual guidance and reassurances, and offers thems ympathy, but any insight he gains as to what is happening will be filed away and compared with other records in hopes of shedding the slightest bit of light on what is happening in the Northlands. After all, he has to be concerned about all of Halfshav's people, and whatever is happening to spread this Forgetfulness Plague is a concern to them all.

Rosalind will talk to the refugees, a friendly smile naturally on her face. She will offer them refuge at Stormheart if they wish it, shelter, food. To be that listening ear.

Marquessa Umbroise Acheron joins the effort in seeking to provide shelter and purpose for those who are lost or frightened. She'll open the gates of the City of Aviaron's Peak, and find as many of them as possible positions in the city. Using her charm and skill with people, Umbroise will do her best to ensure the people have shelter, sustenance and employment at the very least. If the city runs out of room, she will organize the people who can't fit into the city, seeking out the ones that seem most likely to be leader-types, and encourage them to build new settlements within sight of the walls of Aviaron's Peak, granting them lands to tend within the March. She'll develop programs to assess the skills and talents of those who seek shelter, and ensure they are organized into groups designed to build these new settlements. This may in turn result in new baronies being formed within the March of Aviaron's Peak. She'll of course also be keeping an ear open for any rumors of what happened to Ruin, or where Azazel might be currently.

Ann extends an offer for those that wish there is room in Riva for them to make a home once again. She has access to offer transport over the river to get there. They would be welcomed. Jobs offered and new families could be made.

Cadern will ensure Blackwood will take on a share of refugees, some of them being settled into existing territories as well as sending rangers to reclaim parts of the woods previousy ceded to the Horned one in previous conflicts. Personally he and his staff will do their best to make notes on each and offer to investigate what he can of their pasts and names, as well what they remember. Names and descriptions and what are found are shared across region where possible to ensure perhaps in the future lost ones and loved ones can be reunited.

Titus, the Duke-Consort of Halfshav, brings his unique cultural insights and organizational skills from Sangris to support Donella's humanitarian initiative. Drawing from the Sangris tradition where each individual's role is integral to the community's survival, Titus implements a methodical approach to reintegrating the amnesiacs affected by the Forgetfulness Plague.

His strategy involves conducting comprehensive aptitude tests to gauge the skills or latent talents of those affected, regardless of their memory loss. By identifying their potential strengths and areas of proficiency, Titus aims to assign them to roles where they can be most effective and feel a sense of purpose. This careful placement not only aids in the community's overall functionality but also fosters a sense of belonging and self-worth among those who are struggling to find their place in this altered reality.

In addition to this practical approach, Titus incorporates the power of music and storytelling into the rehabilitation process. Recognizing that melodies and narratives often strike a deeper chord within individuals, he organizes sessions where songs and stories are shared. This is done under the auspices of the gods Vellichor, Petrichor, and Gloria, with the hope that these artistic expressions might resonate with the amnesiacs, triggering latent memories, or at least providing comfort and a sense of connection.

Titus's involvement also emphasizes the importance of a safe haven for these individuals. He works closely with the Redrain vassals to ensure that the amnesiacs are not only employed in suitable roles but also feel secure and valued within their new environment. By integrating them into the community with clear roles and responsibilities, he helps create a stable foundation for their new lives. One must have a foundation if they wish to build a prosperous and long-lasting house.

Overall, Titus's support is there in the successful implementation of Donella's plan. His experience and empathetic approach might be instrumental in giving the displaced a new sense of direction and belonging, aiding in their recovery while contributing to the community's resilience against the challenges posed by the Devourer.

Well, it goes well at first. They are able to put in a great deal of humanitarian aid and see for the refugees arriving, helping most get settled. There's a great number of wounded among them, and some start to recover their memories, recalling an army raised by Azazel, a huge one, full of abyssal shards.

It does not take terribly long to confirm the existence of this army. Though 'huge' is unfortunately an understatement of the vast horde marching south through the Everwinter.

It's at least a million shards. At least that's the rough guess of scouts, as they can't see the end of it, and it just stretches into the horizon from ever vantage point they look at. It's a slow moving force, but it's clearly intending to sweep south through the Northlands and exterminate everything, wash over the domains and crush any defense on its way to Arx. Even at full muster of everything in the Northlands, it would be extremely badly outnumbered. Perhaps a stand at a narrow pass, a river, something to prevent the enemy from using the weight of numbers could stall it, but even then, numbers would likely still tell. Perhaps they could hold them at Farhaven, with its walls. But perhaps not. Nothing might be able to stop it, which is why a lot of refugees are still heading for Arx, in the vain hope of the strongest possible defense.

But one thing is for certain. If nothing slows that army, it's going to kill thousands upon thousands of refugees and smash every smaller domain before they could be evacuated. Hundreds of thousands could die. The entire Northlands could be exterminated.

It's something they have not faced since the Reckoning, not truly. Though perhaps more than any other domain, Redrain is willing to stand and fight if Donella wishes it.

To the Last.

"For every name, a village." These are words Gwenna has not forgotten, and she is certainly not alone in hoping to keep the people across the Northlands safe. House Redrain has spent the years since the Pirate War preparing their coffers for future threats, which this certainly seems to be. The goal is to defend the lands and keep as many people safe as possible. Gwenna's role is funding and making sure everyone is as prepared as possible for their endeavors.

House Redrain has offered to pay the up-front cost for up to two siege weapons in each fealty (Stahlben, Acheron, Charon, and Clearlake took the offer!), and plans to build watch towers and way-stations near their own outlying villages. These stations will be stocked with anti-itch salves and bandages, as recommended by Lady Eirene (who has offered to provide humanitarian relief to evacuated villagers), as well as snowshoes to help the Templars, Knights of Solace, and guards stationed in the North to traverse the landscape. These will give the additional patrols in the area places to rest and restock. If they can get their hands on some of the vine-weakening solution, that will be added. These stations are meant to watch for trouble and alert villagers so they might have a chance to get to safer holdings.

With the news of the disappearance of the entire village of Littlebreak, patrols will be sent to the farther-out villages. They are to request the residents consider temporarily evacuating to places closer to their main holdings so as to avoid the same fate.

The Physicians Guild has been given permission to make a base of operations in Redrain lands should they feel such a location would be beneficial.

The tl;dr: building watch towers/way-stations to watch for trouble & stocking those with supplies for patrols/Templars/Knights of Solace, funding defenses for Farhaven and the fealty houses, and evacuations of the most out-lying villages.

Donella is not the nice girl she once was. Donella actually cannot remember being a NICE girl, and having all her teeth. It's been a dark time, and she's pissed. These attacks happening now, on innocent villagers, with everything else happening out east does not work for her right now. NOT TODAY. And though she can boss people around like no one's business, she is still not a warrior. So to help Gwenna, Nell is going *early* to those little intransigent outlying villages on horseback and with wagons that she can get to, and say basically: "Get in, losers, we're going to save the North."

The Princess Consort knows they are invested in their homes and possessions, but home is where your people are. And people are being liquidated to strengthen the enemy, and the hope that their small settlements are too remote for trouble to find them is a forlorn one. "To the last" doesn't mean fighting to the death where you stand every time. It means as long as you have anything to fight with, people in this case, you fight -- and the North needs its people to persist for what's coming. So yes, it's an order: to get to their nearest feudal strongholds, to ride double, to pack grandma and the kids into the wains, to help their neighbors turn the goats and chickens out to pasture and do it NOW.

If reluctance is a matter of property (which is not actually under threat), she'll spend up to a million silver buying them out at generous rates. Hell, she'll carry someone on her own horse ("Horse"). However, those too stubborn to obey while she's putting her bacon on the line for them -- perhaps the North doesn't need that sort of stupidity, and she'll say so. Those she'll tell to keep a dagger to use on themselves in extremis, so they at least don't strengthen the enemy against those who actually want to live to fight like Queen Valeria.

Princess Agatha IS a warrior, and isn't shy about letting people know. Yes, the princess will contribute resources to boosting the outer defenses. Some things also need to be handled personally, and the ginger princess will certainly do that. Donning her armor (is she ever without it...?), Agatha will personally lead her share of the patrols. And when she isn't on duty she will be assisting with training and keeping up morale for the other soldiers.

Helena Redrain isn't about to let What's-Her-Name (the audacity of having the same name! Really!) Thornweave kill any more of the northern folks if she can help it. And while she isn't a fighter in the traditional sense, the princess has long said she will use her voice to fight against oppression, slavery, and the Traitor and his minions. And so she lifts it now -- to try to convince the villagers to move to where it is safer. To assure those who have fears and to encourage those who have hope. She speaks of their courage and their community, of the need to be united. To ask for volunteers to help those less able as they move from their villages to the strongholds. To organize those volunteers into committees -- patrols, scouts, medical, cooks, etc.

Helena would be sure to make a personal trip to Gulljar to ensure the safe retrieval of the enshrined Discordant Harp. She will speak with the villagers and explain the significance of the harp, as she believes it may be useful in the fight against both Thornweave and the Traitor. If possible, Helena will try to convince them to allow her to take possession of it, but if this is not possible, she will strive to ensure that it is in safe keeping among the most trustworthy of the Gulljar villagers.

Kenjay is a diplomat's aide and a man with an unusual viewpoint. As both a prince born to House Redrain and a former slave in a foreign land, he's in a unique position when it comes to persuading people of the Northlands that being a slave is not for them. He's going to be focusing his efforts on the Eurusi expatriates who've settled in more far-flung Northern lands - after all, inviting them in and then leaving them exposed to that sort of danger is just wrong however you view it - but he'll also be trying to persuade more traditional Redrain villagers to come in from the cold. There are some things that even the greatest warriors can't fight, and none knows that better than Kenjay.

The plateau supporting Glacial Grove has an unparalleled view over the Gray Forest, one that, on a clear day, extends as far as Bastion. Charon scouts are particularly trained to interpret the east from this high vantage. Their eastward focus will not change but, given the reports of disappearing villages, is more attuned to look for oddness that may have been dismissed as fatigue-induced in the past.

The watch towers and waystations are positioned along the north, east, and south of the holding in keeping with recommendations from Redrain and the Physician's Guild. The siege engine, gratefully accepted, is positioned to do what the crumbling curtain wall cannot - protect the castle from an enemy that may have the ability to use the grove to advantage.

Arthen Dayne's been away from the world for a spell, it's true, but House Redrain can always count on him to blow back in on the colds winds like a bit of good news in their darker days. He's here to help (well, he was here to fence off some things, but it seems help is needed) and as an 'explorer' he's been all over the north so he feels pretty at home helping to evacuate the outlying and in-danger villagers that need to be sorted and leading them to wherever it is they're going, likely tucked away behind the safer walls of their main holding. If there are Redrain nobles out there hard at work and risking themselves, like as not he'll help them to help other folks, he makes a dang nice right-hand-man when he's not off gallavanting around and leading his own crew on adventures into the unknown.

Once again, another threat looms on the horizon, and the drums of war have started their beating rhythm. Once again, the call has been made - and Morrighan has answered. For a considerable amount of time, the Sword of Farhaven has been silent and unseen, but has maintained a presence. Now, with the North and its people in need, threatened, she's stepped forward to fulfill her duty.

Protect and guard. That's been her motto since the beginning, ever since she swore fealty to Redrain so many years ago, and it's with that motto in mind that she returns to Farhaven. Donning her rubicund-fireweave armor mixture, Morrighan rides North to her adopted home with Demonslayer close at her hip - among the other multitude of weaponry she keeps on her person. Once there, she patrols the castle grounds, and keeps a close eye on the Redrain Nobles, prepared to act if any trouble arises.

One of the few things Deva is confident in her ability is to scout and fight. Years spent away from court and well-removed from society proper has sharpened her attention to such matters-- so these days find her, as Redrain's minister of war, personally involved up north to oversee patrols in the northlands and race to conflict. It's been too long since she has spent more than a brief moment in her homelands, and while this isn't the way she'd prefer it, there's a deep sense of pride in being back and working shoulder to shoulder with Redrain's vibrant people. So she prepares and coordinates with the keen minds of the fealty, escorting villagers to safer havens and ready to shoot evil in the eye when trouble inevitably comes knocking.

As minister of War and former Knight of Solace, working on defenses might just be considered Icelyn's "jam". She's also got the headstart of Aviaron's Peak and the lands under Acheron control being old, strategically located and rife with tunnels with which to build on and prepare.

So mostly she has to assess the current situation and just... tighten it up. An additional siege weapon to watch the pass? She'll take that. Address deficiencies in the existing defenses of different settlements? She'll do that too. Where possible it's not just about rehabbing the defenses and making it easier for patrols to move aboveground though.

Overland routes are subject to weather. Terrain (and much of that around Aviaron not exactly easy to traverse to start out with) can slow movement, and when a settlement is under threat... speed of reinforcements count. So where possible without compromising secure locations tunnels are going to be checked, rehabbed and brought into use. Stability and practicality, yes, but preparations will also be made for the unfortunate potential of an egress being overrun;- to seal off areas if needed to protect the greater whole. Aviaron's Peak has always had hardy and self-sufficient people, Icelyn's job is simply to streamline things and make them work with their liege and vassals to insure that if the enemy comes for their names, it'll cost more than they gain.

Relay stations need people, and people talk. Cadern whole heartedly endorses setting up relay stations, and sets to setting up a number of relays to extend around Blackwood as well and encourages people to supply and exchange with these watchtowers to ensure the messages are continual and ongoing to reduce chances of a series of them going 'dark'. One can never have too much time, too much money, or too many ways of getting information about attacks on towns. Cadern will do what he can to spread plenty of fun stories picking up older tales of heroic messengers, and those who watch the dark.

As Sword of Stonedeep Aksel has distingished himself in the past as one of the best warriors of the North. When the call comes out to assist, he's first in line. He will use his experience as a soldier and fighter, to help ensure that those that are doing tasks are well protected. Either through actively patrolling himself with other groups to provide guidance on how to best navigate the norths various terrains or ensuring that adequate resources are assigned to other groups to assist in being successful. He knows the threats of the North and will use whatever available resources he can to make sure as many people stay alive as possible.

Ann in being born a Redrain will use this to her advantage as well as being Duchess for a time to lend her voice to the patrols that are going out to the far out villages. She will persuade the villargers to come in closer to safety so they do not end up like Littlebreak. Safety in numbers after all. If supplies or money runs low in this crisis Ann will use her skills in economics to make sure the Redrain money and resources stretch and go far to where it is needed until the crisis is over.

Cillian, The Sword of Storm March hears the drums of War and answers their calls with the scouts and Caribou he's trained. Scouting along the pathways his team knows between villages and towers alike which border the Northern wastes. Organizing supply lines and planning for reinforcements when needed. He will do what us necessary to keep his home and lands safe.

While Darren Redrain is the High Lord of the North and has earned the respect of his people and his peers over the course of his rule, it is no secret that Gwenna Redrain is the one who usually makes Darren's plans into reality. Quietly, Gwenna has amassed a fortune for House Redrain through her careful stewardship and diligent work for her people. She is not just respected in the North. She is beloved. Many Northerners admire her for her ability to distinguish herself without ever needing to lift a sword or wade into battle. After all, why does she need a steel blade when she has a will of steel?

The project she undertakes for the protection of the North is daunting. The building of watchtowers and way-stations isn't complicated, just expensive, but Gwenna Redrain's stock of coin and favors more than amply cover such an expenditure, especially with Princess Ann to help squeeze every last silver out of their investments to complete the project.

The really difficult part is convincing those in the most vulnerable holdings to leave their homes for a safer location. It requires all the charm and powers of persuasion of her family and allies. Princess Donella, through sheer common sense, manages to convince a fair share that leaving behind their homes is only temporary and if they don't survive, they won't get to keep their homes anyway. Few can argue with her logic even if they really want to. Of course, with a presence like Aksel at her side, some who might have wanted to be stubborn find that they might just want to follow Princess Donella's instructions instead.

Helena Redrain has a somewhat easier time in convincing. She just doesn't take no for an answer and seems very willing to pack people up into wagons herself despite their protests. Of course, she would be doing these things -sweetly-. With Morrighan at her side to assist in the 'convincing', there is even less room to argue.

Prince Kenjay focuses on the settlements of Eurusi to be found in the North. There aren't many, thankfully, but they are far flung and take him into parts of the land that he might not have seen since he was a small child. It could have been dangerous, but, thankfully, he has Princess Agatha to accompany him and watch his back, particularly out in the wilder parts of the mountains.

Princess Deva Redrain, with her skills acquired when leading people during her time away from the Compact, has those skills put to the test as she ventures into some of the more isolated villages to help guide them to safer pastures. Almost quite literally as a significant part of the train of people that she leads through the mountains consists of sheep that no one is willing to leave behind as they are 'like family'. Arthen Dayne also lends his aid to the efforts, particularly in finding trails through the treacherous mountains that will be safe for humans, wagons, and sheep as well.

Lady Icelyn Acheron, Marquis Cadern Blackwood, and Countess Magaen Charon work with Gwenna's offer of resources and assistance to fortify their holdings against whatever might come, be it Helena Thornweave or some other threat. Their people praise their wisdom and feel much more secure should danger come to them, even as they pray that the efforts of their lieges will be unneeded.

The result almost seems miraculous. A system of watchtowers and way-stations is threaded throughout the North in record time. It's expensive, but most of the nobility and commoners can see the value in the increased communication and fortifications even if they weren't potentially going to war. Even more miraculously, the efforts of the Redrains and their allies to evacuate villagers to safer domains is stunningly successful. There are hold-outs, of course, but after all is said and done, the Redrain evacuation is one of the most successful of such efforts in the Compact, earning the entire family acclaim for their forethought. Even the Lycene have to begrudgingly admit that maybe this new generation of Redrain are far more persuasive than ever. Despite the winds of war blowing over the Compact, some whisper that this is a renaissance for House Redrain after so much suffering and loss in the past decade or so. Most point to Gwenna Redrain as the quiet catalyst for the growth in Redrain power and she gains a reputation in the North as someone who gets. shit. done.

The Ravenseye family have always been seafaring people while others of the North focused their attention elsewhere. It is no secret that Stormheart still relies heavily on the seas and rivers that lead to the city, and Aella has never made it a secret that she wishes more for her family since they have joined the Compact.

Grand plans for a Naval Shipyard to be build on Ravenseye land will increase productivity and income for the County while also providing the North a local ship yard to have their vessels built rather than relying on Mourning Isle families. The closer proximity should allow for Northern materials to be brought to Stormheart so each ship built is done so at a discount to the buyer.

The Naval yard will be in dedicated in honor of Mangata so that the Goddess may watch over each ship created and those who sail on them.

(The social resources are for PR. Buy Ravenseye! The north can be a difficult sell for ships, it certainly isn't their strong suit. Economic resources are for materials and trade agreements with other houses. The Military resources are reserved for protection of the ship yard, as well as making military type ships.)

Lord Arik Halfshav has some experience with development projects over the last few years so after offering his services to Countess Aella Ravenseye she finds a tidy sum of economic resources committed to the project (4000 economic resources) to entice merchants. Not only that but the Halfshav Lord helps with coordinating of caravans and timetables, reports and labor schedules. All the tedious day to day of making sure people get something done.

As the Minister of Fealty for House Redrain, Princess Elgana is more than happy to bring support to Countess Aella's grand plans of a naval yard. While Elgana only knows what she's read about sailing and shipbuilding, it isn't nearly enough to entrust such a task to her, so she leaves that to the professionals. What she does bring, however, is the aid of House Redrain in the form of Elgana working to secure the best merchant contracts possible (5,000 Economic Resources).

She'll talk up the good works of House Ravenseye with building this naval yard to various merchants. Having such independence while also being incredibly thankful for allies in Thrax, such as House Kennex for helping with maritime growth in the north, is a great thing that will bring prosperity, new trade potential, and military might to the Northlands. Who can argue with that?

Rosalind knows next to nothing about building ships, BUT, she's charismatic, gets along with well--anyone and has a really big mouth! Because she enjoys people. Geez! No really--ask around! So she's decided to talk to EVERYONE! All the people! Hey you! Do you know how to build ships? Yes?! Come home with me and build great ships and help with our naval shipyard, Stormheart is amazing, you'll love it! Oh you sail?! You're great at it you say?! Ohymygosh, we need you too! She does know just enough about boats to give out the correct information!

All of this will be spread everywhere, a smile on her face and of course a whiskey in hand. A northerner is always a northerner and alcohol seems to make even more friends!

Princess Consort Donella Redrain will make sure the diplomacy of this task is set up. She will also speak to her connections on Thrax to make sure that things are on the up and up on the basics of construct. The rest will be left up to others. She will make sure to speak to people about how this is a good move and they should support it.

Cadern isn't particularly helpfl for ship sand building but he will help in convincing people to join. This would be a mix of finding and recruiting shipbuilders and incentivizing them to join. He will happily talk up Stormheart and convince people it's THE place to be and go to and assist in recruiting able sailors as well. Cadern focuses on getting the good word out about the project.

Volcica doesn't know much about ships, building, or shipbuilding, but she does know a lot about the spirits. She'll be a guiding hand for House Ravenseye's project, helping to make sure that the spirits and the Pantheon are appeased and happy with the placement of the docks!

While Baltus doesn't know much about building a port or building ships, he does know ships. Which ones are good for which missions and tasks, the quality of one already built. He also knows sailors and knows the tides. And so he offers what help he can in offering advice and organizational assistance.

As a vassal of Crovane, House Ravenseye will receive full support from Duchess Fianna for its naval yard construction. Stormwall has recently built a new port and Fianna will use her experience to assist Ravenseye with its construction, as well as provide black lumber for supply and ships for protection during the process.

Llyr is going to help by giving darwings of design to help woith the ability to vizualize what will be built.

Infrastructure is Kaldur's avocation if not his particular area of expertise. He leads with enthusiasm and vigor for the project, venturing to the worksites as the crafters and laborers toil, unfussed about getting in and helping - particularly when anything needs done in the water. He'll be on boats helping sink pilings, swimming, diving, uncannily at home in the water, as much or more than he is in the saddle.

With his recent experience dealing with large building projects, Valdemar will focus on helping out with the design of the naval yards and the coordination of construction crews for maximum efficiency.

Countess Carita is more than happy to help those that ask her to. When Countess Aella asks her to use her building skills from Darkwaer, Grimhall's naval academy, Clearlake's docks, and numerous other areas, she's built up quite a list of names for people that know the people that get things done quickly, and efficiently. This should be cake, right? Who knows shipyards better than Darkwater?

What a magnificent shipyard it is! Such a massive undertaking increases everyone's standing for a time, and the help this necessarily provides to the Redrain fealty is much appreciated. Building ships in Stormheart is a little cheaper now, which is like to increase its importance.

The second phase of expansion in Cascade Springs begins in earnest. While the first phase was about expanding the footprint of the town and ensuring its security, the second phase is all about building it up even further – new infrastructure, new facilities, and all the growth in population and trade and guard forces needed to exploit it. Arik Halfshav has stepped in to help lead and coordinate this phase of the growth allowing his family members to help where they are most talented.

* Countess Carita Darkwater is employing her considerable knowledge of Stewardship and experience from rebuilding Darkwater to oversee construction of the docks and warehouses, as well as any other necessary facilities in the city, to transform this small shrine town into something befitting its growing size.

* Nightingale and Softest Whisper Gianna is opening a branch of the famed Bard's College in Cascade Spring with the understanding it focus and promote northern arts and storytelling traditions while bringing talents from all over the Compact.

* Sven, Vincenzo, Perronne, Bethany, Lore, and Draven are all taking advantage of agreements with House Halfshav to expand their business to Cascade Springs and open storefronts with warehouses for their trade. Reduced rent and taxes with the only requirement being to employ or train Halfshav commoners.

* Brianna, Ajax, Thena, and Rowenova are all providing security for the trade of Cascade Springs as well as the sudden influx of activity during construction of all of these shops and infrastructure. Brianna has the Cascade Springs Guard (#367) to assist her as she is Captain of the Guard for this growing town. Mirk has also instructed Halfshavs Troop Patrols (#369) to assist the Knights of Solace in defending the Great Road traffic during this time.

* High Lady Donella Redrain is working with the Sword of Farhaven Dame Morrighan in bringing members of the Crafters Guild of Arx to Cascade Springs. One speaks to the people while the other creates a unique design to be sold in shops to the pilgrims that come to the Shrine of Mangata.

* Lord Mirk Halfshav and Lady Acantha Clearlake attempt to build confidence in the shrinetown of Cascade Springs so as to make it a desirable place to live and fill out its growing buildings.

After his leadership of the first section of the expansion, Mirk is stepping back to focus on influence instead of direct leadership. He's spreading the word of Cascade Springs, to merchants who might bring wealth, to commoners who would be hired as builders or farmers or other laborers the project will need, selling everyone on the merits of the place and building a grand vision of the future of Cascade Springs.

Countess Carita Darkwater has done much for Darkwater and in so doing has learned just who to talk to and how to organize a project and how to get things done efficiently while doing her own projects. For Cascade Springs she'll help by talking to those people of influence that can get the docks placed in just the right location for trade on the river. She's personally investing her own money into the project, to show her faith in House Halfshav.

Gianna will be directing the construction of the Bard's College. Well, not in a get-your-hands-dirty kind of way. Just organizing the traits the building will need to have (acoustics, acoustics, acoustics) and how many bard blue banners will need to go up and so on. She'll also have to select some talent from her pool to entice over thataway to run the dang place.

Vincenzo is investing in the Cascade Springs project to the tune of 100,000 silver and 200 economic writs. The intent is to build a second shop in Cascade Springs, and send his best steamstress North to head up the operation. She will be producing his designs while learning the fashion sensibilities of the locals and starting to incorporate that into her work. She's also going to be sending the best apprentices, hired locally, back to Arx to train under Vincenzo. The idea being to provide Northern talent opportunities to study under a Lycene tailor and train them up to be successes on their own and ship them back to the North.

As per contract with the Halfshavs, Ajax is working under the Commander of Lady Brianna in setting up Caravans to the town. Along the way Ajax is using silver and resources to attract additional independent sellswords for protection to take the entire weight off the local Garrison. Ajax speaks Northern Shav fluently to help avoid particular mishaps of miscommunication but for most part is just trying to keep everyone coordinated and the goods moving.

Perronne has been hired to put together a trade fair and entice merchants to visit, trade, and invest in Cascade Springs. She is most enthusiastic about this task, and will be contacting the merchants she knows to explain the economic advantages to having a thriving trade hub in Halfshav lands. For the trade fair, she's looking to highlight both local goods AND local purses - bringing in a variety of vendors of attractive trade items the North doesn't see very often for the locals to buy, while ensuring locals have the chance to display their best goods and argue their case for building new exchanges so that the Oathlands and South can receive those goods at profitable prices. To bolster the pitch, she's even purchasing and setting up her own trading house to run in Cascade Springs, having been promised a discount on the land/building, and reduced tariffs and tolls on select goods for the next two years.

The Bruvir family (Draven, Nova, and Flop) have put together 500 styled (economic styled) with which they start up a second home with a shop front in Cascade Springs. They ultimately combine their Alchemy and Medicine (Draven) along with their Security and Survival (Nova & Flop) for a thriving business which hopefully improves the living conditions of their purchasing patrons.
Besides this, Nova and Flop routinely participate in security work around the Halfshav township, too, making sure to be threat detectors/deterrants of the highest degree and team up to consistently report their observant findings!

Bethany brings with her the considerable weight of the Mercier trade family, who will be using Cascade Springs as a trading hub through which they'll be able to expand to new, totally untapped markets in the north. Having supervised the initial phase of construction, Bethany knows the nuts and bolts of the nascent city well enough to make sure that her family has every possible advantage, something she will use to entice them there.

Brianna will be taking care of the military presence in Cascade Springs, trying to keep people who are working and building safe. The family has employed various sellswords and has gathered a small troop to assist. There will be patrols through the area, keeping an eye out for people who shouldn't be on site, with guards stationed at buildings and build sites.

With prior agreements having been made with the Crafter's Guild, Morrighan's role is that of Assistant Guildmaster and Seamstress. She gathers members of the Guild, and with the help of Princess-Consort Donella Redrain (who does most of the talking), conveys the benefits and deal to those willing to uproot and make the move to the new township in the Northlands. Secondly, the dame is hard at work, creating a stunning piece to represent and honor both Cascade Springs and the Goddess Mangata. In a variety of sizes for toddlers up to adults, Morrighan provides hooded cloaks made of the finest wool found in the Northlands, dyed in a swirling sea-hued gradation, and lined with sumptuous white fur. The hem and edges are embellished with silver embroidery taking the form of crashing waves, and upon the back is an intricately embroidered silver emblem: an image of two streams coming to meet as one, and in the background is a mountain region with the sun beginning to rise over them with Mangata's likeness found in the sky. It's completed with a clasp of faceted aquamarine set in a pewter setting, shaped into a drop of water.

Vercyn is going to set up shop in Cascade Springs itself with a veritable army of messengers. He means to co-ordinate the efforts of the expansion of cascade springs, sending word and receiving it from his central location. He wants to make certain that things run at peak efficency and so they are well informed of any emergencies or shortage of workers or supplies.

Lady Acantha Clearlake has been asked to help with the more Diplomatic things concerning Cascade Springs. She's also good with campaigning on why it's a good place to visit/move/pilgrimage to. She's going to promote the township. She's also going to provide silver and social writs to make sure things go smoothly with the talking. Why should people move there? It is secure, it has trade, there are jobs, and new goods from the Compact. Why should people trade with the town? It's on the river, it's safer than the great road, and we secure trade routes to and from the shrine town. Also the largest shrine in the northlands to Mangata is there so it is also a pilgrimage site.

Per the deal with Halfshav, Lore is investing money and resources into a warehouse and storefront where Artiglio can sell and trade their goods and materials with a people they don't often have access to. Artiglio can expect a reduced rate on rents and import/export tariffs for two years, and will further invest additional resources into making the warehouse/storefront look more appealing as well as bring in some early goods to get a jumpstart on sales. Extra resources have also been invested into spreading word of this new trading hub and the store carrying special and exotic goods and materials. She is looking to set up an Artiglio cousin to run the operation but will be hiring locals for general labor and to apprentice in the merchant trade.

Dame Thena sends a number of veteran Knights of Solace to guard the supply trains to Cascade Springs, and to train the guard and other troops in the finer points of guarding the roads. She also donates silver from the Solace coffers.

Once notable for charitable works in the lowers, Donella attempts to help the effort by speaking to craftspeople known to live and/or work there of the advantages of life in a new settlement. It's cold in the north, but the air is fresh and clean, and the coin flows at a higher rate where there are not so many competitors for business. More space for families to grow, and for apprentices and journeymen to establish themselves. Better to be a big fish in a smaller pond, than a minnow in a reeking, massive fen.

Draven does his absoulte best to help Scout Rowenova, the best Wife ever, set up their home and their shop in Cascade Springs. He has already gotten his documentation on what herbs are in the area, so he is using the data to get a good idea on how to help people the most, with that.

As a representative of his family and their brewery that has up until now largely only been serving their drinks in Whitehold proper, Sven is investing time, effort and resources(400 econ) in making sure that visitors and residents in Cascade Springs will have access to some of the best spirits in the north.

Cascade Springs is becoming the fastest growing, most significant new settlement in all of the Northlands, and Halfshav lands are expanding enormously in terms of economic strength because of its tremendous growth and improvement. The security of the town, despite the strength of Halfshav forces, was by no means guaranteed. Perhaps the single greatest drawback of the Great Road is how swiftly powerful shav forces can travel along it, and it is a testament to the skill of Brianna, Ajax, Thena, and Rowenova that both the town and the roads leading to it stay secure. The fact the town grows in the wild, uninhibited Northlands without routine friendly brawls turning into something much more serious is a further sign of their great influence.

Waves of crafters and artisans, representatives of the Crafters Guild of Arx, head to Cascade Springs at the behest of Dame Morrighan and Princess-Consort Donella Redrain. The booming nature of Cascade Springs does put housing at a premium, and the amount of craftsmen coming up from Arx lets Cascade Springs almost keep up with demand, though it's still quite tight.

Carita uses her experience in rebuilding Darkwater masterfully, which is most visible in working with the different Northlands merchants who are starting the different businesses that will keep contributing to long term growth of Cascade Springs, particularly the families from far more distant parts of the Compact. Among those many merchants and businessmen and women of the Compact are Sven, Vincenzo, Perronne, Bethany, Lore, and Draven- each of whom are helping grow their own interests there.

Softest Whisper Gianna opening a branch of the Bard's College in Cascade Springs is wildly popular, as the Northlands have long had a disproportionately high representation among bards historically. The college branch opening is praised throughout the Northlands, and taken as a sign of the Whisper House's esteem, which is much appreciated.

As word spreads from Acantha's and Mirk's propaganda efforts, people from all over the Compact are coming to have a look at the town. Of course, whether the tone can sustain its growth and support the booming population it has long term is an open question, but for now it's tremendously successful.

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.

Much like those who came before her in preparation for the ritual to cleanse primum, Morrighan has produced thirteen items to commit to the flames. Each has been made by her hand (obviously not the fabric itself), large tapestries of elaborate needlepoint embroidery. Though not a painter, she has created art in a different fashion - the fabric her canvas, the needle her brush, and the various threads and colored glass beads used in the creations - her paint. They all display a different scene, but there's a common theme among them, of not only what's important to her, but in what they promote. Of her vision for the Dream. A world that's safe, a view of safety and protection, of comfort and family, a view of magic and unrestricted knowledge, a view of love and loyalty, creativity and determination, of being strong, either of will or body. Together it paints a vision of a better world, kinder and filled with love and family, where the means to learn magic is widely available, so all that's important can be better protected and defended from evil, as those who came before had done.

Attention to detail has been paid with these thirteen tapestries, each stitch meticulous, every thread carefully chosen for color and brilliance, every sparkling glass bead placed for a visual impact, and combined they create stunning imagery that in and of itself is artwork.

Lord Arik Halfshav takes the time to review the tapestries that Morrighan has created. Whatever he sees in the artwork he goes *huh* quite a bit. Prior to the actual ritual he would take a trip to the Stone Grove to focus on the tale the images told before coming to support the Sword of Farhaven's efforts.

Donella's parents left her instructions before their death. Vague instructions, true, but the spirit was clear: She was to help leave the world better if she could. In this instance, she can, and so she will, as a witness and supporter to Morrighan's ritual. Prior to the event she will isolate herself in a dim, quiet place for a few hours, to compose herself and sharpen her mind to focus on the effigies and Morrighan's vision for what should be.

Sir Floppington sets up as a perimeter guard for the magical ritual. Meanwhile, Scout Rowenova Bruvir of the Ranging Wolves will be doing the magical ritual, herself. She thoroughly prepares by carefully observing all the wonderful tapestries, too, along with scribing down her friend's visions for The Dream which will be rest before her to be easily seen during the ensuing magic which will take place, to make sure that no matter what distracting poison there may be, she will not lose focus.

Joscelin takes her time studying every tapestry, looking it over not just with the critical eye of an artisan, but a woman who understands the vision behind the made world, having glimpsed many times the fingerprints inherent in the world around her, the world she exists in, the many touches of beauty and love by them that created it. Whether she's successful in 'Seeing' those markers and fingerprints now, she wears her seashell necklace, the one that first helped her see the World, the Dream underneath this one, in the hopes that it might help her focus on being there for Morrighan, to help her hone the intent her dear friend has bent upon.

Morrighan gathers those close to her and begins her ritual. There's something about the tapestries that catches the eye - not just because of the needlepoint, but because of something ineffable upon them that draws attention. Each is a different scene, and rather than explaining each one audibly, Morrighan presents them together, sacrificing each one in turn to the flames.

The scenes are family. A world that's safe, protected. Comfort and family are there waiting, magic and unrestricted knowledge as a woman sits in the archives of Vellichor and reads. Love and loyalty, Creativity and determination. It's a good, safe, happy vision.

But as she gives each one to the ritual there is something else there. A wistful sorrow - this is a world that Morrighan has never known. These are her dreams for a better future than her past. And the sorrow and loneliness of dreaming and reaching for a thing so long denied is a poignant, bitter pill.

But as the flames consume the tapestries, a voice speaks from the flames. "Daughter, you will always have family." And then the flames flash for joy and salamanders leap from them and circle the room, and the flame grows as it consumes the last tapestry and takes the shape of an ancient elemental. And suddenly the room is filled with warmth, and hearth, and the welcome of home.

And then the ritual is done, and peace is left in its wake.

Aleksei is leading a team to conduct the rite to empower Namesake in order to sunder one of the Gargantuans attacking the Lodge. No big, right?

All right, it's a bit big.

Aleksei's team has been entrusted with Namesake itself, which means that they're gathering together at the Lodge to prepare the Rite to not just sunder a Gargantuan, but do so with Namesake. The team will be mobile, since they'll need to try and get close to a Gargantuan once it shows, and they're going to be ARMED and ARMORED because HOLY SHIT.

Aleksei is bringing with him the scorched and cracked manacle recovered from the Fortress of Choice ("a scorched and broken manacle of strange metal" from @cal 573 run by Pax) to use as a focus of the rite, sacrificing it for what memories of broken chains and freed names it might still hold. For the power that comes from weight and importance in the Dream. It was saved as a memento by someone long ago, as a symbol of someone's freedom. Maybe it wasn't someone terribly important, but what it represents is important. Freeing one soul is important. And so he'll lead his group in the rite as they know it, as they've recovered record of to replicate, but he'll be putting a heart and soul of freedom into it.

And once the rite has been performed -- successfully, it will most certainly be successful -- Namesake will be entrusted to Luca to act with.

This whole is, of course, rather DANGEROUS, especially considering they might be ATTRACTING ATTENTION from MONSTERS AND THINGS. So a crew of Valorous Few -- Shard, Audric, et al -- are setting up specifically in their vicinity to try and intercept any attacks headed in the group's direction. (See action #2762.)

Aleksei has asked Luca to murder a Gargantuan(s?) with a dagger, because he's the best at pillow talk, and Luca is easily convinced to try things like this. It sounds like a challenge, doesn't it? He'll come to the Rite, he'll help however he can with it but mostly he's there to protect the group while they do their work, at least until it's time to demand satisfaction from probably one of the gnarliest creatures on the field of battle. The danger is the danger, after all. He'll wear his best dancing outfit, the one in exotic leather and steelsilk, and maybe have a cup of coffee beforehand, also.

Briseis is at the ritual helping out her brother. More importantly, she's focusing on releasing the imprisoned names. She'll work on bringing justice to the poor souls that have been trapped by the monster, sending them back to the Wheel. She'll be working with the texts, reading from the books and putting all her energy into not only stopping the Gargantuan from destroying the Lodge, but in releasing the names.

In the hours before the undertaking, wearing her leathers, her weeping serpent, and her small sword on her hip she will prepare herself, going to the Cathedral to pray. She addresses the divinities friendly to mankind, but will keep it brief; Team Pantheon has its hands full. She will ask for the strength in the moment to see the work DONE, careful not to say too much about it. When she joins the group, her chin will be set. She will be focused on empowering Namesake, and on the souls who must be freed, as if by sheer willpower and intensity she could make it happen. Should any one of the party falter in carrying out what is necessary, she will be there to reinforce, reorganize, redirect. Plans are all well and good, but they seldom survive long. That weapon is getting imbued, and getting where its going, even if she has to haul Luca over a saddlehorn like a sack of grain and ride hell bent for leather.

Sina will be accompanying Aleksei's group for this Rite. She will be wearing her armor and carrying with her the alaricite Nox'alfar blade Brixeur'Ame, whose name means roughly Freer of Souls, or so she was told by Mother Bianca, who gave it into Sina's care. She will also be bringing her knowledge as Archscholar, and whatever power she carries within her, including that feeling of warmth that descended upon her in Lagoma's shrine while she prayed there. She will also carry with her a lantern alight with Lagoma's holy eternal flame. Sina will be clearing her mind, seeking to calm it into a meditative state, much as she did within the Shrine of the Queen of Endings, as she assists with performing the ritual, and then focusing all of her prayers, energy and heart into the Rite. Sina will assist with the Rite to empower Namesake, and she will be prepared to do what she can otherwise if needed, for anything that might come after, including offering support with Brixeur'Ame if required. Otherwise, if Luca is doing this all on his own, she's pretty light on her feet, and if things get too dire, she'll take the better part of valor (that of discretion) and retreat.

With the dual distractions of a gargantuan in the distance and the Valorous Few being VERY LOUDLY PROFANE nearby, this group still managed to focus. And though it cost them dearly, they did manage to empower Namesake, investing it to kill a gargantuan. And then Luca went running off into the distance with Aleksei, hopefully to sunder that gargantuan - with Namesake glowing in his hand.

Princess Marian Redrain wants her people to be prepared to defend themselves for whatever comes next. She recognizes in times of peace our soldiers need to have activities to keep their skills honed. With the permission of High Lord Darren, Marian is going to create bands of 4 to 6 soldiers that are skilled in matters of warfare and then send them to the various villages in Redrain to start training their people how to fight. For those that show a gift for the sword, these villagers will be invited to join the Redrain military. Veterns who no longer can actively serve will be given an opportunity to take up training positions so the knowledge can be continued after these initial groups return to the army. In addition, Marian herself will be traveling with High Lord Darren, Princess Gwenna and an retinue of nobles to deliver the pensions and oversee this training.

While Marian and Gwenna handle the training and administration, Darren will be delivering the pensions directly to the families of the fallen in each and every place the delegation visits. He will take the time to console losses and thank families for their ultimate sacrifice. He won't be giving fancy speeches or raining empty platitudes, but having simple, genuine conversations. He will hug widows and kiss babies in an effort to be seen and felt by his people.

While boasting no martial prowess herself, Gwenna will instead encourage those in the villages toward learning to fight to defend themselves or honing their skills. For those who show promise and might hedge on joining the Redrain military, she reminds them of their chance at history, of serving along side the legendary Marian should they choose to join. She will listen to the tales told by the veterans who can no longer serve and how important it is that they share these stories and their knowledge with the next generation. Lastly, she will take time to speak with the families once they receive their pensions, sincerely wanting to learn more about their loved ones who were lost. Gwenna's role will be that of listener, encourager to the people, and support to both Marian and Darren as they travel.

Arik is not a chipper man and nor is he a diplomat. As the main group goes forth to hand out pensions Arik is part of the soldiers that are sent from place to place to train those willing to join the Redrain Military. Arik makes no secret that he is the Sword of Whitehold and a Halfshav Lord supporting his liege. During his time with the commonfolk he challenges them if a Lord from hundreds of miles away can come and help why can they who live on Redrain lands not step up. Any who answer the challenge get pointers from the man along with suggestions on what weapons would best suite them. He doesn't spend more than fifteen minutes per willing serf. Simple iron weapons are provided by Arik himself until supplies run out!

Lydia will accompany Marian, Gwenna and Darren to deliver pensions. If Lydia gets the opportunity, she will "spar" with those who come to learn... she's not a very physical character, but not everyone they meet will be a gladiator and she might just learn something herself, make friends, and find connections. She is young and will encourage those like her that the world will rise up to meet them if they step up and take part in it, as she herself is evidence of this.

Donella will accompany her husband as he delivers the pensions personally, following suit by breaking into personal conversations with those that come forward. She will listen to their problems and try to make them spread the word of how their sacrifice was important for the realm and how House Redrain will not forget about those who shed blood for their cause. During her conversations, she'll try to show how joining the army will protect them all in the long run and how a strong, big and unified army will guarantee fewer losses.

Under the direction of their Warlord Princess Marian, the Redrain family makes a tour of their lands. High Lord Darren delivers pensions to those who lost family members in the recent fight against the Pirate King. He offers words of encouragement and genuine conversations. These are not speeches for the masses, they're private words that show how much his heart lies with his people. With Princess Donella at his side, and Duchess Lydia Nightgold joining them, the trio reach out to those who have suffered losses and truly touched their hearts. "We mourn with you," is the message they offer. "We grieve. We grow closer. We will not forget. We will rebuild." It's a comforting message in this time of sorrow, and their genuine outreach is very well received.

Princess Marian takes the lead in recruiting now too. She spends time with people who might have an aptitude for swordwork. She encourages them to join the army. "This is how we protect what we love," she offers. She brings with her Princess Gwenna and Lord Arik Halfshav and together they offer to teach and test whoever is willing. Any of those who want to join the military and show an aptitude for it are offered a slot. Princesses Marian and Gwenna are quite well received - though Lord Arik comes across as not having much time for the people, his approach of "spend no more than fifteen minutes with each person" not exactly well received. And yet even with that social gaffe the three manage to see recruitment numbers swell.

On the whole, it's a successful trip, the Redrain army has new recruits, pensioners are taken care of, and the royal family of Redrain (and friends!) is spoken of fondly as they see to the needs and the hearts of their people.

"Let's kill some Pirates in the Snow!" - Darren is calling all the banners loyal to House Redrain to stand and prepare to fight the Gyre. Darren will be calling on his Ducal houses to provide 2/3s of their forces to his main fighting force, but is leaving it up to the individual dukes to decide how much to ask of their vassals. Instructions are given to favor land units, the Redrain and rest of the Northlands have small navies, it is the infantry, archers, pikemen, and cavalry that are needed.

As a Redrain born and raised in Farhaven, Gwenna will be going around and speaking with the different houses, encouraging them to give as much as they can to this effort. She understands that they may be hesitant, even resistant, to helping the south or fighting beside the Templars. She will gently remind them, though, that it took a Northerner, the first Redrain, to marshal together different (bitterly warring!) factions and lead them as a whole to break the demons of a thousand years ago. It shouldn't be too difficult to band together with these current people, our allies of Arvum, to smash this present foe. The North is needed and should answer the call with all the strength they have.

Marian gave a speech at her husband's funeral (OOC Note: see http://play.arxmush.org/dom/cal/detail/1291/) to rally the Redrain NPCs to action as the new Warchief to House Redrain. She acknowledges the recent challenges with losing Princess Freja and Prince Fergus but puts herself out there to help the vassals know they are in good hands. She will share her Crovane Military Analysis 12/18/1007 AR with the vassals that need help understanding what is needed.

Ann is supporting House Redrain's efforts economically by carefully monitoring the budget and seeing that the proper funds are allocated where they need to go and directed as efficiently and quickly as possible. The armies and navies must be fed and well supplied - as well as the ports at which they are planning on restocking. She sees to it that they have the financial power to suport this.

While everyone is all RAWR for war, Donella appreciates that not everyone is going to be able to fight. She sees to the very quiet, orderly evacuation of the vulnerable (elderly, infirm, very young, and gravid, etc.) as should proceed battle, to Farhaven and/or other vassals lands, leaving the burden for their care and provisioning in no one place. She is well aware there will be proud (stubborn) individuals that need convincing to go. Fortunately she has a little experience with difficult people, and hopes she can convince them.

Astraea isn't anyone important, she doesn't have a particularly adept way with words, and she won't make false promises to the brave men and women who will answer the call to banners. However, as a Knight of Farhaven she will lead by example. Letting them see that with simple steel and the blessings of Gloria that each and everyone will fight with the ferocity of ten dire bears for their homelands and their families. "Actions speak louder than words."

Prince Artur has been seen moving amidst the nobility and vassalage of the Redrain Fealty on something of a charm offensive! Everywhere the counts and barons or the like meet to discuss the calling of the banners, it seems Artur pops up with that winsome smile, recounting the heoric tales of Rathlander Redrain and the like. It's an attempt to stir up northern pride and encourage his cousin Darren's bannermen to commit as many of their troops as possible to the defense of the realm.

Cirroch will go around to the other vassal houses of Halfshav and trying to rouse and inspire them up for war, encouraging them to join him in sending send House Halfshav 2/3s of their fighting force to war.

As Duchess of Nightgold, Lydia rallies her people to Darren's call. Of course she orders the regular troops to provide what Darren has asked for, but beyond this, she uses her [Charm] and [Propaganda] to rally the vassals of her lands, determined that Nightgold be remembered, hopefully for glory not sacrifice.

As Voice of Nightgold and Marquis of Acheron, Mydas makes use of his authority and leadership to encourage the vassals of both Nightgold and Acheron to raise their own banners. The North requires infantry, archers and pikemen, and the mountain men are well-suited to provide those.

As Voice of House Sanna, Tila works to rally those counties and baronies that bend the knee to Giant's Reach. She reminds them of the strength and protection her House has granted them, their oaths of fealty, and assures them their bravery and sacrifice will be rewarded when the fighting is done. She lays out the threat to the Compact - particularly to the Crovanes - and tries to make it clear it must be stopped now, before it threatens areas for beyond the coasts.

In an effort to assist with the gathering of troops for Redrain, as he has pledged to do so on Cirroch's behest, Jacque Valardin will be visiting each settlement, bringing some measure of wealth to give to families and making generous use of his family's reputation as honorable warriors to call every able-bodied man and woman to arms. He will attempt to impress them with some trick of swordsmanship, expending his resources and money to incentivize these displays in the form of local tournaments as well, promoting the need to defend their land from the aggressors and the duty of every person of the Compact - not just Northerners - in the defense of Arvani ancestral lands.

Jhond speaks to the people of the north he encounters, from the low born on up, of the threat coming to hem all the the need to face it. to heed the call.

As ordered by the High Lord, Kaede is reaching out to her own Ravenseye Tribe, along with any Barons that are beneath the Tribe. She doesn't exactly have the authority to demand such, but she's more than a little convincing when she needs to be!

Prince Darren Redrain issues the call to Redrain. They're a little less affected by the calls of the Faith owing to the large number of shamans in the fealty, but they're still members of the Compact and by the spirits they'll answer the call! Princesses Donella sees to the evacuation of the elderly out of Crovane and to Farhaven or other safer places. Princess Ann watches the ledgers, making sure supplies are bought and sent where they'll do the most good, and the armies and navies are well suppled and stocked.

While others work to prepare and protect the populace, Princess Marian Redrain steps up as Warlord of Redrain. Princess Astraea lends her public support as well. Jhond Whisper speaks eloquently on behalf of Halfshav in support of Marian too, and throughout the lands of Redrain warriors, healers, shaman - everyone that can respond and hears the message seems to start making plans to get to the muster points.

On the diplomatic front, Princess Gwenna and Prince Artur take the lead, spreading the High Lord's word through their vassals, helping where needed, lending their voices to the various leaders of the fealty as they talk to their people. Duchess Lydia, Marquis Cirroch, Marquis Mydas, Lady Tila, Prince Jacque Valardin - acting in concert with Cirroch, and Lady Khanne Halfshav answer the call. Even Kaede Starfinder reaches out to her Ravenseye Tribe to convince them to help - and help they shall!

Even as a fleet sails toward Crovane, Redrain unites for war.

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?

Docks & Lower Boroughs Defense

There are two halves to this defense:
1: protecting commerce during the siege, and 2: military defense of the waterfront and Lower Boroughs. Initial reports suggest Brand's army will focus its attack against the city walls, but the waterfront and Lower Boroughs are being prepared to repel a heavy assault, just in case.  This defense is focused on approaches to the Graveyard.

Part I: Protecting Commerce
-Iron Guard as harbormasters, overseeing typical daily business.
-3 companies of Crimson Blades as on-call muscle/enforcers for IG.
-Isles warriors on land kept in reserve for combat situations, to minimize tensions with Crownsworn.
-Mourning Isles longships will patrol the adjacent coast in squadrons no smaller than 6, to escort incoming merchants, disrupt enemies along the shore outside the city, and intercept any seagoing Shavs before they reach harbor, or at least give advance warning if a large enemy attack is inbound from the water.

Part 2: Military defense (tl;dr: if there's no attack planned for the Lower Boroughs, you can skip this stuff)
-Fortifications: barricades, wagons with blocked wheels as gates, etc., able to quickly block all approaches to the Graveyard, with heaviest defenses prepared along the River's Edge/Crows Lane and Rivers Mouth/Commons Square routes.
-Stacks of large stones and bags of arrows stashed on rooftops overlooking approach to main barricades.  Fresh shields, bandages, drink, and rare vials of holy water at resupply points falling back on the Graveyard, in the event the waterfront defense fails.  A large reserve force of Grimhall warriors will be kept in Commons Square under Harald's personal command.
-Regarding Tolamar Brand: if an ominous evil figure in black armor that ISN'T Thraxian is spotted, standing orders are to thin out his escorts as much as possible and send word to the Five Paladins. Some will inevitably take doomed shots at Brand, if he appears.  It's a Mourning Isles thing.

Assisting at the Docks:

Part 1) Calaudrin will join the Iron Guard overseeing daily business in the harbor. His goal will be to maintain order despite the on-going tension of the siege. He'll insist (as politely as he can manage) on thorough inspections of the boats and any cargo that's unloaded into Arx. Despite his not always sunny disposition, he'll make an honest effort to put the citizens of Arx at ease and to feel supported by the Iron Guard. Everyone will be encouraged to be extra alert and stay together in groups or at the least pairs, lest a bringer or shav attack unfold by surprise or in the ugly event of a riot.

Part 2) In the event of an attack, Calaudrin is drilling a team of experienced archers to race to the top of the barricades and make surgical shots. Their goal won't be merely raining arrows down on the enemy but to make precise shots in order to cover those fighting on the ground.
Part 3) Additionally, Calaudrin will be venturing amongst the refugees and other lower boroughs residents to offer aid from the Iron Guard and attempt to recruit those who are willing to join and fight. He is to turn over those he recruits to Serafine for training.

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Captain Lady Merida has a ship and a fearsome crew and is cruising for danger with both swords, baby! WOO! She’s patrolling the harbor and coasts, escorting merchant ships into port, and keeping watch for Shav vessels and landing parties trying to enter the harbor. WITH TWO SWORDS!

Being a former Thrall Sameera is a little wary about the seige and so she is spending idle time seeing if she can find a stable way to get out of the city via underground passages. She is using her investigative skills to do this and a lot of talking to her shells (because that is what Sameera does). She is also keeping an eye out for passages that can be altered once passed through so they can be changed should it need to be done. She will definitely be watching for anything that could be considered a ritual, just in case it is a threat, or sometihng of the occult variety. She'll be a little more focused in Thrax areas for these things but she will also be looking in other places. Anything she finds she will report to Harald, since he is in charge of defense stuff. Esepcially if it is something that poses a risk.

Prince Dominic Thrax is returning his dogs from the battles with the bringers up the river to the gates of Arx to assist Lord Harald Grimhall in not only identifying them, as the dogs have developed a taste for bringers and have been trained to spot bringers in disguised. Lord Harald will get Prince Dominic as a Houndmaster alongside the prince's own houndmaster to operate dogs at the waterfront and lower borough.



Prince Dominic Thrax is ordering his dogs to deploy from the field back to Arx to support Lord Harald Grimhall's operation in the docks and lower borough. The dogs have been trained to detect bringers in disguised and have developed a taste for the creatures. As a result, they were instrumental in Dominic's assaults and can be used as accessories to patrol security or as an offensive move to flush them out. The dogs come with houndmasters separated into "packs", they respond to Prince Dominic Thrax who in turn reports to Lord Harald Grimhall.

Lady Lianne Pravus, as Voice of the Stormborn, is routing half of Nilanza's fleet from their return to the home waters toward Arx instead to assist with defense of the shore and waterways, including assisting with the regular patrols and escorts for merchant ships. Wheresoever they're needed, they'll follow orders well, deferring to the leadership and judgment of their liege's admiral Alrec Magaldi should there ever be questions or conflict about orders.

The third of Setarco's fleet that was retained for defense during the Gyre action is summoned to Arx; they have not thus far seen conflict. As well, a number of the ships that were previously heading home will instead be diverted to Arx's defense, bringing the total to half of Setarco's fleet, arriving in two waves. Vassals will be instructed to participate, as well, though it is not insisted that they send their ships before the rest of their fleet reaches home. They will be placed in Admiral Alrec Magaldi's command, and he has been placed in Harald Grimhall's command. The command structure as is will be respected; Alrec will be responsible for the assignments given to her fleet.

Alrec has once more taken over his role of the Admiral of Pravus' naval forces. As such, Belladonna has put him in charge of the Setarco fleet at her command; her captains are reporting to him and he, in turn, will be reporting to Lord Harald Grimhall. His contribution on this is rather simple. First and foremost -- and truthfully there should be an ease given his pirating history to do this -- he will be intercepting all merchant ships approaching the Arx. They will be inspected, the cargo examined, the history of them and name of buyers sought. His ships will carry enough mirrors so that he can try to find any Bringers aboard. Security detail. Secondly, he will be scouting the coasts as he can, looking for movement of Brand's army. Any news would be swiftly relayed to his liege. Finally, any other commands that Harald offers forth, within reason and not counter to Belladonna's own interests, will be complied to without delay.

After coming across some brigands in a tunnel near the Dockyard, Thena shares details of the tunnel and of the map that one of the brigands dropped. The map itself was delivered to Commander Silas, but Thena was able to get a good look at it and can offer some insights on where the tunnels lead, aiding in identifying defense points in the event of an attack.

Mae will be working alongside the Iron Guard, and focusing on providing intelligence and covert assistance. She doesn't look Iron Guard, and very few people know she's working with them, so she will hopefully be able to pick up intel the others can't, and get into places the others can't, and ultimately root out Brand's infiltrators.

Orathy is working side by side with Lord Harald to rig up the Lower Boroughs and the Upper Boroughs with the second round of defenses, going over thorough plans of the slums and pointing out weaknesses and vantage points, and tactical strong holds. Like the first time rolling out gurellia tactics, traps will be set. Thraxian fire will be used for the supply that Grimhall gets. Pinch points will be better manned by a combination of Lowers men and Grimhall Soldiers. Working cooperatively offers a better advantage over any threat that breaks through the lines. Orathy will be acting as the point man for the Lowers fighting force, once again, preparing 'squads' for sabotage against the enemy and readying them to deploy in the strategems in which Harald and Orathy have worked out.

Valdemar will command a squadron of six longships on patrol off the adjacent coast. The six ships and their men have been with the Compact's army since Pridehall (none of these are the ships that sailed with Valdemar to battle the servants of the Gyre). The squadron will carry out the duties listed in the first half of the defense: Part I: Protecting Commerce. They will also rain down unholy hell, arrows and some really stinging insults on any unknown vessels, enemies, monsters, or beasties that attempt to pass them and approach the docks and Lower Boroughs.

The Iron Guard has now been given the authority by the Court to arrest any ship captain who refuses inspection under suspicion of smuggling, and to seize their assets until the siege is lifted. Those who wish entry into the city are required to obey all lawful orders from their escorts and the harbor masters.

Max is assisting in the efforts by keeping commerce flowing. Using Black Mountain convoy defense and elements of the Darkwater fleet for scouting possible threats, he works to make sure that food and supplies keep flowing from across Arvum into arx. Cooperating with the harbor master, efforts are made to keep ships in a berth the very least amount of time possible, with bonuses paid for the roustabout crew that unloads tonnage the fastest.

Ulfric will remain close to his liege and their vessels to provide additional organization of commerce-based defenses. He will happily offer assistance to any retinue preparing for voyage or move on board himself, as well as directing vessels and advice in strategizing patrols. He will stay hands-on for whatever else he may be needed for, at the Darkwater's beck and call.

As requested by Lord Harald Grimhall, Carita will use her outstanding Lower Boroughs connections that she had as Carita Brightshore (as the youngest in a family of seven - this means there is a lot of extended family) to persuade the common folk that the Thrax are indeed there to offer aid. With those connections (hand in velvet glove), she uses the diplomacy and persuavie refinement learned as a courtesan to make sure that those she speaks with are truly motived for their shared cause.

Archene is supplying some healing supplies to one of the caches placed through the defenses. He is also standing by in case he is needed to administer such supplies.

Seva will be placing healing supplies in the various caches that have been set up, and standing ready as a healer herself, if needed. Her own charity based shop will be offering it’s wares to those involved for free during the time of crisis.

Leta is going to be assisting the Iron Guard by tagging along with Serafine in the Lower Boroughs. She's a local so she knows her way around, more or less, and a shortcut or two, so they can rush to any hot spots as needed. Also, she can fight and not much more, so that's what she'll be doing. In case of Bringers, she'll mostly focus on the Shavs or help prove distractions for Serafine to do the stabbing with her fancy sword. Also, Leta has composed some rude folk songs making fun of Brand, and these will surely help with morale!

Serafine and Leta are a great team; Leta knows the boroughs even better than Serafine who patrols them, Leta having lived there her whole life. It means that when it comes to defending the boroughs, Serafine is the muscle and speed and silent attacker, and Leta takes her to all the best places to hide, scout, sneak, and strike.

While it's not a huge response, it's bound to be an effective one; both women have experience working together, both have been in combat situations together, and both have fought Bringers and their Shavs successfully. And both are devoted to the well-being and honor of the other.

Unless given orders otherwise, Serafine would continue to patrol the lowers as is her peace-time duty, defending should the need arise with Leta patroling with her. So with Serafine wielding a diamondplate sword, she's the one taking point and attacking the Bringers and defending those citizens that need it, trusting her Leta to take out the Shavs that might linger about. They use their combined knowledge of the area together to find the best spots to attack from, hide, and so on.

Tagging along with her are the recruited guards Calaudrin and Silas have given her to train, Serafine teaching what she can with the aid of Leta, and then helping them learn on the fly as they patrol the city. This starts as soon as she gets them and will continue on into what battles and invasions that happen, defending them as need be but mostly as support to help them learn through experience; the best kind of teacher. After Leta, of course.

Donella and her shield-laddies (guards) are manning a section of the interior walls between the boroughs and the Thrax ward, acting as a sort of crow's nest with spyglass in hand. From such a raised vantage, she hopes to be able to observe the fighting, and COMMAND a reserve force of Thrax men-at-arms, broken up as needed, to reinforce the most vulnerable areas (200 mil resources), and/or deliver word of critical developments-- like a sighting of Brand or spotting the necessary opening the city is waiting for, to the powers that be, in the name of her high lord. And herself, of course.

Dagon will lend his military might and strategic command to the conflict at hand. He heavily relies on his military advisor Harald for direction. Seemingly distracted by something. However he does provide the troops a rousing speech and a keen sense of command.

The preparations for the defense of the harbor and Lower Boroughs go well. While there are some attempted attacks upon commerce, the Grimhall, Darkwater, and Nilzana vessels never truly are challenged significantly, and under Admiral Alrec's guidance there doesn't seem to be a whiff of bringers slipping into the city by boat or much losses dockside. There's no repeat of the harbor attack before the siege began, in large part due to all their efforts. The tunnel entrances to the Lower Boroughs are guarded, and the lower city is well patrolled and prepared for any attack in the coming battle.

((The battle will be live GMing, and the AP and resources factored into reduced difficulty for all involved. All contributions will be factored into the coming fight, whether characters are physically present or not.))