Quenia Igniseri is not entirely sure that House Igniseri is experiencing financial troubles. Since the death of Malrico, their finances have gone up and not down, like others within the Lyceum. However, she's not about to let her confidence in her domain's ability to stay afloat get the best of her. Granato is the main shipping area for both Igniseri and for Rubino-Zaffria, so she's well aware the ports could house folk, unbeknownst to her, who might have been digging into shadier elements that might bring either domain to ruin.

So Quenia is going to do her due diligence. She's going to travel to Granato to speak with her mother, Emisilia, who has been managing the affairs of the city while Quenia has been governing from Arx. She will go over the books with her mother to help figure out any discrepancies. She's also going to travel to the various banks within the city and to the docks to see if they've noticed anything off with their accounts or with the shipping records of goods coming to and from the city.

If they find anything from the records, or by talking to the bankers or the dockmasters, she's going to follow that trail to see if it leads to any actionable circumstances. IE: she'll confront those people they discover who might be responsible for shady dealings.

To achieve this, she'll be using her various investigative and social skills and she will bring along those people who can support her in digging out information; those good with street skills, those good with additional investigative skills, and those who can provide muscle should muscle be needed. She's employed the help of her family and her friends, and has hired outside help with this task, in hopes of being able to retrieve some of the missing hoard of Malrico or at least find a lead on where else they must look.

In an effort to aid both the Lyceum and House Igniseri, Luis will add his knowledge and skills to working at securing what was lost, or misplaced, or hidden away. Through his contacts and with some of the knowledge that he has gleaned over the years with respect to this exact issue, he will work towards helping Quenia recover the missing goods. He has made contact with the one who controls the gold through Arx and those whom have attempted to oppose them, which he believes will likely be involved with the missing goods.

The fact that Malrico's name has been replaced with a bloody coin is something that Luis believes is tied to the coinmaster. Many things have gone missing in the last year and they are all likely tied together in some elaborate plot, so Luis will pool his knowledge and resources with his family and those whom are helping them in uncovering this.

Luis will also utilize his understanding of the Grey Mages and the True Lyceum to attempt to put some context to the situation and help address the possible fallout from the change in heralds, as well as the long standing issues that they have had and how those conflicts could affect current affairs.

Lucita was a former Igniseri before marrying out. Saik and Igniseri are close allies. When Quenia asks help of Lucita, she willingly assists her in the effort to dig through records. A little charm and bit of subtle manipulation goes a long ways to persuade bankers and dockmasters to talk in order to try to discern if any are involved in diverting funds from their proper destination and following up as such information shows to be necessary. Thieves, bah! Thieves for a Herald, tripply bah!

It might not be so surprising to hear that Mailys and a host of Corsetina accountants are well aware of the discrepancies with ledgers throughout the Lyceum. Though her family's two previous leaders sided with the Pravosi, Mailys has remained a constant presence and service to the Princess Jaenelle, and the Archduchess' counties, like House Igniseri. So the missing shadow ledgers weren't required to see silver flowing back into the Igniseri coffers. What seems to be the trouble, across the Lyceum, is locating where silver was wandering off to, and what (if anything) was the silver used to buy?

Recovering stolen goods, laundering sums of money into investments, purchasing things through other representatives all have a shady element that is hard to pin down unless you know where to find those people. Mailys knows how to find those people, and in what languages those people discuss business. The Dockyard and the Merchant District of any good port city holds key details to which businesses and owners grew fabulously wealthy, and which found themselves lost when a sudden disappearance folded an entrepreneur's success. There would always be stories, rumours, and jealousy to keep details flowing over the decades, or so the Corsetina hoped. A desire can fall into many categories, and the Corsetina toolbox is very full with options to trade for leads.

Intrigue really was at the heart of her games to turn people into assets of knowledge. When Mailys had but only a single thread, she can weave all the charm and control necessary to get what she wants and deliver.

Duarte is going to use what remains of his lycene connections to see what he can do to assist Quenia's search.

Economics and ledgers are not a strong suit for Raja. However, she does understand shady dealings rather well. Instead of focusing on the finances of things at the top, she goes straight to the bottom. Using some of her shadier contacts, she will work to follow the silver trail and root out the criminal enterprises of the area. What she is ultimately looking for is discovering who the criminal groups work for. Sure, Malrico is gone, but Raja assumes a lot of his criminal infrastructure remains in some degree or fashion. Someone out there is still getting the money.

Caspian is not a criminal mastermind. But he is clever. He is not a blade in the dark. but he is a blade. Quenia has called for the more shady folks to help her root out corruption. Caspian cant be of huge help in THAT part, but when it comes to the actual rooting.. he is very good at that. He is damned good with a blade, knows the streets, and can blend in easy enough.

Also, as they search through these caches, Caspian will be looking out for that Amber maulet.. the one Malrico was given by Weohstan. It could be useful in future endeavors and so he will take careful note of any reference that that.

Raven will prowl around the nearby city and settlements looking for places which may stand out to her. She won't use mage sight but she will see if she can find anything suspicious or anyplace that reminds her of those shadowy places of Setarco-those forboding nooks and corners where people shy going near because of the feelings of ominous, or maybe it's being watched-she will mingle and look for the spooky hidey holes of the area Marquessa Quenia and her house are searching.

Things /are/ tied up in some elaborate plot. That much is clear. The spy networks do seem to point to various Suspicious Caves around the Lyceum but any attempt to venture into them has lead to death or severe maiming with the survivors telling tale of an elaborate underground system. Though with the location of some of these being known, including in Granato vassal territories, perhaps a larger group can make the effort in the future.

Looking into potential criminal enterprises is more promising. There are at leas five different merchant families that seem to have far greater an influence on trade than they ought to, with supply and demand fluctuating as a result of their whims, though they've quietened down since Malrico's death, leading to some stabilisation of the market. But they are still around...

Upon request of the Marquessa, and in preparation for stormy days to come, Lady Videl Igniseri is working hard to expand the Granatan navy. Using resources provided by her house along with a donation from the Archduchess regent to purchass a longship, Videl is trying to coordinate a group of talented individuals in a concerted effort to acquire or produce vessels and the crew to train them.

Personally, she is working hard to inspire people to join the navy. Besides painting some recruitment posters placed in key points in Granato, she holds speeches for the people, reminding them that the city must be able to protect its shipping trade even in dark hours, and that if one desires peace, one must prepare for war.

While Luis has typically been the sort to avoid the use of ships, preferring solid ground beneath him, he does however have experience when it comes to military matters, especially as the Minister of War for Granato. He will aid Videl by sharing his military contacts and presenting her with various tactics and the like where he can in an effort to help her during the acquisitions. He will aid with selecting men and women based upon natural tendencies, while relying upon others to guage their specific talents when it comes to actual sailing capacity.

Lucita has been asked to help with this effort in her fealty of birth, Granato. She feels strong family and political ties to them and thus devotes her ability to use propaganda and charm to help recruit ship crews and attain discounts in some of the ship building supplies. After all the larger navy will certainly help protect their interests, their families and homes as well as encourage further business.

Lord Sebastian Pravus, Voice of Setarco, has been asked by Videl to lend aid to Pravus' ally in gathering manpower and shipwrights to help build their navy. While he is no military leader, what Sebastian has is an excellent ability to be persuasive and moreover -- to build support and manpower among the populace. He travels with the others, talking up the importance of a strong navy and how they can serve. He will be using his skills to generate the sort of excitement and buzz intended to resonate with the local populations, encouraging an uptick of those wanting to join the navy -- both as sailors and shipwrights.

Admiral Alrec Magaldi of House Pravus extends his expertise in fleet-making. He spends time with the captains of Lady Videl Igniseri's ships, applying some of what he used with Pravus but adjusting it to meet the needs of Igniseri's holdings. After learning the ins and outs of the Igniseri fleet, the Admiral puts them through an excruciating inspection. Only returning to Videl when the results are to her satisfaction.

Aethan will be assisting his brother with the training, leading the new recruits in military exercises and war games to hone their skills. He will enlist the help of some of the captains in the Stormward Fleet, pairing them with those who are to be tapped for command of Grenato's ships so that they will be able to work closely together to cement their skills.

Wash will help Igniseri expand their command crew by interviewing their sworn men and playing a game with them. The game teaches the basics of navigation and sailing. Those who pick it up quickly he will recommend be promoted or sponsored into officer positions.

Ian has trained a number of armies and navies in Arx, and he brings that expertise now to the new recruits, training them in the tactics and skills one uses in close quarters combat, in how to board a ship and how to repel boarders. He brings with him to assist Lieutenant Tash, his second in command for the Thrax Special Forces.

("Lieutenant Tash, Yonden is tangled in the rigging. Again. I'm making this your problem.")

Ajax being a hired hand, lends his assistance towards the development of the troops, when he's not assisting the others efforts. He is going about staging drills for the men to put the knowledge they gained from the others efforts to the test. Those whose performance stand out will also carry a nomination from him for his employers to make use with or ignore as they please. He has also set a small pile of coin aside for those who do well as a reward. After all money motivates him.

The Igniseri navy is increasing, and thanks to work from friends and allies, it's increasing at a quick pace. Lord Luis, Baroness Lucita, and Lord Sebastian, focus on recruitment, looking for volunteers for their new ships. Of course, new ships are always easier to crew than replacement crew on old ships - they're new! Newer is better! Right? This trio works hard for Videl and they are quite successful indeed. Then Lord Aethan, Admiral of Stormward, and Lord Ian, and Lord Wash as well work on teaching these new recruits how to sail. Why ask one Kennex when three will help? And who better to ask than those who live and breathe the life of a sailor in the Mourning Isles? Ajax helps prep the fleet - he stages drills and pays attention to what the new recruits are being taught. He helps create new drills, he focuses, and he makes sure that the quality overall is good for these new vessels and new crews.

All in all, this is a very successful mission, and now Igniseri sees a dromond, a galley, and a longship - with fully trained crews - added to their Navy.

Valdemar will be leading Luis, Salvatore, Vanora, Rosalie and Harald into the caves surrounding the Lodge of Petrichor. They make up one of many teams of Mirrorguard and Explorers that will be making similar expeditions, coordinated by Princess Lou Grayson. By way of preparation, Valdemar will be ensuring that they are carrying ample mundane supplies: rope, torches, grappling hooks, chalk (if it is thematic, if not then some sort of white paint), food and water. In addition, he will see how much blessed water he can get his hands on. As they progress into the tunnels, the idea will be to keep in a rough formation of three ranks of two, with Valdemar and Luis leading the way, followed by Vanora and Rosalie, with Salvatore and Harald guarding our backs. Where the caves become too narrow for this, we will adjust.

Vanora will be there in case knowledge of the occult is necessary, there has been talk of magical traps and the like and she wants to do her part. She will be doing her best to avoid contact with anything dangerous, as she's blessed with the physical prowess of cooked pasta, and likely be keeping close to Harald and Valdemar. It's not expected that diplomacy will be useful in this particular engagement, but should whatever is in those tunnels want to talk, she'll be there to keep them open to persuasion.

Rosalie will be accompanying the Mirrorguard group into the caverns. She is along to represent the Society of Explorers, and to offer her expertise in any number of intellectual matters! While certainly not a combatant, she can occasionally find a good place to hide and wait out fights, otherwise she tends to place herself behind a better fighter and tries to just stay out of the way. Mostly though, she's along to help decipher clues, riddles, puzzles, and traps!

Luis will aid in the simple way that he can as a soldier and as someone familiar with the nuances of warfare. Should it require the simple wielding of a blade, then he shall do that and do it with gusto, though should it require something more of the capabilities of a leader, then he shall offer his charismatic services and knowledge of such things as well. It is possible that the team will require a large variety of skills and should additional fighting men and women be required, Luis shall offer a personal squad of soldiers to aid in the defense and efforts of reclaiming the Lodge.

Salvatore will be on hand to offer his services as backup. Mostly he'll focus on guarding the backs of the others and doing what he can to not let them get surprised. He'll carry supplies and a big stick in the cave exploration.

Harald will join as part of the back row, spear in hand given the likelihood of limited fighting space. His primary purpose will be to guard the others, particularly the non-combatant types, though he will reserve the right to turn more offensive should the necessity arise.

They managed to stop reinforcements from joining their compatriots in... the Isles? They came away with maps and write-ups on various places around the Isles, which is worrisome enough. Worse though, this was a strong, well-trained unit they killed. So who's already in the Isles? Are they all strong like this? It came at a price too - The Grim Duke gave his life in the battle, stabbed by an extremely lucky shot as the last man fell. Next will be a time of regrouping - but in the meantime, what exactly is going on in the Isles, and why are the Horned God's forces involved?

Grazia calls together her friends and family to perform a ritual to cleanse the primum at the thirteenth hour of the thirteenth day. She has set up a brazier to receive her offerings, which are set beside her: some valuable and some just personal mementos. Some jewelry, some paper, some scraps, but all thirteen objects have some sort of meaning to her. She has been meditating deeply prior to their arrival, and once they are all arranged, she says, "This is my ritual to cleanse the primum. May you all watch and learn. These are my sacrifices. May they help to create a stronger dream. A beautiful dream where magic is used for good and all may enjoy its fruits." And then she goes through her objects, explains each one, and commits it to the flames.

1 "A pair of copper armbands with attached umbra that were given to me by my new husband Aiden. A representation of the life that we find ourselves sharing, not by love but by politics, with affection nonetheless swelling in the background."

2 "A curiously cute but fake fur seal handwarmer, given to me by some young friends who found my generally cold demeanor in need of some warmth and amusement. The object is in the shape of a baby seal, as if they expected I could be cold and cruel enough to kill a baby seal for the warmth of its fur. But I can take a joke and I like it."

3 "A pair of sterling silver earrings set with multi-hued Gemecittan quartz, valued more since they were a gift from Guildmaster Joscelin, who enjoys working with the beautiful stones of my homeland."

4 "A ring set with Gemecittan quartz, not important in and of itself but precious to me because it comes to me from my homeland, Gemecitta. This ring was part of the set of favors that we gave out at both Lysander and Silvio's wedding, and at my own wedding to Duke Aiden, and thus it carries memories and strength of politics, doing right by Gemecitta."

5 "A small hairball of cat fur, valueless, but scraped from one of my umbra gowns after interacting with my beloved co-duchess Dafne. Although many assume we are in competition, we coordinate well, and we live like sisters."

6 "A message written to me by my brother Lysander, complaining about the lighting in the palazzo, because if you can't live in a beautiful world, Lysander will make it more beautiful for you."

7 "A mask, representing the Masquerades that Aiden throws, at which I may hide my face and enjoy the party without being the hostess. An excuse to be myself wholly, hidden behind the shield."

8 "A fabulous piece of fabric for Silvio, because he has fantastic taste in clothes and makes my dear brother very happy."

9 "A scribbled letter written by Valkeiri, a remembrance that no plans are truly set and for the man himself, in fondness."

10 "A dawnstone, like the dawnstone I gave the Archduchess, a reminder that a new dawn is breaking for the Lyceum and we are all part of it."

11 "An Inquisition badge, for being an Inquisitor and learning many things and investigating many problems is extremely rewarding."

12 "A simple law folio, as skill as a lawyer made me a valuable member of my family as well as a member of the Court."

13 "A piece of paper on which is copied a white journal from Theron Mazetti, publicly announcing he was coming home from war specifically to see me. I have loved no other the way I loved him."

Dafne is there, to affectionately support her co-ruler, and ready for anything unexpected. She will be paying close and careful note to the ritual as well, in preparation for doing it herself in future.

Miranda has been requested to witness this ritual. She will be observing with attention to detail so that she may learn and repeat it herself, eventually passing it on to others.

Quenia, being every curious about things, heartily agrees to participate in Grazia's ritual. She's intrigued about what it takes the cleanse the primum. She's very attentive to what Grazia has to teach her, and where possible she takes copious notes so that she can proceed with this act herself, and further teach others. She is there in support of Grazia, listening very carefully to what it is she is sacrificing, and sharing with her the memories that each of the sacrifice created. She smiles in support of her Duchess, and takes care not to interrupt her during this long process.

Luis has been invited as well and the curiosity in the man's demeanor cannot be denied. He will attend with paper and other implements ready to make notes on anything he does not believe that he can remember, though in turn he will reach out with questions after the ritual has been completed, attempting to understand the underlying cause and effect of the ritual.

Lucita observes each aspect of the ritual attentively, committing it to memory so she may replicate it using her own items to assist with the cleansing.

Mae is not entirely unfamiliar with odd rituals, so she'll not only be observing, but also helping, best she can. Pass ingredients over, help drawing lines with chalk, whatever it is Grazia might need, Mae will be the dutiful ritual assistant!

Mayir is, well -- Mayir is there. He seems more curious than anything, hanging out on the edges of the ceremony and observing what he sees, trying to make mental notes for his own ritual some day. When an Inquisition badge goes in, however, he smiles. Nothing like seeing the Inquisition get burned up. Metaphorically.

Notes will be taken. Copious amounts of notes. Details will be cross referenced. So. Many. Cross-references. Even more cross references then that. He does, however, keep the pen skritching to a minimum. Giulio is all about that 'not dying from primum poisoning'.

Antonio will attend the ritual, and quietly observe what happens, taking notes as he can.

Silvio listens to the ritual and participates

Jordan will be present for this ritual, keeping himself solemn as he takes mental note of all that is said, all that is sacrificed. He prays as the ritual continues, solemn and disciplined as a knight.

Fecundo has been invited to witness the ritual. He is attending to observe and learn how the ritual is performed, as requested by the head of his house and for his own benefit.

Grazia calls together her friends and family to perform a ritual to cleanse the primum at the thirteenth hour of the thirteenth day. She has set up a brazier to receive her offerings, which are set beside her: some valuable and some just personal mementos. Some jewelry, some paper, some scraps, but all thirteen objects have some sort of meaning to her. She has been meditating deeply prior to their arrival, and once they are all arranged, she says, "This is my ritual to cleanse the primum. May you all watch and learn. These are my sacrifices. May they help to create a stronger dream. A beautiful dream where magic is used for good and all may enjoy its fruits."

She starts with copper armbands gifted to her by her husband. The copper flares and the flame burns green for a moment, flickering in the room as all watch carefully. Then a handwarmer, given as a gift - and as she explains its purpose and its meaning, Dafne laughs aloud. In fact, for a moment they are all sharing in the joke of it, touched by the humor of her gift and her vision of the Dream.

A set of silver earrings is next, and it's obvious this is the work of Joscelin. It's followed by a ring of Gemecitta, and as the two pieces of jewelry slowly melt in the flames, there's a sense of home, and beauty, and the touching feeling of welcome after a long journey away.

Then a hairball, and if it's an unusual sacrifice, Grazia's explanation has everyone turning to Dafne. For a moment there's a connection between the two women, shining and true in the light, and then it fades as the ritual continues.

Piece by piece she consigns to the flames, and with each one the feeling of warmth and welcome and home - complex and tangled, binding and freeing all at once surrounds each of them. When the ritual is completed at last, they all breathe a little freer - and with them always will linger a sense of family and home and connection, clean and true.

House Igniseri has an eye to the future with the potential for expansion on the horizon. In order to factilitate such expansions, Quenia needs to have a solid idea on what might be on the property of her March, as well as what areas seem most likely available to expand into in order to grow her march. She has hired a team of explorers, to be led by Lord Luis Igniseri, to survey House Igniseri holdings, and the immediate areas around Granato for future expansion.

1) The party being sent out has been instructed to map out the lands owned by House Igniseri, paying special attention to locations that might be used for mines, mills, or historical value - such as ruins.

2) They have also been asked to list any properties that might be adjacent to their lands owned by others (baronies, counties, duchies), and to see what land is available for possible expansion in order to grow the 'domain' of House Igniseri further, and what obstacles they might encounter for that to happen - IE: local shav'arvani that must be dealt with, critters that might need to be vacated, etc.

Quenia will be accompaning the group, to act as a translater for any Lycene shav'arvani tribes they might encounter, as well as to work any diplomatic efforts with them. To help smooth the way, if a way to be smoothed is needed, she makes sure to bring gifts to exchange for any potential encounter of the shav'arvani people (referenced by the inclusion of 300 economic resources). She's also hired extra guards (referenced by 300 military resources) to go along in order to ensure that the party going on the scouting mission stays safe, should there be any dangers involved.

Leading an expedition, Luis will begin with what he knows and the rumours that he has heard from his time as a youth in Granato. From there he will utilize the explorers as best he can with their strengths and what makes them valuable for being part of the mission. For himself, he is mostly muscle and charm, with the ability to lead those whom would come with. Differeing to each of their specialties and allowing Quenia to set the goals, Luis will help the team to achieve the goals set out.

Calaudrin will be accompanying the group of Explorers as they survey. He'll use his experience scouting to the groups advantage when they're out in the wild.

There's better negotiators and better scouts, so Jasher does what works for him. He keeps an eye on things, provides a voice to bark orders and provide direction when needed, and worse comes to worst...well, he's already brought his sword.

Donato donates several ships to the cause and sets about mapping the coastline in the indicated areas, taking regular measurements of depth and marking reefs, rocks and other obstacles, as well as promising natural harbors and key strategic positions. When opportunity arises, he turns on the charm with the local nobility, looking for opportunities to expand Caina's network of trading relationships.

Oswyn is good at cartography. It's involved in his Senior Scholar project, after all, not that that has anything to do with southern lands. He's using his best social graces to chat people up, too. Beyond that, his other function is to be a field medic, in case something goes horribly wrong... or if they encounter people who need help.

Aahana is accompanying alongside Marquessa Quenia, offering her diplomacy in her native tongue should it be needed. As well as helping with understanding the cultures of any of the tribes they run into, since she is a newly ennobled prodigal herself.

Donato is taking one direction, Ariella takes the other! She sets out in the Red Bargain, determined to map out the coat leading into the Bay of Granato on the other side, looking for places that would make for good fishing villages, or which call for fortification, or which could use lighthouses to protect ships, or coastal shav settlements that could use someone to go and see if they're friend or foe.

Lord Cullen, the General of Greenmarch, has come to see Granato for himself! But beyond that, to assist the scouting party in matters of battlefield tactics and strategy, should it come to that. Highly experienced at both commanding on the field and wartime theory, should they come under attack, he'll be able to hopefully utilize the guards to their maximum advantage. Also, through the Marquessa translating, he can speak with any non-hostile Abandoned about the advantages of bending the knee, given his own history in the matter.

Marquessa Quenia gathers a crack team of scouts to search her lands. She's looking for anything - places to expand, places for infrastructure projects, places just outside her reach where maybe the shav would be amenable to bending the knee and adding to Igniseri - and Compact - control.

Ariella and Donato go by ship, and find two secluded coves that would make excellent locations for quiet villages to block potential smuggling - that's always a potential problem, though for many in the Lyceum this would potentially amount more to an increase on taxes by calling them bribes to make them more palatable for these pira...privateers. In any case, there are places to expand along the shore.

Lord Luis and Sir Calaudrin scout across land, and take Marquessa Quenia, Lady Aahana, and Lord Cullen with them - particularly with Scholar Oswyn to make maps. They find another area - a mine that appears to be - haunted in some manner, if the stories those who live nearby can be trusted. Most concerning is a nest of... creatures. Creatures that potentially escaped the carnage at Setarco and traveled far to find a quiet place to live. Of course, quiet is relative, as it seems there are plenty of nearby citizens of Igniseri who would like the night terrors to go away. They can't precisely describe the creatures, but they're fairly afraid of them.

All in all, it's a mixed bag - there are plenty of places to expand, but also there are some troubled areas to which the Marquessa could direct forces. And indeed her people hope sincerely that she does just that.

House Igniseri has several improvements planned for the city-state of Granato, in order to mitigate some of their population increases as they have taken in a number of refugees from various sources over the last few years, especially now that people have had time to settle, find jobs, and get acclimated.

The first of the planned improvements include the following:

1. Current Farms. Improvements to the lands that are currently used for farming needs, and for the orchards and vineyards. Making certain that the soil is still fertile, and if not making certain that the appropriate nutrients are purchased in order to make the land fertile again. General crops are rotated out with those that will use different nutrients from the ground, while also putting nutrients in the ground decayed material after the crops are harvested. Overused fields will be allowed to lay fallow and recover. Orchards and vineyards will be reviewed to see which trees and plants are flourishing and any measures necessary will be taken to cull or replace those trees or plants that are unable to produce and thrive any longer. Skilled laborors and consultants with agriculutural skills will be hired to help with the improvements of current lands.

2. Adding Farms, Vineyards, Orchards. In order to ensure that the people of Granato can be adequately fed and cared for, the land surrounding the city-state of Granato will be surveyed to see where additional farms, vineyards, and orchards can be safely added to those already being cared for - and those areas will be cleared away and planted with new plants and trees for new food sources and materials for the items that Granto produces. Additionally, orchards of lemon and fig trees will be introduced. Those skilled in agricultural and farming skills will be hired to help identify which areas have the best land to suit the needs of the city.

3. New Housing and Infrastructure. Surveys are being conducted of the current city development to see where new housing avenues can be provided in order to prevent overcrowding of the city. Once those surveys are completed, workers will be hired to start building new housing areas in the city of Granato, making certain to do so in such a way that avenues of commerce and trade are still open and available to the people of the city without creating new traffic jams or crowding out already packed areas of the city. Those skilled in building, engineering, and masonry will be hired to help identify the areas that would work best for this project, and to building the housing unit and the necessary infrastructure needed to ensure proper sanitary conditions within the city.

4. Hiring Guards. With an increased number of people in Granato, it is identified that an increased number of guards might be needed in the city of Granato to keep the peace and make the city safe, and so House Igniseri seeks to hire a significant number of individuals, with varying skill levels, making certain to pave the way for those who might have once been refugees to learn a new trade. They will be tasked with learning the skills necessary to keep the peace for the city of Granato.

Additional plans will be made, as time progresses, to further improve the city, but these were the first improvements considered necessary in order to see the city prosper for now.

Ariella's not one for farms. Or infrastructure. Or any of that other stuff! But she knows what to look for in good and reliable people, so she will put her efforts into helping to find people for the Granato guard. She will put her charm and leadership skills toward the effort of getting the best people into the right positions so as to reduce lawlessness and help refugees and others come to the city seeking safety find the security they're after.

Luis will interview the guards and with his leadership and teaching begin training them for their specific purposes throughout the expansion and construction phases. Encouraging loyalty and camaraderie while also ensuring that each new member is competent for their duties, Luis will invest heavily in the future of Granato.

Lucita uses her charm and propaganda to help encourage skilled farmers and builders to work for a short time in Granato to get the project started and to help current Granato residents to accept the coming changes without resisting them, to be supportive of the efforts Quenia is proposing with donations of their time, efforts, skills and suggestions of things with which they have experience (IE certain plants thrive, others do not, avoid building in that flood-prone spot).This also benefits her own farmers and builders as they have a chance to learn from other consultants during their time there. She has been advising Quenia and teaching her what is needed for successful, sustainable, balanced growth. Additionally, she gives a discounted price on glass for windows for new houses, a project to help both finiancially and strengthen trade.

Leola rides the land. She speaks with farmers about crops, about sales, what has been produced. She offers her own expertise in these matters - if necessary, drawing on the Lodge's resources to offer skilled tutors in this. She tries to reintroduce the higher agricultural concepts - showing how they can bring a greater yield. What crops grow best, and when, and how to revitalise the land

Duchess Grazia is always one to support her vassals, and she speaks of the economic improvements that are being made. She assists her new Duke-Consort by helping to speak well of the military and why people should join up. She particularly focuses, though, on matters of infrastructure, even putting her money where her mouth is and providing quarried stone, including granite and marble, to help with building and supporting any currently needed repairs.

Conveniently taking the opportunity to escape the cold, Ennettia is taking a short vaca-- err, work trip -- back to the south with her boy. This is twofold: to help with the bookkeeping and all the financial and trade paperwork that will likely need to be handled along with the upcoming infrastructure, pension programs, trade setups, and even the buying of the new farmstead equipment, and to escape the Arxian cold. One of these reasons is just an excuse - different people will assume the real reason is one or the other depending how well they know Enny!

Princess Astraea believes in the efforts of Marquessa Quenia, her beloved cousin. She is proud to see such initiative being taken and will support her endeavors in the unexpected way of leading by example no doubt. The princess would love to bolster the efforts by lending her own two hands and beseeching (little b, not big b) nature spirits and Petrichor to bless the agricultural fields, and the domain in general, with bountiful harvests. She doesn't do so easily and will make sure to pay in blood and sweat, carrying soil and seeds, tilling fields, and otherwise helping in the tasks. Most importantly though while she is among the people of Granato she makes it a priority to pay the proper praises to the Marquessa for having such a mind for a just and wise reign.

As new Duke-Consort of Rubino, Aiden has spent at least a good 4-5 weeks in the region after his wedding to Duchess Grazia. In that time, he was learning the needs of the landbase around him, which includes House Igniseri. He uses his established reputation with the Crovane wars to help Marquessa Quenia with a guardsmen program, taking a little inspiration from the Iron Guard and the Silver Wings - the Grayson Archery unit he was in command of - to ensure that the established guard program can cope with the need to expand rapidly, as well as ensuring a way to filter out anyone who would be there to abuse such powers. The personal touch and presence of the Duke-Consort of Rubino may have the desired effect to at least encourage more support for the program, through a few good speeches to sitting down with the present commanders and advising them on tactics and strategies with such efforts that will be required to train a large new group of recruits. -- Adding 200 military writs

Echo desperately wants to help but she's not so good with any of the big picture stuff. So she'll be heading to Granato and doing whatever handiwork she can. It's probably going to be a lot of work and she'll probably be grumpy for the next few days, but it's what she's best at and she wants to make a difference.

As the Minister of Infrastructure for Thrax, Baroness Skye Blackshore has experience with surveying and planning city expansions. She will lend her services to the Marquessa Igniseri on behalf of Thrax, reviewing what new housing avenues make sense to prevent overcrowding. She will provide Igniseri architects with building techniques that Thrax is using. Provide alternative routes to ease traffic on busy streets. She will also review the aqueducts to ensure waste is properly disposed of.

Under Marquessa Quenia Igniseri, Granato is quietly flourishing. She is focused on infrastructure improvements and started calling in favors. Lady Ariella, Lord Luis, and Duke Aiden Rubino target recruitment to bolster army numbers depleted in the action in Setarco.

With Lady Ennettia and Baroness Skye working together to make sure their finances are in order and outlay is exceeded by income, Dame Leola Allenatore, Princess Astraea, Princess Echo, and Baroness Lucita work with the farmers and infrastructure folks and increase Granato's farmlands and the support for their people.

Duchess Grazia works with the people and encourages acceptance and approval of the efforts by the Marquessa is. And she is successful - the Igniseri people are very impressed and happy to work hand in hand with Quenia to improve their homes and Granato in general, and they're rather impressed that their little March is friends with so many important people.

Lucita has a network of contacts made while Voice of Igniseri. She will ask them to be advisors, consultants and trade partners, encourage use of Saikland docks and Mirrored Ballroom and start to accept refugees. She will invest 1000 economic and 250 social writs into helping the economic development plan detailed below to succeed. Most of this is just evaluation and investing resources to both improve existing things and add necessary ones for refugees to be added wisely to the population and trying new trade venues to help keep new citizens gainfully employed, all of which relate to each other. She uses her ability to get along with people (charm) combined with her ability to find out information (investigation) and facts she needs to know to initiate the plans she and Marcos have made.

To be initiated immediately after Estaban's celebration of life.
1. Assess the situation--visit Saikland directly with Marcos
-Present united leadership of new Baroness-Regent and Voice,
foster cooperation and acceptance of Saiklanders.
-Listen not only to what is said, but to what is not said for
cues to problems, needs amid the people amd the barony.
-Evaluate Saikland Greens as Princess Jaenelle and Marquis
Hadrian Mazetti taught. Goal-aid growing population to be
self sufficient. Housing, sanitation, clean water, jobs,
education, health, faith, security-military all considered.
New farms, businesses, to avoid infringing on livelyhood
already existing ones, avoid high risk flood/fire areas.
-Find out if there are known but un-utilized natural resources
present to be used without altering the bucolic aspect
of the barony. (see ooc intent questions)

2. As Lucita did successfully with Granato while working with ARRG to place Siege refugees, she will carefully accept refugees seeking a new place to live. (Those evacuated or impacted by Gyre crisis who ask to relocate accepted as a compassionate offer, not done to steal vassals of another house, and not Southport prodigals) Care is taken to avoid lack of food, housing, security, services and means of self-support. Effort is made to see this does not cause disease or damage existing economy, buisinesses, and farms.

3. Improve existing infrastructure, use what exists more efficiently
and make necessary additions.
-Food: Farms to grow food the populace needs, extra stored or
preserved for emergencies. Nearby water for fish, meadows
for cattle, game to hunt are also sources to be used.
-Education-Faith: Encourage highly trained healers, midwives,
craftsmen, scholars. Make sure each God has an altar some-
where. (In a village, a modest temple with altars to each
works. Make sure there is a usable library for Scholars.
-Health: Adequate sanitation, clean water, healers, midwives,
herb gardens to serve the population. Keep as healthy and
disease-free as possible.
-Economy: Improve and build docks, security, and warehouses
to make a desirable provision stop for ships and boats.
Ships able to carry fewer provisions means more cargo
room, fresher food and water, and visitors encouraged
to view and use the Grand Mirrored Ballroom, bars, inns,
and shops. Increased usage should occur as a thriving
safe impression is presented from the docks onward.
Tor (Calista), Granato (Luis) contacted re this.
-Economy 2: Improve brewery, winery. Seek expanded venues
of trade so goods to trade with Oathlanders or houses
that produce alcoholic beverages. (ooc_intent explains)

Hadrian will be utilizing the Arvum Refugee Relief Group to assist Baroness-Regent Lucita and House Saik with the integration of the new population bound for Saikland Greens. Whether it is material or refugees from the recent conflict itself, Hadrian's hope is to foster a greater sense of ease in the transition. He'll be investing resources, materials, and people into the endeavor. While also utilizing the social power of Hadrian himself to assist Baroness-Regent Lucita within her role of acceptance by the people of Saikland Greens; the former Duke of Southport isn't above using friendly charm to name-drop Baron Eos or Baroness Kima Saik and the long-time friendship that he had with either of the pair in order to remind citizens of Saikland Greens that while Lucita may not be a born Saik, she is the Baroness-Regent left to tend the seat of power until the Saik heir comes of age.

Luis will help with many things that he's offered to Lucita in her time of need. Be it through helping with the Saik troops. Aiding the Economy and distributing the population as needed, or simply to encourage those who remain to stay loyal to the Saik line. Through his various skills and charming personality, he will support Lucita, helping to draw the population to follow her as well as to encourage her armies to draw strength from their allies and focus on the rebuilding and protection of the Saik lands in this time of need.

Marcos intends to travel with Lucita and present the unified front to those of the Saik lands and else where. Durring the trip he will be assessing the security needs of their lands as well as listening to his people. He plans on making himself available to talk to the people and truely listening to their concerns. Gettign a feel for their needs and passing this information along to Lucita whom may not be seen yet as a 'true' Saik despite her marriage to Estaban.
He will be looking for easy fixes as well as the hard ones and also trying to get a feel for how much is 'too much' change for the often easy going and content folk of his homeland so he can make recomendations to Lucita and ease her way into the role of Baroness.

Between her experience of assisting House Velenosa run smoothly as well as her position within the Crown as a Minister, Jaenelle has shared her knowledge with Lucita on trade routes, the importance of infrastructure, and the need for strengthening allies for assistance. Lucita has come to many public meetings Jaenelle has hosted as well as sought her out for private discussions on how to better aid her people.

Quenia is actively teaching Lucita the various skills she needs to help run the Barony of Saik. Quenia has started with leadership, teaching Lucita the finer points of how to assess various situations that will come up within her position, and handle them in greater detail than she did as Voice of House Igniseri. Quenia is also serving as a general consultant for Lucita should she run into any snags, offering advice only when asked for it -- and always in the presence of another member of the Saik family so there is no perceived bias with regards to how Lucita is leading her people. She will continue by teaching Lucita the art of diplomacy and propaganda as well, so Lucita might be able to broker better, more favorable deals for her family, and shed the family in a favorable light for any actions they take.

Karadoc will operate as the minimally motivated (to most eyes) jack-of-all trades. Whether it's to charm others alongside the Baroness-Regent Lucita, or casually name-dropping his Saik cousins who bravely sacrificed their lives for various wartime causes, or speaking up in ways that will lift spirits and raise morale wherever necessary. Although, behind the scenes, Karadoc is using his specialized knowledge of economics in order to truly help the cause.

Under Baroness-Regent Lucita's guidance, Saikland Greens are starting to recover. With the strong support of Lord Marcos and Lord Karadoc Saik, the three of them travel Saik lands and get a real feel for what is needed. After consultation with allies - and it does not go unnoticed that Baroness Lucita is making allies of consequence in the forms of Princess Jaenelle Velenosa, Lord Luis Igniseri, Marquessa Quenia Igniseri, and Duke Hadrian Mazetti - she orders the establishment of several large furnaces for making glass. From stemware to windows to pieces of art, new and beautiful glassworks are starting to come out of Saik forges and finding their way into eager hands.

After the tragic loss of Baron Estaban, Saikland Greens is starting to slowly recover - capitalizing on some of the sand found on its stunning beaches the new glasswork from the seat of the Saik family is particularly beautiful. The people making it are taking pride in what they make too, and as a result morale in the Barony is slowly turning around.

An impressive feat for a new Baroness indeed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quenia will take the time to travel to all of her vassal's holdings, so she can speak to her people face to face. While she's at each of the holdings, she'll take the time to purchase local goods and products, and hold a small community event. At these community events she'll talk about the bonds of family and community and how there is strength in both. She'll talk about how if that family or community is threatened, they need to come together in a show of support to stop that threat; to preserve not only their family and their community, but also their homes, their culture, and their way of life. She talks of the threat they are facing now, with the ships out sea, and how they are threatening family, community, and homes. Their freedom, their livelihood, their ability to take care of the people they love. She does her best to stress the importance of joining the fight, and how if they overwhelm the fleet, they'll have a better opportunity to win the war and protect that which they love. She pledges House Igniseri to that fight, to fight for their homes, their loved ones, their livelihoods, their continued freedom. She also pledges that House Igniseri will help rebuild, once the war is over. At the end of the gatherings, she formally issues a call to the banners, asking her people to rally and fight.

Lucita assists Quenia in her efforts using her skills. She writes an inspirational and morale lifting song 'To Arms, Came the Rallying Call'. It is crafted to avoid causing guilt or fear but to turn thoughts toward heroism, working together, protecting home, family, friends and how people from any walk of life can help. To assist bringing the message to commoners she hires with economic and social resources a bard to speak encouragingly to people on their level and sing the song for them, to create an amicable and receptive atmosphere with providing a round of drinks. She uses her charm and performance abilities to display to her representatives how she wants Quenia's efforts supported and enhanced. A copy of 'To Arms, Came the Rallying Call' is located in the bookcase in Saik Tower - Music Chamber.

While Quenia is going from place to place speaking to the general populace and the nobles, Luis will attend the soldiers and guardsmen as well as anyone whom shows interest in joining the army,. He will encourage them with his Charm and his skills, while also encouraging those younger lads ato listen to the older veterans when it comes to being ready. He will stage some mock spars with the sergeants and the like, letting himself be beat at times on purpose so as to build the respect for the trainers in the troops, and trounce the hotshots to help them realize they still need to listen to those above them. In the end, he will appoint new soldiers, raise up others that need to be, and encourage unit cohesiveness throughout the lands.

Marquessa Quenia Igniseri takes the time to travel to all of her vassal's holdings, holding events in the communities, purchasing local goods and products. She takes the time to talk about bonds of family and community, the strength of Igniseri and the bonds of loyalty, fealty, and friends. She speaks of freedom and the life they love and encourages them to fight for it, pledging Igniseri to stand with them and help them fight, and to rebuild if necessary afterwards.

Lord Luis speaks with soldiers and guardsmen, training and inspiring them. Reminding them of the need for experienced soldiers and eager soldiers alike. And Lady Lucita helps by writing an inspirational song that makes its way through the various corners of Igniseri lands. People sing it around the fire at night, and while they're mending their armor and readying for battle, and as they call the banners, people come.

'To arms, to arms!' Came the rallying call.
'Guard your freedom, your family, your all.'
Faith sustains us through troubling days
To find heroic bravery not fearful ways.
Unity binds us giving strength and hope
Like fragile fibers wound into strong rope.