As sure as the tides come and go and the sun rises and sets each day, once more the Compact is in danger. There are threats at every turn, enemies at every corner, it can pull one in multiple directions, spread thin while trying to see to them all. It can be a tiresome thing, overwhelming, but Morrighan's focus is set but on one thing right now and one thing only: the Northlands.

Ever since the Battle of Last Oak, her dreams have changed, dreams of the Horned God, dreams of his desire to create a new Triarchy, and the plans that follow. There's no doubt to be had of the concern and threat that alone poses, but there's something more, something the Sword feels deep in her bones, a sense of unease that doesn't dissipate (clue: 3491, gm note). There's something terrible and wrong in the North, and it's something that's growing.

This something needs to be found. With reports of three Heralds up North, whispers of the Great Beast of Midnight having escaped and joining forces with the Horned God, and potentially a dozen Thornweavers last known heading North, to travel in the same direction is no doubt quite dangerous. Morrighan can't perform this mission alone, and so she's pulled together a small, yet highly skilled group to help with reconnaissance. With her own skillsets and abilities put into play, Morrighan will also be relying on those of the group to help track down whatever this source of unease is - and in the process keep them all out of harms way.

The objectives are thus:

- Get in and out of the Northlands with as little detection (preferably none) as possible. Acquiring the attention of any of the three major threats would be very bad news.

- Find the source. This terrible wrong, this thing that's growing, whatever _it_ is, it needs to be found, and as safely as possible.

- Avoid crossing paths and conflict with the enemy, engaging in combat with three Heralds, the Great Beast of Midnight, or a dozen Thornweavers isn't really ideal or on the agenda. Scouting and reconnaissance only.

Lord Arik Halfshav has patroled Whitehold lands ever since he was a young man. Being able to judge the potential threats of not only the land but others that are traveling it was crucial to his survival. While journeying with Morrighan and the other companions he focuses all his attention on their surroundings, knowing that the abyss can do unnatural things but often leaves a sign he seeks out the disturbances to nature and the hints of odd animal activity as a precursor to any ambushes or in pursuit of the source of Morrighan's concern. Should the worst come about and the party is ambushed Arik will dedicate the bulk of his efforts to saving Dame Morrighan Marin the Sword of Farhaven then the Legate Ailith Godsworn... Everyone else definitely knew what they were getting into.

Before the research party ever leaves Arxlandia, "The Pettening" ultimately commences: of all the Cats and all the Dogs -- ALL OF THEM -- who the Scout Rowenova can possibly find. First and Foremost, this also includes the soulful hound Sir Floppington, of course. Then, the hound-and-human duo head out to the Northern lands with their research party, doing so with the determined objective to carry out those three objectives as expressed above.

With Nova as their luck charm along with Flop as a sensitive nose, they can hopefully help with digging up something substantial with their keen senses!

Ailith is faith, Nova luck, Arik wit, Morrighan wisdom. Lilah, then, is the weird. She contributes her lore skills and ability to detect Abyssal or arcane traces (clue 1202) to help the group avoid direct encounters with their enemies: House Thornweave (theory 516, 557; clues: 3248, 3443*, 3321*, 3244); Legion; the Horned God (revelation 61); and Shaivassa (clues: 357, 2964, 3020). She blends her survival skills with the deep font of occult expertise to ensure a (relatively) safe recon mission. Focused directly on finding signs of Thornweave or this newish Abyssal activity, she communicates the interpretations of these signs so they can build a greater picture of movements and pending trouble. This includes keeping tabs and notes on active use of certain kinds of magic. Making sense of what this threat actually is and getting back to describe it is /high/ on her list of things to do.

As a secondary function, she's using an active counterintelligence strategy to keep the group hidden from their enemies' notice. For example, watching for the enchanted thickets signalling Thornweave/Sylv'alfar magic. Her approach shifts according to observed threats, working closely with Ailith if they're heavy on Abyssal or Arik/Mo/Nova if it's Adepts or such. She is coming well-protected, in various bits of fireweave, steelsilk, Mal's coat, and her alaricite bow.

There and Back Again. Ailith and her Sword Sister, Morrighan, traversed across the Compact on a mission that half relied on a plan with a hammer and the other half as a leap of faith [GM Event 1441, 1446, 1454, 1463]. When there is faith, a direction can be guided by a lit path -- all one needs to do is make the first step. Ailith shall gear up (armor and holy diamondplate sword from PRP Event 1674), pack her holy water, prayer beads, and sacred lantern -- items that have guided her through the darkest of times. She offers to the party, blessings to lend them assistance along their journey -- prayers to the Gods.

She admits to not being stealthy, a tracker, or a survivalist. What she brings is her faith -- the full trust in her gods and being at the side of her Sword Sister. She's aware of all the big threats headed in a similar direction and hasn't let that deter her from finding the source behind Morrighan's unease -- whatever this new threat is for the Compact -- She is well aware that the objective is to detect the abyssal taint that exists outside the main known forces (demons, heralds, and fiends, oh my!) and do her best to bring justice or recover the needed knowledge for justice to be done.

Morrighan came asking for his help in a adveture she is going on to the North, speaking of the dangerous and what is going on Cillian has agreed to go up North with her. He will be doing scouting for her, its where he is most at home in the woods of the north it is where he grew up and lived till he came to Arx. He will be taking his caribou Akkar with them, he will be making sure he is set on supplies and armor before going. He will be lending his skills as a scout on this mission.

They are careful and skilled. They track in a half dozen different ways. Morrighan observes at and through. Arik traces disturbances in birds and beasts. Rowenova sets Sir Floppington sniffing. Delilah looks for dark traces and thickened thickets. Ailith takes deep breaths and gives blessings every so often. Cillian and his caribou slip through the shadows.

They are careful and skilled, but without any indication of having been seen, they stumble into . . . something. The air is thick with wicked crows, crows that Floppington cannot smell, cawing mockery. The shadows buzz with anticipation. The ground seems soft and fragile under foot. They stand in the darkness and realize that there does not need to be anything growing in the north besides the Horned God and his New Triarchy, the abyss they expect rather than the abyss they don't.

And by the time they get to that point, they seem too far in. The air smells like singed paper and burning metal, like sweat and insect wings and damp fur. They turn around and what they can see of the path is unfamiliar. They are not certain how they got where they are. The path, a loose track through the woods, is growing dark, their footsteps filling with murk. The crows' laughter seems both everywhere and targeted at them. They feel vague, blurred, as if they were falling into each other, as if they were losing themselves.

They try to make it back. They avoid the filling footsteps. They cling to each other. Their vision blurs. They see fire in deep water, they feel themselves drowning. They feel themselves helpless, dying, dissolving. They raise a hand and are not sure whose it is. They are dissolving. The shadows are devouring them. Or the crows. Is there a difference? Is the darkness from without or within? They think they feel chains as far as they can feel anything, the suggestion of chains around their limbs, dragging them together. And down.

Then, suddenly, two things happen. Rowenova and Sir Floppington howl at once, and Delilah sees a path, a true path, out of the shadow, a glimmer of hope in the darkness. She and Rowenova and Floppington thread the line, and the rest of the team finds themselves step by step. Ailith blinks and sees the path like a golden thread binding herself and the Compact back together. Arik feels strong as iron and beast, his every footstep like a tree re-rooting. Cillian finds his hand on Akkar's back. He feels lighter. Freer.

Then they're back. Then the shadows are gone. They remember this place. The hut in the distance with the soft eddy of smoke. The crooked tree overhanging the gully. They can't see what they stumbled into -- whatever it is doesn't seem to be a place, at least, not a place that one can see. Not now. But Delilah feels sure that this has a direction, and Sir Floppington's nose agrees (he doesn't smell anything, but there's this . . . tingle). Toward the Gray Forest. Past Old Oak. Delilah feels that the New Triarchy wants a crown.

It's just when they're settled back into themselves that they notice they're not alone. A great winged darkness passes to their left, amorphous. The shadow does not fall on them; not this time. The trees twist in the shadow underneath, tangling together into what Morrighan's team swears is a word. "Fugue." Then the amorphous darkness wings south, and the trees relax into their normal configuration.

After attempting to research in the library, Zoey determines the best course of action is to return to the Water Keepers. Exercising her diplomatic skills, she seeks to learn the following from them:

*What these creatures of great wisdom and age who live far beyond the surface of the sea are. (Sources indicate they may be Balean, the mirror opposite of the kraken and sacred to Mangata.)

*What the tribe's responsibility to them is.

*What the tribe can tell us of the coming danger, both in its nature and its numbers. (Sources indicate that it is Orichalcum, AKA the Horned God, herald of the Slaver.)

*What tools or abilities the Water Keepers have that can be utilized for the creatures' defense.

*What tools or abilities House Kennex must still gain access to in order to effectively assist in the creatures' defense.

Catalana has always been one of the voices for house Kennex. First Delholm, then Ford, Octavia and now Aethan. Anything that requires tact and charm has Catalana helping.

She heads to the shore and meets with the leaders of the water keepers. She will speak with them on what they need to protect in return for bending the knee. She will negotiate deals and protections with a smile and a laugh. She will view their lands with her full interest and work out what how they can help exactly.

Her goal is to return to Aethan with a new vassal and a plan to keep them safe.

Lilah, as an explorer and a talented theologian, wouldn't miss an adventure like this. While the others handle diplomacy and martial concerns, she seeks to ensure clear understanding of the dangers ahead and gather precious lore that builds out a broader picture about the Water Keepers and their charges. What are these creatures, what do they need, and what sort of tales surround them? Using her background in religion/shamanism and cultural practices, she aims to learn from the tribe about their needs. If necessary, she can help the Kennexes avoid any faux pas or giving offense. She particularly strives to learn about the threat they face and will connect the evidence to any known troubles (especially if it's Orichalcum or his allies) or other references as part of a broader exchange to try and build an accurate picture of their foremost concerns. This isn't the first time she has participated in cross-cultural exchanges.

Evander will be joining the other Kennex in traveling to meet with the Water Keepers. He is, in particular, interested in any oral or written lore they may have, with an intent to transcribe everything. He will engage them in talk often, not just the leaders but various members of the tribe, expressing an ongoing interest in learning about their history and lore. In turn, he will share what lore he has that might coincide with theirs, establishing a basis for mutual understanding and hopefully fostering a better understanding of each other.

From the deck of his cog, the Bounty of Cirella, Wash surveyed the sea. He was no stranger to command, and the Kennex fleet escorting Lady Zoey to a meeting with mysterious shavs was a responsibility he took solemnly. With military precision he commanded the escort ships upon arrival to set a defensive position outside the island's harbor and regular patrols surveyed the island. He would allow no mortal action to endanger a Voice of House Kennex without first circumnavigating his defenses, especially when she was engaged in such delicate and important negotiations. He knew that this was no ordinary exchange of fealty, but that Beings of Great Importance, may be watching this encounter from afar. He may not have magic to counter their will, but at sea he had learned to put his trust in Mangata when That Which Was Beyond His Ken came calling. He kept his blessed Mangata tokens close at hand and reminded his men that anything out of the ordinary should be brought to his attention, no matter how seemingly inconsequential. By the time the negotiations had come to a close, Wash knew the island's contours as well as he knew his newborn son. He had devised a plan to protect it, not just it's inhabitants, but to prevent any creature, man or fish, from entering that all-important harbor where he was told the sacred creatures took refuge.

Mikani is excited to be asked to join. As Ambassador to the Marin'alfar she sends out a missive seeing what they know of the creatures, may be Balean, and if there is anything that the Marin'alfar know about keeping them safe. In an effort to help with the Water Keepers, Mikani uses her language and investigative to study as much about the Water Keepers and the Balean as she is able to. She would help Evander and Delilah in anything they needed.

While not a Kennex, Evonleigh has been lending her voice, charm, and diplomatic graces to the house for a couple of years now, and is happy to assist yet again in one of their endeavors. Speaking with a tribe like this -- well, that's less common for her, but not completely out of her wheelhouse either. She will use all of the skills she has learned as a diplomat and lean on those she's learned as an actress and lady as well, to help the Kennexes in their negotiations, by speaking well of the Kennexes, especially of their loyalty and bravery.

Llewella goes at Zoey's request to help with the matter. She'll do what she can to ensure proper supplies are organized for everyone, that all the retainers brought along are kept efficiently about their duties, and other matters of stewardship that allow the diplomat and researchers to do what they need to do.

Thea is not a Kennex but Lady Zoey is somewhat family now. With Lady Kaia now being Thea's sister by marriage. She will be traveling as s medic this round, being asked personally. So of course, Thea agrees--keeping the sister safe.

Archlector Madeleine of Mangata is here to learn and see what can be done to help.

In her own soft spoken, calm way, occasionally ditzy way, Madeleine will try to learn from the Water Keepers about both themselves and the creatures that are suspected to be sacred to Mangata. She is curious to learn first hand from the Water Keepers about their ways, beliefs in relation to Mangata. She is also very curious to know about the creatures and what they know of them

Understanding the creatures are sacred to Mangata she desires to help protect them however she may, even though they are a Shav tribe. Perhaps they can be brought into the Pantheon over time.

Aethan leaves the diplomacy-ing and investigating to others, but he does accompany the party with a contingent of the Stormward Fleet, due to dangers inherent in the waters. He will also meet with the tribe as needed/wanted.

The Kennex Delegation and Friends travel to where the Water Keepers live their simple lives. The journey there is fairly easy, though they aren't far from shore when they see a light from a fire on the beach. They weigh anchor and take a rowboat in, and are informed that the time of the birthing is almost upon them. They are asked to guard the entry to the cove while the birthing commences, though Madeleine is invited ashore as the Archlector of Mangata, to help with the prayers and the sacred rites. Mikani, who has sent a missive to the Marin'alfar and has received three strange balls of something that seem like little more than seaweed in return, is also invited ashore. The rest they ask to do their best on the seas outside the cove, and to remember that the Water Keepers are under their protection now. The way it is phrased seems important, and very grave indeed.

From there, their experiences differ wildly. Aethan takes the ship and the fleet to the entrance of the cove. Under the water, they can see dark shapes fully as large as the ship itself, swimming under the water and then submerging deeper, until even the hint of them is not seen. And then there's a single ship on the horizon. It does not rise from the Bloodwater at least, so that's something? And yet that single ship seems to bring with it an ominous feel, and the fleet sets sail to engage.

They close enough to warn them off, but the answer comes back almost eerily, as though every crew member on the deck is speaking as one. "And from the Sea shall come new life, and with its death shall Our God be exalted and freed at last." And with that, the battle is on. The ship is hard to track, and harder to kill. It's almost impossible to shoot it, to fire at it. There's a feeling emanating from it, an eerie sense that it would be better to join than to resist after all.

On the deck of the flagship, Aethan is suddenly struck mute, his hand gripping the rail so tightly his knuckles are white. It is up to Wash and Evander to try to marshal their forces. Aethan is muttering a wordless denial, shaking his head over and over again while Wash and Evander take command. The ship evades them, but through their skilled sailing they are still keeping the cove safe.

"Help Aethan!" Delilah is the first to recognize what's going on, with her knowledge of the occult what it is. Zoey, Catalana, Thea, Llewella, and Evonleigh gather around and link hands with Aethan in the center. Delilah, desperate to save the situation, starts speaking. "We are free. We will not submit. We are free. We will not submit." The women pick up the chant, throwing their whole intention into it as they chant together. Until at last Aethan starts murmuring with them. "We are free. We will not submit. We are free."

And then Aethan roars. "WE WILL NOT SUBMIT. YOU CANNOT HAVE THEM." His roar stops the ship, and it is as though with intent alone the ship is pushed back, back, and back - over the horizon and into nothingness, the threat gone, as the circle of women and Aethan himself fall to the deck unconscious.

With the threat negated, Wash and Evander look to the shore and see the signal fire has been lit again, and they make their way ashore as soon as the rest awaken.

Madeleine too has a tale to tell, of how she prayed with the Water Keepers for Mangata's blessings upon them and the new Balean. Of how two of them surfaced, almost large enough to fill the cove, and on their backs born in sadness were two small Balean calves, clinging to life but almost dead. Mikani sprung into action at this, and somehow the two of them coaxed the Balean close enough to feed two of the small balls of seaweed to the calves, who slowly, so slowly started to stir, and then gradually rolled into the water as their parents vanished with them into the depths. The Water Keepers turned to them with tears in their eyes. "Always we lose some," they say with great depth of feeling. "Always, as long as we can remember. Until now. Thank you."

The rites that Madeleine participated in were little more than prayers to Mangata, or so it seemed. But something in them seemed powerful, and yet not quite powerful enough to completely counteract the taint - of poison, of the abyss, of whatever is hunting them. Until the Kennexes came to help, that is.

And so as they begin to sail home, they do so with a company of Balean under their ships for the first hour or so, their huge presence making sure the Kennexes know that what was done will not be forgotten.

After extensive months of research with her protege Jordan, Lou figures she has enough information to go on to start the search for Whitepeak, the fallen city of miracles. She is armed with current maps of Frosthaven from an expedition set in 1006 by members of House Ashford, as well as bits of research that suggest that Frosthaven is at the base of Whitepeak itself. Lou intends to take a group of explorers to journey to Whitepeak, starting in the Frosthaven area, to see if they can found the mountain trail that takes the group up to this famed mountain where the Metallics once trialed their magics. She will be bringing with her the standard exploration gear that may be needed, and ensuring that all travelers are outfitted with that same gear (represented by economic writs), as well as a small group of warriors for additional protection (represented by military writs).

(Lou has the following clues to back up her search for Whitepeak: 769 - In Search of Whitepeak, 839 - A Civic Enterprise, 827- In Search of Triscali, 1093 - The Fall of Whitepeak, City of Miracles, 487 - The Fate of Frosthaven. Lou also has the Explorer Journal from the past Explorer trip to Frosthaven entitled: Society of Explorers - Frosthaven Expedition - 7/13/1006 through 7/22/1006 - which is located in the Society Journal Shelf in Arx - Ward of the Compact - Society of Explorers - Map Room.)

Delilah provides a wealth of experience with the wilds and the weird to the expedition, especially where it comes to recognizing odd signs and evidence for older cultures lurking about. She knows somewhat of what to expect. Especially when it comes to the Metallic Order! So this will be her foremost focus, gathering academic clues or insights as they arise. She can also look for proof they're headed in the right direction, and such. She lends a strong background in linguistics that may be relevant (see +lang/list), especially for identification of less than commonplace languages. Don't look to her for much in the way of combat expertise, but she has a trove of knowledge to tap into to help keep the group safe, informed, and educated. Also, she'll be a record keeper for the Society of Explorers.

Mason wants to see miracles! But really, adventuring with Lou is it's own reward. How could he not go? He'll let her plan everything, she's far better at it. He'll make sure to pack extra warm clothing but otherwise trust everyone else has things prepared.

Eddard is along for the ride. His patron, Lou, is bringing him along to snow. He hopes it wasn't her idea because of Tycho. Eddard is the overlap between Bard's College and Society of Explorers. Perhaps. So much talk of Metallics. He is bringing a hatchet and a mount.

A trip to Whitepeak! Jeffeth is here, as always, to use muscles. Jeffeth is a good tracker, but his primary strength is.. well strength. So he will be the one climbing ranges, securing lines, pushing the front, watching the back. He will be doing all the physically risky business first to ensure the rest of the group is safe. He will also have his armor on him and his weapons in case for some reason combat is required. The groups safety is his primary concern, then finding Whitepeak. However whenever they make camp? While the guards they pay for keep watch, Jeffeth will go out for a little while every night. He probably just needs to stare at the stars and reflect by himself or something like that.

After lengthy travel, the party finally managed to reach the presumed site of Whitepeak, to find a surprising amount of the city still standing. It was a dead city, a city of empty buildings and ruined books, of broken marvels and scattered bones. But among the wreckage wrought by Lorwroth Kinsbane, they did find a few glimmers of knowledge. They found buildings of foreign architectural styles. They glimpsed what might be a system of writing they'd never seen. They found a tiny clockwork griffon, a crystal that can capture sunlight, and one of Platinum's writings.

The long search has ended, and they finally found the city. Now a new long search begins: the sift through the rubble to find the useful scraps left, in hopes that some tiny part of the dream that was the City of Miracles might live on past the city itself. It will take time -- years -- and far more than one expedition to sift through the remains. But the city remains, still there at the end of that very long road.

And adventure awaits.

The Good Duke of Gemecitta, a musical comedy by Prince Niklas Grayson

It's time for another Niklas Grayson SPECTACULAR!

With the help of Nightingale Gianna Whisper, Niklas has put together an entirely new form of theatrical entertainment. They've taken one of his older plays, his first real hit, a comedy called The Good Duke and have rewritten it so every scene is a song, every line is a lyric and the entire play is an extravaganza of dancing, singing, acting and (in some cases) fighting. With extensive choreography, music from a number of popular genres and an all star cast, this reimagining, called The Good Duke of Gemecitta, is set to be a genre defining event.

Almost as important as the play itself is the fact that it will be the first theatrical performance held at the Bard's College, meant to demonstrate the worthiness of the College as a venue for all sorts of entertainment. That the show (which Niklas has termed a 'musical', so as to keep it separate from the somewhat artsier 'opera') contains such a mix of performances will allow the auditorium at the Bard's College to show its versatility.

Niklas also pulled together a cast made up of some of the city's most well known singers, dancers and actors. Backstage are legendary and famous artists putting together sets and wardrobes. As well as a veritable army of PR people out there hyping the whole thing. As Niklas has said in his humble and low key manner, this will either be the greatest spectacle in the history of the Compact, or the biggest disaster since the city burnt down. Either way, worth the cost of a ticket, right?

And finally, this is meant to be a big charity event. Once the commoner participants are paid all other funds will go toward Princess-Consort Alarissa Thrax's Thursday's Child project. But wait, what about paying the venue?! Well, it turns out that when you're Assistant Nightingale of the Bard's College you can cut yourself a 100% discount. So every last silver that doesn't go to pay (commoner) cast and (commoner) crew will go toward helping to pay off the debt of thrall children. Given that his brother freed hundreds of thralls, but did so in the dumbest way possible, this is something about which Niklas is actually quite passionate.

There will be no event and as such no specific plot writeup. In a highly general sense the musical is about a conflict between (the wholly made up) Duke Enzo Rubino and Duke Giacomo Zaffria which gets farcically out of control when they schedule weddings for their heirs to occur on the same day. Lady Giulia Igniseri (Sorrel) is betrothed to Lord Stefano Rubino (Alejandro) and Lady Carina Zaffria (Yasmine) is engaged to wicked Prince Marco (no house name, Lumen) and wants out as she and Lady Alessandra Rubino, Stefano's older sister (Bliss) are in love. And of course Lady Eleonora Zaffria (Evonleigh) is in love with Lord Stefano. Marco's sister, Princess Valentina, (Sabella) isn't in love with anyone except herself, but she acts as the narrator and routinely breaks the fourth wall to address the audience directly, generally to make humorously unkind comments about the people on stage. There's humorous lyrical dialogue, some of that broad physical comedy from the second act of The Playwrights, three dramatic sword fights (including a three way fight between done to a jaunty saltarella) and a couple of love stories. There's drama, but since this is Nik, there's a happy ending for most characters and only the jerk prince (whose house is never named) ends up getting killed due to his own shittiness as a person. (Note: though his marriage contract allows him to keep publishing as Niklas Kennex, he's decided his old family is full of nerds, so he's going to be Prince Niklas Grayson for purposes of this show.) And while the show gets a lot of comedic mileage out of the unique setup of Gemecitta's duel dukes, the show is respectful toward the city itself, including the intro song sung by Princess Valentina that talks about how great, if weird, Gemecitta is.

Gianna helped write the songs and is providing the stage - the Bard College's Performance Hall - as well as some of the talent, some funding from the College's account, and using the bards to spread word of mouth and up the hype. The problem with all this involvement is that she has a personal stake in how good the singing is, and she is highly critical and determined to make sure the songs are flawless, even if that means people have to learn to sing better. She can show them what they need to do, and she will, but she will not be pleasant to work with. She probably has to be removed from the process at some point. Good thing Niklas has a really high Diplomacy skill! Seriously, there are good reasons she has instructors that aren't her at the College.

Sabella is simply thrilled to take the stage for the very first time acting in her husband's musical as Princess Valentina, wicked Prince Marco's sister and narrator to the story that often breaks the fourth wall to interact with the audience and make fun of the other players. Not only will she eat nothing but lettuce in the months leading up to the production to make sure she looks her best for the role, she will throw herself into learning the lines and the songs and practicing her improv so that this is the very most amazing show that ever existed! BEST PLAY EVER!

Ah, the theater! Princess Elgana is enthused there is to be another play put on but the fact that it is a production by Prince Niklas is just the icing on the cake. How could she ever dream of saying 'no' to a chance to promote his latest work? There is an all-star cast! Music! Drama! Laughter! It has everything and she's going to bend the ear of anyone who stands still long enough around her to get the word out about this production and how amazing it is going to be and how anyone who is ANYONE in this city ought to be there on opening night.

Berenice has agreed to help promote Niklas's newest production, but she's taking a very particular spin on it: she's talking up her interest, certainly, dropping it in conversation about how excited she is for opening night, but more than that, she's going to be flexing her wiles to get all sorts of people competing for the honor of escorting her to opening night. Will it involve duels? It might, you never know. Will Berenice _encourage_ people to duel over getting to take her to the theater? One hundred percent absolutely. She's going to make an absolutely delightful game of the whole thing. Who will actually take her to opening night? THAT'S NOT IMPORTANT. Hopefully there will be tears and fights and DRAMA before the curtain even opens.

Once again, and to her great excitement, Tabitha will be lending her efforts to any tasks that require the skills of an artist: painting sets, creating props, applying stage make-up and so forth. She'll happily work with the team of artists as a whole, as well as on her own when appropriate. She's an organised busy bee who likes to get get along with others to help a project reach its full potential, so she'll be at her smiling and enthusiastic best among like-minded people of a creative bent.

Sorrel being the Bladesong is a triple threat: an incredible soprano, an excellent dancer, and a swordswoman of some note. She's set to play Lady Guilia Igniseri, the Rubino-Zaffria vassal, in a stylish, charming way. She's quite involved in training the actors and actresses for the show, and she and Bliss are working out choreography for when Lady Alessandra Rubino and Lady Guilia bring swords into their squabble over who should get the world's most useless and undeserving prince, before making up and singing a brilliant duet about how neither of them need that particular man. Sorrel is mainly concerned with helping to showcase the talents of commoners whose livelihood she would like to boost with this all-star cast and in training those with less experience to have more confidence.

Yasmine will be bringing her formidable skills as an actress, singer, and dancer to the role of Carina Zaffria, the apple of her father's eye, yet not without considerable cunning of her own. In the part, the Ravashari embodies the dual characteristics of the 'stereotypical Lycene' by being both sweet and relatable to the audience while also conducting machinations to attempt to assert her own will. On the stage, Yasmine beguiles, whether with her ability to fully embody whatever role she plays, her rich contralto voice, or her expert dancing.

Lumen will be embodying the wicked Prince Marco, intermingling her on-brand impishness with the debonair stylings of a highness entirely lacking in moral high ground. This is not Lumen's stage debut. She portrayed a man in Lord Niklas Kennex's The Playwrights.

Delilah might be a pretty ornament to the stage, but her real threat originates in the province of the pen. Prince Niklas has scored the masterpiece for the stage, and she will be lending the ghostly weight of ink and inspiring words to seed excitement and interest far and very, very wide indeed. Given the Lycene flavour of things, she is gently applying a particular impression to build fascination or interest. That means scattering tidbits to the right people. Influencing the right sorts to carry on the word, to build up a buzz (even if they weren't all that aware before, they sure will be now...). She sends breathless excerpts into the Hundred Cities, stitching and building a train of anticipation about how good things are. Sentiments peppered with the taste of mysteries and drama on the stage, the historical wonders, the *intrigues*. Did we mention intrigues? Possibly scandal? The things that sell tickets and cement the memory are a grand tradition of developing stories, and she will spin one about the tireless playwright, the dashing and debonair actors, the brilliance waiting to be seen like a cut diamond until it's basically Hamilton 2.0 of Arx.

Alejandro takes his talents to the stage for a second time in this new production, playing the role of Lord Stefano Rubino. While his life's focus has typically been in music, he possesses enough natural charm and performing ability to once again handle an acting role. Putting his all into his performance, he focuses his time and practice mostly on the swordfighting aspects he may be called upon to perform. It's probably more a dance than a fight, so he feels comfortable enough. Alejandro works hard, devotes himself to the role, and attempts to put on a good performance.

Initially getting involved in this only for a lark, more or less, Tikva's largely present as a very dramatically loud _voice_ -- there are many actors and musicians in the city who she has no interest in intervening in the livelihoods of, but what weight she can lend to Niklas by putting her showmanship to use here, she does, cheerfully and with great embrace of absurdity.

Lady Evonleigh Whitehawk will be performing in Prince Niklas' play as one of the actresses, of course! She's been trained to do it all -- singing, dancing, comedy, tragedy... Though let's be honest: it's a good thing it's a musical comedy. While Evon's singing voice is sweet and on key, she has not the depth or richness of tone nor the range of a proper vocalist. Any songs she performs in are "sold" by virtue of her acting ability and her charm. The acting, she has the chops for, whether a comedic or dramatic scene, and she will do her best to win over the audience with every line, smile, or sob.

As a lover of the arts, and a tremendous fan of Gianna Whisper and her patron Prince Niklas, Countess Carita is very proud to support Prince Niklas' talents as a playwright and the Bard's College's very first theatrical performance by donating from her own personal funds. That the cast will be a group of people she has come to know well for their musical talents has made Carita dig deep in to her pockets to support them, adding 5000 silver to help ensure the production's success.

Aurora was the costumer the first time this performance was put on, and will reprise her role this time. The costumes don't change too much, just because its a musical this time doesn't mean there is a dramatic shift, though tailoring is done to ensure that the costumes fit their new wearers. More have had to be added too, to include the chorus and other stand ins on the stage.

Playing the role of Lady Alessandra Rubino, Bliss emerges onto the stage in her element - or at least, hopefully so. This role was practically written for her, and whether it's the swordfights, the speaking parts, or the saltarella, the Champion Whisper is more than able to keep up. Indeed, she's going to bring a high level of exuberance to the role, and while the swordfight will of course display skill with the weapon - it's not really about the speed of movement, is it? No, it's about how flashy and entertaining she can make it. Tricks that would never see the sands are going to come out in the show - movements of the blade meant to awe and impress. Hopefully no one gets too hurt, and if they do? Hey, that can be part of the show as well. Maybe even just having her name on the billing will bring in a certain type of fan, as well, that will increase the name recognition of the show. We can only hope.

Rook is, as ever, the hypeman. Patron of the arts, magnate, and philantropist. It's his duty to encourage people towards the burgeoning shows within Arx, and for those that aren't politely within his company simply to get something, they normally even listen to his suggestions. Utilising his extensive contacts within and outwith the Peerage, such as the merchant rungs, Rook targets high profile individuals for putting bums on seats for this event. For those that know his lovely partner, of course, Yasmine will be involved! For the royalists, oh by the Pantheon, House Grayson's own has authored it! It simply cannot be missed.

Caspian is the stunt trainer. He is showing the actors how to perform various stunts and choreographed fights and makes sure everything is nice and polished for when the curtains rise and the show begins.

Liara, with all her customary cheerfulness and passion, talks up the production no end, particularly among the more junior nobles of the Crownlands and of Arx with whom she so often associates. They simply must see it! Or so she says. She even sends a few letters back home to try and wrangle up visitors from Bastion, assuring them that it will be an unmissable spectacle.

There is no acting, no singing, no performances from Alarissa with regards to the latest production of Prince Niklas Grayson. Not in the least. Anyone who thinks they might see her get on a stage and act is going to be disappointed. But what she does do is promote the hell out of the production. She has a good reason to given the deal Niklas struck with her in exchange for applying her social weight. And so when she is out and about, at parties, fluttering a fan, sipping tea, eating with friends and perusing stores for the latest and greatest of trends, she's encouraging people to go see this latest production. Likely to be the talk of the town, filled with notable of society both noble and less than noble, prancing about the stage and giving their all. Shouldn't they go and support their fellow blooded? She thinks so, she's even going to be front row - well, up in a box and away from the rabble of course - and watching. And it's a way to help say you were -there- when this happened, and to indirectly support Thursday's Child in the process. Charity -and- entertainment all in one? Besides, it's bound to be entertaining in some fashion yes? Yes? Probably.

Prince Niklas Grayson is at it again. Or Lord Niklas Kennex? Something about the marriage contract and he's writing under his original name but then he's also Princess Sabella's husband and everyone knows Princess Sabella so now it's suddenly confusing. So they just start calling him The Playwright, and it sticks - and now no one has to remember surnames and contracts not their own.

In any case he's written a new play, calling this one not an opera but a musical. But the names have the starry-eyed among the theater in awe. Princess Sabella acts in her first title role as Princess Valentina, her turn both hilarious and touching. Her humor makes people gravitate toward her, and she is widely hailed as a resounding success in her inaugural role.

Princess Sorrel Thrax, Bladesong and Singer of Heroes, takes a break from astounding the Compact with her own work to perfom someone else's - and she too is a hit. In fact more people than usual come just to see her perform - can you really blame them? Of course not.

Yasmine Champagne, popular model, fashionista, and not-quite-as-scandalous-as-she-used-to-be Prodigal acts, sings, and dances her way across the stage. She reminds everyone why she is so often the talk of the town with another stellar performance.

Bliss Whisper plays a part too, and where her exceptional enthusiasm is, can the Nox'alfar be far away? The entire second floor is bought out opening night by a Nox'alfar delegation, who come en masse to see Bliss perform. They're only a little disruptive of course - their cries of BOO! every time Bliss leaves the stage, and the standing ovation that grinds everything to a halt when she enters gradually stop - about fifteen minutes before the end of the play.

Lumen, Radiant of the Whisper House herself, plays the lead in a performance by turns dark and witty. Sometimes both in the same turn. She outdoes herself and shows why she is so highly sought after in the Whisper house.

Princess Tikva, Alejandro Rossetti, and Lady Evonleigh join this all-star cast. Maybe some are taking it more seriously than others but this musical has it all - ranging from the dramatic to the comedic, there's a part to play for everyone and everyone has their part to play.

And where there is music, is the Nightingale very far behind? No she is not - Gianna Whisper wrote the music herself for this play. Sets are by the incomparable Lady Tabitha and they veritably take one's breath away. Aurora, the legendary seamstress, provides unbelievably beautiful costumes. Caspian trains the actors in their stunts, the Grandmaster of the Champions Guild helping make sure the fight scenes are entertaining indeed. It's like he's done this before.

Princess Elgana, Princess Berenice, Lady Delilah, Countess Carita, Princess Liara, Princess-Consort Alarissa, and the Redoubtable Rook all publicize the event. They're all going to opening night, and to random nights thereafter - and that's enough to ensure that this new play by The Playwright (who might be a Kennex or might be a Grayson or might be both but it doesn't matter) is a roaring success.

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.

To introduce the newest Grayson Prince to their subjects, Princess Sabella and Prince Niklas will embark on a tour of the Crownlands taking with them family and friends that will help entertain the populace and make good impressions all around. This is not only to show people that Princess Sabella and Prince Niklas are amazing, but to introduce them to other family members (or in the case of Cassima should she join, future family members!) and remind those around Bastion that the Graysons truly do care about their people! There will be a parade, some charity work/donations, some free concerts, short one act plays, and maybe even a ball put on for commoners and nobility alike to attend! None Greater Than Grayson!

Is Niklas writing those one act plays? You bet your ass he is. Is Niklas occasionally singing with Gianna when she's okay with it? Uh, yeah. And, should Tikva decide to join them, is Niklas joining the Princess to banjo the living shit out of the good people of the Crownlands? Oh yes! But what Nik is really there for is gladhanding. He's there to let people know that as the new Prince of Grayson, and as the husband of Sabella, the People's Princess, he's there to be the People's Prince. As such he will be putting the majority of his effort into making friends with locals, especially the magistrates or mayors of the little towns and villages they visit along the way, as well as important commoners in Bastion itself. This isn't to say he's ignoring the Grayson family or their vassal lords at the steadfasts where they make their stops, but he wants to make certain the people know the story of Niklas and Sabella, the difficulties they faced and overcame in making their love match become a reality, and the happy ending that they're going to have. The two of them are the fairy tale so many commoners would like to believe the nobility live, and his job is to give each and every person he meets share in that magic.

Gianna is doing what she does best: singing. Singing and music, but she's always on about her best instrument being her voice, so really, she's just accompanying herself on the citole. May as well use that new instrument!

Delilah will gladly contribute to gathering stories, charming the populace, and listening to the various tales and concerns of the people. She's all about listening and showing a direct interest in the pulse of affairs in their home. After compiling all the information she can, she'll present a bound book of stories, legends, tales, and findings -- such as is appropriate, obviously any ribald love poetry or such gets a good scrubbing -- to the happy couple.

Roxana will be turning on the charm and accompanying Sabella on this diplomacy tour on behalf of her marriage and House Grayson. She'll subtly direct conversations towards the Princess' own virtues and good taste, as well as to the very successful history that Prince Niklas has as a playwright. Surely the Grayson vassals and common people can appreciate the arts, and how proud Grayson is to have such a famed talent now among their own. Roxana will use this opportunity to boost morale regarding House Grayson as a whole as well as the future of the Compact with Grayson at the helm.

Liara heard that someone might want a ball for Sabella and Niklas, and now there's going to be a ball, if she has anything to say about it. It will be hosted in Bastion, in the very biggest ballroom she can wrangle up. She's going to go ahead of the others to make sure it's all arranged to her liking. She plans on an extravagant affair, with abundant food and drink, music and dance, lots of floral decorations with pink peonies (their wedding flower, as she might explain to anyone asking) featuring strongly, and one big pelican-shaped cake.

Tabitha will naturally be talking up her wonderful patron, Princess Sabella, and the equally fabulous Prince Niklas, but she'll also provide her painting skills to add some artistry to their tour. Beautiful posters, invitations and cards will be made to advertise events as needed, and in addition she'll do whatever she can to provide decorations, props and other bits of loveliness to them. Yay! It'll be fun!

Princess Sabella and Prince Niklas are touring Grayson lands, and it seems Marquis Fairen was actually already planning a similar event, to have the Leary Family take the time to visit the citizens of Leaholdt together and show his people his care for them. While the tour goes on, Fairen makes it a point to visit with his people directly, speaking with the merchants and gentry of his Holdings to get a better, personalized understanding of the issues they face. Not to mention, he ensures to hold court, and resolve the issues he can in person, rather than through a messenger sent between Leaholdt and Arx. As for the Prince and Princess that are visiting, he welcomes them readily and hosts a dinner for them to honor not only their union, but the future Grayson Prince or Princess the pair of them have conceived. Additionally, for his own family, he encourages them to tag along, and expresses that they will get the opportunity to see the lovely Lady Valitina Leary II should they come along.

Using her incredibly commanding presence, okay not incredible but darn commanding darn it, Coraline will show her leadership capacity and help keep everything all organized and in military precision.

Kaldur will cut a fine and noble figure in the touring party, he and his fine, palomino warhorse Dumpling, a display of resplendent, martial gallantry. He'll turn on the charm, flash his dimples hither and yon, and polish his green griffins armor to a fare-the-well. The armor is a from none other than Princess Reese Grayson! Flying Seliki colors with the colors of the Great House to which he ultimately owes fealty. He'll also bring along Captain Hajo Xander and Cobalt, Commander of the Seliki Engineering Corps' cavalry to have the commander's face known.

Duke Bisland arranges a warm welcome for the new, happy couple when they visit Pridehall. Though he will not be there himself, being required in Arx, he does send word ahead to his family and Voice there, so that the strong relationship between Grayson and Bisland is put on display.

Prince Niklas and Princess Sabella, newly married and eager to settle in, make a tour of various Grayson lands. They start in Bastion with a parade, and performances by Gianna Whisper. Princess Roxana welcomes them too, showing family feeling and support and carrying the glad tidings of their arrival. Princess Liara throws them a party - she likes parties and it's clear she likes Sabella, and she does an excellent job of ensuring it goes off without a hitch.

They travel through Hawkhold with Lady Delilah singing their praises (metaphorically, she's not trying to compete with the Nightingale after all), and the people are clearly taken with the beautiful artwork Lady Tabitha makes for the goodwill tour. They travel through Leaholdt with Marquis Fairen, are welcomed in Pridehall by Duke Gabriel himself, and are made comfortable and at home by Lord Kaldur in the heart of Pearlspire.

Overall it's a joyous, occasionally raucous party made all the more safe with Princess Coraline providing some security for them, and keeping them all on schedule. At the end of the festivities, it's pretty clear that the new Prince Niklas has been welcomed into the fold, and that both he and Princess Sabella clearly believe there's None Greater Than Grayson.

House Whitehawk starts the construction of its Garden of Creation. It will be a 10-acre park located near the center of the White Mountain plateau, close to Hawkhold, in dedication to the deities of creation: Lagoma, Mangata, and Petrichor. Workers (primarily apothecaries) will plant various flowers, herbs, and fauna -- some of which are acquired outside of Whitehawk lands -- each year and the park will feature a magnificent fountain, a sun dial, and twin stone towers with a chapel at their base. The towers are inscribed with notable quotes about mercy, kindness and peace. Outside of prayer, it is also meant to inspire appreciation and the improvment of environment through horticulture, education and conservation.

((OOC: Meant to be our landmark. It'd be like the Hanging Gardens in Civ 5... only not really! Those invited to this action are free to chip in whatever they can think of, but they're not obligated to do so.))

Delilah isn't so good with plants. She's really interested in the gods, however, and she's always willing to help out her cousin however she can. She'll be chatting up with all sorts of people, making mention of how Whitehawk is working on creating a Garden of Creation, dedicated to the deities of creation, and just generally trying to get as help as she can.

As the Whitehawk groundskeeper, Rhue brings all of her experience and youthful enthusiasm (and she has a LOT of it) to bear on the project. From directing the plantings to learning and then teaching the best ways to care for the specimens, she is all over this project.

Aiden brings his experience from overseeing the construction of the Menagerie and the Sanctuary, as well as his participation in trying to establish a Grove with the lodge, not to mention his time in office as Minister of Upkeep! So much experience to draw on! He'll recommend planting elfblight if at all possible, as well as other medicinal plants and establish a source of fertilizer from the local stables to help with growth. Now once all the paperwork is done, Aiden will certainly help lead prayers or pray quietly over the area to invite the gods to bless it.

The Whitehawk family proudly announces a new beautiful park near their home of Hawkhold. The Garden of Creation is a 10-acre park located near the center of the White Mountain plateau, close to Hawkhold, in dedication to the deities of creation: Lagoma, Mangata, and Petrichor. The gardens hold various flowers, herbs, and fauna -- some of which are acquired outside of Whitehawk lands -- each year and the park features a magnificent fountain, a sun dial, and twin stone towers with a chapel at their base. The towers are inscribed with notable quotes about mercy, kindness and peace. Outside of prayer, it is also a place that inspires appreciation and the improvment of environment through horticulture, education and conservation.

The truth shall set us free.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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