House Velenosa's leadership was made aware of Malrico's sticky fingers some time ago, but had to deal with the issue slowly and carefully to avoid detection. With his death, there is a little more room to maneuver to dig through the layers upon layers, leaving no stone left unturned and no ledger left unopened. House Velenosa will explore their own accounts, trading ledgers, and bank statements in hopes to start from the top to work downward. The Great House will also travel to other domains, specifically Caith under House Gilden and Fen de Lire under House De Lire (for this round of crisis actions), as they are the smallest of Velenosa's vassals and it would not be a surprise if Malrico's allies took advantage of their size to sneak things from the Lyceum into coffers elsewhere.

With the investigations into Lenosia, Caith, and Fen de Lire, it is House Velenosa's goal to root out those left responsible, close loose ends, stop further embezzlement, and recover what they can.

Berenice is clever, but not an accountant. However, what she is very good at is persuading /other/ people to give her information. So that is what she will focus on: finding people who may know something, and then convincing them to share. Will a few end up snared to be tossed to Harlex the Headsman in the course of matters? Maybe.

Evaristo has a FAINT idea - just a little he knows from rumors, it's not like he ever SMUGGLED or anything, of course not - about how illegal money is made and hidden. So, he joyfully gets to work on what he has done for years already - talking to the right people at the right places along the coast cities of the Lyceum, using his old cog to do so and not announcing exactly who he works for. He is a known TRADER since decades, and known in many harbours, after all. So, rumor gathering, talking to smugglers and other shady types, for any hints of the gold that disappeared.

There are likely not many alive who know Lenosia as well as Arman does, given his age and deep ties to every part of the city. He knows all the prominent families, business folk and traders. They might even owe him a favor or two, real or imagined. He uses this network to investigate any usual flows of coin, by whom, and where they might lead.

Noah can be a man of extremely charming grace. He is afterall, a Grayson. However, he is more known for when the charm doesn't work. To be the shadow to the Archduchess' radiance. This is what he does in regards to Malrico. There are those things that people know who shouldn't. Those that also walk the line of shadow and of interest. He will banter where needed and more importantly -- threaten -- where needed. His RestingGraysonFace gives more to this.

He has been known to make an ill-timed joke, but he's also known for running tackling those involved in the economic 'crisis'. He is quite the wordsmith and just how he'll implement the various techniques of finding answers and he's extremely unapologetic about it. Poison parties? All the rage, until the poison is explained in the most painful manner. While the Archduke Consort may temper his -- temper at the request of his wife. He also lets it known that he's more than happy to lose that temper too. He hopes to find out what is happening, no matter what it takes.

Though she doesn't have as much experience in the world of economics as some, she knows enough that she's willing to put it through the test. She'll go over the ledgers and see if there is any suspicious laundering, fraud, embezzlement. She will come down hard on anything resembling a pyramid-scheme.

Having spent the past year in Lenosia, basking in the social scene, the moment Silvio heard of the business with Malrico's sticky fingers and the subsequent Velenosa investigation, he set to work using both his charm and his skill at manipulation to subtly pursue any whisper of a rumor which might aid his family in this matter.

Far better with people than ledgers, Silvio will use every ounce of guile at his disposal - his smiles, his banter, vague promises, and the very best wine, of course - to seek out leads into those aforementioned loose ends and missing funds.

Harlex knows one way to deal with 'loose ends' and as Sword of Lenosia, he's all too ready to snuff out those responsible. Once allies of Malrico are identified, as well as the coffers they've stuffed, he'll set upon them as a hunter to its prey. The grisly work will speak for itself, and hopefully the rest get the red message. Most nobles think they have silver-tongues until someone is pinning them to a parlor wall with a longsword.

To say that Enyo has an interest in Malrico and his deeds is a bit of an understatement, it might be argued that it's becoming an obsession. That paired with the news that Velenosa was going to start with two domains that she once called home it was an easy choice for her to lend what aid she could in the investigations.

Caith and those within it was a somewhat brief stint, however Fen de Lire was not, plus her son still technically has stake there considering his parentage. So Fen de Lire is her primary focus, reaching out to those she knows and had dealings with when she was Baroness de Lire to see if she can't assist with getting to the bottom of everything. Ledgers, books, scrolls, anything that has a physical trail, but she also will be looking into rumors and whispers as often things done in secret don't always leave a physical trail to follow.

As the current minister of Economics for House Velenosa, Quenia will be scouring the past logs made by previous ministers for any information that might seem like a discrepancy and compare them to her current logs and the logs that everyone has sent her since her tenure of what's due to House Velenosa. Anything she finds will be reported to Jaenelle.

She'll also take some time to visit Lenosia, Caith, Fen De Lire and take a boots on the ground approach and talk to the various merchants that are found within the cities. She'll visit the docks, the banks - particularly in Lenosia, and any other place that might offer a way to find information that might give them a clue as to where Malrico might have influenced business, trade, and banking in all of the cities. She'll use her authority as the Great House's minister to get access where she is able and also take some time to meet up with some long standing contacts she may have in each city.

As Minister of Income for House Gilden, Vittorio is going to spend his time reviewing the ledgers of the collections over the past several years and trying to identify any individuals who seem to be involved in under collecting according to the books. If he can find anyone who MIGHT be involved, he will do his best to talk to them and convince them that it was "ok" to have been involved, and that it would not be their fault if they were snookered. He will try to engender some trust in the individuals in question, tell them that it will be fine so long as they can help him track down where the funds went. Of course, in reality, while _Vittorio_ may not take action against them, House Velenosa might with that information, but those people do not need to know that.

No house has been as affected by Malrico's antics quite like House Velenosa. He hasn't been the greatest of ancestors and it shows with every new revelation that their investigations uncover.

He and his agents may have been incredibly careful with their paper trails but it's not hard to question/torture/seduce an agent who just so happens to have copies of ledgers before the numbers were altered. Perhaps they'd once foolishly hoped to use it for blackmail. Even without paper evidence, the information they're able to draw out of people is telling and the amount of money embezzled from simply the past decade is astonishing. Funds that had been withdrawn for projects that never happened, missing taxes, counterfeit coin used to cover up tracks.

Many baronies seem to have fallen prey to these machinations with corrupted Ministers and advisors. Or sometimes even thieves that had gone unnoticed. With the exception of Baron Demarcio, who is currently in Lenosian custody (if not already killed), the rot doesn't seem to have gone up as high as leadership of the baronies. Nonetheless, with the number of agents that they have apprehended and questioned, they've chipped away at the influence of the merchant families and criminals operating in the Lyceum, in service to Malrico.

All that was left in the end was to find Malrico's stash, in the island south of Caith that they were previously informed about. It's an island that most had never noticed despite many travels down this route... perhaps an enchantment had worn off. It has seen better days and whatever scouts that remained were unable to defend the horde in the face of Velenosa's fast ships. Monstrous entities with flesh blended with molten gold and gemstones, that were left to guard the horde were dispatched, leaving behind only clumps of flesh with their deaths, allowing the party to recover the treasures held within the island.

What they encounter is an absurd sum. Potentially billions worth of gold and treasure scattered throughout the island. It's a ridiculous amount of wealth that would surely shatter the economy if knowledge of it became public.

((OOC: I've added 25 million to Velenosa's vault - for now to represent what they physically return to Lenosia - and will alter their income accordingly.)).

Jaenelle has called the Lyceum fleet to action by reaching out to her banners. Through her leadership, she will unify the Lyceum to this threat. She will go to Lenosia to see preparations are being made herself, but will return to Arx afterwards.

Admiral Antonio Velenosa will take lead, working with the other houses of the Lyceum and Prince Victus Thrax or whomever he has placed in charge of the Mourning Isle's Fleet.

The Lyceum fleet will be helping to transport members of the Templars beneath Sir Preston's leadership.

The Isles Canines Fleet, including the two Caravels will be going with Velenosa for this intervention? Juliana as Voice for the Isles has committed them to Jaenelle. Jules will be going along but in the complicity of a Healer and if needed Diplomat.

While actually leading Malvici's fleet will be Domonico's responsibility, Calypso is the one in possession of the Duchess Beatstick, so she takes the responsibility of rounding up her vassals and making sure they understand that 1) This not a drill and 2) She will be paying very close attention to who responds and who doesn't. She reminds the reticent that the Eurusi threat isn't just to the Mourning Isles and Setarco, and if it's not turned back while it's still far away, the Lyceum is going to find itself fighting a war on two fronts.

Calypso isn't blind to the concerns her vassals might have about the Thornweave threat, however, and makes sure they understand that she's taking it into account. She reminds them that Southport's city guards and ground forces will be staying in Southport at the ready, and they'll be able to respond quickly if there's need to do so, and she even offers Southport's protection in the event of trouble, telling the truly reticent about the improvements the city has made to its defenses (Action #3858) and about the new and improved city guard and the very competent woman who leads them (Thea). She even drops hints about dock improvements being made by Martino (Action #3852), a subtle reminder that Malvici's wealth and power in the region is only growing, making them a very good friend to have. She makes sure they understand that the shav issue is being handled by Eirene (Action #3882) and won't make itself into a distraction at an inopportune moment; quite to the contrary, they as well as Malvici will be protected by Malvici allied ships patrolling the coast.

Between proving that Malvici has it's collective shit well and truly together, her offers of safety, and the Duchess Beatstick, Calypso is hoping to make sure the political calculus that her vassals do leads them to the conclusion that they're going to get more out of rallying to her banner with everything they can muster than they'll protect by holding back.

War is a tricky thing. /Banners/ are a tricky thing. The Compact has experienced two wars in recent years that span across the Great Houses, but there still must be resistance to the idea of sailing the Lenosian fleet off to the /Mourning Isles/. So Berenice is going to make sure to minimize that resistance. She will charm the Lenosian armies -- navies? military -- into action. A smile, a word, a promise of glory and Lenosian greatness. A reminder of promises made to allies, and the importance of standing with them against foreign hostile forces -- even if only to protect the Lyceum in the end. Whatever gets the job done.

The entire Southport Fleet sails in response to Velenosa calling their banners and Domonico will be commanding them from his own caravel, the Tempest. This is what the fleet and Domonico have been training for for some time now and they aim to see it through.
The Malvici Admiral will offer his expertise and assistance to Admiral Antonio and the other naval leaders, in tactics, strategems and particularly in the field of helping enable inter House communication and co-ordination, both with Lycene fleets and those of the other fealties, something that he has specifically trained for (Action #3052 and Action #3462). The book Compact Naval Lexicon will be of good use here.
The Malvici Fleet have been bolstered by a dozen ships from Saik, (6 Longships and 6 Galleys) which have been placed under the command of Admiral Domonico and will be fighting alongside the main fleet.
The fleet will be well equipped with arms and armour from Southport Steel (Action #3190) and supplies from Goldhawk Naval Base (Action #2351).
The Malvici fleet will form around their Dromonds and in particular the siege weapon armed Sea Hawk, with the longships aiming to board and take the fight to ships that have been rammed by the galleys. The Tempest will use it's speed and maneuverability to be where it is needed most in the Malvici fleet, as well as coordinating it.
If it comes to battle then Admiral Domonico and the fleet will not shirk their duties.

Ornella is going to act as Antonio's bodyguard during the assault. If it comes too close, it will find itself on a long swim back to shore. If it gets uppity, she has a cutting implement for that. Antonio is in good hands. If it turns out that Antonio needs her to go perform more personal missions, then she can do that too.

Quenia answers the call of the banners and directs a bulk of her naval forces to travel with the Lyceum fleet, putting them under the direct charge of Admiral Antonio Velenosa. She also does her best to talk up the efforts Jaenelle is making to create a unified fleet, reminding the members of the Lyceum that their very freedom could be at stake if they fail to answer the call themselves.

Cambria makes certain that her own city-state of Ostria heeds the call of its liege, Velenosa. It is important not only to reassure the citizens, but also ensure the soldiery is in prime condition for action. Through her leadership, Duchess Cambria Mazetti does her utmost to show the Lyceum - and the rest of the Compact, that Ostria is ready to tackle anything.

Selene carries the title "Whisper of Peace," earned for her tireless efforts dealing with the Great Road. She relies on that reputation as the travels among the Hundred Cities, reaching out to the smaller and far-flung domains and the largest cities alike. At each place, she throws wide the glittering net of  Whisper prestige and influence to pull the beloved Lycene population close. The message is direct and clear -- lending assistance to the Archduchess' efforts to repulse the Eurusi navy, to once again rise with grace and dark wit to overcome their enemies' cunning. Is not this the appropriate hour to remind the whole of the Compact that the Lyceum can tip the balance in war with more than simply strength of arms? Everyone has a part to play from devising brilliant naval strategy to increasing the expansion of sail-weaving, rope making, setting supplies for hungry crews or marshalling resources to support those gone to war.

She speaks to merchants and nobles, sailors and sword-dancers of their possible contributions. Let them walk away with ideas humming in their ears, for a chance to make their mark on the annals of history. Where conflict or opposition to participation is found, she hears out the parties' concerns and seeks a collaborative resolution. At the least she informs Jaenelle to unsnarl the snarls, and otherwise lower hurdles, dazzles the reluctant, and employs the full, seductive force of her charms to just about deliver many a boat or crew to her patroness. Why not try to be the face that launched a hundred ships? (Hey, a thousand could be overkill.)

Having recently discovered a gift for communication laced with persuasion, Ophelia will use such an ability to speak to those of the Lyceum that may be wavering their support in regards to assisting the Archduchess and the calling of banners. The princess will travel throughout the Lyceum and speak to those both inside and outside of her social circle, drawing people in to help unite and support Jaenelle. Many know Ophelia to be overwhelmingly sweet and kind, but she is also adorably convincing when she sets her mind toward swaying an opinion -- such a heart-melting combination, how could /anyone/ say no to her? She will work tirelessly to see that the Lyceum is united with its support.

The Lyceum's fleet has been put in his care, so of course Antonio will see to all the necessary logistics to make sure said fleet is ready to sail on time, and be well supplied for the trip. In addition, in his capacity as admiral and minister of war, he's never stopped building up Lenosia's forces for such an occasion- both by using the shipyards he's had access to, as well continuing Lenosia's privateering program to capture and re-fit shav and pirate ships for Lenosia's usage. Lenosia's grounds forces have also been bolstered- new soldiers trained and experienced veterans coaxed out of retirement to join the battles. To that end, he was given a dragonweep gemstone by Jaenelle, to sell and use the proceeds for recruitment, in addition to Lenosia's considerable military forces.

Waldemai will accompany the Malvici fleet, sailing on Lord Domonico's ship The Tempest. Waldemai will provide skilled crafting support before and after the battle, repairing and improving armor and weapons for the troops and whatever can be done for the ships as well. An experienced soldier who led a company at Setarco and fought pirates under Lady Calypso, he will be fighting in any battles as well.

Saoirse spends the days, weeks, after Jaenelle calls the banners researching Lycene lore -- stories of different houses, of families, of wars past, love, loss, and moments of pride. Armed with scores of papers and mountains of books about each and every house -- from great to small -- Saoirse Velenosa begins a tour of the Lyceum with her family.

She arrives as a guest of great honor and spends her time in each region regaling the houses with stories of their histories, of how they came to be Lycene, of why they unite under Velenosa, and of anything pertinent that would so convince a house to lift their banners.

And with so much research, Saoirse comes to know an *awful lot* about Lycene lore, the players within it, and the players who play now. She uses her web of influence and her ability to spot intriguing connections between people and houses to convince the troops to rally -- and that may involve subtle manipulation between two fractious houses or reminders of favors granted.

A powerhouse of influence in her own right, Princess Valencia sets aside her misgivings for now to see that her House and the people of Lyceum -- noble and common alike -- are well supported, supplied, inspired and kept in high spirits. With seemingly no diplomatic means to end this threat, the little vixen of Lycene mobilizes her connections and adds her voice, resources and talents to the call for Lyceum and its allies to stand in solidarity, doing what is needed to summon strong support for the effort and her people at home and abroad.

As Minister of Civil Welfare she takes particular care to see that the homefront is well supported, prepared and protected. This way soldiers and those assisting in their noble work can focus on the fight at hand and Lyceum can firmly hold the line and remain protected from other foes while continuing to support the defense of the Mourning Isles. As a princess of Lycnene, she also quickly joins the others in their efforts to bolster, inspire and support the troops/fleet and their support units.

However, the little vixen doesn't stop there. Before the fleet even sets sail, a secret campaign of unrest and fear against Euris is also launched to sow seeds of uncertainty and dissent designed undermine the enemy and destroy them from within in an effort to gain advantage and, with luck, help to win the fight by peaceful means or not.

Silvio is using both his physical and diplomatic skills in the assistance of the Skal'dajan affair. He is able to disarm most people that he speaks with through the use of confounding and confusing ramblings, which are all expertly executed for that exact purpose. Manipulative and seductive, he gleefully submits himself to the mission and whatever tasks are assigned to him, even if it means his doom, such is his confidence. He's also fairly distracting and good for morale.

Strozza commands the forces of he First Fleet from the flagship Caravel the Erudite - providing transport for troops or harrier support should he call for such and Duchess Cambria can release him for such duties

Alejandro isn't a naval commander. His role is far more diplomatic and swings to the side of propaganda. Using his skills, he will charm whomever needs charming, work with whomever needs working with and will do what he can to smoothe the process for everyone involved and help make a successful Lycene effort successful.

There are scores of city-states underneath the banner of House Velenosa, and mobilizing the hundreds of ships and tens of thousands of sailors and soldiers from all across the Lyceum has normally taken months. This time, it does not take months. Through all of their efforts, the forces consolidate under Antonio's overall command in quite possibly the fastest mobilization in Lycene history, with templars and forces of the Faith militant picked up from hundreds of different rally points throughout the Compact. The massive Lycene fleet, far bigger than many expected since the departure of House Pravus, meets with the fleet of the Mourning Isle and sets sail for Sungreet.

Of course, while the speed is astonishing, the templars are only given landfall slightly before the arrival of the Eurusi. The Eurusi fleet declines to engage the combined forces of the Mourning Isles and the Lyceum, and bizarrely begins to fight among itself before roughly two thirds sail from Sungreet to the south and southwest. Which suggests an attack upon the Saffron, potentially.

Grazia calls together her friends and family to perform a ritual to cleanse the primum at the thirteenth hour of the thirteenth day. She has set up a brazier to receive her offerings, which are set beside her: some valuable and some just personal mementos. Some jewelry, some paper, some scraps, but all thirteen objects have some sort of meaning to her. She has been meditating deeply prior to their arrival, and once they are all arranged, she says, "This is my ritual to cleanse the primum. May you all watch and learn. These are my sacrifices. May they help to create a stronger dream. A beautiful dream where magic is used for good and all may enjoy its fruits." And then she goes through her objects, explains each one, and commits it to the flames.

1 "A pair of copper armbands with attached umbra that were given to me by my new husband Aiden. A representation of the life that we find ourselves sharing, not by love but by politics, with affection nonetheless swelling in the background."

2 "A curiously cute but fake fur seal handwarmer, given to me by some young friends who found my generally cold demeanor in need of some warmth and amusement. The object is in the shape of a baby seal, as if they expected I could be cold and cruel enough to kill a baby seal for the warmth of its fur. But I can take a joke and I like it."

3 "A pair of sterling silver earrings set with multi-hued Gemecittan quartz, valued more since they were a gift from Guildmaster Joscelin, who enjoys working with the beautiful stones of my homeland."

4 "A ring set with Gemecittan quartz, not important in and of itself but precious to me because it comes to me from my homeland, Gemecitta. This ring was part of the set of favors that we gave out at both Lysander and Silvio's wedding, and at my own wedding to Duke Aiden, and thus it carries memories and strength of politics, doing right by Gemecitta."

5 "A small hairball of cat fur, valueless, but scraped from one of my umbra gowns after interacting with my beloved co-duchess Dafne. Although many assume we are in competition, we coordinate well, and we live like sisters."

6 "A message written to me by my brother Lysander, complaining about the lighting in the palazzo, because if you can't live in a beautiful world, Lysander will make it more beautiful for you."

7 "A mask, representing the Masquerades that Aiden throws, at which I may hide my face and enjoy the party without being the hostess. An excuse to be myself wholly, hidden behind the shield."

8 "A fabulous piece of fabric for Silvio, because he has fantastic taste in clothes and makes my dear brother very happy."

9 "A scribbled letter written by Valkeiri, a remembrance that no plans are truly set and for the man himself, in fondness."

10 "A dawnstone, like the dawnstone I gave the Archduchess, a reminder that a new dawn is breaking for the Lyceum and we are all part of it."

11 "An Inquisition badge, for being an Inquisitor and learning many things and investigating many problems is extremely rewarding."

12 "A simple law folio, as skill as a lawyer made me a valuable member of my family as well as a member of the Court."

13 "A piece of paper on which is copied a white journal from Theron Mazetti, publicly announcing he was coming home from war specifically to see me. I have loved no other the way I loved him."

Dafne is there, to affectionately support her co-ruler, and ready for anything unexpected. She will be paying close and careful note to the ritual as well, in preparation for doing it herself in future.

Miranda has been requested to witness this ritual. She will be observing with attention to detail so that she may learn and repeat it herself, eventually passing it on to others.

Quenia, being every curious about things, heartily agrees to participate in Grazia's ritual. She's intrigued about what it takes the cleanse the primum. She's very attentive to what Grazia has to teach her, and where possible she takes copious notes so that she can proceed with this act herself, and further teach others. She is there in support of Grazia, listening very carefully to what it is she is sacrificing, and sharing with her the memories that each of the sacrifice created. She smiles in support of her Duchess, and takes care not to interrupt her during this long process.

Luis has been invited as well and the curiosity in the man's demeanor cannot be denied. He will attend with paper and other implements ready to make notes on anything he does not believe that he can remember, though in turn he will reach out with questions after the ritual has been completed, attempting to understand the underlying cause and effect of the ritual.

Lucita observes each aspect of the ritual attentively, committing it to memory so she may replicate it using her own items to assist with the cleansing.

Mae is not entirely unfamiliar with odd rituals, so she'll not only be observing, but also helping, best she can. Pass ingredients over, help drawing lines with chalk, whatever it is Grazia might need, Mae will be the dutiful ritual assistant!

Mayir is, well -- Mayir is there. He seems more curious than anything, hanging out on the edges of the ceremony and observing what he sees, trying to make mental notes for his own ritual some day. When an Inquisition badge goes in, however, he smiles. Nothing like seeing the Inquisition get burned up. Metaphorically.

Notes will be taken. Copious amounts of notes. Details will be cross referenced. So. Many. Cross-references. Even more cross references then that. He does, however, keep the pen skritching to a minimum. Giulio is all about that 'not dying from primum poisoning'.

Antonio will attend the ritual, and quietly observe what happens, taking notes as he can.

Silvio listens to the ritual and participates

Jordan will be present for this ritual, keeping himself solemn as he takes mental note of all that is said, all that is sacrificed. He prays as the ritual continues, solemn and disciplined as a knight.

Fecundo has been invited to witness the ritual. He is attending to observe and learn how the ritual is performed, as requested by the head of his house and for his own benefit.

Grazia calls together her friends and family to perform a ritual to cleanse the primum at the thirteenth hour of the thirteenth day. She has set up a brazier to receive her offerings, which are set beside her: some valuable and some just personal mementos. Some jewelry, some paper, some scraps, but all thirteen objects have some sort of meaning to her. She has been meditating deeply prior to their arrival, and once they are all arranged, she says, "This is my ritual to cleanse the primum. May you all watch and learn. These are my sacrifices. May they help to create a stronger dream. A beautiful dream where magic is used for good and all may enjoy its fruits."

She starts with copper armbands gifted to her by her husband. The copper flares and the flame burns green for a moment, flickering in the room as all watch carefully. Then a handwarmer, given as a gift - and as she explains its purpose and its meaning, Dafne laughs aloud. In fact, for a moment they are all sharing in the joke of it, touched by the humor of her gift and her vision of the Dream.

A set of silver earrings is next, and it's obvious this is the work of Joscelin. It's followed by a ring of Gemecitta, and as the two pieces of jewelry slowly melt in the flames, there's a sense of home, and beauty, and the touching feeling of welcome after a long journey away.

Then a hairball, and if it's an unusual sacrifice, Grazia's explanation has everyone turning to Dafne. For a moment there's a connection between the two women, shining and true in the light, and then it fades as the ritual continues.

Piece by piece she consigns to the flames, and with each one the feeling of warmth and welcome and home - complex and tangled, binding and freeing all at once surrounds each of them. When the ritual is completed at last, they all breathe a little freer - and with them always will linger a sense of family and home and connection, clean and true.

Part 0: Personal Story Fluff
Nearly two decades years ago, Victus Baseborn waged war on those Prince Donrai Thrax had declared their enemies. The first over the wall of the Tyde rebel's fortress and slaying Duke Titus Tyde on the field of battle personally. He conquered an Isle under the blood red Serpent's banner as a brutal bastard. He came home a Thrax. That was then.

Today, High Lord Victus Thrax has been given the trust of his peers in rulership and the Crown itself to guide the Compact's Fleets to victory. The Serpent's banner does not fly alone as at least a hundred more have come to stand as equals among it. All in defense of their home against one fallen King who would seek to take it from them. He thinks it's an ironic sight, but he's stepping up to the challenge all the same and donning his mantle of Grand Admiral with pride.

Part 1: The Gathering
The amassed fleet will assemble and coordinate from the silken city of Setarco itself. Once all divisions have been gathered and accounted for, they will set out to meet the Gyre's forces a few miles off the shore. It is a hopeful tactic that moving their line of defense a fraction more forward will give Setarco's ground defense forces less headache, as there will be more opportunity to intercept any ships full of troops to land. However it should be noted that they are still employing defensive tactics over offensive ones, should anything of the 'magical bullshit' variety spawn from the Gyre's forces in battle. They want to be prepared. Victus himself will be bringing the Maelstrom's stock of Thrax Fire to be distributed to as much of the fleet as possible. Just in case.

Part 2: Movement and Tactics
It's expected that the Compact's fleet will come out to a numerical advantage against the Gyre's, potentially one that doubles the enemy. Once they are in the thick of things, the fleet will begin to converge around the enemy fleet to encircle and corner them - potentially cutting off any hope of escape and allowing the Compact to attack from all sides. Part of these flanking maneuvers will involve staggering the order of engagement early, with some of the fleet (let's say, 25%) sitting in the bay of Linosia that will circle around the enemy. Which would, if done effectively, bridge an attack from two fronts once the battle has kicked off. ((The bay of Linosia stuff may also be aided by a separate action from Skye as it was her idea!))

Part 3: Scary Monsters
Another significant ordering of the ships will be ensuring that there is as little clumping together as possible. This is to ensure that in the event of say, a Kraken showing up, that whole rows of boats are not at risk for being devoured and sunk by a pair of tentacles raising from the waves. In addition to Krakens it can likely be expected that other giant squid, sharks, swordfish, angry crabs and etc may join the fight on the Gyre's side. Measures that are being taken to defend against such creatures are ensuring that squadrons of ships are fitted with nets (as suggested by Estaban) for hindering their movement. Even more boldly, an order is going out to affix the underside of ships (that are willing to do so, AND won't damage the structural integrity) with jagged pieces of metal on the haul. Hopefully the combination of these two will keep crew and ships safe, by capturing or shredding the beasts that come.

Part 4: Food n' Booze
Supply chains will be set up ahead of time, mostly utilizing the coastline of the Lyceum that isn't under immediate threat to make the live's of the crew for this massive ordeal a bit easier. Materials for repairs, food, water, and most importantly alcohol will be a constant factor needed. For this, they ask of the merchant vessels and those who wish to volunteer without the skill or equipment for war to help transport. The most esteemed honor of organizing these vital volunteers has been passed to Magpie Grayhope. You get 'em, Magpie!

Part 5: Please Don't Die.
Victus has also put the call out to mercies that don't get seasick easily to be on board vessels to tend to their eventual wounded. They will be joined by members of the Faith willing to come who likewise, do not get seasick easily. The combination of prayer and medicine will hopefully keep them alive that much longer. Hopefully.

"We stand as one. One fleet, one army, one Compact. This is not for me or you. This is for Arvum. This is for our homes. They're playing your song, it's time to write your legend. Let's make it a damn good one."

((FOR EVERYONE CONTRIBUTING: Thank you! Feel free to include any of the written above in your actions if you would like to help out in any of the specific parts mentioned! If you would also like to take your own actions then feel free to consider this the IC battle-plan and coordinate or contribute as you will! These are Victus' orders for now, interpret them however you would!))

1. Gathering- Antonio will direct all vassal navys (as well as Lenosia's fleet) to gather at Setarco.

2. Tactics Antonio will command the combined Lycene fleet, and the admirals of Lycene vassals will report to him. He, in turn, will take his sailing orders from Victus. This way the chain of command is clear and reinforced. (This will be reflected in an additional @action.)

Despite the fact that Victus Baseborn won is nobility by destroying her own family, the Tyde and Tydelands navies show up in full force to defend Setarco, with the Duchess of Tyde in command herself. She makes it clear that she will not ask anything of her troops that she will not risk herself. The vassels of the Tydelandsare brought with the main host to follow Vuctus' command, for better or worse.

Blessed Roran, Archlector of Lagoma see's the ships off, offering a mass blessing to the ships leaving Arx to join the main fleet. The Higgh Lord's main vessel is blessed persoally, and flame from the eternal flame in the shrine of lagoma is passed over to be filtered off through the fleet to let Lagoma's light guide them through this change. The man is not heading out with the High Lord's fleet since medical care has finally been found, and instead, only his prayers go with them.

Who is she to cower behind stone walls when her Goddess is at stake? She will assist with Part 5: Please Don't Die
The Archlector Madeleine distributes the Disciples of Mangata each to a vessel to offer prayer and morale bolstering - blessing each crew and vessel with santified water and braziers of incense, she herself physically riding whatever ship Victus deems safe for her to be on. The Disciples are to assist as they can since many of them are seafarers anyhow, but to stay out of the way and defer all matters to the military crews of the vessel.

With prayer and faith as her greatest weapons, Madeleine will join the fight.

#1 Gathering - Wash will assess the readiness of every Thrax fleet and report those numbers and distributions to the Grand Admiral. He will disseminate a simple language of flags and horns to used for ship to ship communication between houses. This will incorporate modern merchantmen messaging alphabet, and will create a unified shorthand for common battlefleet tactics.

#3 Tactics - Wash will command the Thrax fleet, and the admirals of Thrax vassals will report to him. He, in turn, will take his sailing orders from Victus. This way the chain of command is clear and reinforced. (This will be reflected in an additional @action.)

With the Oathlands' naval forces under hers and Caelis' command, Katarina answers to the call of the Great Admiral of the Compact with the full force of their ships. They sail to dispatch from Setarco as the plans dictate, prepared to lend their support to the other admirals however they may.

Skye will be assisting with Movements and Tactics. She will dive into the archives to find any Bathymetry studies that will tell her of the ocean depth at the various locations. She will assist High Lord Victus with recommendation on the best places to keep the ships to lessen their vulnerability to large sea creatures that might be accompanying the enemy fleet. Her aim when studying the numbers and combined with her new knowledge of the area to devise a plan that will allow for the Fleet to take advantage of hidey holes like the bay of Linosia and the nooks around Caina and Bravvra so that they have the advantage of surrounding the ships when they converage on Setarco.

Captain Ariella will be leading the Igniseri fleets in our move against the Gyre

Eleanor, born and raised on a ship and thus comfortable on one, will be joining the Compact's fleet as a representative of the King's Own. She has been asked by Victus to serve as his right hand during the battle, and will therefore join him on his ship along with a few other knights under her command.

Turo will be commanding the Navegant fleet, and doing so with aplomb.
Regarding Part 1: He's been incessantly training his marines and sailors, almost to the point where most can fill in at any role on the ships without much drop-off in training.

Regarding Part 2: Turo will direct his fleet to focus on supply and troop ships, wherever possible. Those he wants sunk as quickly as can be, since an ounce of work now might save a pound of work later. However, he'll not needlessly abandon the orders he's given.

Victoria, a Master Healer with some sailing experience, is joining the fleet as a Healer, assisting with Part 5. See also action 1858 for more on her heading up the gang.

Lethe will be helping with part 5:please don't die. While she is a Harlequin and not a Mercy she is still a healer. She will do her best to assist with the injured.

The fleet in Setarco is the best example of what happens with the Compact comes together as one. The first battle was hard, but when the Pretender-King sent reinforcements it got even worse. And yet the fleet never wavered. Never trembled - they continued together to protect the Lyceum and the Compact as a whole, and it was their unity that won the day. Even old rivalries got a chance to be set to rest, as people who normally hate each other or find themselves on opposite sides of political rivalries set all of that aside to act as one. It made the difference and, in the face of a baffling and powerful enemy, it won the day.

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

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

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

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

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

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