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Action by Medeia for She's a Witch, (Don't) Burn Her!

(Public Action, OOC Date: Jan. 18, 2024, 1:09 p.m.)

In a desperate, end-of-the-world attempt to come up with something that will help save the people of Arx when Azazel and his Abyssal share army come for the Thinnest Point, Medeia gathers the best magical and alchemical minds she can think of to do something Medeia /doesn't/ do: make poison.

Having had luck in the past - before crossing the threshold! - with creating targeted tools against specific threats (like Thornweave Fire and the talismans that protected against the Horned God's magic), she sets out to create something that will specifically harm Abyssal beings. She's not even sure what this is going to take. But she's going to TRY. The blood of Godsworn? Nethicite? She'll clear-cut her gardens if it helps.

After some discussion about collateral harm and intentionality, the hope is that, if successful, the poison should be something that can be coated on the weapons of defenders, perhaps coated upon their armor, and set in strategic traps (near the Thinnest Point?) that can be deployed to great effect without potentially harming allies.

Mabelle is not foreign to experimenting with all those elements. Metals with primum, odd plants, gemstones, her own blood and the time she spent in the Lyceum. Time to mix and try not to die of the explosion.

Galatea's skill at alchemy has few equals. Be it poison, unnatural herbs created during the Platinum Shift, nethicite, or even the blood of the faithful, there are plenty of avenues to take in research. The ritual (revelation 52) of Striking Through the Mirror contains certain techniques for targeted strikes against individual demons, but perhaps it might also provide clues as to more general patterns for substances that threatened demonic lives.

Thea knows about alchemy. A lot about alchemy. Poison. A lot about that too. She will use her knowledge as well as a touch of something else to help aide in the the cause. Thea has her own special additives afterall.

Eirene is an expect occultist. Even without her magic she knows what she's doing with rituals, as well as having knowledge of alchemy. So trying to craft something which harms the enemy isn't too farfetched.

Poison is not Mirk's specialty, but he's worked on the Thornweave poison before, and he helped bind Azazel as well, once upon a time (Action 2936 & Clue 2925), and he knows the rite to hide knowledge from the Despite (Revelation 34). So he draws on that pool of knowledge to attempt to devise something, anything that can harm Azazel. He's in a supporting role, providing advise and knowledge, and perhaps some primum towards a shared ritual, if he needs to.

If it weakens their enemy, even slightly? It's worth it.

So while Mia is no alchemist, she does have an extensive knowledge of the occult. Even more than that, she has a small orichalcum figurine that has long acted a shield against the Abyssal entities controlled by her father, protecting her from their sight and their assault. While she won't offer it up as an ingredient, surely it can provide some helpful insight through.... uhhh... inversion! Yes, inversion. If her figurine protects the wearer from the Abyss, then surely the inversion of some of its properties might help a person attack the Abyss. That makes sense. That totally makes sense. She'll just be standing waaaaaaaay over there while the alchemists test this theory out.

Aco will help, she's only soso with Alchemy but she's got a lot to controbute to a poison. Especially when armed with a bit of magic.

Lianne has spent the majority of her adult life studying the Abyss and its denizens, including a stretch of years specifically focused on how shards are formed. She is uniquely qualified to assist with this project and will focus her efforts specifically on concocting a poison especially effective against shards that this project might drastically reduce the hordes' horrifying numbers. She may be able to provide a shard, if the team would benefit from having a test subject.

That 'blood of a Godsworn' she was talking about? Is me!

Caspian may not know poison or magic very well, but he does know weapons and abyssal. He is quite proficient with the stabbing of and being stabbed by abyssals. There is a trick to making a blade coating, to viscous and it simply drips off, to gooey and it doesn't infect the sight. he offers his insights into weapon coatings as well as how best to fight abyssals and get the poison into their system.

Did someone say poison? Not that a Velenosa Prince who has somehow survived into his sixties would know anything about poison. Okay maybe he knows a little. And maybe he knows a little about the occult. Just maybe. And what little he theoretically does know he uses to help the Lady Medeia with her task.

Mirari is skilled at making poisons, it's something she knows a great deal about and has expert knowledge on. It's more than just alchemy, Mirari herself creates poison through magic. Mirari is also a master weaponsmith and will craft weapons specifically for this cause, seeing if there are ways to alter the weapons design to better hold the poison itself. She will focus all her skills into developing something powerful and effective.

Noah knows all about poisons. He even knows about customizing them. Using them as needed. Dosing people at parties to experiment how they work out. He even knows a few secrets here and there to make them more potent. He is more than willing to lock himself away and study it day and night. He's more than willing to assist. He's more than willing to help come up with a way to help out.

Agric may not be an alchemist, but he does know the occult and is an excellent scholar. He's going to spend time researching anything and everything that may be of use in developing this concoction, focusing on texts relating to the Abyss and similar matters of the occult.

Olivia is going to use her gift with plants to try and rush some hybridized plants that may have a greater impact on Abyssals, with the hope of creating a plant that can have extracts harmful to the intended targets.

Tamsin is not an alchemist, but she is a physician and an invoker. She will lend her necromancy powers to the experimentation, adding death energy to anyone's experiment that wants it. But her real contribution to the effort is going to be in providing leadership! She's going to help arrange lab schedules and coordinate assistants. She'll provide cheerleading to keep people interested and motivated. When things are caustic to touch, Tamsin lends her skeleton pal to carry them around. In short, she'll lead how she's been groomed to lead: by pitching in everywhere there's a gap.

Titania is not good with postions or plants. But what she is good at is talking to people and diplomacy, so she will help get materials. She will talk to those she has to, sit and explain how important this project is.

Raven helps Medeia by letting Media test the potion on one of Raven's spare weapons making sure it adheres to the blade, isn't a hazard to the wielder and so on. Additionally if there is time, Raven will try live testing the weapon with Caspian by finding a low level (non friendly!) demon like a wraith suitable to test the blade on to try to verify the effects.

It did kill a tremendous amount of shards, and certainly was successful against abyssal creatures. Whether the traps in the the catacombs did some good against Azazel is harder to say, but it likely slowled him down, considering he didn't immediately cross into the Thinnest Point.

Action by Smiling Shadows for Forgetfulness Plague

(Public Action, OOC Date: Jan. 8, 2024, 7:30 p.m.)

Based on what came out of the Accords meeting, the Forgetfulness is a sign of something bigger. There's going to be a lot of 'save the world' types, trying to do that. The Smiling Shadows are a network of strategic and clever assassins. The best. They are good at finding threats and removing them. They will provide security detail for the other groups. No one even needs to know, that means they can work it their own way. Moving in the shadows, and keeping watch for their allies who try to stop a second reckoning.

Mirari will seize the opportunity to do good deeds and make them profitable. Why not contract out to some shaddy sorts? Take their money, kill them, and make the world a safer place. There's always a silver lining.

Every mass initiative from the Shadows demands, you know, human shields. Or footsoldiers. Expendable types. If only to keep the Leer amused while the others get on with staying out of the Leer's reach, you know? So, with the flood of amnesiac refugees spreading around Arvum, Ember will get to work recruiting. Those who demonstrate capabilities in the fine arts of skulduggery and thuggery will get the enticing pitch of 'hey, who knows, maybe this could help with your memories' or sometimes 'join or I'll kill you, look at me I'm a fucking demoness.'

Kept apprised of the Shadows' plans to assist the members of the Accords in their efforts and wholly aware of how unlikely some of those members will be to accept the aid of Arvum's most talented assassins, Lianne sponsors contracts. Should any of the do-gooders who think themselves above such aid look like they really could use the sneaky, unseen backup, the Voice of the Abyss will ensure that a contract is paid in full to pick off any troublesome sorts who might interfere with their good and necessary work. Don't want any of Azazel's agents or the shards of his growing army hurting our people, even if they're only our people through common purpose.

As always, Umbroise is there to help the Smiling Shadows with their image, and setting their marks off-guard with her charm and her smiles. She'll use that to the Shadows' advantage, in seeking to broker the best deals, and hopefully make a little money on the side. She'll also use that skill to set the marks off-guard, so they won't expect the blade of her knife.

It's a good thing they were there, even if often stealthy assassins don't get the sort of credit they should.

There's a lot of abyssal shards out there trying to pick off groups. A lot. Mirari, Ember, and Lianne see to the killing of probably a hundred of the swarming things between them over a dozen different attacks, let alone the score of shadows working under Mirari. Ember is able to recruit a number of killers of questionable morals and sanity who make promising shadows, and some of those even survive the first brush with the shard forces scouting forward for Azazel. But it's very, very clear that outside of possibly a few of the strongest holdings, everyone is going to get driven back towards Arx and soon. There's just so many of the shards out there, and odds are most of the Accords groups would have died if the Shadows weren't watching their backs.

Action by Saik for The Wall of Thorns

(Public Action, OOC Date: Dec. 6, 2023, 6:58 p.m.)

At the war council held by High Lady Liara Grayson, the problem of the thorn barrier was brought up. As a surprise to no one, Archduke Patrizio Pravus suggested fire. With both Arvani Fire and the thornweave poisons being alchemical works, an idea popped into Medeia's head in the moment, and she suggested that she and other trusted alchemists should work together to create a poison-fire hybrid that would be formulated specifically to burn away the thorns. The Voices of the realm who were present supported this plan.

In the time since that meeting, Medeia has been hard at work getting everything organized for undertaking the experimentation that will be needed. An expedition of brave souls was sent to the barony of Gilthern in the Crownlands to collect samples of the thorn vines. No one died! Approximately 35 feet of vine was recovered - in seven five-foot lengths. Additional conversations have been had regarding gaining access to supplies of both Thraxian Fire and Arvani Fire - in case one is more suited to the hybridization than the other, and determining the best way to deliver the resulting concoction. Further, she has reached out to some of the best and brightest alchemical minds in the city to assist with the work.

When the time comes and supplies are at hand, Medeia offers Seawatch Sanctuary as a workspace and staging ground. She has cleared the estate of anything and anyone valuable - if anything goes wrong with the Arvani Fire, she has prepared to lose the building. Of course, she hopes it does not come to that. Before she begins, she lifts prayers to several of the gods: Petrichor to help them destroy the tainted thornweave, Lagoma to support the cleansing power of fire, Skald for the freedom of choice that defeating the Traitor will secure... She encourages others to join her and lift their own prayers to the gods, as well.

Then? It is time to work. Within the limited time and resources available, every possible combination of thornweave poison and Thraxian or Arvani Fire is tested. It is hard enough to make the thornweave poison. She pours the whole of her concentration into achieving this, single-mindedly concentrating on success and pouring all of her energy into the final outcome.

Chemicals and items to produce the earlier version, Goop, that was helpful in killing smaller thorny vines was expensive. Saik has offered 3000 economic resources, 1000 military and 200,000 silver should it be needed to help this effort be successful. (ooc it is in Lucita's inventory)

On a personal level, as a singer, she plans to wait till samples of thorny vines are available, seedlings, clippings or seeds, then assist the Alchemist effort by spell-singing to help stimulate vine growth to both harvest the sap and later to have samples to test effects.

Patrizio Pravus, indeed, was the one who suggested the use of fire against the thorns - it is effective as a deterrent against the abyssal trees that besiege the southern city of Pieros in the Saffron, along with the earthworks erected to the south of the city. Given his suggestion to build a palisade about the thorn field and ignite the plants beyond, he's present to consider how best to apply the result and to ensure that it does not backfire to harm the forces of the Compact.

In order to help the alchemists, many of whom are part of her very own Auxiliary branch of the Physicians, Giada makes sure that all non-thorn supplies are ample and immediately at hand. She also shares a couple of momentos with Medeia, handing over a piece of withered vine and a hardened nub of sap that she had collected from the Whisper House vines. This is to allow the alchemists to find similarities (if they exist) that might help inform the process.

Mirari is well versed in alchemy, specifically poisons, so she will bring these skills to the table. Here to assist in the creation of a substance combine poisons and fire, she will help with the development and testing of the concoction working together with the other alchemists. Mirari will contribute her staff at Of Works Obscura to help as well, as she does have a few alchemists under her employ as well.

Fatima has put herself in charge of obtaining the Thraxian Fire, since she is after all a Thrax. She has obtained permission from Alarissa to take as much Thrax Fire as needed, and House Thrax will provide however many resources are necessary for this. Siege weapons are also available for the delivery method, should the experiments prove successful. If the experiment is successful, she'll ensure that enough Thrax Fire is provided for a large operation against the Wall of Thorns. She will use the Isles Canines ships to ferry the stuff wherever it needs to go.

Thea took part in the expedition, so naturally she would want to help contribute to the alchemy part as well. With the knowledge she's gained regarding alchemy, magic, herbalism, and a few other things, she begins getting to work.

Mabelle has had her share of experimenting with alchemy lately and once again she lends her talents to the aide of the city. She leaves her valuables at home, including her pets, wears her armor and set out. A vial of her previously concucted elixir against the minions of the Traitor at hand, she helps out with all the dreadfully dangerous mixing.

Isolde isn't exactly an expert or even a novice when it comes to alchemy or even magical plantlife. She does have some experience in gathering and organising supplies, however. She will offer whatever logistical support is needed and ensure there's always money available.

Galatea's alchemical creations have in fact been used before to destroy magical trees--more or less melting one of them down through the roots, some years previously. This was originally a mixture created for the Iron Guard to separate base metals from noble metals. It had the side benefit of also being entirely lethal to organic matter. Thus, it's the 'poison' side of the equation that she focuses on, more than the fire. In the spirit of cooperation, Galatea shares everything about this past creation, in order to better create a foundation for subtances that would quickly dissolve bark and vine. The presence of sample vines likewise provides an excellent opportunity for any pre-modern scientist's favorite activity: experimentation. There was perhaps a touch of manic excitement about Galatea as she poured one highly poisonous mixture after another on these samples to figure out just what would be most lethal. Perhaps she even managed to avoid inhaling toxic fumes herself. (Safety protocols sometimes fall slightly by the wayside when she gets like this.) She is prepared to spend a truly considerable amount of economic resources to get the job done, if need be.

Jaenelle is assisting in a more leadership role than actually assisting in the creating of the poisons. She makes sure people have what they need when they need it, and brings people together to make sure support is at hand. She has connections, she has the resources, and people tend to do what she says when she wants something done.

Eirene is one of the originators of the Thornweave poison, so it's only sensible she's on board for this. She uses her arcane and alchemical knowledge to try to weave together herbalism, alchemy, and magic because this seems like the occasion for all three.

Lianne's new to this project, but not to these concepts. Mostly, she'll follow others' leads, acknowledging their expertise on this subject matter. When appropriate, she shares her own expertise, familiar with the occult, with Blight, with the way magic works and how unpredictable it can be, how unlike science. Thematic narrative might not usually have a role in alchemy, but it may help here.

It takes a tremendous amount of work and experimentation to create the hybrid substance, as Arvani fire really is not keen to be mixed with quite nearly anything. But eventually, after much effort, they are able to merge it with the solvent, and no plant growth sands much of a chance against it. They launch it at the hedge, and vast swaths are immediately destroyed, to much cheering by the troops gathered there. Only it immediately grows back with extremely disconcerting speed.

But then the scouts inform Medeia of a discovery- that the Hedge is powered by the Horned God's magic tied with the moon, of the dead god he seeks to raise. And the tall towers of Harrow Hall block one particular segment from being touched by moonlight. Medeia goes there.

Action by Velenosa for The Breaking of the Despite

(Public Action, OOC Date: Nov. 15, 2023, 7:05 p.m.)

There have always been rumors of the founding of the Lyceum, there have always been stories of things that might not make sense or sound completely logical that have been shared through generations or used as warnings to keep Lycenes from leaning too heavily into the stereotypes other Fealties believe. The signs of the unknown and mystical have always been there.

Though the Lyceum is often skeptical of others, they are also very pragmatic when it comes to issues and problems that need to be solved. The people of the Lyceum are reminded that House Velenosa has always protected them throughout the years even if they did not know what they were being protected for. The people are invited to the Princess Jaenelle Velenosa Library within Lenosia to learn and explore the stories further and to educate themselves even better on the currect state of the world. The people are reminded of the Watchtowers, and how they are used as a warning system to prevent surprises. The people are reminded of the caravels that House Velenosa assisted each house in gaining to better prepare for any occasion. The people are reminded that the cities have been reinforced to aide each territory in defending the people who call the cities home. The people are reminded that despite the chaos that appears to have always been there without their knowledge, the Lyceum has flourished and will continue to do so.

Duchess of Roses, Calista Fidante, returns to her beloved city of Tor to ensure the people there that they are safe. She follows the Archduchess' lead in reminding the people of Tor of all the good fortune that has come to the Lyceum as a whole. She is a well educated woman and well informed in this rich history of the Lyceum and the stories of how it came to be. While in Tor, Calista hosts open audience hours at the castle and is a constant presence at the Torean Shrine of the Thirteenth and at the local market. Her purpose is not only to be transparent with her people, but more importantly to show them that she understands their concerns and reinforce their safety.

Medeia takes the stories that Jaenelle especially wants to highlight and begins to share them with Lycenes and guests at the Black Fox and Hundred Cities Inn. Calling upon her storytelling skills, she makes sure to speak just a little too loudly so that each tale draws a crowd, and each detail is conveyed with earnest positivity. Of course the Lyceum shall prevail, of course there have always been protections in place, of course those protections will continue to be improved upon. Now is not the time for fear, she tells them, but rather it is the time for opportunity! She speaks with warmth and certainty, steadfast in her backing of Velenosa.

Lucita's strength is in songs, and she uses them skillfully. From her song, 'Garden of War', citing the Lycene and Velenosa skillful preparations in the war of 1008, to mentions in her songs 'The Black Fox', Keeping Watch, and others, her music recognizes and celebrates the strengths and history of her fealty. She sings these in various taverns and in small groups of friends. Copies of some of these songs are in the Vellichor archives and in personal collections such as that of Seraph Ailith, Princess Alarissa. This serves to help unify, reassure and raise a sense of hope.

Theo will linger in Jaenelle's library for any that may have questions in what they read and answers that he can give freely of course. Anything to appease the public that all is well and they have nothing to fear. If he is not able to satisfy their curiosity he will point them to others that may give them better answers than he does.

Berenice is DELIGHTED to remind the public just how much House Velenosa has accomplished in the past many years in terms of bolstering the Lyceum, increasing its prosperity, and helping their vassals to secure their lands. These may be scary days, but set aside the fear and look at the pragmatic practicalities: the Lyceum's leadership has made it a stronger place. No true gods would object to the generosity and care shown to the Lyceum by House Velenosa.

As a leader within the Mirrorguard and also the leader of House Igniseri, Marquessa Quenia Igniseri reminds the people that the Lyceum has always worked to help keep the people of their Fealty safe, both through research and actual measures and plans put together to tackle any issues, supernatural or otherwise, that might need to be addressed. Within the Mirrorguard, this was accomplished first by the leadership of Prince Talen Velenosa, then Count Giulio Corvini, and finally Archducess Jaenelle Velenosa, making certain all threats were neutralized. She also reminds the people of the various upgrades made to the Lyceum and how the Archduchess has taken great strides and lengths to ensure that their fealty was as protected as ever through her various improvement advancements; making the Lyceum stronger together, the watchtowers, the caravels, and the new and improved walls most domains saw recently. She reminds them that together they can stay strong as a people and overcome any obstacle put to them.

Lianne very much agrees with the approach of educating the population. How better to address the incomprehensible than by making it easier to understand. She's glad to field questions, both about her area of Abyssal expertise and broader occult topics, and put the answers into clear, easy to digest, bite-sized pieces.

The Inquisition is not suppose to operate in the various House lands, although what about trained agents wearing the appropriate colors and with the appropriate permission? Alistair and a team of Confessors and Inquisitors (wear Velenosa colors) go on a mission to assist the Lyceum guards, investigators, and Mirrorguard on developing their skills (and not just the leg breaking kind) so that they can better serve the populace. And keep an eye out for esoteric threats. Of course he is sure the people he helps train will go at things with the appropriate Lyceum flair, but that is to be expected. As long as the people are safe and other threats to House Velenosa are kept at bay.

Giada is the Archlector of the Thirteenth, the head Mirrormask, and a Lenosian to boot. There's no way she's not helping Velenosa out. While she herself remains in Arx to administer the entirety of the Discipleship, she -does- write personal letters. Or dictates them. She dictates a lot of letters. She dictates letters to each city state, sending them with trusted Mirrormasks handpicked for their oratorical skills to be read from village to village, great city to great city, in shrines and town squares and pubs.

In these letters, she speaks to the Lyceum, reminding them of their Faith and how their own home was founded upon purposeful Balance and blessed by the Gods of the Pantheon as a result. She appeals to The Hundred Cities, urging them to cleave hard to what they know to be true: they are supported by both Gods and Liege. She promises to continue to serve the Faithful as Tehom's Voice, she promises to protect them to her last breath. She promises that magic is not the provenance of the Abyss, but that Elysian magic exists, too. The Gods are not powerless. Giada's hope is to soothe the Lycene people's fears through both theological reassurance and the tailored nature of each letter by reminding them that they are not alone and helpless.

It's rather scary out there, isn't it? Despite the heavy weight of anxiety spreading throughout the city of Arx and beyond, Ophelia is that little ray of sunshine in the expanding darkness. She holds fast to the truth and spreads the good word about her beloved Archduchess, her House, and its long history of being steadfast. House Velenosa has always been a bright beacon of hope and safety in the Lyceum, and Ophelia speaks passionately of its strength during trying times in an attempt to reassure the public that it will protect them forever and always.

Jasper is a newly-minted Prince by marriage so doesn't have much in the way of 'getting to talk with the folk'. But he does have an idea, and this idea is to mobilize himself and a small number of volunteer servants to hear the mayors of each smaller settlement paying homage to Velenosa, getting written accounts of anything that they want to request from the Archduchess, such as better roads, or a new town hall, or anything of the sort, and in exchange, he will request that they assist in keeping things calm and manageable. He knows it can be a tall ask in these trying times, but it is only by working together that they can achieve the best result, and Velenosa has never failed them, after all.

Lord Macario Malespero joins his fiancee, Duchess Calista, on a tour of Tor. He's most often seen by her side, as Calista takes the lead on this trip. He nods and smiles and greets and makes a sorrowful face when someone is having a bad time and gives a proper high-five to cheer on people's success. Sure, if anyone asks him about the law, he'll contribute wonderfully to the conversation. The Lyceum has hand incredible fortune, a place where we're respected and have a pride for our history. When it comes to the faith, he's active at the Torean Shrine of the Thirteenth, showing his support and devotion. Here, he'll attend on his own and with Calista, and show his devotion.

The leaders of the Lyceum, and the Grand Duchess in particular, have a great deal of sway with the population of the Hundred Cities. They are scared (well, terrified really), but willing to take the leadership at its word that they have matters in hand, with just a touch of Lycene skepticism and cynacism. But panic is kept to a minimum, there's no widespread riots, and many of the more wild eyed performing human sacrifices are quietly tracked down and killed while tactfully excluding such things that would cause potential panics. In short, while there's no guarantee that they can keep a handle on it in the face of major crises, the population is willing to be patient for now.

Action by Aleksei

(Public Action, OOC Date: July 31, 2018, 2:47 a.m.)

It's time for Aleksei to do his part to help heal the Poison.

After having assisted in the rite, Aleksei asks several others to be a part of his, to watch and assist and learn it for themselves so that they can go out and then lead their own ritual and spread it further. On the thirteenth day of the month, at the thirteenth hour, Aleksei borrows the inner sanctum of the Shrine of the First Choice, because that is the theme of his ritual: choice. Freedom. He's choosing a world in which magic is free, in which people are free to discover the Dream around them. He's choosing a world in which magic belongs to all of them.

Thirteen candles are lit as part of the ritual, and thirteen individual sacrifices are offered. One of Aleksei's first letters from Skald. A notebook containing his earliest thoughts and ideas for the Doctrine of Skald. A framed letter from Orazio ("a framed letter from Legate Orazio"). His first Godsworn tabard ("a white tabard embroidered with the sigil of the Faith"). A baby blanket of Fitz's he kept from two years ago. A carved figure from his childhood in Sanctum he held onto all these years. Many and more things beyond that, all adding up to thirteen. All mementos and keepsakes of different moments of choice in his life, different times and crossroads. His ritual is something deeply personal, and it isn't about good or bad, or light or dark. It's about freedom. He'll never fool anyone into thinking his heart isn't golden and new and full of fierce light, but it's also full of a deep dedication to how people have to have the freedom to choose their own paths. He treats it like an opening for both light and dark, because he knows that it will take both to heal the Poison.

Hopefully it will be enough for his part.

Luca has been invited to assist with this thing, because of course he has! It's a party! Who doesn't want Luca at their part-..w-..wait it's not a party? Well. It's for Aleksei, and Luca will do anything for Aleksei. So he'll show up, still, and watch and learn and be as well-behaved as possible so as to not disturb a thing. After all, he has to figure this out so he can repeat it. Maybe /his/ ritual /will/ be a party. He'll help in any way he can, if he's asked to.

Audric is... 'helping'. Which is to say, he's not actually DOING anything, but he'll be there, and in usual Audric style, proooobably making snide comments and preparing to stab any monsters that arrive.

Lianne possesses sufficient familiarity with these sorts of rituals to assist when needed and to keep out of the way while Aleksei works. Her primary purpose in attendance is to observe and understand, to learn not only the methods but the meanings, to understand the connections that she can build her own and recreate a similar ritual into which she can pour her all.

It is theory of these rites, that Saedrus has gotten his head around, but it's his heart that is will Aleksei in these moments. He is present for Aleksei, his paramour, and here to support him. No doubt there is a spiritual sense of being there as well. Watchful, learning, and understanding. When there is something a hand is needed for Saedrus will offer it but otherwise remains as quiet succour.

It's an interesting group Aleksei has assembled - Lianne, Audric, Saedrus, and Luca. Interesting indeed. And very much in keeping with his nature and the feel of his ritual. There is something freeing about it; even gathering they can all feel it, like a breath of fresh air after too long indoors. Like a sunny day after days of rain.

As he feeds each of his "sacrifices" to the fire, it becomes clear that this cleansing is less about giving things up, and instead is a sharing. He is not giving up his thoughts on the Doctrine of Skald - he is sharing it with the ritual. It is something intensely private, now sacrificed by sharing it with the primum. With the ideals of the world. This is what Aleksei would see, how he does see the world, and what he would have the primum do.

There is in that moment a weight lifted from the shoulders of all those participating. Lianne finds her spirit lighter. Saedrus finds a moment of deep serenity and joy. Luca finds a certain joy too - it's not quite a party but it's pretty close. Audric being Audric puts his hand on his weapon - not in threat but because it's all he can do not to just draw it and go out and kill some monsters, because that's what he loves to do.

Each of them has this moment of freedom, of choice, of seeing this world as Aleksei sees it. And when the fire at last burns out, they are left with touch of that wild joy that burns in Aleksei's core always and ever. And the cleansing continues.

Action by Talen for Gyre Straits

(Public Action, OOC Date: March 3, 2018, 1:27 a.m.)


--- Overview ---
Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa has appointed her Consort, Talen Velenosa, as the temporary High General of the Lyceum. The focus of the campaign is staging a defence of Setarco using the ground forces of the Lyceum in conjunction with House Thrax's under Prince Galen Thrax (see his @action), and House Valardin's under Princess Alis Valardin (see her @action). This will happen concurrently to the Compact's full fleet sailing at Setarco's coast under Grand Admiral Victus Thrax.

--- Battle Plan ---
The battle plan is to leave 1/3 of forces within Setarco city itself (Mission: 'Hold the City'), chain the harbour, and use the remaining 2/3 to meet the enemy close by to the city lands while monitoring them elsewhere (Mission: 'The Vanguard'). A protracted siege is inadvisable due to strangled supply lines to the island, so the intent is to do as much damage as quickly as possible, accepting the higher losses for expediency.

The hills around the city and before the plains will host the archers, ordered to fire first and with a mixture of blunt arrowheads for the undead, minimising friendly fire in the expected storms and fog that follow the enemy. The cavalry will then charge and trample on the plains (Mission: 'Don't Lose Your Head') beyond the prepared pits and trenches, followed by the advance of pike and infantry, staged to hook enemies and create shield walls to control and slow the advance while hacking, slashing and bashing for decapitation and dismemberment. A steady push back toward the city by the enemy is expected and planned for, with intent to use the modified terrain (Mission: 'Getting Your Hands Dirty') to act as a further buffer and obstacle. Any high profile targets, witches or monsters, are hunted by strike forces in the midst of it all (Mission: 'Witch Hunting').

Collecting the injured, dying and dead (Mission: 'Bring Out Your Dead') is a vital practice due to theories surrounding possible reanimation. Evacuation of towns and villages on the island, including Bravura, will fill the city and so morale must be kept high (Mission: 'Prayer and Care') during the rationing (Mission 'Did Someone Say supplies?'). The Choir will be hosted in one of the tallest towers in Setarco city, sung to its people within, and for the armies outside (Mission: 'Pitch Perfect'). Enemy agents undermining these efforts are a concern and planned for (Mission: 'Who Can You Trust').

Use of fire is claimed to have no extraordinary effect against the undead; it is therefore prohibited under martial law as it may present more dangers than benefits.

--- Special Missions ---
Aside from the main battle, special missions have been launched (these are all separate @actions), aimed to provide specific advantages through unconventional warfare:

- 'Hold the City', led by Sparte Fatchforth: One hundred men will assist Sparte Fatchforth in ensuring the city of Setarco, and its harbour, remain secure no matter what happens.
- 'The Vanguard', led by Lady Alessia Mazetti: finding the enemy with scouting parties before they find us so we can respond accordingly
- 'Don't Lose Your Head', led by Baron Stefano Gilden: leading the charge of teams of horses linked by steel chains to cause mass damage to the undead hordes
- 'Getting Your Hands Dirty', led by Dame Leola Allenatore: preparing the battlefield terrain with trenches and pits, hopefully to slow down the enemy, tricking their dumb minds
- 'Witch Hunting', led by Baron Audric de Lire: High profile targets on the battlefield who are using magic need taken out quickly, so let these idiots try
- 'Bring Out Your Dead', led by Master Waldemai Isenhu: preventing our injured, dying and dead from falling behind enemy lines and turning into undead
- 'Prayer And Care', led by Brother Driskell Stillwater: spiritual and morale focused care of the populace of the city of Setarco
- 'Did Someone Say Supplies?', led by Prince Fiachra Valardin: supplies will run short soon enough, so let's stock up and make them last
- 'Pitch Perfect', led by Lord Ian Kennex: a song will be sung for the defense of Setarco, by the Choir, ideally with no wawble
- 'Who Can You Trust', led by Prince Alistair Velenosa: uncovering suspicious activity coming in and out of the city to any Marin agents

--- Personal ---
Talen will remain in the commands tents and utilise the Mirrorguard Steel Squad (@army #150) as his personal retinue. They will act as a more secure method of communication so that he can channel updates and orders to his generals. In contrast to his usual hot blooded temperament on the battlefield, the Dark Prince is instead going to exercise the restraint instilled in him by Archduke Widower Niccolo Velenosa, comporting himself with decorum and a dangerously controlled exterior.

After days' long periods of praying faithfully to Gloria, Duarte finally emerges from his lair to sit in his war room (also his breakfast table) to translate the overarching plans of defense into specific orders for the Mighty Army of Bravura. How he labors over his texts and maps to design the perfect strategy! The results of this night-long endeavor crescendos into a series of hastily sent off missives to his loyal commandants, who in turn break the plan down into more specific directions for their units! Who break them down further for their sub-units! Who break them down further for the sub-sub-units! And so it goes! Until every man, woman and child(?) wielding arms in Bravura is fully briefed and ready to FIGHT!

Duke Inigo Fidante will be on-hand, along with Ignacio, to lead the Fidante troops as their General. Being still relatively new to the entire leading an army thing he will be conversing with and receiving advice from the more senior and learned members among the officers. He will have his armor and diamondplate sword at his side should the need for one, or both, arise.

Through several prayers to Gloria and with the longer uncommon prayers of battle and readiness, Luis sets his troops into action to join the armies that have rallied at the behest of the Velenosa family. The units, crisp, organized, and ready for battle are seen to and checked over methodically while encouraging them through his charm and leadership capabilities. They will march with the others, join in as needed and fight where directed. As much as Luis would love to remain with his family, he understands the duty required of him and will lead his troops out into the field, for it is with the blessing of his Marquessa that the Lord Igniseri travels forth, ready to prove the Igniseri motto, 'We will not be quenched.'

Marcos pours over the meeting notes as well as submitted plans and actions by the other generals looking for every way possible to make plans to bolster their actions on the battle grounds. Looking to turn his smaller Saik army into a 'flying squad' for precise attacks and quick reinforcements.

After saying his prayers to the individual gods, Artorius begins strategizing and formulating the movements of his army. Battleplans upon battle plans while also ensuring that his army is well trained and provide as many men as his brand-new County can spare. With the information given to him by the High General, Artorius makes changes to the kinds of arrows his archers will use, along with outfitting his legion of warriors with top quality armors. This was going to be a hard series of battles, and Artorius was going to send all that Magnotta could offer, remembering his oaths.

The House Fidante answering the call to war is sending its armies to Setarco to assist in the war there. Lord Igancio Fidante, escorting the armies personally to fight among side of the infantry.

Marquis Hadrian Mazetti will be working alongside the Mazetti banners to get them ship-shape and ready to be sent out to rendevous with the other forces of the Lyceum assembling to defend Setarco. Rousing speeches and all the rest. No doubt many accolades awaiting those who return. Yadda, yadda.

The armed forces of House Pravus in Setarco muster and prepare for battle, erecting two large seige weapons, one on either side of the main harbor at the direction of the High general of the Lyceum. Lord Sebastian Pravus will remain in Setarco while Duke-Consort General Cassius and Duchess Belladonna are in Setarco attending to the war preparations there.

The Crimson Blades have been hired by Talen to safeguard the 'Bring Out Your Dead' mission. The elite of mercenaries have sent Iron, Copper, and Bronze Companies (100 heavy infantry each) south for this job, under NPC Crimson Blade Captain Fredrick Yosim. Their job is to be sure Waldemai and his people can rescue/grab as many of the fallen and wounded as possible in case the reanimmation theory is correct, and protect them while they do it.

Waldemai has agreed to listen to the Crimson Blades as experts on warfare in the field, and Tobias has agreed Waldemai is in charge of the actual work, and will allow Fredrick to decide when having Crimson Blades help with labor is appropriate. Fredrick will be given letters with all knowledge learned about the things from the Battle of Maelstrom, and will be instructed to give these letters to the various military commanders (especially Talen) when he arrives.

Nilanza answers the call to defend liege and Compact, the bulk of its army sent to the shores of Setarco. The marquessa will not be present for the battle, but will prepare assure that the forces are well-prepared before departure for the conflict they are about to face.

The armed forces of House Gilden muster and travel with the Lycene forces to Setarco. All but the cavalry will follow the main battle plan. The cavalry will bed led personally by the Baron and will be undertaking a special mission (Don't Lose Your Head).

Rubino-Zaffria answers the call and sends its army to war! They will join with the rest of the Lycene troops.

The De Lire forces (and the Few, obvi) will be showing up to do some fighting! The De Lire forces left to Talen's disposition, as Audric and the Few will be busy doing something very dumb elsewhere

For a while, it looked like ground forces in Setarco wouldn't be needed at all. In fact, some wondered why they were even there, since the entire Compact fleet was protecting the waters outside Setarco. Duchess Belladonna and Duke Cassius had prepared the city - fortifying their fleets, consolidating their forces. Surely nothing could overcome that!

But then Stormwall fell and the packs of wild dogs came, more reinforcements showed up, and the messengers lost their minds and got very creative with the stories they were telling, and people were very, very glad for both the foresight of their leaders and the extra ground troops. Even if their initial missions were unnecessary, their presence kept Setarco from falling to the Gyre's forces and for that the civilians are especially grateful. Even if he was just a jumped-up pirate king.

Action by Aleksei for Thralldom in the Isles

(Public Action, OOC Date: Nov. 12, 2017, 12:03 a.m.)

The Liberators of Skald have promised aid to all freed thralls: relocation if they wish it to any demense of the Compact, room and board within the housing of the Faith, and assistance finding work or training for it until they have found their feet.

The Liberators of Skald were not expecting twenty thousand people to need this aid at once.

And so Aleksei has reached out to -- pretty much everyone. All the noble houses. Merchant fleets. Friends who have maybe one ship! Basically he's organizing a mass effort to make contact with the newly-freed thralls in Stormward and either get them resituated in Stormward or give them transport elsewhere in the Compact that they may want to go. All of this is stuff he's already set up, but he's having to haul in major support to try and do it on a much larger scale than he was anticipating.

Aleksei will endure the terrors of seasickness to travel to Stormward personally to oversee the efforts of the Liberators and do his best to keep matters calm where possible and work as efficiently as he can.

For those generous enough to offer ships for transport, Aleksei will make sure each ship will have some sort of representative of the Faith on board to help keep an eye on things and discourage any untoward actions in regards to the freed thralls.

Indeed, the Valorous Few are Being Helpful! Since Victus so kindly invited people, Audric (and Shard, and probably a handful of the friendlier types) are heading up with the Liberators. First and foremost will be offering the fabulous life of a sellsword, to any who wish to join up! Money, plunder, see the world, get to kill people fairly frequently, there's nothing but upside, really. Oh, and I guess if there's any room left over they'll help transport some people.

After speaking with Aleksei, the Few have agreed to find space on the ships they're using both for his Faith representatives and his freed Thralls. In fact, Shard's stated her intent to pack everyone in as tightly as possible for the journey, comfort be damned so long as the crew can still function, so between that and Audric's hope to annoy the ears off of the poor priest who gets stuck on his boat, it probably won't be a very pleasant series of trips at all, but at least there will be more people getting to where they need to go.

In addition to this, Shard will be putting in a few words--or many words--or some not so gentle nudges--and maybe some heavy coin--to some people she knows who know some people who know some other people about extra boats and ships for the sole use of Aleksei's cause for the duration. Just don't look too hard at these boats or ask where they came from. They don't take kindly to questions.

Killian is dispatching ships from the Ashford navy to assist with the evacuation of freed thralls, per Aleksei's request. The ships will be providing transport, and staying together with one another, their orders to guardian one another and transport their passengers safely to the appointed destination.

Nicia has agreed to aid Aleksei and the Liberators in their task of helping to resettle the freed thralls, as such she has decided that one galley, and three longships from the Laurent military should be sent to help resettle the freed thralls. Allowing them to choose where they wanted to go, the help is not dependent on them coming to Laurent lands, although she will also make a point of stating that Laurent is willing to accept the resettlement of thralls in their lands.

Belladonna is putting Pravus's fleet at the Liberators' disposal for this. They are fresh and probably antsy for something to do. A skeleton force will be held back to patrol Setarco's borders as they have been, and a scout vessel or two are kept standing by in case the fleet has to be recalled swiftly (plus the ship kept in Arx!), but otherwise they can have use of the fleet as per the terms laid out by Aleksei. They are placed under Alrec's command, and Alrec is directed to report to the Faith on this one (using his judgment). Members of the Faith are most certainly allowed to be on every ship.

As well, she has put forth to both Aleksei and Bianca that those particularly suited for the role of a courtesan and interested in doing so, she will pay for their tuition to and support during the attendance of one of the courtesan schools in Setarco. And! Pioneering spirits that she might be able to interest in Luciva, they are being accepted that way too.

Boots on ground in Stormward while ships are there and have access to people (likely very briefly, but still), they are directed to aid in calming the populace, and provided talking points to do so by Belladonna.

Ford will be kept in the loop by her men as a matter of course throughout the entire mission.

Thena has agreed to assist Aleksei by providing as many Solace agents as can be spared to represent the Faith on ships transporting and resettling freed thralls. Since these agents are already out in the field acting as protectors to travellers and pilgrims, and have a presence long established in the Mourning Isles, shuffling things around shouldn't be too difficult. In addition, Thena is slated to send aid to the Mourning Isles for the Darkwater exploration and should be able to combine these efforts.

Thena is also dispatching a newly commissioned galley to help with transport. The galley will be crewed by freed thralls.

The Knights of Solace will accept freed thralls who wish to work either as soldiers or support staff and pay them a living wage for their services. They need not take vows, though should any wish to follow that path, instruction will be arranged.

Aleksei has asked for support to guard the ships, and knowing that the Knights of Solace will be focusing on supporting the Thralls this means the Templars only need worry about protecting the ships and ensuring that the ships are not mobbed when they land. Accordingly, Preston is making available Templars from the Arx Templars to sail out with the ships and hold order while Solace and the others help the former Thralls. The priority for the Templars is preserving the majority - the boats, the Faith people helping the Thralls. But they are also not the local police force. So. If the boats are at risk of being swamped or a mob forms and attacks the rescue attempts, they will defend. If a mob forms and isn't threatening the boats? Thats for Kennex.

Although she cannot be there in person, Katarina will be sending part of her fleet in her stead; three longships and a galley. These assets are to be used to help ferry newly freed thralls to their intended destinations, with gentle emphasis on a wealth of opportunity that can await them in Valardin-owned lands.

Hana is not the world's best teacher, but she's often been lucky in instructing others. And she's nothing if not enthusiastically devoted to Jayus -- the god of both crafting /and/ of hope. So she travels to the Isles as well, trying to give hope to the former thralls who need to learn a new trade -- those who worked menial jobs and desperately want to do something new, something that provides a chance at a better life. She'll be organizing lessons, yes, but she'll also have worked to encourage other Disciples of Jayus to the same -- to travel with her, and to teach /their/ skills as well. Tailoring, baking, carpentry, and so on. Hopefully, it at least makes a small difference.

Without question, Saedrus has agreed to assist Aleksei. First and foremost he intends to accompany Aleksei, and other Liberators, to Stormward not only as a Disciple of Skald, but as a composed and diplomatic voice in what might be a chaotic situation. Though he cannot offer ships or safe escort, he can be present to try and mollify vassals (or persons of the general populace) crying out against the current crisis. A little charm can go a long way, and hopefully Saed can keep things calm.

In addition, though he cannot take many, he will let it be known that the Grotto can take on a small number of ex-thralls as attendants, board and basic needs seen to, and assistance in finding them trades and future work. Furthermore, pending approval of the Radiant, he can take a handful in under the Whisper House as house staff until either they settle to other livelihoods or to continue on for potential future training. The total is miniscule in comparison to the twenty-thousand, but every little bit helps.

As a Liberator Ferrando is coming along to Stormward to try and generally help un-clusterfuck the situation. He's not really a logistical type or a big public speaker. He's a bouncer! It's fair to say his #1 skill to lend to the effort is an ability to move around heavy stuff. He's probably just going to end up dealing with minor things Aleksei is too busy for.

As promised the Scholars of Vellichor are ready to assist at the word of the Archscholar. Messengers have been sent to the parishes of the discipleship present in Stormward to open the doors to their smaller libraries and utilize donations already in stock to help in upholding the offer of a living wage to freed Thralls seeking higher education or tradeskill apprenticeships. Bianca will also be accompanying Blessed Aleksei to Stormward directly to aid immediately with her own diplomatic abilities and personal resources.

Mydas will be making use of his substantial ability in logistics and economics to ensure the resources deployed to aid the newly freed Thralls are not ill spent or wasted. To summarize, Marquis Mydas Nightgold will play the role of the accountant.

Seraph Ailith will reach out to the local Seraphs in aiding the Faith's efforts of providing solace, community outreach, and humanitarian efforts for the many believers. Using her presence and prowess of propaganda, she'll help kindle hope, compassion, and support among the Faithful and within the Faith such as sermons with stories of the compassion, love, charity, and hope, the many gifts of the Gods, in hopes to soothe and provide a steady familiar place of solace (worship in the shrines) during this chaotic time. When not doing these things, she personally heal the injured and sick who come to the Faith and assist them on their way to the outbound ships, should they be departing.

As minister of warfare and with authorisation to release about half the Velenosa armada into a committed liberation fleet, Talen is overseeing the leading arrangements in that regard. Ensuring the that there are captains who know what they're doing to act as transportation for ex-thralls is key. Faith and Liberator representatives are permitted aboard and allowed to direct the efforts with all reasonable requests to make things easier. The Velenosa are focusing primarily on carrying people, so any security escorts to defend the ships from external attacks will come from the Thrax, and Velenosa vassals organised by the Lyceum aid council.

Lianne is lending ships from Nilanza's navy to aid with the safe transport of the recently freed to Arx. Modest financial assistance will be provided to individuals or families interested in resettling in Nilanza, particularly if they are skilled in a trade or capable sailors interested in enlisting in the navy. Representatives of the Faith will be welcomed on board each vessel.

Victus will be providing transport via the 1st Thrax Fleet, namely in his stated offer of paying work in the Maelstrom and safe haven until they can be transported elsewhere in the Compact. Aleksei's Liberators and other agents of the Faith will be allowed passage on these vessels making runs to and from Stormward to assist in the relocation efforts for Thralls lacking employment. With the exception of any ships provided by Grimhall, per Harald's request. It should be noted that freed Thralls who have gone on to commit crimes against Kennex will not be offered the same on Victus' own vessels, as they are Kennex's right to judge for their actions.

In an unofficial capacity, though with no less focus, Rook will be duplicating the efforts of Mydas Nightgold in an effort. It can't hurt to be certain, can it? Resources in, out and spent all about. In addition there's the counting of ex-Thralls shipped out, sprinkled across the Compact, giving as accurate a set of numbers as possible to all takers of the refugees. Did any go missing, how many died, do they have at least enough coin and resources to keep this mission up until all of Stormward's loose freemen are, well, free?

Lacking much in the way of funds or resources, Fortunato employs his skill and that of his apprentices to make flyers, encouraging people of great means and small means to donate to the resettlement effort and otherwise help smooth out the transition, perhaps by hiring the displaced. Need someone in the back room? Someone to knead dough? Someone, perhaps, to draw more flyers?

Monique will accompany the flotilla and use her charm and diplomacy to convince freed Prodigal thralls to resettle in the Compact, using her knowledge of their native tongue to win their trust. She will also use her significant silver to see they are set up with necessities when they arrive at their destinations.

They manage to avoid violence, which is no minor miracle as of the sheer amount of naval force in the region now. Setarco's massive navy is significantly larger than the pride and joy of many Isles houses, a fact most seem completely unaware of even as House Pravus' dromonds and dozens of longships arrive in Kennex waters under the command of Admiral Alrec to assist the liberators. This is not, in any way, to diminish the forces sent by the Knights of Solace, House Laurent, Lianne's fleet of Nilanza, or the detachments by House Velenosa, Katarina's Oathlands fleet, Ashford or Thrax, but all combined it roughly doubles the overall size of the force, which would likely make any lower rank peers of the Isles distinctly uneasy if they realized its scope.

Fortunately, that's unlikely to happen, as the fleet takes place in a great disapora. There is still a significant percentage that opts to stay in Kennex lands with the support to do so, and in this, the Faith is instrumental. The Faith is one of the great consistent institutions across the entire Compact, even in the shamanism heavy north, but the Isles have always been closer to the Faith than that. Orazio, Thena, Preston, Bianca, Ailith in particular are able to make a great deal of difference in many staying, particularly with the economic work by Rook and Mydas helping to make a chaotic situation be broken down into stabilizing a destroyed economy, and peacekeeping efforts from the forces sent. Killian's Ashford men, Nicia's Laurent forces, Lianne's Nilanzans, Audric and Shard's valorous few, Preston's templars, Thena's knights of solace, Setarco marines all do a part to keeping peace on the ground, with the aid of the Valorous Few being a little questionable and a few of them seem determined to put the 'liberation' in Liberators to mean goods that belonged to individuals. A few hangings by Audric fixes that (and these were the friendlier ones, a shame), as well as Ferrando helpfully letting others know where the problematic elements are.

While a small but significant percentage stays, what truly happens is a massive disapora led by the combined fleet. Some prodigals. Setarco, Nilanza, Maelstrom, Maelstrom, and Ashford lands all see a significant amount of ex-thralls wishing to settle, with Setarco as an example seeing a large bump in capable courtesans at Setarco's schools. The Lycene is a bit more popular as in terms of climate, Setarco or Nilanza is closest to the saffron chain, and what the vast majority of former thralls originally came from. Monique as a prodigal has a great deal in common with many of the newer, louder voices from factions of former thralls, and is able to help many peacefully find new homes throughout the Compact- a smaller percentage opt for different vocations in Arx, with Hana having new weaponsmiths, Saedrus having some new employees at the Grotto and potential Whispers, the Valorous Few see a bump in questionable fellows replacing the ones hanged with Shard sorting out the most promising. There's quite a few new templars, knights of Solace and Scholars, particularly from those wishing to see Arx as godsworn. All in all, a massive amount of refugees are resettled peacefully.

All that's the good, the bad is minor but still significant- the huge amount of ships flying Oathlands and Lycene flags are allowing some pirates to take advantage of the confusion and fly false flags to escape justice, with hundreds of ships in Kennex waters without an overall central command, no one really knows who is who which is allowing some smugglers and pirates to hope that Thrax doesn't have the balls to pick on Oathlands or Lycene ships and provoke an incident (unfortunately for all involved, this is probably untrue). Also, while the great disapora helps the refugees, it doesn't help Kenenx- the recovery they see is modest, as most of their workforce is, in effect, leaving with only a minority staying. They still need a massive amount of investment to survive.

Action by Eirene

(Public Action, OOC Date: Nov. 8, 2017, 3:51 p.m.)

At Laric's request, the victims from the mysterious house fire are brought to the Saving Grace and Eirene and her physicians (to be added) perform a quick Abyssal test and autopsy the victims of the Burroughs fire. With rumors the family was 'strange' she looks for any unnatural signs or remnants of markings, or if they were killed prior to the fire being set. Checking for any kind of rope or bindings to see if they were tied up and left to die as well. Also - does the fire look like normal fire damage or was it weird?

Jack is looking for signs of smoke inhalation (which would suggest they died in the fire), then things like stab wounds or other marks that would show they might have died before the fire started. He'll also be doing whatever he can to cover information about the bodies, to help identify them.

In addition to assisting with the standard autopsy and routine Abyssal-influence testing, Lianne will be making use of her occult expertise to inspect for any signs of abnormalities or ritual activity, either performed by or on the victims.

Laric is providing the bodies! The already dead bodies, not fresh ones, my goodness. Confessor Baptiste (retainer 463) will hang around to act as Laric's observer and may or may not lose his lunch in the process. He is a delicate Oathlands flower.

Two things are discovered about the family. One, they were extremely weird. Really, really weird. People said that members of that family often forgot their own names, or would respond to the names of each other, as if they were confused which of them was which. Like the mother would answer as the father, the father would answer as the daughter, and so on randomly. It was extremely offputting, to say the least. Secondly, Lord Sivard Grimhall was spotted entering and leaving the house, and evidence strongly suggests he was responsible for the blaze- and there was no smoke in the lungs, cuts on the bones, they were definitely all dead before the fire took them.

Action by Eirene

(Public Action, OOC Date: Oct. 24, 2017, 11:53 a.m.)

Halsim has provided what’s described as muscled up abyssal humanoid creature which has been part of the Horned God’s forces, another mutated shav. Her team is Sophie for the religious aspects, and Jack and Lianne for the more mundane ones. They’ll run the usual Abyssal force testing (holy water/fire per Sophie, check it in a mirror, alaricite) special testing with wolf’s blood/fur since this is Skald’s reflection they’re dealing with, acids, any weird herbs, and then cut it open to see if the insides are also mutated. The goal is to see if they were human at some point or, per Halsim’s request, if they were infected with the sentient black goopy paracite that ‘Hush’ had.

The corpse looks different in a mirror, more like a normal person the first time it's reflected. Then when the mirror shows again, it has no reflection at all. Then the third time and each time after that, it reflects as normal in the mirror, alarmingly. But seems ever so slightly closer to Eirene and the others each time in the reflection. Huh. It does smolder and burn from each of the other elements (holy water, alaricite, fire), and when they cut it open, it has two hearts, and redundancy in other organs, but it seems otherwise that they would have been human. As if multiple people were shoved together somehow. No sign of black goopy parasites, but Khanne has an uneasy feeling, when she looks at it, sometimes it is as if she is seeing a dozen figures, not just one, like her vision is distorted. It gives her an intense headache.

Thirteen hours after the cadaver is dissected, it blackens and turns to ash, disintegrating on the slab. Huh.

Action by Harald(RIP) for Silence

(Public Action)

Docks & Lower Boroughs Defense

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

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

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

Assisting at the Docks:

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

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

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

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


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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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