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Action by Yasmine for The Great Road Crisis

(Public Action, OOC Date: April 13, 2019, 12:15 a.m.)

When news reached Yasmine that there were massive purges happening against the prodigals who called the Oathlands their home, the Ravashari dancer was aggrieved and incensed for her people, the Ravashari, who were among those being hunted down and eradicated by houses who blame them for dark and terrible things.

She later came across the information that the purges were happening in part because of a few members of the Ravashari clan happened across information of some kind that they attempted to use to blackmail different leaders from Houses such as Beaucage, one of the loudest voices who are lobbying for their extermination in hopes for wiping out any evidence. She knows the Ravashari were hired to help track things down for a specific individual, who traded for old house secrets going all the way back to the reckoning. Little puzzle pieces, to find things; ancient rings or weapons, or something along those lines.

Yasmine enacts a plan to secure the most direct routes leading from Arx to the Oathlands along the Great Roads under the auspices of House Champagne, hiring out mercenary groups to bolster protection of exports and imports vital to Arx. She also employs Ravashari prodigals with generous coin to negotiate and barter immunity from hostile shav'arvani where the roads cut through their territories. While all this is done to expand the name of House Champagne as a premiere merchant house, it is also to ensure these routes will be safe to evacuate prodigal survivors fleeing for their lives can be safely transported away from the Oathlands into the Crownlands with hopes that the clan members of the Ravashari who were employed by the Prodigal might be among them, and willing to share their information with promise of safety and immunity from House Beaucage and others who sought to snuff them out.

Captain Harlex Valtyr along with Scarlet Company of the Crimson Blades set out to establish safe trade routes for these merchant caravans, dissuading hostile shav'arvani from raids and dealing with them if their presence isn't enough of a deterrent. The mercenary-captain is well aware of the subtle attempt to ensure these routes lead to safe evacuations of prodigal survivors fleeing the Oathlands and special care is taken to help them blend in until sanctuary can be reached until that auspice of making sure the import and export business of Arx is not disrupted by the on-going crisis along the Great Road.

Violet has assigned Harlex to front this effort, but she is still there going over maps. Reviewing reports. And sending suggestions or orders she feels are appropriate. Indeed she sends extra units to make sure that the roads, but more importantly the people, are kept safe. The borders around House Beaucage have random patrols and scouts set. This is to allow their units reaction time via trained messenger birds. They are to keep their eyes and ears open for information, and carry bribe money and items on them, for the Shav in the area. The Shav, unless threatening or directed by Rivenshari, are left alone and diplomacy is always tried first in encounters.

It's remarkable how much House Champagne is able to accomplish under Yasmine with the sellswords she hires. The Crimson Blades are able to secure most of the roads around Riva and leading from there to Pridehall, with an immediate drop off in violence. At least three separate times, the Crimson Blades encounter raiders who were almost certainly Beaucage men looking to ride down prodigals, but back off when challenged by the Blades, and in one notable occassion, the hired sellswords that Yasmine employed actually rescue a group of knights of solace beset by raiders, winning immense approval from the Faith of the Pantheon.

In addition, Ravashari go to work for Yasmine in talking down different Abandoned groups and buying them off, and attacks almost stop entirely between Pridehall and Riva. That might not hold true in the long term, but many associate House Champagne as their one friend in the Compact. Some information flows back, about Marcel Beaucage and his son, Trevor Beaucage, who was 'killed by Abandoned' that started the purges. Apparently, Trevor had hired Ravashari to find a place called 'the Vault of Thorns' which legend held was filled with treasure, dealt with Abandoned extensively to access it, and murdered many of the individuals that helped him find it including a Scholar of Vellichor to help cover his tracks. They aren't sure how Trevor died exactly- it was assumed he died due to Abandoned, particularly the tribe called the Keepers of the Thorns near that vault, but they were all massacred by his men who were found dead with some ancient tomb open and empty.

Action by Preston for The Great Road Crisis

(Public Action, OOC Date: Feb. 19, 2019, 12:46 p.m.)

The Faith Militant has learned of two enemies of the Faith within Valardin lands - the first are a group of Abandoned who mockingly refer to themselves as Malardin and who were not only behind the Tragedy, but also stole Valardin arms and armour and are thus suspected of the attack on the convoy of mercies and Templars in the south of Valardin before returning to their northern hideaways. This made them an enemy of the Faith. There is also an abandoned war chief known as The Reaper of the Oathlands, it is not known if she works with the Malardin or they simply co-exist within the Red Mountains, but she has proven herself also an enemy, but she must be dealt with second.

Preston has put out the call for parishes in the Oathlands to send a portion of their Templar levy to muster close to Sanctum, where he will join them as he journeys into the Oathlands on a pilgrimage with Alarissa (Action 3155). He has also asked for other Oathland houses, and other houses nearby, to send nobles and portions of house troops to help. He will be dispatching some troops from Arx to help form a core, and one he can trust.

A small portion of the van will go off with others in Action 3172 where they will seek to convince the abandoned tribes in the way who aren't involved to either leave or to bend the knee. Preston will then lead the army in its three sections up the roads to the Red Mountains, marching under the banner of the Faith.

The plan is to push into the forests at the foothills where Blackram scouts have reported the cultists performing foul rituals. By splitting the force into two flanking forces and the main line, they can hopefully funnel the overall withdrawal of the cultists back towards the mountain line, and away from the coast. It's hoped an army might come from Redrain as a blocking force to avoid them fleeing across and into redrain lands.

If the forces of the Malardin and the Reaper band together, the plan is to encricle them both and siege them, force them into a desperate sally or wait until they can be attacked in a storming of the Reaper's redoubt. If they fight, then they will let that happen and move on the survivor. If they avoid one another, Preston will detach a sieging force to siege the redoubt of the Reaper that Blackram identified, hoping she is there, while the forces sweep the Malardin up, hopefully, using the Redrain force as an anvil if necessary.

In case of any issues with Cardian aerial reinforcement, Preston is bringing along engineers and hopefully talented smiths to sort this out, with lighter bolt throwers coming along as well as heavier siege gear to deal with the Reaper's dedoubt (silver and econ in the action for smiths etc to use for this).

I realise this is a big action, so do feel free to stop it if along the way something goes wrong and it can't progress and we need to submit another action as a decision point!

When the Faith militant calls for the Warchief of the North to block the escape of these Malardins, Princess Marian Redrain is there with her armies to act as a wall against these zealots. She brings the full fury of the Northlands on any enemy that steps across the border, brutally killing these murdered who may have had a hand in the Tragedy of Sanctum. During the down time, she will have her troops perform training exercises, using their time in the mountains to become a tighter unit.

Two things that Amund hates a lot: Shavs and crazed cultists. Not that he's particularly religious, but their tendency to press others into obedience and raid Compact villages without a second thought just elicits the most violent reactions from him. He'll be joining Sir Preston in the fighting on behalf of House Blackram, his assortment of weapons ready at his side and clad in the best armor he can afford.

The Order of East Light volunteered assistance to the efforts by the Faith Militant, and Sparte has stepped forward to lead those volunteers. He is trusting those with him to be driven by duty and by their own sense of morality, so is focusing more on maintaining morale and courage in his fellows than acting the part of a battle commander. He will bring his steed Hyb, and a banner for the Order of East Light to be held high.

Sparte is also traveling as a pilgrim (Action 3155), and will be putting too much time in humble service to focus on command. For that reason - and the fact Preston is better at it - when combat comes Sparte will defer to the Faith Militant's leadership on matters of tactics and strategy. He will encourage the volunteers with him to do the same, augmenting the Faith's troops rather than acting as an independent force.

While he will lend his voice to mercy when dealing with shavs who are not guilty of terrible crimes and commend those encouraging non-violent shavs to get out of the way or bend the knee (Action 3172), there will be no such forgiveness spoken of by him for the Malardin nor the Reaper. There he will speak of justice to be done as if it were a burden to be carried with head held high.

Tasked with working out a way to securely mount the lighter ballistae on the back of wagons once the party has arrived at their destination, Ida will do just that. She will bring several journeymen with her and the group will frame the wagons in steel and even some rubicund from her personal stores; sheets on top and bottom to prevent splintering and rods in and around the wheels for the same purpose. Using her knowledge from the days of repairing farming equipment, the ballistae will be bolted securely in place. Lastly, Ida will also lend her strength in battle to move them, should that be necessary.

Violet has brought a portion of the elite Crimson Blades to the task. Though this may have been given to her as penance it matters not. This is a travesty that needs mending and her Blades are up for the task. Many times they have fought against Abandoned and Shav tribes. Knowing they will use dirty tactics she offers up her services as Scouts and Gorilla warfare.

In addition to this, Violet keeps her other sense open. Hopefully it will give them all some warning, so that things don't go bad.

The response from Sir Preston, Grandmaster of the Knights Templar, is more than might be expected. He very specifically said it was not a crusade, but he still called upon the Oathland houses for support, and they respond- the number of knights and household troops of the Oathland houses number in the tens of thousands, and it's a large enough response that the logistics of it are acutely strained, with much of the funds and resources raised being used to sustain a very short, powerful campaign against the Malardin in the hills near Blackram lands.

The Crimson Blades manage to uncover three targets with their scouting, assisted by the Order of East Light under Sparte's command. They find a redoubt manned by very hostile bandits that most believe is controlled by the Reaper, and is her holdfast. The Trompeuris tribe is the second finding, which is another major Abandoned group that has certainly declared themselves Malardin, and are within a day's distance of Reaper's holdfast, and start being steadily pushed in that direction as soon as they start to come into contact with Preston's outer forces. And then there's Clan Blood Oak, another mighty Malardin force, which seem to have been completely exterminated- their main camps only have ashes which are thought to be human remains.

It's not one sided, but the Trompeuris probably only number at most a thousand, and the Reaper's forces aren't leaving the holdfast. With Princess Marian's Redrain forces blocking off the retreat north, the tribe is steadily pushed towards the Reaper's redoubt with only light losses. A single large scale ambush attempt by the Malardin is scouted out by Violet, and the large scale cavalry charge by knights in reply put the Trompeuris to rout, with hundreds cut down during their flight, and some scant signs of Valardin arms and armor among them. The brutally outnumbered Abandoned are cut off by a flanking maneuver and completely annihilated short of Reaper's redoubt.

While a volley of arrows coming from the Reaper's redoubt leaves no doubt of the number of defenders, Ida's ballistas are brought up to reply as Preston's massive forces prepare to storm. One ballista in particular that Ida works on seems to glow white right before it fires, and the crew launching it yells as it seems to ignite, with the bolt looking like a white ray of light as it streaks towards Reaper's redoubt. The fortress seems to explode into fire as it's struck, and the ballista burns down to ash. Many of the templars are speaking of a miracle on Gloria's part, as the redoubt has been reduced to rubble with strewn bodies everywhere. Unfortunately, the Reaper doesn't seem to be among them.

There are some conclusions that can be drawn- the number of Valardin arms and armor is extremely limited, and looks more recent- forgeries, and thefts from Valardin's armories. Nor do any seem to match what was seen in the further south, so it's unlikely the 'Malardin' in the northern hills were responsible for the attacks on Fournier lands and similar. It's possible, but there's nothing directly connecting them. Not that the Oathlander host with Preston care that much- they crushed a major Abandoned force, and that's something they are always down for. With apparently a miracle of Gloria to boot.

Action by Venturo for Raconteur Enterprises

(Public Action, OOC Date: Dec. 26, 2018, 10:47 a.m.)

Venturo is seeking those who are interested in partnership to expand the Raconteur Enterprises for the betterment of all of Arvum. He campaigns for further breweries to bring jobs to fealties and to lower the cost of safe drinks for the general populace. To expand the Kismet Carnivals and their games of luck and chance.

And for those looking to invest more, to bring races that only the everyday man can participate in for the chance to win a purse of money provided by Venturo himself. Horse races, hunting races, foot races, obstacle course races. Not only will they give something that truly belongs to the people that they can demonstrate their skill, but it will allow the nobles to find the most skilled in their lands.

Lastly, he wants to offer local tavern owners the chance to come under the Raconteur brand. They would still own and run their tavern, but would be provided discounts on the alcohol from the Raconteur, and would be provided entertainers to draw in even more of their patrons. In exchange, they would run under the Raconteur label, and a nominal, small part of their proceeds would go back to the Raconteur.

TLDR for Expansion:
More Breweries
Expanded Kismet Carnivals
Locals owning Raconteur Branded Taverns
Bards, poets, entertainers for thsoe Taverns
Horse, foot, obstacle and hunting races for the everyday man.
Allows the nobles to find the most skilled athletes, boatsmen, horsemen and hunters in their lands.

Nuala may not know horse races, but she sure knows how to mobilize a crew of people to plot out the best course for the horse races in the Kismet Carnival. She reaches out to the best riders in Farhaven and those of her acquaintances in Valardin lands, the Lyceum (especially Tor, where she grew up) and other assorted connections. She can additionally tap the Academy of War for riding trainers to help create a fiendishly exciting course with many obstacles, smart turns, and surprises for both rider and mount to make the event memorable. Getting all these minds together, they will plot out an impressive path and take into account the natural environment and landscape. Nuala uses every ounce of charisma she has to keep them focused on a singular purpose.

Who better to introduce new entertainment to the Lyceum than a Princess of Lenosia? Berenice focuses on wining and dining with those well-positioned to introduce new and exciting horse races to their various domains. Because, in Berenice's opinion, horse racing is the BEST and MOST EXCITING part of what Venturo's working on, hence her involvement in the First Annual Raconteur Cup Horse Race. She'll talk to various noble leaders and even some of the upper class mercantile commoner families about the acclaim and prestige they'll earn themselves by sponsoring such events, and she'll be full of flattery and flirting where necessary to get the job done.

Everybody loves musicians! Well, alright, not everybody, but bards are a good source of entertainment. What does Gianna have? Access to a lot of bards. Not just the ones in Arx, but the bards that come through the College on their way to other places, bards who might be convinced to play at these Raconteur-associated taverns. She'll be convincing entertainers - storytellers, singers, musicians - to go the route.

Having been part of Venturo's original unveiling of the Kismet Carnival as well as expanding the cultivation of more crops and a brewery, Gwenna of course pitches in to assist him with the planned expansion. She will support her fellow Redrain, Princess Nuala, with her efforts in Farhaven, and remind the people there how much fun was had at the last carnival. As done before, she will spend the first day of the festival handing out 10,000 of her own silver so that those who might not have much disposable income can partake in the games. Her main effort, though, will be visiting the taverns and farmers in the hopes that Venturo's branding idea and more breweries might strike interest as well as better income for them.

Pasquale views the success of Venturo - his Marquessa's protege - as success for Nilanza. He spreads the word in the Malespero domain about the carnival and encourages participation in it among the common folk, even pitching in for the purse for the prize money. He'll also do a bit of PR with the local tavern keepers so they'll see this venture as an opportunity rather than competition, and be more inclined to go in for it.

Mirk, on behalf of the Halfshavs, is throwing his support behind Venturo and the Raconteur expansion. He spreads the word of their coming expansion, building anticipation for the carnivals and the taverns that are going to be opened, and offers assistance in finding local owners and businessmen to run their tavern under the Raconteur brand. If he makes a point to find well-placed tavern owners in Whitehold and Cascade Springs, well, that's a part of his duties as Halfshav Minister of Coin. Regardless, he'll do whatever he can to make sure that Venturo's efforts are a success.

Sandreef Point is a port place. And every port place needs a good Tavern and, even better, a good brew to make and call their own. To draw the crowds and bring the cheer. So it is that Violet, the Quartermaster as well as Baroness, sets aside land and even some acreage for a brewing operation. Enough land to brew hops, barley, malt, or even grapes and space in the city for a tavern. This can only bring in more commerce and provide more jobs for those who need and want them.

As Kael has had an amiable working relationship with Venturo in the past, he is looking forward to seeing this new venture through. With his blessing, Venturo is allowed to approach tavern owners to join up under the Raconteur brand and he will personally write concerning how profitable associations with Venture Thayne has been in the past. Not only this but he has offered to help train up guards, not to mention supply equipment for them, so that the caravan and traveling members of Ranconteur Enterprises has less to fear of banditry. He supplies a map of the safest routes through his domain, and as other lands agree to join in, would offer to provide what he sees as the safest navigation routes.

In the city of Setarco, Alrec Magaldi, admiral and minister of the ruling house, uses his position of priviledge to ensure that Venturo has everything he needs to establish his brand in the Saffron Chains. He uses his reputation and notoriety to advertise Raconteur, hoping to associate their drinks with him for his fans. The staff of the carnival is seen to with board and food, their security handled by his own people.

There's very little the Mourning Isles likes better than drinking: perhaps, drinking and a show! Sorrel will represent Thrax's interests in this expansion of breweries and carnivals as Minister of Productivity for Maelstrom and the Mourning Isles. She'll be sure that at least some of the jobs on offer here go to former thralls who are renovating their lives, and that a certain amount of effort is paid to recruiting such, though by no means exclusively. There are plenty of commoners who would like to own their own businesses, and she'll promote that enthusiastically. She'll also make sure there are boat races available at the carnivals, and use the winners of these boat races to recruit into the Thrax military, especially if they aren't already.

Grady got in on the ground floor of the Kismet Carnivals to help develop Deepwood lands - particularly their cideries. He is excited about the expansion of the carnivals, as that always brings good taxes in, and as it gives the people of Old Oak a festival and some extra fun. Enjoying horse races and fine alcohol is a hallmark of civilization in Grady's opinion, and he gladly makes sure the funding is there to make the Carnivals in Old Oak exceptional indeed. Deepwood trades well with Raconteur Brewing too, and a friendly rivalry has gone up between Raconteur enterprises and Deepwood's own cideries. Will there be competition at the carnival? You better believe it. All in good fun, of course!

Though not in on the ground floor, the Kismet Carnivals and Venturo's spreading out across the compact works in tandem with Josephines own grand works. You won't find a stall, not in the least. As Josephine will point out, you don't get arcuri goods in mere stalls. But she does work with her family to see prizes made of all kinds to be supplied as prizes. From jewelry, to trinkets and even nudging a son in law to see about a blade or two, the Arcuri's time, energy and her payrons funds to ensuring even the most low ranked of men should tgey happen to winthese horse races have sonethingspecial as a prize.

Truthfully, it's a little alarming at how wide it spreads, and how much notice it gets throughout the Compact. People REALLY like Carnivals, it seems, with Farhaven, Nilanza, Whitehold, Sandreef Point, Oakhaven, Deepwood, Maelstrom, Setarco and more all expanding in an uptick in trade, and massive gains in the prestige of all involved.

Action by Violet for The Lodge of Petrichor

(Public Action, OOC Date: Sept. 23, 2018, 7:58 p.m.)

The Crimson Blades have come to the defense of the Fluffybottom's and the Lodge of Petrichor. It is the least that can be done after what happened earlier in the year. At their head is a determined and fierce Violet. Though she sleeps, her watch is almost constant. Whether on patrols she herself takes with a unit or standing atop the watchtower, spyglass in hand, watching. Waiting. Feeling.

Working with the Chapterhouse of the Fluffybottoms and the King's Own, only those who can push past their incredulity work closely with the animals. Others are set to scouting and keeping a moving scout perimeter of concentric circles. Violet doesn't wish to leave anything to chance.

The ballistae are ready, but one is kept in reserve and capable of moving to reinforce other defenses if needed. Those of the Fluffybottoms who are willing are welcomed to work with the scouts, hopefully extending the hours of watch well into dark and well before dawn. Signal arrows that trail colorful ribbon or give off different screams are with every scout, ready to alert that the enemy is near.

Harlex has been preparing for a long while it seems. His armor, his diamondplated sword, all provisions made toward the singular purpose he has set him to in this crisis--to meet the enemy and drive them back with everything he has and is. Since Violet is present, sending out orders from the command tent and leading patrols, he must only make sure his soldiers in Scarlet Company are keeping with the plan.

He's heard good things about the knightly Fluffybottoms and knows the talents of the King’s Own are up to snuff. So all that's left for him to do is fight.

He'll be joining a patrol unit as well. An intermix of King's Own and Blades, like they discussed at their strategy meeting. (@cal 2227) But the dark-clad mercenary is, above all else, here to fight. Harlex has warred across Arvum and so much of it he regrets. But this is his chance to give back, from all that he's taken.

Thorley has been an unofficial member of the Crimson Blades since the moment he married Violet Marjawn. With the Commandant heading into the field with their child, the knight knows he needs to throw in his lot to assist with the patrols. It also helps to have a Knight that has no attachments to the Blades or King's Own to assist - an extra blade in the field is always a good thing. So once again, the Sword of Westrock Reach is out to bring glory home and protect the precious fluffybottoms. Also, he plans to serve as Violet's personal knight as she needs one.

Being in the division of the Blades that she is, Arianna's job is to protect the Fluffybottoms. She's learned how to do the duties without being invested beyond that, which means, she takes her work very seriously. While some people might have questions it's business as usual for the Corporal. She's equipped well, thankfully, for the task at hand and possesses a wide array of skills which help her be a very vigilant troubleshooter. When it comes to eliminating the threat she prefers to approach things from a more cerebral, calculated approach rather than deal with a head on assault.

This means skirmishing over standing and fighting and making sure that she can communicate with her charges, not enough to wax philosophy but enough to have several contingencies in place as well as secondary and tertiary locations to withdraw and recoup. She's good at moving unobserved and hopes her awareness of the threat can bring her insights moment to moment.

Aiden signed up to specifically help the Fluffybottoms because of his understanding of, well, animals. Birds especially. This is particularly the best fit for him, considering he's also a friend of the Lodge and the Officator of the Menagerie. If he's surrounded by birds the entire time or if anything strange happens with the birds - like if they seem to be swooping down to him as if passing messages or rallying together in a flight or scouting ahead - one can probably look to him for it. He'll support the Crimson Bldes and King's Own by trying to be a go-between, between Fluffybottoms, the Great Bird Empire and well, those who stand for the Compact. Yes, he might get looked at funny for it but it seems totally normal to him to talk to the birds. Though of note, Aiden will put donations earned from the Menagerie Masquerade ball toward the efforts, supplies, and whatever else is needed for this part of the operation to be a success. The man is also a bit of command and scout himself, so he won't balk at leading any or participating in any patrols, not when he has help of fur and feathers! He's totally bringing his Alaricite bow, Starfall.

A corrupted bear, twisted and hungry. Collapsing tunnels among the Burrows. Violet almost dead. Squire Ragnarr Ragamuffin clinging to life - barely. Dead Knights of Petrichor, fluffy and otherwise. A quarter of the Crimson Blades dead. But they are victorious. For now.

Action by Mirk for Cascade Springs

(Public Action, OOC Date: Sept. 10, 2018, 11:01 p.m.)

At his family's urging, Mirk has brokered deals to secure the necessary help to start the project of creating a proper township out of the small settlement growing up around the Great Northern Shrine to Mangata, at the origin of the Grey River in the runoff of the White Peak Mountains (see: Halfshav landmarks at http://play.arxmush.org/topics/org/54/). A month of meetings and promises had gone into the project, before he so much as turned his eyes to the North.

It's a massive undertaking, involving numerous people and resources, but with the flow of support, hopefully it will be the beginning of a prosperous township, called Cascade Springs.

As the first step, Mirk will clear out land around the settlement and secure the site with fortifications. This will also require investment in housing for soldiers and construction crews.

Mirk will be leading the entire project, but he will also oversee the land clearance personally. He will bring in foremen and workers as necessary, but his goal is to organize the residents of the settlement to do as much as possible, and he'll offer them silver and favors to secure their service - this village elder gets a position in the new township, that one places his niece as a House servant, and so on. He will bring in offerings to the spirits for each place where brush must be cleared out or a tree cut down, while consulting with the planners and engineers to insist that nature must be preserved wherever possible. It will be a delicate balancing act, but one Mirk is confident that he can accomplish.

An overview of the rest of the project:
* During the land clearance, Kace will survey likely farmlands, and Draven will harvest and catalogue herbs from the countryside for local apothecaries.
* Construction, overseen by Bethany, of wooden fortifications designed by Vercyn, with Tesha's assistance. They'll begin with a small palisade around the settlement, and expand to include the entirety of the planned township. It'll also include modest housing and other infrastructure needed to support a population of soldiers and workers, such as the beginnings of an expensive chapterhouse for Violet's Crimson Blades.
* Establishment of a military presence in the area under Arik. He and Taldolf will train guards to man the fortifications, while Rowenova will provide scout support to locate potential threats. Violet will lead Crimson Blade mercenaries on patrol to keep Shav tribes away from the settlement, while Harlex leads soldiers on surgical strikes where threats are identified.
* Import deals and support from allied Houses to secure building materials, military stockpiles, and necessary supplies. Sasha and Tesha will provide this support, and Mirk will add his own favors and resources to facilitate their efforts.
* Whispers will spread news of the settlement and its upcoming expansion throughout Halfshav lands, with Juniper as their point of contact. This will draw people - and workers - to the settlement.

Lord Arik Halfshav the Sword of Whitehold supports the township project by seeing to the training of the longterm town guards with Taldolf. The pair of them drill the guards on things to watch for, shav tactics, the way Halfshav expects the law to be handled in the town, and other forms of honor and discipline. Once the guards are trained and their martial skills approved by Arik they are handed off to Scout Rowenova for some field experience during construction.

Marquessa Sasha Sanna answers the Halfshav call for investment in the township project. Not only does she aid with financial favors but she aids in seeing ever silver and favor called due for supplies goes just a little bit further. She has a mine for economics and trade and utilizes it thoroughly to increase the efficacy of the entire project from the clearing of the land to the hiring of labor to the supplying of food and equipment. If there is a ledger Sasha has her hands on it and is ensuring everything is following a common sense approach.

Tesha travels north with the Halfshavs and assists Duke Vercyn on the fortifications. While he handles the overall design of the fortifications, she adds in details such as arrow holes, strategic spots for burning pitch atop the wall, or signaling methods to quickly convey information between the troops. With those added insights and refinements on his design, she conveys the plans to those in charge of the construction and insures that their vision for the fortifications is realized.

Scout Rowenova and Sir Flop (the soulful hound) are prime spotters on the trip North, making sure commanding individuals are swiftly notified about any potential benefits/hazards. Upon finally arriving, these two lead forth those trained guards (from Arik and Taldolf) to scout out hunting grounds and any nearby shav tribes. She draws up detailed reports concerning all the surrounding terrain (good and/or bad) for future roads which will go toward Whitehold (and eastward, too). While staying attentive to Nature's needs, the whole group sustainably fishes/hunts (new stock being given over to Bethany), too. During breaks/camping, she helps out with verbal/written translation for whatever Draven might need to clearly communicate, also making sure he and everyone else is staying safe with survival advice and so on for good health.

Commander Taldolf takes a break from his duties to House Sanna to support House Halfshav's newest expansion efforts. While Lord Arik is taking the lead on training the new longterm guards for the settlement the Sanna Commander is helping keep the women and men being trained in line. Proper motivation and passing along orders from Arik to other trainees to ensure communication is open and well understood by the recruits.

Juniper travels with the Halfshavs up the river. Her purpose is to speak to those they meet along the way, recruiting settlers and workers. Charming to a fault and willing to speak to anyone, she mingles as if born to the area and targets those looking to make a change in their life, or contribute to something greater than they've ever done before. The benefits of the settlement are extolled, as are the merits of the organizers, their foresight and vision. It isn't all just rainbows and unicorn farts-- she's practical and down to earth about the challenges such an enterprise faces, having come from humble origins herself-- but she's an adept at finding ways to balance descriptions of hardship with the good which can come of uprooting to join the settlement. To lend credence to her efforts, she comes armed with letters of introduction and other outside resources provided by Halfshav and their allies, and she will also be deploying 200 of her own social resources as a glamourous (but relatable!) Whisper and common girl made good.

Bethany brings her financial acumen and skill at people-wrangling to act as a steward of personnel for the project. Like a conductor overseeing a grand symphony, she makes sure that supplies and workers get where they need to be when they need to be there, everything runs on schedule, and the construction generally hums along with the brisk efficiency that she expects in all aspects of her work. She brings in assistants from her own family, people who she knows well and knows that they know what they're doing and will get the job done.

Kace will be travelling upriver witht he Halfshavs to look over the land around the burgeoning town. She will be checking soil and grass quality to determine where is best suited for farmlands, where would be the best grazing land for herds, the best spots along the river for fishing, and where to clear out space for a lumber yard as well as a barracks and training yard. In addition, she will be seeking out any potential underground water sources that the city can tap into, as well as any possible hotsprings that may run beneath the city.

Duke Vercyn could hardly miss the expansion of the Great Northern Shrine to Mangata. Not only is he a publicly devout member of the Pantheon but this may be the largest construction effort in Halfshav history and it is under his tenure as Duke with his own nephew doing a fair bit of the work. His primary goal is to use his vast experience as a military commander and war chief to design the fortifications and guard assignments so that they are organized in the optimal fashion with the right width and height to the walls, the correct number of towers, and enough guardsmen for the township and wall. In addition his personal participation is a validation that this is indeed the will of House Halfshav and a new chapter in the growth of the domain underneath his families leadership. Also he names the town: Cascade Springs

After a discussion with Lord Mirk and coordinating with the Commandant's efforts closer to the settlement, Harlex intends to take a group of mercenaries ahead of the caravans set to venture to the settlement. Their goal? Preemptive strikes. Scouting and clearing out ambush raiders/highwaymen that lie in wait for the traveling merchants, workman, and settlers. It's much more effective than waiting for those ambushes to spring, potentially frightening off commerce. While the caravans are protected, he coordinates riding out with his soldiers to take down any impending threats, traveling up and down the routes; eliminating targets and generally being a suppression force against would-be attackers of the caravans should they be shav, brigands, or others. Specifically only those who seek to harm or destabilize the routes of the new settlement. They utilize the tactics inherit to their Company; swift, precise, and deadly when provoked to violence. All in the purpose of making sure those deep pockets aren't scared off from the township by frequent attacks.

In terms of military and protection for the building project, Halfshav has hired the Crimson Blades. Especially since part of the new building of the town will include a new chapter house for the Mercenary Company. So Violet herself spends her time in the area. Working as hard as her soldiers and making sure that the protection of the budding settlement is secure. But more importantly making connections with those who are building it. And those who will probably one day live there, or already do. Building bridges for the future of the Blades.

Scouts are sent out ahead of clearing parties. Making sure there are no dangers, human or otherwise, for the new township. Violet herself goes and patrols the area with her troops. They take great care in their sweeps. Never attacking right away unless absolutely necesarry. However problems -are- dealt with swiftly and with the precision and care the company has been known for. Attacking the problem with tactics rather than just lots of muscle and weapons.

Perhaps much to the dismay to the soldiers he is going with, being allowed to tag along on with the Halfshav party has only left the incredibly energetic Draven even more excited. Quite simply, he can't seem to sit still throughout nearly the entire journey, and the only time he stops talking is when he is sleeping. Everyone in the whole group will have heard about the differences between Things and Stuff at least a hundred times, and none of what Draven says really will make much sense unless translated by someone who knows him well. Then, however, when they get to where he can start his work, they see a whole new person left in his place. When Draven is left to do what he came to, Alchemy and Herbalism, he is entirely dedicated and focused, even if none of the notes he makes in his log make any sense to anyone. He was tasked to help catalog the plantlife in the new township, and to help treat the sick and injuired along the way, which he actually does exceptionally well.

Construction on a new township in Halfshav lands, a place called Cascade Springs, has finally been completed. Under the guidance of Lord Mirk Halfshav, the entirety of the project has been overseen carefully. Princess Kace works hand in hand with Rowenova and her faithful hound to scout the area, selecting the perfect place to build. Marquessa Sasha answers the Halfshav call for investing in the township. Lord Arik supports the project by sending guards he has personally trained to see to its new town defenses, managed and directed by Commander Taldolf.

Duke Vercyn works with the designers to create defenses for the new township, with Lady Tesha assisting him. To add to the defenses, Commander Violet and Harlex Valtyr work to establish a barracks for the Crimson Blades nearby. And Bethany Mercier is established as the steward of this new township, with Draven doing whatever alchemical things a Draven does best. And as Juniper Whisper leads the social scene in talking about all these goings on, it's clear that the township is the talk of the town.

All in all it's a huge success, and the new Cascade Springs is established with care and precision.

Action by Violet for The Best of the Best

(Public Action, OOC Date: July 18, 2018, 4:37 p.m.)

The Crimson Blades have been hired by Marquis Orvyn Harthall to scout the Islands of his demense. This mission is entirely about mapping, scouting, and exploring the isles of Harthall in depth. With a specific eye to finding shav tribes and any pirate problems. In addition Violet will be keeping her eyes open for any old ruins that may be of interest. As she -has- been extensively studying the maps of House Farshaw (Investigation 1274) there is some hope she might find something relevant to the investigation in her scouting efforts.

Diamond Company is being led by Violet herself on this. The idea is to avoid contact if at all possible. To gather information. Numbers, strength, layout of settlements if any, etc. Backing them up are one hundred heavy infantry and one hundred marines, ready to respond to any problems that may arise. Because even though they are trying to avoid conflict, when Pirates and Shav are concerned being attacked is always a possibility.

Orders are to retreat and defend if attacked. If contact is made peacefully, as could potentially happen, there are orders to send for Harthall diplomats or Orvyn himself to discuss their future. Diplomacy offered first, but no quarter given for those who attack.

With the mission set and the exploration of the lands to take place, Orvyn reaches out to those whom have experience in scouting and encountering the natives of the lands. With hired mercenaries, Orvyn will feel more secure that the progress of scouting will be more succinct and effective. Without the need for economical oversight in such an undertaking, Orvyn will instead ply his charming merchant personality in diplomatic relations with those whom are encountered while also encouraging the Crimson Blades to find a way to be as least invasive in their dealings with those whom are encountered.

He will work to spread the word that the Harthall House is a good, fair house to soften the blow that he knows is coming. Where there are questions, he will strive to answer them. Where there is hostility, he will attempt to broker a peace with promises of acceptance. And where there are needy, he will utilize his own resources to show that Harthall can be benevolent when and where it can.

Coming with to aid Diamond Company is Valarian Harrow who is there for one singular purpose - to keep the non-combatants safe. Melody and Orvyn, and to a lesser extent Soren, will find the hulking Harrow at their sides, dressed in crimson armor and diamondplate sword, Righteousness, in hand. If someone should get past the guards or get aggressive during negotiations or medical treatment, Valarian will not hesitate to run them through right then and there.

Harthall Isles is an are that Thorley is familiar with - from his time as a sailor that served in the Westrock Reach Navy and then as helping to break up the pirates that often used the hooded coves and lush lagoons as shelter and bases from which to strike. With his knowledge of the Isles, he's going with Diamond Company not only as an advisor, but to assist with any trouble that they may come across.

His place is near Violet's side, the Sword of Westrock Reach lending legitimacy to the mission that has been set forth. That the Lord of Harthall in turn has the support of the Duke of Westrock Reach and it is his sword that is on this mission.

A mission like this requires a certain ‘worst-case scenario’ mindset. Ordered specifically to retreat and defend in case of an attack, Harlex will coordinate with the heavy infantry and marines to establish a proper beachhead. Should the situation turn violent, he and the others will be prepared to holdout against the brunt of an assault.

Trenches will be dug along with loaded sandbags and sharpened spikes to stifle overwhelming forces or mounted units. Coordinating the mercenaries will be his main focus. Not much a scout himself, Harlex can put his battlefield knowledge toward something more useful.

And should the scouting expedition yield results and they venture deeper into the island, they’ll have a stable command site to coordinate future venture.

Soren is there for a singular purpose, tagging along with Violet and Diamond Company for any medically related problems that might arise. Like someone falling down a ditch or falling out of a tree. To even hostile natives. While his main priority is any potential triage or events that'd require the skill of a physician, which really, he's in charge of the rest of the medics that came along, he is more than capable of laying down fire with his crossbow if he needs to. Or his fists, if they get close. The big medic is here to keep an eye on the boss, and follow whatever she directs him to do. Here's just here to help. Heal or murder, it doesn't make much difference to him.

In the possibility that peaceful contact is made, Melody will be joining the diplomatic resolve; brandishing her silver tongue, charming demeanour, and terribly sweet smile. Perhaps it's true: She'd a prodigal, and she's got a soft heart for other abandoned who are out there. No, not the crazy abandoned who want to do all that weird nonsense -- Just the regular people out there who are afraid.

So with that bleeding heart, an adequate retinue of guards, and when she's /certain/ that they're not the "weird" kind of abandoned, Melody will speak to them. She'll be gentle, warm, and honest. Comparing the life that was, and the life that she currently lives. Coaxing them, tenderly, into considering their future and the certainly scary -- But beautiful changes that come along with it, should they choose to accept.

It's certainly an - interesting campaign into the Harthall Isles. They start by sailing the area, and it seems that over the years the charts that the Harthall sailors have made are remarkably thorough indeed. Their mapmaking is in large part a success as well - they take pains to note where there are shav, and where there are smugglers - strangely some of these places seem abandoned, but it's clear from the type of building and their hasty removes that not only are these temporary sorts of places, but there is the suspicion that someone has warned them ahead of time.

And then there's the legend.

They hear of it first from some friendly tribes who keep them at a distance but seem disinclined to truly fight. "Mind the Shallows," they say, and they don't seem to be speaking of the shallow waters that threaten to tear their ships apart. But when asked what The Shallows are, they just smile infuriatingly and refuse to answer.

But over time, they change their questions and when they find people willing to talk, now they ask about the Shallows, and they gradually get a clearer picture. There's a legend, ancient as the sea itself, of a place where not even pirates will go. It's said that to get there you have to run aground on a particularly fine day, with clear sailing. And if you've chosen just the right spot, and just the right angle of approach, you won't run aground at all, but will find yourself sailing in unknown waters through a sky of green and purpose, with two moons and no sun at all. It's said to be a place of pirates. Where those lost at sea go to sail forever.

That's the legend. But lately there are darker rumors, of stolen treasures hidden beyond the reach of man, and hideous abyssal monsters that guard it. And gradually they pinpoint exactly where this island is, in Harthall territory. And the exact right approach to take to get there.

The question is - do they dare go?

Action by Violet

(Public Action, OOC Date: July 7, 2018, 3:06 p.m.)

Violet has decided now is the time to build and grow the Crimson Blades. Part of her push for this is the Dominus' command and knowing there are Templars and Mercies finding themselves struggling. While not a lot of the faithful may have been displaced with the Dominus' command, Violet is there to offer a play where their faith in the Pantheon and the Spirits won't be questioned.

With having a thousand soldiers that the Blades have, many with families, finding those who are either displaced faith worker or skilled and capable warriors, is likel not hard. Those that she cannot find room for within the Blades she will refer to Princess Gwenna and Lady Khanne Halfshav, as they are working hard via the Northern Development Counsil.

Of course the Crimson Blades are still the elite. So testing is rigorous. Yet Violet recognizes potential in those lacking experience and this campaign to grow the Blades is partly about hope. It is about expanding the Blades, growing their name, and their prestige in the Compact. And of course when one spreads their name, it can often get them more contracts. So more money.

As requested by His Grace Prince Darren, Gwenna will help recruit those from Redrain lands who are skilled and able to join the Crimson Blades, should they feel as though they may, or already have been, displaced by the recent declaration by the Faith. Those who perhaps might have wished to join the Templars or Knight, yet still wish to worship the Spirits openly, and others of similar inclinations. Those who may not fit the roles being sought by the Crimson Blades, of think themselves ready for a mercenary's life, are instead offered positions as house scholars or guards, for example, in Farhaven. Ultimately, those who may question if they may still fit into the Faith are offered options to consider.

Having acted more or less as the Commandant's assistant for some time now, Genevieve will be assisting Violet in whatever ways she can. She'll be handling the organization of the operation in a few ways on a loose basis as and when required: putting out the word of the Blade's recruitment drive, as well as helping to sort potential recruits into placements where their skills will be best utilized. Specifically, however, her efforts will be focused on testing the applicants to assess their skills in archery and wilderness survival skills. She's looking for individuals who would make talented scouts, archers and skirmishers, and so she'll be taking them into both the HQ drilling field as well as into more open (and crown-approved) forested settings to judge their level of competence.

Thorley may not be part of the Crimson Blades, but his relationship with their Commandant is pretty well known. And perhaps she called in a favor from him. Because most evenings, the middle-aged former sailor could be found using one of the Westrock ships in dock to work with a group of sailors in training that Violet has contracted, teaching them the ropes, the ship, the duties, how to survive in the water, and of course.. singing:

What shall we do with a drunken sailor?
What shall we do with a drunken sailor?
What shall we do with a drunken sailor?
Early in the morning?

Way-hay, up she rises
Way-hay, up she rises
Way-hay, up she rises
Early in the morning

Put him in the long boat 'til he's sober
Pull out the bung and wet him all over
Put him in the scuppers with the deck pump on him
Heave him by the leg in a runnin' bowlin'
Tie him to the taffrail when she's yard-arm under...

At the behest of her brother (and Violet's patron), Khanne lends support to the Crimson Blades by encouraging those on Halfshav lands who are capable and lacking recourse to consider life as a mercenary. She would speak highly of the work the Crimson Blades have done. She knows, however, that the mercenary life is not for everyone, and as she is working through the Northlands Development Council to help give direction to those who have recently decided to leave their appointments amongst Faith based organizations, rather than deny their ties to the Spirits, Khanne encourages them to sign up for freelance work in their areas of expertise. She has long worked to provide guidance in the shape of apprenticeships and jobs to people, whether it be those who newly bend knee, refugees, orphans taken in by Halfshav families, and this is no different.

Ever since the Crimson Blades found an entire Company of their people mercilessly slaughtered, it's been incredibly hard for them to recruit. But they've undergone some changes of late - like a new, prominent contract with Redrain most recently. And word has it they're in talks to help protect the Lodge too. There's a lot going on and with the new leadership in place, now Commander Violet sees the proclamation of the Dominus and makes a savvy decision.

With the approval of High Lord Darren, Princess Gwenna and Lady Khanne work with Commander Violet to reach out to some of those who are no longer disciples in the Faith, to make another offer - join the Crimson Blades and find a place again. Find a home.

Genevieve, as Violet's assistant, and Sir Thorley, as another training contact, work hard to show these potential recruits how amazing the Blades are. It doesn't hurt that Genevieve is able to demonstrate some truly impressive archery. If this is the level to which the Blades train their people, then it's no wonder they're hired to provide security in the Redrain ward.

Overall, their ranks swell, and the contracts come in stronger than ever. Richer than ever. The Blades are at last up to full strength and continuing to recruit, and even the supporting folks - those who work to keep the fighters up to full strength - are coming in. The new fighters bring their families and sometimes their friends, and overall it's a good bit of work done for the Blades.

Action by Marian for Gyre Straits

(Public Action, OOC Date: March 3, 2018, 5:24 p.m.)

Princess Marian, Warchief to Redrain, is gathering her military leaders together and setting the following strategy to repel the abyssal fleet that is sailing on House Crovane's Stormwall:

Phase 1: Call on the Spirits (Led by Khanne) - Shamans will pray to the spirits of Wind to blow away the clouds if the 'night walkers' are present or on Wind and Storm to storm on the enemy before they reach shore if they are normal humans (note: see @action 1878 if they make it through the storm, see below)

Phase 2: Stop the Enemy's Landfall and Defend the Beaches (Led by Vercyn & Edain) - Once the enemy is in range, there are 3 prong attack done in 3 rounds to cut down the enemy as they try to get to the beaches? Round 1) Siege Weapons used to fire on ships to try to sink the men before they get to shore (note: burn the weapons if have to give up ground); Round 2) Fire reigns down on the men that try to come ashore on longboats (note: when cavalry engage, archers retreat back to the castle) 3) Cavalry swoop in and cut down the men that make it to the beach

Phrase 3: Defend the Castle (Led by Marian, Mydas & Ainsley) - once the enemy goes through the gauntlet set up on the beaches... Round 1) As men approach the castle, arrows reign down to kill Round 2) If they manage to storm the castle, pike armies try to get them as they scale walls or break down gates; Round 3) Infantry engages if they get through (note: there will be a way out so we can slip into the passes if the castle gets taken; we would like to rig explosives to make Stormwall one big trap if we have to give it up); The Healers (Led by Eilonwy & Reigna) will be based out of the Castle and assist the wounded from those armies that fall back from the Beaches (note: they will be the first to evacuate if the castle is taken)

Phase 4: Retreat through the Passes (Led Sigurd & Armel) - If we can't kill them at Stormwall, then we will led them into the passes and take them there... Round 1) the Infantry triggers the traps; Round 2) Archers reign down arrows on those that survive the traps

Fairhaven Defense: Darren is taking a unit of Infantry and Calvary to Fairhaven that is going to be outside of the main defense of Stormwall.

As Darren figures out how many Redrain soldiers will answer his call of banners, he begins organizing soldiers in to the most efficient army he possibly can. He'll use his knowledge to set up units and align them in Marian's army to give her a good balance of size and clarity of communication. While he won't be going to Stormwall himself (he has no heir yet) he wants to set up the army to have the greatest chance of success and will dedicate his own knowledge and the resources of Redrain to do it.

Sigurd(Siguard?) Nightgold will be leading the forces holding the passes in case of eventual retreat.

Eilonwy is supporting the militia by working with other healers. She's using her experience as a triage healer in several battles to help lead and ensure soldiers are patched up and sent back out to fight in fighting form or sent to infirmaries for more intensive care.

Reigna will be coordinating with the other healers to set up and maintain triage stations within the castle, making use of several units of the now-trained civilian healers that she's called. Relying on the training they've been through in setting up and breaking down triage hospitals, she'll be organizing and coordinating with the other healers, particularly Cybele, Valery and Eilonwy to maintain protocols and ensure the best possible care is given, while being prepared for potential evacuation. Evacuation plans will be laid in case the worst happens, and Reigna plans to ensure there are drills run so that people are as ready as they can be, they know what they need to do if and when the time comes. With those preparations made, she is also going to be using her skills as a healer to aid the wounded.

Marquis Mydas Acheron will command his troops from the castle, with the intention to preserve as many of his soldiers' life as possible, while inflicting as much slaughter upon the invaders as possible. As such, he applies his tactical mind to the task, making plans within plans to make the pirates pay for every inch. Though they may be forced to retreat if the worst might come to pass, Mydas' soldiers will fight their very best, strike hard and ruthlessly, and offer no mercy to the enemies of the Compact, the Gods and the Spirits. All beneath the red.

Ainsley will be bringing with him the Grayson ground troops. These men and women will be set to fortify the castle. He will also be bringing with him a Siege Weapon, which will be set up to help rebel any forces that attempt to siege the castle. He and his men will be set to protect and rebel. Anyone who gets through they'll fight. If it looks like the castle is going to fall, they will start getting the non-combatants and the like out, through escape routes to Sigurd and Armel's troops.

Preston is leading the Templars en masse up North, leaving only a small force of Crownland Templars to guard the capital (Army: Templars on Parade #156) in case the Dominus needs them, or a army of cultists rises up and needs a right good stabbing. The rest, including the newly purchased trebuchet Aion, will be heading to crovane along with a heavy mounted knight contingent of the knights of solace. This is detailed in action #1774 as well as action #1874 in greater detail. The Templars will be offering an alternative to Phase 1, namely prayers to the pantheon and seeking Gloria's assistance to defend the innocent against the wicked, and to hold the honour she has taught us dear. The Templars are bringing gear for more temporary trebuchets as well as their more permanent one, so will be helping in that part of Phase 2, as well as engaging the enemy in what is hoped is a decisive battle. Templars have a deviation then after phase 2. As detailed in action 1774, the Templars will retreat south and should the enemy attack/siege stormwall and the defenders sally out, they will charge into the rear, otherwise as Phase 3 and 4 occur, the Templars will withdraw south to prevent the enemy marching down into the Compact.

Thesarin will be leading the Riven forces in the defense of Stormwall, under the direction of Marian and Ainsley. He'll be paying special attention toward the forests around Stormwall, to bleed the Gyre's forces on the approach (@action 1844), with the plan of falling back to the castle as the army approaches. He'll help coordinate plans, lead troops, and fight in combat himself if need be.

Edain will lead his force of 2000 mounted knights into battle on the beaches of Stormwall, per Marian's battle strategy, but he will be relying on Lord Alban to assist him his strategiest and look to him to help him set his formations.

Edain will be following Marian's strategy and coordinating with Duke Vercyn and Archlector Cassandra to arrange Cavalry strikes on the Pirate Kings Forces as the touch down on the beaches. When it comes time to fall back to the city he will direct his forces to cover the shaman, archers and seige engineers falling back to the city. When it comes time to fall back completely they will fall back and regroup, all the way to where Armel and the Knights of Solace hold the pass. Once regrouped and ready they will try and attack the Priate King's flanks once they are enaged with the walls of Stormwall. They will help Armel defend the pass if it is comprimised after falling back.

See action for #1821 for more details of those assisting Edain.

Acting as infantry in the frontlines of the defense, Echo will hold her ground in Crovane lands with her blade in hand, doing whatever she can to protect the enemy from breaching the first line of defense. Should Stormwall's defenses fail and Echo be forced to fall back, she'll be helping out set off traps.

Knight-Princess Astraea swore a vow that she would see Darren and Donella safely to Farhaven and she intends to do so. She makes her pilgrimages to each of the shrines around the city, leaving her offerings and prayers to each of the Gods. After she believes herself armed with their blessings she will see to her duty. When that task is complete, Astraea takes her sword and shield with the fastest horse before making haste to the frontlines. She will fight to stop the enemy's advance and defend Crovane lands with all the ferocity and might she can muster.

Seymour will be overseeing supply lines and resupply from the safety of somewhere other than Stormwall. Specifics are in action 1782.

Ordered to keep an eye on Giant's Reach's forces and lacking any real commanding talent, Amarantha spends her time volunteering and gathering funds. She sees that the supplies from Sanna go to the correct places and invests her own writs into supporting Redrain's armies.

Agatha will be involved in phase 3 of the plan, the castle defense, where she will lead the pikemen in their attemps to smash and cut down the vanguard of the enemy onslaught attempting to get to the castle at the doors and over the walls. After prayers to the Pantheon and communion with the spirits, armed with a mighty roar and indomitable spirit (and gear), she'll be doing her best to keep the men and women of the pikeline steady so they can help delay the enemy as long as possible before a retreat is necessary.

Tallius will ship out with the other Redrain, lending his bow and his skill as a carpenter in whatever measures they can be of use. He'll help with any building of last minute defenses, and then be present as a fighter in the battle to come.

Valery's smoke bombs are useful again! She will prepare a batch of both her kinds of smoke bombs, the normal ones that just make normal smoke (around 15) and a few red ones, those that itch a lot in the eyes (another 3) and she'll give them to Marian to distribute as she thinks it's best.
She'll also make sure that those from House Redrain going into battle have some ointments and bandages other medicaments they may need to treat the wounds derived from the battle, so they can take some precarious care of them until a healer can reach them.

Cybele is being asked to aid along the healers, so that is what they do - working with Lady Reigna and Eilonwy, guiding the Mercies as best they are able. Primarily working as a surgeon, trying to find the places they can be most effective.

Alban is investing as much military support he can get into shoring up the defenses of Stormwall. The banners have been raised, but he is making last minute personal pleas to try and get more knights, soldiers, archers, and everything else to go to Stormwall to try and stop the Gyre in their tracks!

The Crimson Blades have been hired to do the high risk operations for this theatre under the direct command of Marian, and Tobias intends to do their job well. Blue and Tin Company (100 heavy infantry each) will be fitted for winter gear and light skirmishing, and heavy infantry bodyguarding as necessary. Ruby and Emerald Company (100+ archers/scouts) will be combined for this battle under Colonel Violet. Violet will be in charge of finding Crimson Blade targets, while Tobias will be in overall command of Crimson Blades in this battle, making sure they actually /can/ hit the targets she suggests, and working with the rest of the army commanders to make our job smoother; including discussing all he and his men learned from the Battle of Maelstrom so they don't repeat the same mistakes made there. They've been contracted to be high mobility skirmishers and bodyguards for this one... and Tobias intends to see them through. Tobias will be typically wielding Requiem, his alaricite blade. If they face obvious undead though, Tobias is going to try an rubicund blade, and see if that makes them easier to destroy... or anything with resistance to Requiem, for that matter.

Aiden's part in this act is the Commander of the Grayson Archers (adding military res 50). He's received his orders in the strategy meeting. He will work alongside Mydas to ensure unified command amongst the archers within the castle and upon the walls. Runners are assigned to ensure that messages get to Mydas in case the strategy has to change and the tide of the battle turns differently than what they've planned for. The Grayson Archer forces will be spread out along the walls, covering key points and using murder holes in the lower levels to be more effective when it comes to sharp shooting. The Silver Wings specifically have been told to aim for the heads of their enemies. Longbowmen will be arranged in the courtyard and will upon command of in coming enemies (with range called out and wind accounted for), offer volleys over the wall and into the battle field. There will be a percentage of archers who will always be resting to ensure lower levels of fatigue. He'll make sure that the sub-commanders and captains below him are aware of the strategy. 1) If fog conceals the beach, they'll wait for the order to loose their arrows, are to be taken so to not risk friendly forces. 2) Should the enemy start taking the castle, they will follow the escape routes and prepare to give ground in an organized rout, coming together again at the passages once they escape through the tunnels. 3) No fire arrows.

Aiden does make a speech to his men, lofting up a Cobalt Bow, quick and efficient: "Today we stand against those who would devour our homes and make us slaves to their might. Let them know we will not fear them and that we will fight them. Remain strong, stand firm. There are None Greater. Archers - Make every shot count as it could be the one that matters! Prepare your bows!"

Cirroch will be leading his troops in battle to try and defeat the enemy host. In addition to his own leadership he is adding to the defenses of Stormwall to aid in it’s defense; wooden planks on the beach for archers to hide behind, trenches between the beach and the walls to slow down the enemy host (hopefully with enough spikes in them to make it hurt), and plenty of heavy objects to drop from the walls on anyone trying to scale it.

Violet has been made the Colonel of the combined Ruby/Emerald Company. Violet's job is finding high profile targets for the companies to attack. This is where her preperation of learning the city a few days before the battle will be important, as well as map studying up until that point. They will be using hit and run tactics, bolstering Tin and Cobalt companies as they move through the city. Violet will also be able to keep an eye on the flow of the fight and intends to arrange a way to send vital info to the leadership in the Castle while they are out in the city.

Off to war! Duke Harlan Ashford will be leading the Ashford ground troops with the Compact forces on the way to Stormwall. Once there, he'll turn over command of the ground troops to Ainsley, while he and and his archers will be positioned to assist in raining down arrows upon the invading forces, as well as assisting with the retreat as necessary.

Along with many from the Redrain fealty, Morrighan travels to Stormwall with the family, assigned to Marian. The Redrain Knight will be glued to the Princess's side, acting as guard and protector to the Warchief - where Marian goes, Morrighan follows. She'll join the battle to defend the castle, fighting the fleet once they come on land and make their approach to their location - and she's armed to the teeth. In addition to being clad from head to toe in her exotic leathers, she's bringing with her her rubicund blade, an alaricite weapon, and a Cobalt cutlass.

Olivia is accompanying the Grayson forces under Prince Ainsley as a healer. Presumably she'll be stationed at the castle with the other healers! It's her second battle doing triage etc so everything should be fine, right? She'll bring her assortment of medicines, rare and unusual ingredients and strange flowers just in case.

Genevieve will be in Emerald/Ruby Company of the Crimson Blades. She will be part of the skirmishing, lending her bow and blade to the mission of the Crimson Blades.

At Stormwall, the Compact's soldiers have worked hard to fortify the city. They evacuated as many as possible, they came up with a coherent first plan that didn't last beyond the first engagement with the enemy (as plans never do), and they responded to the insane strategies of what must clearly be a madman directing the troops. And miraculously, it worked - or it seemed to at first. Gradually though, Compact forces were overwhelmed as wave upon wave showed up to press into the city.

And then, seeing what they faced and the numbers that came at them, they put into motion a brave (and possibly insane) plan of their own - they strategically trapped the enemy in the city, and they burned it down around their ears. It was one of those plans that you only put in motion when all other hope is lost. One that has no reason to work. One that only the truly desperate would use - and those who understand that the value of a place is not in its buildings but in its people.

And it succeeded. The enemy died where they stood. Those who fought that day watched the ships retreat and wondered if they would come back - but they knew that the day was theirs. Those who saw the end of the Battle at Stormwall were left to lick their wounds, patch up who they could, and bury the rest. And there were so many to bury.

And yet the Pirate King did not get a toehold in Stormwall. And Redrain lands remain free. A victory, if at a staggering cost.

Action by Tobias for Silence

(Public Action)

The Crimson Blades have been tasked with overseeing fortification/trap/funneling efforts around Arx by the Lord Regent himself. Emerald Company will be assigned to scouting out Catacomb entrances to seal off (100 elite scouts/archers) in cooperation with the Knights of Solace. Meanwhile, Bronze and Copper Company (200 heavy infantry) will direct any House forces interested in helping with the effort, with Tobias Telmar himself directing the effort. The intended goal here is to make it as costly as possible for any force attempting to besiege Arx, instead forcing them to march on Seawatch Gate or take tons of casualties. Iron Company (those inside the city) will remain in Arx to keep the peace.
With order restored in the city, Silas has given Tobias leave to allow the Crimson Blades to be released from guard duty. As such, Tobias will leave a security detail at the Blades outpost, but otherwise pull everyone in Iron Company out of Arx to bolster the numbers for siege preparation work and scouting for tunnels to collapse. If an army approaches ahead of schedule, we will help to defend any civilians caught out of position as we can, without seriously risking suicide, before retreating behind the walls doing as much damage to the approaching army as we can as we go.
Tobias, in addition, wields Requiem, an Alaricite longsword gifted to him. He is not interested in playing hero and chasing after anything that isn't a clear and present danger to military personnel or civilians, however. His first priority is safe withdrawal behind Arx walls if it comes to it.

As a lieutenant in the archer/scouting company, commanding a squad in the Emerald company, Ywaine is assisting in scouting out catacomb entrances with the Knights of Solace. This means sealing off, marking and noting entrances and exists and trying to limit (and funnel) the enemy's ability to move into and out of the catacombs.

Cassius is coordinating between the Knights of Solace and Crimson Blades to assist with their work, with a focus on the Catacombs. Cassius and his men will be helping seal off Catacomb entrances outside the city, and also keeping a close guard over any entrances inside the city. All Knights in Arx, and whichever of the Crimson Blades partake, will also get continued training from Cassius in the ways of slaying Bringers and the other creatures of darkness.

After giving her squad a day or two to rest, Violet and her folks are right back to work. Her troops will be doing a lot of the heavy-lifting when it comes to sealing off those marked entrances, and she'll be coordinating with other LTs to make sure any interior entrances are guarded.

So noted! The attacks will likely be live GM'd, and the contributions of the Crimson Blades will be accounted for whether the players are online or not.