With the understanding of how spidersilk is made (clue 3579), that hard (impossible) part is done. Now fine tuning is a must to protect the spiders and honor the Queen of Endings. Jaenelle wishes to collect more spidersilk, this time with the assistance of the Faith to offer suggestions and new ideas on ways to better, safely, harvest the rare silk threading to weave into cloth.

The aid that Aureth lends to this venture is largely by virtue of his person, his unique relationship with spiders generally, and the grace of Death. To say that what he does is _communing_ with them is a little bit of an overstatement. But the weave of the spiders and whatever he can do to coax their cooperation and ensure the health and safety of the Queen's favorites, by his presence and whatever gentle patience he can summon -- with prayers to Death before each enterprise.

The process for harvesting spidersilk is still incredibly difficult, but, with this second harvest, the technique is less deadly for the spiders involved, but output does not increase. The harvest results in a modest amount of spidersilk, but it is clear that this material will remain remarkably rare for the foreseeable future.

(OOC: Jaenelle now has more spidersilk in her inventory! Yay!)

For some time now, house Grimhall has been planning to build a school of theology at Grihem's Point, to teach Mourning Islanders about all of the Gods of the Pantheon and encourage more of them to become Godsworn. The time has come for construction to begin, and so Valdemar will be getting things in order to do this: finalizing the plans for the building, getting them out to construction crews, arranging for the import of any materials needed that are not produced at Grihem's Point, and so on. His focus is on building a grand structure worthy of the Gods, to inspire people to come and learn about all of them, not just Mangata. Vanora will be the face of the project, getting the word out about the school and coordinating with others who will be assisting with matters like finding instructors and support staff or once the school is open.

For more than a year the Grimhall family has been working towards building a school of theology the likes of which few places in all the Compact have ever seen. Called the Grihem Seminary and Philosophical Academy, it is even in its building stages referred to more commonly as the Grim Seminary.

Designs for the Seminary include a massive structure of locally sourced marble that gleams like a beacon from the top of a cliff providing stunning views of the sea, located just outside the bustling city of Grihem's Point that it can be seen by those in the city below. Interiors are to be beautiful and spare no expense, with large auditoriums for lectures and sermons and smaller classrooms dedicated to more discussion focused education. It includes a library that is well stocked yet still growing its collection, as well as several outbuildings such as a cathedral for religious rites and prayer, and housing for teachers, students, and other workers and their families.

For this initial groundbreaking and dedication, House Grimhall is focusing on the following:

1 Hosting Godsworn and Legates from the City of Arx in order to help design curriculum, perform the dedications when the Seminary opens for students, and in some cases to offer guest lectures and classes to the first class to begin their studies.

2 Spreading word of the endeavor throughout the Mourning Isles in order to drum up interest and fill the classrooms. This includes reaching out to recently freed thralls or those about to be freed, for either studying or working at the Seminary provides housing and meals to students without cost, and the same for employees in addition to a fair wage for their work.

3 Creating paying jobs not only for the construction of the school but for its ongoing maintenance, employing everything from assistant teachers and caregivers for employees children to groundskeepers and maids who keep the buildings at their best.

4 Emphasizing through outreach that the Faith is yet another of the traditional institutions that are so important to Islanders, and that Grimhall continues to invest in these that traditionalists in their holdings are able to see that though there has been great change with abolition, the Isles are not forgetting their traditions or the institutions that keep them in place.

For Vanora's part personally, she will be focused on spreading the word and emphasizing the traditions that the Seminary will be deepening Grimhall commitment to, those of the Faith. She will be traveling around Grimhall holdings as well as Grihem's Point itself to tell of the Seminary and invite students and laborers to come and be a part of it.

As the Minister of Income and Trade for Grimhall, Cassima uses her profound knowledge of economics and experience managing the finances of House Grimhall to set up a stable economic framework for building this grand school of Theology at Grihem's Point so that there is coin enough to pay for the import of building materials, the labourers and so on in this endeavour. She also drafts a financial plan for the smooth and sustainable running of the school when the time comes.

Aureth's principal position here is as a student of theology (with his mid-life career change) and as a designer of a comprehensive and thorough curriculum for the school, piggybacking upon the work of the other priests who are involved and utilizing his long experience as an educator to do so. He also dedicates his own time to the project where he can by aiding in the interview and selection of instructors "on the ground" (so to speak).

One of the things that he primarily finds it important to ensure is that new priests will be trained not only in theology but in the kinds of thing local seraphies need: basic agricultural knowledge, for example, simple economics, introductory teaching, and what training he can design in empathetic and active listening. It's super important that training for new priests take into account the actual nitty-gritty details of their jobs, not just theological questions but practical ones.

Archscholar Sina has been aware of the project to create a school of theology at Grihem's Point for quite some time, since the very early days of its inception. Therefore, she is more than willing to offer whatever aid she can when the time finally comes to set those plans into motion. Using all of the resources at her disposal as Archscholar, she will assist with providing learning materials, copies of texts, writing implements and more. She'll send a delegation of eight to ten Godsworn Scholars to Grihem's Point to begin with, so that they can help with the initial establishment of the school and remain to teach, if they wish. (Represented by 800 Social resources.)

Then, she will be journeying to Grihem's point herself, in order to give her official blessing to the School in Vellichor's name. She will also be teaching a guest lecture, which she will be calling, "Heeding the Call". During this lecture, she'll tell her own story of how she, a Mourning Islander, felt the pull to become Godsworn. She'll tell the story of her how her own mother was a thrall aboard her father's ship before it was destroyed, and how she, Sina, came to serve in the kitchens of House Thrax, and then became handmaiden to Princess Donella and then Princess Alarissa. How, during a tour of the Mourning Isles, she passed through Grihem's Point and heard the choir in the amphitheater singing praises to Mangata, of how the artists and disciples of Jayus of Escuma moved her, and how Mother Ailith inspired her throughout the journey. These things, she will tell them, are all a part of what brought her to the service of the Gods.

She'll tell them, though, that in the end everyone has a different story, and that story has, one way or another, brought them to the seminary. Whatever story has brought them here, she hopes that those choices will carry them to the service of the Gods. But if not, that's okay. To become Godsworn isn't an easy path. She will explain all that it entails, both the pros and the cons, and she will 'keep it real'. She will end by inviting anyone who wishes to ask her questions, to do so. And then she'll give her blessing and benediction over the first class of Grim Seminary hopefuls.

Vayne sets in place curricula for training new godsworn, using his considerable experience and skills to help godsworn be well-rounded servants of the Pantheon. This includes ensuring a wide range of books and other resources are available, of high quality. Lessons and education tracks are established, giving the new godsworn every opportunity to succeed. He also lends the Shrine of Tehom's considerable influence toward advertising this effort.

Sanya will be heading over to Grihem's Point for purposes of spreading word and outreach. She'll use her skill with words and her popularity among the people to encourage them (including former thralls) to study/work at the seminary as well as improve the work ethic of those working to build the school. She'll also aid in hosting the men and women of the faith that have come to help design the curriculum.

As Lilia's first major contribution to her new house, she is determined simply to help where she can. As the former Minister of Upkeep for the Telmarch, she has some experience dealing with infrastructure and public works and that plays into helping with the construction phase, organizing and keeping track of paperwork and otherwise dealing with boring, nitty, gritty details that are otherwise tiresome. As former Voice, she's used to letters and meetings and encouraging people to get with whatever program is being pushed, by whatever means necessary. At every turn she looks for ways to assist, always with the goal that the Seminary should be a triumph and a beacon of theology not just to the Mourning Isles, but to the Compact as a whole.

As an investor, Edward will be on hand to help with logistics and managing supply for the materials that are used for the school. Specifically he has helped broker deals for House Grimhall in the past and knows how the ins and outs of their merchant business dealings more than most, so will make use of that information to help get discounted goods and materials that are still of the high quality that would be expected in the construction project.

It's a massive undertaking, and the better part of a year is spent fully constructing the Grim Seminary, but it's a remarkable achievement once complete.

The response is strong, with many noble houses throughout the Isles nudging a member of the family to be among the first seminaries to study at the school, so that their houses can have another claim in support of a great institution. Of course, the response from former thralls who are struggling to return to their old lives is even stronger, and even with the massive size of the Seminary, the thousands upon thousands of responses make it difficult to sort them all into classes, but the Seminary manages. The Faith will most certainly grow, and it will make it possible to spread some of the parishes, and have better trained Seraphs that will make it less likely for there to be spiritual divisions later (with the resulting unpleasantness in heresies and crusades).

In order to spread Death's doctrine in Arx (and around the compact if rumors spread and travellers carry the word onward), the Harlequins and Bard's college plus associates of either, with Harlequin Mockingbird Evaristo, Legate Aureth, Voice of the Queen of Endings and Nightingale Gianna organising, get together to create the Festival of Death.

The festival itself takes place during spread out events over the course of the summer, culminating with the The Rhytm of the Wheel that in itself is more than one event. Many of the events will take place in the Lowers and Uppers and will largely be free to attend. Nobles are encouraged to donate to the Faith of the Pantheon and the Harlequins in particular, however. Some contests might have a small fee if you also win something, but commoners will pay a token one. Streets will be decorated with bats on string, skulls, spiders and of course, wheels.

Streets nearest the events will be decorated with spiders, bats, wheels and skulls (not real ones!) hanging from buildings or in trees. (Yes, they will be taken down and not left to litter!)

Events will include (but not exclude other things):
* Pun contests
* Fashion show
* Craft stations for children (make your own bat plushie or spider etc.)
* Pin the leg on the spider
* A Death inspired poetry reading
* A Death inspired Masquerade ball
* A spider petting zoo
* Play performances on Death history and stories
* Music performances
* Dancing performances
* Sermons at the Shrine of the Queen of Endings, and lore sessions for the curious

Each event will offer the Death Prayerbook to read and each event will give a short briefing on her doctrine at the start. The Iron Guard will be helping to keep order on the streets on any events taking place outside in the public.

The culmination of the festival will be The Rhytm of the Wheel event, in which hundreds of drummers of all ages get together, wearing clothing in black, white and red. (See this link for an idea of how it might look/sync - though think more heartbeats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbmrJ85p_fo) None will have faces painted as skulls, but there will be Death's own symbol on the clothes or held aloft on banners. The drummer event will start at the Shrine of the Queen of Endings and move towards the Graveyard right outside of Arx. It will portray the beating heart - of the city, of the people. Syncronised and organised by the Bard's College and conducted by its members, Evaristo will walk in the front with any Harlequins who wish to do so and other invited guests who might want to join. It will be a powerful display, with the rhytms perfect, the drummers moving in sync with well-rehearsed dance steps and drumming. Small drums, large drums, combined into an epic melody of life, from beginning till end. Along the way, actors will perform little mini-plays of scenes from life. Children playing. A marriage. Adventures. Lazy days in the sun. Shivering cold in the winter. Working. Tragedies, joys.

At the Graveyard the drums will slow down. Slower and slower until they stop. And symbolically, a woman in a black dress and a black hooded cloak (Gianna acting as Death herself) will come forth and embrace an old woman before the two walk away together while the drummers slowly fade out the 'heartbeats' - the Ending. But then, after it fully stops, a young couple walks into the graveyard, the drummers parting way. They carry a young baby, walking to visit a grave. The drumming begins picking up once more. A new life has come. A new Beginning. The concert ends in a crescendo, every drummer giving it all.

After the Rhytm of the Wheel event, Evaristo, Aureth and Gianna will do a concert together. They will sing and play. The Life is a Near Death Experience song will be sung, but also new songs about stories about Death. Humorous, and serious, epic and small. The concert will be held at the Shrine of the Queen, outside of it on a stage built for the occasion. And then it will all end in an amazing party, finishing the Festival of Death - for this year.

Aureth is here to grease wheels, primarily (this is what the 500 social he added is for -- for greasing wheels and calling in a few casual favors, as a big bad faith favor caller), but he's also here to offer cheerful sermonizing and a little performative panache to the whole thing in conjunction with Evaristo and Gianna. There's nobody who loves Death more than him, as far as he's concerned, and demonstrating that is his favorite part of his job. He's available for singing, juggling, and the all-important part of his priestly role, answering questions for the confused.

Though not a Harlequin, Helena is a fan of the Queen of Endings and Beginnings for a few reasons, so she lends her voice to the effort, to help spread the doctrine of Death. She'll attend and lead events, speak highly of the goddess, answer questions, and do her best to help the people of Arx understand what a gift the Queen is to humanity, rather than being something to fear.

As a Harlequin Lethe will attend as many events as she can. She wants to make sure people have a good time. She will be there to talk to anyone who is curious about the Queen of Endings and will do her best to answer any questions they may have. She will also walk with Evaristo and other Harlequins during the rhythm of the wheel event.

As with any large gathering of people, it is wise to have well-practiced healers on hand just in case. While this is a Festival of Death, there is no requirement for any actual deaths (this is not a Nox'alfar gathering after all). Estelle will be there with a number of Mercies both to keep everyone in good health and spirits while the Godsworn woman will also offer what she knows of the Queen of Endings.

Gianna's main contribution, aside from providing the Bard's College backing, will be to perform in that concert. The Nightingale herself! People pay big money to have her sing, and here she's doing it for free. FOR FREE. You're welcome, everyone. She will even play nice and sing with Evaristo and Aureth instead of trying to grandstand. Or she'll try not to, anyway. Sort of. OK, there might be some grandstanding.

Darkwater itself has gone through the wheel of life, so it's one of the reasons the Countess of it feels a connection to the Queen of Endings because of it. Carita's more than happy to lend resources and silver for this beautiful idea of Evaristo's. After all, she knows people that know people to make sure things run smoothly even with minimal resources.

Drums may not be Saro's more typical line of work, but with skills in both wood- and leatherworking and a perfect ear for pitch, it's certainly not outside her capabilities. That being the case, she's taken it upon herself to create some of the drums to be used in the parade; just a few larger pieces worked in the motifs of the Queen of Endings to punctuate certain points of the procession and provide a decorative, and spectacularly LOUD, focal point.

Warrick will bring the presence of the Iron Guard to the festival to provide order and security for the performers and guests. He'll keep the other guardsmen evenly divided between the roads they're instructed to block off. More guardsmen will be directed to stand guard at every corner on the parade route, and a small squad will travel alongside the drummers in the Rhythm of the Wheel event, spaced so they remain discreet. Any disorder will be met with every attempt to de-escalate, or else a gentle escort out of the festival.

As a Harlequin and a Lowers man, Raymesin will be adding security measures throughout the festival that have nothing to do with the Iron Guard and everything to do with keeping the peace. After all, there are few things like the offer of having a personal meeting with the Queen in a minute or two to help someone decide that maybe they didn't want to do what they were about to do after all.

While not a Harlequin, Ida believes all of the pantheon should be honored, so at the suggestion of Princess Helena, she stocks the shop with hairpins in spider and skull themes for the upcoming events. A portion of the proceeds from those sales will then be donated to the Shrine of the Queen of Endings.

Amantha will be there leading a small group from the iron nurse corps to assist the Mercies when needed or patrolling the festival when it's not.

Berenice will be at her socialite best, offering the weight of House Velenosa's grandeur and style to the festival, as well as serving as a co-host for one of the final events. Don't you want to join? Are you /sure/? (You definitely want to attend.)

It's a good festival in the way all festivals ought to be. Enough events, spaced out far enough, that the Queen stays on people's minds, that the momentum for more Queen events remains. This is all known, everyone knows that they've been out there, spreading the word, spreading art and music in her name.

What isn't known is this: After the drums of the Rhythm of the Wheel fade, after the crowds have largely dispersed, after costumes are shed and it's time to tend to the Graveyard and make sure nothing's left behind, Evaristo and Aureth, Gianna and Helena, Ida and Berenice, Carita and Lethe and Saro, Estelle and Amantha, Warrick and Raymesin, they all see someone strange. They're seated at one of the tables not quite cleared away, thin and cloaked and slump, and they're singing a thin, sharp song that only just carries.

You are born. Now. Open your eyes and cry.
You are aged and worn. Close your eyes and die.
You are born. Now. Reach out your small hands.
You are worn. Now. Lay your body on the sands.

The soul is spun new. The soul is spun old.
You are righteous and bold. Or clever and cold.
The light excites you. Or the dark draws you close.
You embrace a legacy. Or resist it, in throes.

You are dead. Now. You wake now, anew.
You will look back, soon, see how you grew.
Or didn't. Now. Again begin. End again.
Close your eyes. The Wheel still spins.

As the song continues, the graveyard darkens slightly, the soil near them rivering with spiders. The sky does not change, but the feeling of being outside does, as if they were wrapped in close garments and kept somewhere safe. And by the song end, the figure is gone, although no one saw them leave. Their heartbeats seem a touch louder for a few minutes after, drumlike, as if accompanying something unheard.

The journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. It's time to get the ball rolling on the infrastructure needed to support a domain without thralldom, and to start ingratiating those efforts with landed Islanders. Prince Victus Thrax is gathering his diplomats and administrators to start laying down groundwork and doing it well.

With Victus' proclamation enforced in the capital city, he will begin to lead the people in slow reform. The first steps being to start slowly releasing thralls to meet their 15% quota by the end of the year, starting for now with strictly family units. Thralls who have children or elderly relatives specifically who are all indentured, as they could (in theory) support one another better in freedom. All of them being freed at once will hopefully build good will, while also ensuring they have people to fall back on and not immediately slip into crime or starvation. And those in chains via debt inheritance can finally be freed.

Debts sworn directly to Thrax itself will be lawfully forgiven, rather than requiring a payment in full. He'll also be ensuring that the standing military of House Thrax will be front and center to keep the peace during all of that.

Alongside this, there will be a new need for freed workers to replace those bodies. Victus will start by preaching the end of the last institution of slavery. How it is a holy quest with Skald's choice. How it has held Thrax back and that the new future without it will be great and strong. Specifically selling it to skilled workers who would like to partake in that future, where new jobs are suddenly becoming available with actual money being paid!

When it comes to actually putting action to words, money and resources will be leveraged to do just that. Lending to incentives for landholders at Maelstrom and newly freed thralls alike. Tax grants will be offered to minor lords and employers who partake in the hiring of freed workers and those who will be supportive of Thrax's endeavors in the abolition. Freed thralls will be offered proper housing if they wish to stay and take on a craft on Maelstrom. Both of which will (hopefully) lead to more effiency and less hemorrhaging in the long run.

It is Prince Victus' hope that this small beginning in lessening Thralldom's hold on Maelstrom will serve as an example to the other Houses of the Mourning Isles. That it can be done, it can be done well, and here's what they can expect to happen if they choose to follow. So of course, he's really, /really/ hoping it goes well.

Alarissa promised that no matter what, she would stand beside Victus and see this through. She also is the firm believer of living by example and that if Thrax expects the rest of those who make up the Mourning Isles to follow, then they need to take the first step. No matter how painful. So where Victus goes, she goes when it is appropriate. A united front and to use her diplomatic and propaganda skills to converse with the freedmen and with the thralls still in service who will be either released in the future through the 15% or just from completing their debt. This is a ambitious and profound step for Thrax and the Mourning Isles. A painful one. Long has the isles profited upon the backs of those who refused to bend the knee, or fell upon hard times. But now, they would like to ask for the freedmen's assistance, those who were under Thrax direct, for assistance. It's strange, it's hard. They're asking them to trust them. But Alarissa asks anyways. Stay. Help to build the Mourning Isles to the glory of the seas. If they choose to depart, they understand. Between ARRG and the Liberators and willing houses, they will have a plethora of choices of where to start this new phase of their life. But for this to succeed, they need the strength of them, the freedmen who endured, to remain behind and help. Side by side, they will set the tone, set the stage, set the future. But without them, they will fail.

The same is said to those who held the debts. She promotes the incentives, the fact that while now labour will be paid, they can start to slowly charge a little more, then a little more, recoup these costs and they'll find a broader market because people will now be willing to pay for goods not made by slaves but by other citizens of the compact. Flourish alongside those they ruled over before with an iron fist and work side by side with some elbow grease and set the ground for an even more stronger Thrax, Mourning Isles, even more stronger economy if they're willing to put in the work. She and Victus will stand with them, have placed their fates right beside theirs. Fall together, or rise together. She's putting her own money where her mouth is alongside that of Thrax's. Liquidating investments, calling in favors, all of it. She cannot ask them to sacrifice if she is unwilling to do the same. She hopes, she tells them, that they will sacrifice with them with the goal of a better life for all, for the landholders, business owners, farmers, artisans, captains of the sea. All of them. Hard work, this is what those of the Mourning Isles have known. They have built their lands and jobs on hard work and the Gods willing, they will with all that hard work, find further propsperity, peace and prove that those of the Isles when they put their mind to it, will see a hard job done right and through to the end.

Being a hands-on Minister of Finance, the Countess is now also becoming well versed in just who to speak with in order to get things accomplished in projects such as this; that are efficient and long lasting. Thanks to her work with Darkwater, in the North with the Halfshavs project, and with Grimhall's newest naval academy, and the great success with Kennex's recent endevours, she has a few goals for this project to aid in pushing it forward.

Firstly, keeping track of those freed with debts washed away.

When Victus preaches about the future being stronger without thralls, Carita is there to help those that step forward to partake in the tax grants for minor Lords and employers that would like to hire these freed people. Should they need more space for living quarters, she knows just the right people to ask for such a thing, and even has a few plans on hand to help ease minds.

She makes a list of willing workers for future endevours and makes sure to direct those interested in the High Lord's generosity should they wish to stay in Maelstrom, in connecting what is needed (employers) with what is offered (laborers) to help deflect with what could possibly be hemorrhaging in the long run. She'll have a small list of suggestions for the willing to help with the flow of money.

Baroness Skye Blackshore, Minister of Infrastructure to House Thrax, uses her city planning skills to figure out ways to expand needed housing as well as make improvements to the current living conditions. Her economic know-how allows her to phase in the costs of the project so that it does not become overwhelming for Maelstrom. She works closely with her other ministers to make sure the tax grants, lending incentives and other economic ventures are fair to both those partaking and Thrax family.

Duchess Tyde, Voice of Thrax is an ever calm presence on the trip, letting her own attendance be a reminder of what great set backs can be over come with determination. While Victus makes public statements, Margot steps back and observes, identifying key influencers and then finding reasons to interact with them in more private venues. She listens, intently to their concerns, because she knows that the first step to soothing a anxiety is acknowledging it and then engages in conversation that feels like it is open minded but lays the seeds to change thoughts, to encourage actions and always ends with an open invitation to continue said discourse in correspondence after they leave.

As the Warlord to Highlord Victus, Prince Galen of course agreed to take lead of this project. Using his extensive knowledge in war tactics and his natural leadership skill, along with his skills in combat and the like he hope to help make be the edge needed to get a sucessful outcome.

When this was originally in the works, Aureth promised Victus his personal support as well as the support of the Faith, so it's time to pay the piper -- but it is gladly done. The Faith and the Liberators will come together to provide funding, transportation for those who need it to go elsewhere than the Mourning Isles, social connection and support for those who need it, and fine grandiloquence in Aureth's own inimitable style to the effort to begin to ease Thrax in their transition towards freedom. This will include the attached 2000000 silver, 1000 social resources, 1000 economic resources, and 500 military resources from the Faith.

Princess Caith is tagging along on this endeavor, serving as one of the aforementioned diplomats. Her focus is going to be on the traditionalists -- she is going to throw all her charm and empathy towards them to hear out and (hopefully) alleviate their concerns. First and foremost, she is going to listen to them; she's not here to just tell them how it is going to be and tout how great it all is. From there, she will discuss the future in context of their fears and worries. It is her aim that they can work /together/ to make peace with the changes that are coming. Caith plans to tackle this by addressing three points that she suspects weighs heavily on the minds of the traditionalists.

1) The loss of cultural identity
Change is scary and people worry that with this radical shift, Thrax will no longer look like Thrax anymore. She will point out that there is so much more to Thrax than thralls; if anything, taking thralls is just a minor aspect of what makes Thrax so great and unique. She will point to the things in their culture that will be unaffected by this change: how they will continue to rule the seas, how their men will continue to be fierce and feared warriors, how their women will continue to be strong in heart and mind, and so one. She will recount tales of Thrax pride and sing songs of legendary moments, making certain to pick things that do not feature or mention thralls. She will also point out that their taking of thralls is the point that other fealties whine about they disparage Thrax -- with that taken away, they will -have- to recognize Thrax's glory. Isn't it about time to take Grayson down a peg or two and boot them off their high horse?

2) The economic impact
Caith will let the people she visits speak at length about their concerns regarding the financial strain of having to pay for labor which has been 'free' for centuries. She will recognize that it will be tough! She's not about to deny that. However, she will make certain that people are aware of the incentives and tax grants that are being made available as a result of this change. There might be an initial hit as everyone adjusts to the new reality of things but once everything settles, they are likely to see a surge in efficiency and productivity in the freed workers -- she will point out that people tend to be more invested in what they are doing when they have hope for their future. Improved efficiency and productivity equal: PROFITS.

3) The fear of increased crime
Many might worry that without the ability to make the conquered into thralls, they are opening themselves up to increased danger. After listening to families express all their concerns regarding their safety, Caith will point out that just because Thrax will not be taking thralls doesn't mean the fealty will suddenly grow soft. The conquered will have two choices: bend the knee or die. Those who bend the knee will be much less likely to be hostile towards Thrax than thralls because they will have been given a choice to join and did so by their own volition. And those who are hostile to Thrax, even after being conquered? Well, they will be dead.

In the end, Caith will do everything in her power to hear out the people's concerns, discuss those worries and work with them so that they find a way to accept the coming changes /together/. THRAX STRONG.

Prince Victus has offered Lucita passage to Maelstrom to assist with this effort. Alarissa is a friend of hers and Lucita owes Thrax a few favors, for providing the elite troops and Lord Ian's assistance during wars and risky ventures, such assistance keeping her alive. What better way to to show her appreciation? While using propaganda primarily, she has a variety of skills which she hopes to use as circumstances dictate. There is performance to reinforce propaganda with songs of Lagoma reminding how change is good and leads away from deadly stagnancy. And there is diplomacy and propaganda that work hand in hand to help sooth the way and prevent flareups. Lastly there is stewardship she can incorporate into her propaganda as it lets her see a clearer path to help cut through delays and get to the people who actually have the ability to do something useful, not just pass the task to someone else. She leaves the fine details and precice nuances of things to Victus and his people and lends her skills to bolstering up and strengthening their efforts aimed at stability and peaceful changeover while freeing Thralls.

Victus' changes are not popular. They just aren't. No matter how much they try to get ahead of it - and they /are/ trying hard - the traditionalists in Thrax are not appeased. All the things Caith mentions - economic impact, the fear of increased crime, and especially the loss of cultural identity - these are the things that Traditionalists also worry about, and as fifteen percent of thralls are freed across the Mourning Isles, many lean back and point to the general unrest and say - "See? Told you so." They'd be rather more smug except the general unrest is across the Mourning Isles in total, save only with the exception of Kennex holdings.

Still, the Compact as a whole supports Victus and these changes. So where they lose some internal trade because the traditionalists are choosing different markets in which to spend their money, they're gaining some in trade with other Great Houses. It doesn't hurt that Legate Aureth is backing this change, and the power of the Faith is behind Victus and his changes. Alarissa is working hard to make sure the economic impact is as small as possible. Skye shows them how it has worked for Darkwater in the rebuilding efforts. Carita as Minister of Income is doing all she can to minimize potential financial ruin. Galen is trying to keep the Navy ship-shape (though he has troubles of his own), and Margot is using every ounce of diplomatic know-how she can engage to sooth ruffled feathers. Lucita doesn't hurt either - as a symbol of alliances outside the Mourning Isles, her faith in these changes and in Victus' leadership provide a counterpoint to the internal doubters who think this will never work.

It's hard going, and it's definitely not easy. The economy is taking a hit, it's true - but it's not as terrible as it might be if they were just blindly freeing thralls. They don't need to call on the Compact to help, not yet. But the Traditionalists are not appeased, crime /is/ up - owing to some pointed raiding on the outer islands, particularly of those domains sympathetic to Victus' reforms - and everything has the feeling of a House balanced on a knife's edge.

Only time will tell if Thrax will rise on the tide or sink to the bottom of the Mourning Sea.

We're going to the catacombs.

It has taken a while to get everything set up and learn about the catacombs. Tunnels change. It's hard to navigate. There are servants of the Queen. Certain parts are more dangerous than others. After learning a good amount, plans are being drawn. They will take the secret entrance into the tunnels under the Murder of Crows. Fitting since there objective revolves around a Murder. Jeffeth has information (Clue 2833) that suggests information about crows and their unusual history may be lost under the city in the catacombs somewhere. So a crack team has been assembled and they will take an expedition into the catacombs to search for this information.

Magpie made a deal that if he opened the door, he comes along. So with Magpie providing the entrance under the Murder to the tunnels. Magpie is along for the trip. Mae knows the way from the tunnels to the catacombs. And Aureth comes to keep Death's servants from harassing the group too much.

Once down they will let their need for the information guide the way. They bring along a lot of items that have been suggested for navigating the catacombs. A lot of chalk. A few very large balls of string. Extremely long wooden poles. A lot of candles.

This is Jeffeth's trip, but he's not the most keen on digging up information or finding things. So he will mostly be focusing on protecting his companions, hoping his more sharp eyed friends find something that may help them.

We go searching for crows!

Does Caith have fighting abilities? Nope. Can she heal people? Nu-uh. So why is she down in the catacombs where she might encounter living skeletons and other assorted peril? In a word: ADVENTURE. Armed and armored with her trusty Jeffeth, she is going to use her tingly senses to help figure out where they should go. Mae is the authority, of course, but maybe something will jump out at her (hopefully not literally). One could say that she intends to stretch out with her feelings..

Surely everyone going along is very capable and formidable. However it's always good to bring a healer along and Juniper is just that person! She packs up a little first aid kit, sets aside her natural uneasiness at the possibility of facing animate skeletons (Death likes her, right? Please please please please) and goes along with the team to help keep people alive.

Mae's been asked about the tunnels under Arx. Fact: No one knows them better than Mae. Okay, maybe someone does, but really, Mae knows those tunnels quite well! So, she's going to be going down with Jeffeth and his team, acting as a guide. Jeffeth's assured he has one of Death's Chosen (Aureth) with him, so that should keep the skeletons from attacking. Hopefully. Right? Mae will then lead the group onward, to Death's domain.

Sir Andry Bayweather may not be quite the warrior his brother is, but is quite good at other things such as finding things which are lost or incoming deadly rolling boulders.

Aureth is not a warrior at all. He doesn't exactly stroll into the catacombs entirely secure in his own person; he comes wearing the spider's silk tunic in all its steelsilk protection that was gifted him by Death, for example, and he doesn't come without being armed, his trusty (crappy) crossbow and its set of bolts packed along for the ride. He can't leave behind his escort because after all he is a Legate of the Faith even if he is a Legate of the Faith doing something rather silly. But his aid in this endeavor is primarily to come, and pray to Death, and generally to let it be known to any nervous or upset skeletons or zombies that he's okay with Jeffeth. Jeffeth is an okay guy. It's fine.

They travel down to the catacombs without further ado, looking carefully for any sign of crows or murders or something. They begin of course in the Murder of Crows bar. That's a good sign right? And since they're going under the city and down to the catacombs and the Necropolis, they bring Legate Aureth and Harlequin Mae and they hope they don't wreck anything important.

Mae knows the tunnels, at least the ones near the Murder, and so she takes the lead with torch held high to illuminate the tunnels. It's quiet here, the only sound their steps and the skittering of crawling things in the darkness that pervades. It's a little eerie, but worse is when they hear a howl of something that sends shivers down their spines. Mae quickly redirects them in a different direction.

Danger averted, it's Caith now who holds up a hand. "That.... way." They are standing at the junction of two paths, and one leads down and one leads up - and she strangely points to the one that leads up. Isn't down where they want to go? Caith is adamant. And so they go.

Up goes the tunnel, and then sharply down again, and now it's Andry who pushes them all out of the way as a statue, previously unseen, comes crashing down from an alcove. It narrowly misses them - was this a trap? Or just a weird coincidence? Spiders skitter out of the hold left by the statue toward the group. Spiders everywhere, and the torch Mae holds blows out, plunging them into darkness.

The spiders converge on Aureth, running up his legs, covering him completely until he is nothing more than an Aureth-shaped mass of spiders. And then he turns and takes a step toward the alcove where the statue was. One step, then another ponderous step, heard and not seen while Mae struggles to relight the torch.

It's Juniper that finally gets it going, just in time to see Aureth vanishing into a hole in the wall made by the statue that fell. Step. Step. Step. And through to a path that leads down, a path that has not been walked in decades - perhaps not in centuries.

At last they come to a halt as a snake slithers toward them. It's a big snake with a book in its coils, and as it stops before them the spiders at last release Aureth, vanishing into the darkness and cracks as the snake stares at them all.

Jeffeth steps forward bravely - this snake is big enough to devour a person, even someone of Jeffeth's size. But it does not move quickly, no. Instead it releases the book from its coils, hisses at them once, and then slithers back down the tunnel, leaving them to their knowledge.

The journey back is thankfully less eventful. Though strangely, when they leave the alcove the wall is repaired as though there never were a statue or an alcove in the first place.

Strange.

Jeffeth Bayweather got the High Lords and the King to sign the treaty as agreed to previously.(Action #2328). He has raised a good amount of funds. It is time to get to business!!! Jeffeth himself will be using his crazy physical prowess to help do the actual manual labor, he'll be hauling stone and moving logs all the livelong day, singing as he goes. Come on guys! Back to work! Yay!

He would like to thank: Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa, Prince Victus Thrax, Prince Darren Redrain, Duchess Belladonna Pravus, Archlector Aureth Grayhope, Marquis Orvyn Harthall, and Prince Edain Valardin for their generous donations to see that the site get built. Let it be known they were the ones who funded this endeavor!

This is to be an orphanage and an abbey. It is meant to honor the Gods and honor Sandrine as a Hero of the Faith for her sacrifice long ago as told in the story of Sandrine. (Clue 29486). But it is not a gaudy shrine or statue, there will be a plaque telling the story of Sandrine, leaving out the part of her current residence. Other than that it is an orphanage and an abbey. Originally Jeffeth had been raising enough resources to build a combination, but people wanted to give and give. So the site shall be one building to serve as the abbey and another as the orphanage. Both will be inside a wall with the inclusion of two watch towers on either end of the walled in bailey. A small area for gardening and farming and some housing to support the staff, soldiers, and clergy who will be serving at Morning Mist Hill.

Jeffeth will also be including a special room in the orphanage. Bigger than it ought to be a room for one person that will more than likely go empty most of the time. It will be comfortable, but not lavish. It will have a large window that overlooks the entire yard where the children will play, with a sword rack positioned to face the window, designed so that the hilt of the blade can face outwards to the window.

Jeffeth will be working hard to help make sure the site gets built, and that it's know that this is now a place of pilgriamage.

Thena contributes the services of the Knights of Solace out on the road to guard and protect those moving to and from Morning Mist Hall, and adds it to the regular Solace patrol routes. The Hall will also become a waystation for Knights moving through that area. She is also SUPER PROUD of Jeffeth even if she doesn't tell him to his face (but she might, who knows).

Being an orphan herself, Harper has volunteered her time with the Knights of Solace as a way to pay them back for helping orphans. So when Jeffeth tells her about this project, she is not only willing to help, but she is also enthusiastic about the entire project. She will pitch in alongside Jeffeth to help build it and to provide whatever support is needed that she can offer. If Jeffeth needs an errand girl then she'll be it. If it's climbing up ladders or other nimble feats to accomplish it then she's more than happy to do that as well.

Jeffeth had no idea how close to Aureth's heart this was going to be, but it totally is, and he supports him wholeheartedly and vocally, both in rounding up support for the project, and arranging for prayer books and Faithy, Deathy accoutrements for the abbey itself. Aureth can be a real powerhouse when it comes to marshalling religious support about something about which he is really passionate, and Roland and Sandrine are pure and good and lovely and he loves them, so.

There are many things that Orvyn does well, but there are some things that he needs to do better and when it comes to charity work, this would be one of those areas that he needs to learn more from. Sir Bayweather has been a long time client and almost friend, sadly the two have not had an opportunity to speak with each other as much as they would both likely enjoy, however the Godsworn Knight of Solace has always been a shining example to Orvyn when it comes to what to put one's effort behind. With that in mind, Orvyn has studied the Knight closely, following his rise in charity and in doing so, has found something that he can finally apply his skills to. Offering funding from the Harthall coffers, as well as his expertise in economic facilitation, Orvyn will ensure that all funds sent to charity will be utilized to their utmost and that not a single silver goes unaccounted for. Unforatunately he knows how beuracracy's work and it is Orvyn's will to see Jeffeth's dream and orphanage realized to the utmost.

With roots twined with the Lowers and having been an orphan himself, Andry eagerly volunteers to be the project's jack of all trades. If there's something that needs to be done, he'll do it. Whether it be assisting with the heavy lifting, or taking on extra Solace patrol duties, spreading the word, building things -- if it needs getting done, Andry's the guy to make it happen. One piece of the project that he takes particular care overseeing is the outdoor play area and the building of physical structures for the kids to enjoy. He makes sure there are plenty of things for the kids to climb on, crawl through, and swing upon. Hey, he might even test a few those swings and crawl spaces out himself just to make sure that, you know, they're functional (and fun!). He won't sing, but he will most certainly whistle while he works.

Martin was delighted when Sir Jeffeth brought this particular project to him. Like many others who are donating their time and energy to the cause, Martin, too, spent many years after he retired from the road as a teacher and caretaker within the local orphanage in Arx itself. He donates what he can in the way of silver and other material goods, as well as the assurance that once it is built and functional that he will continue to offer his time there as well, as a teacher of both religious and secular subjects.

Sabella is talking to all her noble friends about what an amazing endeavor this is! How helpful it will be for the children, how important to the Faith, and how wonderful it is that legends such as Sandrine are honored in this way. She will talk it up while not so subtly hinting that donations would be nice--materials, money, but also manpower to help get this built. The faster it is, the better for the children! She will also stress how wonderful Sir Jeffeth is to have put this all together. What an amazing man to have risen as he has!

What's an orphanage without people to fill it with love? Without priests and knights to open their arms and welcome the orphans, Morning Mist Hill would be just a building and nothing more. So as the site is being built, Caith is going around and talking it up! She is telling people about Sandrine's story, about their journey through the Grey Forest to find the site of her last stand, about how the Reaver's would only allow them to build an orphanage in her honor on that spot if the Compact would agree to a treaty to leave their lands alone, about how all the High Lords AND the King came together to sign the treaty because they all believed in the importance of the orphanage /that much/ and about how now -- right now -- the orphanage is being built. She is bringing people together and she is recruiting folks to staff the orphanage so that on day one?

Morning Mist Hill will be more than an orphanage. It will be even more than a shrine. It will be a HOME.

Sir Jeffeth Bayweather, fresh from the events at the Tragedy, has not just cleaned the orphanage but also continues to show his charity toward orphans. Working, or so it is rumored, with the Nox'alfar themselves he has gotten approval from the Compact's allies to build an orphanage. There is also a rumor that the King and the High Lords of the Compact have signed some sort of treaty protecting that area, and Sir Jeffeth has raised funds himself to build it. And so the Morning Mist Hill Orphanage and Abbey is built. While he hauls rocks and helps the workmen, he is often heard praising all those who gave aid and generous donations to assist in the establishment of this place special to his heart - Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa, Prince Victus Thrax, Prince Darren Redrain, Duchess Belladonna Pravus, Archlector Aureth Grayhope, Marquis Orvyn Harthall, and Prince Edain Valardin.

The Morning Mist Hill Orphanage is not just an orphanage though - it is also an Abbey. Dedicated to the Pantheon, Sir Jeffeth makes sure that the Gods are honored here, and works with the Faith to ensure that the orphans housed there have every opportunity to learn about the Faith and to potentially find in it the home he has.

And they have heroes of their own, too. This is no ordinary site, but the location where it is said the Dame Sandrine, Knight of Solace held against demons to protect orphans from the forces of the Abyss until relief could arrive. There is also a library there, a quiet place for tales of heroism and faith to be read, and this he makes sure is dedicated to Brother Martin, who has inspired so many to walk a path of Faith and Honor.

Grandmaster Thena adds the Orphanage to the list of waystations, and many a Knight of Solace takes an evening's rest there - to recover, to recouperate. In some cases, Knights recovering from grevious wounds ask to work and serve there helping with the orphans. It benefits all concerned and starts to become one of Solace's favorite places to be.

Archlector Aureth also supports the effort, representing the interests of the Faith in the Abbey, making sure its distance from Arx does not cause it to suffer any neglect. Harper Ashdown, an orphan herself also gives what aid she can. Jeffeth's brother Andry helps quietly, with Princess Sabella, Princess Caith, and Marquis Orvyn aid in spreading news about this new orphanage, recruiting staff, and making trade arrangements to ensure that the highest quality materials are used at excellent prices, so that it is built to last.

And everywhere, the memory of Brother Martin and the legend of Dame Sandrine are waiting - in every quiet corner and every stone, from floor to roof this is a place that speaks poignantly of home, love, and chosen family.

Venturo is drumming up business with a variety of the fine houses of Arvum. Specifically, he's working with them to craft trade deals that will result in the lease of lands in the houses domains to create breweries and cultivate local crops. Additionally, he will be starting the establishment of The Kismet Carnival, a festival in each of these geographical locations, one that does honor to the Raconteur name: games of chance, and small entertaining stories played out by showmen, acrobats and more. These small snippets and games are all too appeal to the everyday man.

Venturo's role in this endeavor, beyond pulling together the group that is helping, will be pulling all of his old strings to call in favors. Builders, performers, merchant, tradesmen and the like that he can use to help align the endeavor for success.

It is no secret Khanne has enjoyed the brews and stories of Master Brewer Venturo Thayne. So when he came to her with an opportunity that would bring his talents to her lands while helping to show the rest of the Compact some of the best aspects of Halfshav lands, she jumped at the chance. She helps him find a good spot in the city of Whitehold to open a brewery and not too far away from that, a parcel of farmland to grow the unique ingredients that can thrive in the tundra climate. Of course, she would work into the agreement the caveat that he must always offer some variety of Whiskey as well.

She is, personally, most excited to help promote the aspect of the Kismet Carnival. While the North knows how to enjoy life, such treats as the carnival would help boost the morale of the people of Whitehold and nearby. That it is a traveling fair would benefit not only the Halfshav Duchy, but all of the Redrain region, of course something she would be proud to be part of.

In addition, Venturo has asked her to travel to all the regions he will be starting this project in, to help analyze the lands available for farming and help create a land management plan that would help grow the most beautiful, healthy and hearty plants he can. She agrees to do so (with the permission of those leasing the lands to him of course) and looks forward to seeing the homelands of others, perhaps in areas she has not ventured to before.

An undertaking of this scale with so many moving parts requires contracts, and someone to write and review them all. That's where Amari the lawyer will come in, focusing on making sure the agreements are all a) legal and b) fair for all parties. With input from Venturo and the partners he's already brought on board or will yet, she'll formalize the deals and write up stipulations that will cover contingencies so that whether the venture succeeds or fails, everyone knows what to expect from beginning to end. This, hopefully, will put investors and potential backers at ease, knowing there's a solid framework behind the business.

She'll be happy to explain all the particulars of the trade agreements, and address and amend any sticking points throughout the process until everyone is satisfied.

As her own mother hobbies at brewing in Farhaven, Gwenna was quite excited by the opportunity presented by Venturo along those lines. With the limited growing season of the northlands, the cultivation of more crops in Farhaven could help with both trade and what may be stored over the winters. Lands available for lease for that purpose, with the permission of their owners, would surely been a boon. The north loves their whiskey, so a brewery that would not impose upon, but rather work in harmony with the others in that region, is also an ideal opportunity. She will speak with those locally in charge of such things and hopefully sway them to the ideas.

What truly draws Gwenna in is the festival though. Considering the recent Pirate War and the losses experienced by those in and around Farhaven, The Kismet Carnival would be a welcome activity and surely bolster spirits. Gwenna brings 10,000 of her own personal funds for use by families who many not have the disposable income for such things after the war. She will spend the first day of the festival handing out the silver herself and warming people to the ideas of both the festival as well as potential commerce.

The scope of such a large endeavor requires many elements to be drawn together from the permission to lease lands through out different cities in Arvum, the contractual agreements that must be drawn up, to the building of structures for a brewery or stages and stands for the kismet festival. There is also the hiring of skilled workers for all stages from building, to service and performance that requires careful oversight and strategic set up. Terese has offered her assistance on the global scale of the project in order to aid Venturo in the latter tasks once the agreements and contracts for land have been finalized. She is willing to travel to each of the sites as needed in order to best assist in coordination efforts.

Jonathan is a man of the soil, and always has been, and has recently been made the Keaton advisor to all things agricultural! As such, he is in an excellent position to provide assistance to Venturo's efforts in his own land, helping to clear out space to grow all the hops, corn, and (in the case of the Keaton Lands) pumpkins that will be used to brew the fine concoctions of Master Thayne. In addition, Count Kael has already cleared a brewery to be set up in Oakhaven, adding to the economic flow of this already-burgeoning county. He will, of course, welcome the input of Lady Khanne, as well as any others, and also in turn assist them in planning out the plots growing in other lands, expanding his own experience and hopefully providing his own insights into the deceivingly complicated art of squeezing productivity out of lands that otherwise might run barren or go unused.

Pasquale agrees happily to lend House Malespero's support to Venturo's efforts. He puts some economic power behind it to promote the project and get the breweries established, and will assist in negotiating with representatives in the Lyceum wine country as to securing a location. Most of his passion though, likewise, is for the Kismet Carnival and its possibilities as a boon for the land following the devastation of the wars in Setarco. He directs the sailors and merchants under Nilanza's direct authority to spread the word of it and support it as they can, asking them to play it up as an initiative that could restore cheer and the coin throughout the region.

Natalia is assisting on behalf of House Keaton in the establishment of Venturo's venture in Keaton Lands -- Elmhurst, to be specific. She is coordinating with the others on the project where it relates to the branch there, smoothing the way for the industry moving in and selling it to the locals, helping people work together, and all of that fun stuff. She is putting a significant focus on putting locals to work for the project, working to ensure that those employed in Keaton lands are from the Keaton lands -- or are heavily vetted for their 'fit' with the local community. Her focus is the long-term success of this project where it relates to Elmhurst.

Jaenelle uses her influence as not only a master economist, the Voice of Velenosa, and knowledge of infrastructure to see that the Lyceum welcome Venturo's Carnival with as much smoothness as possible. She personally assists with finding an appropriate location within Lenosia for the Carnival to stop, as well as offering backing by providing monetary and resource assistance. Beyond the location, she assists with finding local tradesmen to help, providing jobs and boosting moral, especially with the influx of Prodigals who've arrived lately who might not have had the opportunities to find stable work yet.

Oh! Caith has found just the PERFECT spot for Venturo's brewery on Maelstrom. It will be a great way to not only bring a bit of commerce into that particular area and be an opportunity to teach thralls and former thralls life skills but also: who doesn't love a brewery?! It's fun and joyful! A place for the community to come together and share laughter and stories over drinks! And to get people excited about this, Princess Caith throws a party with all the food and drink (Raconteur, of course) people could want. There is dancing! There are stories! There are songs! But she is also on hand to listen to any concerns people might have and address them -- she is extremely empathetic and wants to make sure that everyone is onboard. Cheers!

Aureth's role in this is as representative of the Faith (and occasional consumer of fine beverages). He's not entirely unfamiliar with the economics involved as a former purchaser and purveyor of liquor and beer, but primarily what he is here to do is to offer his prayers and blessings over the croplands in honor of Petrichor and the Pantheon, and also to noise about quite a bit about having done so with the showmanship of a fair to decent propagandist.

Grady assists by involving the Deepwoods. After speaking with Marquessa Samantha, the Deepwoods allocate land for Venturo to use for farming, and on which to build a brewery. They commit resources to helping this be established in as expedited a manner as possible. They send guards as well, and work on trade roads throughout Deepwood lands, to improve and ease passage and to keep the area safe. In return, they expect the bump in trade to be good, and besides, everyone's happier when there's good beer to be had right? It's a good deal for them, as increasing economic activity, finding jobs for more people who live in the area, and generally improving the quality of life is what Grady feels the ruling family should do for those in their care.

Cambria has given her permission for Venturo's project to expand its reach into Ostria as well. She invites both himself and Lady Khanne to tour available lands for lease, herself traveling with the pair as well. Funds are allocated to the endeavor to assist in establishing the brewery and acreage for farming and cultivating local crops. Guards are called in for safety's sake, and Cambria also calls in her advisors within Ostria itself to begin drafting plans to see that local roads are kept in good repair, and reminds her cabinet as well that with the recent boom to their population, there are plenty of locals ready and willing to work - be it at the brewery itself, or in conjunction with the Kismet Carnival. Rumor has it the Marquessa of House Mazetti is considering the notion of expanding another series of walls around Ostria, should business continue pouring into the city-state to offer additional safety and security to those who both work and call their home the Walled City by the Sea.

Venturo Thayne, proprietor of Raconteur Brewing, rolls out a new plan for what he's calling the Kismet Carnival! Designed to highlight the best of the breweries, to expand his brewing ventures into new lands and reach new civiliations, he has been making huge inroads in many areas. In Whitehold he opens a brewery, and Lady Khanne is on hand to help with the opening and promote it. She also travels with him to various points of interest around the Compact, helping select appropriate places to harvest, so that he can create local vintages unique by domain. It's an aggressive, interesting plan and the people seem to love the idea.

In Farhaven, Princess Gwenna Redrain finds a good place to lease to him, working with him - and donating some of her own personal funds to the venture - to help bring a bit of lighthearted cheer to her people who have undergone such travails of late. Jonathan Fieldstone and Natalia Whisper coordinate efforts on the part of the Keatons, careful in their selection of an appropriate place to locate a brewery with the blessing of Count Kael. Lord Pasquale arranges room in Nilanza, Princess Jaenelle in Lenosia, and Marquessa Cambria in Ostria - ensuring that the Lyceum does not go without the joy of the festival.

In Old Oak, a new brewery is established under the direction of Lord Grady Deepwood, whose complementary wines go nicely alongside the famed Deepwood Cider. In Maelstrom, Princess Caith Thrax has found the absolutely perfect place - or so she tells literally anyone who will listen - and she is excited, nay, THRILLED to guide construction there.

Lady Amari Keaton draws up the complicated paperwork, and manages to keep all the names and places straight - the mark of a good lawyer. Princess Terese Valardin helps as well, working as strategic direction overseeing so many buildings and workers all going up at once. And Archlector Aureth also assists, talking up the project and encouraging people to work together and to enjoy some truly excellent vintages.

It is a massive undertaking funded by a great many people, but as people flock to the market and enjoy the wares of the Kismet Trading Company, they remark that this is the best of the Compact - and it's hard to argue when drinking the fine vintages.

Also hard to argue when drunk on the fine vintages. Which is probably all part of Venturo's master plan.

Rejoice!

With the deaths at Stormwall representing a large portion of the Faith Militant, over half the Templar order at that time, and including Grandmaster Armel of the Knights of Solace Sir Preston, with the support of Dame Thena, has decided that the time has come to have a proper memorial place for the honoured dead of the Templars and the Knights of Solace and those who stood with them to be interred. And where better than to have it close to Sanctum, ancient home of the Faith and spirutually close to the hearts of many of the Faith Militant, especially the majority who look to the Orthodoxy.

Preston envisages something to rival the Cathedral in Arx or the Hall of Heroes. A white marble building with gilded doors, with several halls within. The largest will be for the Faith Militant, with several orders of shrine there to remember notable heroes of the faith, from plaques and busts through to large ornate tombs with a likeness of the individual carved onto the lid.

In the various halls, one for each fealty and one for the Crown, there will be spaces for those knights sworn to the noble houses of the fealties - whose oaths are sworn under the Gods, and Gloria chiefly among those - who fell at Stormwall, Setarco and Darkwater, as well as in future actions alongside the Faith Militant. A lot of space will be left to grow, in case the King should wish to send the King's Own or others who die in service there as well. In the very centre of the Faith's hall will be an ornate fountain, with statues in miniature of those Mercies who fall while in battle, so that in death they are not seperated from those Knights of Solace who looked after them in life.

Under this grand maosoleum of the faith there will be a large series of catacombs to hold the ossuries, with so many fallen the great many will be remembered in long lists on plaques, listed by Parish. It will also hold lesser tombs on its upper levels.

It will have, going forward, a guard of Templars that will be drawn from all the fealties, a deliberate statement that this belongs to all, and the Faith is everywhere. There will also be a dedicated waystation built for the Knights of Solace who guide pilgrims to this holy site. And of course, invitations at its opening to all the high lords and leaders of the Faith, including the Seraph of Sanctum.

The project was organised in the name of the Faith Militant, both the Knights of Solace and the Templars, by Sir Preston and with the support of Dame Thena. The major donors to the project were the Templars under Sir Preston (and a bit of Sir Preston personal donations), the Knights of Solace under Dame Thena, the Mercies under their Voice Cybele, the Faith of the Pantheon via Legate Orazio and with support from Princess Alarissa and Prince Victus of Thrax. Land was provided by Prince Edain of House Valardin.

((OOC: Per request response, we are aiming for the largest category offered of 5000 resources to rival the great cathedral of Arx/Hall of Heroes. Some is provided in silver at the agreed rate of 500 silver to 1 resource. Hubris thy name is creepy big place full of heeby jeeby skeletons that totally won't backfire on us))

To celebrate the construction, and to consecrate the ground, there will be a consecration ceremony taking place. As mentioned, invites will go out to all the high lords, the Seraph of Sanctum and local seraphs, to the Faith.

Preston will be journeying north from Arx with a body of troops to attend and to give a speech on the importance of this endeavour to commemorate loss, and a moment when we were united as a people against evil, and to understand that our continued fight will mean continued sacrifice, but that as long as the Faith endures, our people will be remembered.

As the other arm of the Faith Militant, Thena and the Silver Order provide what resources they can. Thena and a small contingent join the group going to Sanctum and make a terser speech than Preston that is hopefully still inspiring.

In addition to the diverting of resources to this worthy project, Legate Orazio is happy to make his support for the memorial project clear. He reaches out to clergy throughout Arx, but particularly in the Oathlands, and encourages them to support the project as well. He also talks to chapters of the Knights of Solace and the Mercies of Lagoma throughout Arx, sending letters to explain the purpose of the project, and either answering their questions (when he can) or directing them to Sir Preston for whatever he can't anser.

Edain will provide the land that the monument can be built on and will sponsor a yearly Tourney in Sanctum the Victor's of both the joust and the grand melee will be given the honor of being Honor Guards for the tombs for the year that follows. There is no greater honor than defending the rest of fallen Faith Militant.

The primary assistance that Aureth offers Preston here is in consultation regarding the memorial, and the ways to ensure that it best honors Death, as well as the consecration of the memorial for Death. He offers his expertise both theologically and as, essentially, a SPOKESPERSON for Death. (Salesman for Death?)

Twofold actions are led by Ailith. The first is with assisting with the invitation campaign to the neighboring Seraphs and Godsworn to encourage attendance and participation for this memorial consecration ceremony. One such suggestion for those closest to Sanctum is to create and encourage pilgrimages by the Faithful with the Seraphs, Mercies, Godsworn, and Faith militant among them.

The second is to coordinate with the Seraph of Sanctum for a joint consecration ceremony with the attending Seraphs (herself included) assisting the Seraph of Sanctum (because he represents parish of the Heart of the Faith AND the memorial is built near Sanctum). She will provide many traditional orthodox excerpts of the Faith Militant and the Godsworn as this memorial reflects all our holy brethren as well as appropriate excerpts for Gloria, Gild, Lagoma, and the Queen of Endings. This ceremony would be formal and solemn as well as hopeful and honoring those who have passed . . . candles lit, leaving offerings to each god of the pantheon, (for example, to Petrichor for the land and holy domain) and so forth.

Aleksei joins the Faith contingent for the consecration ceremony, making himself a known presence in Sanctum, because it can't hurt to continually check in and see if they've decided he's a servant of the Abyss yet. Skald isn't the foremost of the gods being honored, but Aleksei will talk about honoring the brave choices those interred made to serve the Faith and the cause of light. Since they chose to put their lives at risk to protect others, so to will the Faith choose to honor their sacrifice.

As the adopted sister of the High Lord of the Oathlands, it's with dutiful honor that Katarina accompanies the contingent at the consecration ceremony in Sanctum to show her support for the fallen heroes of Stormwall who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their victory. While she isn't one for grandstanding orations, it's with quiet pleasure that she speaks with the peerage to encourage donations to the ongoing maintenance and memorial services yearly thereafter to remember the people by giving her own.

As a noble daughter of the Oathlands upon which the mausoleum of the faith is to be built Terese sets out to journey with the group as an escort. While others seek to make their speeches upon the grounds, she works in the background to speak with the Oathlands clergy as well as the people that come to see the consecration of the grounds. She speaks of the battle of Stormall, the devastation of its losses and the ever enduring strength and leadership of both the faith and the Templars that act as the sword and the shield that refuses to falter even in the face of such tragedies and the importance of honoring their sacrifices along with all of the knights that fell.

With the deaths at Stormwall representing a large portion of the Faith Militant, over half the Templar order at that time, and including Grandmaster Armel of the Knights of Solace, Sir Preston with the support of Dame Thena has decided that the time has come to have a proper memorial place for the honoured dead of the Templars and the Knights of Solace and those who stood with them to be interred. High Lord Edain provides the land for this mausoleum at Sanctum, promising a yearly tournament in honor of the fallen.

Legate Orazio speaks to those in the Faith, expressing his hope in their support and his own approval of the project. Archlector Aureth consults on the project, and perhaps there is some discussion of small rodents in the mausoleum, or maybe he's just being punny. Seraph Ailith reaches out to her fellow Seraphs, and also to the Seraph of Sanctum, and gets their support for the project, encouraging pilgrimages to the dedication and including them in the consecration ceremony. Blessed Aleksei shows up too, honoring his Oathlands roots as he stands with his fellow priests for the consecration ceremony.

The Valardin turn out in force, most notably Princess Katarina and Princess Terese, standing with their High Lord as they dedicate this mausoleum for the fallen of the Faith to rest. With a huge cathedral above, and catacombs below with ample room for ossuaries for the dead, the mausoleum is a grandiose tribute to fallen heroes, funded and supported by the Faith, the Mercies under Cybele, and donations from High Lord Victus and Princess-Consort Alarissa.

Orazio is Concerned about the taking in of Prodigal Houses in the Oathlands - the Oathlands is a large political and military supporter of the Church, and a weakening of the Faith there will translate directly into a further weakening of the Church's power and influence in the Compact. Thus, it is important that these new Houses become supporters of the Faith, even if some of them retain their provincial traditions and respect for local spirits.

So he's gathering up resources and people to make a major missionary push for the newly inducted shamanic-leaning houses under the Oathlands banner, particularly Greenmarch and Rivenshari. The idea is to bring them in closer to the cultural mores of the Compact, and encourage conversions to the Faith. The goal is not to stamp out shamanism by force, but rather to present the Faith as a superior option, utilizing its larger resources, organizational support, and services, as well as a doctrine of gods who do not ask for bargains and who love their people without reservation. The Church will /not/ claim or promote miracles - but it brings Knights of Solace to guard the roads, Templars to guard holy places, Scholars to teach people to read and write and bring knowledge of trade and crafting techniques, disciples of Gild to bring charity and food and shelter, disciples of Lagoma to bring healing arts, disciples of Jayus to bring beauty and art and public buildings, disciples of Mangata to bring feasting and the fruits of the vine, and so on and so forth.

In order to remain sensitive to local concerns, Orazio will be abusing the lack of a Legate of Creation and seeking out godsworn who have experience and good reputations working with the Northlands and tagging them for Seraph posts in parishes throughout the Prodigal Oathlands, with the understanding that their focus is to build good relationships with the locals and welcome them into the Faith with open arms, while not insulting their current beliefs.

It is hopeful that this will pay dividends not just in integrating the Prodigals into the Compact and the Faith, but also in making it harder for any agitators to operate...and if it results in an upswing of tithing, well, that's a bonus!

And in order to see that it's done right, he's going himself to do a tour of the provinces, meet with the people, and make it clear to local and Church forces that this a priority of his. He'll meet with people, listen to their concerns, their fears of the Compact, their hopes for being members of the Compact, and answer questions they have about the Faith and the gods, as well as listen to their conceptions of their local shamanic paths. Wherever possible, he will encourage people to think of friendly spirits as doing the work of the gods, and worthy of the respect owed to servants of the gods, but not necessarily worship as equals. He will also warn against purveyors of frauds, cons, and chicanery, be they claiming power on the side of the gods /or/ the spirits, and bring Scholars who have studied legerdemain tricks and cons, showing people how they work and how to test such claims as much as they can. He will introduce the sacraments and Canticles wherever he goes, with some of the best singers in the Church, and basically just try to be a role model for the Church.

Terese will be working with Preston to assist with training sessions and the recruitment for the Templars. She will also take time out to speak with both lords and commoners alike with the utmost courtesy to listen and learn about their beliefs in order to engage them in turn and steer them towards discussion of the Pantheon of the Faith. In addition, as a Valardin she feels that it is important to weave into her discussions not only her own beliefs of Faith but those of honor and chivalry for those that are new to the fealty. She will often personalize her talks of making the world a better place and to protect and defend the innocent.

While Thena sends a contingent of Solace knights to help guide and protect the party, she also gives orders to increase overall Solace presence in the lands they are traveling through, in order to show the tribes the benefits of the Faith on a practical as well as theological basis. They will have a first-hand look at the Knights of Solace protecting the goods and travelers of the Faithful, working with their healers, etc.

Aureth will be putting his studies as a propagandist and his natural charm to good use here as an agent of the Faith, primarily leveraging his populist leanings. The message he espouses is pretty simple: our faith can be your faith, Death made all your souls, and there's no reason your shamanism can't coexist with our divinity. As a salesman, Aureth knows how to get down to brass tacks and reduce the message into simple, memorable phrases that can later seep into the public consciousness, and when he's on his best behavior, he doesn't even have to blow up at anyone for being stupid and/or wrong (even if, well, obviously they are).

Selene will lead a small Whisper contingent at the Legate's request, providing social niceties and diplomatic services to accompany his religious work. She has some experience dealing with the shav'arvani from a prior contract under House Redrain, and will focus her efforts accordingly, ie particularly in focusing first on Whisper hospitality via the Gild, Lagoma and Magnata-related food/drink/supply offerings that the Church is making as she found great success with this in the prior mission (where medical supplies were the first step in winning them over). From there she can work on building social rapport, resolving differences, helping develop friendship and cultural understanding, helping the Jayus representatives with artistic outreach, and so forth. Of course she will do it all with a carefully measured sense of Whisper style- not so gaudy as to put off the locals, but enough to impress upon them the prosperity of the Compact.

Delia will be helping Selene with diplomatic efforts in this mission. Delia's main focus will be spreading good cheer and convincing others of the good points the Compact and Church possesses. She will also inquire about the differences in the cultures in a light hearted and gentle manner and attempt to help soothe any differences and concerns while trying to influence opinions in favor of the Compact and Church. She will use her upbeat demeanor to put people at ease, sway opinions, and help raise spirits as best she can.

Avary will be working with the other members of the Faith to speak to the Oathlanders, including the Greenmarch and Rivenshari families. She will listen to their concerns and will gently encourage conversions to the Faith. Speaking to them as an understanding Archlector, instead of preaching, listening to their questions about the Faith and their goals will do a lot more than trying to shove words down their throat. She will discuss the law of the lands with them, and discuss justice and the Sentinel, hopefully giving them something to think about.

Preston and the Templars will be along, not just to provide security to the group but also to offer training to the locals in the fighting styles of the Templars/Compact, where heavy armour might be somewhat more unfamiliar to some of the prodigals, alongside mounted tactics so beloved by the Oathlands. He will be taking advantage of these training sessions to try and recruit prodigal house members and their common folk to join the Templars as disciples, replenish some of their stock. But more than that, Preston will be taking time to sit down and talk to the local traditional Oathlander lords who have a concern about the prodigals and try to listen and explain to them the virtues of having these new neighbours. Rather than warriors who they had to die to fight before, now they will stand at their side, in their place on the borders of the Oathlands, and risk their lives to safeguard the Oathlands lords - who are now further to the interior of the Oathlands, no longer border lords. Better an ally who will die for you. And of course, he will point to any recruits amongst the prodigals of an example, that we are taking them over, they are not infesting us.

On the whole, the mission unites. Many Prodigals reaffirm their commitment to the Faith of the Pantheon, though they honestly admit they are not leaving their shamanistic ways behind, merely augmenting them. But the missionary trip is a solid step toward understanding and outreach. And then the Seraph of Sanctum makes a public statement about it.

"Word has reached us here in Sanctum of the missionary trip led by Father Orazio from Arx. This sort of missionary outreach is precisely the sort of thing we would expect the Legate of Concepts to do and as such, we are extremely pleased to hear of its outstanding success. The Oathlands are the Heart of the Faith, and while there have been many changes and new faces settling in our lands of late, it is heartening that they have embraced the Faith with open and honest hearts. Rivenshari in particular is to be lauded for their honesty and integrity - two qualities we greatly prize. To that end, and with the great success of the missionary trip in mind, I would extend an offer of hospitality to those involved in this trip, to visit Sanctum and refresh themselves here before their long journey home."

"And yet it falls to me to address other, darker rumors. It has not escaped my attention that there were those leaders, both among the Prodigals and even some from ancient Oathland houses, who decided that this mission was for dark purposes. Indeed, there were those who counseled a path of deception. Of lies. I do not know from what source these rumors came, but it only benefits our enemies when we are divided from within by those who would sow mistrust of the Faith. I thus charge High Lord Edain and the Voices of Valardin to root out these enemies among us who would see us divided, who would spread lies and calumny against representatives of the Faith. And I charge all those who fell for such a ruse to repent, to right their hearts and their course with regard to the Faith, and to aid High Lord Edain in his charge to cleanse the Heart of Valardin."

"May the Gods be with us all."

The Faith delegation of missionaries handles themselves with kindness and tact. They don't force conversion at swordpoint, rather they engage with respect and thoughtfulness, reaching out to those raised in a shamanistic society and help them integrate further with the Compact. Their approach is appreciated by both Prodigals and Orthodox alike; taking proactive steps to reach out and help integrate diplomatically is seen as a step in the right direction. And while they aren't abandoning the spirits in droves, more and more Prodigals are coming to a better understanding of the Faith and incorporating worship of the Pantheon in their daily lives.

Aleksei is gathering a group to attempt a Rite of Protection for the information contained in "Wolfheart Rhymes, Part 2." After learning a little bit from last time, the group will now be meeting in the upper chambers of the new temple in the Memorial Park outside of the city. There will also be Templars stationed at hand in case of _demonic emergency_.

This is fine.

Orazio is almost always grave and cautious, and it's no different today. His retainers will be sworn to secrecy and placed as guards, and he will have his sword with him, for all the good it's likely to do. The Legate will be taking is cue mostly from the others, since they've done this before.

This time, Aureth is altogether grave and cautious. No jokes. No screwing around. He's going to be so focused. He's going to be so on board. The additional templars is a great idea. He's also going to arrive early to pray and meditate first so that he can be centered when they start.

Grave and cautious seems to be the order of the day. Dafne can be grave and cautious. She's done several of these so far, so she'll be focussed and ready, arriving early to pray with her archlector. She will also have her guards at hand in case, sworn to secrecy.

Wolfheart Rhymes. What's so special about children's rhymes anyway? And as they gather, perhaps it's Francesca's disapproving presence or Orazio's sobriety or maybe it's the Templars guarding the doors and ready for any demonic incursion. But as they sit down this is a place of peace, and that permeates their demeanors as they begin to cast the rite.

It goes well, this ritual. Well, and smoothly. No hiccoughs, no real bumps in the road - but as the warmth of the rite permeates through them, they get an image of the rhyme as though it rises off the page. Only this time there are no children, only adults who make their offerings around a stone tablet as tall as a person, with reflected runes on either side. It's only a brief image, swiftly gone, but it leaves them with a rumbling sense of dread.

Clover will be mobilizing any of the house Wyrmguard medics (we're known for the city of mercies after all! The house has to have some medics), and going herself to the harbor to see if they can render aid. Anyone who made it to the shore, or made it to the harbor to help. If there is anyone who survived she'll be attempting to render aid to them. She'll be focusing on helping with the medical side, while she asks Alarissa to take care of arranging to help usher those who can be moved to either the house of solace to wherever any thraxian person asks them to go. Alarissa can also help liaise with Thrax is need be. But Clover's main concern is helping anyone who made it to the shore, and getting them where they need to go.

Vox post up about all the massive aid response organized by you all. Sophie separately finds an obscure reference to the ichor- calling it the Bile of Leviathan, a vile substance that is left in the wake of dread encounters by one of the greatest demons in existence. Strongly recommended not to consume it, and further recommends burning bodies of anyone that did do so and then perished, then burying their ashes in 13 separate graves and at least 13 feet under ground each to avoid, "Dealing with the Beast that Hungers." Any dead that showed signs of dying from ichor poisoning are so treated. As far as they know. Dun dun dun.

Hold onto your butts: Aleksei and Aureth are going to Sanctum.

It's officially a visit to the Seraph of Sanctum to make contact in matters regarding the Lost Gods, most specifically Skald and Death in their roles as Archlectors. They each bring a disciple with them: Saedrus for Aleksei and Dafne for Aureth. Aleksei, having grown up in Sanctum, has a fair amount of experience with Oathlander Orthodoxy, even if he's never been close to that himself. Hopefully he'll be able to use his experience to just provide a certain level of context and expectation for the rest of the party. "This is what Oathlanders in Sanctum are like, try to avoid doing this particular thing that totally annoys them. I know it annoys them because I got in trouble doing it when I was fifteen." That sort of thing.

The purpose of the visit is really to gain support from the Seraph of Sanctum and the ranking Godsworn there at whatever level they can manage. They'll go in with the public face of recognizing Sanctum's importance within the Faith -- as the Birthplace of the Faith -- which is hopefully indicated by their visiting Sanctum in particular before anywhere else outside of Arx. Aleksei is prepared to be charming and empathetic, with a firm understanding of the theology in question, and he will grudgingly lean on the fact that he's from a well-respected Sanctum family with a long history of service. (Sure, he went off as a black sheep for a while, but then he found his way back to respectability through the Faith!!) Aureth will do his best not to alarm the natives and will be as charming a propagandist as he possibly can on behalf of the Queen. He definitely chose Dafne as his accompaniment on this adventure for a REASON since his own background is about as non-falutin as it is possible to be. Saedrus and Dafne come armed with respectability to support the Archlectors -- he as a Softest Whisper of the Whisper House, she as a Duchess of the Lyceum. They will know the correct title and the correct flatware /every time/.

The Seraph of Sanctum and the Pure Faith of the Oathlands (as they sometimes call themselves) appear to be in a heated contest to see who can be the most pompous and arrogant. There is no doubt, none, that if Saedrus hadn't managed to help everyone follow the precisely proper protocol with such flair that they would not even have agreed to meet, and they do require all of them to go through a Ceremony of Clensing at the White Cathedral of Sanctum before even being willing to meet, with thirteen hours spent in penitent prayer and singing of canticles. So much damned singing.

It is entirely likely they were looking for an excuse to not meet the heathens of the east, but Aleksei's mastery over theology is enough to follow all the proper worship to the letter, and grudgingly they meet. Because of that mastery and the proper respect and deference being paid to them, they do listen as Saedrus lays out a heartfelt, compassionate case for the good of the Faith of Arvum if they are willing to to listen to the new teachings with an open heart. Aureth being able to delve into extremely esoteric doctrines of the Faith helps tremendously, because there's nothing that excruciatingly painful pedants like the Western Faith love more than being able to hear fine points that they can inflict on other people. It wins him many points, and the gods will have mercy on his soul.

Things go less well when Duchess Dafne tries to present a compelling political case that it will ease tension between the Oathlands and the Lyceum and most of the Faith if they are willing to listen, but it's not her fault. Truth is, Francesca just couldn't help herself after hearing the Seraph of Sanctum drone on and on and on and on about the Pure Faith and how sinful the Lycene were and how they were not to be trusted, and Francesca muttered, "Gods save us from these dullards." And the Seraph and other pure of faith couldn't tell who had said anything but demanded, "Who said that?" Leaving to a, "I didn't say anything, did you say something?" awkward moment of exchange. But it fortunately does not derail everything.

The Pure Faith heard them out, and they offer what they feel is an extremely magnanimous offer overflowing with Gild's generosity and Limerance's fidelity and Lagoma's compassion. They claim they will not actively undermine the maybe-not-entirely-heretical new fangled notions. They will not formally accept them yet, saying that a period of Thirteen Years of study would be appropriate, but with two Archlectors of the Faith telling them that this is a thing, they are willing to say that at least Aleksei and Aureth are not the spawns of the Abyss trying to corrupt and destroy the faith. Openly. To their faces. But they will not undermine the new members of the Faith to their flocks. And that, at least, is something.

Ever since her encounter with the Simurgh of Blackwood, and being inducted into the battle against Legion and the Horned God, Katarina has been actively hunting down tools and searching for the First Children of Sea and Salt to stop him.

With the help of several members of the Faith, she's managed to track the tools of Brimstone and Cobalt to the Weeping Daughter Isle. A team of talented people is being assembled to go and search the uninhabited isle, specifically the lightning storm-wracked summit where there is said to be a graveyard of the slain kin of Brimstone & Cobalt.

Aleksei is going along to /vomit/. That is: he'll spend the entire journey over being seasick, but what's important is what happens once they get to the Island. He brings both his full armor and whatever knowledge of esoterica might come into handy in such an investigation; it's difficult to know what to expect. If he needs to fight, he'll fight. If he needs to try and identify some weird shit, he'll try to identify some weird shit. What is his life even.

Morrighan's attendance with the group heading for the Weeping Daughter isle is, for the most part, personal. The Redrain Knight has, as much as she'll admit, a particular connection with Brimstone, and it's the majority of the reason she's going. That and keeping an eye on someone in particular. She'll gladly assist in whatever manner she can, fight if necessary. Morrighan is determined to find -something- more about Cobalt and Brimstone than she already knows, and perhaps see if she can pick up on anything while there. She'll be armed with her rubicund blade and equipped with her exotic leathers, as well as the bits of knowledge she has involving the two - Cobalt and Brimstone, that is.

Shard makes no secret of why she wants to come along: she's looking for a means, any means, to fight the Horned God, and she's wholly on board with any mission that involves tracking said means down. To that end, she's bringing her weapons, her armor, and her wits. Fighting is most of what she can contribute, but she's also a fair hand at wilderness survival, not the worst (if certainly not the best) at investigation, and she's stubborn as the Abyss itself. One might easily get the impression that her desire to fight the Horned God is personally motivated, and not a little single-minded.

Aislin has no powers or family heritage to bring to the table, but she can provide her years of experience as an explorer -- including one who's sailed the Mourning Isles -- her keen observation and investigative skills, and her knowledge of esoterica. (And, of course, her sword -- just in case.) Her particular goal is to find any lost, forgotten lore that might help with fighting either of the Heralds involved -- albeit with a particular focus on the Horned God, and protecting the spirits. Weapons or relics would also be a worthy find. But mostly she's here to provide service as both the Experienced Explorer and the Encyclopedia Esoterica.

Fortunato brings his eyes for searching, his paints for documentation, and his brain for figuring if needs be. He does his best to stay out of /fighting/, having embarrassed himself on one too many occasions. How can he turn up a chance to paint a storm-wracked summit, though, how can he?

It's possible that there's nothing useful whatsoever to be offered in Aureth risking himself on a voyage of this kind. He can literally count the times that he has been beyond the walls of Arx further than the immediate outskirts on the fingers of one hand. But the lure of information is too much for him, so he will accompany the crew with the thought in his head that he may go and kneel in the graveyard itself and pray to Death for further enlightenment very deliberately on site. I mean, you never know, right

This talented team requires a combat medic because obviously someone will likely get hit by lighting. As such, Ailith will read ahead of time on treating lighting victims and stock up on those supplies, aside from the standard ones a combat medic carries (re: following Mercy & Physician's Guild guidelines). In addition, she'll provide aid where she can with matters of the Faith and inspire with her unwavering faith.

The group travel to the Weeping Daughter Isle. It is a strange, haunting place. Bitterly cold and unwelcoming, but the warmth of the hearthfire hidden high in a mountain cave both warms and challenges them. They come out of it with a weapon of indeterminate use and the memory of the warmth of the Salamander's fire. Strange place.

Aleksei is doing a bit more work in Stormward. Now that so many thralls have been relocated with the help of so many ships, he's turning attention to those who have remained in House Kennex's demense. With those that remain, he's working to try and and continue smoothing over their transition to freedmen, and encouraging the others of Stormward towards a more accepting path with their new fellow citizens. He does his best to approach matters from a place of respect for Thraxian tradition (even if he DOES NOT AT ALL RESPECT IT), at least so far as he knows it will be the best way to relate to the Stormward natives. This includes using some investment of Liberators funds where appropriate to help smooth matters over.

Without question, Saedrus will travel to Stormward with Aleksei and the Liberators to help the transition of freedmen. With a little sale of clothes he's added coin to the coffers to assist in a monetary matter. While in Stormward however he's there as a diplomatic voice to see that everything goes smoothly, and that the locals are assured in the change.

Zhayla intends to help. She heads to Stormward, knowing a little of the Isles as she does, and tries to help. She's not terribly sure how to help, mind - but she is determined to do what she can. So to Stormward she travels, and she reaches out to help Aleksei talk to thralls, and when he gets in over his head she starts glowering and making sure they know to leave him alone even if they don't agree with him. And she makes some effort at trying to lead them to a better path, but this is more Aleksei's gig than hers and so she follows along. She wants to help, but her trident isn't really a diplomatic sort of weapon.

Off on another Stormward venture, Ferrando is similarly engaged with doing stuff for Aleksei that's not quite important enough for his direct attention, getting dispatched to go handle miscellaneous things in a general-purpose sort of way.

Cassandra is joining the Faith's approach to the Kennex crisis by organizing some Templars to visit the affected isles. She's sending a small contingent of disciples and priests to keep order and calm - trusting that warcamps may be very similar to some of the situation the newly freed thralls will face - and organizing refuge points. She's bringing more non-combatants than combatants, though, hoping that some of those impacted in the Isles might find apprenticeships and the like with the smiths, chefs and so on that get brought by the Templar forces.

Knowing how Thraxians revere and respect Mangata's clergy over all others, Blessed Madeleine sends Disciples to assist with the transition and to encourage freedman merchant vessels - yes you can have oar crewed boats, yes they also need to be paid. They offer blessings and support and mediation when needed to help soothe the transition.

Archscholar Bianca arranges for a small group of Scholars specialized in diplomacy to act as Aleksei's extended voices. With their aid, stories of Thraxian histories and traditions are spun in a positive light and it is reinforced that the times they live in are ones of great change and progressive in nature. It is only with the foundation of their past and unity of the people that the Isles can move forward into the future.

Aureth will go with Aleksei to Stormward, not because he is a Liberator, but because Aleksei is his friend, and because all souls are human souls even if some of them make him sigh more than others. Once there, he will make his best efforts to help the locals buy what Aleksei is selling. He may privately think that Thrax culture is garbage, but mo propagandist ever had to believe all his own bullshit.

Fortunato's in the shop with his apprentices churning out some respectful art gifts celebrating Stormward and, of course, freedom. He does not himself go to Stormward, trusting an apprentice with good balance and strong arms to cart the load.

There was always the danger of backsliding into violence, particularly with the amount of religious fanatics on Stormward now. The outreach helps stabilize Stormward significantly further, and while there's certainly a few thousand Orazians there, they don't seem to be on the edge of violence... unless someone should try to undo the reforms, of course.