Thirteen lit candles with thirteen objects before each surround Jaenelle as she kneels on the floor. Completely at peace, yes closed with a soft smile, she meditates before the ritual begins.

Her eyes open, and she begins, "it took me a long time to search within myself and those around me to find what I desire most for the world. In the end, I thought of my child and what I wish for them, as they will inherit not only what I wish but what we all in turn wish for. I can only hope what we've left for them is better than what we've been given."

"Love," Jaenelle states the first word, reaching for the scroll associated with it. On the paper are the vows she wrote for her wedding to Mydas. "Love for yourself. Those you surround yourself with. Those you have not met yet."

"Understanding," comes next, and burned at the second candle is a building blueprint for the Nox'alfar Embassy. "Sometimes you may not understand every action done by another, every reaction, but it is important to try."

"Traditions," a small wooden Thraxian toy ship is brought to it's candle, "and the power to embrace change when the tides do."

"Passion," a quill is held over the flame, ink mingling with the melted wax. "Whether the passions of the imagination, the arts, adventure, or personal advancement, each person should always follow what they are passionate about."

"Compassion." A piece of paper, clearly a copy of a page of an official document with names listed down the page. "These names are a handful of the refugees which came to Arx from Stormward. It is important to have compassion for those in need, for you never know when it will be you who requires aide next."

"Patience," a silk rose is burned in the tenth candle. "Patience, reasoning, logic. These are not a weakness when it comes to considering important decisions."

"Security," a chip of a boulder and the crushed dust of the rock is brought above the candle, the flame flickering, "this is a piece of the walls surrounding Arx that I took when parts of it were destroyed and rebuilt. May Arx's wall and those defending the city remain steadfast and strong."

"Loyalty," a ribbon of purple silk embroidered with a fox, "a favor I had made. Loyalty is a two way street, without showing it to others you can never expect it to be shown to you."

"Fortitude," a piece of leather. "This came from the grip of a sword won by Talen during the They Shall Rise competition. We shall always rise above pain or adversity."

"Honesty, and the ability to find you are free to be without judgement," Jaenelle says, and with this she burns a silken veil of green.

"Generosity," a key is placed within the appropriate flame, "the bedroom I lived in when I first became a Velenosa was the Generosity room. It was more than a simple name, but a virtue I embrace with every interaction whether that be stranger or friend."

"Freedom," another scroll, rolled up and burnt. This one a marriage contract, though nothing beyond that can be seen. "Freedom can mean many things to many people. From the Thralls of Thrax, the slaves within other Kingdoms, to the less extreme, freedom is needed by all."

"Prosperity, like the others can mean more than one thing to more than one person," she lifts the final object to the final flame, a handful of leaves pulled from the creeping vines found on the Velenosa grounds. "Comfort. Growth. Innovation. The ability to move forward."

Mydas is present, a silent figure as he watches his wife's ritual, listening, watching, and more importantly, remembering. Witness to Jaenelle's ritual.

HOLY MACKEREL WE'RE LEARNING MAGIC. Jeffeth is definitely calm. HE'S CALM. He definitely is not hyperventilating or making a scene. That is not happening. It might be happening a little. Jeffeth is FOCUSED like no other. Probably too focused, drawing pictures of exactly how Jaenelle's standing, what she's wearing, when she pauses to take a breath. Someone should probably let him know that he doesn't have to wear the same dress Jaenelle is wearing. Jeffeth is so hype, but he's also trying to be a very good student. It's probably like watching a hyper-energetic golden retriever puppy in its first week of obedience training. Trying so hard, but... MAGIC!!! Also. Everyone here gets a hug. Jaenelle probably gets ten.

Like her brother, Eleyna watches and listens carefully, her pale blue eyes riveted on Jaenelle as she goes through the steps of the ritual.

Talen's presence is one that's abnormally silent for the majority of that ritual. There might be even one of those rare smiles when Jaenelle mentions the sword he gave her after the competition he fought years ago. He's there physically, in spirit, or whatever-- in support. Witnessing that offering, that ritual, as it was meant to be.

Calista is present to observe Jaenelle's ritual. She watches quietly and becomes still like a placid lake. Each step committed to memory.

Sudara is observing with the kind of quiet intensity that suggests she is also doing her best to commit the whole thing to memory, though her expression is gentle - almost yearning.

It all starts so well. People gather, some quietly, others with barely-contained excitement (looking at you, Jeffeth). But they settle quickly, calmed by the assurance Jaenelle brings to the moment. She is at peace, and that peace fills the room as she softly begins. In the thirteenth hour, on the thirteenth day, she casts her ritual to cleanse the primum and she begins with words of hope.

"I can only hope what we've left for them is better than what we've been given."

She starts with love, offering a page of her wedding vows. But in counterpoint, a man's voice whispers, "We stood witness, though you saw us not."

Understanding, and now a woman's voice whispers. "Forgive us. We could not stay."

Traditions, and there is a harsh voice, rough and scarred that adds, "Set your sights on the horizon, sail where you will. Tears in our wake, never at our wake."

And so it goes. Each emotion she mentions, and a soft voice whispers a counter, though no one in the room with them speaks save for Jaenelle herself. Until the end of the ritual, and then suddenly everyone in the room is filled with that same peace Jaenelle exudes. That same sense of self, the poise and the calm and the purpose. Even Jeffeth settles now, and as the ritual finishes, they all breathe a little lighter now. And that serenity stays with them, and takes several days to fade.

Having been granted leave by Hadrian and Cambria to form a new vassal house -- though, without reliance on House Mazetti resources, Giulio is going to begin the work towards finding a shav tribe that would be amenable to joining the Compact. As part of this, Giulio intends to cement the new alliance with bonds of blood, and will offer to marry one of the 'noble' members of the tribe, who is of marriageable age, healthy body and hale of mind and spirit.

This endeavor will likely take some time, and will be focused in the Lyceum. To Giulio's benefit, he does speak the tongue of the Lycene shav and is going into this with the understanding that not all of the tribes are alike. He is particularly looking for a tribe that is likely to have the least difficulties with melding itself into the Compact. Additionally, he will attempt to shy away from tribes that seem to be engaged in shadowy worship.

As of late, the Archduchess of Lenosia has been personally attending whenever her vassals (or vassals of vassals) interact with the Shav'Arvani, especially when they are trying to convince them to bend the knee and join the Compact. The Grand Duchess makes a point to display the wealth and strength of the Lyceum in her person, something that potentially speaks even more loudly than the words she says.

Mydas does not speak the language of shavs, yet this barrier won't stop him from appliying his intellect in preparing messages of propaganda to put Giulio's efforts under the best light, to be translated by those able to speak the language. He does not take a center role, and indeed much to his habit, his influence is felt rather than seen. Distant aid, yet no lesser for it.

Iseulet helps Giulio with the diplomatic side of this effort and while she doesn't speak the language but she has a good mind for negotiation and a silver tongue to boot. Whenever able, she definitely pulls her weight with words in his favor, too. Not only with the tribe themselves but with the rest of the Compact trying to avoid any political messes and thumbing of noses from the Peerage as best as she can.

Elgana has never been to the Lyceum but what a better time than the present to change that! Sure, she doesn't know the land itself, but she has made a great many friends who are part of the Lyceum since coming to Arx and has learned a great deal from them about their home, their culture. And since it is now one of those friends who has called upon her to assist, assist she shall. She will accompany Giulio but stay largely out of the way of any fighting - no fighting for this Redrain! - and instead she will speak with the people and talk both Lord Giulio /and/ the Compact up. What can this man do for them? What can the Compact do for them? She'll be certain to help him give the right answers and look friendly, charming and approachable while he is giving them. She will be on her most charming behavior for if there is one thing this Bear Princess knows, its people.

As Mydas makes his influence felt from afar, Duarte takes that campaign to the lyceum directs and manages the day-to-day of the diplomatic efforts following along the generalized positions and outline set. He is receiving the debriefs from the field and planning the next diplomatic maneuvers in either continuing negotiations where appropriate, or moving on entirely; helping to isolate the most advantageous arrangements and leveraging political capital. He is essentially managing the activity and actions of the legation.

Mirari does not speak the shav language, but she can climb over the language barrier to speak passionately about Guilio and his drive and abilities. She will find people in small groups, speak to them as the Sword of Lenosia, telling them how much better life could be under good leadership.

Grazia is remarkably good at getting people to believe that what she's saying is in their best interests and even happens to be their own excellent idea. She's going to help Giulio for her own reasons, as a favor, but she'll certainly work to build him up as a paragon of Compact leadership as well as presenting Compact membership as an extremely appealing idea. She's got a commanding presence to her and she knows the Lyceum well, even if she doesn't know this particular group of shavs, and she'll make a point of lucrative alliances both in and out of their fealty chain. It's obviously pragmatic for them to form a County, for the wealth and well-being of all, especially since they'll have powerful allies.

In support of Giulio, Talen will be attending the Archduchess during her address on the Mazetti lord's behalf, complimenting the speech with a demonstration of military prowess. Velenosan infantry in full plate armour with war hounds to accompany them, fully barded heavy cavalry churning up the turf as knights ride, and destructive power of a siege weapon will be all shown as a core reason why the Shav'arvani-- unless they side with the Abyss-- are powerless against the forces of evil. It is a show meant to pair itself with Eleyna's speech in not threatening the Shav'arvani, but rather imploring them to take the protection of the Compact, so that they do not need to become the puppets of the Abyss.

Of course, it also works well as a cover for having an actual army there, just in case bad shit does go down.

House Corvini is in many ways a perfect fit, really. They aren't warlike, they were a respected house of the Compact before the Crownbreaker Wars and vague memory of them remain, they aren't shamanistic. The propaganda efforts, and particularly House Velenosa getting behind this and pushing, are largely successful mostly since the Corvinis are far more acceptable by comparison to the recent Redrain houses of wild shavs, or for the Volkovs closer to home. So critically, while the diehard traditionalists will always resent -anyone- being ennobled, even there it could be argued it's just a restoration of their deserving station and Giulio was a respected noble being granted his own holding, which is unexceptionable. Of course, some truly just hate Abandoned regardless, and there will be a lingering degree of disttrust and hate directed at Corvini, but far less than at some of the others.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In recognition of the technological advancement now available to the Compact as a whole regarding the Lenosian-class caravels, the King and his Council has provided partial funds in addition to House Velenosa, so that the Rites of Protection against Fable may be performed. Talen is going to operate under the orders of his wife and liege, Eleyna Velenosa, with his protege Driskell. Together they'll combine their occult and theological understanding to perform the rite so as to protect the knowledge of making ocean-faring vessals for the people of the Compact.

Driskell will be assisting Talen and Eleyna with the Rites of Protection against Fable utilizing his experience and skills in the occult and religion, focusing his abilities with the desired outcome of the Lenosian-class caraval ship designs are protected and not lost.

Isolde will join in performing the rite, putting to use her strength of spirit and knowledge of both the occult and theology.

The small group gets together and settles in. This is a serious moment, to protect something that has taken so many resources and so much time. And so they focus and prepare and, not without a small bit of trepidation, they begin. It starts well - indeed they are all in tune with each other, and much as it has happened before this rite is comfortable, familiar. There is that heady sense of joy in doing something important, in protecting something for the good of everyone.

And then something seems to go wrong. They struggle to hold concentration as Driskell cries out. Indeed, even as they hold their focus his hand is burning, burning as though he is holding a hammer made of metal, heated white hot. As though he is building one of these caravels himself, but doing so with tools that burn. Is that the scent of burning flesh? Can they hold on?

Driskell does - and so do they all. The rite finishes on a triumphant note, and the plans are protected. But seared into his palms are the shape of the handle of a hammer, and it takes a long time to heal.

Under the orders of his wife and liege and at the behest of the Duchess General Calypso, Talen is taking a few choice agents out to acquire information about the clans acting under the Eater of Stories' command. Any information about the numbers, locations, composition of the army and how fast they're moving is extremely important in advance of any furthers decisions that will be made to wage war in the coming months. Any additional information that can be gleaned about the Shadowspeakers and their Shadowhunters is secondary but still very much of interest.

The overall plan is to scout out fringe towns and villages in as discrete a manner as possible, utilising the different skills of the various agents brought along for the ride. Talen's the primary interrogator (if there's anyone seems worth it to snatch and torture that the others can kidnap) and part of the heavy cavalry in case anything goes wrong and needs a sword swinging to rescue the others.

When the group moves into a town Costas, wearing mundane street leathers and wielding an equally mundane cutlass (items in my possession) will look for opportunities to display his skill with a blade: find a fighting ring, training center, provoke some local troublemakers, etc. The aim is to catch the eye of recruiters from the traitor army looking to hire talented sell-swords. If he gets any bites, Talen will make the call about trailing them or capturing them for interrogation.

While the sneakier members of the team are out scouting and getting into fights, Stefano will stay with Talen. Laying low, only heading into action if they're needed to assist the others in case something goes wrong.

Being as discreet as possible, Acacia will listen for word on the street and use her talents to gather information to support the goal of the mission and its agents, including but not limited to where any money might be flowing into the area and where it might be coming from; who is hiring sellswords (to rise up against the Southport soldiers) and any news on anyone who might know anything about an Abandoned clan who is amassing his soldiers to fight the Malvici family. Any logistical info about the army that can be culled will be noted and reported as will any talk about Shadowspeakers or Shadowhunters. Any targets for further interrogation will noted and scouted, and then be reported to Talen. As required, she will assist other members of the team, otherwise, her work is to be her charming streetwise self as she gathers info without endangering the mission in anyway. Prior to her departure, she will see to her own personal business just in case she is detained, permanently or otherwise.

Fiora will be shadowing as many members of the group as she can from afar. Constantly in the shadows, blending in with the crowd, watching out for ambushes or anything suspicious, such as people following her group mates.

Archduke-Consort Talen Velenosa takes the time to pull together a scouting team and heads out of Southport to try to get some idea of rough numbers facing them. He handpicks a set of scouts - Costas, Stefano, Acacia, and Fiora go with him. Combing the alleyways and bars and dives, then heading out of town to try to find more information, they come back with grim tidings.

It looks like the Shadowspeakers and their pet Shadowhunters have instilled many of the shav in the area with terror. Worse than that, their army is at least the equivalent of what Southport can muster, even now. Even worse still - they're well-armed, probably thanks to the money stolen from the Malvici treasury. And whatever they're planning is big - big, and there is little discussion among them of what might happen if they lose. No, they have thrown their lot in with the Eater of Stories, and they know it is succeed or be devoured.

But not all of the shav are privvy to this plot - not all of them are fanatics. No, beyond the Shadowspeakers are other shav tribes still, and these now are undecided about Southport and the Compact. Some of them are well armed and armored, but Shadowspeakers do not walk among them, and it's harder to tell where their allegiance lies.

It's hard news they come back with indeed.

The Liberators of Skald have promised aid to all freed thralls: relocation if they wish it to any demense of the Compact, room and board within the housing of the Faith, and assistance finding work or training for it until they have found their feet.

The Liberators of Skald were not expecting twenty thousand people to need this aid at once.

And so Aleksei has reached out to -- pretty much everyone. All the noble houses. Merchant fleets. Friends who have maybe one ship! Basically he's organizing a mass effort to make contact with the newly-freed thralls in Stormward and either get them resituated in Stormward or give them transport elsewhere in the Compact that they may want to go. All of this is stuff he's already set up, but he's having to haul in major support to try and do it on a much larger scale than he was anticipating.

Aleksei will endure the terrors of seasickness to travel to Stormward personally to oversee the efforts of the Liberators and do his best to keep matters calm where possible and work as efficiently as he can.

For those generous enough to offer ships for transport, Aleksei will make sure each ship will have some sort of representative of the Faith on board to help keep an eye on things and discourage any untoward actions in regards to the freed thralls.

Indeed, the Valorous Few are Being Helpful! Since Victus so kindly invited people, Audric (and Shard, and probably a handful of the friendlier types) are heading up with the Liberators. First and foremost will be offering the fabulous life of a sellsword, to any who wish to join up! Money, plunder, see the world, get to kill people fairly frequently, there's nothing but upside, really. Oh, and I guess if there's any room left over they'll help transport some people.

After speaking with Aleksei, the Few have agreed to find space on the ships they're using both for his Faith representatives and his freed Thralls. In fact, Shard's stated her intent to pack everyone in as tightly as possible for the journey, comfort be damned so long as the crew can still function, so between that and Audric's hope to annoy the ears off of the poor priest who gets stuck on his boat, it probably won't be a very pleasant series of trips at all, but at least there will be more people getting to where they need to go.

In addition to this, Shard will be putting in a few words--or many words--or some not so gentle nudges--and maybe some heavy coin--to some people she knows who know some people who know some other people about extra boats and ships for the sole use of Aleksei's cause for the duration. Just don't look too hard at these boats or ask where they came from. They don't take kindly to questions.

Killian is dispatching ships from the Ashford navy to assist with the evacuation of freed thralls, per Aleksei's request. The ships will be providing transport, and staying together with one another, their orders to guardian one another and transport their passengers safely to the appointed destination.

Nicia has agreed to aid Aleksei and the Liberators in their task of helping to resettle the freed thralls, as such she has decided that one galley, and three longships from the Laurent military should be sent to help resettle the freed thralls. Allowing them to choose where they wanted to go, the help is not dependent on them coming to Laurent lands, although she will also make a point of stating that Laurent is willing to accept the resettlement of thralls in their lands.

Belladonna is putting Pravus's fleet at the Liberators' disposal for this. They are fresh and probably antsy for something to do. A skeleton force will be held back to patrol Setarco's borders as they have been, and a scout vessel or two are kept standing by in case the fleet has to be recalled swiftly (plus the ship kept in Arx!), but otherwise they can have use of the fleet as per the terms laid out by Aleksei. They are placed under Alrec's command, and Alrec is directed to report to the Faith on this one (using his judgment). Members of the Faith are most certainly allowed to be on every ship.

As well, she has put forth to both Aleksei and Bianca that those particularly suited for the role of a courtesan and interested in doing so, she will pay for their tuition to and support during the attendance of one of the courtesan schools in Setarco. And! Pioneering spirits that she might be able to interest in Luciva, they are being accepted that way too.

Boots on ground in Stormward while ships are there and have access to people (likely very briefly, but still), they are directed to aid in calming the populace, and provided talking points to do so by Belladonna.

Ford will be kept in the loop by her men as a matter of course throughout the entire mission.

Thena has agreed to assist Aleksei by providing as many Solace agents as can be spared to represent the Faith on ships transporting and resettling freed thralls. Since these agents are already out in the field acting as protectors to travellers and pilgrims, and have a presence long established in the Mourning Isles, shuffling things around shouldn't be too difficult. In addition, Thena is slated to send aid to the Mourning Isles for the Darkwater exploration and should be able to combine these efforts.

Thena is also dispatching a newly commissioned galley to help with transport. The galley will be crewed by freed thralls.

The Knights of Solace will accept freed thralls who wish to work either as soldiers or support staff and pay them a living wage for their services. They need not take vows, though should any wish to follow that path, instruction will be arranged.

Aleksei has asked for support to guard the ships, and knowing that the Knights of Solace will be focusing on supporting the Thralls this means the Templars only need worry about protecting the ships and ensuring that the ships are not mobbed when they land. Accordingly, Preston is making available Templars from the Arx Templars to sail out with the ships and hold order while Solace and the others help the former Thralls. The priority for the Templars is preserving the majority - the boats, the Faith people helping the Thralls. But they are also not the local police force. So. If the boats are at risk of being swamped or a mob forms and attacks the rescue attempts, they will defend. If a mob forms and isn't threatening the boats? Thats for Kennex.

Although she cannot be there in person, Katarina will be sending part of her fleet in her stead; three longships and a galley. These assets are to be used to help ferry newly freed thralls to their intended destinations, with gentle emphasis on a wealth of opportunity that can await them in Valardin-owned lands.

Hana is not the world's best teacher, but she's often been lucky in instructing others. And she's nothing if not enthusiastically devoted to Jayus -- the god of both crafting /and/ of hope. So she travels to the Isles as well, trying to give hope to the former thralls who need to learn a new trade -- those who worked menial jobs and desperately want to do something new, something that provides a chance at a better life. She'll be organizing lessons, yes, but she'll also have worked to encourage other Disciples of Jayus to the same -- to travel with her, and to teach /their/ skills as well. Tailoring, baking, carpentry, and so on. Hopefully, it at least makes a small difference.

Without question, Saedrus has agreed to assist Aleksei. First and foremost he intends to accompany Aleksei, and other Liberators, to Stormward not only as a Disciple of Skald, but as a composed and diplomatic voice in what might be a chaotic situation. Though he cannot offer ships or safe escort, he can be present to try and mollify vassals (or persons of the general populace) crying out against the current crisis. A little charm can go a long way, and hopefully Saed can keep things calm.

In addition, though he cannot take many, he will let it be known that the Grotto can take on a small number of ex-thralls as attendants, board and basic needs seen to, and assistance in finding them trades and future work. Furthermore, pending approval of the Radiant, he can take a handful in under the Whisper House as house staff until either they settle to other livelihoods or to continue on for potential future training. The total is miniscule in comparison to the twenty-thousand, but every little bit helps.

As a Liberator Ferrando is coming along to Stormward to try and generally help un-clusterfuck the situation. He's not really a logistical type or a big public speaker. He's a bouncer! It's fair to say his #1 skill to lend to the effort is an ability to move around heavy stuff. He's probably just going to end up dealing with minor things Aleksei is too busy for.

As promised the Scholars of Vellichor are ready to assist at the word of the Archscholar. Messengers have been sent to the parishes of the discipleship present in Stormward to open the doors to their smaller libraries and utilize donations already in stock to help in upholding the offer of a living wage to freed Thralls seeking higher education or tradeskill apprenticeships. Bianca will also be accompanying Blessed Aleksei to Stormward directly to aid immediately with her own diplomatic abilities and personal resources.

Mydas will be making use of his substantial ability in logistics and economics to ensure the resources deployed to aid the newly freed Thralls are not ill spent or wasted. To summarize, Marquis Mydas Nightgold will play the role of the accountant.

Seraph Ailith will reach out to the local Seraphs in aiding the Faith's efforts of providing solace, community outreach, and humanitarian efforts for the many believers. Using her presence and prowess of propaganda, she'll help kindle hope, compassion, and support among the Faithful and within the Faith such as sermons with stories of the compassion, love, charity, and hope, the many gifts of the Gods, in hopes to soothe and provide a steady familiar place of solace (worship in the shrines) during this chaotic time. When not doing these things, she personally heal the injured and sick who come to the Faith and assist them on their way to the outbound ships, should they be departing.

As minister of warfare and with authorisation to release about half the Velenosa armada into a committed liberation fleet, Talen is overseeing the leading arrangements in that regard. Ensuring the that there are captains who know what they're doing to act as transportation for ex-thralls is key. Faith and Liberator representatives are permitted aboard and allowed to direct the efforts with all reasonable requests to make things easier. The Velenosa are focusing primarily on carrying people, so any security escorts to defend the ships from external attacks will come from the Thrax, and Velenosa vassals organised by the Lyceum aid council.

Lianne is lending ships from Nilanza's navy to aid with the safe transport of the recently freed to Arx. Modest financial assistance will be provided to individuals or families interested in resettling in Nilanza, particularly if they are skilled in a trade or capable sailors interested in enlisting in the navy. Representatives of the Faith will be welcomed on board each vessel.

Victus will be providing transport via the 1st Thrax Fleet, namely in his stated offer of paying work in the Maelstrom and safe haven until they can be transported elsewhere in the Compact. Aleksei's Liberators and other agents of the Faith will be allowed passage on these vessels making runs to and from Stormward to assist in the relocation efforts for Thralls lacking employment. With the exception of any ships provided by Grimhall, per Harald's request. It should be noted that freed Thralls who have gone on to commit crimes against Kennex will not be offered the same on Victus' own vessels, as they are Kennex's right to judge for their actions.

In an unofficial capacity, though with no less focus, Rook will be duplicating the efforts of Mydas Nightgold in an effort. It can't hurt to be certain, can it? Resources in, out and spent all about. In addition there's the counting of ex-Thralls shipped out, sprinkled across the Compact, giving as accurate a set of numbers as possible to all takers of the refugees. Did any go missing, how many died, do they have at least enough coin and resources to keep this mission up until all of Stormward's loose freemen are, well, free?

Lacking much in the way of funds or resources, Fortunato employs his skill and that of his apprentices to make flyers, encouraging people of great means and small means to donate to the resettlement effort and otherwise help smooth out the transition, perhaps by hiring the displaced. Need someone in the back room? Someone to knead dough? Someone, perhaps, to draw more flyers?

Monique will accompany the flotilla and use her charm and diplomacy to convince freed Prodigal thralls to resettle in the Compact, using her knowledge of their native tongue to win their trust. She will also use her significant silver to see they are set up with necessities when they arrive at their destinations.

They manage to avoid violence, which is no minor miracle as of the sheer amount of naval force in the region now. Setarco's massive navy is significantly larger than the pride and joy of many Isles houses, a fact most seem completely unaware of even as House Pravus' dromonds and dozens of longships arrive in Kennex waters under the command of Admiral Alrec to assist the liberators. This is not, in any way, to diminish the forces sent by the Knights of Solace, House Laurent, Lianne's fleet of Nilanza, or the detachments by House Velenosa, Katarina's Oathlands fleet, Ashford or Thrax, but all combined it roughly doubles the overall size of the force, which would likely make any lower rank peers of the Isles distinctly uneasy if they realized its scope.

Fortunately, that's unlikely to happen, as the fleet takes place in a great disapora. There is still a significant percentage that opts to stay in Kennex lands with the support to do so, and in this, the Faith is instrumental. The Faith is one of the great consistent institutions across the entire Compact, even in the shamanism heavy north, but the Isles have always been closer to the Faith than that. Orazio, Thena, Preston, Bianca, Ailith in particular are able to make a great deal of difference in many staying, particularly with the economic work by Rook and Mydas helping to make a chaotic situation be broken down into stabilizing a destroyed economy, and peacekeeping efforts from the forces sent. Killian's Ashford men, Nicia's Laurent forces, Lianne's Nilanzans, Audric and Shard's valorous few, Preston's templars, Thena's knights of solace, Setarco marines all do a part to keeping peace on the ground, with the aid of the Valorous Few being a little questionable and a few of them seem determined to put the 'liberation' in Liberators to mean goods that belonged to individuals. A few hangings by Audric fixes that (and these were the friendlier ones, a shame), as well as Ferrando helpfully letting others know where the problematic elements are.

While a small but significant percentage stays, what truly happens is a massive disapora led by the combined fleet. Some prodigals. Setarco, Nilanza, Maelstrom, Maelstrom, and Ashford lands all see a significant amount of ex-thralls wishing to settle, with Setarco as an example seeing a large bump in capable courtesans at Setarco's schools. The Lycene is a bit more popular as in terms of climate, Setarco or Nilanza is closest to the saffron chain, and what the vast majority of former thralls originally came from. Monique as a prodigal has a great deal in common with many of the newer, louder voices from factions of former thralls, and is able to help many peacefully find new homes throughout the Compact- a smaller percentage opt for different vocations in Arx, with Hana having new weaponsmiths, Saedrus having some new employees at the Grotto and potential Whispers, the Valorous Few see a bump in questionable fellows replacing the ones hanged with Shard sorting out the most promising. There's quite a few new templars, knights of Solace and Scholars, particularly from those wishing to see Arx as godsworn. All in all, a massive amount of refugees are resettled peacefully.

All that's the good, the bad is minor but still significant- the huge amount of ships flying Oathlands and Lycene flags are allowing some pirates to take advantage of the confusion and fly false flags to escape justice, with hundreds of ships in Kennex waters without an overall central command, no one really knows who is who which is allowing some smugglers and pirates to hope that Thrax doesn't have the balls to pick on Oathlands or Lycene ships and provoke an incident (unfortunately for all involved, this is probably untrue). Also, while the great disapora helps the refugees, it doesn't help Kenenx- the recovery they see is modest, as most of their workforce is, in effect, leaving with only a minority staying. They still need a massive amount of investment to survive.

The Heirlooms are the oldest kind of alaricite blades available to the Arvani (at least as far as Talen knows about), so he's going to do some investigation into whether or not there's anything special about Mirror Blade he can uncover. Books (ugh!), information in the Hall of Heroes, inspecting it for runes (with Eleyna's help probably - since she's all fancy and knows more about that stuff!) and even rooting around amongst Giovanni's old stuff in case there's any notes on the sword that he might have not passed on when he died. After all, he did serve Carlotta and carried Mirror Blade for a great deal of time.

All GMed!

Messengers are being turned away, there's seemingly no presence of the archduchess in her room - Talen's trying to dig up a reason as to -why-.

Talen searches and searches Esera's room. He searches so much, the room itself begins to annoy him. Why is she not here? And why is everything so damn white? It is as he looks at one of those offensively white walls that he sees it: something that is not quite white, and not quite wall.

Talen is focused on the security of the Lyceum in the run up to a resolution to Niccolo's assumption of power. With Isolde's support of her father, Eleyna's focus on schmoozing the rich merchants and lesser nobility, the Sword has established the Mirrorguard and is seeking loyal guards to join.

Purposefully kept small to encourage a tight, trustworthy unit, the order will not reach beyond ten of the hundred soldiers allowed by House Velenosa in Arx. They'll be made up from longstanding members of the Velenosa guard, loyal individuals from Caith, Lenosian die-hards and any PCs that he recruits (once we set up an @org!).

The idea is to get across the vibe that Isolde and her heirs are going to be well protected, especially while Niccolo holds regency in his temporary capacity as Archduke, to try and quell any loud voices about 'what happens' if that line is usurped via murder. We got this, yo.

We gots you, fam. The Mirrorguard suggestion helps quite a bit. It assuages that particular worry, though the, 'Hey why are we passing over her to begin with' is still a quibble.

Lady General Calypso Malvici has been assigned as the field commander to lead an assault up-river to attack one of the four columns of Brand’s army. She will be leading forces from House Malvici, House Velenosa and House Pravus in the form of infantry and archers. Other commanders she is coordinating with are Prince Victus Thrax, Princess Deva Redrain, Princess Alis Valardin and Duke Valkieri Rubino.

The host of Compact forces will be traveling up-river by boats provided by Thrax, the Lyceum and the Black Mountain Training Company. We will be searching for an ideal location to set up our assault. High ground for archers, a place to anchor the ships and a field for the infantry. All with the goal of eliminating the entire column of Brand’s forces to weaken the army by one fourth.

Calypso will also be wielding Truestrike, the alaricite rapier during this battle.

The group of soldiers Inigo is in command of are the remnants of the same crew he commanded at the Battle of Pridehall, additional men filled in to replenish the losses from the previous battle of course. He wields Recompense, the diamondplate longsword, hoping this time to be more effective at taking down Bringers, saving his men from their wrath. The battalion's mission is to do as much damage as possible to Brand's army, fighting fiercely at the front lines of combat.

As the result of a discussion with Eirene, at least one member of the battalion will possess bow and arrows, the arrows themselves tied with highly visible cloth that will be fired into the air should the group encounter a High Bringer. This is to alert any of the special forces that are intended to take down such targets that one has been found. Inigo will, of course, engage any he sees himself, as he is the best equipped in the battalion to take on such a threat. The goal is to either slay the High Bringer, or delay it long enough for one of the special forces to arrive and kill the creature.'

Costas will be Calypso's bodyguard for the campaign, at her side at all times as well as defending her in battle. He sleeps in the same tent as her to ward against potential assassins, and is only ever removed from her vicinity for private discussions with other nobility.

Although sending squadrons of the Malvici Phoenixes to assist the other Compact forces, Eirene brings her hand-picked finest battle medics to accompany herself to the front with General Calypso. She will ensure the triage centers are defendable and coordinate medical efforts with the Mercy's and other assigned medics.

Waldemai will be deploying with the field forces under Calypso's command to provide on-site armor evaluations, upgrades and repairs.

Harmon will accompany Eirene, supplementing her medical expertise with his knowledge of occult matters as well as alchemy in order to stretch out supplies without losing efficacy.

Mirari will be joining Eirene and her medics, providing medical supplies via her apothecary skills, where she can. And defending the medical tents and medics with her small blades should forces break through the lines and to the medic station.

For the next stage of the Bringer's march on Arx, Alis will be accompanying the combined forces led by Lady General Calypso Malvici.

She will be in charge of the Valardin Infantry and Archers. Her instructions to those under her command will be to help divide and flank pockets of the enemy column into more manageable groups; with a warning about the berserker Bringers, and that they should call out a warning when the berserkers are spotted so they can be swarmed and taken down as quickly as possible. She will be participating in the battle.

    Ansel will be leading the Telmar forces in Princess Alis' forces supporting Lady General Calypso' mission of eliminating the shav forces at the river.

    Ansel will be coordinating with, and taking orders directly from, Princess Alis as the forces deploy to engage the shav forces. He's delegated total authority of his subordinate sections to his vassal house's commanders, providing them instruction pertaining to the general goals of the mission, but leaving the exact manner of accomplishing those principles to his subordinate commanders.

    For his part, Ansel will be taking direct command of a small company comprised of a section of archers supporting a small team of hand-picked swordsmen. Their mission will be to identify any Bringers at the outset of the engagement, particularly any beserker Bringers, and eliminate the most serious threat to the Valardin column as quickly as possible. He'll be leveraging the support of the archer section, as well as the Telmar diamondplate heirloom weapon, attempting to dispatch these threats hastily.

As Alis' second-in-command, Fiachra will be coordinating his efforts directly with her, using his knowledge and experience of Greenmarch tactics in facing a larger force. (Particularly from an archer/scout standpoint.) As before, he will be using his particular talents for assessing the terrain (see his metaplot secrets) to any advantage it can afford for the troops under General Calypso's command. He will not be leaving Alis' side, and will be watching for threats to her life.

Barric will be accompanying Calypso's force upriver. During the battle he will be focusing his efforts on identifying and destroying the massive and hulking Bringer beserkers. Presumably with a team of other soldiers doing the same, he will position himself on the battlefield when one of the monstrosities is found and engage them in an attempt to minimize their devastating impact. He has fought one before and wields Elvesbane, the alaricite blade of House Grayson.

The Mirrorguard (led by Talen and Luca), Valorous Few (led by Audric and Kima) and Grayson (Barric and Reese) strike teams have been given the high profile task to break the River Column morale by gunning for the Undead Generals (like Hush!) and Abandoned Beserkers that undoubtedly guard them.
Their troops will be armed with fire and poison (supplied by Eleyna, Blacktongue, etc) for more effective fighting against the standard Bringers and Abandoned respectively while the commanders named above will be using their diamondplate and alaricite weapons in combat with the big baddies - individually, as pairs or in teams as is appropriate.
Talen will be wielding Mirror Blade, the alaricite blade of House Velenosa and as usual will be fighting dirty as fuck.

Holden will be with the Valardin Infrantry forces leading one of the smaller manageable groups under Alis's command. He will be participating in the battle.

Valkieri is leading the combined troops of Rubino, Zaffria, and Igniseri under the coordination of Lady General Calypso. Their naval forces for the journey upriver are under the sub-command of Lady Ariella Igniseri, and Lord Luis Igniseri and Captain Gian Fuller are also a part of their ranks. He will be leading a mix of archers, infantry, and some cavalry, and it is the cavalry that he will be among on his warhorse Tempest.

Kima, for this particular excursion, joins Captain-General Audric of the Valorous Few to do what she does best: slaughter enemies upon the field of battle. With her recent gift of an alaricite blade, the Absolute, she has been chosen as part of the strike force targeting Bringer generals and berserkers.

Audric and the Valorous Few (and Kima, see her action) will be taking part in Calypso's offensive action against one of the oncoming Bringer armies. Specifically, they'll be part of the strike force meant to target the Bringer Generals and Berserkers in an attempt to take out their core leadership. Since alaricite seems to make them basically die instantly, he'll be using Coinspinner, his alaricite sword for the fight.

Luca is joining the special assault squads going to the river column front alongside Talen, leading the Mirrorguard prong of three groups all hunting the biggest, baddest Bringers they can find, whether commander types, berserker types, or anything else monstrous they can cut down with Alaricite or Diamondplate. Luca will be fighting with Viper's Fury, his diamondplate sabre and Viper's Fang, his HQ steel blade, unless Lorelai ends up finding him an alaricite blade before then as she implied might be feasible, in which case he'll fight with diamondplate and alaricite. He is going to try and identify and cut as quick a path as possible to any big bads and asplode them with heart or head shots of the diamondplate (or alaricite). Luca very much will be trying to keep an eye on state of Reese and Barric's team as he wanted to accompany them to see Reese safer but was overruled by Calypso. If Reese ends up in trouble and Luca has any hope in the Abyss of cutting his way to her, it's possible he'd break orders and go and try to save her (and is something our players OOCly sort of want for a bonding moment of fighting side by side). Luca's more than a little burnt out by rage, grief, pain, and discontent with lack of challenge at Pridehall, so it's quite likely he'd take greater risks than he probably _should_ strictly if it meant finding a greater challenge in this battle, though only the sort of risks that would get himself hurt, not that'd kill off hundreds of others depending on him.

Under Valkieri's direction, Gian will be leading the Infantry of Rubino-Zaffria, from the front line. In addition to defending archers or attacking as ordered, he will have a number of guardsmen nearby for a rescue/recovery assignment, in case Duke Valkieri's stupid horse goes down.

Reese is joining the special assault squad going to the river column front alongside Barric, as a member of the three groups all hunting the biggest Bringers they can find, whether commander types, berserker types, or anything else monstrous they can cut down. This is a six person team (Talen, Luca, Audric, Kima, Barric and Reese). Divided into 3 pairs. Reese is with Barric.

Reese is fighting with Devotion, her alaricite superb short sword. Reese plans on using Dex+medium wpn as her attack skills. Her sword is 10 dam, 12 damage bonus and -2 difficulty. She will have Dazzler her rubicund excellent short with her just in case. She will wear her hq steel armor with mitigation 68. She is going to try and identify and cut as quick a path as possible to any big bringers and explode them with heart or head shots (but not mouth shots!) with alatricite. She plans to keep close to her cousin Barric. she will try to watch out for him. She plans to fight side by side with him. If Barric falls in battle, she will be attempting to retrieve Elvesbane, the Grayson house sword from his body.

Ariella will be leading the naval actions of the Rubino, Zaffria, and Igniseri from her ship the Red Bargain, up the river in support of the attack.

GOing with Eirene's healing unit, using uber medical skills, chatting with hurt soldiers for morale boosts, offering last rites to those willling to have them with a THirteenth bent.

Eleyna will be gathering any and all alchemists willing to assist in the upcoming war effort, including Blacktongue and Emeline, to provide additional supplies to the three strike teams put together by Lady General Calypso. The Mirrorguard (led by Talen/Luca), Grayson (led by Reese/Barric) and Valorous Few (led by Audric/Kima) forces will be given fire and poison to fight the Bringers and Abandoned respectively, so their troops which are not wielding alaricite and diamondplate can gain the upper hand when cutting their way towards the generals.

Continuing his role as the back channel logistical man, Maximilian has hired ships to transport and maintain logistical ties for up to 7000 extra men, as well as bringing a few of his river-capable warships along to help keep river pirates off the goods. He's getting paid back for this, right? Right? Why is everyone suddenly quiet?

Max will be investing 300 Military Resources (Darkwater) into outfitting many of the merchant ships as riverine warships, as he anticipates that the enemy will try and cut Calypsos supply line. He will take personal command of this unit and use it to keep the enemy from severing those lines. They will look like normal merchant vessels, just covertly outfitted with weaponry and marines.

Deva will be commanding the Redrain portion of the overall river assault under Calypso's direction. Her forces will consist of approximately half of overall Redrain troops (archers, infantry, etc.), several hundred Nightgold archers and calvary, and at least a chunk of Halfshav infantry as well. The goal is to separate the enemy as best as possible to make it easier to cut them down. Adjustments will be made as necessary per any instructions given in the thick of it, and Deva will be flexible with fighting both ranged with her archers, and up close melee on the front lines as/if needed.

Artorius is leading a battalion of Malvici warriors under General Calypso's command up the river.

Dagon will be joining the forward operation to flank and cut through the ranks of the Bringer army, and focus on finding and eliminating Bringer generals and berserkers; the baddest of the bad. He will be working alongside three other strike teams (Valorous Few, Mirrorguard, and Graysons) with his own hand picked Knights of Tyde. Dagon plans to attack with Reafian, the sword of House Thrax, while wearing rubicund plate, and plans to lead at the head of his unit, and work quickly to cut a path into the generals. In and out, ruthless and efficient; everyone on this mission was hand-picked, and Dagon has no illusions about saving anybody -- not today. They can handle themselves, they are all warriors, and they all are prepared to die. His mind is on breaking this army, here and now, to save those back at Arx the trouble, and he will single out the generals with a one-track determination, trusting his men and the others to cover his back.

Serafine is aiding Dagon Tyde as his second, following his orders but exercising her own judgement and experience, wielding her diamondplate blade, Pathway, to use it to its namesake and cut a path into her foes, using light, well-made, high quality leather armor, efficient and dangerous, using her speed, strength, and endurance to her advantage. With her experience in the past of killing and identifying Bringers in earlier campaigns and missions as well as her exceptional skill at killing the Shav-slaves they keep, she would do her damnedest to get the job done as efficiently as possible, while also do her best to stay safe and, if the Gods allow it, return home to her loved ones, more or less in one piece.

Leta will be joining the Valorous Few, with Audric and Kima, in the attack on the Bringers. Since she just has rubicund and steel, she'll stick to protecting Audric and Kima's backs by helping cut a path to the big Bringers and fending off any counter-attacks with the rest of the Few. Leta isn't planning on any heroics, but if some opportunity presents itself to chop some Bringer in the side, or to attempt a rescue of some of our heroic alaricite wielders, she'll probably take it. If Audric dies, she's grabbing his sword. If there's time for it, she'll also go through his pockets. He would have wanted it that way.

Estaban is joining the Archers under Calypso's comand.

Garza will be joining Audric and the other Valorous Few as part of the strike force meant to target the Bringer Generals and Berserkers in an attempt to take out their core leadership. He'll be fighting with his bow and sword, focusing on range tactics unless he needs to fight in close quarters combat.

Inquisitor Alistair and a cadre of loyal Confessors (loyal to him) will be accompanying Lady General Calypso and her command guard. From there the man will observe the battle, keeping an eye out for the presence of Bringers and any possible abyssal magic that the enemy will be using. He will point out Bringers that he identifies as well as issuing warnings of their approach and/or the workings of any abyssal magic. Further he will be keeping an eye on any Compact soldiers who attempt to use magic, though he will not stop them. If battle is joined his Confessors armed with crossbows and he armed with a blade will fight with the cry "May the Sentinel guard the Righteous!" on their lips.

Halsim is supplying the armies intercepting at the river, along with the archers at the ramparts, with poison for their arrows and other gear they might want. Anyone who wants any other alchemical supplies is welcome to approach him for supplies as well.

Karadoc will be assisting from General Calypso's command tent. A (lazy) genius, he's been pressed into action to support his leige lord family as best as he is able, and is (reluctantly) doing so. A veritable master of economics, he's working to solidify support lines, arranging resupplies, and acting in a manner most mercantile. His efforts are on food and fresh water for the soldiers, leaving the specialized supplies to those better able to provide. He'll be traveling with his favorite cousin Kima, though, will certainly be confined to non-combat rolls, stuck in/around the command tent.

Caelis will be serving under Lady General Calypso largely as transpertation. She'll be leading the Malvici ships carrying troops up the riber and back. While they are up the river she'll join the troops in battle on the field.

Zhayla will be joining the Grayson forces with her alaricite trident, looking for the biggest, meanest bad guys and the worst of the fight where she might make the biggest difference and look ~so heroic~. Even if it is super risky.

Infamous for being the man to survive the poisons of his former position, Blacktonge is the defacto unspoken, but recognized with knowing nods, poison maker for House Velenosa - apples be damned. The Harlequin of House Velenosa will open up his lab, chuck out the apples, and pour all of his work into making the poisons to help along the blades wielded by Talen and crew.

Live GM'd and resulted in the destruction of the Bringer column after a confrontation with a Formorian Bringer of Silence.

The Mirrorguard will be strategically placed as a second-wave defense after the main gate forces, occupying side streets and rooftops, aiming to assist Lady Aislin in her guerilla warfare. Traps and poisons (especially those that encouraged Bringer rot supplied by Eleyna and Blacktongue) will be used.

Mirror guard so positioned for appropriate murdering during live GMing.

Investigating the 'bad' dust. Eirene has obtained a sample of 'clean' dust from Talen, which she and Eleyna subject to the usual Abyssal/Taint tests for a baseline - including now touching it to metals and gemstones just to see if it does anything. She also looks at the bodies and patients in the Grace for any signs of overdose; lethargy, extreme thirst, emaciation, red blurry eyes, so they can start tracking the victims themselves and perform autopsy on the passed ones- including a blood draw to see if the blood (and primum) has been affected by the bad stuff. Essentially they want to see what normal dust does (Talen as a baseline) and how the victims are affected in different ways.

Talen's not exactly the most discrete when it comes to his Dust habits. Though they've never really gone away, he's perhaps been mindful to ensure he sticks to consuming within the Lycene ward and its various establishments. When word was given to him via Acacia some months ago that there was influences in the drug that were potentially dangerous, he begun to gather the information. When he shared this information with Eleyna, Eirene and Blacktongue, it became a matter of priority to ensure that there was a 'clean' source for him to consume.

Then, it's probably no surprise that when they're all due to work in the lab, they might come back to find Talen already huffing smoke and scratching away in a notebook. Doodling on the walls. On the ceilings. Whatever he can get at to record his latest trip. If he's likely to talk and acknowledge his idioacy, it'll be when he's found laying upside down on one of the tables, head tilted back over the edge, wide-eyed and asking: "What? The candle-people told me to do it." Solid excuse.

It isn't an isolated instance, even if they're admonishing him, he wants to help. As a guinea pig. With doctors and alchemists about, surely he'll be in safe hands, if he doesn't smoke to assess. Maybe all this can give them some insight into what kind of visions and if they're making progress on 'cleaning' the strains, or isolating which is most potent, or where they're coming from.
smoke to excess*! Not assess. Wtf, brain. Just because they have two 's'.

The lack of consistency is infuriating. For dust itself, there doesn't seem any sort of reaction that would place itself outside of normal bounds. No special reactions to gemstones or metals, nothing to holy water, blessed items, diamondplate or alaricite. But then she starts experimenting with cadavers that were overdose victims, and that DOES show reactions to abyssal influence. One cadaver blinked, looked at Eirene and said, "Delusion is power." No one else saw it. No one else noticed it, but the cadaver had ever so slightly moved as one bit of empirical evidence that it wasn't entirely in her head... unless she moved it, and she had started a trip herself.

Similarly, when Talen was very, very deep into a trip he looked at Eirene and just matter of factly says, "You can't really quantify the whims of the dreamer, as there will always be a thousand unseen variables." His trip, however, was about him turning into a frog, and having a hopping competition. He doesn't remember saying it whatsoever.

Duchess General Calypso Malvici is leading half of the Malvici Military and hald of the Velenosa Military Northwards to help Duke Vercyn stave off any Abyssal tainted Shavs in the Northlands. They will also hold the area secure in hope of keeping the Horned God's influence from spreading. She intends to travel north with the rest of the committed Lycene troops to help coordinate with the Redrain forces there.

She will also be working to coordinate with Princess Freja's efforts to search for weapons and locate the weapon which is thought to be hidden inside the Palace of Arx.


Calypso will be taking the following team with her in to the Palace to search for the weapon rumored to be there. She has expressed permission from His Majesty King Alaric, with the stipulation that any weapons uncovered become the property of the King's Own. Agreeing to that, the team is formed - Sir Miles of the King's Own, Princess-General Alis Valardin, Princess Reese Grayson and Master Costas.

As is her role as a Brigadier General, Eirene will be taking command of the Malvici battle-medic Phoenix Brigade but will also be coordinating with the other medical forces of the Lycene houses to ensure there is ample medical attention and protection for the healers working in triage outside of the lines.

She will also use her knowledge of occult lore and superstition to be on the lookout for any magical maladies or unusual attacks which may be used against their forces.

Working on the 'wolf of Skald' being a counter to the Horned King's magic, she will keep a small supply (from Eleyna- not poisoned) to test on any out of the ordinary wounds or afflications she may encounter.
She also prepares for frostbite and trenchfoot and other cold-weather maladies.

A man known for being adept with Logistics, Edward will bring his expert skill at quartermastering and logistics to the entirety of Calypso's forces. Working with the Captains and Sergeants he will make sure that each command has the necessary equipment and supplies needed to do their job but also have a proper amount of extra resources allocated to cover unfortunate happenstances. He will work with the supply teams to ensure proper packing of foods and materials that an army on the move will need and ensure that it is packed efficiently and in as few trains as possible to keep a short and tight supply line to limit its vulnerability.

In addition, he brings with him a portion of his own Whitefrost forces who are adept at defensive combat due to the military conditions in the Isles that breed that kind of warrior. He will use his forces as the Duchess General directs with the recommendation she deploy them in a defensive capacity.

To be appended.
Merek will travel with the forces that are heading to the North with Fidante (should any of them be assisting in this, if not then generically he will be under Calypso's Command). He will take a token force of the Iron Guard if permitted to assist them, with permission from Velenosa and Redrain should it be allowed. He also has his three personal guards and champion assigned to his protection, and his secretary for logistic matters. His action is a bit different from the others. While he will be willing to fight and will travel north, and has skill and his special blade in case any Abyssal threats are met that require such weapons, his main focus will be on the monetary and logistics only in a different manner, instead as a Merchant he will be working on forging the best of weapons and armor he can, which admittedly isn't too much, and he will be helping with field repairs as well. In addition to that he will be assisting in funding the expedition so that the army lacks for less as they travel. This likely means he will be assisting 'Edward' in addition to any Fidante forces, to help boost the man's work in logistics. (In other words, non-combatant unless he's required to fight in full. Mostly Command/Logistics/Smithing to some extent)

Special note: His personal Guard is loyal and willing to lay down their lives to ensure his safety, and I accept that if this happens to them it will be a loss of the Agents/Retainers that do such an act.


[He will be bringing 80 Iron Guardsmen to assist the soldiers. A token force at most, but more folk it is nonetheless.]

Since Inigo is marching out, he will be with the Fidante folk, who are under Calypso, and then the Guards he brought will be under him, with oversight of the chain of command upwards but answering to him.

Estaban will be gathering his troops in the next few days running them through drills and since most are from the south teaching them about the cold counditions of the North as he has been there first had and almost froze. Once they are ready he will let Calypso know and they will being prepping to march out at her side.
Estaban will be marching with the House Saik army, I can not add them to the Crisis at the moment because I am Admiral of the Malvici fleet at and can not also command the saik Army at the the same time code wise. I spoke with Apostate and he told me to note it in the crisis.

Alis is going to help Calypso with searching the Palace for a shiny.

Count Artorius Magnotta sends warriors to aid and serve in Duchess Calypso's army in the effort to help the fight against Legion, as well as personally joining the fray himself to fight in the impending conflict.

As the commander of the Army of Tor, Duke Inigo Fidante will be leading half of the strength of the Fidante army north to assist in the military exercise. Inigo has been under the tutelage of the Duchess General in leadership and warfare but is still very green when it comes to engagements. This being the case, the Duke will be issuing commands to his army but under the instruction and guidance of Duchess Malvici. If needed, i.e. if things get messy and he needs to take a more hands on approach, the Duke is outfitted with his armor and diamond plate sword 'Recompense'.

Sparte will be marching out with the Iron Guard contingent, to assist in what ways he can. As a line and file guardsman that may not be much, but he'll still be there. His main contribution will likely be chiding the other guardsmen on packing appropriately for cold weather, and making poor quality maps of things they see along the way.

Anze begins the preparations to support Vercyn with the Malvici troops by making sure that the Malvici forces are well prepared for the journey north. Having grown up in Farhaven and serving under Vercyn, he makes sure to meet with the Malvici forces commanders and Lieutenants to go over the basics of the terrain, their path up, and what the weather might be like. Knowing that the Malvici forces are from the furthest southernmost tip of Arvum, he makes sure that they will bring cloaks and other supplies to keep them warm in the for northern spring.

Any Lycene forces showing an interest in learning what Anze knows also get his support, going over the basics of maps, terrain, and weather so that they know what to expect.

Anze will spend his time helping Calypso command the Malvici forces, and being ready to step in in case she has to move to another location or work with other groups. Having worked with Vercyn and knowing the northern forces well, he would work to make sure that the Malvici and northern forces mesh well and can work together in the most efficient way.

In addition to half of the Velenosa forces being lent to the cause of fighting Legion, Talen has committed half of the Mirrorguard forces as well. He'll personally lead these as a strike force available to the plans and whims of Duchess CAlypso Malvici who has been given the temporary control of southern forces pledged to Darren under her command by Eleyna Velenosa. Talen's agents are primarily focusing on geurilla-style warfare, laying traps and ambushes to known points where the Northlands shavs attack. This will be in addition to any forces provided by Baron Audric De Lire who is sending his Valorous Few, if any, as they are known to have similar styles of assault and a 'get the job done under any means necessary' attitudes.
Talen is using Eleyna's wolf-blood poison (detailed in her action) against the corrupted Shav'Arvani in battle and other creatures under the Horned God's control to demonstrate whether the theory is correct.

Miles will babysit these Malvici (all except Eirene who needs no babysitter) as they bumble about the Palace. To keep them in line he will tactically and strategically grump at them. Miles is working with them to explore the palace, keeping an eye out for potential security breaches and if a weapon is found, securing it for the Crown per His Majesty's orders.

Costas will be present in his role as Calypso's bodyguard as she hunts in the Palace.

Duchess Calista Fidante is assisting House Fidante's actions to better prepare the military for battle in the North.
Duchess Calista Fidante is assisting House Fidante's actions to better prepare the military for battle in the North. House Fidante is sending in half their military forces under the command of Duke Inigo Fidante with Sword of Tor Dante Fidante on the helm. For her part, the Duchesses of Roses will be aiding in diplomatic efforts.

Mirari will be using her knowledge of alchemy and apothecarism. She'll be selecting skilled warriors that she knows won't object-- and she'll be poisoning their blades. Things that will debilitate and make it easier for the warriors to win, but not be particularly torturous or awful.

Being neither a commander nor a scholar of the occult, Eleyna's actions are those of support from Arx rather than traipsing into the field with the others. As a show of her faith in the alliance between Redrain and Velenosa, bonds forged in shared grief and, now, in deep friendship between Eleyna and Darren, she pledges half of the Velenosa army to go North and assist. As a show of trust, she offers Duchess General Calypso Malvici command of those forces in the North as Talen will be focusing on the Mirrorguard, who are better suited toward guerilla-style combat than military maneuvers.

As a small side action, after a discussion with Lady Eirene Malvici, Eleyna retreats into her lab and, using what she learned in the last war regarding spiders and their use against Bringers, mixes up a concoction of wolf's blood (ethically sourced, of course!) sinces wolves were thought to be a 'Skald' thing and nettle poison, known for causing painful blistery rashes. She instructs Talen to put it on his sword at some opportune time. Just as a test.
((Could not add the army due to org permissions, but they will be there!))

As part of the Malvici Military, Fiora accompanies in helping Duke Vercyn by providing archery support and heeding the orders of her cousin, Duchess General Calypso. And for kicks, maybe she'll see about protecting her family members from getting hurt or instead goad her twin brother into fight alongside her like old times. The things people do for family, liege, and fealty.

Lord Dante Fidante, Voice of Fidante and Sword of Tor will be headed North to help in assisting Duke Inigo with the Fidante forces, along with this, as half of the Mirrorguard have been committed to the attack, Dante will be assisting Prince Talen and the Mirrorguard as well. He will mostly be there on a combative basis, and not so much as being in command. Despite this, if Inigo were to need assistance leading the Fidante forces, he is there in his position as both voice and Sword.

Dafne entrusts half of the Rubino-Zaffria troops to Calypso's command for this action. She takes time to give them a stirring speech beforehand. And warm clothing.

Back in the Gray Forest, even more fortifications are being built and strengthened. Baron Edward Stormbreak brings his particular expertise in logistics and quartermastering to aid and advise the forces led by Duchess General Calypso Malvici. Merek Black also comes, helping with the setup of their home away from home and helping make sure that the logistics and supply chain is as secure as possible. Brigadier General Eirene Malvici coordinates a triage center as well, using supplies graciously donated by Princess Eleyna Velenosa. Duchess Dafne Zaffria assists by sending troops, and Mirari Corsetina seems to have developed an unholy interest in polishing blades (that is not a euphemism, folks). Those soldiers willing to let her look at their swords tend to be very careful with handling them afterwards. All in all though, these defenses are a success, and the soldiers operating in the Gray Forest are safer as a result. Estaban, Artorius, Inigo, Sparte, Anze, Talen, Fiora, Dante, Calista, and Calypso are handling some guerilla action as well, drawing the shavs loyal to the Horned God deeper and deeper into a trap.