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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rinel comes to the Cathedral, an enormous bundle of objects held in her arms. She is without her cane, and so she moves quite slowly. She unwraps the bundle to reveal twelve simple objects and a second, small bundle of simple wool.

She turns to those present and smiles nervously. Then she turns to the altar and begins to speak. Each time Rinel pronounces her return of a sacrifice, she lays it before the altar. By the end, they will lie in a row, side by side.

“First is the Lady Mangata. To Her I sacrifice this tablet, with which I recorded my trip to the holy spire of Mardomum. I felt Her presence there, while I held this. To Her I return it, with joy for the memory.”

“Second is the Lord Petrichor. To Him I sacrifice this lichen, which I have never studied. When I was first arrived in Arx, I heard rumours of a lichen that grew only in the winter. And, at last, I found it, two years later. But though it still glows, I have new responsibilities--and I have not had the time to do what I could with it. To Him I return it, with regret for my inaction.”

“Third is the Lady Lagoma. To Her I sacrifice this cane, which has let me walk where I could not. I thank Her for the skills of the Physician Cybele, who saved me from death. I thank Her for my convalescence. I thank Her for the stability that only change can provide. To Her I return it, with anticipation for new growth.”

“Fourth is the Lord Vellichor, against Whom I committed sins beyond utterance. To Him I sacrifice this surcoat, the symbol of the Scholars, which I wore in His service. To Him I return it, with shame for my betrayal.”

“Fifth is the Lady Gloria. To Her I sacrifice my spear, forged by the master Felix Meadson, a weapon far beyond anything of which I am worthy. With it I slew two who preyed upon the Faith. To Her I return it, with the honour of my homeland.”

“Sixth is the Lord Jayus. To Him I sacrifice this nail, first of all things that I forged. My mother’s hands guided mine as I poured the iron and struck the blow. Countless nails have I made since, for farrier and cooper, for carpenter and wheelwright--but this one was my first. To Him I return it, with pride for my creations.”

“Seventh is the Lord Limerance. To Him I sacrifice this sketch of me. It was made by… It was made by Wynna Blackwing, whom I loved. I miss her. I will not love like that again. To Him I return it, with… with grief.”

“Eighth is The Sentinel. To Him I sacrifice these maps. They are of the Grey Forest, with predictions of shav’arvani encampments. In my rage I swore to hunt the Abandoned, to do whatever it took to see them wiped from Arvum. I would have seen innocents slaughtered in a fruitless quest for vengeance. I surrender that rage. To the Sentinel I give them, with acceptance of life’s justice.”

There’s a long silence before Rinel begins to speak again. Her voice is hoarse, but grows more clear as the pain recedes once again into the past.

“Ninth is the Lady Gild. To Her I sacrifice this hair-comb, given in charity by a lady far above my station, in response to some small words of consolation. It is a beautiful gift, and often I have worn it. To Her I give it, with desire to see more beauty.”

“Tenth is the Lord Skald. To Him I sacrifice this copy of a journal, in which I railed against the Faith. It was a foolish thing, which has cost me much. Yet I was free to make it because of Him. And it is far better to live a life in which one may make choices that cost much than to live in a prison where one is safe from her own freedom. To Him I give it, with resolution to choose better.”

“Eleventh is the Lady Death. To Her I sacrifice this memorial pendant, made in honour of Driskell Stillwater. He was my mentor. He was my friend. He was a traitor to the Compact and the Faith, corrupted by the Abyss, devoured by a demon. I miss him. To Her I give it, with hope that he may rest safely in Her arms.”

“Twelfth is Aion, Dreamer. To Them I sacrifice this bottle of wine, delivered to me by my former patron, one who once was close and now no longer is. That person rescued me from death, and threatened me with death. He taught me much of the world, and though we no longer are in accord, I thank him for opening my eyes to a truth--that the Dream encompasses all, not merely those we wish it did, and that no matter our personal feelings, we all remain connected in a way that can never truly be severed. To Them I give it, with the understanding that no one is ever truly apart.”

Rinel at last takes a small, woolen bundle. She unwraps it with trembling hands. A simple dagger lies there, and it takes all her will to grasp it with her hand. “To the Thirteenth God, I will not name You. This sacrifice was never mine. You put it into my life to keep but for a brief time, and now I return it by my own hand. To You I give it, with the fear that You will enter my life once more.” And so, with violently trembling hands, the woman places the dagger beside the bottle of wine.

She bows.

“I give to You, the Holy Pantheon, Thirteen Sacrifices for Thirteen Gods. I beg that you look upon your humble servant, wounded though she is, broken though she is, failure though she is, and grant mercy. I beg that you cleanse her of the poison that clouds her soul. I can offer nothing beyond my service, Holy Ones. But no matter what You choose to give me, my service is Yours.”

And then she stands, and watches, and waits.

Vayne attends the ritual with enthusiasm, paying close attention to the objects chosen, as well as the reasons. He even nods his approval at the selection for Tehom, as though he knows the story behind the knife.

Rinel slowly makes her way into the Cathedral. It's a difficult time for Rinel, as it often is - the Scholars are upset with her yet again, after all, and she realizes as she takes a breath here that she is fortunate to be allowed in this place, in this moment. And so on the thirteenth day, in the thirteenth hour, she begins her rite by laying her sacrifices on the great altar.

First to Mangata, a tablet where she recorded her journey to Mardomum and felt the presence of Mangata.. Next to Petrichor, a lichen that grows in the winter but that she has not studied. For a moment, regret flashes across her face but then she doggedly continues.

Each sacrifice to each god she lays down, one by one. She speaks of new growth. Of sins against Lord Vellichor. She speaks to Gloria and of the spear she loves. She speaks of things she created, gifts she has been given. Love and sacrifice. Adventure and knowledge. Rage and charity. Of railing against the Faith, of fond memories of traitorous Driskell. At last, she lays a dagger on the altar, and when she does that, the Great Cathedral starts to shake and tremble.

"How long will you stop up your ears and refuse to listen?" The great voice is not angry - just disappointed. "You are no humble servant. You are too full of pride to listen. To learn. You tear people apart with your incautious words. To Us, you speak gently and humbly. To Our Chosen, you speak pridefully, ignorantly, unkindly. You are proving more trial than solution. Your arrogance has made it impossible for you to walk the path We hoped you would."

There is a pause, a horrible pause that has Rinel's heart sinking. And then the voice speaks again. "You must find a new purpose. Give up all that you hoped to be. Let go, and you may yet find a way forward. Listen more. Learn. Expand your vision. Your way is not the only way."

And then the voice is gone, and the Cathedral stops shaking - was any of it even real? But the offerings laid so carefully on the altar are gone as well, and there are tears on Rinel's cheeks.

The Saikland Blackened Glass area consists of a central thick sheet of solid glass where Baron Eos and his men were incinerated in 1005 while fighting off a group of abandoned who were agents or loyal to Cardia, a dragon causing the damage. The glass extends for a mile in each direction from that central point, growing thinner and becoming shards and splinters toward the perimeter. Plant growth for hundreds of yards from it is stunted, withering, warped and the shore is lined with dead fish, larger sea creatures such as sharks closer to the area of the densest glass. Huge bear tracks, much larger than normal for Saikland were seen and warped oddly behaving bobcats. Dead animals and skeletons were around the outer perimeter. Excursions have collected samples and had analysis done of the glass, animals, etc and shown poisoning and taint. There are concerns for the spreading poison, the poisoned fish in the area, the warped-tainted animals posing potential dangers to the villagers and farmers in the area, risk to Marin'alfar who may venture into the bay and to any ships who fish and eat their catch. This could also have an impact on the economy if ships and trade begins to avoid Saikland. Therefore in the interests of protecting the citizens and economy of Saikland, Lucita has been seeking a means of trying to cleanse, contain, or mitigate the blackened glass effects. She seeks the aid of the faith and of skilled persons to help deal with the animals and the poison and the taint both land and sea side.

Aside from organizing and funding the effort, Lucita plans to attempt to join her voice with the attempts of the faith and others in trying to boost and assist the cleansing efforts.

Sorrel as a spellsinger is going to go with her friend Lucita to join her voice with hers and the attempts of the Faith to assist the cleaning efforts. This is a strong opportunity for her to use her voice against the Abyss and that sort of thing excites her, so she will sing with enthusiasm.

Vayne sets his considerable skills and resources to work for this effort. Not just in researching the possible cures for the tainted stretch of land, but in attempting to provide support and protection in his own special way. So, in addition to putting some time in the Archives, Vayne also begins to bless water to turn it into holy water, and bless mirrors to help keep everyone safe(er) from the Abyssal forces that might step in.

Roran, as Archlector of Lagoma, is going to lend his aid in the cleansing of the tainted land. Since the nature of the glass was supposedly caused by a dragon's fire, likely an atonement rite would not work. So he will attempt a cleansing rite to heal the lands of the taint. If all else fails he will attempt to cleanse the land with fire from a lantern light from Lagoma's Flame.

Nova primarily works with Draven, doing so not only as 'helpful wife who doubles up as lab assistant with a second set of helpful hands' but also doing so as the Safety/Survival expert who ultimately ensures we all have whatever it is that we possibly need to stay alive, who constantly detects potential hazards/threats, and who tracks down tainted creatures upon whom Alchemical dosing can be tested out to hopefully cleanse those poor critters. Should Nova ever spot anything dangerous, she immediately informs Miranda.
Sir Flop also joins with his special booties on all four paws, making sure to help out with threat detection and protectively guards his Bruvir family, too.

For his part, Draven is going to do his upmost to test every known alchemical cleansing combinations he can think of to see if any of them have an affect on reducing the tainting effect in the meat of the dead animals, and in the glass. He does what he can to isolate the tainting effect as well, trying to reduce it down to a singular alchemical component to test with.

Juliana is going for medical support. For everyone concerned be them singers, protectors or support. She will be setting up a triage and working tiredlessly to make sure that those that need medical attention receive it in a timely manner.

Skye is going to use her knowledge in agriculture and infrastructure to figure out natural barriers that could be constructed to keep animals from stumbling upon the area until the cleansing can happen. Introduce flora that naturally cleanses the ground (outside of any abyssal taint) to lessen the damage once the spellsingers are able to remove the abyssal influence. During the different cleansing efforts, she's going to make notes on what works so she can apply it to her own lands that were damaged by dragons.

Olivia will use the power of prayer to help. She will be looking for the most sacred spots in the effected area of the forest and praying to Petrichor, asking him to bring peace to these woods. Hopefully doing this will help push the blight back, or better yet destroy it.

Sanya will travel to the Saikland, to offer her knowledge/abilities as a disciple of Mangata in the cleansing of the tainted shore.

Ian will be going along, as he usually does, with the sole intention of keeping Sorrel (and hopefully everyone else) (and hopefully also himself) alive. He'll work on establishing a perimeter, keep an eye out for trouble, and try to keep anyone from wandering off alone. If there are villagers around who know the area and its dangers better than he does, he'll look for someone he might be able to hire as a paid guide.

Miranda is going to assist in protecting those who will need it. This varies, but a group will be assigned to the spellsingers and others to the various non-combatants, such as Draven and Rowenova, and yet others still. The larger group will go with Miranda and be dispersed as needed. Primarily, her job and those of her infantry will be protection, keeping wild and tainted things, animals, and people from attacking those who are collecting samples or doing other works.

Waldemai intends to support Lady Lucita's action by ensuring she is well-equipped and her party has the best gear available as possible. To that end he is going along to serve as armorsmith, sharpen weapons, and so forth. He can also fight a bit if it comes to that, but he's also got financial resources to throw into the mix if needed.

Leola is good at two things; animals and farming. Here, she helps with both. She knows about land reclamation, and she is more than willing to help examine the taint - and put her methods into practice. She also helps with the animals there - directing them away, trying to help them heal, offering better food and trying to track down the way the taints have ran.

But more, her focus is the damaged land. She pours herself into helping recover it - she is a keen pair of hands in the needed work

Santi's here for operational security. If there are enough guards, he will organize outrider patrols outside of the established perimeter to ensure nothing sneaks up on the group.

Known for her skills in inspiring and bringing people together, organizing large groups and keeping spirits high especially during difficult times, Valencia comes to the aid of her friend without hesitation. With so many people from across the city involved, it helps to have someone who can help bring unity to the group and keep moral high to better facilitate and coordinate efforts in the lead up and during to the excursion. That way everyone can focus on the tasks at hand and be inspired to offer their best.

Salvatore responsible for the Cavalry of the Gemecittan army will take control of his troops and position them to protect the groups afoot. His first priority will be on civilians, and then the participants in the exercise, and lastly animals. His troops spread to provide support to the less mobile contingents and slow any approaching threats to buy them time.

The glass cannot be moved, there is nowhere truly safe to dump it to, so it must be cleansed. This will take time, money, supplies and staff which will require a lot of logistics to carry out. Fortunately these is where Martino can help. He'll help review the plans already undertaken, but also while there help hire the staff required and ensure they are kept well. He'll help organise the supplies being brought in and their safe storage.

A lot of paperwork but, as a trained Minister, something he enjoys as well as having some experience of planning to this degree from his time at Southport.

Rhiannon is there for protection. She is specifically the bodyguard to her cousin, Olivia. She'll take a small handful of Tree Scouts with her, making sure that those involved can do what they need without interruption from man, plant, or animal that might interfere with their work and in their protection. If there is work she and her scouts can do in order to assist Olivia without compromising her protection, they chip in and help where they can.

Petal is going to join this action largely with the intention of helping the land and the plants. She wants to help the plantlife grow. To help cleanse any taint that might be negatively effecting them and to learn more about any negative negative effects.

Domonico will be coming to the aid of Saikland in cleansing the area. He'll be working alongside the Saik military giving them military advice and leadership in their role of protecting those working. The longships in the Malvici Expeditionary Force will be used for transportation of supplies and personale where they need to go around the area.

As Sasha is the Ambassador of the Marin'alfar, she is arranging the negotiations for the cleansing of the waters and checking for mutated and/or tainted water life works. She wants to ensure to all goes as smoothly as humanly and elvenly possible.

Mirk is there as a shaman. He will spend several days in meditation, in hopes of communing with the spirits, and then he begins a rite to call upon the spirits and ask for their guidance and support in cleansing the Blackened Glass.

It's, to put it mildly, a major effort. Valencia's propaganda campaign manages to rouse a lot of public support behind the initiative, with donations and volunteers flooding in. In preparation for their arrival, Vayne blesses holy water to be used in the cleansing rites, Draven works on concoction that should (maybe?) revitalize soil, Skye helps cordon off the area to prevent intrusions by wildlife using natural barriers, Waldemai helps with supplies, Martino with logistics, and Salvatore leads a calvary detachment that makes certain that there's no threat from shavs or wild animals as they work.

The number of guards as well as Salvatore's cavalry act as a big enough deterrant that there's no violence, as Rowenova, Santi, Rhiannon, Miranda and Ian keep their prospective charges safe. As workers get close to the work site of the blackened glass, some complain of headaches or illness, and Juliana is able to treat them effectively, and there's no serious illnesses as a result. As the workers start clearing, Roran begins a cleansing rite, with Sanya assisting with Vayne's blessed holy water sprinkling it over wide patches of the glass, and Mirk leads a shaman cleansing rite to the annoyance by some of the more fervently faithful among the workers.

Work goes slow at first, until Lucita and Sorrel sing. After their song finishes, the next worker that takes a swing with a pick the entire line of glass suddenly shatters, and there's a great cracking sound running down the entire beach as the entire line of glass breaks. After that point, Petal is able to help lead clean up efforts while Sasha sees to no contamination on the shore, and poor Leola is visited by what seems to be a large group of animals with an elk, two deer, a wolverine with a vole on its head, and a particularly indignant badger, and she's seen listening attentively for a long time with a look of exasperation and some overhear her promising to 'take their complaints to management'. Olivia, as she walks by inspecting the area, sees a surprising amount of new growth under the glass (which many expected to be dead), with a new kind of vividly bright green moss that no one can identify. The clean up continues and the beach is cleared of all glass, and Domonico makes certain none is carried off by workers.

The beach has been cleansed.

In the days leading up to the Commoner's Ball, Baroness Skye Blackshore is going to organize a few workshops with the Knights of Solace to teach orphans in the Lowers how to craft their own masquerade ball ensemble. Workshops on masks, formal wear, footwear and jewelry are taught by well-known crafters in Arx. Dancing and ettiquette are taught by well-known courtiers. On the day of the event, a mini version of the ball will be thrown with the orphans at the Empyrean before the real Commoner's Ball.

Josephine is only more than happy to help out and the Velvet Box is closed down for two days leading up to the ball so that the older orphans and youngers ones and quite frankly even other commoners, can learn to make some jewelry, their own masks or any other adornment they may want. Paste gems, semiprecious gems and even the tiny chips leftover from the cutting of gems are used to gashion necklaces, simple tiara's, you name it. Someone's sparkle might have the tiniest bit of epiphanite or dusk/dawnstone in it. Who knows. But she sets aside stock after haggling at the market and an abundance of Saik glass is used as well. She'll ensure that every child has something sparkly or dashing to wear.

Petal will join this operation and will set up a work-shop helping to teach orphans how to sew. She will also help by getting together simple costumes for those of the lowers who don't have such. She will put in 10k silver to provide her own supplies for this, which will be wool, linen and felt to help make the costumes with. She will design the clothing she makes in such way that the dresses, tops, shoes and cloaks can be reworn as normal clothing after the ball.

Thesbe will be assisting Skye by teaching commoner's children how to sew, and helping them make simple costumes and masks, using her tailor skill.

Dycard is one of those teaching dancing and etiquette. The formal dances learned at his mother's knee can be made into games about footwork and clapping and spinning 'til you're dizzy, while the intricacies of bowing and curtseying don't have to be taken seriously.

Vayne throws a lot of Shrine resources into this. He gets mirrormask nobles to lend their aid in helping educate the youngsters, for one, and even to lend their staff for the night of the Ball, to help each and every child look their very best. And Vayne is there, too. While etiquette is not his thing to teach, Vayne is a very enthusiastic dance partner or go-fer, or butler, or really whatever else is needed. He's also a cheerleader, encouraging the children to be their best, look their best, and have a blast doing it. It would appear that, even if he's not technically the most skilled, he's at least trying for most enthusiastic.

In the days leading up to the Commoner's Ball, Baroness Skye Blackshore organizes a few workshops with the Knights of Solace to teach orphans in the Lowers how to craft their own masquerade ball ensemble. Workshops on masks, formal wear, footwear and jewelry are taught by well-known crafters in Arx. Dancing and ettiquette are taught by well-known courtiers. On the day of the event, a mini version of the ball will be thrown with the orphans at the Empyrean before the real Commoner's Ball. Mistress Josphine, Mistress Petal, and Mistress Thesbe help, with Archlector Vayne and Lord Dycard helping teach the children everything they need. It's a mixed benefit too - teaching them useful skills for later in life, and preparing them for a Children's Ball. Everyone loves the result, and the children are thrilled. Joy abounds!

With her recent marriage to Lord Valdemar Grimhall creating such a scandal in its wake, Vanora is determined to do all she can to ensure that the newly forged bonds between Pravus and Grimhall remain strong. As such, she and her new husband are making pilgramage to all of the Shrines within Arx as well as the Great Cathedral. They offer up specific vows to each of the gods, and a sizable donation in the form of 100k silver to the temple of Limerance in particular, set aside for educating the masses on the importance of vows and subsidizing costs for those who wish to travel through Arvum spreading Limerance's message. (100k silver, 150 social res, 150 economic res)

They also spend a good deal of time writing letters to the common citizens and the peerage of Grihem's Point and surrounding Grimhall territories. These come from Valdemar directly, sealed with the official seal of House Grimhall. A few even come from Duke Harald himself. All express to their recipients this new marriage, despite the scandal attached, occurred with Duke Harald's blessing. They cite how hard Vanora worked for Kennex and Stormward and express confidence that the skills she employed in working for Stormward will be utilized for Grimhall to the House's benefit. (They do not expressly refer to her role in the abolishment of thralldom, but do mention that work she does for Grimhall will be in service to Grimhall, in the hopes of calming any citizens who might be concerned that she will attempt to bring the 'progress' of other Islander houses into Grihem's Point) (150 social res)

Lastly Vanora again reaches out to Orazio's Sentinels (Though Orazio keeps insisting they should not call themselves that, not even Vanora has had any success in persuading them otherwise) In that letter Vanora explains that though she is no longer Marquessa of Kennex she has not forgotten them or the promises that she made, and that the construction of a new temple to the Pantheon in Stormward will remain as scheduled, funded jointly by herself and Marquis Kennex. (100 social res)

Harald will focus on communicating with Grimhall and the vassals and citizens of Grihem's Point. His letters will be strongly worded declarations that the match between Vanora and Valdemar was his desire and that it was best for Grimhall. The implication will be clear...Lady Vanora is a Grimhall and he expects her to be treated as such, and deriding the match and questioning his judgment would be unwise.

Valdemar will write the letters that Vanora mentioned, to the nobility and commoners of Grihem's Point, emphasizing the loyalty and hard work she gave house Grimhall and the people it governs well before she was even divorced, assuring them that her skills will be used to further their cause, and that the match was not a reckless love match but a wish of Duke Harald's and supported by Duchess Belladonna, and comes with a strong alliance between these houses on which the marriage now rides. That he understands that broken oaths are an offense to the Gods but reassures that the appropriate efforts are being made to atone, and that the contract formalizing the marriage is ironclad.

In addition, he will be joining Vanora as she visits the shrines, showing his own contrition for the scandal that has taken place, and helping to deliver the donation from house Grimhall and the personal funds of both himself and his wife.

Lady Carita Darkwater has been asked to provide assistance in this matter by her friend, Lady Vanora Grimhall, and so she steps in to aid. Not within her role as Darkwater's Voice, no, but within her scope of influence as a former Whisper and expertly trained courtier in diplomatic matters.

Where Vanora and Valdemar are, Carita follows.

The quiet murmur when the Lady and Lord Grimhall are the clarion presence and sincere voice that passes to assure the citizens and the peerage - she is the one that emphasizes those assurances, soothes worries, and makes sure to speak highly of those that have employed her service.

Vayne works to reassure his fellow members of the Faith that Vanora has been a loyal servant of the Shrine of the Thirteenth, and has acted with integrity and selflessness during the time he's known her. He has lists of examples of her hard work and diligence. He also reassures people that the Faith takes Oathbreaking seriously, even if it is for a good reason, and points to the donations being made in Limerance's honour as examples of Vanora's sense that this is not done frivolously.

In the wake of the controversy surrounding the marriage of Valdemar and Vanora Grimhall, the couple and their supporters take action.

First, they show their reverence to the Gods, visiting shrines and making offerings and prayers. Lady Vanora reaches out to Orazio's Sentinels (who seem to refuse being called anything else despite his injunction) and reminds them that she has not forgotten her promise, and that a shrine to the Pantheon will be built in Stormward. Apparently her ties to Marquis Ford remain strong, as she indicates that Kennex and Grimhall will be working together on the establishment thereof.

Lord Valdemar and Duke Harald are not sitting idly by either. They reach out to their vassals, to the notables among their lands, and even to some of the common citizens. Vanora, they say, will be working directly for Grimhall and to Grimhall purposes. The implication here is that she isn't instituting a platform of reform, not among these traditionalists.

Lady Carita Darkwater throws her support behind the new couple as well, quietly adding her voice and reassurance to the people that this is a strong marriage meant to last, and that they're working to the benefit of Grimhall. And Archlector Vayne also adds his voice, pointing to the donations in Limerance's honor made to the shrines, and reminding people of Lady Vanora's reverence for the Pantheon.

They work hard to soothe potentially ruffled feathers, and it works fairly well. Oh, Vanora still gets some side-eye, but overall their vassals are mollified.

In the tallest tower of Setarco, the Choir will be using their voices as a counterbalance to as much abyssal interference as possible.

Ian, at the head of his new special forces unit, will be keeping anything from getting to the Singers so that they can keep doing their thing for as long as possible. He'll have archers on the stairs that lead to the tower with compound bows and heavy broadhead arrows, with instructions to shoot steadily and fall back if anyone tries to get up the stairs, aiming for the head as much as possible. Once they get to the top of the stairs, there will be a heavy door that can be barred and barricaded. Pikemen will keep anything trying to climb the walls from getting in through the windows. If enemy forces do get into the room, the men will form a circle of interlocking tower shields around the Singers, with a row of men with halberds behind them, and we'll use that formation to hold out for as long as we have to. If what we face are "zealots" (zombies), the men have instructions to focus on bashing in or cutting off heads.

Ian will be enlisting the help of the Faith intercede with the Gods and try to protect the Choir from more direct magical interference. While not present, their contributions will be key to defending against assaults that can't be held back with a shield or beaten back with a blade.

Sorrel is very focused on fighting the abyss in particular using song. She will wear her rubicund armor and bring her rubicund sword with her, but being the Bladesong, she intends to use her voice as her blade. One of her primary focuses in singing will be to attack any cloud cover, particularly that which seems unnatural. Another primary focus of hers will be to improve morale among the troops, since that's, to her knowledge, her great talent. Furthermore, since it's supposedly abyssal magic that will be dampening and/or destroying morale, it's completely her aim to conteract that with a little help from her friends.

Sorrel will be bringing a variety of songbooks with her, and in particular, religious songs both that she's written and that others have written. Furthermore, she'll also focus on getting the battle hymn sung. Her musical selections will be as anti-abyss as they come!

Lucita, from past actions singing with Tikva and Sorrel, thinks she apparently linked the singers together somehow, and knows she strengthened their songs and extended the distance they reach. She has been studying at the Academy and praying in various shrines daily in the hopes she will be able to do this well and contribute to the songs they sing to prevent madness, sustain morale, and enable the compact ground forces and fleet to have an improved chance against what they face. Thus she will sing wholeheartedly with the choir when fleet and ground forces battle the foe.

Blessings, Sygils, prayers, and holy water- whatever she can do to provide both spiritual and psychological protection for Ian's mission is given. She bathed the tokens in the sacred pools and prays over them, anointing them in incense . She provides blessed bottles of rose water. Whatever might help because Beseeching is mysterious and vague.

Vayne blesses all the mirrors involved in this effort. Big and small, the whole lot of them. No one needs a mirrorborn sneaking through and replacing/murdering anyone.

Wylla has received songs to be blessed from Lucita and, presumably others. She offers the blessings of Jayus upon them, in hopes that the creativity from Jayus will help find the right wording to help hold the singers' focus and emotions on their goals. May their voices be strong and true for what must be sung and last through the length of the battle.

Victoria is carrying a flame from the Eternal Flame to the lighthouse of Setarco, as she is already making her way via the Setarco naval forces. (action 1858, 1841).

From Setarco the lull is interrupted by the approach by a huge monster, tentacled with blue-black, leathery skin. And so many eyes and so very many sharp teeth. They seemed to be seeking out the Choir of Sorrel, Tikva, and Luctia who sing from the Tower but, guarded by Lord Ian Kennex and watched over by Archlector Madeleine, the monsters could not find their prey. And as they struggled to defend the Choir the group tasked with monster hunting by Prince-Consort Talen arrived - Shard, Theron, Corban, Serafine, Adalyn, Leta, Elyse, and Regla - along with a man in a skull mask saved the day, sending the algae-covered monster, and then the tentacle monster it birthed, and then the monster vomited forth along with a stone tablet. The monsters seemed thoroughly interested in killing the Choir, but they were prevented and so the small team carried the day. For now, Setarco lapses into quiet once more - but an uneasy sort of peace, and the sneaking suspicion that there are more than just ships heading their way.