Lou has been tasked by Liara to reach out to the various sects of Abandoned within the Crownlands and to convince them to join the Compact in protecting Arvum. As such, she has put together a team of people to help with this journey, making sure they are properly outfitted, to tour the various areas of the Crownlands that Lou knows contains abandoned (from her previous work in @aciton 2263), particularly along the coastal regions, to complete this task. Her goals for this task are to:

1) Go to the Abandoned villages or tribes she knows are not tainted by the Abyss to have an open discussion about the latest threat from Eurus. First, Lou reminds those she's places visited that she's there before, and she's worked with them where she was able. Second, she makes sure the villages know that she's not there for slaughter, but honest open discussion and a good faith offer. Then, finally she discusses that Eurus is spoiling for war, they are known slavers, and they are infamous for taking slaves largely from the Abandoned tribes who do not readily have a force of people who'd fight for them. She tells them this information not to scare them, but to let them know what's at stake and what it might cost them to ignore the threat that's coming.

2) To ask them to join the Compact in aiding with the defense of Arvum. And, by doing this, she uses her position as Voice of Grayson to offer them an opportunity to join the fealty chain of House Grayson and a more permanent means of laying down roots on the land that they already inhabiting, as potential vassals of the various noble houses of House Grayson; the details of which vassal houses they'd join to be worked out at a later date and until that time they'd be members of House Grayson directly. By joining the fealty chain of House Grayson, they'd be given the protection of the Compact, as well as a means to start trading with the various members of the Compact.

She makes this offer in good faith as Voice, in part because having more people to defend the Compact would be useful, but also because she's certain the Abandoned may also be a good source of information on knowledge long since lost to the compact, much like the tribe of the Wolfheart people provided (Action 1418, @cal 1156). By adding them to the Compact, they also grow their knowledge base as well, and may be able to better fend off other dangerous threats.

Selene brings a light touch, building on her experience with the Great Road where she followed Thena (action 3099) and Reese (action 3088) to build that tremendous goodwill that strengthened the Grayson forces. The Crown, the Grayson fealty, and importantly the army have brought many benefits to Prodigals who bent the knee. They have quelled many of the battles and quarrels that afflict the Abandoned, and provided potent opportunities for those who joined up. She can sing the praises of House Seliki's endeavors to bring wealth and livelihoods with real value to those who settled among them, how Mia Riven opened her doors and absorbed many displaced Abandoned, then defended them. She orchestrates this diplomacy quietly and directly, a warm smile and a very real interest in the concerns that are raised among those so different from herself. She musters the forces of Whisper House where they might wish to accompany her, organizing the apprentices and other fully ranked Whispers to provide assistance to Lou's endeavours. After all, /peace/ is a foremost concern and a message she speaks (title: Whisper of Peace after all) with quiet, persistent purpose far and wide to draw them in. Separate, they fall, each one of them weak enough to pick off. Together, they are bound to be stronger, more certain to endure.

Felicia is particularly along on this trip to help keep the diplomats safe, but also because of her familiarity with some tribes further up the coast from Grayson. An opportunity to speak with the previously encountered Yorn (action 3562) and other 'neutral' tribes again- to reconnect with those she made headway with and provide them with more assistance. Though she knows of the Kous out there, too, her recommendation to the diplomatic team is to not approach them. This also gives her the opportunity to check the veracity of information previously provided in preparation for other actions in the future.

Invited along by Lou Grayson as her protege, Lord Martino Malvici will be putting his ability to speak before a crowd to the test again. They may have heard of his efforts in doing just this outside Southport recently (Action 3882) and so perhaps more have come along this time.

He will further amplify the points made by Lou about the benefits of life within the Compact and setting up roots. How some have done just that in the south and how House Malvici cares for them. That House Grayson will do the same for them and ensure their safety, prosperity and families will thrive. That the Compact also respects a good number of traditions so there is no total loss of their identity.

For any in the crowd that can speak Lycene Shav, he can speak privately in their native tongue where needed.

Harlan will be going along with the Princess Lou Grayson, bringing the additional power that he and Ashford brings to the table. He knows that convincing Abandoned to join the Compact directly may be a large jump, and is willing to accept a smaller jump: That if the Abandoned don't wish to join the Compact, that they at least agree to not fight -for- the Eurusi, reinforcing the fact that the Eurusi are known slavers, and that Ashford (along with the rest of the Compact) is anti-slavery, bringing up Ashford's recent acceptance of and assistance to ex-Thralls as well. He will also reinforce Selene's message of peace and unity, stressing that the Compact and people are only strong when they fight together. Within Ashford, he will also work to get in touch with Clan Tree-Runner (clue 3660) more directly, although he knows it will be a hard sell -- but at least he wants to reach out, attempting to make peace.

Quintin's a middling diplomat at best, but he's got a sharp mind for tactics and he goes along to keep people safe and get to know the lay of the land. Mostly he's scouting and determining the best uses of land and fighters. He's also going to be coming from the angle of how the Abandoned are stronger with the Compact and the benefits they'd gain from the Compact's additional resources. In a military sense!

It's not easy.

Selene Whisper is one of the finest diplomats in the Compact and Harlan and Martino are talented, which manages to at least get three different clans to the table without violence. That's hard enough in itself, as all of the Abandoned are ones that have studiously resisted attempts to get them to bend the knee during the Silent War or the Gyre War and other diplomatic entreaties, and most have generational grievances against the Compact or at least local houses.

Clan Grayfall would bend the knee if its leadership are ennobled, joined by a marriage pact for protection to a noble Crownlands house. Their lands are relatively in between Ashford and Bisland lands in the Gray Forest, in a particularly difficult area to patrol of cliffs and valleys.

Clan Greatharrow is a relatively mercenary group that has often acted for pay for other Abandoned, and they'd take gifts, but refuse to take a pay cut just for a small matter like an existential threat. Their lands are Northeast of Arx, near Harrowhall, and they'd bend the knee as commoners for roughly 30,000 resources (of any type), or 15 million silver. Otherwise, they intend to flee to the Everwinter and wait matters out.

The Glorians would bend the knee if their extremely heretical worship of Gloria monotheism is protected, and they are all made formal members of the Templars. This particular clan were made up of godsworn that went rogue during the time of Marach the Apostate, who broke godsworn vows and seized lands near where the Gray Forest meets the Red Mountains.

They all could bend a good bit, but they all have difficult demands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's still a spectacular success.

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

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

Thesarin is leading war patrols into the Grey Forest, under the auspices of Princess Reese, in response to the reports of the Horned God and his creatures moving in the Forest and edging toward the Lodge of Petrichor. He'll be working with the information from Emily and Shard's souting patrols to hunt down monsters and writ-bound Abandoned, to meet any threats on the move with steel and fury.

Harlan will be accompanying the war patrol, Stormwall ready, keeping an eye out for any trouble be it demonic bunnies, writ-bound Abandoned or anything else. He'll be near the back, the better to use his bow and to keep an eye out behind. Also, if the opportunity presents himself and he's allowed to, he's going to gather things to help Olivia (see action 1989) from any demonic bunnies or other appropriate items. He won't disobey orders to get it, though.

Accompanying the war patrol with Thesarin, Joslyn will be taking her best weapons and armor. She'll be keeping her eyes open for anything throughout the mission, and is mostly there as muscle in case things go south, ready to meet any threats with her steel, following Thesarin's orders.

Luca's going to be joining the patrol with his best leather armor and at least a few of his better swords, in case someone shows up looking a little.. underprepared for anything that might happen. He'll be doing his thing, in case there's trouble.

Gailin cant not answer the call he goes along with the warband leather clad and Claymore with him. Hes ready for any threat that can be thrown their way. Strong of arm and heart hell follow Thesarins lead ready to meet any threat with force.

Irisa is accompanying Thesarin's patrol. She is not afraid to be out front and will be using her experience in such matters in order to try and pick out any dangers before it may be upon them. She'll be wearing pretty much the armor she's been given and using a similarly issued sword. She will place a priority on the safety of Thesarin, as well.

The Gray Forest was scouted, and part of a family saved. The cave is empty now, but... where are the villagers?

Ainsley is leading up a mass organized attempt at charity and relief efforts for Stormwall and Darkwater. He's gathered multiple people to help with his efforts and many donations. They are as follows:

1) Aiden, Samantha, and Ainsley will head together to Stormwall to personally drop off supplies, services, and other things for the recovery efforts (of course keeping away from those tar pits). Samantha will be providing lumberjacks, lumber, and the like. Aiden will be helping to provide morale boosts and help the families and the survivors. While Ainsley will be busy helping to direct and work with the locals for the people they are providing to help.

2) Titania will be heading up the efforts to help recover Darkwater. She will be in charge of taking the donates resources, supplies, and money to Darkwater to liaise with the Darkwater people. Likely Ariel and Malesh will be helping her. Ariel will be contacting people to help find aid and suitable locations to help relocate the Darkwater Redoubt. While Malesh will be putting his economic Know How to good use to try and generate funds to help with the rebuilding efforts.

3) Roxanna will be handling dealing with public relations and help gather donations, public support and otherwise getting word spread that these things are happening! She is our PR person.

4) Olivia, Jordan, and Harlan will be helping as well. Sir Jordan will go along as a pledged sword to help protect the caravans and help make certain that they are not attacked on the way to Stormwall. While Harlan will be assisting Aiden by sending ahead money and resources to be sent to the distribution center. And Olivia will be working as healer to help the people of Stormwall as they go, focusing on recouping the human cost of battle.

5) Lastly all donations should be split equally amongst the two houses: 2k Econ for each house, 250,000silver split for each house, etc.

Samantha is riding alongside Ainsley and Aiden to personally deliver All of The Things. As for her contributions, she's aware that Crovane's duchy has significant access to lumber, so she is going to round up as many volunteers as are willing to come from Deepwood and its fealties. Lumberjacks, carpenters, carvers, etc. Samantha will also arrange for volunteers who are willing to provide adminstration and organization for temporary housing, sanitations resources, and communal kitchens. The people of Old Oak pride themselves on their philanthropy, and this is an opportunity for all of Arvum to see and consider their example.

Aiden can contribute in the means of morale boosts. He was acting as the Commander of the Grayson Army during the conflict at Stormwall. He will help by personally visiting the survivors of Stormwall and speaking with them on an individual basis. It will be a long grueling process but one he started in the aftermath of the fighting, when he went around speaking to the injured. The easiest way to accomplish this is to visit the survivor's camps first and there he will collect the names of the family memebers which are yet surviving, those who are lost, and start compiling a sense of what each family needs in respect to long term compensation and immediate need. It's a great undertaking but he's pulling in help from his social network (social writs: 200) to make the task easier to manage. The next step is to set up a distribution center in which can allocate the resources more efficiently in a tirage sort of decision making tree - shelter, food, and water being of the utmost concern. He'll have contributed what he can to the economic plight (economic writ: 300) as he feels responsible for all those that lost.

Titania along with her husband Count Gailin will be taking the resources, services, materials, and etc to the Darkwater Redoubt or to whoever is in charge of their rebuilding efforts on that side.

Roxana assists dear cousin Ainsley's efforts with what she does best, skillful public relations. She builds up the plan that Ainsley, Aiden, and Samantha set out for Stormwall and Darkwater to all of her contacts who will listen, including those loyal to her Grayson and Malvici kin. Other groups and individuals she has ties with hear the same message, that she would be so very grateful if this worthy cause was given the attention it deserves among the populace of Arx and the nobles of Arvum. Any difficulties that arise from the organization of these efforts that she might assist in smoothing over she will, and she will continue to make sure that the Grayson penchant for doing the best by the people of the Compact is always recognized and appreciated.

Princess Cassima Thrax has funds to offer as part of rebuilding efforts for Darkwater and Stormwall. These funds are the proceeds of the Islander Relief Auction, which took place just before the final naval maneuvers against the Gyre began. As promised, Cassima is prepared to make these funds available for use by any who seek to provide relief for the Isles and, by extension, Stormwall. To this, Cassima has pledged the support of 100,000 silver for the rebuilding efforts, as well as her own skills in budgeting and economics to help make favorable purchase agreements for materials.

Jordan can't contribute with much; his finances aren't all that good and he's paying off a thing or two, still. Nevertheless, he pledges his sword in efforts to ensuring the caravans sending support, material and cares are secure. He'll accompany them to the roads leading to Stormwall, as well as assist with his manual labor in the rebuilding process. He's not going to shy away from giving his all in helping the Northlands.

Harlan can also contribute in the means of morale boosts. Under Aiden, he lead the Grayson archers during the conflict at Stormwall. He will also be visiting the survivor camps, gathering family names, as well as reaching out to as many survivors and families of the fallen in Ashford that he can. Likewise, he will be using his social ties to help him with this (150 social writs) to help gather the information. He will assit Aiden with the distribution center, but also be working within Ashford to do the same there as well (Economic writ: 200). He will also be supplying Grayson with 50,000 silver towards helping with the rebuilding of Stormwall, as he was unable to travel there himself -- he also gives Jordan his blessing to accompany the others on their journey with him.

As she was at the battle in Stormwall as a healer, Olivia will make a point of returning with the support effort to provide medical assistance. She'll check in with any old patients who survived the battle, render what care she can, and so on. In terms of material support, she'll focus on preparing medicines and other such necessities to focus on the human cost of the battle rather than the physical and economic destruction.

Ariel will be sending out messengers to Stonewood holdings to get together what can be spared. Contacting others seeking their aid in the matter and help in finding suitable locations to house the displaced.

Malesh has had his chance at leading in combat and that went well enough, given the circumstances. He's much more at home in this sort of thing now, taking advantage of the foibles of trade deals and the locations of this good or that. Putting quill to paper and chewing through a good deal of it, he will assist in the crunching of numbers to ensure that the funds and resources gathered are stretched to the absolute breaking point to provide the greatest results. Coin is pooled to buy in bulk, and chains of goods purchased to ensure the free flow of the supplies needed from one town to the next.

Prince Ainsley takes the lead in Grayson restoration efforts. Raising money for aid to Stormwall and Darkwater both, he enlists diplomats and society notables to help raise relief funds to be put to use in rebuilding both destroyed domains.

Prince Aiden, Marquessa Samantha, and Prince Ainsley head together to Stormwall to personally drop off supplies, services, and other things for the recovery efforts. From Deepwood, lumberjacks and lumber. From Grayson, financial aid and morale support. They help with the organizational efforts and the actual building alike.

Countess Titania Fireviper leads the efforts to help recover Darkwater. She will be in charge of taking the donates resources, supplies, and money to Darkwater to liaise with the Darkwater people. Marquess Malesh and Marquessa Ariel also help, contacting people to help find aid and willing backs to clear the debris and carnage from the Redoubt so that it can be rebuilt. Princess Cassima Thrax, Economic Genius, also pours Thrax money into these efforts to aid her family's vassal.

Lady Olivia, Sir Jordan, and Duke Harlan will help too. Sir Jordan helps protect the caravans and help make certain that they are not attacked on the way to Stormwall. Duke Harlan assists Aiden by helping supply funds and supplies for relief. And Lady Olivia will be working as healer to help the people of Stormwall as they go, focusing on recouping the human cost of battle.

And Princess Roxana Grayson drops word in just the right places. There's a fundraising party here. There are people collecting supplies there. She makes sure that the flow of information is smooth and seamless, that people who want to help know where to send donations, and that the people in charge of helping are well known for their efforts.

All in all a resounding success on both fronts, and the Graysons are certainly taking part in the rebuilding efforts in both places. Things are looking brighter in Darkwater and Stormwall.

Princess Marian, Warchief to Redrain, is gathering her military leaders together and setting the following strategy to repel the abyssal fleet that is sailing on House Crovane's Stormwall:

Phase 1: Call on the Spirits (Led by Khanne) - Shamans will pray to the spirits of Wind to blow away the clouds if the 'night walkers' are present or on Wind and Storm to storm on the enemy before they reach shore if they are normal humans (note: see @action 1878 if they make it through the storm, see below)

Phase 2: Stop the Enemy's Landfall and Defend the Beaches (Led by Vercyn & Edain) - Once the enemy is in range, there are 3 prong attack done in 3 rounds to cut down the enemy as they try to get to the beaches? Round 1) Siege Weapons used to fire on ships to try to sink the men before they get to shore (note: burn the weapons if have to give up ground); Round 2) Fire reigns down on the men that try to come ashore on longboats (note: when cavalry engage, archers retreat back to the castle) 3) Cavalry swoop in and cut down the men that make it to the beach

Phrase 3: Defend the Castle (Led by Marian, Mydas & Ainsley) - once the enemy goes through the gauntlet set up on the beaches... Round 1) As men approach the castle, arrows reign down to kill Round 2) If they manage to storm the castle, pike armies try to get them as they scale walls or break down gates; Round 3) Infantry engages if they get through (note: there will be a way out so we can slip into the passes if the castle gets taken; we would like to rig explosives to make Stormwall one big trap if we have to give it up); The Healers (Led by Eilonwy & Reigna) will be based out of the Castle and assist the wounded from those armies that fall back from the Beaches (note: they will be the first to evacuate if the castle is taken)

Phase 4: Retreat through the Passes (Led Sigurd & Armel) - If we can't kill them at Stormwall, then we will led them into the passes and take them there... Round 1) the Infantry triggers the traps; Round 2) Archers reign down arrows on those that survive the traps

Fairhaven Defense: Darren is taking a unit of Infantry and Calvary to Fairhaven that is going to be outside of the main defense of Stormwall.

As Darren figures out how many Redrain soldiers will answer his call of banners, he begins organizing soldiers in to the most efficient army he possibly can. He'll use his knowledge to set up units and align them in Marian's army to give her a good balance of size and clarity of communication. While he won't be going to Stormwall himself (he has no heir yet) he wants to set up the army to have the greatest chance of success and will dedicate his own knowledge and the resources of Redrain to do it.

Sigurd(Siguard?) Nightgold will be leading the forces holding the passes in case of eventual retreat.

Eilonwy is supporting the militia by working with other healers. She's using her experience as a triage healer in several battles to help lead and ensure soldiers are patched up and sent back out to fight in fighting form or sent to infirmaries for more intensive care.

Reigna will be coordinating with the other healers to set up and maintain triage stations within the castle, making use of several units of the now-trained civilian healers that she's called. Relying on the training they've been through in setting up and breaking down triage hospitals, she'll be organizing and coordinating with the other healers, particularly Cybele, Valery and Eilonwy to maintain protocols and ensure the best possible care is given, while being prepared for potential evacuation. Evacuation plans will be laid in case the worst happens, and Reigna plans to ensure there are drills run so that people are as ready as they can be, they know what they need to do if and when the time comes. With those preparations made, she is also going to be using her skills as a healer to aid the wounded.

Marquis Mydas Acheron will command his troops from the castle, with the intention to preserve as many of his soldiers' life as possible, while inflicting as much slaughter upon the invaders as possible. As such, he applies his tactical mind to the task, making plans within plans to make the pirates pay for every inch. Though they may be forced to retreat if the worst might come to pass, Mydas' soldiers will fight their very best, strike hard and ruthlessly, and offer no mercy to the enemies of the Compact, the Gods and the Spirits. All beneath the red.

Ainsley will be bringing with him the Grayson ground troops. These men and women will be set to fortify the castle. He will also be bringing with him a Siege Weapon, which will be set up to help rebel any forces that attempt to siege the castle. He and his men will be set to protect and rebel. Anyone who gets through they'll fight. If it looks like the castle is going to fall, they will start getting the non-combatants and the like out, through escape routes to Sigurd and Armel's troops.

Preston is leading the Templars en masse up North, leaving only a small force of Crownland Templars to guard the capital (Army: Templars on Parade #156) in case the Dominus needs them, or a army of cultists rises up and needs a right good stabbing. The rest, including the newly purchased trebuchet Aion, will be heading to crovane along with a heavy mounted knight contingent of the knights of solace. This is detailed in action #1774 as well as action #1874 in greater detail. The Templars will be offering an alternative to Phase 1, namely prayers to the pantheon and seeking Gloria's assistance to defend the innocent against the wicked, and to hold the honour she has taught us dear. The Templars are bringing gear for more temporary trebuchets as well as their more permanent one, so will be helping in that part of Phase 2, as well as engaging the enemy in what is hoped is a decisive battle. Templars have a deviation then after phase 2. As detailed in action 1774, the Templars will retreat south and should the enemy attack/siege stormwall and the defenders sally out, they will charge into the rear, otherwise as Phase 3 and 4 occur, the Templars will withdraw south to prevent the enemy marching down into the Compact.

Thesarin will be leading the Riven forces in the defense of Stormwall, under the direction of Marian and Ainsley. He'll be paying special attention toward the forests around Stormwall, to bleed the Gyre's forces on the approach (@action 1844), with the plan of falling back to the castle as the army approaches. He'll help coordinate plans, lead troops, and fight in combat himself if need be.

Edain will lead his force of 2000 mounted knights into battle on the beaches of Stormwall, per Marian's battle strategy, but he will be relying on Lord Alban to assist him his strategiest and look to him to help him set his formations.

Edain will be following Marian's strategy and coordinating with Duke Vercyn and Archlector Cassandra to arrange Cavalry strikes on the Pirate Kings Forces as the touch down on the beaches. When it comes time to fall back to the city he will direct his forces to cover the shaman, archers and seige engineers falling back to the city. When it comes time to fall back completely they will fall back and regroup, all the way to where Armel and the Knights of Solace hold the pass. Once regrouped and ready they will try and attack the Priate King's flanks once they are enaged with the walls of Stormwall. They will help Armel defend the pass if it is comprimised after falling back.

See action for #1821 for more details of those assisting Edain.

Acting as infantry in the frontlines of the defense, Echo will hold her ground in Crovane lands with her blade in hand, doing whatever she can to protect the enemy from breaching the first line of defense. Should Stormwall's defenses fail and Echo be forced to fall back, she'll be helping out set off traps.

Knight-Princess Astraea swore a vow that she would see Darren and Donella safely to Farhaven and she intends to do so. She makes her pilgrimages to each of the shrines around the city, leaving her offerings and prayers to each of the Gods. After she believes herself armed with their blessings she will see to her duty. When that task is complete, Astraea takes her sword and shield with the fastest horse before making haste to the frontlines. She will fight to stop the enemy's advance and defend Crovane lands with all the ferocity and might she can muster.

Seymour will be overseeing supply lines and resupply from the safety of somewhere other than Stormwall. Specifics are in action 1782.

Ordered to keep an eye on Giant's Reach's forces and lacking any real commanding talent, Amarantha spends her time volunteering and gathering funds. She sees that the supplies from Sanna go to the correct places and invests her own writs into supporting Redrain's armies.

Agatha will be involved in phase 3 of the plan, the castle defense, where she will lead the pikemen in their attemps to smash and cut down the vanguard of the enemy onslaught attempting to get to the castle at the doors and over the walls. After prayers to the Pantheon and communion with the spirits, armed with a mighty roar and indomitable spirit (and gear), she'll be doing her best to keep the men and women of the pikeline steady so they can help delay the enemy as long as possible before a retreat is necessary.

Tallius will ship out with the other Redrain, lending his bow and his skill as a carpenter in whatever measures they can be of use. He'll help with any building of last minute defenses, and then be present as a fighter in the battle to come.

Valery's smoke bombs are useful again! She will prepare a batch of both her kinds of smoke bombs, the normal ones that just make normal smoke (around 15) and a few red ones, those that itch a lot in the eyes (another 3) and she'll give them to Marian to distribute as she thinks it's best.
She'll also make sure that those from House Redrain going into battle have some ointments and bandages other medicaments they may need to treat the wounds derived from the battle, so they can take some precarious care of them until a healer can reach them.

Cybele is being asked to aid along the healers, so that is what they do - working with Lady Reigna and Eilonwy, guiding the Mercies as best they are able. Primarily working as a surgeon, trying to find the places they can be most effective.

Alban is investing as much military support he can get into shoring up the defenses of Stormwall. The banners have been raised, but he is making last minute personal pleas to try and get more knights, soldiers, archers, and everything else to go to Stormwall to try and stop the Gyre in their tracks!

The Crimson Blades have been hired to do the high risk operations for this theatre under the direct command of Marian, and Tobias intends to do their job well. Blue and Tin Company (100 heavy infantry each) will be fitted for winter gear and light skirmishing, and heavy infantry bodyguarding as necessary. Ruby and Emerald Company (100+ archers/scouts) will be combined for this battle under Colonel Violet. Violet will be in charge of finding Crimson Blade targets, while Tobias will be in overall command of Crimson Blades in this battle, making sure they actually /can/ hit the targets she suggests, and working with the rest of the army commanders to make our job smoother; including discussing all he and his men learned from the Battle of Maelstrom so they don't repeat the same mistakes made there. They've been contracted to be high mobility skirmishers and bodyguards for this one... and Tobias intends to see them through. Tobias will be typically wielding Requiem, his alaricite blade. If they face obvious undead though, Tobias is going to try an rubicund blade, and see if that makes them easier to destroy... or anything with resistance to Requiem, for that matter.

Aiden's part in this act is the Commander of the Grayson Archers (adding military res 50). He's received his orders in the strategy meeting. He will work alongside Mydas to ensure unified command amongst the archers within the castle and upon the walls. Runners are assigned to ensure that messages get to Mydas in case the strategy has to change and the tide of the battle turns differently than what they've planned for. The Grayson Archer forces will be spread out along the walls, covering key points and using murder holes in the lower levels to be more effective when it comes to sharp shooting. The Silver Wings specifically have been told to aim for the heads of their enemies. Longbowmen will be arranged in the courtyard and will upon command of in coming enemies (with range called out and wind accounted for), offer volleys over the wall and into the battle field. There will be a percentage of archers who will always be resting to ensure lower levels of fatigue. He'll make sure that the sub-commanders and captains below him are aware of the strategy. 1) If fog conceals the beach, they'll wait for the order to loose their arrows, are to be taken so to not risk friendly forces. 2) Should the enemy start taking the castle, they will follow the escape routes and prepare to give ground in an organized rout, coming together again at the passages once they escape through the tunnels. 3) No fire arrows.

Aiden does make a speech to his men, lofting up a Cobalt Bow, quick and efficient: "Today we stand against those who would devour our homes and make us slaves to their might. Let them know we will not fear them and that we will fight them. Remain strong, stand firm. There are None Greater. Archers - Make every shot count as it could be the one that matters! Prepare your bows!"

Cirroch will be leading his troops in battle to try and defeat the enemy host. In addition to his own leadership he is adding to the defenses of Stormwall to aid in it’s defense; wooden planks on the beach for archers to hide behind, trenches between the beach and the walls to slow down the enemy host (hopefully with enough spikes in them to make it hurt), and plenty of heavy objects to drop from the walls on anyone trying to scale it.

Violet has been made the Colonel of the combined Ruby/Emerald Company. Violet's job is finding high profile targets for the companies to attack. This is where her preperation of learning the city a few days before the battle will be important, as well as map studying up until that point. They will be using hit and run tactics, bolstering Tin and Cobalt companies as they move through the city. Violet will also be able to keep an eye on the flow of the fight and intends to arrange a way to send vital info to the leadership in the Castle while they are out in the city.

Off to war! Duke Harlan Ashford will be leading the Ashford ground troops with the Compact forces on the way to Stormwall. Once there, he'll turn over command of the ground troops to Ainsley, while he and and his archers will be positioned to assist in raining down arrows upon the invading forces, as well as assisting with the retreat as necessary.

Along with many from the Redrain fealty, Morrighan travels to Stormwall with the family, assigned to Marian. The Redrain Knight will be glued to the Princess's side, acting as guard and protector to the Warchief - where Marian goes, Morrighan follows. She'll join the battle to defend the castle, fighting the fleet once they come on land and make their approach to their location - and she's armed to the teeth. In addition to being clad from head to toe in her exotic leathers, she's bringing with her her rubicund blade, an alaricite weapon, and a Cobalt cutlass.

Olivia is accompanying the Grayson forces under Prince Ainsley as a healer. Presumably she'll be stationed at the castle with the other healers! It's her second battle doing triage etc so everything should be fine, right? She'll bring her assortment of medicines, rare and unusual ingredients and strange flowers just in case.

Genevieve will be in Emerald/Ruby Company of the Crimson Blades. She will be part of the skirmishing, lending her bow and blade to the mission of the Crimson Blades.

At Stormwall, the Compact's soldiers have worked hard to fortify the city. They evacuated as many as possible, they came up with a coherent first plan that didn't last beyond the first engagement with the enemy (as plans never do), and they responded to the insane strategies of what must clearly be a madman directing the troops. And miraculously, it worked - or it seemed to at first. Gradually though, Compact forces were overwhelmed as wave upon wave showed up to press into the city.

And then, seeing what they faced and the numbers that came at them, they put into motion a brave (and possibly insane) plan of their own - they strategically trapped the enemy in the city, and they burned it down around their ears. It was one of those plans that you only put in motion when all other hope is lost. One that has no reason to work. One that only the truly desperate would use - and those who understand that the value of a place is not in its buildings but in its people.

And it succeeded. The enemy died where they stood. Those who fought that day watched the ships retreat and wondered if they would come back - but they knew that the day was theirs. Those who saw the end of the Battle at Stormwall were left to lick their wounds, patch up who they could, and bury the rest. And there were so many to bury.

And yet the Pirate King did not get a toehold in Stormwall. And Redrain lands remain free. A victory, if at a staggering cost.

%It was brought to Reese's attention that any Shavs in the Gray forest who have not bent the knee are likely to be recruited to the Horned God's army and to serve as his slaves while fighting against the people of Compact. Reese would like help prevent the Shavs from becoming enslaved as she highly values freedom, but she would also like to help prevent increasing the size and power of the Horned God's army. She also wants to secure the Gray forest as much as she can to make the it more difficult for the Horned God to take action there.

With this in mind she went to her cousin Calarian for help. Calarian and Reese decided to embark upon a mission to help secure he forest and encourage the Shavs to bend the knee. Calarian would be focusing on the diplomatic side of this mission and Reese on the military side (providing the diplomats with protection from any possible threats). Reese fears that treats might come in the form of Shavs who don't like this missions, abyss tainted animals and etc. The goal of the mission is to use words and charm rather than violence as much as possible.

Reese and Calarian would like to bring others with them, especially of the Grayson faction, including vassals and commoners who are interested in such an effort. They would like to bring scouts (who know the forest), social characters (who can help charm the Shavs over) and warriors (who can help defend the party). While on this mission they will be trying to stay alert for anything amiss including, but not to limited to (signs of the Horned God, cultists, blight, abyss tainted animals, any unexpected animals and any signs of monsters).

Reese will not hesitate to kill in defense of their party or herself, however she will offer any mortal and non abyss tainted combatants a chance to surrender. She also has moral problems with killing when not in defense. Which means she probably not kill Shavs who will not bend the knee if they are not attacking the party, not behaving as a threat or not engaging in acts she would consider evil. Reese will most likely follow the commands of Calarian who is voice and above her in rank. She wishes to be inclusive as possible and to invite the Grayson faction to aid in this effort.

Thanks, Reese's player

Since this is getting a little long and unwieldy, I'm going to save this one for reference as we go over the PRPs and applicable crises. Since it's getting hard to track what's resolved in PRPs and what's not, let's break it up into separate ones to make sure things aren't missed and go ahead and throw up a prprequest to make sure staff responses to anything outstanding aren't missed.