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Action by Celeste

(Public Action, OOC Date: April 8, 2019, 9:21 a.m.)

During a previous @action of Alrec's, the Tortorici family - formerly a line of Pravus some 300 years ago or so - were encountered and made an offer of assistance to House Pravus in exchange for either vast wealth or marriage and ennoblement to bring them back into the Compact. Celeste and Belladonna have discussed this think the time to bring in a new line of Prodigal nobles is not now. So they're gathering up assistance to broker a deal that will allow the Tortorici to come back in as prodigal commoners with a plan in motion for bringing them up to nobility after the Compact has had time to see their value.

To that end, Celeste is organizing a diplomatic overture to negotiate with the clan. Pravus will offer bringing them back into the compact in exchange for their loyalty and assistance. At such time as it's mutually agreed upon, after Tortorici has proven their worth in the eyes of the Compact and politics are such that the Compact can stomach a new House, Celeste will marry the man of their chosing to ennoble him.

Admiral Alrec facilitates the negotiations as best as he can, introducing the Tortorici's own general(s) to a taste of the kind of access to ships and training they can expect to receive once they join the compact.

Ari hears of this effort and gives a small contribution to the cause.

Viviana is going to play games. Why? Because it is more fun than negotiating marriages. Here are the rules:

She will try selling House Pravus as desirable overlords. More riches to improve their lands, more power to crush their enemies, more beautiful people to have fun with. Also, she will bring wine, because wine makes everything better.

Bend the knee, win amazing prizes!

Refuse, and she goes to your neighbor. Not a threat. Not at all. But maybe if you don't want a Setarcan overlord backing your ambitious ways... maybe the guy living just next to you does. RELAX! Not a threat.

But it kind of is.

Now bend the knee.

First to the Tortorici -- and then to any other tribes that treat with them, visit or he has contact with during their time on the Saffron Chains, Sebastian tells a story: it's a tale, weaved from a variety of truths and rumors. He speaks of the long history of the Pravus family the strength -- and yes, darkness -- they were forged from. That their ancestress, the Grand Duchess Procella Pravus demonstrated their families ability to take what was needed, to rule where needed, and to demonstrate strength where needed.

The smooth-tongued Voice talks of the Duchess Belladonna Pravus, and the ties he makes between her and Procella Pravus are unmistakable -- he describes them in similar fashion, talking of their respective strengths, their love and loyalty to their families and those that serve them -- of their ability to get and hold what is rightfully theirs.

This strength, he tells them, is what is needed for their own.

A great darkness is on them: he doesn't need to tell them that: they know.

Pravus will be the iron fist that shelters them, but also the silk that binds them.

As a Pravus responsible for more than ten thousand 'commoner' prodigals with claims to ancient noble heritage, Sudara is warmly supportive of Celeste's endeavour. She'll gladly pitch the treatment of the Truesworn as proof that the Pravus are capable of long-term cooperation with and tolerance of prodigals, and can speak favourably with regard to Celeste herself - while Sudara personally stands as proof of the House being willing to make unconventional marriage alliances that work out well. As an expert diplomat, she'll do what she can to ensure that things go both smoothly and quietly. Managing this without fuss or widespread notice seems wise, in the present climate.

While Celeste busies herself with the Tortorici, Duchess Belladonna has other plans: she wants the rest of the Abandoned of the Saffron Chains to bend the knee and join the armies of Setarco when called upon, effectively multiplying the prowess of her army by a few magnitudes over the course of a few weeks.

But how?

The Compact allows for many competing Houses to justify cooperation and preservation in the name of a higher good. The Abandoned lack such lofty, communal aims, and as such are vulnerable to predation. They are a multitude of individual domains fighting against each other, full of ancient vendettas that the Duchess aims to exploit.

The premise of Belladonna's strategy is simple: she will take the Swords of the Evening, her own force, to the Saffron Chains, and offer to assist strategic Houses putting old enemies down for good in return for their fealty.

She will do so, and expand her army, move to the next territory. This is all in an attempt to consolidate power in the region before going against the Children of the Centipede, which believes are a much harder foe to face against.

The vassals of House Pravus and many Lycene peers are extremely relieved that House Pravus does not bring Tortorici into Pravus' service through marriage, though it does make matters more difficult with Tortorici, as some loudly proclaim they are getting a terrible deal and should hold out for better terms. But then Viviana and Belladonna are shopping their neighbors, and while this could technically, technically be considered by some in the Compact as treasonous (it's a gray area, since talking to the shavs to bend the knee is not treasonous, but other negotiations are by treating them as a foreign power rather than just outlaws), it's also highly effective in driving the threat home that if they don't bend the knee, they'll be crushed on behalf of their neighbors. Aside from the implicit threat of force (and the actual use of force), Sebastian, Celeste and Sudara make compelling cases for joining House Pravus- and Setarco IS booming, with House Pravus ascendent throughout the Lyceum. It's a compelling case.

Of course, there's a few diehards that argue vehemently against bending the knee to Pravus without nobility, but on the 13th day of negotiations, the three of them have been found to been torn limb from limb into unrecognizable chunks of flesh. Very sad. Tragic accident, clearly. All of the Pravus delegation was accounted for and couldn't have been responsible, but that also is enough to go from 'maybe we should weigh our options' to 'nope nope, we'll sign up now'.

Action by Videl

(Public Action, OOC Date: March 3, 2019, 8:27 p.m.)

Upon request of the Marquessa, and in preparation for stormy days to come, Lady Videl Igniseri is working hard to expand the Granatan navy. Using resources provided by her house along with a donation from the Archduchess regent to purchass a longship, Videl is trying to coordinate a group of talented individuals in a concerted effort to acquire or produce vessels and the crew to train them.

Personally, she is working hard to inspire people to join the navy. Besides painting some recruitment posters placed in key points in Granato, she holds speeches for the people, reminding them that the city must be able to protect its shipping trade even in dark hours, and that if one desires peace, one must prepare for war.

While Luis has typically been the sort to avoid the use of ships, preferring solid ground beneath him, he does however have experience when it comes to military matters, especially as the Minister of War for Granato. He will aid Videl by sharing his military contacts and presenting her with various tactics and the like where he can in an effort to help her during the acquisitions. He will aid with selecting men and women based upon natural tendencies, while relying upon others to guage their specific talents when it comes to actual sailing capacity.

Lucita has been asked to help with this effort in her fealty of birth, Granato. She feels strong family and political ties to them and thus devotes her ability to use propaganda and charm to help recruit ship crews and attain discounts in some of the ship building supplies. After all the larger navy will certainly help protect their interests, their families and homes as well as encourage further business.

Lord Sebastian Pravus, Voice of Setarco, has been asked by Videl to lend aid to Pravus' ally in gathering manpower and shipwrights to help build their navy. While he is no military leader, what Sebastian has is an excellent ability to be persuasive and moreover -- to build support and manpower among the populace. He travels with the others, talking up the importance of a strong navy and how they can serve. He will be using his skills to generate the sort of excitement and buzz intended to resonate with the local populations, encouraging an uptick of those wanting to join the navy -- both as sailors and shipwrights.

Admiral Alrec Magaldi of House Pravus extends his expertise in fleet-making. He spends time with the captains of Lady Videl Igniseri's ships, applying some of what he used with Pravus but adjusting it to meet the needs of Igniseri's holdings. After learning the ins and outs of the Igniseri fleet, the Admiral puts them through an excruciating inspection. Only returning to Videl when the results are to her satisfaction.

Aethan will be assisting his brother with the training, leading the new recruits in military exercises and war games to hone their skills. He will enlist the help of some of the captains in the Stormward Fleet, pairing them with those who are to be tapped for command of Grenato's ships so that they will be able to work closely together to cement their skills.

Wash will help Igniseri expand their command crew by interviewing their sworn men and playing a game with them. The game teaches the basics of navigation and sailing. Those who pick it up quickly he will recommend be promoted or sponsored into officer positions.

Ian has trained a number of armies and navies in Arx, and he brings that expertise now to the new recruits, training them in the tactics and skills one uses in close quarters combat, in how to board a ship and how to repel boarders. He brings with him to assist Lieutenant Tash, his second in command for the Thrax Special Forces.

("Lieutenant Tash, Yonden is tangled in the rigging. Again. I'm making this your problem.")

Ajax being a hired hand, lends his assistance towards the development of the troops, when he's not assisting the others efforts. He is going about staging drills for the men to put the knowledge they gained from the others efforts to the test. Those whose performance stand out will also carry a nomination from him for his employers to make use with or ignore as they please. He has also set a small pile of coin aside for those who do well as a reward. After all money motivates him.

The Igniseri navy is increasing, and thanks to work from friends and allies, it's increasing at a quick pace. Lord Luis, Baroness Lucita, and Lord Sebastian, focus on recruitment, looking for volunteers for their new ships. Of course, new ships are always easier to crew than replacement crew on old ships - they're new! Newer is better! Right? This trio works hard for Videl and they are quite successful indeed. Then Lord Aethan, Admiral of Stormward, and Lord Ian, and Lord Wash as well work on teaching these new recruits how to sail. Why ask one Kennex when three will help? And who better to ask than those who live and breathe the life of a sailor in the Mourning Isles? Ajax helps prep the fleet - he stages drills and pays attention to what the new recruits are being taught. He helps create new drills, he focuses, and he makes sure that the quality overall is good for these new vessels and new crews.

All in all, this is a very successful mission, and now Igniseri sees a dromond, a galley, and a longship - with fully trained crews - added to their Navy.

Action by Domonico

(Public Action, OOC Date: Jan. 21, 2019, 3:08 p.m.)

Domonico will be drawing up a series of exercises, from moving as a fleet, to rapid changes in fleet formations and a few 'friendly' competitions (short races and chases etc).
Before commencing the exercises, Domonico will gathering the various fleet commanders and captains, getting to to know them and allowing them to meet each other before briefing them on the various exercises.
The actual training will take place in Lycene waters and Domonico will be focussed on getting the best he can out of the ships under his command, allowing the individual fleet leaders leeway to make decisions but still directing them to work as a whole, united fleet. He'll be running his command from the flagship of the Malvici fleet, the brand new, top of the range dromond Sea Hawk (named for Francisco Malvici), which is armed with siege weapons in the form of light catapults and ballista.

Under advisement from Admiral Alric, Ari will bring the Pravus fleet of Galleys he commands, those under the Black Fleet, in a spirit of full cooperation with the grand Lycene fleet that Commodore Domonico is attempting to put together. His daughter having the role she does, he'll gladly help.

Aahana brings the ships that House Volkov has available to the training exercises. While nominally in command of the ships she is leaving the operating of them to the captains, giving them instructions to fully co operate with the instructions and orders from Domonico.

What Aahana will be focussing on in particular will be making sure these exercises and war games are viewed in the best possible light. She'll cite the benefits in improved relationships between the City-States of the Lyceum and even further afield (with observers from other fealties), the improved efficiency that united fleets will have in defending the Compact and the benefits of learning from experienced naval commanders.

Miranda is going to be staged upon Domonico's ship, wherever he is. She will be observing as representative of Rubino-Zaffria to help Lysander organize their own Navy if it should be needed. In addition, she will be assisting Santi with combat techniques for boarding parties and close up combat.

As Domonico's protegee and the commander of the Saik military forces, Neilda brings the humble and yet proud collection of the Saikland's naval might. She attempts to learn the identities of and get on with her new comrades as much as she can (for it is planned by her mentor, and she is a dedicated student), and in turn learn all she can about warfare from them.

The Malespero fleet joins the exercises - and Beatrice joins in person as Domonico's Special Advisor. Combining her management expertise with Lycene personability, she knows how to create an environment in which large, diverse, complex teams of people work together to create success.

Beatrice becomes one of Domonico's fixers. She plans, recommends strategy, and anticipates problems while liaising with and mentoring junior officers to mediate disputes among and within the fleets. She focuses on ensuring the engagement has established a communication structure for the House fleets that gets leadership the information it needs to make sound decisions without choking the effort with unnecessary bureaucracy.

And she does it while wearing a really fancy hat.

The Fleet of Caith may not be very large but Armani Gilden knows her way around a ship and has been convinced to join the exercise, if nothing else to determine if Domonico can walk the talk.

One of these participants is not like the others.
Regardless, that's not going to stop Jasher from politely introducing himself and taking part as a guest participant and observer. He hasn't brought ships, but he's brought himself and a handful of fellow Thraxian sailors to participate alongside Santi in boarding actions, personal combat, other such things that require getting hands dirty, and overall work alongside people who aren't Thraxians while getting to know something of their quirks.
It builds teamwork and it's educational!

Determine to put his own fleet to the test, Admiral Alrec Magaldi joins Commandore Ari Corsetina showcasing the Pravus galley fleet and commanding the fleet to absorb as much as they could and to dedicate time to cross-training with the other houses so that they could work together better.

Aisha is going to have the Invernos take part in Dompnico's training. She herself does not take part in the training but she does lead the Inverno troops and such by direction.

General of Gemecitta's Armies, Duke Consort, and Voice of Gemecitta.... are very large titles for a former Grayson Prince, but, that doesn't mean he's sitting on his laurels. He commits Gemecitta's fleet - which despite being land locked they have some ships! - to partake in these exercises. Practice sessions are extremely important and the last major conflicts of the darkwater certainly reduced the number of capable sailors - new ones need to be trained. When Domonico approached Aiden upon these competitions, Aiden immediately stood behind the idea. He knows the merit of military drills and learning strategies that cannot be taught any other way than doing. He voices his approval and will send the Commande of the Navy and all captains besides, to attend. It's not a request, it is an expectation. Besides, they'll get paid for it.

Santi is there for when things get bloody. He will be spearheading training in personal combat; boarding actions/repelling boarders, marine landings and the like - with a specific eye towards the unique complications that come with fighting on ship: confined spaces, fewer options for protective equipment or cover, using the environment to your advantage (AKA When in doubt, kick 'em overboard), and how to disable a ship by targetting specific lines or rigging.

While Valenzo is no longer a Southport navy man, he's always glad to answer the call! The Tasty Terrapin is a fast and agile little ship, perfect for exactly these kinds of exercises -- and her Captain will use all of his impressive sailing skill to keep his ship on the move as the fleets try and catch her, with his rough and tumble crew more than happy to join in on the mock-combat training for those who manage to board.

Assisting her fellow Malvici, Caelis will bring down a few of her ships from the Valardin Navy to assist in her cousin's training endeavor.

A touch of the exotic is brought to the fleet's maneuvers: longships flying the colours of the Truesworn arrive to take part. Their crews seem eager to learn all they can, and are happy to share the insights gained while serving aboard their distinctly un-Lycene vessels.

Waldemai will be bringing his tools along on Domonico's adventure and patching up any difficulties with armor among the members of the party and putting new edges on everyone's weapons as the lulls in battle permit. He also has his battle hammer and his own armor along just in case.

At Lord Domonico's request. Dariel has organised a feast to be held after the conclusion of the exercise. Which is lucky because Dariel certainly doesn't have any naval skills he could possibly contribute. After checking that the feast is actually to be held on dry land Dariel organises enough fine food to feed a navy, sufficent entertainment and plenty of alcohol for all. Dariel spends his time making sure everyone is enjoying themselves after a hard time at sea. He plys people with drink, food and company so they make the most of it.

He'll be learning from the others on board. Having recently come back to the city, he wants to support his brother's work so will be staying with the fleet. He'll be learning from others and meeting the other Captains and Admirals around. Helping in part with some logistics to support the navigation on-board with his brother.

Lord Domonico Malvici's naval exercises go much better than one would reasonably expect, with so many different navies with different traditions participating. There's a surprising lack of conflict between the different proud navies, with no altercations that one might expect from blows to pride as one navy or another scores victories in the drills, and it goes frankly suspiciously well. Most of the navies involved expected -something- to go wrong, but near as they can tell, nothing did, and all show enhanced readiness. It's disquieting to some when absolutely nothing goes wrong.

Action by Venturo for Raconteur Enterprises

(Public Action, OOC Date: Dec. 26, 2018, 10:47 a.m.)

Venturo is seeking those who are interested in partnership to expand the Raconteur Enterprises for the betterment of all of Arvum. He campaigns for further breweries to bring jobs to fealties and to lower the cost of safe drinks for the general populace. To expand the Kismet Carnivals and their games of luck and chance.

And for those looking to invest more, to bring races that only the everyday man can participate in for the chance to win a purse of money provided by Venturo himself. Horse races, hunting races, foot races, obstacle course races. Not only will they give something that truly belongs to the people that they can demonstrate their skill, but it will allow the nobles to find the most skilled in their lands.

Lastly, he wants to offer local tavern owners the chance to come under the Raconteur brand. They would still own and run their tavern, but would be provided discounts on the alcohol from the Raconteur, and would be provided entertainers to draw in even more of their patrons. In exchange, they would run under the Raconteur label, and a nominal, small part of their proceeds would go back to the Raconteur.

TLDR for Expansion:
More Breweries
Expanded Kismet Carnivals
Locals owning Raconteur Branded Taverns
Bards, poets, entertainers for thsoe Taverns
Horse, foot, obstacle and hunting races for the everyday man.
Allows the nobles to find the most skilled athletes, boatsmen, horsemen and hunters in their lands.

Nuala may not know horse races, but she sure knows how to mobilize a crew of people to plot out the best course for the horse races in the Kismet Carnival. She reaches out to the best riders in Farhaven and those of her acquaintances in Valardin lands, the Lyceum (especially Tor, where she grew up) and other assorted connections. She can additionally tap the Academy of War for riding trainers to help create a fiendishly exciting course with many obstacles, smart turns, and surprises for both rider and mount to make the event memorable. Getting all these minds together, they will plot out an impressive path and take into account the natural environment and landscape. Nuala uses every ounce of charisma she has to keep them focused on a singular purpose.

Who better to introduce new entertainment to the Lyceum than a Princess of Lenosia? Berenice focuses on wining and dining with those well-positioned to introduce new and exciting horse races to their various domains. Because, in Berenice's opinion, horse racing is the BEST and MOST EXCITING part of what Venturo's working on, hence her involvement in the First Annual Raconteur Cup Horse Race. She'll talk to various noble leaders and even some of the upper class mercantile commoner families about the acclaim and prestige they'll earn themselves by sponsoring such events, and she'll be full of flattery and flirting where necessary to get the job done.

Everybody loves musicians! Well, alright, not everybody, but bards are a good source of entertainment. What does Gianna have? Access to a lot of bards. Not just the ones in Arx, but the bards that come through the College on their way to other places, bards who might be convinced to play at these Raconteur-associated taverns. She'll be convincing entertainers - storytellers, singers, musicians - to go the route.

Having been part of Venturo's original unveiling of the Kismet Carnival as well as expanding the cultivation of more crops and a brewery, Gwenna of course pitches in to assist him with the planned expansion. She will support her fellow Redrain, Princess Nuala, with her efforts in Farhaven, and remind the people there how much fun was had at the last carnival. As done before, she will spend the first day of the festival handing out 10,000 of her own silver so that those who might not have much disposable income can partake in the games. Her main effort, though, will be visiting the taverns and farmers in the hopes that Venturo's branding idea and more breweries might strike interest as well as better income for them.

Pasquale views the success of Venturo - his Marquessa's protege - as success for Nilanza. He spreads the word in the Malespero domain about the carnival and encourages participation in it among the common folk, even pitching in for the purse for the prize money. He'll also do a bit of PR with the local tavern keepers so they'll see this venture as an opportunity rather than competition, and be more inclined to go in for it.

Mirk, on behalf of the Halfshavs, is throwing his support behind Venturo and the Raconteur expansion. He spreads the word of their coming expansion, building anticipation for the carnivals and the taverns that are going to be opened, and offers assistance in finding local owners and businessmen to run their tavern under the Raconteur brand. If he makes a point to find well-placed tavern owners in Whitehold and Cascade Springs, well, that's a part of his duties as Halfshav Minister of Coin. Regardless, he'll do whatever he can to make sure that Venturo's efforts are a success.

Sandreef Point is a port place. And every port place needs a good Tavern and, even better, a good brew to make and call their own. To draw the crowds and bring the cheer. So it is that Violet, the Quartermaster as well as Baroness, sets aside land and even some acreage for a brewing operation. Enough land to brew hops, barley, malt, or even grapes and space in the city for a tavern. This can only bring in more commerce and provide more jobs for those who need and want them.

As Kael has had an amiable working relationship with Venturo in the past, he is looking forward to seeing this new venture through. With his blessing, Venturo is allowed to approach tavern owners to join up under the Raconteur brand and he will personally write concerning how profitable associations with Venture Thayne has been in the past. Not only this but he has offered to help train up guards, not to mention supply equipment for them, so that the caravan and traveling members of Ranconteur Enterprises has less to fear of banditry. He supplies a map of the safest routes through his domain, and as other lands agree to join in, would offer to provide what he sees as the safest navigation routes.

In the city of Setarco, Alrec Magaldi, admiral and minister of the ruling house, uses his position of priviledge to ensure that Venturo has everything he needs to establish his brand in the Saffron Chains. He uses his reputation and notoriety to advertise Raconteur, hoping to associate their drinks with him for his fans. The staff of the carnival is seen to with board and food, their security handled by his own people.

There's very little the Mourning Isles likes better than drinking: perhaps, drinking and a show! Sorrel will represent Thrax's interests in this expansion of breweries and carnivals as Minister of Productivity for Maelstrom and the Mourning Isles. She'll be sure that at least some of the jobs on offer here go to former thralls who are renovating their lives, and that a certain amount of effort is paid to recruiting such, though by no means exclusively. There are plenty of commoners who would like to own their own businesses, and she'll promote that enthusiastically. She'll also make sure there are boat races available at the carnivals, and use the winners of these boat races to recruit into the Thrax military, especially if they aren't already.

Grady got in on the ground floor of the Kismet Carnivals to help develop Deepwood lands - particularly their cideries. He is excited about the expansion of the carnivals, as that always brings good taxes in, and as it gives the people of Old Oak a festival and some extra fun. Enjoying horse races and fine alcohol is a hallmark of civilization in Grady's opinion, and he gladly makes sure the funding is there to make the Carnivals in Old Oak exceptional indeed. Deepwood trades well with Raconteur Brewing too, and a friendly rivalry has gone up between Raconteur enterprises and Deepwood's own cideries. Will there be competition at the carnival? You better believe it. All in good fun, of course!

Though not in on the ground floor, the Kismet Carnivals and Venturo's spreading out across the compact works in tandem with Josephines own grand works. You won't find a stall, not in the least. As Josephine will point out, you don't get arcuri goods in mere stalls. But she does work with her family to see prizes made of all kinds to be supplied as prizes. From jewelry, to trinkets and even nudging a son in law to see about a blade or two, the Arcuri's time, energy and her payrons funds to ensuring even the most low ranked of men should tgey happen to winthese horse races have sonethingspecial as a prize.

Truthfully, it's a little alarming at how wide it spreads, and how much notice it gets throughout the Compact. People REALLY like Carnivals, it seems, with Farhaven, Nilanza, Whitehold, Sandreef Point, Oakhaven, Deepwood, Maelstrom, Setarco and more all expanding in an uptick in trade, and massive gains in the prestige of all involved.

Action by Monique

(Public Action, OOC Date: Dec. 22, 2018, 11:26 a.m.)

It's no secret that Lady Monique Greenmarch has been at odds with the Faith lately. It's something the Minx of the Marches is trying to rectify. She has plans to search out an artifact or lost piece of lore for each of the gods she feels closest to: Gild, Petrichor, Skald, Vellichor. She will recruit her friends to help her, and with each success, will donate said artifact or information to the Pantheon.

The first attempt, and the Goddess the Greenmarch is closest to, Gild. Perhaps ambitious, but the Lady has heard stories about the dwarven kingdom to the north, Aviaron. She seeks some lost relic of Gild beneath the Peak of the Dwarves, or perhaps renewed contact and Faith with those who live under the mountain.

Etienne will, out of a great sense of at least curiosity, travel to find the Gild loving Dwarves beneath the mountain. Eager and developing a burgeoning sense of adventure goes forth with some protests of need for comfort and trappings of civilization in hopes to share stories, knowledge, and appreciation for the goddess with the sub-terranean dwellers and aid in the recovery of some relic. Etienne would bring textiles of all moderate sorts as gifts. (such as seasilk, umbra, and aeterna).

Sparte has long been on good terms with Lady Monique, and he knows what it is to be at odds with a group and have to make amends. That Lady Monique seeks amends is something he finds admirable. Her choice of method is a dangerous one, so he is seeing this expedition as a risky venture to be planned for accordingly. He will be collecting supplies and equipment through the Society of Explorers to help ensure the mission's success. He will of course also be going, and taking the same risks.

Marian will go on the trek, assisting with the security and protecting the group from harm. She's the warrior so she'll be first in line to attack anything that proves to be a threat to the group. She will also use her knowledge of the Northlands and survival to navigate any difficult areas. Keeping a sharp eye out of any ambushes or attacks.

Jhond will go on the trek as a member of the expedition. His specialty is as a guide and in reaching hard to reach places if its needed. Cliff to climb to drop a drop, river for swim to help the others ford, etc as well as facing whatever danger may prevent itself with steel if needed.

Initially brought in as a tent-buddy, Alrec, gains some weight and makes sure to bring a lot of games, alcohol, and furs. Still, wanting to be respectful to the cause, he amasses a few writs to trade along the route (and one can only hope, with the dwarves also).

Cadern is happy to join the search for the Dwarves to further his research in . Cadern in particular will go along to research the fascinating culture and take note of what they learn. His primary goal to smooth relations within the group and with others they encounter, dwarves or otherwise. He'll also bring along trinkets to trade particularly things he thinks they may not have such as glass and masks in particular, and no doubt extra booze.

Dwarves. It's... well. As she stated to Monique. Oh no dear Lady, not you too. But Monique is a good client, and for good clients Josephine will go out of the way and if a potential (likely false and laughable claim made by others) lineage makes things easier for one of her favourite clients? Well, Josephine will go. Armed in heavy furs, a sturdy cane, bearing gifts of brass namely in the shape of a series of tomes of brass sheets engraved with the history of the people since the reckoning as a communal gift, and a dragonweep stone in a lovely iridescite box made by Josephine, she's venturing forth. The worst? They find nothing and Josephine has at least experienced the far north and can quietly laugh to herself. The best? They find these dwarves and Monqiue's purpose is achieved. Either way, she's along for the journey and it's at least NOT via a boat.

Dwarves? Princess Helena's eyes lit up with wonder and awe when she heard of the quest to Aviaron, so much so that poor Monique probably felt she had to ask the Redrain to go along. Still, Helena's of the north and knows much of the journey well, and she's going along to add her own knowledge of the north and its lore to the wealth of knowledge of her party mates and to chronicle the event should they actually meet the storied dwarves of Aviaron, for that would be a story worth retelling.

Estelle is coming along to assist in any way that the Mercy is able! She is most likely to assist in the capacity of a healer however, keeping everyone healthy and in one piece for the trek as well as helping out with negotiations if need be.

The Knights of Solace are more then interested in making contact with these worshipers of Gild and Andry is one of the knights assigned as escort. He will also do what he can to bring along whatever supplies may be needed.

Lora, possessed of a keen interest in Brass and his associates, will first assist Josephine with the design and creation of brass objects, partially to show affinity to the Knight and partially to create some kind of pictorial communication device. She will join the expedition as a diplomatic asset, bringing coin to hopefully make the journey easier, and then her skills as a communicator in case they actually find who they're looking for.

It is, in a word, daunting.

Rumors of dwarves have swirled in whispers for a long, long time, but any more precise details that would take them from legend to an actual meeting are impossibly elusive. Ultimately, the most promising lead came from a seraph of a small village near Aviaron's Peak, who had some local Northlands legends about them. From there, it was a long trek of chasing the local legends that were disappointments, and then came a story of the Red Mine of Underhill Fortress, which was an abandoned set of mines from veins of gold and silver long since run dry, but legend had connected to a fortress miles deeper in the mountain that once had dwarves. Several days of searching there does find what once was obviously a massive fortress built deep in the earth, but almost completely shattered ages ago, possibly before the Reckoning, with some skeletons of what likely were dwarves there. With luck though, they find writing on stone tablets near the entrance with a single skeleton by itself next to the tablets. Etched in Arvani, speaking of 'the Last Stand of Clan Underhill against Ruin'. The etchings say, 'Ruin was understood too late. Cannot be stopped by swords or spells. Cannot be stopped by strength or will. Bound by words, but not by magic. Needed a treaty. A pact. Perhaps the copy of the treaty forming this new alliance in the South? Blessed by Gild. That might have saved us all."

Action by Sebastian

(Public Action, OOC Date: Dec. 19, 2018, 1:56 a.m.)

While in Setarco, Sebastian (and the others traveling with him) will be undertaking a bit of a tour. They will be making deals with shipwrights and small towns and villages to create network of easily obtainable military resources. Additionally, particularly while traveling through the larger villages and Setarco itself they will be talking up the military and the amazing, important work they did during the Gyre War to encourage more people to join. Sebastian, as Voice of Pravus, will be using his Charm and Propaganda skills to generate the sort of buzz that will resonate with the people long after they've gone.

Pasquale enjoys a good morale tour. He's not the most energetic fellow in most circumstances but he's a fair hype man when it comes to military matters, and he aids Sebastian in the recruiting effort. Spreading the word about the benefits of serving House Pravus, how a soldier can advance themselves, and sharing his own personal story of the destruction wrought by the Gyre and the need to fight such forces. He compels the populace to aid his liege lords and ladies in these troubled times.

To assist the Setarco diplomacy effort, with his next trade run Ari will make a specific effort to get goods marked as from Setarco to sell in Arx. Further, he will emphasize to the crew he has on that trip the stories of the recent battles around Setarco, and how this ship played a role in it. Emphasizing to them, so they'll spread the word, that a strong Setarco, strategically positioned, is for the good of all.

Admiral Alrec Magaldi is personally taking charge of the tour to showcase the fleet to Lord Sebastian and his guests. Drawing from debts and favors owed to him in the city of Setarco as the minister of productivity, the admiral invites its citizens to attend as well, making a block party of the whole thing. The Setarco sailors wear their best uniforms between standing ceremonially, they show their abilities as sailors, in honor to not just the voice of Pravus but also the city of Setarco. After an award ceremony, sailors mingle with the general population to enjoy the festivity. Booths are raised for recruiting efforts, taking advantage of the tour and good spirits.

It's remarkably successful, the propaganda campaign. Word spreads about Pasquale, Sebstian, Ari and Alrec, and they all become significantly more well known. ((Fame bump, work roll added))

Action by Alrec(RIP)

(Public Action, OOC Date: July 31, 2018, 10:54 a.m.)

Along with his crew and some volunteers, Alrec will take his ship the Bullshark of Setarco and follow the cobalt compass wherever it now leads. The intent of the mission is to see, scout, and learn; therefore as soon as it's clear what the compass is pointing to, the team will turn for home to report their findings.

Delighted to join the adventure, Delilah will serve a fundamental purpose of keeping lookout for trouble. She knows the subtle signs of matters going awry in a broad scope. Keeping track of anomalies and anything out of the ordinary, she will record the findings of strange behaviours in logs and records for the expedition. Further, she takes responsibility for corroborating any necessary measurements or descriptions of odd phenomena, whether it's a weird current behaving strangely or any strange creatures defying description. She'll supply the investigatory side of things towards the usual adventurous purposes -- spotting trouble, being the source of strange facts, and the like.

Eshra will be going along on this merry adventure! She is a damn good sailor and navigator, which in this case may be more important. Someone needs to know where this thing is taking them! Also she is very near being a shav herself, having only bent knee within the last couple years. That said, if and when they run into tribes of abandon along the way, she can act as an liason between the two. And adventure! Oh and if Alrec takes a stray arrow, well there is someone to get them all home.

Demura joins Alrec's crew for the expedition, bringing her military expertise to the table as to help them in case they face any hostile threat as well as using this opportunity to learn more about Arvum. The Lyonesse Marquessa will provide some supplies for the expedition (OOC: military resources) in hope they can sustain the journey for as long they need.

Felix is coming along, to be someone who knows a little about this and that, another blade and armored body. He'll be able to effect some repairs if needed, or provide some simple smithing using the ships tools should such be necessary. An extra pair of eyes and hands, even if he's got no particular skill with tending to a ship at sea. Prayers to Mangata will be had, with an offering at her Shrine by the Sea, and the Shrine within the City. (Eco writs).

The Compass once led to the Gyre - common knowledge among those who know where it came from. But the Gyre is dead, and so now it remains to be seen where the Compass leads. And so they set out. And at first, the Compass spins, pointing nowhere at all, never coming to a stop.

Yet over time, as they sail away from Arx and into the Mourning Seas proper, it seems the Compass finds a direction. They follow it, heading east, and east, and further - beyond Darkwater Watch and to the place where the Darkwater once rested. All the way to the twisting spire that rises up from the water in the center of where the Darkwater once was.

They make their way to the spire, which is little more than a white and shining staircase, twining up into the sky. They go - ashore? - they head to this spire and take the stairs up and look out. Now the Compass is spinning again, as though they've reached whatever it wanted them to see. Looking out across the water, the vista is glorious - the horizon stretches beyond them, and the only land that can be seen is the tiny spec of the island that holds Darkwater Watch in the distance.

And then they look down, and for a moment they see a shining, beautiful city beneath the waves and water. There's a whisper in the air. "Mardomum." Then a darkness comes over them, and a feeling of danger. They race down the stairs as fast as they can, anxious to leave that place. Boarding their ship they start to make their way back to Arx, grateful as their sails fill with wind and their ship cuts through the waves. A storm rolls in but they continue undeterred, knowing they need to get away from that place.

When they arrive back in Arx, the Compass points east. East, it seems, to Mardomum.

Action by Harald(RIP) for Silence

(Public Action)

Docks & Lower Boroughs Defense

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

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

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

Assisting at the Docks:

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

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

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

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


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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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