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Action by Aurora

(Public Action, OOC Date: April 8, 2019, 11:33 p.m.)

Aurora has been working with local merchants, notable people in the city, and the Keaton goat herders to create something fashionable to wear within the cooler months. With their help, and her legendary abilities in working with fabrics, she has created a new type of wool; goat fibers mixed with seasilk to fashion an extremely durable, yet super soft fabric with a shimmering shot through quality. Considering the materials, the name Aurora has been calling this is Seatouched Cashmere (Or Seatouched Wool if Cashmere is too modern and specific region).

This new material will be somewhat expensive, as it uses a very specific goat to create, and hopefully with the material incorporating seasilk as an ingredient, it will raise the price of seasilk to where it once was as it is being used beyond for clothing.

Who better than the merchants of House Champagne to take hold of this fabulous new invention of the legendary seamstress and peddle it to esteemed clients of the Peerage and other well-to-do echelons of society? Yasmine, for her part, extols on the virtues of such a lovely and luxurious new fabric. Look how beautiful the seatouched cashmere (or wool) can be when worked into such a comely piece of clothing! How it shimmers in the light, and doesn't itch on the skin. Cold? Not her! It's as warm as it's luxurious!

New opportunity you say? A chance to fund a project with her two proteges you say? Keaton Cas... er Seatouched Wool you say?? Count Reigna in! She KNEW those goats were going to be a hit! And now there is a chance to utilize them beyond their current Pets or Food (and leather!) fates! She's all on board for this project and has JUST the place in mind to sell it, when the Acheron market opens. Reigna does love her money and has gotten pretty damn good at learning how to make the most out of the opportunities it presents her with. She'll be working her Economic Mojo and contributing some of her accumulated debts owed into making sure this project gets off the ground and is successful.

Aurora has approached and Josephine is more than glad to help a fellow crafter and merchanter. It's an interesting concept but been proven to have worked for that Lycene house. Neodynium and Silk, gods it's so noisy, she avoids it where she can. Josephine however is thrilled at the idea of this sea-touched wool. So while Lore strives to work the markets, josephine goes to barter and haggle with the various enclaves that harbor and guard the secret to making seasilk. Ahhh clam lip hair, who doesn't love clam lip hair! She'll even get on a boat. An actual boat. Take note.

With goats, she works to source herds of the little bleating things, champion breeders and for a good price to be given to the keatons so they can begin their breeding program while working with Lore to see to some of the already marketable goat fur to be procured and delivered to aurora for testing and creation. If someone needs to barter or haggle, josephine is there, taking the time to travel and do so.

A new fabric, you say? With seasilk, you say? Something both decadently delicious to the touch yet warm enough to ward off the interminable chill of these cold northern months, you say??? Lore is eager to get in on the ground floor of such an amazing and needed new invention!! She will happily work her magic with the markets to ensure that Aurora has all the seasilk and goat fibers that she could possibly need to make such a wonderful thing happen! Further, while she gathers materials up in bulk, Lore will start dropping hints of this wonderful new fabric to start generating hype and buzz to help create a demand in the market for its debut.

As winter wanes, a new winter line is suddenly rumored amongst the fashionable set. And the biggest rumors are bubbling up about a potential new material from the legendary tailor Aurora. Made from the hair of a particular goat bred by House Keaton farmers, this new "seatouched wool" is soft like a cloud, gentle on the skin, and flows like fine silk while providing the warmth of good wool. Does it sound too good to be true? Maybe it is and maybe it isn't. Certainly Marquessa Reigna seems to think it's the fashion, as she's talking about it at every opportunity. Others - Mistress Josephine Arcuri, Mistress Yasmine Champagne, and Mistress Lore Artiglio are also talking about it, having either seen it themselves or, as more rumors would have it, been instrumental in the creation of this new luxury fabric. The buzz is real - but will the product live up to the hype, or will this be a single-season fad? Only time - and the fashionistas - will tell.

Action by Kaldur(RIP) for Rebuilding Redreef

(Public Action, OOC Date: Dec. 27, 2018, 7:07 p.m.)

Some time ago the idea of improving County Pearlspire's infrastructure was seeded. The idea began as a military effort, improving roads to improve troop movements. Which would improve trade. And like the bit of grit that eventually becomes a pearl, the idea has grown and taken shape. And grown some more. Inspired by Lord Michael Bisland, the success of the Empyrean trade route, and encouraged by Marquessa Deepwood, Lord Kaldur has begun shepherding a massive infrastructure project - an overland analog to the Empyrean Route that will set a series of trade roads through Grayson's principalities and farther. /From Stormwall to Ostria and beyond!/ says young Kaldur, with emphasis on 'and beyond.'

When the planning is done and construction begins in earnest, Lord Kaldur is a man who prefers to lead from the front when he can. In County Pearlspire he will work tirelessly alongside the men and women (and horses!) of the Seliki Engineering Corps as they plan and execute the work laid before them. He is a steadying presence with encouragement and focus at setbacks and ready with praise for work well done.

(OOC: Recommended support is 100-200 resources for Baronies and Counties, 200-500 resources for Marches and Duchies; but any and all support is welcome)

As work proceeds all over the Compact, who knows what will be discovered!!

Lady Peri Seliki has a strong relationship with the prominent traders that already flock to Pearlspire's shores and has reached out to those that she tipped off previously to some lucrative opportunities on lumber. She gathers information from them on where the best routes would benefit from roads to add to her brother's efforts and arranges for them to get the word out to others, both to fulfill the gap in transporting materials to the workers and in preparation for the new network.

Considering that some adult supervision will be required, Kalani would be happy to go along and serve as a stand-in for said-adults. Chiefly, if anyone is going to build anything, someone is bound to get hurt in the process. It's a natural outcome of people + tools = broken body parts.


Samantha is wholeheartedly invested in this notion, especially with Old Oak (presumably) being one of the stop points on the road. She'll invest resources into its creation, and encourage the hiring of the March's population for all levels of its creation. She will also look into facilitating the formation of security for the road, and aid in the diplomactic and economic efforts surrounded projecting its cost to create and projection of its maintenance.

As a purveyor of stone, particularly granite and marble, Grazia is going to have stone shipped to the Selikis for Pearlspine. Some of the stone will be used for the very roads it is to be transferred along, but the bulk of it will be sailed along the coast to the actual port city to be used to build the harbor. This is an important trading endeavor, and Grazia expects that due to the long-term nature of the project that it will offer a nice economic boost for her quarries.

Aviaron's Peak rests atop a MOUNTAIN, which means its architects and workers have experience working in... the MOUNTAINS. So Rhea will consult with her stewards to put together a crew of advisors and workers to help with Kaldur's project, lending them valuable experience. Aviaron's Peak will also provide any necessary metal for the project at a discount.

As stewards and protectors on the roads of Arvum, and as followers of Gild who favors trade, civilization and hospitality, the Knights of Solace lend their aid to the project with the promise that it will feature a few Solace waystations and shrines for pilgrimage. Thena offers the Solace soldiers stationed near the proposed route for protection and manpower. She also sends resources and silver for the project. Once complete, the route will be added to the Knights of Solace regular coverage.

Ann believes in Kaldur's efforts for a trade route and signs Stormwall up, understanding that he needs support in many ways to see success in the long run.
*She puts her economic mind to use, saving Kaldur where she can and maximizing profits.
*Pours over paperwork with him to make sure no one is pulling a fast one on him.
*Assigns Crovane's reserves to patrol the route inside Crovane lands.
*Uses her Inquisitorial contacts to make sure no one is sharing the details of the road to those outside of the Compact for their own benefit.

Michael Bisland rounds up maps and engineers who know how to READ said maps to help a vassal in need. Or in want. Since Kaldur doesn't /need/ these roads but he sure does love to talk about it. So much. Just constantly. Leave me alone, I helped!

Grady is following Samantha's lead here, helping smooth the way for increased security and infrastructure between Pearlspire and Old Oak, ideally helping both domains grow stronger and more secure. He talks to people, he negotiates, he encourages the soldiers, and he keeps a careful eye out for any rising arguments, moving to help quell those as swiftly as possible.

Gabriel Bisland is encouraged by the younger generation's drive to see the Compact reach new heights. He adds the weight of the mighty House Bisland to the project. Not only to fund the improvement (or new construction of) roads in Pridehall, but so that the project over all might avoid the danger of dipping into the red.

Giulio will assist in helping those that wish it in building a uniform code / set of agreements to make the best money they can on this.

Stonewood is no stranger to road building, having recently refurbished the road to Pridehall that helped put them on the map. What's not on the map, however, is a great way to cross the river at Stonehearth. So in coordination with this network of roads, Malesh will oversee the creation of a bridge or ferry (whichever is more practical/profitable) crossing the Gray River not far from the docks at Stonehearth.

Recognizing the opportunities for trade and also for his house, Fecundo is lending his diplomatic skills to getting the project moving, working through any of the lands where the road is planned to go. It also doesn't hurt that he'll be able to point to the quality of output from the Gemecitta stone.

Etienne has a vested interest in the pursuit of the expansion of civilization, trade, commerce, and the cause of safe journeys. All of which are accomplished by a well funded and functional transportation system. Etienne will be contributing silver generously provided by the Faith as well as speaking well of the endeavor whenever possible to those that need help convincing. Etienne would indicates the funds are for the builders, and those that support them, soldiers, cooks, and the like. Etienne would also be on hand for cutting any ribbons with hilariously large scissors.

Eddard uses all of his wiles and charm to help speed along permits and coax constructions crews to take on the needed jobs. If Duskshire ends up on the new set of roads, thats not so bad, eh?

Lord Bedivere Whitehawk will be acting on behalf of his dear newphew (Baron Silas Whitehawk) to lead forth Whitehawk soldiers to help out on the road project for Lord Kaldur Seliki. Bedivere himself will be out there as a managerial force to help out every day.
He seeks the help of huntsmen and cartographers in the area to help map the road around mountainous and hilly terrain to connect agricultural communities.
Since gravel and paving is time-consuming and expensive, wood is used in these instances to limit excessive sliding on the steeper side of a hill.
Whitehawk soldiers are deployed to help with security and digging where soil is already worn away, close to the bedrock, so muck will be less of a concern.

While the Volkov Woods is one of the newer areas of the map, and that they may not come anywhere near the proposed current trade route - Ruslan is hopeful that someday, when the trade route starts to create the terciary routes, that the Volkov Woods would be part of this future. As such, he has created a small patrol of 150 troops to be sent to provide security and protection for the crews along the route.

Lady Rey Laveer, as Voice of Laveer and a Mercy has decided that roads are more than needed to connect trade routes, but as a side not would be good for movement of healers to farther reaches of Arx. And has offered her House's support as well as her personal support to the Roads Project.

Given the Twainfort's traditional seat as a trading hub due to its control of the fork of the Mother in the Daughter and Son Rivers, it's simply good sense to see that more and more overland routes from far-flung, land-locked Houses can reach Riven's ports and speed the passage of their goods along its way. Mia will work with a number of her advisors, particularly those most familiar with the landscape and locations throughout her County, and those recently joined Prodigals from surrounding areas of the Gray Forest to find the appropriate blend of transversible but also defensible routes through the woodlands.

In her role as minister of upkeep to Inverno, Mirella will be working on behalf of the house to aid Lord Kaldur's project. Alongside advisors from house Inverno she'll be investigating the safest and most convenient routes for roads to the island city of Caina and any surrounding settlements, as well as figuring out required costs prior to these roads being built. She'll share this research with the Seliki Engineering Corps and assist them in any way that's helpful and beneficial to Inverno and Seliki. She'll also be donating 100 economic resources to the project, representing Inverno's ministry of income rising to the task to provide funds.

Though their home is an out-of-the-way island, the Truesworn are often keen to participate in the broader life of the Compact. A grand project to improve the infrastructure of the coastal trade routes evidently meets with the Truespeaker's approval. Sudara duly brings to bear all the Setarcan know-how and book-learning she can muster, in guiding her people through work to develop Esterhold's internal structure and develop its external trade.

Tenebrae, a warrior above all things, will help in this endeavor by both allocating and commanding soldiers to protect the works, as well as using soldiers as workers on the Isle of Esterhold. They will be learning from the engineers as much as possible, while also ensuring no resources go missing, and protecting lives. This protection also applies to guarding the sea lanes to ensure the transport of resources, skilled craftsmen, and the money to pay them.

The Marquessa of Nilanza is happy to supply as much as we can of the materials and labor required for the stretch of road to be built across the march, if the engineers to see it through can be provided by other means. Then we, House Malespero, can contribute both economic and social resources to the effort, and to all upkeep.

Belladonna has received an invitation to take part on Kaldur's new efforts to build a more cohesive network of roads for commerce. She will be seizing that opportunity and trying to convince other lords, traders, merchants, crafters, etc, to join in with some of their own resources, thus investing much of her Social pull into this. She wants to make Setarco, the whole island, a place of culture and wealth. She will know places to avoid and where the roads should go through.

Lord Sebastian Pravus will be visiting Setarco during January of 1010 as part of some other work. While there, he will talk with local contacts to get an understanding of the breadth and scope of work needed to build roads on the island, as well as the best ideas for placement to assist the engineering corp. Additionally, he will assist the project by spruiking the benefits of a well-built trade road far and wide with his many contacts in Arx and especially within the Pravus lands to drum up additional support and interest in the project and its potential benefits to the local economy.

Following her sister's lead, Celeste is offering her expertise in terms of patrol schedules, strategic importance to areas, most likely to be ambushed here... that kind of thing. She'll further take effort to extol the virtues of this project to important and influential figures in Arx and Setarco.

Mikani helps Kaldur understand the unique location that is Redreef. She gathers funds and encourages the infrastructure project through out her Barony. Mikani addes in economic resources to help with the building of the roads and other paths knowing that anything can be useful.

Baroness Skye Blackshore is a founder of the Empyrean Trade Route. She provides all the mappings where the ships will stop along the way, providing recommendations for fortifications so that goods can be transfered from the ships to the land. Then she will using her mapping skills and knowledge of war to figure out potential ambush points and provide that to people who are going to managing security of this route. She will also use her economic skills to assist Duchess Ann with negotiating better building rates, using her woodworking and infrastructure talents to make sure they get the necessary supplies for building without spending to much.

Dycard is going to help out with the persuading of people that this is a good idea and one that should be supported. After all, roads help farmers get their produce to market as well as letting military forces travel much faster, and that has to be to everyone's benefit come tax-time, right?

Tyde lands are connected both by more traditional roads on Tyde Isle, but more often by more watery roads. Increased trade is good by land, but with goods arriving all the time and boats being a bit more infrequent but with larger cargo capacity than a cart, it is important that there are places to store the goods and efficient places to load and offload. As part of Kaldur's efforts, and to connect this large Grayson road network to the Empyrean and the Isles, Tyde makes land and resource available for the construction of proper warehousing and expanded stone piers to allow for efficient offloading, and offer this same expertise to help build them on the Grayson shores.

Mirk had planned something similar himself, so there's no hesitation when he's offered the chance to connect Whitehold and Cascade Springs to this planned network of roads. As the Minister of Coin for the Halfshavs, he brings some of his House's resources to the table: chiefly stone for the main roads, but also access to scouts with experience finding routes through the mountains. He acts mostly as a diplomat and negotiator, working with others to see to it that those resources are used where they'd be most effective.

Magnus will participate by guiding and assisting in the direction and protection of the roads approach to the Bonespire and surrounding winter wasteland. Utilizing his tactical and martial aptitude he will make himself available to personally advise on any potential known threats or Shav'arvani bands in the area's which they pass through as well as coordinate the protection of all participants with other collaborative members of the team, to include the usage of a detachment of assigned Bone Warden's.

With the building and improving of roads into the far reaches of the Compact, some things might be discovered-- or rediscovered that are best left alone or need a Shaman's expertise to navigate. Volcica will be lending all of her skills to this effort, making sure the spirits remain content in Stahlben's lands and as far out as she can help.

House Ravenseye will happily do their part to be included in a road project to try and make their remote area a little more accessible. Cadern will be sending out missives to Ravenseye and some of their neighbors to avoid any ruffled feathers and ensure things get handled amenably for the usually isolated northerners.

As Voice of Steelhart, Col will invite the trade road to Highhill and provide some military support and strategy as needed to ensure everything is kept safe.

Believing this to be a good endeavor for his house (roads are great for horses), Count Philippe signs up for the project. Alongside his officials, they lay the foundation for dirt paths, making sure to disturb as little as possible of their natural resources by routing the road system through ground that has already been used. Philippe is adamant about raising ranger stations for the Knights of Solace on these roads.

The Rivenshari know other roads, those of the water ways that move through the lands. Which is not a bad thing, they can use that knowledge to help intergrate the two road ways together as well as the roads that will run through Riva. Eshra puts her best minds to this, with the Knights of Solace already having a barracks in Riva and the trade routes that have already been established.

Sasha is gather up 500 economic writs, 500 social writs, and 500 military writs for the roads coming through Giant's Reach. She is also offering to aid with the spreading of the good word of the trade route.

As Marquis of one of the more remote holdings, Gaston is thrilled at the prospect of expanding the Roads and making Cloudspine more accessible. Aside from lending Blackram's political support for the effort, Gaston will also dedicate silver, and military resources to help protect the engineers as they work through expanding into the wilder parts of Arvum.

Cullen will work with his brother-in-law, Lord Alessandro, to make sure that the section of the road that will link Greenhaven to the network (by running along the south bank of the river and establishing a ferry system just west of the fork, ideally with the aid of Rivenshari river captain expertise) will be well-defended during its construction. He will take personal command of a troop of light cavalry and archers. He will also inform any other soldiers, including the engineers, where the safest - and most dangerous - places in the area lie, and how best to fight in the region.

As Minister of Upkeep for Greenmarch, Alessandro is eager to collaborate on a project such as Lord Kaldur has put forth. He will work with the Seliki engineering corps, as well as all other engineers who are assisting, to devise the best route through Greenmarch lands for the roads, perhaps partly running near the river as suggested by his brother-in-law, Lord Cullen, for easier trade with those houses such as Rivenshari and others who are at the forefront of maritime trade. He will also assist with bookkeeping, allocations of funds if necessary, and various economic portions of the endeavor, should it be needed.

The Voice of House Lyonesse takes a personal hand in the great roadworks project, enthusiastic for the potential of growth it can bring to Lyonesse lands and its people. Lady Jenessa temporarily returns to Lyon's Redoubt to assist, providing insight into the geography of the area as well as the best routes for travel. Not only does she oversee the exchange of lumber for proper stones for the road surface, she also plots out the route itself with the Seliki engineers and Lord Kaldur. Furthermore, the Lyonesse offers use of what sailworthy ships they possess to expedite the transport of building materials up and down the river to the surrounding holdings of those involved. Not only is time spent and investments made, but Jenessa further encourages the locals of Lyon's Redoubt to make the experience a memorable one for the visiting engineers and Lord Kaldur himself, throwing a modest but personal banquet for the guests of House Lyonesse and all the workers who put in time and labor.

Reigna had been planning on building roads throughout Oakhaven to stimulate trade and facilitate troop movements throughout the March. Kaldur's plans dovetail perfectly into this plan, and she shifts her focus from just Oakhaven to the surrounding areas as well. She will be contributing resources from wood and stone, to engineers and laborers to help with the construction.

Olivia will draft a plan for House Ashford's particiaption, along with providing some necessary material support. Given her area of expertise, she will prioritize roads in Ashford territory to provide good access to typical regions of agricultural surplus so that these products can be moved to market more quickly without risk of spoilage.

Lilia Telmar offers maps and recommendations for routes through the Temarch, with particular diligence paid to their placement in respect to pre-existing towns and trading routes. She's trying to find that sweet spot between maximum efficiency in road construction and minimum disruption to the people of the land, who might like to use the roads but who don't want to give up their lands. She's tagged a particular river crossing for the establishment of a new bridge, and indicated that it is likely to become the site of a thriving inn catering to travelers.

In an effort to bring more interesting people to Acorn Hill, and support the travel development plan, Tessa is personally funding the construction of an inn in the town of Acorn Hill, with stables enough for larger groups of merchants, mercenaries and travellers that may be passing through. The Golden Dame, as the inn is called, also keeps a very comfortable room always open and free of charge to any musicians or entertainers that are willing to perform for their supper so to speak. The HOPE is that this will make the stays for every one more pleasent.

Kritr will put people working towards a road in the land he controls to link it with the rest of the road system and accept whatever help of engineers is offered.

House Grayson will be taking advantage of the economy of scale of the overall effort to acquire the supplies to improve the existing roads surrounding Bastion and Arx at favorable rates, with an eye to planning linkages for future expansion to the ducal territories of the Crownlands.

Saikland Greens is a small area but a link and a junction along the path between areas to the north and Iasu to the west and Ostria to the south should the route extend that far. The route, if it succeeds, is an opportunity for networking with other houses and fealities, for enhanced trade opportunities. The mappers, guards and engineers provided by Lord Kaldur to begin the initial planning and feasibility of the route are welcomed and she accompanies them during one of her trips to Saikland to make sure they find places that do not disturb the farming and vineyard, existing businesses, have resting points with water, camping areas, spots near villages and military posts for protection and provisions. They plan out areas to avoid such as difficult stream fords, the small bog to the south that moving inland a bit can circle. Lucita adds some of her military forces to the group as they look over the areas to the south and north and around the perimeter of Saikland, careful not to intrude into Fidante Holdings but to see the locations and condition of any existing routes and trails, help secure the areas within and adjacent to Saikland and the number and location of any abandoned groups along the way. Her charm and propaganda skills can sooth the way and help persuade some to join the compact rather than resist and prey upon the merchants using such a trade route. Once areas are secured, she will assess to see if improvements to her docks becomes necessary.

Sabella is well aware of the issues that might come up with this road and so she is ready to be on hand to talk it up to anyone and everyone that wants to listen. And even those that don't want to listen, painting a picture for people of the Compact of safe, faster travel and trade, and trying to pitch it to the Shavs that instead of having Compact people traipsing their way everywhere through their lands this will keep them all in one place and hey, they can set up stalls to sell them products along the way and everybody wins! Yay roads!

Tikva thinks this is a terrible idea. She has been repeatedly insistent that it is a terrible idea whenever it has come up. However, a number of her vassals are insisting on involving themselves in it anyway, and despite her best efforts to persuade him and others otherwise, the help of House Grayson has been sought. It is not in her to refuse what aid she can offer in order to defray some of the hazards that she perceives in creating a massive overland trade route through lands that are not held by the Compact. She does what she can to ensure that any workers are actively protected by soldiery, that there are relay stations set up along the route that she believes to be an ultimately doomed project so that messages and emergency cries for help when the raiding parties come can help protect them. Tikva does not anticipate that her efforts will be able to prevent anything from ending in disaster, loss of life and potential deep economic distress for those houses embarking on an ill-advised venture, but at least if she does something to try to stave off some of the worst, maybe she can mitigate the damage to people who insist on failing to follow her good advice.

Niklas will mostly make jokes about how they should extend the road to Stormward. Like, hey guys, why can't we do a road to Stormward? This is a massive undertaking, but you know what would really make you guys legends? Uh. A road to Stormward. Really, he'll keep doing it until people are annoyed with him. But only the people who are actually working on the project. For everyone else the celebrity prince will turn on the megawatt smile and gladhand like the white hot grease fire of charm and charisma he happens to be. He's no good with a sword, he doesn't run his own domain and he doesn't have an army to offer, but what he does have are contacts who can help to make sure the money gets to where it needs to be and parts more easily from those who may be reluctant to turn it over. Call it monetary logistics. You don't need to know what you're moving, you just need to move it.

As Minsiter of Infrastructure for the Crown, Jaenelle understands the captial city is certainly a hub of activity. Arx will continue to assist where needed, making sure the roads leading to and from Arx are kept safe to the traders as well as making sure the steets themselves are kept free from holes, cracks, or anything that might make travel harder. Jaenelle's focus will be the roads directly around Arx.

Jennyva has been given permission from Duke Malcolm to sign Graypeak up for this project and contribute writs, time, whatever Kaldur may need. Her expertise is in negotiations and marketing and she ensures that the merchants know to use these new roads to their advantages.

As a capable steward and Voice for Blackram, Teagan has stepped up to oversee her family's participation in this expansive project. As remote as the Cloudspine is, such a road will be greatly beneficial. She will gladly see to aiding in what ways she can beyond providing what Blackram will for the connection of their holdings to the road: primarily with her economic skills.

Sir Andry Bayweather seems more then interested in the idea of helping connect the compact into a more unified whole and is helping arrange patrols with the Knights of Solace as well putting in work to arrange funding for any sections which otherwise seem to be neglected

Seymour believes an effort like this can only further enhance the trade network between fealties, to the benefits of trade at all levels. Seymour is ensuring that there are ample resources to ensure the holdings in Stormwall and Ashford he is responsible for can be a part of this, and to establish new trade posts for Oak Mercantile where the need for additional trade along the new route may exist.

The Great Road is easily one of the most ambitious projects launched in recent years in the Compact, though the scope is so vast and the current state of travel in the Compact is so dangerous that it verges on quixotic. Still, the bold ambition is embraced by scores of notables in the Compact, and ambitious or no, they get to work with the massive project.

There are numerous challenges. First and foremost, the traditional respect for the autonomy of every domain holder. The Compact has always had paths, or even rough mud roads between major thoroughfares, and the Knights of Solace have long patrolled many of the most popular, but the proposed brand new road attracts notice of every domain holder that they would pass through, and this is hundreds of them. The majority welcome the increase in trade... provided a) it doesn't stir up an Abandoned response and b) that they aren't responsible for patrolling it with their own funds. That is relatively little help, and they are happy to profit from it, if it is at no cost to them. A smaller number enthusiastically welcome it, and are EAGER for an Abandoned response, and are actively looking forward to doing battle with their hated enemies. Particularly in the Oathlands, there's talk about 'cleansing their lands for good and all', which goes well outside the bounds of a friendly trade agreement, and is more than a little worrisome. Some of the talk goes well past a little worrisome, in fact. And a very few outright refuse to have any new road built on their land, despite all reasoning, pleading, threats, forcing the road to be built entirely around some random baronies and counties that simply do not wish to risk any sort of conflict with Abandoned or increase the flow of riff-raff through their borders.

But with initial agreements signed up, then comes construction. This is thousands upon thousands upon thousands of miles of road to build a road that unites the different domains on somethnig more than dirt, often overgrown, hunting paths. The sheer engineering this takes in laying down the stones and creating the waystations will stand as one of the most remarkable marvels done in the Compact in centuries. Much of the land goes through Abandoned controlled territory, even if it is ostensibly owned by the Compact, but the amount of forces brought make most of the Abandoned steer clear aside from the odd skirmish here and there as the road is being built with overwhelming force. But the key words are 'as the road is being built'.

The good news is that trade spikes up immediately, and many of the traders in the Compact are absolutely thrilled to have better overland paths in order to move their goods when rivers are inaccessible or impractical. It's a boon many of the domains, and the economic consequences should be strong, in the long term. The bad news is that there simply are not anywhere near enough Knights of Solace in the Compact to patrol thousands of miles of road. Certainly they do what they can, but the raids start immediately, and in great force, and the losses from the Knights of Solace start to mount, even as caravans start to hire sellswords and travel in greater numbers for protection. Which in turn, has prompted stronger raids. Much stronger.

The Great Road is an economic success, overall, despite the raids. And fame comes with such a large, daring project. But the social and political consequences are another matter all together, and those will be forthcoming.

Action by Cristoph for Gyre Straits

(Public Action, OOC Date: March 4, 2018, 4:07 p.m.)

House Valardin has decided that 1/3rd of its cavalry will ride to Southport in order to protect its interests there and to reinforce defenses, should the city be attacked. Duke Cristoph Laurent will be taking the lead on this leg of the campaign, bringing down 1/3rd of ALL the mustered cavalry within the fealty of House Valardin.

These cavalry will ride patrols around the city of Southport, keeping an eye out for trouble as well as looking rather impressive in all their armor. Their focus with patrols is going to be on getting advanced notice back to Duchess Malvici should they spot anything in the surrounding area that looks suspicious or if they should see anything along the Lycene split while patrolling. They will also fight the enemy if it becomes necessary.

Cristoph will be investing personally in the well-being of of the troops and their horses.

1500 military and economic total combined resources: To be used for hiring experienced farriers and those well versed in the care of horses. Several armor and weaponsmiths to take care of equipment repair. Tents, uniforms and other necessary non-edible gear for the knights as well as their mounts. Non-perishable and longer-lasting perishable food items so that there isn't an unnecessary strain on Southport's resources.

500 social resources: To be used on items to keep idle Oathlands troops from getting bored and starting theological/moral debates with their Lycene cousins that are camping outside of Southport. and/or the Abandoned. Cristoph is also going to be recruiting the help of several skilled people in order to produce some pamphlets and other literature in order to help keep his troops out of trouble. There's been some historical friction between the Lyceum and the Oathlands and he's sensitive to what a bunch of heavily armored and trained soldiers might like to people already stressed from their current situation (The Turmoil in Southport + the Abandoned outside the gates).

As an accomplished rider, Jael will be going out with cavalry patrols on her wicked black war stallion of hell, that foul beast from the east, that hulking creature of venom and spite known as...Freddie the warhorse. Anyone who looks suspicious is getting an arrow in the knee...if they're lucky.

Norwood will be going with Duke Cristoph to Southport to assist in leading that 1/3 of the mustered Cavalry. He will be involved with patrols to make sure the Duchess has all the information she needs about advancing troops. He'll be working with Cristoph to stay abreast of the evolving situation and making sure that he is free to go at the drop of a hat if needed, even if Cristoph must remain behind. Keeping the Laurents at Southport like, ALIVE, is also a main goal.

While no commander like Norwood or Klaus, Thorley has been busy with his own duties and assisting with teaching those soldiers that will be participating in the action, training with their blades and skills in combat to keep their minds and blades sharp and on the task at hand. He attends the nightly briefings from Cristoph, the knight is making sure that the information is disseminated to the ranks.

Klaus Speaks nightly with his men and closest under him. His words are encouarging and aggressive at times, enciting some of the soldiers to possess anxious feelings. He enjoys being in command and is attempting to harness the momentum that his duchy has been building.

Eiran is going to Southport with Cristoph and the rest. He's a knight (seriously though, honest!) and he's going to do the respectable thing and knight around with his mace and shield. But he's useful for more than just soldiery: he's a natural when it comes to chatting people up and understanding and/or swaying their feelings, and he's fairly sharp. All of those things will have a place in his efforts to keep a finger on the pulse of what's going on locally - with the knights and with local citizens - and to help things run smoothly, with minimal kerfuffles.

Duchess Calista Fidante is set to use her rather skilled silver tongue when it comes to the matter of assuaging two very different types of military personnel with the hope that both the Oathlanders and the Lycene forces can work and fight together against the common enemy. As a first cousin to Duke Cristoph Laurent (their fathers were brothers) and wife to the former Inigo Malvici (Now Duke-Consort Inigo Fidante), Calista appeals to both parties on a very personal level. Clearly she has everyone's best interest in mind. Sure, the last time fighting broke out among these two groups, it was Duke Leo with the aid of House Valardin and the Oathlanders who took down Count Lucien Malvici in the Tor-Southport War, but with Calista's marriage to Inigo being favorable and Prince Edain's marriage to Caelis Malvici also being widely accepted, all that former bad blood should be water under the bridge. Right? At least that is what Calista reminds the people when she speaks to them. Elegant and graceful, yet strong and passionate, Calista sets out to prove to the people of her beloved family that she is not called The Steel Rose for no reason. Now is the time to put aside any residual feelings and work together.

Margerie Keaton consults with members of the faith and Lycene companions before writing up pamphlets to be distributed amongst the literate set of soldiers heading south to fight. Ideas on activities, cultural sensitivities, how not to get bent out of shape when someone tries to prick those delicate Oathlander sensibilities with licentious displays, diplomatic ways to not tell someone you think they are going to be condemned do the Abyss for all eternity because they looked in a mirror. She's putting her gentle, charming humor and respect for all involved into the pages. Might even find some illustrators to lend a hand.

Reigna is deploying units of healers to Southport under the guidance of an NPC leader who has been thoroughly trained in how to work with Laurent forces. These healers have been trained in setting up and breaking down triage tents and hospitals. The healers have been trained to work within the ranks of the military forces there.

With her work in Southport and her roots in the Oathlands, Archscholar Bianca hopes to stand as a representative of the Faith and further bridge the theological mindsets at play alongside Duke Cristoph, Duchess Calista and Lady Margerie's efforts. She will be enlisting the aid of a small grouping of Arx local Scholars to join her and assist in the distribution of the pamphlets Lady Margerie prepares (200 social). In this act she hopes to stand as an icon of the Faith and bolster morale, offering blessings over the gathered calvary. Prayers to Gild focus on those of the Oathlands troops as they make their way from the North to the South. Prayers to Gloria to uplift a sense of honor in and off the field of war. Prayers to the Sentinel in that their efforts may be just and the righteous guarded. In hopes of not stirring up any contention she strays away from any other sweeping prayers/blessings to avoid riling sensibilities, but amidst the camps and in the quiet of the evenings each grouping is offered private counsel and prayer.

In all of this, as the reports of casualties come in and weary commanders sit down to write letters to the loved ones of dead soldiers, people look strangely at a sizeable force sent to Southport. The Malvici armies stayed in Southport - which, considering there are shav camped outside is understandable - but for some reason some Valardin forces and Velenosan forces also deployed there. With no public reports of the Pirate-King targeting Southport or sending his fleets there why, people wonder, were ground troops sent there at all?

In truth, some in Redrain wonder at the heavy deployment of ground forces in Setarco, what with the entire fleet deployed there too. Some argue that it was necessary for Setarco to be saved so that the chain of cities beyond that initial port weren't vulnerable. But then what about Grayson and Redrain lands? Are they not important too? They look at the destruction of Stormwall and they wonder - why so many?

And they look too to the armies at Southport and they wonder - is there some kind of corruption in the Ministry of Defense, that Compact forces were diverted to the city ruled by the Minister of Defense herself? Or was there some reason others are not privy to that made the deployment make sense? As with any confusing strategy, people start talking about it and become very passionate as they argue one pet theory or another. Overall though, Calypso, Edain, Alis, and Eleyna take some heat with Redrain, Thrax, Darkwater, and Pravus folks for diverting soldiers to a port that was never in danger from the Pirate King. Perhaps, as tempers run high, it's time for a little diplomacy.

For those in the army deployed to Southport though, the people are less concerned - particularly as they were just following orders. And, when it became clear there was nothing to do in Southport and that Setarco was seriously under siege? They high tailed it to the thick of the fighting and did their level best to make sure that they helped keep the Silk City free from the tyranny of pirates. After all, the Lyceum may be full of shenanigans and people of dubious moral character, but they're not pirates. Most of them. They're far too civilized for that.

Action by Marian for Gyre Straits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Action by Bianca for The Despite of Fable

(Public Action, OOC Date: Feb. 15, 2018, 10:55 a.m.)

As "Let No Question Go Unanswered" continues going strong, the next phase in the project pushes forward. While prior the focus had been on historical knowledge in a general sense, attentions now add in addition the involvement of the Faith throughout history. Bianca has outlined a curriculum passed to the extended parishes and libraries throughout Arvum and the isles of the Scholars of Vellichor, encouraging the discipleship to further educate the general population of the Faith's struggles and successes. As in prior projects, what once was considered matters of legend are now gently reintroduced to the public in subtle subtext of the studies as truth. The miracles of the gods are real though easy to miss in our daily lives. Small successes of a fresh rain after a dry spell, the enhanced beauty of a particularly well crafted armchair... all of these things are their blessings and in them we are given vision of the divine.

There are various ways those who seek to lend themselves to the cause may assist. Hosting their own classes, writing songs or stories about the heroes of the past, copying tomes to be distributed freely... How will you rise to the call of education?

Christine will continue with her work copying those tomes, songs and documents so they can be distributed around and shared with others. She will also copy some illustrations if they aren't too hard!

Although he is Legate of Concepts rather than Arts, with the position of Legate of Arts currently open, Orazio makes a special effort to take on the work of facilitating the distribution of the curriculum beyond the Scholars. He writes to godsworn, particularly in the Lyceum where he has friends and associates, encouraging them to take it up, and giving guidance on how to handle doctrinal issues from the gentle reintroduction of some unusual concepts. He also takes it upon himself to encourage people with concerns to speak to him, and uses his diplomatic skills to address those concerns and soothe ruffled feathers and worries. Basically, making the effort to be a solid, tradition-respecting face of the Faith to lend credence and respectability to the ideas involved.

Ilvin easily warms to the concept of the miracles of the gods sprinkled throughout the lives of the populace. He does not so much teach as encourage those he encounters to teach each other, sharing an abbreviated version of the story of their own lives while Ilvin and the others so assembled listen and share their own thoughts about the effects that the gods have had on the sharer's life. In some cases he acts only as facilitator, while in others he takes a more active role, depending on the makeup of the group, in order that the participants end the process with a more powerful feeling of the gods' influence in their own lives.

Cybele is a teacher. Cybele teaches disciples of Lagoma, in the House of Solace. Cybele teaches students in the Apotechary College of Tor (Arx Branch). Cybele teaches as part of the Scholars of Vellichor's teaching programme, as a curator and assistant there. Cybele teaches. And Cybele is happy to share in what they know, with whomever asks, and all the more happy to visit any and all parts of Arx to share in their knowledge ever more.

Wylla is eager to help! She wants to teach the history of the Faith through artworks -- including even armchairs. She's already had the painting festival, and now she has the concert. She'd like to help Jayus' miracles be known throughout the Compact. Even if she can't express herself that well in spoken word, she is a ready assistant to let others speak of the Faith through their works.

Reigna is a teacher and a historian and she is working to devise a history curriculum for the people of Oakhaven, focusing on more than just local history, but seeking to broaden the average understanding of the history of Arvum in general. She is also going to write out her own treatise on medicinal remedies and techniques focusing on the local flora found in Oakhaven. Once she has finished these books, she will be having them copied and sent to the scholars at Keaton Keep and work with them on lesson plans to teach the serfs and villagers. Here in Arx she works as a teacher at the Academy, offering classes and expanding minds here.

As the intermediary between the Scholars of Vellichor and the Arvum Philosophical Society of the Empowerment and Enlightenment of Curious Minds (The Salon), Sparte is doing his part by focusing on helping people ask questions.

Where Bianca is leading the charge in making information available, he is attempting to give people that spark of curiousity and wonder.

"I believe this is the single greatest opportunity to realize the mission of the Salon since its formation. It is our role to embolden people to ask questions. To give them the spark of wonder and curiousity and nurture it into a flame. The wisdom the Scholars are sharing is the kindling that will bring those flames to life, and the Salon stands with them."

In addition to putting his personal time and effort into it, he has requested a special disbursement of resources from the Salon to help realize this vision.

Samael is a skill orator and teacher. He'll do his time teaching classes on various topics.

Estaban will help by aid in copying tomes, songs and documents so they can be distributed around and shared with others. He will also open up the Saik garden once a week for a few hours to the children of Arx for a story day, each day he will tell about a different Heros in the Faith!

Fortunato lends his illumination skills to the project, focusing on detailed, realistic work, taking historical accounts and interpreting them with the greatest fidelity pen and brush can lend. Myth and heroic legend he depicts, but roots them in such a way that they don't /seem/ like myth and heroic legend. Unicorns as physical as horses, the heroes of the Reckoning as human as neighbors, clergy, soldiers. The past was as real as the present, the future is as real as the present. Fortunato's goal in his art is to make the forgotten things, the miracles, seem within the realm of today's possibility. You, too, could be great.

Prince Aiden has taken his duties as a scholar-liaison with utmost duty and care. He coordinates with students from other organizations (SoE) as well as paying close attention to the scholar teaching programme for individuals seeking skills he possesses, and freely offering himself with no obligation to the student other than their time. The Prince shows his dedication through taking this personal time to host teaching lessons, such as survival and archery in large sessions (previous @events), using the Silver Wings to assist when it comes to Archery to set up targets and help keep an eye out on the students.

There also might be a volume or two of personal writings that he has quietly stocked in bookshelves around Arvum, speaking of the topic he had been most impassioned about. Though it is a quiet addition, allowing the curiosity of readers to find it on their own time rather than declaring it's existance. With exposing legends of the old through this manner, he hopes more people will come to speak of their curiosities on the matter or perhaps, they can add more to his collected data.

He repeats throughout his mentoring and writing: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. We will seek it."

Around the time the project finally comes to a close and the last books are being put into their appropriate places in the catalog, something /changes/. Those in the Archives find there are new rooms -- rooms they don't remember being there, full of books that no one seems to have cataloged. While few date back before the Great Fire, there are still new memoirs written by those who fought alongside Queen Alarice the Great; indeed, even some of Alarice's own journals are found among the items, delighting historians.

Even more confusingly, one of the Scholars trusted to venture into the Deep Labyrinth notes that things down there seem /different/. The uneasy sense of being /watched/ that most report in the Labyrinth is gone, though there's still a feeling of a /presence/ there. It's as though something lurking down there is asleep, or distracted.

A handful of Scholars seem awfully unsettled by all of this, even downright upset, perhaps due to the seemingly inexplicable nature of things. But most merely question why these rooms had been sealed off, while expressing great gratitude that they've been rediscovered. (And, of course, it's nice that people are no longer being spooked by some imaginary bogeyman down in the Deep Labyrinth.)

But whatever it all means, /something/ has changed around the Archives, and for the moment they're charged with a new sense of purpose.

There are, after all, a great many new -- well, old -- journals and books to catalog now.

Action by Cristoph

(Public Action, OOC Date: Jan. 9, 2018, 11:47 p.m.)

Duke Cristoph Laurent, Count Kael Keaton, Countess Reigna Keaton and Lord Corban Telmar held a charity race in the Ward of House Valardin. It was called 'The Armor Run'. Quite a few people attended and they collected numerous writs and silver from various attendees to use towards their cause. They've opted to put what they collected towards helping restablize the streets and aid the commoners in the Ward of the Crown that were affected by the fire. If there's already been IC progress there, this would hopefully help finish and/or add to general improvements in the area.

Lord Corban brought, as Countess Keaton put it, "spirit and energy and positivity" to the race, coming in fourth. Corban also solicited the support of those present, raising significant funds for those affected by the fire.

Reigna spent a number of days baking, baking, baking, with the help of Keaton chef extraordinaire, Marie. They made innumerable baskets of raspberry filled weapon-shaped pastries dusted in powdered sugar and then sold said baskets of pastries so the contents could be eaten, or flung at the racers (as the philanthropist desired). She also designed and crafted the prizes, three silk capes offered to the top three runners. During the event Reigna sold the pastries, and at the finish, handed out the prizes!

Kael Keaton brought himself to the race and made certain that everyone was aware of it! He posed behind Cristoph at the introduction and he chanted during the race itself (especially regarding Lord Corban), donated a sum of economic writs with his wife from House Keaton, and making certain to help his wife in the kitchen (on the sly, mind you, by being official taste tester). In preparation before the event, he spoke with those soldiers around Arx to see if they might be amiable to joining, attempting to get them to follow his lead. After all, a decent turnout means more money... and free training for said soldiers! Full armor is heavy!

Not a baker, and certainly not a runner, Nicia did what she could however to spread word of the fun, to discuss it with those that might be interested in it, and do any number of other things needed to make sure that any legal issues with holding the run in the location they chose were smoothed over.

To finish what first the Inquisition, then the Champions Guild and the Golden Hart have done, Duke Cristoph Laurent, Count Kael Keaton, Countess Reigna Keaton and Lord Corban Telmar held a charity race in the Ward of House Valardin. It was called 'The Armor Run'. Quite a few people attended and they collected numerous writs and silver from various attendees to use towards their cause. They've opted to put what they collected towards helping restablize the streets and aid the commoners in the Ward of the Crown that were affected by the fire. And thus, with the help of generous charities and aid, the Ward is in tact once more and people's lives are - not restored as they were completely, but able to start the true process of healing.

Action by Ailith for The Despite of Fable

(Public Action, OOC Date: Jan. 8, 2018, 3:31 p.m.)

As the Scholars of Vellichor undergo a great archive across the Compact, Seraph Ailith has devised a project to focus regionally, beginning with Valardin. She will reach out to the Seraphs of all the parishes under the Valardin fealty to host monthly (or every two months) a community event (free food!) to encourage the people to share their stories which reflect their family, friends, and community. A local scholar will attend and write these stories to create a book that represents that community (village, town, cities!).

Eventually, a copy will be sent to the Great Archives in Arx where scholars can review and compare any stories to create other books such as a farmer's almanacs using stories and tips from the various local farmers or cookbook of local recipes, even mother's homemade cookies.

The idea is to create regional books that these communities can be proud about. And if any locals attending these community events feel inspired to help the scholar, that young person can be trained to become a scholar, too.

To Unify his past attempts to aid Duchess Clover and Archlector Bianca put pressure on the Story Eater, Edain will try and use the same network of Errant Knights that he is trying to use to assist Ailith. As errant knights wander and set up camps where people can come to share their stories with them, Edain will provide writing materials for them and their squires to take down these stories and to deliver them to the local scholars, that Ailith has recording the stories to be preserved in the Archives eventually. Hopefully this will extend the reach of her story gathering. to smaller hamlets, outposts, mining and logging camps that the local scholars and the workers employeed there cannot neccesarrily reach as easily.

Bianca is openly in full support of Seraph Ailith's call to the collection of knowledge and the promotion events to come. Orders have been dispersed among the Scholar parishes/libraries throughout the Oathlands to ensure everything is documented properly and copies are then forwarded to the Archive to be copied again and dispersed between the five great cities per the Archival Initiative.

Duke Cristoph Laurent will be putting the word out to his people in Artshall, going so far as to help mitigate the costs of these events himself for the local parishes. Everyone is encouraged to get out, enjoy and share stories of their family histories. Even the ridiculous ones! Mead provided by House Laurent.

Lord Corban, Voice of the Telmarch, will contact the new Seraph of the Telmarch and encourage him or her to participate in Ailith's efforts. He will also send Ailith's emissaries with a letter under the seal of House Telmarch exhorting Telmarines to participate in the telling of their stories. Sure, it's not important enough for Corban to go personally, but he can write a nice letter.

Countess Reigna Keaton is reaching out to her contacts within the Scholars to speak to those stationed in Oakhaven, beginning the coordination and brainstorming required to set up these monthly or bimonthly meetings. She is almost making sure they have all the supplies and resources necessary, in terms of parchment, quills, books, ink. She'll be specifically requesting Scholars with a keen ear and the ability to communicate effectively with all sorts of people, who are skilled at coaxing stories from even the shyest commoner or the most tedious noble.

Lady Margerie, Voice of Keaton, will reach out to her former citizens and a network of 'not in the seat of power, but still rather close to it, and stuck in the country' nobles out in the Oathlands to encourage their participation. A special effort will be made to reach out to older people and their families/neighbors to try and collect their stories even if they may not be able to attend some of these get togethers. To encourage Oakhaven's efforts specifically, she'll be sending recipes from some of the farflung places she's encountered in Arx, a chance for them to try new things.

Aleksei is reaching out to his family to get them involved. The Morgans have quite a history of service in the Oathlands, and there are surely plenty of stories passed down that they could share for just such a project. Plus, hopefully the involvement of such respected notables as Guard-Captain Hardwicke Morgan will help to encourage others to participate.

Clover will be reaching out to the vassals of Farshaw. As a new Duchess she feels somewhat on shakey grounds. However, she is providing a legimate heir for the duchy that will help stabilize the power of the area. In the honor of the future ducal heir she is going to be asking the vassals of Farshaw to start a collection of books for a great library to be created at the Westrock Reach, and in their own territories. To provide books of local histories, of local legends, and the like.

Thena asks the Knights of Solace stationed in the Oathlands to make sure that scholars and the cargo they carry are well protected on the roads. And should a Knight him/herself wish to jot down their own stories, well, what's more exciting than tales of adventure?

Beyond being encouraging of the Wyrmguards and their vassals to share more stories with one another and to seek young people with vocations as scholars, Sorrel is even more enthusiastically than usual working to inspire bards to collect and compile regional songs and ballads. (This is pretty damn enthusiastic for those who know Sorrel; it's like she's been unleashed to eagerly harass people about music, particularly old music with songs of the past.) She is absolutely unabashed about bugging other bards for their songs and encouraging them to write new ones based on the stories of today and yesterday.

Seraph Ailith leads an initiative to document the stories of the people. She starts with Valardin and with the help of many of the leaders of the House and its vassals, she and her team move through the countryside talking to anyone who wants to talk. It's a time to come together - refreshments are offered, people are there to listen. The first few towns are skeptical, but by the time they get to the third the word has gone out - they are listening. They want to know. The archival project to record the lives and times even of the smallest, meanest of lives is important. They are important. There's a rush of warmth and feeling, and for the length of their conversation with Ailith and her group, the people are able to feel like they matter. That something of them will live on beyond themselves.

Perhaps no one will care about the lives of the smallest vassals in Valardin. But maybe it all matters. And the people are now linked by the same connection - their stories are told. Their stories are important. Warmth and fellow-feeling grow in Valardin. A fondness for all those who participate in this great effort. And outside Valardin the question is asked - hey? when is it our turn for immortality?

Action by Edain for Thralldom in the Isles

(Public Action, OOC Date: Nov. 11, 2017, 11:19 p.m.)

House Valardin is donating 700,000 silver to help with the initial cash of the economy in the hopes that these funds will be used to help those most afflicted. We will also waive trade tarriffs on Kennex ships coming to Sanctum and ports controlled by the Valardin to help them beable to start financially recovering on their own. Other houses have been invited to donate what they feel they can, and offer aid in otherways to help House Kennex recover. Duchess Nicia Laurent will oversee that the funds that are being sent by the Oathlands are put to their intended purpose.

Alis is contributing some of her own economic resources to assist in setting up any trade deals and helping reduce tariffs on current trade to Kennex. She would also be volunteering to help with the hunting party to provide food and hides for those who need it.

Fiachra will primarily be assisting with organizing hunts to provide meat and hides for those who need it. Fia also knows how to make hardtack (as well as Alis and Eirlys) and will teach those who would like to learn the process. It's not the best-tasting stuff in all Arvum, sure, but when any food is better than no food...

House Keaton will be assisting in aid with the hunt for meat to donate forth to those that are hungry. They will have hounds brought in for the hunting parties to aid the efforts and a storage shed will be made on their property to store the preserved food. In addition to this, Keaton has done a fair amount of trade of lumber with Thrax, and are willing to offer House Kennex a deal (should they take it) where they are the center point in supplying Keaton lumber to Thrax for building vessels, creating profit for House Keaton but also giving a healthy commission to House Kennex.

Reigna Keaton will be helping to set up a trust account into with the Oathlands donations will be put in. She will help administrate this trust to ensure the funds reach the freemen that are to benefit from this trust.

Ryhalt is directing a substantial sum of silver to Countess Reigna's trust at the bank of Arx as well as contributing his experience in financial matters to help grow the principal of the trust until such time as it is expended, finding profitable, short trades that he feels are within acceptable risk parameters to make the initial contributions go farther.

Princess Isabeau will do what she can to assist Nicia in the bookkeeping and paperwork aspects on the economic side of the situation. She possesses some mild familiarity with the concept of economics and she can alphabetize.

As asked, Nicia is going to oversee the funds, collection and allocation of, and make certain that there is no shady sleight-of-hand happening. As such she will be checking everyone's bookkeeping, on all sides, making certain that things are signed off on, and that there are no unusual inflations happening for goods that are being purchased, or donated, and that there are in fact an accounting of every item, every silver. She will be making certain that Kennex keeps good records, approaching the Marquis and her cousin, the Marquessa, as well as Lady Octavia to make certain that what is being donated goes to proper use.

For her part, Katarina contributes both time and energy into raising additional funds to compensate the initial cash investments of House Valardin. Being the wife of the Crown Minister of Coin has it's benefits. She will also use her connections throughout the various coastal ports of the Oathlands to encourage local businesses to open their ranks to potential newly freed thralls that might make their way back from the Mourning Isles under the ships she's already sent to ferry them wherever they might wish to begin their new lives.

The Oathlands' efforts have an immediate, significant effect on dealing with the immense economic damage that House Kennex has suffered. Reigna's idea of a trust is an excellent one, particularly when being overseen by Princess Isabeau and Duchess Nicia in making certain there's no malfeasance that takes part with the funds. Ryhalt's contributions from the Duchy of Westrock with all of its shipping concerns, which combined with Edain's tariff forgiveness and Katarina's contributions takes a good step towards getting Kennex's trade up and running again. Fiachra and Kael's hunting skills, aided by Alis, helps teach the new thralls some subsistence methods, and staves off a great deal of starvation concerns- something that almost certainly would have happened if not for their efforts.

Action by Clover(RIP)

(Public Action, OOC Date: Aug. 17, 2017, 4:19 p.m.)

Clover will be mobilizing any of the house Wyrmguard medics (we're known for the city of mercies after all! The house has to have some medics), and going herself to the harbor to see if they can render aid. Anyone who made it to the shore, or made it to the harbor to help. If there is anyone who survived she'll be attempting to render aid to them. She'll be focusing on helping with the medical side, while she asks Alarissa to take care of arranging to help usher those who can be moved to either the house of solace to wherever any thraxian person asks them to go. Alarissa can also help liaise with Thrax is need be. But Clover's main concern is helping anyone who made it to the shore, and getting them where they need to go.

Vox post up about all the massive aid response organized by you all. Sophie separately finds an obscure reference to the ichor- calling it the Bile of Leviathan, a vile substance that is left in the wake of dread encounters by one of the greatest demons in existence. Strongly recommended not to consume it, and further recommends burning bodies of anyone that did do so and then perished, then burying their ashes in 13 separate graves and at least 13 feet under ground each to avoid, "Dealing with the Beast that Hungers." Any dead that showed signs of dying from ichor poisoning are so treated. As far as they know. Dun dun dun.