Sir Aldahel, Octavian, a silken spaniel, 3 Bisland pride guards arrive, following Zoey.

Zoey arrives, following Ian.

Marian is stationed at the main table with a map of House Redrain's lands next to another map with Crovane's lands that shows Stormwall and the surrounding lands. She's set up the enemy army to show where the Pirate King's troops that are mounting an assault on Stormwall are most likely to come in. The mass of troops provided by House Redrain and their vassals, the Faith and House Grayson are set aside so the military leaders of the house can discuss deployments. Those not part of the war effort are still invited to sit and observe, even ask questions.

"Thank you all for coming today," Marian offers to the general assembly, "I appreciate you coming to discuss our current battle plans to protect Stormwall." She motions to those present, "Any concerns or questions are encourage to be brought up." She motions to Darren, "But before we begin, please let us hear the words of our High Lord Darren Redrain."

Drysi, a young shaman apprentice arrives, following Khanne.

Ian has joined the Far Corner.

Zoey has joined the Far Corner.

Valery sneaks inside the room, hugging her basket. She looks for a place to sit, out of the way.

Kaede has joined the Small Table.

Ian comes in with Zoey, moving slowly as always, watching his feet. He seems inclined to keep out of the way, and moves with her to a place off in a corner to be a silent observer.

Khanne has joined the Pass Out Couch.

Mydas remains seated at the table, as Marquis of Acheron and Voice of Nightgold. His golden eyes are turned to Marian as she speaks, and then move to Darren when he is indicated, the wolf-eyed man himself remaining silent.

Kaede has left the Small Table.

Kaede has joined the Pass Out Couch.

Agatha mills for the moment, clasping arms and catching up with friends and family not seen for a while. The big boisterous woman's voice booms just as boldly above some of the ruckus as people arrive, shouting a name here or there. And in one case asking if that unfortunate case of the itchies had cleared up during one of those occasional out of the blue conversational lulls. Because timing is always a girl's best friend. For all the bluster, she's quick to Shut It and take her seat when Marian calls them to order and turns her attention to Darren.

Captain Kaede arrives, dressed in leathers, smelling of the sea. Always smelling of the sea! There's a smallish bird on her shoulder, twitching it's head this way and that, in birdy curiosity. Kaede spots Khanne, and heads thataway.

Arik has joined the Pass Out Couch.

Cirroch has left the Small Table.

Cirroch has joined the Pass Out Couch.

Clank. Clank. Clankity clank clank clank. The Sword of Whitehold makes his way into the meeting space. At the Princess's statement, he simply nods, considering where to sit for a moment. Then, with a nod, he moves to sit near his sister.

Khanne walks in, looking like she just woke from a nap, really. Her hair is a bit mussed, the hairpins not taming the red locks much. She heads straight to a comfortable looking couch and curls up in one corner, waving at everyone on her way there.

Zoey is completely silent as she enters, save for a soft chiming that seems to originate from her feet. She sits with Ian in the far out of the way corner and prepares to observe.

Petal arrives at the meeting with a quiet kind of grace and looks for a place to sit.


Ann takes a seat next to Asger at the Bear table when he enters, nodding polite greetings to those that enter, but when Marian opens the floor, this stops for the moment and her cobalt gaze settles on the High Lord and awaits his opening respectfully

Petal has joined the Small Table.

Eilonwy is present, the healer has yet to claim a seat. She stands, leaning against a wall and looking about. She crosses her arms under her chest ready to be attentive for the Blackwoods, and for herself.

Valery has joined the Small Table.

Brogan stands in the back, ice blue eyes attentive, and seems to be here to just listen in. He offers Marian a warm smile as he crosses his arms over his chest, and leans against the wall.

Zoey lifts her hand to wave lightly at a couple people she knows before smiling and stilling once more.

Darren enters the great hall with little fanfare, his usual retinue not needed when he's moving about his own house. As Marian speaks, he moves to join her at the main table, his blue eyes looking over the assembled maps and troop figures. He listens, nodding his head some at what Marian says before he speaks. "Thank you, Marian." Darren stares at the map for awhile, before he turns his attention to the rest of those gathered in the room. "The Crown and Ministry of Defense are still finalizing some of the details of what is coming and how we will defend ourselves, but I am pleased to say that with the hard work of our War Chief," Darren motions to Marian, "We were able to ascertain what troop levels we will expect to be needed to hold Stormwall and prevent it from being sacked." Darren stands up tall now, "And I am pleased to say, we will have that support. The full might of the Northlands will be combined with forces from House Grayson, some from the Faith, and... if my messengers this morning are right, even some cavalary help from the Oathlands."

Mydas arches a brow at Darren's announcement. "From the most recent reports, to have a good chance to hold Stormwall required not only our full forces, but also the full forces of the Faith and Grayson. Yet if the Faith sends only some of their numbers, the assessment falters." the Marquis notes. "Are the passes to be dismissed then, as solution?"

"Forgive me Mydas, I was unclear. There was some talk of splitting the faith, but their forces are coming to Stormwall." Darren clarifies.

Marian smiles at Darren and nods as he brings up the addition of the Oathlands cavalary, "Yes, I attended the House Valardin meeting, and when they mentioned that their horses wouldn't be able to be easily transported to Setarco, I asked Princess Alis if we could make use of their talents." She gives a smile to Darren as if she's glad he was able to confirm their use, "Now before we begin discussing where the troops are laid out, I want Duke Crovane to speak of the terrain. Advantages and disadvantages of the environment so we are all aware of what we are facing when the enemy lands on Stormwall's beaches." She turns to Mydas and is about to speak when Darren makes that clarification.

Asger flashes Ann a smile as she sits next to him, the burly man leaning forward against the table and resting there, after Darren has said his bit he speaks up "You have heard my bit before, I believed and still do that trying to hold the city through sheer force is a dead man's game, that we need cunning and we need to lure them into even more hostile terrain to have a chance at victory here." Gesturing to Mydas he says "As Mydas points out the reports seem to back this up." with a soft snort Asger says "I hate to say it because I appreciate every last bit of fuckin' support we can get but we might want to rethink cavalry unless they are bringing the horses to be back up rations." with a broad sweepin gesture in front of him he says "We've got the mountains to our rear, and the ice sea in front of us, around the city we got ice and hills. Cavalry unless ya got them on elk or dire goats ain't going to be able to play to their strengths and are pretty much in danger."

With an entirely too grim smile he says "This isn't the first siege Stormwall has been under, and the last one saw the nobles overrun slaughtered and their bodies cast to the sea by their invaders." The Duke shakes his head slowly "Obviously since we took the city and claimed it as our own, we've made some improvements but our advantage is drawing the invaders into the mountains where the North excels and cut them down whether it is dropping rocks, causing avalanches or fighting them off in bottlenecks where we have the absolute advantage."

"I've pushed to prevent Stormwall from being sacked because I did not want to see the primary holding of your lands burned to the ground, Asger." Darren says, "And I expended political capital with the Crown to make sure that doesn't happen. They wanted to send the Faith to Darkwater... which was a bad idea, but none the less." Darren motions towards Mydas and towards Asger. "We can fight in the mountains, and you're both right, we'll lose a lot less soldiers. But there is no way Gwenna is going to get every civilian out of Stormwall, and you know as well as I do any place that enemy lands and holds is going to be ....damaged for a long time. I want to be sure you're very clear about what you will be losing. You can't assume that we will be able to just rebuild Stormwall in a year and go on like nothing happened."

Darren adds, "And we have no guarantee once they sack Stormwall they will follow us in to the mountains. They might just fortify and we've handed them a holding on the main continent of the Compact." Darren notes.

Astraea has joined the Bear Table.

"Or move down the coast, through Stormheart and Storm March," says a rather disgruntled sounding Kaede from over on a couch.

Ian uses the table to lever himself to his feet, and raises his hand a little bit. He's too uncertain, perhaps, to actually interrupt.

Zoey looks at Ian curiously.

Marian nods in agreement with Darren's words and then motions to Ian to speak since he does want to offer some words.

"Both are possible, and probably more possible then the enemy host chasing us into the mountains," Cirroch says with a dip of his head to both Darren and Kaede in agreement.

Ian clears his throat. "When you're talking about what you think they're going to do, are you -- Were any of you at Maelstrom, last year?"

Mydas nods to Asger. "Better certainty of success and the need to rebuild the city than risk. We can't afford to needlessly throw away the lives of soldiers who may be called upon to fight other threats soon. The Pirate King isn't the only danger the North has faced recently. The Traitor is still out there." he points out. "Better to make Stormwall a killing field for the invaders, than to try and preserve its buildings. It is not a choice without its cost. None of the choices we have before us are without cost. While I believe we should use the mountain passes to their best effect, there's no reason why we should simply let them sack the city without resistance. Fight them at Stormwall, but always keep in mind that there must always be a path to retreat open for one's soldiers. This isn't our last stand. But we can make them bleed."


Ann takes a look at the map, "Not to mention feeding horses in that environment, are their cavalry good on foot too? I agree using cavalry is /usually/ far superior when it comes to battle, especially if your enemies are surely to be on foot, but I don't want them to be lambs lead to the slaughter. Their horses, if they make it, might not be in the best shape to fight in those conditions." She offers and looks up when Marian directs the talk toward Asger and listens as he talks, then the others, nodding, "I agree. We have a legendary alchemist in our midst. She can make more than perfumes I'm guessing." She points at Valery directly, "If we had enough time for her to cook up something. And enough of it to count. She makes firestarters. We make a big batch, light that shit on fire and devise something - something we can make of wood to sling them onto the boats as soon as they are within reach. Make damn sure they don't have something on the boats to fight /us/ with. Make retreat impossible. Or if we could get up there, dig some trenches on the beach. Cover the trenches up with something so they think they are landing on an abandoned shore. Start ambushing the second they land?"


Ann looks to Ian curiously, "I surely wasn't."

Marian gives a motion to Ian to continue with his words, looking around at everyone present, "I think it might be good to hear what Lord Kennex has to say before we continue. He can speak to how the enemy moves."

From her wall leaning, Eilonwy looks to Ian. "A number of us, aye." She glances to Asger from her spot. "Better to bring the city down on the invaders ears surely, let them in and fire on it with stone?"

Ian looks towards Mydas. "There's every chance you can't. Make them bleed." To Ann, he adds: "It's something that doesn't get talked about much anymore, but I saw the bodies of the... invaders. If they were ever human, they had become something else. I don't know if they were even... They looked like drowned sailors. I heard stories about them being lit on fire and still coming. I don't see any reason to think that it won't be the same sort of... infantry this time.

Astraea walks into the hall with an unassuming air. She beelines for the Bear Table where her kinsman sit without causing to much of a fuss as she finds a seat to listen in on the talks. Friendly waves are given when she spots a few faces she recognizes. Polite nods for everyone else but /everyone/ gets a gentle smile.


"What was their weakness, then Lord Kennex?" Ann inquires, "If it was not fire, nor water - was it blessed weapons?"

Ian shakes his head. "I wasn't there. I've been trying to get a meeting with Lord Tobias Telmar about them. The Crimson Blades fought them for two days."

"Fightin' the dead... while we give them our cities and hide in the mountains? While we pray to the spirits there will be good farmland in the mountain for our soldiers to live off of?" Kaede asks, loudly. "And maybe one day we can return to the wasteland and rebuild?"

"Even dead men need legs to walk, arms to swing their weapons." Mydas points out. "Fire won't remove their limbs, but steel will. These aren't the first 'undead' Arx has had to contend with in recent history. You need only look at the recent siege. Even monsters from myth can be brought low. If they must be so with greater violence than the norm, so be it." the Marquis states. "All the more important to offer overwhelming force at every opportunity, and to preserve our forces to maintain that effect."

"When we fought the Marinite zealots who came to the city to attack the Sword of Deepwood, fire did work Lord Kennex," Marian tells Ian softly as not to worry anyone too much without further confirmation, "The defenders used Thraxian fire and then drowned them by burning their boats around them."

"If I recall rightly, they came with the rain. As soon as the sun broke through and things dried out the warriors took some advantage." Eilonwy offers. "In Maelstrom anyway. The mud was distinct, a mess for triage." She notes and inspects her fingers.

Ian nods to Marian. "I was there. I'm not saying it will be the same... forces as invaded Maelstrom. It might be zealots. But it also might not be. I've heard a lot of stories about ships coming up from under the ocean."

Valery blushes at Ann words. She bites her lower lip. "Well... they are normal firestarters... But I guess... I could try to make something that burns... I can ask about that Thraxian fire, maybe." She takes a deep breath. "And I still have the smoke bombs. And the red ones..."

From the back, Brogan calls out, "Some of us knows those lands as good as we do our own bodies..." Eyes passing over the Northerners present, "We could make them pay for every inch by doing Night Raids, Ambushes, quick attacks in and out. These people are coming to lands they have no idea about, and we can use that to our advantage. By the time they get to the City, we could have demoralized them..." He grins, a feral light in his eyes, "Make them think there's Spirits in the Land that want them out as much as the Defenders."

Asger nods his head towards Ian as he speaks "I think Mydas was being figurative their my friend." glancing at Mydas he continues "Correct me if I'm wrong but I read that you were saying we should fucking make them pay dearly." drumming his fingers against the table he says "Aye, I've fought the dead during the siege of Arx, and I've gone against the corrupted creatures sent to taint the shrines of Mangata. Our foes ain't human, every death we suffer can only serve to potentially bolster their numbers while theirs are of no great significance. This is why we need cunning, we need a plan other then standing in one spot and praying that the spirits protect us while we are surrounded by superior numbers that defy our limits." with an exhale he a low growl of annoyance enters his voice "This is why we fight on our terms, we fight them where they are weakest, we weaken them where we can and we force them to exert where we are strong and where they would see their strength we don't engage." Gesturing around the table he says "Most of you have read the reports, unless we have overwhelming support from the Compact we're in a bad place if we just stand and fight. Guess what, the compact ain't giving us the bulk of her love we're getting Grayson and and partial support from the faith. Formidable allies to be sure, but they aren't going to see us with overwhelming victory in the city. So we fight dirty, we fight to win and we fight a war that will make the rest of the Compact look at us when this is done and wonder who the fuckin' monsters were."

Arik finally pushes himself to his feet, with a clank. He glances towards those at the head table. "I have thoughts, would share."

Ian seems to have said what he stood up to say, because he sits back down again.

Mydas nods to Asger. "Yes. Offer overwhelming force and slaughter to their numbers whenever they wish to take a step further inland, without putting ourselves in a trap of our own making." he clarifies. He otherwise lets Asger say his piece without interrupting, and doesn't add anything further, instead looking towards both Darren and Marian.

Darren motions to Arik, "Speak. And then I have something to say." Darren says, finding a seat and getting comfortable as people go back and forth.

"What if they don't chase you into the mountains, Duke Asger? What if they fortify /our homes/ and stay there? What if they use that as a /port/ to continue their attacks along the coast?" Kaede asks, seemingly not so good at waiting her turn to speak. "Why would a /navy/ seek to go further inland, Marquis?"

"An evacuation plan is in place -- should be amended to support evacuation under assault. Wise plan combines holding Stormwall if possible and prepared for retreat into the passes if not. Prepare supply caches along way. Must remember shelter in the passes will be hard. If dead men? Will cold sap their muscles and limbs the same way it does mortal men? We can turn into bleeding ground, but passes have consequence as well. I have fought General Winter before. He is not one to take lightly." Arik looks towards those at the table. "I do not know. All that I have fought, when slewn, die." He looks towards Mydas after a moment, then, briefly to Ann and Valery. Then, at last, towards Darren.

"But... do not forget, in cold lands, food is scarce and more necessary. Especially, if fighting things of legend," Arik adds, before sitting back down.

Marian motions for the voices to settle and allow their High Lord to speak.

Baron Archibald Chirpington, a Gyrfalcon arrives, delivering a message to Zoey before departing.

"I do not think anyone is advocating for a strategy where we send forces to Stormwall and get trapped there. I never send an army anywhere without a clear avenue of escape." Darren pushes himself back up out of his seat. "This is why I resisted sending the Faith to Darkwater. Putting a huge army on an island without the naval resources to get that army off the island means you've set that army up to die to the last if they get overwhelmed. We have no assurance that an army that sacks Stormwall will follow us in to the mountains where we have a great tactical advantage. Would you?" Darren asks, "I wouldn't. I would seize Stormwall and begin building defenses on the other side of the city. And what went from a war on the Northlands terms where we have the advantage goes to a fight where we have to seize a city of our own, on the coast, with no navy." Darren says, "I completely agree with you Marquis Acheron, we need to eliminate as much uncertainty as we can. And given we have no certainty about what our enemy plans to do once it comes ashore, we have to stop them before they get there. We have to stop them at the shore."

Darren re-settles in his seat, "I realize we face an enemy that we don't even fully understand. And I know that scares a lot of us. Hell, if you aren't scared, you're stupid. I have heard any number of rumors about them, that they can only be killed by a virgin wielding a dinner fork on a moonless night and whatever. And sure, we're going to need to have to figure out whatever the hell comes to the Northlands looking for a fight. But we will." Darren says, "And we'll adapt to them and we'll hold Stormwall and we'll push them back in to the sea. I know there's risk..." Darren trails off, "There is no perfect solution here. We have to go with the odds."

"Presumably we are not fighting animated ships, but men and women equipped with legs. Unless you imagine our foe will be happy to stand upon the shore and stay there, with their feet still in water, refusing to take one step further." Mydas answers Kaede flatly. The prodigal is dismissed from his gaze, turning instead to Darren. He doesn't seem to disagree, but he does add. "Even the Pirate must make landfall if he seeks to keep a hold on whatever land he takes. Stormwall's port should be destroyed to that effect. We won't be using ships in the upcoming battle, while they'd have ever advantage to have an easy way to land their troops, living or not."

"And the calvary won't be used on the mountains, they will be used on the beaches with the archers who will be shooting the men before they ever make it to the shore," Marian offers to show what she plans to do as the enemy closes in, "And these same horsemen can help the archers escape when the enemy starts falling on the shore, falling back as the archers are quickly moved to a better location for the second phase." She looks to see if the others see what she intends to do.


Ann leans over a bit to watch Marian at the map, "We can rebuild the port, but that's where a lot of Stormwall's finances likely come from - that's where a lot of ships are harbored. Taxes - but I see your point Mydas." She nods and watches Marian point out where the second phase would be, and how she would station the cavalry with a nod.

Asger listens with a small frown on his features and shakes his head slowly as Darren speaks. Waiting a moment after the High Prince finishes speaking Asger says "Well you must have had access to different reports then Your Grace, because the ones I've read suggested otherwise. I digress though, you've clearly put together a plan to which I've not been privy as well as the states on who we are to expect to join us up north." turning his palms upwards in surrender he shrugs. Marian's comment about the Cavalry has him glancing over to her "And how much experience does the Cavalry have in fighting on the icy beaches, have their horses been trained to fight in continual sub freezing temperatures through storms? Forgive me if I'm not willing to put my faith in war animals fighting a theater alien to anything they've experienced before."

"To have archers and horsemen on the beach possess a certain appeal, but there's a double edge to it. Mainly, unless we build them cover, they'll have none to protect them from the arrows of the pirates." Mydas remarks regarding Marian's plan. "Also dangerous if we aim to put any traps along the beaches. It may be best to have the archers line the walls, and ensure the beaches are filled with obstacles that will hinder the enemies' progress. So long as they're slowed, our archers can rain death among their numbers." he points out. "Though I have to ask, how many siege weapons do we have to support us? Ballistae and catapults would do much to sink ships from afar."

Sigurd is late, of course. But he arrives! He won't move any further into the room, preferring to stand awkwardly along the outskirts. Until, of course, he spots Brogan and he pushes past people with callous indifference before he can bump his elbow with his own elbow and give a nod of greeting.

Marian looks at all the war leaders present, "If the calvary isn't going to work, then I'm happy to let House Valardin know their men are not needed. The reason we're having this discussion is to make sure the voices are heard because nothing is final." Marian looks to Asger to make sure he understands that point, "And I have fought many campaigns but this is my first in the North so I am willing to adjust as we find flaws in the plan." She gives a nod of approval to Mydas for his thoughts. She turns back to Asger and asks, "Marquis Archeron has a point. What ballistae and catapults are on-site?"

"That makes sense." Darren says to Mydas, "And, if Duke Asger agrees I think that should be our plan." Darren notes, turning to Marian. "Tactics are your call, Marian. You are the War Chief for the Northlands and while I know you appreciate the input of all, in the end, you will make the decisions of how this battle is to be fought for the combined armies of Redrain." Darren turns his eyes to Asger, his tone rising in irritation. "I did not make a plan, Duke Crovane. Your King did, with the advice of his Highlords, the Faith, and the Ministry of Defense. As Marian just said, this is your opportunity to voice your thoughts and your options if we need to change that plan. Being petulent serves nobody, least of all you."

"Are we getting a contingent of Mercies as well? Or will the North be utilizing its own healers?" Eilonwy wonders. "This isn't the only place to be attacked if I understand correctly. Surely that will spread those trained in battle medicine, and supplies thin. Especially if we are planning for a long battle over days and not a singular attack." She looks to the nobles at the table as she asks.

Grinning over at Sigurd as he makes his way in, Brogan leans over to whisper some updates to him at the same time hading over a flask he had concealed under his arm during the meeting. The big Northman nods his agreement with Asger's assessment on animals not used to the North, "I'm sure the enemies have practice doing landings, and fighting from the beach. We should meet them with forces that know similar tactics, or our forces will be at a severe disadvantage."


"As for cover for the cavalry - it may be frozen but it /is/ sand. Bank it up" Ann offers, pointing over to the shore, "It'll be back breaking, but... Cover is cover?"

OH! GOOD! Flasks! Sigurd grins as he takes Brogan's flask and hands him a different flask from where it was tucked into his belt by his sword. They've traded flasks, and Sigurd pops the top of Brogan's and takes a whiff before pulling a long drink from it.

Valery moves uncomfortably on the seat. She looks around for a while and she eventually just stands up. She looks at Darren, as for calling his attention. She eventually murmurs. "I... I think I'll better go... If you... well, if you need anything from me, let me know, please? And.. I was thinking I could make some events in the garden now that the spring is coming, to raise support and funds... if you want." She raises a shoulder, and murmurs, quieter. "I don't think I am of any other help here..." And she steps back and closer to the door.

Ian exchanges a few words with Zoey, and then pushes himself to his feet again. Cane in hand, he oves to intercept Valery. "A moment?" If she stops, he lowers his voice.

Astraea has left the Bear Table.

Vim, the dragon corgi arrives, delivering a message to Darren before departing.

Valery nods to Ian, frowning as she listens to him. She nods. "I'll see what can I do..."

Ian gets Oseyan - Kennex Brand Blackberry Vodka from Aged Satchel.

Ian nods to Valery. "Thank you."

Asger shakes his head "Working on building some siege engines but right now my walls are painfully empty of them, I'm working on building them up at the moment."

With the question answered, Cirroch rises, speaking loud enough for him to be heard. "I have a question, a simple one, but not one I not heard answered yet. How will the commend structure of the army work? Will we be leading our own armies and reporting to The Warchief? Or Prince Darren? Or will we be turning over control of our forces to one of the two mentioned?"

"And who is overseeing what ships we do have?" Kaede tacks on to Cirroch's question. Because, of course, everything is /nautical/ to her.

Marian nods at Asger's answer, "Well then we need pull what resources we can to help you get the necessary preparations done." She looks around at the group, "If those are willing, we can start pulling together resources for Crovane." She turns to Cirroch and smiles deeply at Cirroch's question, "And we will have you leading your men. Some armies might get moved a bit depending on the need but ideally you should be on the field."

Cirroch gives a small dip of his head back to Marian, nodding as he sits himself back down. "Thank you for answering."

Marian turns to Kaede who asked the question about the navy, "All Redrain navy personnel will be moved to work with the Fleet under the command of High Lord Victus."

"Thank you, princess," Kaede says, to Marian. "I'll ask further questions after the meeting," she grumbles. Just grouchy, this one.

Ian settles back down at the table with Zoey.

Darren pushes himself up out of his seat, placing a hand on Marian's shoulder. "Well, War Chief, I leave you to working out the logistics. I need to go see to a few other matters in the mean time." Darren says, smiling to Marian. As Valery announces her departure, Darren smiles. "Appreciate you coming Valery, I'll have Marian contact you if she sees fit."

Valery nods and sneaks out.

Valery has left the Small Table.

Chip, a small mouse, Boots leave, following Valery.