Mirk has joined the Igniseri.

Gaspard wields Shepherd, a diamondplate blade.

Juliana has joined the Isles Canines Med Pack.

Lucita has joined the Igniseri.

Today is beautiful, the clearest of skies, with some of the best winds that a sailor could hope to wish for. But instead of enjoying their time, the commanders and sailors of Stormward are here in the waters beyond their stronghold, hoping to intervene and prevent a major turnout of the enemy. If not defeated, they'll gain a foothold and lay siege to Stormward itself.

Many of the ships are flying the flags of House Thrax, perhaps more than expected. If it's a ploy that will work when the enemy arrives is yet to be discovered.

At the helm of the Black Tide, Baroness Scylla Blackshore is a cutting figure with expression somber and silver limned sights cast forward with a determined fire that casts no warmth on elegant mien. Commanding the Black Fleet in her husband's stead, stance is at-ease, every so often relaying a command that is followed swiftly and with no backwards glances. Most of these sailors have been at sea through many a storm at her side and thus the respect was clear.

Keeping eyes and ears open for the signal to progress - Blackshore stands ready to assist.

The Redreef fleet wasn't quite ready to be sent out again, so Martinique sent herself and joined Jasher in the Thrax fleet. She's not in command today, that's somebody else's problem for once, but she's got knives and she keeps drawing them and putting them away, anxiously prowling the deck as she awaits the approach of the enemy. So much of war is simply waiting, but she's too antsy to nap this time.

The Igniseri Fleet has arrived, commanded by none other than Marquessa Quenia Igniseri. She's taken some time to hone her skills and get a bit more confident in her abilities to lead the troops since the battle at Eswynd Rock. Her ships are flying the Igniseri flag, showing that one of the handful Lycene Houses that have supported Prince Victus's side of the war since the beginning is still present and accounted for. Lord Dewy Navegant may have sent them running first at Eswynd Rock, but Igniseri is not out for the count; they will not be quenched.

Azova is aboard the Darkwater ships this time, with Reve looming and hovering nearby the way he tends to do when she is not safely behind rows of armed and armored people. Maybe hoping that her presence will deter Baltus from another ship-ramming session. And if not, she has her handy solid metal mug to try and chase him down and beat him senseless with. Until then, she organizes the healers attending her family's ships. It's a foolproof plan.

Caspian paces back and forth on the deck of Wash's ship, wanting to help but also realizing he would likely be in the way more than anything. He moved to the railing, leaning on it and staring out over the glistening ocean for any sign of their foe. He looked to Wash and smiled. "Well.. we couldn't ask for a nicer day! least we wont have to worry about storms or such adding more chaos to this mess."

Sailing alongside his brother in these familiar waters, surrounded by the ships of friends and allies, this would normally be a happy occasion for Ian, surrounded by wind, water, and good company. Such an idyllic world, where things go as they're planned and play out like they should would have found Ian in high spirits, the grinning youngest brother of the Kennex three. But this isn't an idyllic world, and some things really don't go as they're planned, and so the Ian who stands on the deck of Aethan's flagship is a graying man with a face carved like a severe statue, a face that wears a dangerously peaceful expression, his electric blue eyes alive with a zealous intensity. Ashfont's ruby encrusted hilt sparkles at his hip while he keeps himself steady with a hand on the rail and looks out over the ruffled sea.

Lucita keeps watch over her fleet that has merged with that of the Kennex and under Kennex command. She stands errect, as much as possible for someone who is just getting sea legs, and gazes out over the rise and fall of the waves. She stands near her Cousin Quenia and Mirk and says in a low tone to them. "Now that we are asea, I need to teach your rowers and sailors a short song. We won't use it yet though, it is a surprise for the enemy, hopefully." She lowers her voice further to explain to Quenia and Mirk.

A late addition to this grouping was House Telmar. But Tesha was more than happy to bring the Navy to assist Kennex with things. The redhead is on the command ship and finishing talking to a few of the deckhands to make sure that everything is gone over. She then turns her one eye to those that decided to follow her into this bout of madness, "Are we still ready to do this?" she asks the tall Blackram Lord that's probably not far from things.

Standing on the rear deck of his command ship, Aethan gazes out over the waves back in the direction of Stormward. The sight of it causes a bit of emotion to well up in his chest and he turns away to give the crew a quick once over. Satisfied with what he's seen, he closes his eyes and murmurs a quick prayer to Mangata under his breath. Once he's finished, he looks back up and to the crew around him and nods. "Whatever else happens, at least it's a good day to be out at sea." He walks back over to the railing, placing a hand upon it while his other toys with his axe. His fingers begin to drum out a rhytmic beat to help pass the time as they wait to lay eyes upon the enemy.

Thea promised to help and help she is. Aboard the ship of Juliana Igniseri, helping sail. Helping the other physicians that are aboard. She's dressed and ready for all of it as she looks and listens. Closely.

Even with battle looming Pasquale has his head tilted back to enjoy the sunshine filtering down past the sails that currently provide his dromond's crew with respite from the oars. Three other dromonds flank the one he is using as his command post today and around those dromonds other smaller ships are arrayed in a traditional formation. All flying Malespero's lighthouse, moon and sun, symbol.

Lingering with a hand on the hilt of his sword, Gaspard presents a serious demeanor, masculine features etched into hard lines. What could have been a dimpled smile, is a thoughtful frown perpetually stuck to his face, smoky grey eyes casting out over the waters. Aboard the Telmar ships, specifically the ship in command, he idles nearby Teshas side, staying out of the way of the crew and her. "It shouldn't be a question." He comments, looking over the ship now. "These men and women...will give their lives today. Ready isn't an option today."

Wash has spent more and more time at Stormward in the past two weeks. It is impossible to hide the increased level of activity, but Wash is an old hand at handling logistics, mostly through proper levels of delegation. This is compounded by the fact that rather than fly the flags of individual houses, many of those contributing to the defense, including all of Kennex, are flying the Thrax flag alone.

Kastelon has joined the Telmar.

Another day, another battle against ruthless Dagonite fleets. Jasher stands aboard the flagship dromond flying Thrax colors, though none save the loyalists could discern this ship from any other staged around the island domain of Stormward. He stands on the upper deck beside the ship's helm with blue eyes turned disinterestedly out to the horizon line, where it is expected the enemy fleets will first appear. Garbed in diamondplate from neck to booted feet, the prince is prepared for combat, though for this present evening, his primary focus is on the issuance of commands to his sailors and marines on behalf of the High Lord, and in the absence of the warlords of his house.

Once more into battle. Mirk is dressed for war, with full steelsilk and fireweave, a bow slung over his shoulder, and a greatsword at his belt. However, this time he doesn't sail the Halfshav fleet; he's underneath the banner of House Igniseri, for whatever reason. He stands near the prow of the ship, his hands clasped before him, his eyes closed as if feeling the breeze on his face. It's a strangely peaceful moment, considering what's to come. But soon enough he stirs himself, replying to Lucita, "A song?" There's a little added emphasis to the word, as if wondering if it's more than just a song.

At sea. Again.
That Kastelon is somewhere in the sea - even beneath beautiful skies - speaks to things being unusually desperate. The Oakhaven archer is hardly a passenger - he's at the ready with his bow and arrows, even bereft of his beloved hound who would be of little use upon the waves. The attention given to the ships ahead is only equaled by that glance back at his fellow Oathlanders, and a faint nod to them, before the single hazel eye's turned to the business at hand.

Lady Juliana Igniseri, one might expect her with the others of her house but no, Jules stood at the prow of the Lady Jewels, the caravel flying the colors of the Physican's guild. Not that Juliana was wearing Masters robes, but dressed instead for what was to come. One hand shielding her eyes from the sun as she tils her head towards Thea. "We are as ready as we are going to be." stated then smiled towards the other healer for encouragement. Even if that smile didn't reach her eyes before they went back to scanning the ships ahead.

Lucita nods to Mirk, "Just plain-song."

The one benefit to a day such as this, one that's going to be marred by bloodshed and violence, is that there is plenty of time to see the enemy before they arrive. There will be time to get into position, and check the decks of ships as they get in closer and closer to the massive defensive force waiting to attack.

Cresting the waves now and coming into view are a large showing from: Nightcove, led by Lord Waylan's flagship. House Greywalke, led by Lord Arseny.

But the largest showing of ships, flanking those has flags that aren't quite in view yet...

A small army of familiar banners sail amongst those of the rebel fleet -- tattered, dark grey and bearing the sigil of House Greywalke. The formation that their admirals have chosen is easily identified by the strategic minds of loyalist officers present as defensive; a flotilla of galleys and dromons are clustered near the center and flanked on all sides by innumerable longships. The justification for their decision becomes clear, and quickly: aboard the decks of the larger vessels can be seen clusters of great war machines and munitions, the very same that would -- if victorious -- be landed ashore and used to break the defensive structures of Stormward. Ensuring that these engines arrive intact, functional and otherwise unblemished has been deemed a tactical priority.

Whether the ploy to conceal the true loyalties of the progressive line is successful seems, at least at this moment, uncertain. Lord Arseny Greywalke commands his navy forward, undeterred by the strange development. Directly toward Igniseri, Malespero, and Telmar.

Gaspard spots Kastelon, giving the man a firm nod of respect from across the deck.

The largest fleet is Navegant. It would, of course, be Navegant. Their flags are hoisted high, easily spotted, and as their fleet sails closer and closer, the barking of orders can be heard across the water. A young man stands at the bow of a ship near the front, recognizable as young Lord Dewy Navegant by those who were at Eswynd, or those familiar with Navegant itself. But in the center of the fleet sails the flagship of Navegant, and far more attention drawing than Dewy, even though he's much further back, is a man who stood up at the Assembly of Peers and denounced Victus Thrax, and all who would support him.

"Hoist the flag higher!" Turo Navegant calls. "Let them see who has come to battle. Navegant does not fear standing under its own banners...unlike some, it would appear."

Jasher checks command and sailing at daunting. Jasher fails.

Scylla checks command and war at daunting. Scylla is successful.

Aethan checks command and leadership at daunting. Aethan is successful.

Pasquale checks command and leadership at daunting. Pasquale fails.

Tesha checks command and war at daunting. Botch! Tesha fails completely.

Thea checks command and sailing at daunting. Thea fails.

Wash checks command and sailing at daunting. Critical Success! Wash is spectacularly successful.

Quenia checks command and leadership at daunting. Quenia fails.

Juliana checks composure and medicine at hard. Juliana is successful.

Azova checks intellect and medicine at hard. Azova is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Martinique is successful.

Gaspard checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Botch! Gaspard fails completely.

Ian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ian is successful.

Kastelon checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Critical Success! Kastelon is spectacularly successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Caspian is successful.

Mirk checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mirk marginally fails.

Aethan checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Critical Success! Aethan is spectacularly successful.

Tesha checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Tesha is successful.

Quenia checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Quenia is successful.

Lucita checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Lucita is successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Pasquale fails.

Thea checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Thea is successful.

Scylla checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Scylla fails.

Jasher checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Critical Success! Jasher is spectacularly successful.

Wash checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Wash marginally fails.

Azova checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Azova is successful.

Gaspard checks 'permanent wound save' at hard. Gaspard marginally fails.

Gaspard checks 'unconsciousness save' at easy. Gaspard is successful.

Gaspard remains capable of fighting.

Pasquale checks 'permanent wound save' at hard. Pasquale is successful.

Despite the terrible damage, Pasquale does not take a permanent wound.

Pasquale checks 'unconsciousness save' at easy. Pasquale is successful.

Pasquale remains capable of fighting.

Gaspard checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Gaspard marginally fails.

Mirk checks dexterity and archery at hard. Mirk is successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at hard. Pasquale is successful.

Jasher checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Jasher is successful.

Kastelon checks dexterity and archery at hard. Botch! Kastelon fails completely.

Aethan checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Aethan is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Martinique fails.

Tesha checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Tesha is marginally successful.

Ian checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Ian marginally fails.

Scylla checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Botch! Scylla fails completely.

Azova checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Azova is successful.

Quenia checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Quenia is successful.

Lucita checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Lucita is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Caspian is successful.

Wash checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Wash is successful.

The attire of the bannermen loyal to House Greywalke has changed since the Battle of Eswynd Rock. Their steel breastplates and cuirasses, rusted by seafoam and exposure to the elements, remain -- but their tabards, previously grey and dull and no brighter than an overcast sky, have been streaked with red to honor the memory of their fallen Lord Admiral Arminius, himself a victim of the last major offensive. As their ships approach the loyalist line, they brace themselves for collision and boarding with those controlled by Igniseri, Malespero, and Telmar, their boots planted firmly atop water-stained decks and gauntlets gripping neighboring rope or railing for support. When the dust settles, shattered oars and wooden planks floating helplessly atop the sea, they charge forth -- hand axes, arming swords, and curved scimitars held high and at the ready. The men and women of this vassal are fearless. More disconcerting, though: they fight savagely, and with drilled discipline.

Having but one eye, one might excuse Kastelon for missing some of the finer details of the moment. But the brows descend, as his hazel eye is turned forward, and then his head turns back towards Tesha and Gaspard. "Permission to fire fire-arrows?" He calls out. "Might hit their crews, might hit the ships, but if we can hit the siege enemies, there's more of a chance for Stormward." Or so it would seem, even as the Keaton huntsman moves to make ready if he's given permission to do so.
Not that his initial shot might help instil confidence in his recommended course of action, as the shot goes widely errant, to the point that it might will pose more harm to them than those incoming shots from the opposing fleet.

Azova stays out of the way of the sailors carrying out the orders of those in command of the ships, skirting those who rush back and forth to get things done as the rebel fleet approaches. She does offer quiet words of encouragement, praying with those who wish to offer those last minute words to Mangata. And with that duty done, she fully turns her attention to ensuring the healers aboard the Darkwater flagship have their supplies ready, the small group of them cloistering behind an array of redoubt buccaneers until they have to run out to treat people and then pull them back to relative safety. Yes, she does have her mug ready to smack at any grabby hands from boarders that try to prevent her from doing her job.

Meeting a fearless soldier head on, Gaspards shield is knocked away from his center, and he is promptly skewered by a blade. He lets out a shout of pain, growling murderously low. His eyes take a sudden fierceness to them, a fire that cannot be stopped. WITH the sword inside of him, he retaliates, sword whistling past the soldiers face, grazing it and drawing a tiny amount of blood on their nose. But it's not an effective cut. The soldier pulls free their sword, as crimson immediately rushes down his armor, coating it red. His brows knit, stumbling a step, but he holds his ground. Now he looks /pissed/.

And so the fighting commences. Martinique evades the arrows, ducking by the ship's railing to let them thunk into the deck behind her, but when the enemy crewman come swarming over she isn't able to inflict much damage. However, she still yells and waves sharp knives around, because it just wouldn't be a normal day if she didn't.

Turo draws the sword of Escuma, Shellbreaker, and points it toward the enemy fleets. "This sword will not be sheathed until our battle has finished," he says to his men, "see that yours are the same. Forward!" Orders are given, flag wavers dashing to the sides of the ship to signal those nearest, who signal to their nearest, whose commanders begin barking orders of their own. Lord Dewy directs those at the front, the 'spearhead' of House Navegant's fleet, and like a spear they sail forward, cutting the waters as they go. As soon as they are in range, archers set arrow to string and loose a hail of death onto the loyalist's forward ships. Soldiers crowd the edges of the deck, grapples in hand, weapons drawn, preparing to board.

Pasquale notes the House Greywalke's intention to engage the handful of fleets who don't belong to the Thrax flag and starts giving calm instructions to the others on his deck. Theres no sense of hurry amongst the crew yet but the route of each Malespero ship shifts until the fleet moves into a position on Igniseri's flank from which they can protect the vulnerable edges of the other Velenosan fleet and hopefully in turn get some protection back before turning to meet the assault. The timing isn't quite as good as Pasquale intended. He'll work out exactly who's fault that is later. For now he just works to fix it, calling for ships to support those that have been hit and generally doing damage control. He lifts a hand to gesture in emphasis of his words. Voice raised. And manages to 'catch' an arrow in the process as one slams into his vambrace and forces his arm back. A silent snarl and he brings his own bow to bear in turn, aiming back at the archer that so unkindly tried to maim him. Thank goodness for armor.

As the fleets engage, Wash gives orders to extend the flanks in the direction of the siege weapons. There isn't a lot of chance that they can catch them, but Wash is trying to influence the direction they sail, combine that with a superior knowledge of currents and shoals to drive the most important target into a dangerous location.

Quenia watches keenly as House Greywalke approaches the Igniseri ships. She studies their formation, she takes note of who is commanding, she lingers too long in her observation. Much too long, for before she can give an appropriate order, the next thing she knows they are boarding her ships. Playing it took careful, perhaps, than when at Eswynd Rock. "Igniseri, prepare to be boarded!" she finally calls out in the end, before stepping forward to engage with the Graywalke enemies. She successfully dodges an attempt to attack her, mindful of her footwork aboard the ship so as not to get caught up in any rope lines. When she sees her chance, she swoops in and makes her attack, silently relishing that she actually managed to land a hit in /this/ particular battle; one that matters to her quite a lot.

When battle is joined, Mirk draws his bow and carefully strings it. He nocks an arrow on the string, studying the enemy forces across from them, his eyes tracing not the paths of soldiers, but the paths of the waves and the winds that move them. Then, with a slow breath, he looses teh string and lets an arrow fly, before immediately reaching for another. "Another hard fought battle, from the looks of it," he says to Quenia and Lucita. "Remain safe, both of you. Please." He's not unscathed himself: At least one arrow has grazed him, but he seemingly suffered no serious injuries.

Caspian is perched on the railing as the ships cut through the water toward each other. His blades are drawn and the loo of exhilaration and feral excitement was on his face. He didn't know where wash was sending them, but he knew it would be into the thick of it. So when the ships collided and the boarding action began, he launched himself forward onto the enemy ship, a whirlwind of blades as he crashed into the oncoming foe. he looked around, eyes flickering for the door to the decks below even as he dodged past blows and slashed sailors in sprays of blood.

Tesha's command gets off to a rather rocky start, which she is sure her Uncle Arn is currently rolling in his grave over. She'll have to come to terms with that after this is done! With the first bout of commands out of the way she unsheathes her sword and meets one of the boarders head on, slashing with her sword as she tries to take up some of the loss from the from the engagement start.

The fighting begins and Thea is quick to start getting prepared. Before you know it, she's giving orders to get parts of the crew prepared as well.

Lucita murmurs to Mirk and Quenia "I don't get the distance out of these Siangham that an archer does with arrows but they do fairly well thrown. If I can find a good target like a helmsman or captain or someone where I might make a difference and stay out of some of the more expert blade's way. But if they are close enough , my plain old trusty dagger works well enough. OOF! " She lets out a breath with its accompanying sound and lunges forward to try to both cut an incoming boarding line and the enemy sailor attempting to use it. A little nod is given when she finds that effort successful.

When the enemy comes into sight, Aethan barks out orders for the ships under his command to prepare to engage the enemy. As the ships come near, he ducks an arrow that was fired in his direction and hefts his axe. "An extra ration of vodka for every Navegant ship that sinks beneath the waves!" He calls out as load as he can, letting it be a call to action that travels from ship to ship. If it offers any sort of inspiration to those under his command, he doesn't know, his attention is already on the enemy boarding his ship. "REPEL BOARDERS!" And with that, he takes his weapon and goes to axe some traitors.

Ian draws Ashfont as Aethan's flagship aims for the heart of Turo's fleet, but the raw energy of the fighters who press towards the rail catch him off guard. He brings the sword up to parry several weapons at once, bracing the sharp end of it by grabbing it with his alaricite-covered left hand to briefly use the razor sharp diamondplate blade like a quarterstaff. A few tiny blue-hued sparks flicker to life and die where diamondplate and alaricite meet, under the force of the assault that he finds himself holding back. "Do you plan on DOING ANYTHING with that sword, Turo?" He shouts above the melee. "Or are you just going to wave it around?"

There is a rhythm to battles, before the battle there are those you are worried about after.. it starts, those worries disappear and it comes to only those that are in front of you. Juliana may have a blade at her side, but that was not why she was here. It was not her skill with a sword that made Jules valuable at this time but the skill with repairing the damage of the sword. Even if she wanted more than anything to keep an eye on those she loved. Right now there was commands being shouted on the ship and prepareations finalized as soon the medical ship would be very busy indeed.

The imminent arrival of the Dagonite armada is enough impetus for Jasher to abandon his best impression of a statue and issue orders to the men and women subject to his command. "Archers!" he shouts from his vantage point, signaling that it is they who will strike first. "Steady! Ready the irons! Prepare to board! For Stormward, for Kennex, for Thrax!" This is not his ship and he is not their usual commander, and so there are quite a few individuals among his marines that simply do not recognize him at first. They are sluggish to respond and even slower still to get into proper position to engage the first ship that flanks them. And is it is that the prince is forced to unsheathe Wake's Edge and descend to the main deck and assist with fending off the first wave of boarders first-hand.

"Blackshore at the ready! Make their blood stain the shore!" In the midst of relaying her call does a stray arrow find itself lodged in Scylla's thigh, causing a knee to lightly buckle at the impact, "And keep light on your feet arrows are let loose!" Follows up her own mishap, the Baroness straightening with a snarling snap of blood spattered fletching. Balefire is brandished, positioning herself in such a way to keep full weight from injured leg.

House Kennex will find a contingent of ships from House Nightcove maneuvering into their space, throwing planks to their ships and attempting to board their vessels. The intention is of course, to cut the Kennex ships under Aethan's command from reaching Turo and his people.

Others will peel off, attempting to engage with House Thrax directly. Jasher is perhaps, a noteworthy face to them, and maybe it's the House sword that Lord Waylan is attempting to bait into a fight, even if he no longer has Reafian in his direct possession. "Ho! House Thrax! Are you ready to lose today?" he calls over to the prince and by prox, Not Lady Martinique! Who's horse isn't here.

House Blackshore fairs well in this engagement, battle hardened from their experiences in the beginning of this war. While the enemy does sail for them, there's a shiver of nerves through the soldiers. It takes much for them to stand here this day and continue to fight, that speaks to a metal of the soul most don't have.

"I intend to command my men, Kennex!" Turo calls back across the waves. "Rather than grub for personal glory and the back pats of mainlander hypocrites. This far and no farther!" he calls, this time to his own soldiers. They answer with a roar as the first ships clash, and boarders surge across enemy decks.

Meanwhile, the healer ship has already run into trouble. In the sudden chaos of battle, they become tangled up amongst the ships nearish, leaving them momentarily stymied in any attempts to sail forward.

Gaspard falls to a knee momentarily, legs weakening. He uses a railing to push himself back up, clearly he's been in better shape. Teeth knit, brows pinched, he slowly recovers his equilibrium, as adrenaline helps stimy his shock and pain.

The lack of a shout back from any of those who are above him in the chain of command has Kastelon pausing for a moment, even as he's nocking another arrow. Which is probably not a good thing, because that's when the bow's string makes a horrible sound and snaps, and the huntsman makes a horrible sound himself, as he's hastily in the heat of things restringing...

Pasquale checks command and war at daunting. Pasquale is successful.

Quenia checks command and leadership at daunting. Quenia fails.

Aethan checks command and leadership at daunting. Aethan is successful.

Jasher checks command and sailing at daunting. Jasher fails.

Scylla checks command and war at daunting. Scylla marginally fails.

Tesha checks command and war at daunting. Tesha marginally fails.

Thea checks command and sailing at daunting. Thea is successful.

Wash checks command and sailing at daunting. Wash marginally fails.

Juliana checks composure and medicine at hard. Juliana is successful.

Thea checks intellect and medicine at hard. Thea is successful.

Azova checks intellect and medicine at hard. Azova is successful.

Gaspard checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Gaspard fails.

Pasquale checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Pasquale is successful.

Aethan checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Aethan is successful.

Kastelon checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Kastelon is successful.

Quenia checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Quenia is successful.

Mirk checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mirk is successful.

Tesha checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Tesha is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Caspian is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Martinique fails.

Jasher checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Jasher is successful.

Ian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ian is successful.

Lucita checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Lucita fails.

Scylla checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Scylla fails.

Wash checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Wash is successful.

Azova checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Azova is successful.

Gaspard checks 'unconsciousness save' at hard. Gaspard fails.

Gaspard is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Scylla checks 'unconsciousness save' at easy. Scylla is successful.

Scylla remains capable of fighting.

Mirk checks dexterity and archery at hard. Mirk is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at daunting. Caspian is marginally successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Martinique marginally fails.

Aethan checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Critical Success! Aethan is spectacularly successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at hard. Pasquale fails.

Jasher checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Jasher is successful.

Tesha checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Tesha marginally fails.

Quenia checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Quenia fails.

Wash checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Wash is successful.

Ian checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Ian fails.

Lucita checks charm and performance at hard. Lucita is successful.

Azova checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Azova is successful.

A slash opens a line along Marinique's ribcage, drawing a pained hiss from her as she continues to fight. The wound is not trivial, but it isn't something that would generally stop her from fighting. Unfortunately, it does distract her enough that her own counter attack is not well aimed and succeeds only in nicking the enemy who struck her. She circles and makes ready for another melee pass, eyeing the Nightcove sailors trying to advance their attack.

Gaspard That same soldier manages a slashing cut to his wounded side already, opening it further. It's at this point Gaspards eyes roll into the back of his head, crumpling in a THUD and rattle of armor.

That same soldier manages a slashing cut to his wounded side already, opening it further. It's at this point Gaspards eyes roll into the back of his head, crumpling in a THUD and rattle of armor.

Having to restring a bow on the go is not a thing that most Oathlanders would call recreation. Having to do it in a war zone is not really something that should be undertaken, and truthfully, Kastelon should be reaching for a spare bow.
That he's also parrying a blade between fetching of the bowstring from his pouch is a different issue, a groan and a shift, and then the huntsman is ready to take aim, before there's another shout to Tesha. "I wasn't kidding about the fire arrows idea. Would give them something else to think about, and some breathing room potentially for Stormward."

Ian buys himself a little bit of breathing room by the simple expediency of throwing a punch with that metal-covered left hand. It deflects off someone's shield, but gives him the space to point the pointy end of his sword at the bad guys in a way that encourages them back. "This from the HERETIC'S LAPDOG?" He shouts to Turo.

The Marquessa of Igniseri attempts to shout out some orders, but before she's able to finish gettin them out there's another series of attacks against her. Distracted as such, she's only given half orders to her crew and it's reflected in how well they manage to battle overall. However, the good news is that Quenia remains undamaged so far, as she's able to dodge all attacks against her. She swings a bit too wide, so her internal satisfaction at getting a hit in has dwindled as she goes back to concentrating on trying to out maneuver her targets.

Mirk hangs back as the rest of the fleet engages, not one to wade into the melee of boarding; he stays at his place near the prow of the ship, bow in hand, and fires. It's more difficult now, friends mixed with foes to force him to pick his targets more carefully, but it offers him a vantage point on the fighting that draws a frown from him. "Marquessa," he calls out. "I'm not sure we're faring well in this battle. Is there anything that can be done?"

Pasquale keeps his focus almost entirely on the battle, relying on the guards around him to keep the worst of the combat far away. Archers occasionally make an effort to take him down even so. Many of the arrows bounce off his guards shields but one in particular forces him to snap out of his focus for the moments required to sway out of its way and snap an arrow back at the hopeful archer. Alas the return shot fails to strike home but it keeps the archer from shooting him again so Pasquale considers it a win. He's already back to his instructions before the archer has been fully dealt with, calling for one of the galleys to board the ships attempting to board its sister dromond. Every move meant to support and enhance his own ships fights and maybe, if he has a chance, help Igniseri's too.

Tesha's trying to keep track of commands and keep Gaspard and Kastelon in her sight at points as well. She didn't have this problem with field battles, but she was new to the sea. Maybe she needed more practice. She brings her sword up for another slash to someone and misses by a few inches. The sound of something hitting the deck hard makes her look around and that's when she sees Gaspard has fallen. That causes her anger to rise to the surface and the woman lets out a growl as she starts backing up to defend his unconscious form.

Caspian kicks a soldier from the railing, hoping up onto it before leaping across to the enemy ship. he crashes onot the deck with a thud, tumbling past a few surprised sailors and jumping up to his feat. Despite the storm fo strikes coming at him, he managed to evade each one, even slashing out with a few blows of his own. He looks around, trying to find the door below decks and toward the thralls held captive there. With a booming voice he begins to sing the song Lucita had made.

"Thralls can be free, on the Kennex Sea
So listen my friends to me!
Freedom is rare, You've no time to spare
your strength its time to bare!
Break your chain, Your freedom to gain
Our spirits they can't contain!
Thralls can be free, on the Kennex Sea
So listen my friends to me!"

Jasher fights with a fury and dexterity unmatched by those unfortunate enough to stand in the path he cuts through the line of battle. However, his decision to join the men and women fighting for Stormward has the effect of diminishing his effectiveness at command, and for the nonce, the Thrax fleet is more or less left to their own unfortunate devices. That means quite a few ships are quickly overwhelmed by Nightcove boarding parties and suffer heavy losses. Lord Waylan's prickly call-out has the effect of drawing Jasher's attention from combat at a most opportune moment; the area around him is, for a heartbeat, well-defended by a host of Thrax marines. A measured gaze is thrown across the narrow channel of water dividing the men from one another, and while the taunt his opponent shouts are intended to provoke, the prince shows no evidence that they have made purchase. Cool and composed is the mask Jasher dons as he pivots, deliberately turning his back upon the onlooking lord, and prepares to focus on his full attention on the command of his fleet.

Tesha realizes that Kastelon was asking her about arrows, "Light them up!" she calls to the Keaton Lord.

Wash keeps his distance from direct conflict, conserving his forces, while playing a game of feints and threats as he forces the Greywalke forces to continually respond to his threat against the fleet of siege engines. If the Greywalke aren't familiar with the terrain, he could founder the larger vessels of their fleet against a shoal.

"FOR STORMWARD! FOR KENNEX!" Aethan bellows as he finishes off one enemy, twists to move out of the way of a boarding pike that was aimed towards his chests, knocking it out of the way before burying his axe in the chest of the poor fool who was holding it. "For your home! For your families! Dump every one of these assholes straight into the sea!" He yanks the axe free and moves forward, shouting encouraging words to those around him as they continue the fight.

The advantage that Igniseri, Malespero, and Telmar have over their adversaries is significant: archers. In order to accommodate the siege weapons secured to the decks of their dromons and galleys, the rebels had (early on) been forced to choose between engineers and infantry to erect and secure them ashore or bowmen to protect them at sea. At this moment, regardless of any arrows actually striking their marks, the consequences concurrent pressures of that decision are felt tenfold. Sailors and marines, even if not outright killed, are wounded by an volley of projectiles -- or forced to take cover behind their shields -- and thus rendered incapable of enacting violence on their Count's behalf.

In the thick of the skirmishing, Lord Arseny Greywalke can be spotted fighting alongside his men. Like them, he is adorned in heavy steal platemail. Rather than wield an arming sword, however, the lord carries an ornate zweihander, each swing of the blade forcing swathes of loyalist combatants to shrink away from its staggering reach. In response to the singing produced by an unidentified Baroness and her soldiers, its rhythm and cadence miraculously rallying the enemy's forces, he calls out to those within his proximity:

"Blood for blood! Avenge my father and bring peace to our Isles!"

His command is met with an uproarious chorus of cries. The Greywalke bannermen begin to beat their cuirasses with closed fists, likely in an attemp to drown out the song.

There is power in music and Lucita knows it well. She cues the sailors and oarsmen she has been teaching to sing, sing loudly and long and those who can't sing, chant! "Sing the words, encourage some of those rowers and sailors who are Thralls to join in the battle, it is their freedom for which this fight is being done. Sing for freedom men! Even if just a few heed us, tangling oars or rowing out of synch, bashing someone with an oar, jostling someone could help even if they do not outright rebel." She encourages others to join in so their voices will carry further, to other fleets and ships.
Thralls can be free
On the Kennex Sea
But freedom is rare
You've no time to spare
So break your chain
Your freedom to gain
Cause Thralls can be free
On the Kennex sea.


This is the mid-point of battle, the fevered pitch that leads to the point where dreams will be realized or dashed into a bloody pulp. Half of the fleets in this battle are beginning to feel the drag, while Duke-Regent Aethan Kennex and Baroness-Consort Scylla Blackshore are continuing to hold strong, each still commanding over half of their army.

Enemies surge across their ships, but their soldiers are making headway as well, sailors exchanging blows left and right across the entangled ships. Nightcove sailors entangle with Thraxian and Blackshore sailors, Kennex as well. Lord Waylan, for his part, will find his way onto the flagship of House Kennex.

"*Hah*!" Turo barks. "From the man who thinks a Grayhope conman is fit to lead the Faith? Although I suppose he *did* pay all of Stormward's weight in silver to keep House Kennex frown drowning. You feel indebted. I understand." He turns, giving more orders. More flags wave. Near the front, Lord Dewy Navegant has drawn his weapon now, and while he's not boarding himself, he's near enough to be prepared to deal with boarders of his own. "Remember your house and your honor," he tells his soldiers. "Bring them low."

But then, Caspian is leaping onto *his* ship, and the normally unflappable Dewy stares a bit longer than he should. In his defense, so do his men. There's a madman on deck. He jerks his chin toward Caspian, and those nearest rush after the prodigal. The hatch to below-decks is hardly hidden, though that's both a blessing and a curse. No convenient places to duck or hide. Caspian can hear shouting from there, a call and response from the driver and those he's driving.

There is a sad truth about being medical ship in a battle. You stop hearing the battle. All that is in front of you is blood and sounds of those loosing it. Even the ship and placement of it is no longer something Juliana can identify, her attention on whatever poor soul found himself in front of her. Some would say they were unlucky, having been hit. Others know that there wasn't anything Juliana wouldn't do to save the person she had under her hands. Sad truth, she perhaps has more blood on her hands than any of those warriors out there weilding a sword.

Scraps drops Greywalke.

"Take up the song, Lord Mirk," Quenia calls out to the Halfshav. "It doesn't have to sound pretty, just be heard by the enemy ships to see if we cannot get them roused enough to consider the words and turn on those whose ships they ride on." In that, she answers her question. "IGNISERI! SING AS YOU BATTLE! LET THE OTHERS HEAR YOU!" the Marquessa calls out to her troops, giving out her orders ahead of time this round.

While trying to shift the ship away from being well---stuck, Thea looks over at one of the sailors next to her. "Here, take this. Keep it on course,"she commands and rushes down to help with the mess on deck. She's already slidding gloves on her hands as she glances over at Juliana. "Welp, we've got this." And Thea sets to work, already covered in blood and whatever else that has come her way.

"AYE!" Kastelon hears Tesha's shout back to him, and the flint and steel come free from his pouch, lighting the pot of flammable liquid there by his quiver. The pot begins to burn brightly, even as the Keaton huntsman dips his first arrow's tip into the sticky, glowing flame, twirling it about and nocking the arrow to his bow.

Aethan checks command and leadership at daunting. Botch! Aethan fails completely.

Quenia checks command and war at daunting. Quenia is successful.

Pasquale checks command and leadership at daunting. Pasquale is successful.

Scylla checks command and war at daunting. Scylla is successful.

Jasher checks command and sailing at daunting. Jasher fails.

Thea checks command and sailing at daunting. Thea fails.

Tesha checks command and war at daunting. Critical Success! Tesha is spectacularly successful.

Wash checks command and sailing at daunting. Wash is successful.

Juliana checks composure and medicine at hard. Juliana is successful.

Thea checks intellect and medicine at hard. Thea fails.

Azova checks intellect and medicine at hard. Azova is successful.

Ian checks dexterity and medium wpn at daunting. Ian fails.

Azova checks dexterity and small wpn at daunting. Azova fails.

Aethan checks dexterity and medium wpn at daunting. Critical Success! Aethan is spectacularly successful.

Ian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ian is successful.

Azova checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Critical Success! Azova is spectacularly successful.

Aethan checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Aethan is successful.

Mirk checks dexterity and archery at daunting. Mirk is successful.

Mirk checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mirk fails.

Pasquale checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Pasquale is marginally successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Martinique is successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and archery at hard. Critical Success! Pasquale is spectacularly successful.

Kastelon checks dexterity and archery at hard. Kastelon fails.

Quenia checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Quenia fails.

Jasher checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Jasher is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at daunting. Caspian is marginally successful.

Quenia checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Quenia marginally fails.

Jasher checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Jasher is successful.

Lucita checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Lucita is successful.

Scylla checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Scylla is successful.

Wash checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Wash fails.

Lucita checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Lucita fails.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Martinique is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Caspian is successful.

Scylla checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Scylla is successful.

Kastelon checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Kastelon fails.

Wash checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Wash is successful.

Scylla has left the Blackshore.

Tesha checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Tesha fails.

Lord Waylan Nightcove is a veteran of this great kinstrife. Though reviled amongst loyalist peers, he has earned considerable distinction amongst countless separatist factions. His decision to board the Kennex flagship comes without hesitation. After all, he could -- in theroy -- strike hard and true, effectively crippling outright ending one of Maelstrom's most progressive houses without landing a single boot upon Stormward's shores. Unsurprisingly, he fights viciously. Poorly aimed blows are effortlessly redirected or absorbed by meticulously-maintained platemail. In the thick of the fray, though, he overestimates the prowess and initiative of one combatant in particular: the Duke Regent himself. With his back momentarily turned, the possibilities presented to Aethan are quite possibly endless.

Lord Arseny Greywalke is not so fortunate. Before he can reach the nearest Igniseri marine, an arrow from Lord Mirk Halfshav strikes true -- penetrating the rebel's breastplate just beneath sternum. Though the wound may not be mortal, it is severe enough to send the son of Arminius staggering backwards and, if not for prompt intervention by his cadre of guards, nearly toppling overboard. These bannermen grip his arms and escort him back onto the safety of the nearest longship. The battle, though, is not yet over. More sailors take up the space previously occupied.

Mirk checks 'permanent wound save' at hard. Mirk marginally fails.

Mirk checks 'unconsciousness save' at easy. Mirk is successful.

Mirk remains capable of fighting.

Tesha checks 'permanent wound save' at hard. Tesha is successful.

Despite the terrible damage, Tesha does not take a permanent wound.

Tesha checks 'unconsciousness save' at easy. Tesha is successful.

Tesha remains capable of fighting.

Pasquale starts turning his mind from defense onto driving attacks as the battle passes its midpoint. He gives instructions to one of his men, turns, and has the pleasure of watching an arrow his by his face so close he could almost feel the tickle of feathers. A flicker of irritation flicks through his eyes and he turns to yet again snap an arrow off at that pesky archer who has been dreaming this whole battle of taking down the commander of Malespero's fleet in a single moment. Alas that dream is about to end as Pasquale's shot strikes him in the upper arm with enough force to push through the entirety of his arm and pin him to the railing. It might not be fatal but he sure won't be shooting anyone else today.

Trading trash talk is normally very out of character for Ian, especially trash talk like this; the scorn bordering on rage when he's raised his voice against Turo reflects as a twisting storm in his eyes. Now, however, something has come to still the maelstrom; his taunts die away as the sound of Lucita's voice carries over the water and the storm in his eyes stills, leaving them clear and bright. "What happened to you, Turo? This isn't you." He's not shouting anymore, and it's very likely that the question is lost in the chaos of battle. Wrestling with his own demons, he's caught very much off guard when Waylan comes barreling past him onto the ship. Instinctively, he brings his sword up to deflect a strike that would otherwise probably have opened him up across the middle. He recovers his initiative quickly, and, with renewed focus, drives an attack towards Waylan that, while that armor counters it, is fierce enough to demand his full attention. Easy enough to believe that the Sword of Stormward is the man on this ship to be feared. Easy enough to forget that the man who taught the Sword of Stormward how to fight is standing right. over. there.

Waylan appears to have honed in upon the Kennex flagship, thereby leaving Jasher to flounder at the task of organizing and commanding the fleets entrusted to his reckless care. He tries, gods bless him, but commanding a couple dozen ships pales in comparison to commanding an entire fleet, and the prince's inexperience in doing so shows plain this day. At least he shows greater aptitude at attacking and defending against individual combatants; thus far, the Thrax prince has taken greater command of his own flagship's deck than anything else. The loyalist marines flanking him are energized by his ability to keep the Nightcove warriors at bay and manage to drive them back step-by-step.

So, there are still Nightcove dudes on the boat and on the other boat and Martinique finds this situation intolerable on both fronts. She avoids further damage with well-timed dagger parries but wades into the enemy dudes and stabs at least one in like a pretty gruesomely fatal way but there are a lot of others who are going to need band-aids and comforting after this fight is over. She'd like to do more of course, and the Thrax soldiers on the ship are helping out, as is Jasher himself, but it's hard to shove them off entirely. There is an expression on her face that is very clearly considering setting an unhealthy number of things on fire.

Azova is not the one you expect to come at you with a knife, though perhaps it's less surprising that she might try to sneak up behind someone to smack them upside the back of her head with a metal cup. It's for /healing teas/. But, prevention is also good right? Preventing Waylan from injuring others is of prime importance, and she waits for an opportune moment to strike - missing wildly, of course, because he's a veteran of combat and easily sees her coming. But when a weapon is swung her way in return for her audacity, she proves herself a wily and agile sort - no doubt how she's survived so many battles already when she's been out in the field - practically doing a champion limbo move to bend backwards and avoid being skewered.

Gaspard continues to remain sprawled, a small pool of blood forming underneath him. His skin is paler than usual.

Wash regains control of the navy, and, seeing how three allied houses are also engaging the longships, Wash does his best to wedge the Kennex fleet in between them and the laden siege vessels.

The Marquessa of Igniseri gives the order early on. SING! and that's what she does, belting out the tune that Lucita has requested, rallying the rest of her crew on all of her ships to do the same:

"Thralls can be free, on the Kennex Sea

The Marquessa of Igniseri gives the order early on. SING! and that's what she does, belting out the tune that Lucita has requested, rallying the rest of her crew on all of her ships to do the same:

"Thralls can be free, on the Kennex Sea
So listen my friends to me!
Freedom is rare, You've no time to spare
your strength its time to bare!
Break your chain, Your freedom to gain
Our spirits they can't contain!
Thralls can be free, on the Kennex Sea
So listen my friends to me!"

Meanwhile, Quenia attempts to continue to fight, but she's not used to singing and fighting at the same time, and so that shows. She takes a hit from one of the sailors who newly boarded her ship after Mirk successfully bounced Arseny off the Igniseri ship with his arrow. And, singing causes her to be a bit out of breath, so her attack is only haphazard at best, causing her to clip the armor of her assailant, without doing any damage. (fixed the pose)

Mirk draws an arrow on his alaricite-backed bow, watching the rebel lord push onto the deck of their ship. He reacts smoothly, focusing all his attention on Arsney, the symbolic heart of the threat against House Igniseri - and, by extension, himself, considering where he stands in this battle. He sights down his bow and looses one well-aimed arrow that flies true. There's a short-lived moment of triumph as it strikes home, before there comes the downside of having struck such a blow: It singles him out as a target. Focused entirely on one enemy, he's unprepared for the arrow that catches him in the leg, hitting dead on with enough force to pierce through the steelsilk. He stumbles, clutching at his wounded leg, but doesn't fall.

Kastelon has lit the arrow aflame, the range taken in the midst of the combat and... TWANG, the arrow is loosed into the sky to soar towards the enemy fleet and their siege engines. That he hasn't the range is not a problem, truly, to the Keaton archer, as he's bashing again at one of the nearest of the opponents, and then he's preparing another arrow...

The projectile let loose by Lord Kastelon Keaton strikes neither man nor wood. Nor rope, nor steel, nor leather. It is a wide shot. On land, this would mean little -- barring it landing upon a mess of dry pine or dying leaves. This, unfortunately, is a civil war. A civil war being fought at sea. It punches night-soundlessly into a lantern. A lantern resting near one of the munitions caches secured to the deck of a Greywalke galley. The fire, fueled by whale oil, engulfs neighboring surfaces quickly -- and then detonates, destroying the vessel outright. The explosion can be heard, and seen, as far as Stormward. Hundreds die, loyalist and rebel alike. Some by flame, others by blunt force trauma, and a small portion by drowning.

By whatever graces of the gods, though, the conflagration does not spread. It is contained upon the ship, which begins to sink.

"Move him to safety." Tesha calls to two of the soldiers on her command ship. That would be them moving Gaspard out of the way of further harm. She's gotten back on her feet when it comes to the commanding and oh boy is this a good time to do it. Because if she comes home with less than fifty percent of the Navy she may as well just bury herself. She gives orders and prepares for the next rush of those that have boarded. She gives a quick look to Kastelon, making sure that the man is good with what he is doing and to give a nod of approval. That's before she gets stabbed.

The arrival of Lord Waylan Nightcove on his ship is something that Aethan can't ignore. In another battle at another place, he might leave this to his brother alone, but not here, not defending his home. He barks out a few orders that are rather condtradictary, his mind not on the battle as a whole right this moment, but on who is before him. As he nears, a few of his men go down before Waylan, and he spots his brother and Azova make attacks of their own that end up leaving just enough of an opening. No battle cry, no screaming, just raw seething anger for this man who would lead troops to his home to kill his friends, his family and his people.

Gripping his axe with both hands, he gives one mighty swing and buries it into the middle of Waylan's back, plate armor crumpling in and axe blade biting deep. "Lord Waylan, more like Lord Waylaid. Fucker." He snarls, dragging him over to the edge. Ripping his axe free, he takes one look at Waylan and yells, "GET THE FUCK OFF MY SHIP!" and kicks what's left to let the fish and sharks have a nice little feast.

Lucita calls out with almost a growl in her voice. "Longboat rowers" She is addressing the enemy ships in a loud tone of voice."What is with you all? fight back, fight for your freedom! @We're here fighting for you, time to help fight for yourselves." And again she leads the Igniseri crew to sing as she moves to stand guard over Mirk. She dodges an incoming arrow or two but finds she only swings threateningly at one trying to board. "Lord Mirk! Behind me. Careful there! And good shot. Those crew ought to see him down and take heart to do something, anything to help sway this battle our direction."

It's not as if battles are truly timed, but there is a general /sense/ of when it seems like the end to things may be drawing to a natural conclusion. Soldiers can't fight forever, no matter how strongly they believe in their cause. Nightcove's forces begin to splinter and shatter when Aethan puts down Lord Waylan, and the commanders under him give the call for their men to retreat or to at the very least, retreat from Stormward's main force.

It's direction from the Oathlands that adds a surge of energy to some of the flagging loyalist fleets, the call of Tesha Telmar ringing true over the ships. Those that were beginning to sag, draw forth additional energy to stay in the fight.

While others still are forced to deal with Lord Pasquale Malespero, Lycenes in the water, they always complicate things.

Juliana stands.. the bodies keep coming though the ship seems to have stopped moving. The back of a blood soaked sleeve pushing hair from her eyes as she looks out over the smoke and screams of battle. There.. there is Kennex.. there is Igniseri and Malespero.. they are all still there. The healer takes a deep breath then looks to the ships that are int here way. Yelling to whoever Thea told to manuver. "Get this ship moving. I don't care if you have to go through people." not that she has command at the moment but at least maybe she broke him out of his stupor as she turns and waves the next body to be put before her. Looking down at the man.. boy really, she shakes her head. Touching the boy's cheek and then closing his eyes for him. "I am sorry. Next."

Caspian is not surprised that so many faces turn to see him. after all, when a madman leaps onto your boat and starts singing, its sure to turn some heads. Despite the onslaught of attacks from the sailors, Caspian slips past, the duelist carving a path with steel and raw muscle as he barreled toward the door to the decks below. a narrowing ducked axe thudded into the door right before he got there, and he swung the thing open, driving his heel into the unsuspecting sailor who was on the other side and leaping into the decks below. His voice echoed in hold, his song rising into the air as he boomed with all the fervor he could muster.

"Thralls can be free, on the Kennex Sea
So listen my friends to me!
Freedom is rare, You've no time to spare
your strength its time to bare!
Break your chain, Your freedom to gain
Our spirits they can't contain!
Thralls can be free, on the Kennex Sea
So listen my friends to me!"

Likely, and yet not, as it happens, impossible. Turo lifts his chin, gazing across the battle at the member of his former liege's house. "This is me," he calls firmly. "I tried to tell you at the Assembly, Ian, but none of you would listen. If my wife can return to me, if the seemingly impossible is possible, then so can return the home we grew up in! The Mourning Isles need not crumble away! But you wouldn't listen. You sneered and made threats instead. So here we are then. This is me. And this is you."

Incredibly, Caspian slips past the - admittedly still confused and flustered - soldiers in his way. There are more behind, as well as Lord Dewy, who is approaching with sword drawn. Cautiously, however. There's the faintest of frowns on his lips as Caspian vanishes below decks. His men rush after, but the young Lord reaches out and grabs at the nearest, ushering him and several others back. "Archers," he says evenly. three peel away from their firing line, and Dewy directs each around the hatchway.

Below, the sailor Caspian kicked staggers back and then loses his footing entirely, going down with an undignified crash and yelp. There's another spinning to face the champion, whip in hand, keys rattling at his belt, but not fast enough to avoid being cut down. For a moment Caspian is the only one on his feet in a room full of chained thralls that have all, to a man, stopped rowing to stare at the absolute crazy singing person that just leaped into their world. Dewy's men are coming down the hatch now. It's now or never.

Pasquale checks command and war at daunting. Pasquale fails.

Aethan checks command and leadership at daunting. Botch! Aethan fails completely.

Quenia checks command and war at daunting. Quenia is successful.

Thea checks command and sailing at daunting. Thea is successful.

Wash checks command and sailing at daunting. Wash fails.

Tesha checks command and war at daunting. Tesha is successful.

Jasher checks command and sailing at daunting. Jasher is successful.

Thea checks intellect and medicine at hard. Thea is marginally successful.

Thea has left the Isles Canines Med Pack.

Juliana checks composure and medicine at hard. Juliana marginally fails.

Azova checks intellect and medicine at hard. Azova is successful.

Pasquale checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Pasquale fails.

Ian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Ian marginally fails.

Aethan checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Aethan is successful.

Mirk checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mirk fails.

Kastelon checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Kastelon fails.

Jasher checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Jasher is successful.

Quenia checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Quenia is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Caspian is successful.

Tesha checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Tesha is successful.

Azova checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Azova marginally fails.

Lucita checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Lucita is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Martinique is marginally successful.

Caspian wields Hammer and Chisel.

Tesha wields wings from the ashes diamondplate longblade with elegant flames handle.

Wash checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Wash marginally fails.

Pasquale checks 'permanent wound save' at hard. Botch! Pasquale fails completely.

Pasquale has suffered a permanent wound!

Pasquale checks 'unconsciousness save' at hard. Pasquale marginally fails.

Pasquale is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Mirk checks 'unconsciousness save' at hard. Mirk fails.

Mirk is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Kastelon checks 'permanent wound save' at hard. Kastelon fails.

Kastelon has suffered a serious wound!

Kastelon checks 'unconsciousness save' at normal. Kastelon is successful.

Kastelon remains capable of fighting.

Kastelon checks dexterity and archery at hard. Kastelon is successful.

Wash checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Botch! Wash fails completely.

Ian checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Ian marginally fails.

Aethan checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Aethan is successful.

Jasher checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Jasher is successful.

Azova checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Azova fails.

Quenia checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Quenia is successful.

Tesha checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Botch! Tesha fails completely.

Martinique checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Martinique is successful.

Lucita checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Lucita is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at daunting. Caspian is successful.

Caspian checks luck at daunting. Caspian fails.

Juliana keeps herself from getting back to the rail, from looking for family and loved ones. She focuses on those that need her now. Which is what those loved ones would want.. right

"FOR THE COMPACT!" Kastelon's bow goes TWANG again as he looses another flaming arrow, this one seeming far better to sail true in the wake of the earlier, errant - but no doubt effective - shot, as if there is no reason at all for the Keaton huntsman to be holding back from a second attempt. This is followed, though, with a true fact of the world - that an archer does not do well against swordspersons, and when the blade comes in to find him, not even his strong bow is going to block the slash that he takes. A howl of pain - one might daresay rather ursine - can be heard before he's making space between himself and his assailant, without drawing too far from the arrows and the pot of burning fuel.

There is more fighting. There is more stabbing. Martinique is pretty good at stabbing people and will happily do so in the name of Thrax and Victus and perhaps others but right now it's them. She doesn't even take any more damage herself--being very agile and aware of people around her is just kind of her thing. But the killing of Waylan and Arselan or whatever have been left to others; if she resents that, it is taken out on Nithgcoves.

With GREAT effort from two soldiers, Gaspard leaves a trail of blood as he's dragged back to safety.

With the help of Jasher's fearless crew, and thanks in part to his own display of martial prowess, the Nightcove forces are driven back, pinned against the rails of the flagship. Further still, the commander manages, at long last, to find his voice in the last stretch, and successfully commands his forces to defend their ships like their lives and livelihoods depend upon it. Because they /do/. Thankfully, the remaining ships go unconquered by zealous Nightcove warriors.

Thea is quickly working, lips thin. Nothing is ever easy about this work as she goes from one man to the next. "He can't be--I'm sorry. Next,"she calls over. Moment after moment, the ship has someone new. New faces. Some will live. Some will die. All are being treated.

"We're making the Isles stronger, Turo!" Ian's raised his voice enough to be heard again, but there's no rage in his voice, now. Lucita's singing, Aethan's moment of presidential badassery... so many things have come together to move him away from what he was descending into. He stumbles as he joins his brother in harrying the disintegrating Nightcove forces; a jerk of the deck under his feet turns his parry clumsy, not completely deflecting the strike it ought to have deflected, but he hardly seems to feel the resulting wound. "Look around you. You came to our doorstep, and look what happened."

Ian's words at last inspire true fury in the Marquis, even if the Kennex's own rage has cooled. He gestures furiously at the death all around them, loyalist and rebel both. "Does this look STRONGER?!"

Limping and favoring one leg heavily, Mirk attempts to follow orders: Get behind the lines where he'll (hopefully) be sheltered from enemy fire. But he isn't exactly going anywhere fast, and the enemy catches up to him. He draws his greatsword, prepared to stand and fight, but he's less of a swordsman than he is an archer. Steelsilk turns aside more than one potentially-lethal blow, before one finally grazes his head and rings his bells enough to put him out of commission. He topples and falls, the greatsword clattering to the deck nearby.

Tesha's feeling better since they've gotten Gaspard out of harms way...for the most part. Commanding is easier since she can work with things. One of her swings misses...and then her sword is stuck into the deck again, much like when her steel one broke, "Oh no you don't..." she whispers to it. She yanks it out of the wood and goes wobbling backwards with the force of it. "Mother..." she grits out. She is brought up short when she hears the roar from Kastelon and she makes a mental note for later on that end. "My Lord are you alright?!" she calls to the Keaton as she tries to get them out of there in one piece. Or at least one bloody piece.

Scraps has joined the AETHAN COMMAND - Kennex Fleet, Isles Canines, Darkwater.

Quenia pauses in her singing for a moment to concentrate on a particularly tricky attack. She manages to parry it and, in doing so, also manages to advance her own attack to the point that she's keeping track of the movements of the others enough that she's able to put in a swift counter, dispatching the people around her with swiftly executed flourishes. Once she's cleared her area, she pointedly goes back to singing Lucita's song, looking satisfied at her efforts during this battle. And, if there was ever a battle she wanted to do well at, it was the Kennex battle. She notices Mirk isn't faring as well and goes over to help wherever she can, including making sure he's not in any line of fire any more.

Wash's blade doesn't fail him, but his ship does. He finally has to admit his attempt to force the capital ships into a vulnerable position is a total loss. Fortunately the fleet is not. Throughout the battle Wash has managed to keep the Kennex Defense Fleet between the enemy and the island.

Juliana keeps herself from getting back to the rail, from looking for family and loved ones. She focuses on those that need her now. Which is what those loved ones would want.. right? Her hands and attention for the most part at least. Except for that tiny part that is listening to the herald, calling out what he can see of the battle around them. "Lord Malespero has fallen!" comes the call and the vial in her hands shatters as it falls to the deck. The lady half standing, gaze shooting back to where she last say Pasquale's banner. What did she really think she was going to do? "Lady Juliana?" the voice of the adept beside her drawing her attention back and Jules takes a breath. "Right.. okay hand me the blue vial."

The instructions to be more aggressive go well to begin with. Malespero's ships moving in to assault ships that were trying to attack igniseri ships or rescue other members of the same fleet. Unfortunately the tide turns as the enemy rallies into an attack against Pasquale's Dromond. A heavy ship rams into the side of the ship, knocking sailors over all over the deck. Including the ones who were moments before acting as a bulwark between the relatively fragile Admiral and the invading troops. A couple of soldiers swarm through, Pasquale goes down, and the sudden need for new leadership disrupts everything. At least for a bit.

Lucita makes a soft growling sound under her breath as she is not a very effective meat shield for Mirk despite her best efforts to guard him from further wounds. She manages to slit the throat of one sailor who managed to slip aboard and had not yet returned to his ship. "Those Thralls likely outnumber the ones overseeing them and driving them on. Didn't any take advantage of us being here?" She shakes her head and gives Quenia a little nod. "At least we tried."

It is strange how something as simple as singing can change the course of history. Wars, after all, are typically won through battlefield maneuvers, access to vast sums of economic and military resources, the persuasiveness of ideology, and a steady supply of sufficiently trained, combat-ready troops. Tonight, it is clear that another element must now be taken into a strategist's consideration: the emotional, and at times visceral, impact of song. Weary hearts, bodies, and minds are rallied. Weapons, previously discarded, are secured. Wounded sailors and marines return to the front, valiantly boarding enemy vessels or diligently repelling rebels seeking to take their liege-lords prisoner.

Horns blow. Commanders shout across longships. An order to retreat has been issued. Greywalke's flotilla turns, slowly, and advances steadily toward the horizon. In their wake left countless corpses and obliterated ships, the surface of the sea slick with blood and oil and debris. Lord Arseny must now, from the security of his own holdings, nurture his wounds and work vigorously to nurse his pride.

Aethan letting out a breath after his fight with Waylan, Aethan doesn't let himself have much of a breather. Barking a few more commands to push the enemy back and then maintain a line to see to the dead and wounded (and to the security of Stormward), he goes and joines others in battle as they keep pushing the enemy off their ship and either into the sea, or back on their own boat. "Keep it up! For Kennex! For Stormward!" He steps to one side, dodging a thrust from a cutlass, and delivers a swing with his bloody axe in return. He leaves Turo and Ian to their own verbal battle.

"You picked this fight," Ian reminds Turo. "We could both have stayed home."

Kastelon isn't turning his head, as he drops his hand to see how much blood is seeping through his armor, and then there's the turn of his head. "Just peachy up here, my lady!" Shouts the bear-like man in return, before he's already nocking another arrow - not lit this time- and shooting it into the assailants who are attacking the lot of them. "I will, however, be complaining to the manager of the personage who recommended this voyage."

Azova is single minded in her focus to pull the injured out of harm's way and get them stabilized, once boarders start to thin out and then eventually are completely repelled off of the ship. She doesn't look out over the water, doesn't pay attention to the arguing, and looks to almost be acting on rote. From one person to the next, crossing the deck when she has to, with little seeming rhyme or reason to it. But she does work quickly.

Caspian leaps down the steps, the unconscious man tumbling down the steps next to him. a second kick to the man's head ensured he wouldn't be getting up anytime soon. with a clean blow, the thrall master was dropped, a wicked grin tugging at caspian's lips as he did. the sound of foot falls behind him cut short any true savoring of the moment. he dashed forward, scooping the keys off the now dead man and shoving them into the chains of the nearest thrall. with a click the manacles fell free. he shoved the keys into the thralls hands "Get the others! I'll buy you time!" with that he spun to his feet and moved back toward the stairs. as soon as figures came into view, he launched himself toward them. "Freedom for all! your time has come!"

Turo may have more words; judging by his expression, angry, bitter words - but the battle does not wait for either of them, and it's turning. He begins shouting orders again, evenly regardless of temper, and more flags wave toward other ships. Turo turns his gaze over the battlefield as a whole, and his mouth draws into a thin, tense line.

The thrall whose hands Caspian shoves keys into looks practically dazed. He's all but frozen, until the thrall next to him slaps him upside the head with his own manacles. "Do it, idiot!" The soldiers drop into the hold, but it's to Caspian's advantage; they can only come one at a time. He cuts one down. Then the next. Then a third. All the while there's the click of locks behind him. Click, click, click. He can hear boots pounding the deck above him, but no more soldiers descend. It's not a good thing. "Oi, madman!" says the now freed thrall who spoke before. "We need to go." A glance back; half of the thralls are in some state of freedom. "We need to go now or we never will."

A hiss escapes Turo's mouth at what he sees. There's a decision to be made, and Turo Navegant has been a sailor and a commander far, far longer than a Marquis. "Sound the retreat," he tells his officer. "Have the ships with the least damage bring up the rear, discourage them from following." Horns sound, and this time the flag waving is frantic.

On the deck of his own ship, Lord Dewy turns at the sound. "Bring us about," he calls to the helmsman. "We're leaving!" In that moment Caspian and the freed thralls burst up from below. Still-chained thralls call after them, begging, but there's no saving anyone if they stay. Dewy's archers fire; an arrow sinks into Caspian's shoulder, and the first few thralls up after him drop from their shots. There's the clash of swords, but the ship is turning, there isn't a hope of fighting them all, and the whole group makes a rush for the sea. Several more thralls are cut down, and one throws himself to the deck, surrendering immediately - he doesn't survive it - and then they're leaping into the ocean. Arrows pepper after them; three thralls are lost this way. It's a handful that remain with Caspian as they swim desperately for the nearest loyalist ship...but they're free, and alive.

On this day, Stormward has been tested. The strong arm of the rebel forces was raised against it and came crashing down. But it did not break their lines of defense, though many were lost in the process. The waters of this beautiful spring day are stained with blood.

Allies have stood together, returned fire and repelled the forces of Nightcove, Navegant, and Greywalke. The body of Lord Waylan Nightcove bobs in the water amongst the dead, a painful and nasty blow to the Dagonite armed forces.

As the ships begin their retreat, Kennex patrols will pick up their dead, tend to the injured, and check their many, many, many security checkpoints. And someone, of course, will need to pick up Caspian and his new friends.

With the enemy forces withdrawing, Aethan will command his ship to go and pick up Caspian and the thralls that he freed, offering what rudimentary care they can on a warship until they can get them to land and/or a medical vessel. With the stress of combat now over, he slumps against a rail and sheathes his axe.

Scraps has left the AETHAN COMMAND - Kennex Fleet, Isles Canines, Darkwater.

Mirk has left the Igniseri.

Gaspard has left the Telmar.

Aethan has left the AETHAN COMMAND - Kennex Fleet, Isles Canines, Darkwater.

Azova has left the AETHAN COMMAND - Kennex Fleet, Isles Canines, Darkwater.

Jasher has left the Thrax.

Wash has left the WASH COMMAND - Kennex Fleet, Grimhall, Saik.

Pasquale has left the Malespero.

Ian has left the AETHAN COMMAND - Kennex Fleet, Isles Canines, Darkwater.

Scraps takes Panic and Scraps' Box Of Dearly Departed Armor RIP.

Tesha has left the Telmar.

Lucita watches as the enemy fleet starts to sail away. She moves over toward Queenia, slips an arm around her and says. "At least we seem to have survived another one. Wonder if that song will spread amid the Thralls, make it harder for the Traditionalists. One never knows."

The battle may be over, but for those on the Lady Jewels, the night is just starting and there is a long battle ahead.

Tesha is making sure that those under her command are at least ready to head back to Telmar waters. Or limp back. Gaspard is tended to and she makes sure that Kastelon is alright as well. She's already making plans for the rebuilding of the navy that was lost...and apologies to Ansel on it. For now it was just getting everyone back home that she needed to be present for.

Juliana has left the Isles Canines Med Pack.

Martinique has left the Thrax.

Caspian paddles in the water with the rest of the thralls, waiting for pickup, which is thankfully swift. with grateful cheers, the shivering Caspian and others crawl aboard aethan's ship. Caspian flops like a beached fish onto the deck and simply gasps for a few moment, water draining from his armor, a sad smile on his face.

Kastelon is as alright as he's going to be. That he's survived another battle, and this time conscious, is something to thank the gods for, and.. well, at least this time, he shall not have to make apologies to those who show up at his bedside.

Kastelon has left the Telmar.