As consul of Arvum Refugee Relief Group, Jyri is not one to be idle. In fact, he might be doing things a bit too fast sometimes, but he sees little point in waiting around while people suffer, and if he can do something, he will do it. This mission, under the (literal) banner of ARRG (he's made one, based off a painting he's made), is something that he feels strongly about. However - he really can't do this alone because he is not a diplomat. Hence...

Jyri gathers a team of diplomats, healers, empaths and soldiers who will go out and talk to refugees along the great road, abandoned ones particularly but others too if there are any. Abandoned refugees will be given an offer: bend the knee, swear fealty to the Compact, and they will be given quite a few good options.

1. Move to Stahlben lands - the Stahlbens are willing to take refugees on and give them homes and work.
2. Move to Laurent lands - Laurent house too has offered to take in refugees and offer homes and work.
3. Those of an agricultural bent (farmers, crafters) can move to Igniseri lands as Countess Quenia is in need of workers. They will be provided homes.
4. Soldiers can apply to join the Iron Guard, assuming they get through the vetting process.

Families will not be split up and groups will be moved with their tribal affiliations in mind as much as possible. They're not choiceless and will be listened to, even if there is a hard demand on them to bend the knee before being offered new homes.

To ensure this meets with some success, he won't be the one doing the talking if he can help it; that's why he's asked the experts to help with this. He will lead the group, he will protect them (and bring some hired guards along), and he can tell any Shav'arvani about his own experiences as an ex refugee who has joined the compact, but smooth talking is not his forte.

Additionally, a lot of resources and silver will be poured into it. The refugees will be well fed and equipped with good basic gear if they are lacking (even those that do not want to bend the knee will be given this.) Medical supplies will be provided too, for those that are hurt or sick, as much as they can be helped. The ARRG has received a fair few donations in a raffle and through the Whitehawk Charity shop, which is put into this endeavour.

An adventure upon the Great Road in order to bring peace and prosperity throughout Arvum! That's the dream and the ambition, anyway. There are people in need... there are people out there who aren't necessarily in need, but no less need to be given the good word of the Compact. Marquis-Consort Hadrian Mazetti is there to support Lord Jyri Whitehawk's efforts. To speak to the Abandoned about the virtues of the Arvum Refugee Relief Group(ARRG), the works they've done thus far in settling those returned to the Compact and even those citizens of the Compact, into new homes. Fluent in the shav'arvani dialects of the Lyceum and Oathlands, he lends his aid in that manner. Acting as both a translator and hosting more direct communication between himself and those they encounter. He lays on the charm, of course, because that's what Hadrian Mazetti do... but neither does he lie to these people - he's honest that reintegrating into the Compact can have challenges that one must face and overcome. He points to Lord Jyri Whitehawk as a success story, points to other renowned Prodigals within the Compact in recent years who have distinguished themselves with service to the Compact, the Pantheon, and more.

He would be remiss not to include mention of the many Prodigals which joined the banners of House Mazetti with the threat of the Pirate King on the horizon and how they have prospered under Mazetti rule, under the auspice of the Compact. He, again, is not above being honest and forward in mentioning that while the Prodigals under House Mazetti (and many other Houses, no doubt) have prospered, so too have those lands and noble Houses which the Prodigals have bent the knee to. A House, its lands, and cultures are people. From high to low, it takes all working together to create a brighter future, which is what is on offer. A chance to work together through shared dreams, mutual cooperation, and an eagerness to forge a better (and perhaps bolder) future for all.

Ever eager to prove she's more than a mere character on a stage in a pretty costume, the actress-turned-diplomat Evonleigh Whitehawk is happy to speak to the Abandoned and other Refugees. She speaks persuasively on the behalf of her fellow Whitehawk Jyri, the Compact, and the houses Stahlben and Laurent, lauding the merits of their lands and the security of life under their protections. Lady Evonleigh uses her charms, as ever, but her recent experiences with diplomacy have taught her a bit more about knowing how to approach different groups of people -- what approach will work best, which to steer away from, when to change approaches, etc. Evonleigh will rely too on her knowledge of Crownlands Shav, to pick up any tidbits here or there while they travel, or to use when she thinks showing she can speak it might earn her a point or two in her favor. And she'll play with the children, teaching them here

Cambria lends her aid to Jyri's grand effort. As they travel the Great Road, she does her best to promote those key points that all are hoping to drive home to those who are either uncertain, or against what is being proposed.

Lothar is, of course, ready and willing to help when the call comes; he's there to help protect the other envoys as they travel out along the road, though it happens that his own life serves well as an example of the benefits of bending the knee and accepting the light of the Gods into your life, particularly Gild.

Mina has been doing a lot of work for the Iron Guard, it's a lot of talking and soothing bruised egos, but it's something she loves doing. Amicable outcomes are extremely satisfying, but improving a group of people's lives would be even better. After hearing about Lord Jyri's raffle, she dumped quite a bit of her resources gained from her work into it to help out with the refugee problems. It didn't hurt that there was a beautiful painting up for grabs, either.

When Lord Jyri offered the country bumpkin a place in the group to reach out to the refugees she could hardly believe it. She could change people's lives by just using her silver tongue. It's never too difficult for the farm girl, the promise of something good along with a cheery demeanor and some flattery would convince many a listener. And Mina certainly had a cheery demeanor, she was so excited to talk with them and greet them with all of the stories of how so many of the people of Arx, nobles included, welcomed and helped her get settled in. Surely some first hand experience with relocation would be beneficial.

If there's any arena in which Isabeau might arguably excel, it's matters of diplomacy. Accordingly, she will accompany Lord Jyri's small contingent of those looking to persuade any Abandoned refugees to consider bending the knee, joining the Compact, and settling in House Laurent's lands. As it so happens, she is versed in Oathlander shav'arvani slang, and may even be able to communicate with them in their own tongue.

Happy to help try to bring hope and healing to anyone, Elora joins Jyri and the others. While they work on the democratic style dealings, she will focus her efforts on looking after the sick, both animal and human alike. She'll make sure that nyone who might want aid will get it, along with offering a little teachings on their own methods of first aid to help the healers and medicine people learn more methods.

Quenia talks about the benefits of being part of the compact, and a community that absorbs other people in their environment. She speaks to the work that she did with the former Thraxian thralls, taking those that wanted new homes and lives into House Igniseri as well as giving them jobs, homes, and a solid way to live their lives on their own terms within the confines of the law. She tells them of the project that she has that's up and coming, building a large agricultural center - which should take quite some time to complete - and offers those that wish jobs and homes within the compact to come work for House Igniseri, provided of course they bend the knee. She promises they'll have a safe place to live, and additional work even after the ag center project is completed. Additionally, she will provide safe passage via ship to make the travel load for those that want to go to Arx, Granato, Artshall or Bonespire much shorter than traveling completely over land.

Rather than attempting to sway hearts and minds with logical arguments and compelling oratory, Tabitha will act to gather information that the real diplomats can make use of. She'll talk with respect and kindness to the Abandoned refugees, with the aim of using her natural empathy to discern their interest and concerns relating to joining the Compact. The idea here is to listen carefully, and to pass on her findings to the diplomats so that they can use them to figure out the best approaches to their task, and hopefully apply some diplomatic damage limitation to the endevour in advance. Misunderstandings between the Compact and the Abandoned have been an issue in the past, after all. Tabitha also speaks Crownlands shav'arvani, so hopefully this will be of use.

The amount of suffering on the Great Road for different Abandoned is immense, and Jyri on behalf of the Arvum Refugee Relief Group leads a successful effort to relieve that, though it's not without complications.

Most Abandoned traditionally flee or fight on any contact with the Compact, and most bend the knee really only after defeats, but these diplomatic efforts have a higher percentage of success, particularly when Evonleigh and Isabeau help speak to them. Some groups still refuse and flee, particularly ones with heretical beliefs that they simply will not Abandon in order to join the Compact, but it's a much larger amount that settles to Stahlben, Laurent, Mazetti or Igniseri lands than most have accomplished, and a significant number that choose to move towards Arx look to join the Iron Guard. Hadrian, Cambria, Quenia help ease the transition to the different lands, and Tabitha, Elora, Mina and Lothar help keep them safe in transit, which is no easy task.

The biggest danger, of course, is that some of the traditionalist factions that object to -any- Abandoned becoming prodigals, and associate houses friendly to refugees as extremely friendly towards Abandoned, but that will be happening regardless for any outreach efforts.

To celebrate their marriage, Lord Ansel and Lady Isabeau will return to the Oathlands and make a celebratory tour of the Telmarch. Along the way, they will offer charitable donations of silver to the Faith and contributing some time to meeting and greeting the smallfolk. Hopefully, by their return to Arx, the people of the Telmarch will both respect and adore the couple who will ostensibly sit as their future liege(s).

Edain will call in markers for this tour making available literature, poets performers, and of course the ineffable Herald Steve to make this tour as big of aa success as possiblle (1000 Social resources of Abstract Support)

Alis is primarily there to boost whatever objective Isabeau and Ansel have in mind, and doing her best to be the very image of a Valardin Knight.

Tesha will be adding her cousin and his new bride by talking them up to the residents of the Telmarch. She's hopeful that they will be escstatic to meet Isabeau as Ansel's wife and the couple as the future Lieges of the Telmarch.

Ansel is glad to bring the newly-Lady Isabeau around to the Telmarch, visiting mountain towns and river villages far and wide. He knows the people of the harsh mountain lands, but Isabeau may not -- nor do they know her. Changing that will be the goal of this trip. To introduce the people of the Telmarch to the future Duchess Telmar, and to give them a chance to interact with the former Valardin. It may also serve as a good chance for Ansel to get reacquainted with some of the magistrates and local authorities around the Telmarch, who probably haven't seen the Telmar heir for a few years now, since his departure for the city.

Lord Ansel, Heir to the Telmarch, and his new bride Lady Isabeau go on a tour of their lands immediately following the wedding. In part, this is to just spend a little time together - but they're also meeting people and introducing this new Lady to the people she will one day help lead. High Lord Edain and Princess Alis, along with Lady Tesha support them - and their newlywed tour goes off without a hitch. Everyone is glad to meet Lady Isabeau, and fairly proud that their future Duke landed a Princess of Valardin at that! She understands honor and she understands their people, and in these particular times, it is hoped that she will be a boon to the family she joins.

Some folks are not fighters, but that doesn't mean they can't help. Lady Lisebet and Princess Zara are working together to get supplies. They are collecting silver, resources, supplies, and making sure that it gets to where it needs go go. Supplies include cots, food, water, rope, blankets, weapons, arrows, and other things that might be needed, with the understanding that someone else has the medical supplies in hand. They are also coordinating with the military types to make sure the supplies get to where it makes most sense for them to be.

Zara will set about speaking with other members of family and within the city who might have time on there hands and want to feel part of things. She will get others to roll bandages, to help pack up boxes, to do everything to get the items they are preparing ready and enough of them in time.

Princess Isabeau Valardin is no steward, but she does have access to a Great House's purse and she know how to make every copper count. She'll assist Lady Lisebet by offering her bookkeeping skills and generally helping to ensure that every piece of silver that is donated is spent as wisely as possible.

Aahana is aiding Lady Lisebet and Princess Zara with gathering supplies together for the Lodge of Petrichor. Using her charms and ways of moving the masses, as well as some of her own writs, she is trying to gather as much supplies as possible. It is better to be over prepared than under after all!

On behalf of her house, Lady Ouida is using her personal contacts and access to gather funds for military supplies and to aid in helping to place them.

Lady Lisebet Farshaw rounds up more mundane supplies with the help of Princess Zara, Princess Isabeau, Lady Aahana and Lady Ouida. They collect resources, supplies, cots, food, water, weapons, armor, arrows - anything that might help in the defense of the Lodge, as the Compact expands its holdings further into the Gray Forest and prepares to defend what it has taken. They coordinate with military folks to make sure everything is placed in the most advantageous positions.

The time has come once again to rally allies from all avenues to defend Arx. Princess Isabeau Valardin will be spearheading an effort to ensure that it is not only the noble commanders and generals who are rallied, but also the soldiers, crafters, and stewards; smallfolk of all stripes. She will invoke whatever power and sway she might have as the Voice of House Valardin and a very persuasive speaker besides. She will not do this alone, of course, as no single noble could hope to rally an entire city such as Arx... but, perhaps, a selection of its more influential leaders might.

Hadrian Mazetti's out in force... at least as far as charm, good humor, and a sly wink here or there will take him. He's out to spread the word among the various Houses, crafters, mercenary companies, and other figures which may not have fallen under the collective embrace of the Compact's efforts. The Lodge of Petrichor, and thus the investments of the Crown and Compact, are under threat. A threat that could easily snowball into a threat directed at the rest of the Compact should the defense at the Lodge of Petrichor fail miserably. Whether through sheer force of personality, utilizing his reputation, calling in favors, or constructing a compelling bit of oration to inspire others to aid in the defense. Friends, countrymen, lords and ladies, lend me your ears! Let's all not risk inevitable slavery and step up to defend the Compact against this new threat now rather than later, shall we? The Lodge of Petrichor and its defenders need support, from the highest to the low. Materials, financial backing, capable sword arms, and all the rest. Answer the call for the Compact and humanity!

In order to assist the war effort, Cambria Mazetti has joined forces with Isabeau Valardin. She brings her own strength of personality to the table. She speaks to those who may be uncertain of how they can help, and appeals to others who may be undecided on whether or not this matter is as grave as word on the street seems to claim. All hands are needed, and every effort, no matter how seemingly small, is important.

Princess Isabeau Valardin, along with Marquessa Cambria and Marquis Hadrian, work hard at emphasizing that very point. They note how beneficial the Lodge has been to the people of the Compact over the last several years. How it has provided refuge, a place for people to learn about the lands and the animals that traverse it. How it has been a place for communion with Petrichor. How shamans too find solace in the grove of ancient trees north of the Lodge. How it has been a staging point for the Compact forces as well. With each word dropped they emphasize how important this Lodge is, and how much a part of Arx and its people it truly is, and so even if the people aren't entirely sure why the Lodge needs to be defended, even the average person starts to think it's smart to protect such a valuable place.

Marquis-Consort Hadrian Mazetti has began a campaign of expansion on behalf of Ostria and House Mazetti. Prior to the direct conflict with the Gyre and his forces, House Mazetti had reached out to a number of allies and potential allies. Among those potential allies the eye of House Mazetti and Ostria now turns, through the Voice of Marquessa Cambria Mazetti.

Leading up to the war with the Gyre, House Mazetti had extended an offer of fealty to many Abandoned tribes at the borders of Ostria and beyond. Some tribes accepted and now thrive within a growing Ostria, some had consented to an honor duel to decide the matter with varying results, and others had simply politely declined the offer. House Mazetti acted with honor and, some may say dignity, in respecting the choice of those who did not wish to partake in the coming conflict. That particular conflict has passed and the Compact has emerged victorious, so the time is now for House Mazetti to extend the olive branch to those who had shown (polite) reluctance in the past.

To begin with Hadrian will be seeking the aid of capable diplomats and others. Along with that enlistment of skilled individuals, Hadrian will seek out among the Prodigal population in Ostria those who have prospered throughout the economic boom that the city-state has experienced through sound investments, commerce, and more. He will request the aid of these Prodigals in reaching out to those tribes in which the diplomatic campaign will come in contact with, speaking of their own experiences as Prodigals within Ostria and the Compact, along with their successes thus far.

Even soldiers from the banners of House Mazetti will march with the diplomatic party, under strict orders that they will only be acting within a defensive capacity under the command of Lord Valerio Mazetti, the Marshal of Ostria. The ranks of the II Hydra Legion are brought along as a show of support not for the diplomatic party but for those tribes which the diplomatic conducts their efforts with. Hadrian will makes it a point to remind those Abandoned tribes which they deal with throughout the campaign that the Hydra stands ready to defend those who come beneath their banner and join with the Compact through House Mazetti. The evidence is before their very eyes: The Hydra has an army that is battle experienced, known for being territorial, and stands ready to offer aid to those who accept the offer of protection, fealty, and more.

The ultimate message is simple. House Mazetti and Ostria stands ready to provide protection and more to the Abandoned who are willing to swear fealty upon Limerance to Marquessa Cambria Mazetti and her House, thereby joining the Compact. Those offers which meet with success? Hadrian will then attempt to use those successes as something of a domino effect. Utilizing the new Prodigals to act as diplomats with Abandoned tribes who they have peaceful relations with, all in the interest of creating a cascade of oaths sworn in fealty to House Mazetti for the betterment of all involved.

For those which stand ready to refuse the peaceful offer, the Sword of House Mazetti in the form of Lord Theron Mazetti will be asked to represent the House in order to decide the matter once and for all. These duels will be held honorably, without the threat of death or open warfare as any manner of stipulation. They are meant to prevent such things from taking place and thus House Mazetti will conduct itself honorably and present these duels as nothing more than to first blood. As with any duel where deadly weapons are involved, accidents do happen. In the event of any such accidents occur, House Mazetti will provide compensation as a show of good faith in the form of silver and goods. This, of course, is just another clever veil in the diplomatic dance designed to entice the Abandoned into recognizing that House Mazetti will treat them reasonably and fairly. They are Lycene after all.

Hail Hydra.

As a steadfast ally of House Mazetti and a skilled diplomat, Princess Isabeau Valardin will use her bountiful charm, masterful manipulation, and expert skill in propaganda to encourage those Abandoned deemed worthy to bend the knee under the banners of House Mazetti.

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As the Countess of Escuma, Arcelia pulls her resources to assist her Hadrian. An army suddenly marching towards you is not an ideal situation because they would be strictly bending the knee out of fear. As such, Arcelia takes a smaller group (Mercies, Soldiers, Disciples that speak Lycene Shav, etc from Escuma) with her to do some mission work ahead of time. She will bring care packages of food, seeds, medicine, and other important essentials to them and ask for nothing in return except that they let them stay for a few weeks. They will simply act as servants to that tribe in that they will help do chores around their settlement, tell them about what its like living in The Compact, let the Disciples tell them about the Gods, and then at night carelessly party with them. The intention here is that when the rest of the diplomats get here and the army arrives they will have a more positive foundation to work with.

Cambria brings to the table her experience in a leadership capacity, so that Hadrian's expertise in diplomacy is most aptly utilized by bringing together all the right people are brought together under one umbrella of authority. It sounds more luxurious than it in truth is, as much of it involves paperwork, matters of logistics, knowing who will work with whom and the like, all the way down to signing off on how much feed for pack animals must be brought. Her work, therefore, is largely behind the scenes, though she herself does not remain an elusive figure. On the forefront of the project, she makes sure to be both seen and heard by those she works alongside of...and especially those she hopes to sway to the cause.

Alessia brings her martial skills to the table in the event that things go awry despite attempts at diplomacy. Her role will also be to display her abilities as a glaivedancer to the Abandoned via defensive and offensive drills ran by her uncle in the hopes of bolstering the reputation of the Guardians while also honing her own skills during the diplomatic endevour. In addition, she'll offer whatever aid she can to her cousins as they aim to gain the fealty of the Abandoned.

Valerio is always very much of the mind that if one wishes peace, they must prepare for war. However, he is content to let the diplomats be diplomats and keeps Guardians at the ready in the event of failure. Given the unique task at hand, Valerio continually rotates his current Guardian detail into drills. His purpose behind this is to keep the Guardians battleready just in case, but to show the Abandoned just what Guardians can do. Valerio will run both defensive and offensive drills to show the Abandoned just how well Ostrians are protected, and just how well Ostria will go after their enemies.

Marquis Hadrian Mazetti has asked my assistance in dealing with his land and population expansion around Ostria and having abandoned tribes bend the knee. Lucita applies her Lycene Slav linguistics ability, her charm and her propaganda skills in methods that were successfully used in the Saikland land expansion to assist in his effort. She invites some of the Abandoned who seem content and to be adjusting very well to joining the Compact and Saikland to accompany her so the Ostria area tribes can see that protection and fair treatment is given from some who were just like them. .

Diplomacy, word of mouth advertisement, duels, military might - there seems to be someone covering each of these. But who is out there showing what Arvani culture can really produce? Why not the Champion Whisper? As loud and brash as she can be, Bliss knows how to put on a good show and play to her audience. And so she travels among the Abandoned tribes of Ostria with the Mazettis et al, carousing, singing, and performing far flashier duels than the likes House Swords might do - and for far lower stakes. She's here to put on a show and get these people to see how much /fun/ life in the Compact can be, and win hearts and minds over that way. Everyone else has the finer details of integration covered, after all.

Leading up to the war with the Gyre, House Mazetti had extended an offer of fealty to many Abandoned tribes at the borders of Ostria and beyond. Some tribes accepted and now thrive within a growing Ostria, some had consented to an honor duel to decide the matter with varying results, and others had simply politely declined the offer. House Mazetti acted with honor and, some may say dignity, in respecting the choice of those who did not wish to partake in the coming conflict. (That and they were really too busy to go on a shav-killing campaign with the Pirate King threatening) But now that war is over, and the Mazetti forces are back, and they've got that same look on their face. That "let's talk about fealty to the Compact" look.

And so Marquessa Cambria and Marquis Hadrian, along with their family - Lord Theron, Sword of Mazetti and Lady Alessia in particular - travel with their military forces, with Lord Theron and Valerio in command. They reach Ostria and bring the diplomats to the forefront. They've asked some of their allies, Princess Isabeau, Countess Arcelia, Baroness Lucita, and Bliss Whisper to join them as well, reaching out to those who were previously reluctant. With a savvy mixture of inherent threat from the military and diplomatic overtures by the rest, it presents a particularly Lycene offer - and people respond, expanding Ostria as these shavs bend the knee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's still a spectacular success.

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

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

Princess Isabeau Valardin will be undertaking something of a goodwill tour of the Oathlands en route to Sanctum so that she might be able to advise and oversee the relocation of refugees both from Setarco and Stormwall. She will travel in the company of her sister, Princess Sophie Valardin, and several other notable Oathlands nobles who will likewise attend to their own holdings in a similar fashion. While within the White City, and acting as the Voice of House Valardin, Isabeau will speak with members of the Faith and the Seraph of Sanctum to encourage their charity toward those seeking aid and shelter without bias against those that might take a different view of the gods or still call on the spirits and the old ways.

Ansel will be accompanying Isabeau on the trip, serving as the Telmarine representative in the contingent. He will be helping to coordinate Isabeau's efforts to assist in the relocation of refugees when the contingent makes their stop in the Telmarch lands, or any of the Telmarch's vassals' holdings.

On paper, Norwood has come along for the commoner element. He's there as the man who knows how to talk to people who aren't nobels, and one who can pass up their concerns to those with actual authority to do so. He doesn't mince words and carries an air of one who can be trusted to do what has to be done and say what must be said. More quietly, he has come along as an additional guard to Margerie Keaton. Not that he doesn't think that the Princess' guards could do a good job, but... another set of experienced eyes never hurt.

The 'Auntie Superior of the Oathlands' is on the march through the oathlands, riding into the villages she has known well over the last two plus decades, visiting with injured soldiers, the families of the fallen, and community leaders. Her work with the fallen and their families will focus on morale and compassion. Her work with the community leaders will be focused on finding out their most immediate needs and hopes for the recovery period. Upon completing the visits, she is going to activate the network of aunties and contacts her decades of service has created to work together and begin addressing those concerns, investing her social capital in helping to move the healing process forward and better knit the communities of the Oathlands together.

As a veteran of the Seteraci campaign, Commander Jaerith Keaton will be accompanying Isabeau on her trip along with a contingent of Felhounds (a specialized reconnaissance and wet work unit, built of veterans) to provide military escort, as well a show of unity. Lord Jaerith wishes to work with the people for he is a man that values title little, he would rather be in and around the commoners and helping them as much as he can. He will be the one out there expressing gratitude to those who had family members who served. He will be providing what aid he can during the goodwill tour, working with his hands, helping to build and repair even though he may not be the craftiest person out there. He will provide opportunities for employment in the Keaton navy, as well as the Felhounds for those who are worthy. He will leave most of the negotiation for the movement of refuges to his cousin, Count Kael, but should the count be unavailable, Lord Jaerith will jump on the opportunity to help the refuges find homes around Oakhaven, as well as gainful employment in its forests and farms.

When there comes news of a goodwill tour, Count Kael Keaton is joining it without hesitating to see to those he shares fealty with as well as his own lands. Much like Lord Jaerith Keaton, he is ensuring proper military escort if the party happens to split, or moving in to speak with the people themselves. He will pray with them, work with them, and speak with them regarding their loved ones. His intent is to show strength in leadership and support those that need it.

Following the Faith's missionary trip and the Seraph of Sanctum's charge, Princess Isabeau does not sit idly by. She gathers up a goodwill tour and heads out to the Oathlands, determined to do something to help her people - all her people - know that their ruling family values them, and that the Faith and the Valardin work hand in hand.

Her first stop is Sanctum, where she accepts an invitation from the Seraph of Sanctum to join Father Orazio and High Lord Edain in discussions. She steps from that refreshed and motivated. Some of the priests of Sanctum whisper that she leaves the meeting smiling - but few people ever leave a meeting with the dour Seraph actually smiling.

Then it's on to a tour of the Oathlands - and it seems it doesn't matter where she goes, she is welcome. Greenmarch and Rivenshari alike, Telmar and Keaton and Laurent and Moore - from the smallest Barony to the largest Duchy, Princess Isabeau goes. She brings with her Lord Ansel, Sword of the Telmarch in his official capacity. Sir Norwood, Sword of Artshall goes as well. Lady Margerie Keaton - unofficially referred to as the 'Auntie Superior of the Oathlands' is of course present, and Lord Jaerith Keaton and Count Kael Keaton too.

In short, supported by an array of nobles from across the Oathlands, the Valardin Voice ministers to the people. She speaks most often of Gild and the divine love for civilization, as well as the joy of charitable giving. From place to place they go and they show the Oathlands - whether newly settled and converted, or of an ancient tradition - that the Valardin leadership is fully dedicated to the Pantheon. Her actions speak louder than her words even, and those who were still concerned that the worship of the Pantheon would perhaps destroy their former way of life are comforted, more inclined to view those of the Faith in a good light.

Clover has very quietly become something of a propagandist, and as such she is starting the initiative to call the banners of the Westrock Reach. She will, despite being pregnant, go on a tour from the main island of the reach to the smaller ones. Bringing with her inspirational tales of bravery, loss, and war. Aiming to fire up and encourage all of the houses of the Westrock Reach to answer the call of the Banners. She will bring with her letters from the Faith, and hire whispers. And pour into the initiative her own military influence and writs. Hoping to cause more to answer the call by showing that the duchy is willing to pour as much resources into the initiative as the houses themselves will need to put in.

With all his charmed talents Saedrus willingly steps in to assist Clover to help gather Farshaw's vassals to arms. It is with an empathic call that Saedrus helps rally the duchy's men to the cause. Missives are sent with poignant prose to stir the recipients to answer their duty, to bolster them in the face of their fears and remind them that great honour is found in their bravery.

The Duke himself commands respect, and he calls forth the banners of Westrock Reach with great leadership. He puts forth a solid military plan and stresses the importance of a good turnout for his people. He especially focuses on sailors and their vessels, making a point that if they do not help now, the war will come to them later, for they are coastal and potential prey for the Gyre

As a service to her second cousin, Clover, and to seek strength for House Valardin, Princess Isabeau will be helping House Farshaw call their bannermen and rallying the troops along with the Duchess-consort and her sister. Isabeau will both make grand speeches and visit milk bars to carouse and cajole the duchy's citizens to both muster up their military might and offer what civilian resources they might be able to provide to assist.

Teodoro Whisper has been hired to accompany Duchess Clover on her tour. At each stop along the way, he will sing ballads of heroism and bravery, recounting tales of great heroes of the Oathlands and the Compact as a whole in song. It is Teodoro's hope that to stir up patriotic sentiment among the houses loyal to Westrock Reach and inspite them to commit the greatest possible number of their troops to the service of house Farshaw, as well as filling the common soldiers with bravery and a sense of noble purpose in the face of the challenges to come.

Elsbetta has been told of the need to raise the banners, and thus sets out to meet with any of the banner representatives, speaking with them about the oaths they took and the need to defend their realm against dire harm. Her relationships with others should help her persuade and rouse them to action. Charm with an overlay of politics, applied with practiced ease.

Once Clover informed Thorley of the need to raise the banners, the former sailor took to the docks of Westrock Reach, speaking to the Captains of the fleet of ships to press them to support the young Duke and Duchess in this endeavor. There was lots of alochol involved - but many of the former Captains will hopefully recognize the sailor turned knight and the new Sword of Lastlight to come around and assist the banners.

Alban is going to contact any local representatives of banners, impress upon them the severity of the threat that the realm at large faces. Remind them of their oaths, and their chivalric duties. These are Oathlanders, after all. For Gloria! Death before dishonor!

Sorrel cannot let her little sister forray off into banner calling all by herself, so she's sending a bundle of letters along to try and get the word out how universal this experience is. In addition, she'll send along copies of her battle hymn to better foster unity and good feelings and a sense of togetherness. The battle hymn, which has been made public for some time, is:

Joined strong by unity
Faith, hope, and victory
Together we have greater might
Forever holding in the Light
The darkness will be banished
Abyssal forces vanquished
As one people we do fight
To persevere o'er endless night

Duchess Clover Farshaw leads the way in calling the banners of the Westrock Reach. With the Duke at her side they go forth, meeting people and talking about tales of bravery, loss, and war. She brings letters from the Faith, and letters as a call to action written by Saedrus Whisper. Duke Ryhalt talks about battle plans, endorsed by Sir Thorley and Lord Alban. Princess Isabeau helps rally the banners with grand speeches and pomp and circumstance. Teodoro Whisper sings the battle hymn written and sent by Lady Sorrel herself too, and that's the song on everyone's lips in the Farshaw Duchy.

Joined strong by unity
Faith, hope, and victory
Together we have greater might
Forever holding in the Light
The darkness will be banished
Abyssal forces vanquished
As one people we do fight
To persevere o'er endless night.

Farshaw is called to war!

It has been tasked to Rook to audit the Valardin family financial records to determine if there has been any foul play in the past. Cross-referencing archives of records in Sanctum and Arx to determine if anyone's ever stolen any money, used it creatively or otherwise 'played' with the numbers. Double-entries, offshore accounts, made up businesses and other such tactics to silo off money for nefarious or greedy reasons are the main interest of the investigation. Naturally the second step is whether or not any can be recovered, though this is of less importance than knowing if and what has happened.

Princess Isabeau, acting as House Valardin's Mistress of Coin, will accompany Prince Rook to Sanctum and assist in reviewing what financial records may be found there as well as interviewing those who may have access to the accounts directly.

Perhaps to some, the office of Minister of Coin promises a lot of dusty, dry work in warehouses and offices where the light of day is little more than a rumor. Yet as Isabeau and Rook work, they are clearly in their element. No out of balance condition is too big or too small for them to tackle. The four silver balance from twenty years ago? Reconciled. The 400 silvers gone missing a fifty years ago? Not missing - allocated and noted inappropriately, but used to rebuild a small children's park in Sanctum. Also found. When Isabeau and Rook get done looking at the books, they've balanced their hearts out - but find no evidence that any embezzlement shenanigans have been going on at any point that they can find. And that's how you balance the books.

The truth shall set us free.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a gift to Prince Edain Valardin and his new bride, Princess Caelis Valardin, a new shrine to Mangata in Sanctum has been commissioned by Princess Isabeau Valardin on behalf of House Valardin and their vassals. The shrine will sit either on the western coast on the sea or along the river that leads into the Telmarch (depending on what the engineers, artisans, and priests involved declare to be the most stable and suitable ground for such a thing). Devotees of Jayus will be employed in its creation to ensure that the shrine's structure and contents will be both beautiful and blessed (or so Isabeau believes). Funds for this project will be pulled from the main House Valardin bank account such that will provide for an appropriate tribute from the heart of the Oathlands without pouring over into the extravagant and bankrupting the House. (OOCly, I have no idea how much this sort of thing might cost.)

Vox updated!

Sophie will be seeing that provisions are being delivered to the less fortunate, whether good food, clean water, medicines, clothing, and sundries. House Valardin cares. If you need to withdraw funds to reflect that, please let me know. She'll also continue to be performing Mercy rounds and ensuring medical care remains available via the Mercies and the Physicians Guild.
Seems I can't support someone else's action, so I am appending this here:

Sophie will be assisting Sparte with his lantern blessing ceremony (action 263, I believe), whether it is saying some inspiring words or participating in the actual blessing. She'd also make a point of personally ensuring the Lower Boroughs had its fair share, even helping to hang them or pass them out.

Also, to reflect the earlier action, I think 10,000 silver should do a decent job aiding the needy. (Again, I have no sense of scale, but I've RPed Sophie doing philanthropy work in the Lowers, so I'd like that reflected. If 10K isn't sufficient, please let me know. Thank you!)

Not everything a Valardin Knight does is battle; one of the things people often appreciate about them is their genuine display of chivalric values, and in this case, Alis feels it more appropriate to be assisting with Sophie's philanthropic efforts then organizing patrols when tensions are already high due to the increased presence of the Iron Guard and Knights of Solace. She will donate funds (An additional 10k silver - to be withdrawn from her own account), distribute supplies, and make sure anyone who is in need has at least been heard and their immediate needs recorded and presented to the appropriate people. Her focus will specifically be in making sure the elderly have been checked in on, and are comfortable.

Fiachra will be assisting Sophie with making sure that the deliveries get to those who need them, as well as any distribution efforts that might come along with that.

Ansel will also be assisting the Princess' efforts in ensuring that deliveries make it to their intended recipients. He will dedicate a small number of Telmar armsmen to assist with the actual deliveries, providing manpower and security as needed.

Percephon will be helping Sophie with her charity work in the Lower Boroughs to assist the Prodigals and Commoners there. His focus will center around two primary areas:

First, he will use his alchemical knowledge to help create medicines, salves, etc for use by the Mercies healer organization that Sophie oversees. The goal will be to help bolster their supplies for the winter to help with the illnesses and problems this typically brings.

Secondly, he'll be creating and executing a teaching cirriculum to assist those who want it. Everything from basic reading and writing to education in invetsigation techniques, so that those in the Lower Borough who want a leg up on joining the Iron Guard to improve the relationship, to simply making sure they know how a proper invetigation should be handled if they become involved in one. The goal here is education, not trying to sway them one way or another, but to just give them a leg up for those who want to improve their knowledge and training.

Isabeau, too, will lend support to her sister's deed and do what she can to assist in making sure the donated goods are dispensed fairly while also contributing 5,000 silver to help fund the purchase of such items.

Prince Edain will attempt to assist Princess Sophie's efforts of aid, by spending time with the youngest and most vulnerable members of the Lower Burroughs. Inspired by the Telmar's Gauntlet, and armed with as many extra pillows, blankets and scrap wood as he can muster and bring it to build, work with children from the borroughs to build a fort and obstacle course that can serve as a fun place to play, exercise and socialize. Edain will try to talk to parents about what he can do to make the location they choose a safe haven for kids to play.

Also Piggy-Back Pillow Jousting is likely to happen at some point.

10,000 Silver goes a long way. Of course it doesn't solve all the problems, but it's a non trivial amount that shows a great deal of commitment. Further, the lantern blessing along with the constant help in the different houses of healing reminds the populace how much the Mercies are on their side. Come what may, the Lower Boroughs won't forget that, and some even wonder why Sophie isn't the mother of mercy.

Along with the support of her helpers, Sophie's outreach sees much of the violence in the Lower Boroughs die down.
((Use the @donate command for any of the silver collected, I don't wanna subtract it if you already have done so))

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

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

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

Sailing charts that have terrain depicted on them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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