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Action by Emrys for Holding Back the Wave of Ruin

(Public Action, OOC Date: April 29, 2019, 5:08 p.m.)

With the death of the Count Threerivers, the conflict between Northlands and Oathlands Houses rests on a knife's edge. Knowing full well what's at risk, both Whisper Emrys and Apprentices Maja and Gesa have been tasked with seeing the latest offer agreed upon by both Acheron and Blackram, to cede the disputed lands to the Faith as per Legate Ailith's proposal, accepted by House Threerivers and its latest Countess. Knowing too that the Countess has recently lost her father and promised to avenge his death, both Whisper and Apprentices are aware they must step carefully. Thus, each will play their role, with Emrys and Gesa traveling to House Threerivers, while Maja works at a distance. They are also supported by Bliss from a distance, who sends word and agents with them.

Emrys will be impressing upon the new Countess the dangers that await should she refuse this last offer, both to herself and her people. His are words meant to smother the fires of hatred and anger with ice water, and make her see that this is her last chance to save not only herself, but her people. His aim is not to crush her spirits, not to break the new Countess, but to lift the veil from the consequences of vengeance and destruction. For this is the only offer she will be getting, and should she refuse it, then she'll have only succeeded in leading more people to their deaths than her father ever did. To warm and comforting suns of the apprentices, he is the cold and empty night that await should the wrong choice be made.

Good cop, bad cop -- guess which one Maja is? She is the honey to Emrys' vinegar, someone to offer comfort and a more gentle way forward. She begins to exchange letters with the Countess Threerivers, to suss out the best way forward based on the woman's feelings about her father. Does she want to avenge him because he was beloved? Was their relationship fraught and she wanted to prove herself to him? Have things been left unresolved and she feels that avenging him with give those issues closure? Once she figures that out, Maja will tailor her advice to those needs but, ultimately, her position is thus:

Violence begets violence. Going to war with the other Houses, it will not change the fact that her father is gone. What will happen though, no matter who 'wins', is that people will die -- her people, their people, so many of them innocents. Maja speaks from a position as an orphan, how hard it was to grow up without a family to take care of and guide her. This war will create more orphans, more broken homes. Wouldn't her father's memory be better served by stopping the violence? Rather than his death being the touchstone for more strife, it can instead be the foundation of her wise leadership should she opt for a diplomatic route. Being a leader is difficult because it asks you to put the needs of many before the needs of yourself. And this choice will define who she is as a leader: will she be an agent of war or will she be the healer the strife? Which one does her people need her to be? Becoming a great and wise leader, that is the best way to honor her father.

These letters, these exchanges, they are done ahead of Emrys and Gesa's visit and will hopefully have the Countess primed and in a thoughtful headspace to receive the Whispers' guidance.

While not personally going to House Threerivers this time, Bliss is going to make a few things very clear - that peaceful negotiations are a thing that Whisper House wants, thta there are immense benefits to cooperating with them, and that the possibility of war should be avoided at every possible opportunity. It's not like Whisper House isn't doing work in favor of Acheron right now, too, so right now there is rather a nice balance and statement of neutrality to be made.

This isn't good cop or bad cop anymore. If this war continues to escalate, there is the very real chance of Whisper House withdrawing all support for both Bellerive and Threerivers, and there are consequences to that sort of thing. Bliss also sends a small contingent of other Whispers along with Emrys and Maja - some of the ones better at sussing out information with clever words and misleading conversation. Whispers Victoria and Andreas (NPCs) should be perfect for that, following some basic guidelines which the Radiant lays out for them.

But the Telmarch invading Threerivers land would be disastrous for the Northlands and Oathlands both. Since they have made that threat - let's make sure that Countess Threerivers knows exactly how close to death she is flirting.

A cursory glance into the situation would make one wonder what Gesa is doing at Threerivers at all. Often she doesn't mention the situation to the Countess at all. Instead she attempts to befriend the younger woman. And once she has befriended her? Well, she encourages the young Countess to partake in the finer things in life. They drink and make merry together. She encourages the Countess to pursue harmless liaisons with comely young men or women. Gesa offers the Countess a break from the seriousness of the situation. She tells her bawdy jokes to encourage her to crack a smile in-between the seriousness of the talks. She is a fun friend who offers a respite from it all as well as a taste of the joy that comes from living.

And when the ugly subject does rear it's head? Gesa shakes her head softly, tsks, and says, "It will be a shame when Telmar comes down on you. You won't have a moment for joy." And then she goes back to their merrymaking. However, the message is clear. Refuse peace, and any joy you may have will be taken from you.

The charm offensive launched by Emrys, Bliss, Maja and Gesa is extraordinarily successful, with the Whisper House and all involved gaining a large degree of credit in ending the border war between House Threerivers and House Bellerive. Countess Tresa Threerivers ultimately agrees with their arguments that the war has to come to an end, and setting her need for vengeance aside, and both her and Bellerive leadership agree to the suggestion that the disputed land be set aside for the Faith for mediation and shrines. This... has some interesting side effects, as the faith has long not held land since very old history in the Compact. Mind you, it's a very small amount of land, so it might pass without comment by some, but it could create some precedents for the Faith to own land once more, which will present quite a quandry for Oathlands traditionalists that fervently support a more powerful Faith of the Pantheon, while often rejecting those kinds of changes.

Action by Marian for The Great Road Crisis

(Public Action, OOC Date: April 8, 2019, 3:29 p.m.)

Count Gael Fournier has suggested quite loudly that it was a mistake for House Valardin to allow for houses such as Greenmarch to bend the knee, and they have no place at all in the Compact, and the Oathlands would be better without them. Princess Marian Redrain, born of House Greenmarch and formly of House Valardin, has taken deep offense to his words, since she was instrumental in brokering the return of House Greenmarch into the Compact. In addition, she has lost blood relatives towards the defense the Compact, at the Tragedy of Sanctum where she lost her father, Marquis Marcel Greenmarch and aunt, Lady Maeve Greenmarch, and the Battle of Stormwall, Lady Eirlys Greenmarch. Since House Greenmarch does not currently have a Sword, and she is first born of this generation, Princess Marian Redrain has with Marquessa Simone Greenmarch and Lady Monique Greenmarch support challenged the Count for his personal insults to a duel. She has named Radiant Bliss Whisper as her champion in the duel. It is her hope that the Count will answer the challenge with a champion of his own.

Well. This is a complicated situation, isn't it? Let's make it even moreso by having the Radiant dueling as a Champion - likely a historical first. Knowing that this is going to have ripple effects in many ways, Bliss has prepared a statement to be released alongside the public naming of her as the Champion for Princess Marian, explaining her reasons for doing so and just what it is she is defending - the origins of the Champions Guild lie in the individual Champions truly believing someone's honor has been slighted and stepping in to fight for it, after all. She has done silly duels in the past, but this one is something different.

We aren't quite at the point where a House Sword is dueling to try to prevent a war from happening - this is being framed as a personal insult to Princess Marian, rather than a challenge to House honor itself - but this is, fundamentally, about whether or not the Compact and Prodigals both should keep both sides of their promises to one another after the knee is bent.

If the terms of the duel allow for it, she will be wielding Vowkeeper.

Bliss's statement: https://pastebin.com/6T9ADkjD (I can make this into a proclamation after action resolution or I'm happy to let it be part of that process)

Simone cannot personally attend the duel because she is away aiding House Valardin in smoothing the situation, diplomatically. However, but she also knows the importance of duels in Compact culture and wishes to make sure that this one is given all due consideration. Lady Margret Greenmarch, also a voice of the House, will be attending to represent House Greenmarch as a member of the compact. Resources from the house have been made available to help as well, but Simone is personally sending Marian some of her own to aid with whatever may be needed in hiring and supporting their champion.

Margret comes as a representative from House Greenmarch to witness the duel. However, while that is her stated purpose she has other motives.

Her first purpose? To convince those present that House Greenmarch is not some wild group of heathens from the woods. They are an Oathlands house that belongs in the Compact. She goes to the duel looking every part an Oathlands noblewoman. She is courteous and polite without being over the top. She demonstrates that she, a Prodigal herself, has assimilated. She is not ostentatious or over the top about it. The men-at-arms and attendants who accompany her are the best Greenhaven has to offer, and they represent Greenmarch in a manner that would make the House proud.

Her second purpose is to humanize the prodigals to the other Oathlanders. Some of the men-at-arms and attendants brought with her are recently arrived Prodigal refugees. She has only brought the most courteous, charming, and polite with her. The hope is that the other Houses will see them, learn where they came from, and realize they are people instead of a scourge on the Oathlands.

Her third purpose is to feel out any dissent within the Orthodox Oathlands houses that are committing the purges against the Prodigal refugees as well as the houses speaking out against them. If there are family members within the Orthodox Oathlands houses that do not approve of the purges she will do what she can to encourage their dissent. If she can get those people to speak out it will weaken the position of the knights who are killing the Prodigals.

Her fourth purpose is to show that House Greenmarch is a strong house militarily, and attacking it would be a costly mistake. She does not intimidate people with her men-at-arms, but she does make sure they have top of the line equipment and that they like strong Oathlands Knights who will not fall easily in battle.

Monique will show up to this duel looking every inch the infamous Minx of the Marches, Greenmarch and Oathlands legend that she is. Instead of pretending an assimilation, Monique makes it look /fabulous/ to be Prodigal as she supports Marian.

Something seems a little off.

Count Gael Fournier, and the Fourniers in general, have been full of bluster and threats about prodigals, and have been openly contemptuous of House Greenmarch since it joined the Compact. They are hardly alone in being an Oathland house to doubt the wisdom of a Valardin prince marrying Marian so long ago and ennobling her family, but they were particularly loud in their objections, and one would expect that to still hold now, as House Fournier comes to defend its honor.

But Count Gael is oddly restrained. He seems visibly uncomfortable and uncharacteristically quiet, and he treats the challenge as a matter of personal honor, and hires William Brightsword from the Champions Guild of Arx as a champion. Bliss, as a champion, is of course familiar with him- and while Willy isn't an incompetent Champion, and is a capable entertainer, he's not a particularly difficult opponent, nor even an expensive one. More someone that would put on a good show than to have a realistic chance of defeating Bliss in a Champion's honor duel. So while no, this is not a match of House Swords on the field of battle, it isn't something fully for sport either, and the choice is a little odd- it's not the choice of someone that's extremely invested in winning. And there's no pre-match bluster, of someone answering the accusations with insults or the like, with the long conversations that Champions would use to build up the crowd.

Margret with Simone's support make certain that every diplomatic effort is made, and that the proper dignity is extended that is sure to win points with Oathlanders, and the atmosphere for the duel is just right... and then Bliss is on the field, ready to duel William.

It's far more serious than most honor duels done for sport, but that doesn't mean its not a show. Bliss outmatches her opponent easily, and is able to make it memorable, disarming him three times in a pointed gesture as the man is permitted by his opponent to retrieve his weapon in a show of good sport. But eventually, after the proper emphasis is well and truly made of the Radiant's skill, Bliss draws blood- and wins decisively.

It's surprisingly how conciliatory after the victory Gael is. He disavows his previous positions, he promises exceptionally generous trade pacts with House Greenmarch, and he gives Margret ample time to speak persuasively in the defense of prodigals to Fournier and diehard traditionalists in attendence. Truthfully, while his family isn't really allowed to show it without a tremendous loss of face (no one in the Oathlands likes a sore loser), it is painfully obvious that most of Gael's family is furious at him for how accommodating he is being, and he steadfastly pretends to ignore it. It's a little puzzling. But the count, awkwardly and a little forced, claims that he's seen the light about Greenmarch, and would never underestimate them again.

Action by Niklas(RIP)

(Public Action, OOC Date: Nov. 21, 2018, 10:53 a.m.)

The Good Duke of Gemecitta, a musical comedy by Prince Niklas Grayson

It's time for another Niklas Grayson SPECTACULAR!

With the help of Nightingale Gianna Whisper, Niklas has put together an entirely new form of theatrical entertainment. They've taken one of his older plays, his first real hit, a comedy called The Good Duke and have rewritten it so every scene is a song, every line is a lyric and the entire play is an extravaganza of dancing, singing, acting and (in some cases) fighting. With extensive choreography, music from a number of popular genres and an all star cast, this reimagining, called The Good Duke of Gemecitta, is set to be a genre defining event.

Almost as important as the play itself is the fact that it will be the first theatrical performance held at the Bard's College, meant to demonstrate the worthiness of the College as a venue for all sorts of entertainment. That the show (which Niklas has termed a 'musical', so as to keep it separate from the somewhat artsier 'opera') contains such a mix of performances will allow the auditorium at the Bard's College to show its versatility.

Niklas also pulled together a cast made up of some of the city's most well known singers, dancers and actors. Backstage are legendary and famous artists putting together sets and wardrobes. As well as a veritable army of PR people out there hyping the whole thing. As Niklas has said in his humble and low key manner, this will either be the greatest spectacle in the history of the Compact, or the biggest disaster since the city burnt down. Either way, worth the cost of a ticket, right?

And finally, this is meant to be a big charity event. Once the commoner participants are paid all other funds will go toward Princess-Consort Alarissa Thrax's Thursday's Child project. But wait, what about paying the venue?! Well, it turns out that when you're Assistant Nightingale of the Bard's College you can cut yourself a 100% discount. So every last silver that doesn't go to pay (commoner) cast and (commoner) crew will go toward helping to pay off the debt of thrall children. Given that his brother freed hundreds of thralls, but did so in the dumbest way possible, this is something about which Niklas is actually quite passionate.

There will be no event and as such no specific plot writeup. In a highly general sense the musical is about a conflict between (the wholly made up) Duke Enzo Rubino and Duke Giacomo Zaffria which gets farcically out of control when they schedule weddings for their heirs to occur on the same day. Lady Giulia Igniseri (Sorrel) is betrothed to Lord Stefano Rubino (Alejandro) and Lady Carina Zaffria (Yasmine) is engaged to wicked Prince Marco (no house name, Lumen) and wants out as she and Lady Alessandra Rubino, Stefano's older sister (Bliss) are in love. And of course Lady Eleonora Zaffria (Evonleigh) is in love with Lord Stefano. Marco's sister, Princess Valentina, (Sabella) isn't in love with anyone except herself, but she acts as the narrator and routinely breaks the fourth wall to address the audience directly, generally to make humorously unkind comments about the people on stage. There's humorous lyrical dialogue, some of that broad physical comedy from the second act of The Playwrights, three dramatic sword fights (including a three way fight between done to a jaunty saltarella) and a couple of love stories. There's drama, but since this is Nik, there's a happy ending for most characters and only the jerk prince (whose house is never named) ends up getting killed due to his own shittiness as a person. (Note: though his marriage contract allows him to keep publishing as Niklas Kennex, he's decided his old family is full of nerds, so he's going to be Prince Niklas Grayson for purposes of this show.) And while the show gets a lot of comedic mileage out of the unique setup of Gemecitta's duel dukes, the show is respectful toward the city itself, including the intro song sung by Princess Valentina that talks about how great, if weird, Gemecitta is.

Gianna helped write the songs and is providing the stage - the Bard College's Performance Hall - as well as some of the talent, some funding from the College's account, and using the bards to spread word of mouth and up the hype. The problem with all this involvement is that she has a personal stake in how good the singing is, and she is highly critical and determined to make sure the songs are flawless, even if that means people have to learn to sing better. She can show them what they need to do, and she will, but she will not be pleasant to work with. She probably has to be removed from the process at some point. Good thing Niklas has a really high Diplomacy skill! Seriously, there are good reasons she has instructors that aren't her at the College.

Sabella is simply thrilled to take the stage for the very first time acting in her husband's musical as Princess Valentina, wicked Prince Marco's sister and narrator to the story that often breaks the fourth wall to interact with the audience and make fun of the other players. Not only will she eat nothing but lettuce in the months leading up to the production to make sure she looks her best for the role, she will throw herself into learning the lines and the songs and practicing her improv so that this is the very most amazing show that ever existed! BEST PLAY EVER!

Ah, the theater! Princess Elgana is enthused there is to be another play put on but the fact that it is a production by Prince Niklas is just the icing on the cake. How could she ever dream of saying 'no' to a chance to promote his latest work? There is an all-star cast! Music! Drama! Laughter! It has everything and she's going to bend the ear of anyone who stands still long enough around her to get the word out about this production and how amazing it is going to be and how anyone who is ANYONE in this city ought to be there on opening night.

Berenice has agreed to help promote Niklas's newest production, but she's taking a very particular spin on it: she's talking up her interest, certainly, dropping it in conversation about how excited she is for opening night, but more than that, she's going to be flexing her wiles to get all sorts of people competing for the honor of escorting her to opening night. Will it involve duels? It might, you never know. Will Berenice _encourage_ people to duel over getting to take her to the theater? One hundred percent absolutely. She's going to make an absolutely delightful game of the whole thing. Who will actually take her to opening night? THAT'S NOT IMPORTANT. Hopefully there will be tears and fights and DRAMA before the curtain even opens.

Once again, and to her great excitement, Tabitha will be lending her efforts to any tasks that require the skills of an artist: painting sets, creating props, applying stage make-up and so forth. She'll happily work with the team of artists as a whole, as well as on her own when appropriate. She's an organised busy bee who likes to get get along with others to help a project reach its full potential, so she'll be at her smiling and enthusiastic best among like-minded people of a creative bent.

Sorrel being the Bladesong is a triple threat: an incredible soprano, an excellent dancer, and a swordswoman of some note. She's set to play Lady Guilia Igniseri, the Rubino-Zaffria vassal, in a stylish, charming way. She's quite involved in training the actors and actresses for the show, and she and Bliss are working out choreography for when Lady Alessandra Rubino and Lady Guilia bring swords into their squabble over who should get the world's most useless and undeserving prince, before making up and singing a brilliant duet about how neither of them need that particular man. Sorrel is mainly concerned with helping to showcase the talents of commoners whose livelihood she would like to boost with this all-star cast and in training those with less experience to have more confidence.

Yasmine will be bringing her formidable skills as an actress, singer, and dancer to the role of Carina Zaffria, the apple of her father's eye, yet not without considerable cunning of her own. In the part, the Ravashari embodies the dual characteristics of the 'stereotypical Lycene' by being both sweet and relatable to the audience while also conducting machinations to attempt to assert her own will. On the stage, Yasmine beguiles, whether with her ability to fully embody whatever role she plays, her rich contralto voice, or her expert dancing.

Lumen will be embodying the wicked Prince Marco, intermingling her on-brand impishness with the debonair stylings of a highness entirely lacking in moral high ground. This is not Lumen's stage debut. She portrayed a man in Lord Niklas Kennex's The Playwrights.

Delilah might be a pretty ornament to the stage, but her real threat originates in the province of the pen. Prince Niklas has scored the masterpiece for the stage, and she will be lending the ghostly weight of ink and inspiring words to seed excitement and interest far and very, very wide indeed. Given the Lycene flavour of things, she is gently applying a particular impression to build fascination or interest. That means scattering tidbits to the right people. Influencing the right sorts to carry on the word, to build up a buzz (even if they weren't all that aware before, they sure will be now...). She sends breathless excerpts into the Hundred Cities, stitching and building a train of anticipation about how good things are. Sentiments peppered with the taste of mysteries and drama on the stage, the historical wonders, the *intrigues*. Did we mention intrigues? Possibly scandal? The things that sell tickets and cement the memory are a grand tradition of developing stories, and she will spin one about the tireless playwright, the dashing and debonair actors, the brilliance waiting to be seen like a cut diamond until it's basically Hamilton 2.0 of Arx.

Alejandro takes his talents to the stage for a second time in this new production, playing the role of Lord Stefano Rubino. While his life's focus has typically been in music, he possesses enough natural charm and performing ability to once again handle an acting role. Putting his all into his performance, he focuses his time and practice mostly on the swordfighting aspects he may be called upon to perform. It's probably more a dance than a fight, so he feels comfortable enough. Alejandro works hard, devotes himself to the role, and attempts to put on a good performance.

Initially getting involved in this only for a lark, more or less, Tikva's largely present as a very dramatically loud _voice_ -- there are many actors and musicians in the city who she has no interest in intervening in the livelihoods of, but what weight she can lend to Niklas by putting her showmanship to use here, she does, cheerfully and with great embrace of absurdity.

Lady Evonleigh Whitehawk will be performing in Prince Niklas' play as one of the actresses, of course! She's been trained to do it all -- singing, dancing, comedy, tragedy... Though let's be honest: it's a good thing it's a musical comedy. While Evon's singing voice is sweet and on key, she has not the depth or richness of tone nor the range of a proper vocalist. Any songs she performs in are "sold" by virtue of her acting ability and her charm. The acting, she has the chops for, whether a comedic or dramatic scene, and she will do her best to win over the audience with every line, smile, or sob.

As a lover of the arts, and a tremendous fan of Gianna Whisper and her patron Prince Niklas, Countess Carita is very proud to support Prince Niklas' talents as a playwright and the Bard's College's very first theatrical performance by donating from her own personal funds. That the cast will be a group of people she has come to know well for their musical talents has made Carita dig deep in to her pockets to support them, adding 5000 silver to help ensure the production's success.

Aurora was the costumer the first time this performance was put on, and will reprise her role this time. The costumes don't change too much, just because its a musical this time doesn't mean there is a dramatic shift, though tailoring is done to ensure that the costumes fit their new wearers. More have had to be added too, to include the chorus and other stand ins on the stage.

Playing the role of Lady Alessandra Rubino, Bliss emerges onto the stage in her element - or at least, hopefully so. This role was practically written for her, and whether it's the swordfights, the speaking parts, or the saltarella, the Champion Whisper is more than able to keep up. Indeed, she's going to bring a high level of exuberance to the role, and while the swordfight will of course display skill with the weapon - it's not really about the speed of movement, is it? No, it's about how flashy and entertaining she can make it. Tricks that would never see the sands are going to come out in the show - movements of the blade meant to awe and impress. Hopefully no one gets too hurt, and if they do? Hey, that can be part of the show as well. Maybe even just having her name on the billing will bring in a certain type of fan, as well, that will increase the name recognition of the show. We can only hope.

Rook is, as ever, the hypeman. Patron of the arts, magnate, and philantropist. It's his duty to encourage people towards the burgeoning shows within Arx, and for those that aren't politely within his company simply to get something, they normally even listen to his suggestions. Utilising his extensive contacts within and outwith the Peerage, such as the merchant rungs, Rook targets high profile individuals for putting bums on seats for this event. For those that know his lovely partner, of course, Yasmine will be involved! For the royalists, oh by the Pantheon, House Grayson's own has authored it! It simply cannot be missed.

Caspian is the stunt trainer. He is showing the actors how to perform various stunts and choreographed fights and makes sure everything is nice and polished for when the curtains rise and the show begins.

Liara, with all her customary cheerfulness and passion, talks up the production no end, particularly among the more junior nobles of the Crownlands and of Arx with whom she so often associates. They simply must see it! Or so she says. She even sends a few letters back home to try and wrangle up visitors from Bastion, assuring them that it will be an unmissable spectacle.

There is no acting, no singing, no performances from Alarissa with regards to the latest production of Prince Niklas Grayson. Not in the least. Anyone who thinks they might see her get on a stage and act is going to be disappointed. But what she does do is promote the hell out of the production. She has a good reason to given the deal Niklas struck with her in exchange for applying her social weight. And so when she is out and about, at parties, fluttering a fan, sipping tea, eating with friends and perusing stores for the latest and greatest of trends, she's encouraging people to go see this latest production. Likely to be the talk of the town, filled with notable of society both noble and less than noble, prancing about the stage and giving their all. Shouldn't they go and support their fellow blooded? She thinks so, she's even going to be front row - well, up in a box and away from the rabble of course - and watching. And it's a way to help say you were -there- when this happened, and to indirectly support Thursday's Child in the process. Charity -and- entertainment all in one? Besides, it's bound to be entertaining in some fashion yes? Yes? Probably.

Prince Niklas Grayson is at it again. Or Lord Niklas Kennex? Something about the marriage contract and he's writing under his original name but then he's also Princess Sabella's husband and everyone knows Princess Sabella so now it's suddenly confusing. So they just start calling him The Playwright, and it sticks - and now no one has to remember surnames and contracts not their own.

In any case he's written a new play, calling this one not an opera but a musical. But the names have the starry-eyed among the theater in awe. Princess Sabella acts in her first title role as Princess Valentina, her turn both hilarious and touching. Her humor makes people gravitate toward her, and she is widely hailed as a resounding success in her inaugural role.

Princess Sorrel Thrax, Bladesong and Singer of Heroes, takes a break from astounding the Compact with her own work to perfom someone else's - and she too is a hit. In fact more people than usual come just to see her perform - can you really blame them? Of course not.

Yasmine Champagne, popular model, fashionista, and not-quite-as-scandalous-as-she-used-to-be Prodigal acts, sings, and dances her way across the stage. She reminds everyone why she is so often the talk of the town with another stellar performance.

Bliss Whisper plays a part too, and where her exceptional enthusiasm is, can the Nox'alfar be far away? The entire second floor is bought out opening night by a Nox'alfar delegation, who come en masse to see Bliss perform. They're only a little disruptive of course - their cries of BOO! every time Bliss leaves the stage, and the standing ovation that grinds everything to a halt when she enters gradually stop - about fifteen minutes before the end of the play.

Lumen, Radiant of the Whisper House herself, plays the lead in a performance by turns dark and witty. Sometimes both in the same turn. She outdoes herself and shows why she is so highly sought after in the Whisper house.

Princess Tikva, Alejandro Rossetti, and Lady Evonleigh join this all-star cast. Maybe some are taking it more seriously than others but this musical has it all - ranging from the dramatic to the comedic, there's a part to play for everyone and everyone has their part to play.

And where there is music, is the Nightingale very far behind? No she is not - Gianna Whisper wrote the music herself for this play. Sets are by the incomparable Lady Tabitha and they veritably take one's breath away. Aurora, the legendary seamstress, provides unbelievably beautiful costumes. Caspian trains the actors in their stunts, the Grandmaster of the Champions Guild helping make sure the fight scenes are entertaining indeed. It's like he's done this before.

Princess Elgana, Princess Berenice, Lady Delilah, Countess Carita, Princess Liara, Princess-Consort Alarissa, and the Redoubtable Rook all publicize the event. They're all going to opening night, and to random nights thereafter - and that's enough to ensure that this new play by The Playwright (who might be a Kennex or might be a Grayson or might be both but it doesn't matter) is a roaring success.

Action by Bliss for Bliss, Everard, Vowkeeper and the White Stewards

(Public Action, OOC Date: Sept. 8, 2018, 9:47 p.m.)

It may be a surprise to many, but the name 'Bliss' is one that seems to have a rather storied history within the Telmarch. Many knights, duelists, and nobles seem to know of the storm of a woman who went through this famously stodgy area years ago, and there might even be a famous story or two associated with her.

With all that, it seems like she is ready to go back to the Telmarch once more and relive some of her past. Hosting a proper festival, she is going to be providing basic arms and armor for any who wish to participate, with a grand tournament among the duelists happening over multiple days. A chance to fight the Champions and prove your name - and earn some silver on the side!

Past that, the woman loves performances, and there will be stage shows, bards - perhaps even some from the College? - and grand obstacles in the duels the further into the bracket they go. Many of her own duels have featured props, after all, and crowds seem to love them.

The finale of the show? The winner of the tournament will perform a proper Rite to Gloria with Bliss herself (who is not participating in the tournament) as a proper show of respect to the Faith in this very orthodox region.

But who says you can't have fun doing all that?

Invited along on the trip by Bliss, the new prospect Capri de Lire comes along to do exactly what one might expect of him: to fight. He's there to perform, to out-show everyone else, and to win. He's after the chance to impress the audience and gain prestige, as well as perform the Rite to Gloria with Bliss.

He's the Peerless of the Champions' Guild. Of course he knows how to put on a show. Are you not entertained? Of course you are. Look at your Champion. Now look at me. Now back to your Champion. If you had a proper contract with the Champions Guild, he'd look like me. Oh yes, and Bliss of course. Isn't she great? Now, let's talk more about me.

Joining those present, Ezekiel will play songs during the various tournaments. He will also tell tales of the various participants and expound upon the virtues of the victors.

Estelle was asked to join and happily accepted the chance to return closer to home. More helpfully, the Mercy will be on hand to attend to the various forms of wounds that can arise over the course of physical competition and fighting to, well, wound.

Joslyn will of course attend such an event, with a grand tourney to prove her worth in the heat of battle against her fellow champions. She'll fight with all her strength, as competetive as always, hoping to lead herself to ultimate victory, looking forward to performing her own rite of Gloria with Bliss.

Bliss' request to Gianna was pretty simple: was she interested in performing? Yes, please. Gianna is almost always interested in performing, and that means singing, and she's very good at singing. She will perhaps sing some inspiring anthem to open the event. Are there medieval half-time shows? Because half-time shows. She has also mentioned this project to the other Bards to see if they'll bite. Maybe some NPC bards come along.

Navi shall attend such an auspicious event -- if nothing else, such should be an experience in regions she's not yet seen with people she's not yet met. Of course, glory always awaits, but her expectations remain reined in just now. She intends to duel, to display her prowess as a Champion, and offer comradery to those seeking the same.

Mikani will attend the event. She will join the tourney for practicing her talents and working on her showmanship. She intends to get to know her fellow champions better.

Wearing the favor of Princess Isidora Valardin, Fecundo will enter the tournament to try an make a name for himself, among the Champions and perhaps outside of Arx.

The Champions are going to the Oathlands. Specifically the Telmarch - and the Tournament is being billed as "Tourney in the Telmarch" and led by none other than Champion Bliss Whisper.

This is a complicated moment for the Telmarch. On the one hand, Bliss Whisper has been very public about her feud with House Telmar. And many believe she is justified in her grievances, and are looking for Duke Arn to come up with a solution and quickly. The Oathlands as a whole are not only devout, but hold honor as their watchword, and many believe that it is on Duke Arn to give her the sword - after all, honor before all things is a main tenet in the Oathlands. But giving up the Sword is also unconscionable, so the more pragmatic among them understand his reluctance to do so. And so as the Champions come to Telmar, they turn their attention to Bliss to see what she is really up to.

The tournament itself is everything they could hope for. She provides arms and armor to any who want to have a moment in the sun to fight one of the renowned Champions. She brings with her the ever-popular Nightingale, Gianna Whisper, and a Mercy of her own - Estelle, She has invited a veritable bevy of who's who among the Champions too - Fecundo, Mikani, Navi, Joslyn, Ezekiel, Capri - even Peerless Beaumont shows up. Which lends a little weight to Bliss Whisper, having a son of Valardin backing her up in this.

And the show goes off without a hitch. It's truly interesting and fun for all concerned. And at the end, the winner challenges Bliss in a Rite of Gloria - and the faithful among the Valardin come away from that quite troubled. She seems devout, and accusations of selfishness pale in comparison to this devout woman who is fierce and filled with righteousness.

Even as they applaud the Tourney in the Telmar, they're now starting to put a little more pressure on Arn and Ansel to resolve things honorably and soon.

Action by Hadrian

(Public Action, OOC Date: July 26, 2018, 1 a.m.)

Marquis-Consort Hadrian Mazetti has began a campaign of expansion on behalf of Ostria and House Mazetti. Prior to the direct conflict with the Gyre and his forces, House Mazetti had reached out to a number of allies and potential allies. Among those potential allies the eye of House Mazetti and Ostria now turns, through the Voice of Marquessa Cambria Mazetti.

Leading up to the war with the Gyre, House Mazetti had extended an offer of fealty to many Abandoned tribes at the borders of Ostria and beyond. Some tribes accepted and now thrive within a growing Ostria, some had consented to an honor duel to decide the matter with varying results, and others had simply politely declined the offer. House Mazetti acted with honor and, some may say dignity, in respecting the choice of those who did not wish to partake in the coming conflict. That particular conflict has passed and the Compact has emerged victorious, so the time is now for House Mazetti to extend the olive branch to those who had shown (polite) reluctance in the past.

To begin with Hadrian will be seeking the aid of capable diplomats and others. Along with that enlistment of skilled individuals, Hadrian will seek out among the Prodigal population in Ostria those who have prospered throughout the economic boom that the city-state has experienced through sound investments, commerce, and more. He will request the aid of these Prodigals in reaching out to those tribes in which the diplomatic campaign will come in contact with, speaking of their own experiences as Prodigals within Ostria and the Compact, along with their successes thus far.

Even soldiers from the banners of House Mazetti will march with the diplomatic party, under strict orders that they will only be acting within a defensive capacity under the command of Lord Valerio Mazetti, the Marshal of Ostria. The ranks of the II Hydra Legion are brought along as a show of support not for the diplomatic party but for those tribes which the diplomatic conducts their efforts with. Hadrian will makes it a point to remind those Abandoned tribes which they deal with throughout the campaign that the Hydra stands ready to defend those who come beneath their banner and join with the Compact through House Mazetti. The evidence is before their very eyes: The Hydra has an army that is battle experienced, known for being territorial, and stands ready to offer aid to those who accept the offer of protection, fealty, and more.

The ultimate message is simple. House Mazetti and Ostria stands ready to provide protection and more to the Abandoned who are willing to swear fealty upon Limerance to Marquessa Cambria Mazetti and her House, thereby joining the Compact. Those offers which meet with success? Hadrian will then attempt to use those successes as something of a domino effect. Utilizing the new Prodigals to act as diplomats with Abandoned tribes who they have peaceful relations with, all in the interest of creating a cascade of oaths sworn in fealty to House Mazetti for the betterment of all involved.

For those which stand ready to refuse the peaceful offer, the Sword of House Mazetti in the form of Lord Theron Mazetti will be asked to represent the House in order to decide the matter once and for all. These duels will be held honorably, without the threat of death or open warfare as any manner of stipulation. They are meant to prevent such things from taking place and thus House Mazetti will conduct itself honorably and present these duels as nothing more than to first blood. As with any duel where deadly weapons are involved, accidents do happen. In the event of any such accidents occur, House Mazetti will provide compensation as a show of good faith in the form of silver and goods. This, of course, is just another clever veil in the diplomatic dance designed to entice the Abandoned into recognizing that House Mazetti will treat them reasonably and fairly. They are Lycene after all.

Hail Hydra.

As a steadfast ally of House Mazetti and a skilled diplomat, Princess Isabeau Valardin will use her bountiful charm, masterful manipulation, and expert skill in propaganda to encourage those Abandoned deemed worthy to bend the knee under the banners of House Mazetti.

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As the Countess of Escuma, Arcelia pulls her resources to assist her Hadrian. An army suddenly marching towards you is not an ideal situation because they would be strictly bending the knee out of fear. As such, Arcelia takes a smaller group (Mercies, Soldiers, Disciples that speak Lycene Shav, etc from Escuma) with her to do some mission work ahead of time. She will bring care packages of food, seeds, medicine, and other important essentials to them and ask for nothing in return except that they let them stay for a few weeks. They will simply act as servants to that tribe in that they will help do chores around their settlement, tell them about what its like living in The Compact, let the Disciples tell them about the Gods, and then at night carelessly party with them. The intention here is that when the rest of the diplomats get here and the army arrives they will have a more positive foundation to work with.

Cambria brings to the table her experience in a leadership capacity, so that Hadrian's expertise in diplomacy is most aptly utilized by bringing together all the right people are brought together under one umbrella of authority. It sounds more luxurious than it in truth is, as much of it involves paperwork, matters of logistics, knowing who will work with whom and the like, all the way down to signing off on how much feed for pack animals must be brought. Her work, therefore, is largely behind the scenes, though she herself does not remain an elusive figure. On the forefront of the project, she makes sure to be both seen and heard by those she works alongside of...and especially those she hopes to sway to the cause.

Alessia brings her martial skills to the table in the event that things go awry despite attempts at diplomacy. Her role will also be to display her abilities as a glaivedancer to the Abandoned via defensive and offensive drills ran by her uncle in the hopes of bolstering the reputation of the Guardians while also honing her own skills during the diplomatic endevour. In addition, she'll offer whatever aid she can to her cousins as they aim to gain the fealty of the Abandoned.

Valerio is always very much of the mind that if one wishes peace, they must prepare for war. However, he is content to let the diplomats be diplomats and keeps Guardians at the ready in the event of failure. Given the unique task at hand, Valerio continually rotates his current Guardian detail into drills. His purpose behind this is to keep the Guardians battleready just in case, but to show the Abandoned just what Guardians can do. Valerio will run both defensive and offensive drills to show the Abandoned just how well Ostrians are protected, and just how well Ostria will go after their enemies.

Marquis Hadrian Mazetti has asked my assistance in dealing with his land and population expansion around Ostria and having abandoned tribes bend the knee. Lucita applies her Lycene Slav linguistics ability, her charm and her propaganda skills in methods that were successfully used in the Saikland land expansion to assist in his effort. She invites some of the Abandoned who seem content and to be adjusting very well to joining the Compact and Saikland to accompany her so the Ostria area tribes can see that protection and fair treatment is given from some who were just like them. .

Diplomacy, word of mouth advertisement, duels, military might - there seems to be someone covering each of these. But who is out there showing what Arvani culture can really produce? Why not the Champion Whisper? As loud and brash as she can be, Bliss knows how to put on a good show and play to her audience. And so she travels among the Abandoned tribes of Ostria with the Mazettis et al, carousing, singing, and performing far flashier duels than the likes House Swords might do - and for far lower stakes. She's here to put on a show and get these people to see how much /fun/ life in the Compact can be, and win hearts and minds over that way. Everyone else has the finer details of integration covered, after all.

Leading up to the war with the Gyre, House Mazetti had extended an offer of fealty to many Abandoned tribes at the borders of Ostria and beyond. Some tribes accepted and now thrive within a growing Ostria, some had consented to an honor duel to decide the matter with varying results, and others had simply politely declined the offer. House Mazetti acted with honor and, some may say dignity, in respecting the choice of those who did not wish to partake in the coming conflict. (That and they were really too busy to go on a shav-killing campaign with the Pirate King threatening) But now that war is over, and the Mazetti forces are back, and they've got that same look on their face. That "let's talk about fealty to the Compact" look.

And so Marquessa Cambria and Marquis Hadrian, along with their family - Lord Theron, Sword of Mazetti and Lady Alessia in particular - travel with their military forces, with Lord Theron and Valerio in command. They reach Ostria and bring the diplomats to the forefront. They've asked some of their allies, Princess Isabeau, Countess Arcelia, Baroness Lucita, and Bliss Whisper to join them as well, reaching out to those who were previously reluctant. With a savvy mixture of inherent threat from the military and diplomatic overtures by the rest, it presents a particularly Lycene offer - and people respond, expanding Ostria as these shavs bend the knee.

Action by Fairen

(Public Action, OOC Date: July 4, 2018, 3:20 p.m.)

As part of his new station as both a Senior Scholar, and an Expert of Elven Histories, Marquis Fairen Leary has planned a project to support both his growth in status, and to expand the Compact's understanding of the Nox'alfar. With this, Fairen has put together a plan for an expedition to the Twilight Court. While he won't be going on the trip himself, the plan is to take a wagon of Arvani books translated into Nox'alfar and participate in a potential cultural exchange with our Elven allies. Although he will inform his envoys that something in return to exemplify their society, it is not expected.

Here it is. The trip to the Twilight Court that Bliss and the Nox'Alfar have both been waiting for for years. Finally back on form, the Greatest Arvani (according to her fan mail, anyway!) is ready to enter this new realm in style. The sharpest fashion, the brightest clothes, the best new jokes and the sharpest blade, she is here to demonstrate, in person, just how wonderful Bliss Whisper really is. And yeah, that Fairen Leary guy, she's here to represent him as well, I suppose. Really, she'll talk him and his books up just fine, and do her best to make the Nox like him, but oh, there are just so many pretty elves that are going to be there, and they have that kind of danger that steals a woman's breath away. Sometimes literally. What's a girl to do?

Well, her job, but she's not opposed to having an awful lot of fun in the meantime. She's coming home.

Harlex had never seen an elf in all his travels, his career as a sellsword. He had seen plenty of strange things, of course, but not an elf. Not the Nox’alfar, certainly. But what separates him from other mercenaries is the cold pragmatism that he could bring. The scent of death is ever ripe upon his soul, those old war scars lessons well learned. Protecting the wagon, the scholars, and the books received all that he has to offer--his skill, his knowledge, and his caution.

It goes like how you'd expect. Which is to mean everything is completely unexpected, more than a little dangerous, manic, crazy, and exceedingly violent. It's just like Bliss remembers it!

Bliss and Harlex lead the wagon towards the Night Grove, passing the signs that are painted in blood, "PSST, THE COMPACT, GOING PAST THIS MEANS WE GET TO DO FOLLIES. YOU'LL PROBABLY DIE BUT IT WILL BE REALLY FUN AND WE WILL HAPPILY PASS ALONG GAMBLING PROCEEDS TO YOUR OFFSPRING." Proceeding along, however, Bliss has Nox'alfar coming out of the woodwork (quite literally, some were melded into the trees in the Night Grove in the Be A Tree game which is an ironic mockery of Sylv'alfar) and ask for autographs. Or demand autographs. Or fight duels to the death for autographs. Or come up with complicated death traps for autographs. Or a date. It's all very complicated.

She is, however, informed that the -Inner- Twilight Court has been decreed as closed to human visitors until the 33rd day of Neverember, by decree of Baron Von Pig. Quite sorry. They will, however, escort the surviving books down to the Inner Court past the Nightmare. Well. Half were burned to make sure to teach the other books a lesson. You can't have books get uppity, you understand. They must be kept in line.

They were all judged by their cover.

BUT, a letter is presented from King Calithex Ael'Noctis to be delivered to his son Tyrval, who will then make a pronouncement upon their behalf, and they are now all three treated as Friends of the Nox and welcome to visit their embassy.

Action by Jeffeth

(Public Action, OOC Date: June 14, 2018, 12:53 p.m.)

We are going to Morning Mist Hill. A place lost to maps. A day or so northwest of the Twilight Court, heading towards the Mother river before it branches into the daughter. The mission is to find the ancient site of the orphanage and abbey that Sandrine fell at. We have the knowledge that Gray Forest Reavers, an abandoned Tribe, may have a shrine at this site, and they may be Teindpayers. Also Nox'alfar may be here? Unsure. Prince Tyrval has provided rough directions. A small team is going with Jeffeth Bayweather on this expedition as a scouting operation. The intent here is to get a look at what's going on and how possible setting up a future orphanage and abbey would be, setting up a holy site for pilgriamage.

Sir Jeffeth Bayweather will be ranging. His primary task will be making sure everyone survives to get to the location in question. The others will be brought around to make contact and BE NICE! We do not want to hurt or kill any Gray Forest Reavers here. If there is hostility, Sir Jeffeth is expecting the more social creatures in his crew to smoothe things over and make contact, learn about any potential paths forward. It also doesn't hurt that Jeffeth is bringing gifts (resources) to gift to the Abandoned tribe (or whoever they find), finely made things and treats that they may not be able to get all the way out here!

Bliss is not a diplomat. Nope. In fact, the Whisper loves nothing more, it seems, than riling up those around her - except, perhaps, attention. She can handle herself with her sword if need be, of course, but what she can really do is charm with song. Likely working with Niklas, she will use the universal language to soothe any worries or impress the Gray Forest Reavers.

But what she's really hoping for is an appearance from some members of her fan club. After all, that's why she's been asked along, isn't it? And if the Nox come out to meet their idol, she is just going to have the most wonderful time with them. She's even brought souvenirs - dolls of herself and the like. In a big box. Presumably dragged along by a mule. Someone is bringing a mule, right? Well, if not, there's Jeffeth.

Korka is coming along! She will assist in defending those going, and do her best to assist with smoothing any trouble over with the Abandoned (as she can). If they do make it to the orphanage/abbey, she'll scout it out and gather what info she can on who (and what) all might be using the ruins.

Princess Caith is here to FITE and be a BADASS!! Haha, no, don't be silly. Her role is to charm her little patoot off and soothe any hostilities that may arise. She is good at reading a room, figuring out the emotional wants and needs of a group in order to diffuse a situation. Plus? She's just delightful company! Stories, puns and laughter -- when appropriate. Always when /appropriate/. See: earlier 'reading the room' comment.

Niklas is going along with Jeffeth to act as the group's diplomat just in case any diplomatic crises break out. And to play the banjo just in case people need the morale boost! But mostly the diplomacy thing. While hiding behind Jeffeth for the most part.

Off Jeffeth goes, and he takes a merry band to travel to Morning Mist Hill, the place where Sandrine once met her end in the protection of children. They travel through the day, north and west of the Twilight Court, following the exceptionally vague directions Prince Tyrval gave and hoping they don't get accidentally caught in a Folly and killed. Though perhaps a few of them are privately thinking it would be nice to be caught in a Folly and survive (never tell them the odds).

And then Korka notices something in the trees. They're being followed. No one else notices it, mind - but she does, and when she points out the movement, an extremely aggravated and marginally embarrassed Nox'alfar shows himself. "Humans," says Norever, with a roll of his eyes and a heavy sigh. Even the sight of Bliss isn't quite enough to cheer him.

"You're running into Reaver territory," he says to them. "And if you get into a fight with them I'm going to help them win. Don't kill the Tiendpayers." He glares at them but then as they start to turn away to continue on, he blurts out as though the words are torn from him, "Can I have your autograph?" He hands Bliss a paper and pen and then slices his wrist open, offering it to her to use for ink. Not until she has signed are they allowed to proceed.%
Duly warned they move forward with caution. Jeffeth's size alone intimidates the people who come at last to meet them. But with Caith and Niklas doing more of the diplomatic talking, punctuated occasionally by very earnest comments about Sandrine and the children on the part of Jeffeth, they finally explain their purpose. The Reavers think about this for a long while.

"Alright," they say at last. "But we want a treaty with the Compact to leave our lands alone. We leave the orphanage alone and let pilgrims pass, and you leave our lands alone." Their main diplomat is man who speaks impeccable Arvani. "And don't think you can just agree here - you have to have a signed agreement from the King and the High Lords or we won't agree."

And then the Reavers leave the group with their hefty demands and an elf who crossly encourages them on toward home and away from the Gray Forest Reavers.

Action by Jeffeth

(Public Action, OOC Date: June 2, 2018, 12:01 p.m.)

Jeffeth Bayweather and other members of the Champions Guild of Arx are going on tour! Sanctum! Bastion! Maelstrom! The Lyceum! Some of those other places! The Champions of Arx will be going on tour to show their prowess to the rest of the Compact. Put on a show to the populace outside of Arx, fight the local talent, show off their weapons! Charge local provinces to take the show to them using their showmanship and weapon abilities to dazzle the crowds and earn silver and economic resources!

What is Bliss particularly good at, compared to many of the other Champions? She has the passion and the drive to make her shows into full-on spectacles. While she does do her part in the dueling, she helps devise stunts, perform tricks, work on songs, make costumes, and choreograph shows in between the bouts. She is determined to make sure that the Champions Guild shines in its showmanship, and the Whisper tries to make sure that everything that's done is a new and exciting feat.

Lys is particularly interested in this! However, while she's a little bit of a brawl recently she's become more of an economist. So she'll help out Jeffeth by being behind the scenes (surprising we know), helping to work out prices for tickets, cover fees, and etc to try and get the most bang-for-their-bucks and get the most back while not making anyone angry.

This is HHHHHYYYYYYPPPPEEEE~! Or at least that is what Caspian is trying to achieve. He is traveling a day or two ahead of the band, making sure everyone who will listen is aware of The Champions of Arx's arrival, spinning tales of close, intense duels, hilarious antics, amazing performances, skills and duels for honor and pride.

Some of the better-known Champions have decided to do a Champions Tour of some of the major cities in Arvum. From Sanctum to Maelstrom, Lenosia to Farhaven, the Champions cross the breadth of the Compact and put on quite the show doing it. Wherever they go, they both sell tickets as entertainment and engage in duels with local champions and each other. It's both recruitment and showcase, while settling many a local duel, and while sometimes their fees are as exorbitant as usual, from time to time they'll take up a particularly amusing cause pro bono. In those cases, those who are dueled for often will tell casual stories of 'that time I hired Bliss Whisper as my Champion against so and so." The locals will be eating off those tales for years, and overall it's a rousing success both for the reputation of the Champions Guild, and for those who participate.

Action by Lumen

(Public Action, OOC Date: April 14, 2018, 12:44 a.m.)


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Carrot and the Stick:
With the rumors of a rabbit-borne illness hopping about and poaching restrictions lifted, these are treacherous times to be a cotton-tail! Lumen is going to manipulate junior Inquisitors into helping her. "This is good for public perception! The Inquisition aren't monsters, killing off innocent rabbits and tearing beloved childhood pets from their homes," she'll tell them. *Now, some of these Inquisitors may be part of the resources she's been allowed access to by the Master of Questions and some... may very well not be.* She's going to have them help her humanely capture rabbits in the area surrounding the Palace, bring them to House of Questions for inspection, and then release them back into the wild with collars if deemed suitable. If the rabbits seem agitated, the gentle Softest Whisper is just going to coo into their cages sweetly. Just a totally normal situation here.

Tomwell has no rabbit-catching ability whatsoever, but he does hail from the wooded lands of Leaholdt. There are surely many members of House Leary, particularly among the commoners, who are skilled trappers. Tomwell, as a favor to his good friend Lumen, is going to go out and talk to any hunters or trackers or woodsy people he knows to convince them to help her out with her efforts.

Esoka is helping! She's a practiced huntress and tracker, and knows how to build cages and snares that will entangle an animal without killing them (hopefully, if all goes well). She'll set down some traps (with tempting food) in areas surrounding the Palace that seem likely. She'll also be wearing a mirror pendant, and requesting a vial of holy water from the Faith, to flash at and sprinkle the rabbits she traps. Hey, you never know.

Bliss is on guard duty here. Wabbits are very sneaky creatures, as has been told in many stories about when they've been hunted, and she is going to keep a close eye on the cages while 'dealing' with any that escape. With her rapier. It's a cruel job, but someone has to do it, and she is betting she is quick enough to keep up with scurrying lagomorphs.

Having been roped into this thing somehow, Tristan is going to be working on setting quarantine procedures based on the ones he uses when horses from places suspect for contagion arrive in the stables. He'll direct setting up isolated cages away from other animals for rabbits to be quarantined for weeks after they are caught, remind everyone who feeds, handles, cleans or otherwise deals with the rabbits to wash their hands and not use anything the quarantined rabbits have touched on healthy rabbits. He spends a lot of drilling this into rabbit keepers' heads. He will also keep a close eye on said rabbits for signs of illness. Or weirdness. Or evil.

Kia will be observing the various rabbits that are caught. She will be giving a heads up to the others if one of them seems suspicious so that they can give it to the Inquisition or kill it. Prodigals know their rabbits afterall.

Poor Gareth. Poor, poor Gareth. Bunnies were attained. The Fluffybottoms rode forth! Lumen was maimed, possible FOR LIFE! SUCH TRAVAILS. Also everyone sang.

Action by Corban for Thralldom in the Isles

(Public Action, OOC Date: Dec. 9, 2017, 5:03 p.m.)

Previously, on Thralldom in the Isles (@action 1398), Corban and Ryhalt went to Stormward and recruited freed thralls to settle in the Oathlands. Now it comes time to integrate those freed thralls into the Telmarch.

In this crisis action, Corban will return to the Telmarch with a retinue of both allied Telmar nobles, vassals and retainers and hired Whisper House assistants to ease the transition of the freed thralls into Telmar society. It isn't easy, after all, given that the Telmarch is built on being the Great Red Wall that keeps out the Abandoned that would attack the Oathlands. But Corban plans to attack the problem from two ends: Helping the thralls integrate into society with training and support AND engaging with the existing citizens of the Telmarch to begin nudging their attitudes towards more Abandoned-friendly positions. Corban would never expect the Telmarch to hold hands and sing songs with all Abandoned, but his overall message will be that the Telmarch needs to focus on those aggressive, enemy Abandoned that would invade us and move away from offensive campaigns against more-peaceful tribes. Our resources are better allocated against the Looming Threats. This won't happen overnight, but Corban hopes by having some resettled prodigals among them and focus on the issue, attitudes can evolve.

For his part, Corban will work with the thralls that have enlisted in the Telmarines, drilling them into proper Telmarch soldiers. He will also use his commanding presence and leadership abilities with the existing Telmarines, ensuring that the new enlistees are treated as comrades, not outcasts or canon fodder.

To assist, Percephon will compile lesson plans and organize classes in order to teach any newly freed Prodigal vital information that will benefit them in their new life among the Telmarch. He is hoping to integrate them with as much as possible, and easily, without there being too much of a culture-shock.

For the nobles and commoners of the Telmarch, he is offering the same - offering to teach any uncertain or suspicious citizens how to better understand the newly freed and sworn Prodigals so that a bridge toward understanding one another can be built.

Bliss has been hired by Corban to help integrate the freed thralls with Telmarines. She'll be doing this in a number of ways:

* Bliss will go to the freed thralls and tell them heroic stories, sing them epic songs, and act out other acts and legends of Telmar that she has found by working with Corban and his associates. She hopes to use these performances to inspire the former thralls so that they see glory and honor in their new service and come to understand the ways of their new liege.

* Bliss will take the stories of the freed thralls and tell them to the telmarines, singing songs around campfires and so on to hilight their similarities rather than their differences.

* Bliss will take a freed thrall to dinner each night among the Telmars, introducing said former thrall on a personal level, so they are people and not just 'thralls.'

Nisaa can relate to the freed thralls, in a way. She was once a slave in Petrioch, and now has freedom in Arx, living in the Compact. To assist the mingling of Thralls and Telmars, she will speak to them of what it means to have freedoms some of them might have never known. She will explain what it has been like for her adjusting to the ways of life as a free person in the Compact, and tell them what opportunities they might have for their own lives; professions they might enjoy and feel comfortable doing.

With her unique knowledge, Nisaa would also offer to speak to the Telmars that are bringing the former thralls into their places of businesses or even homes. For a smooth transition into this new way of life, a mutual understanding is required. Some thralls may have had an easier life than others, and she would help to explain what some might have endured, what they might be used to, so that if something happens (a flinch when a hand is raised, dropping to knees to beg forgiveness, or a wide variety of triggered responses), the Telmar can approach the situation with understanding instead of utter confusion.

In short, Nisaa will offer her understanding as a former slave to both the thralls and the people of the Telmarch.

Jhond will meet with Telmar nobility and common alike to tell them of the Thralls. Of how they are men and women like them, but newly freed. many do not really want to be there, in the compact at all, but are trying. Patience will be needed as they will run the gamut from being too compliment to being resentful of any order given to them. they should be given tasks to own and make their own, something to be proud of. coddled when needed, put in line when not but always with patience and a mind to their recent life.

Monique has been recruited by the fabulous Corban Telmar to be a translator and charming go-between for the newly freed thralls and the Telmar citizens. As she speaks all manner of shav dialect, included Isles, this positions her well for the role. The Minx of the Marches also spends long hours with the thralls, patiently answering questions, offering advice, and just generally talking about who knows what!

Korka will be joining the rest of the group in assisting in folks getting integrated, but she's focusing more on individual levels, seeking out the overly negative and the obviously uncomfortable, and both evaluating them and anyone else who seems interested in them for possible trouble-causing. On both sides. She'll also be more generally canvassing for troublemakers. Anyone that turns up either way will be looked at more closely, evaluated as to whether they're a credible threat or just uhappy (just unhappy is allowed, if they're not causing problems iwth it!) and reporting in on actual problems to Corban.

It's wildly successful. Korka, Monique, the Whispers, all of them are extremely good at this sort of thing, and the integration goes extremely smoothly under Corban's leadership aided with Percephon's teaching. The infantry numbers in the Telmarch grow a bit from new recruits, and the duchy sees a spike in growth, with the resultant rise in incomes.