In the months and weeks before any official proclamation is made regarding Norwood's ennoblement and barony, a carefully constructed social campaign begins to stir. When Cristoph is at court, meetings or formal dinners, he speaks of the man when the opportunity arises. He encourages other people in House Laurent, to drop Sir Norwood's name when appropriate.

They tell the story of how he lost his wife, but carried on bravely to take care of his young daughter. They talk of how when there were less gray hairs on his head and in his beard, he saved Duke Edmund's daughter, Lady Jael, from a fierce bear in the woods. How he guided and shaped her into the industrious young woman she is today. For which many are thankful, considering she was Cristoph's heir for many years and remains in the line of succession even now. Then they'll joke of how his daughter and the scion of House Laurent are likely to blame for all the grays he has /now/, with some help from Lord Klaus to boot.

And of course, there's the most recent act of heroism and bravery. The moment when his duke lost his horse in a fierce battle in Setarco and was nearly torn limb to limb by fierce monsters- or were they just dogs? The story is unclear here. But regardless, he charged forth on his horse to sweep him to safety. Yes, yes. He did DROP him but right after that, he supported the other man and helped him walk (he dragged him, basically) to safety.

Most recently there are tales from a little corner of Artshall known as 'the Duskshire', a small keep with attached lands that's served as a sore spot for the Laurents for years and years and... well, a long time. Sir Norwood was instrumental in leading various teams to the area and cleaning out bandits as well as some roaming groups of Abandoned that had attempted to set up in the keep.

There is /no/ finer knight in all of the Oathlands. A man who has shown his worth through actions and deeds, through a life well lived and decades of service. It's believed they'll be talking about him for many years to come.

But that's not all! Cristoph employs the works of the Whisper House to help train Norwood in etiquette (and other things!) so that he hopefully won't make some of the same social gaffes other ennobled commoners have made. And the duke collaborates with them to promote and smooth the path for Sir Norwood into a society that will not be thrilled with his presence.

Amanda will take a two-pronged attack to this little battle against public sentiment. First, she is coaching Sir Norwood in matters not just of etiquette (he mostly has that down, good Oathlander he is) but socializing. Play the game, shake some hands, smile every so often. Next, she will be seen with the good knight in public, to help create a smoother image for him here in Arx. Finally, Amanda will take to passing along word of Sir Norwood's good deeds, as outline by Cristoph. Sanctum born-and-bred, she has plenty of contacts back home.

As general of the Laurent forces (in no small part due to the training she received while squiring for the man of the hour himself), Jael reminds those who serve in the Laurent military units of Sir Norwood Clement's feats of valour and his long, long looooon record of service with the Laurent family.

Nicia hasn't known Norwood nearly as long as the rest of the Laurent's, but she is more than willing to repeat the stories to others, and provide her own spin on the more recent ones. How if it hadn't been for him, she'd be a widow and how because of Norwood's loyalty and bravery she was able to see her husband again after Setarco. A man that brave, and that loyal, he is exactly the sort that is worthy of being moved up in social status and position.

At last, Margerie's letter writing campaigns can once again come to the aid of Oathland causes! It isn't a new thing for her letters to the various elder nobles of the Oathlands to include praise for Norwood Clement, as warranted, but it becomes focused to support the Duke's talking points. There's an emphasis on his long years of service, the guiding influence he has had on these successful young Laurent leaders, and his close friendship with the Keaton family as well. She isn't above mentioning that she has taken an interest in helping him to develop his social skills. There may also be reminders that it wasn't long ago that she groomed young Kael Keaton from a lost, unknown boy to a well regarded Count in a very short period of time. Her recent position as High Lord Edain's protege may lend some extra weight to her words. In the city of Arx, she is seen with him publically regularly. While there is nothing untowards and certainly no kanoodling in public, her esteem for the man is evident. They walk arm in arm and he is frequently her escort at various functions and dinners. It's a public stamp of approval for the knight.

These days, it seems all the Laurent family can talk about is Sir Norwood. They tell the story of how he lost his wife, but carried on bravely to take care of his young daughter. They talk of how when there were less gray hairs on his head and in his beard, he saved Duke Edmund's daughter, Lady Jael, from a fierce bear in the woods. How he guided and shaped her into the industrious young woman she is today. For which many are thankful, considering she was Cristoph's heir for many years and remains in the line of succession even now. Then they'll joke of how his daughter and the scion of House Laurent are likely to blame for all the grays he has now, with some help from Lord Klaus to boot.

And of course, there's the most recent act of heroism and bravery. The moment when his duke lost his horse in a fierce battle in Setarco and was nearly torn limb to limb by fierce monsters- or were they just dogs? The story is unclear here. But regardless, he charged forth on his horse to sweep him to safety. Yes, yes. He did DROP him but right after that, he supported the other man and helped him walk (he dragged him, basically) to safety.

Most recently there are tales from a little corner of Artshall known as 'the Duskshire', a small keep with attached lands that's served as a sore spot for the Laurents for years and years and... well, a long time. Sir Norwood was instrumental in leading various teams to the area and cleaning out bandits as well as some roaming groups of Abandoned that had attempted to set up in the keep.

There is no finer knight in all of the Oathlands. A man who has shown his worth through actions and deeds, through a life well lived and decades of service. It's believed they'll be talking about him for many years to come. There might even be a song in the making.

Princess Isabeau Valardin will be undertaking something of a goodwill tour of the Oathlands en route to Sanctum so that she might be able to advise and oversee the relocation of refugees both from Setarco and Stormwall. She will travel in the company of her sister, Princess Sophie Valardin, and several other notable Oathlands nobles who will likewise attend to their own holdings in a similar fashion. While within the White City, and acting as the Voice of House Valardin, Isabeau will speak with members of the Faith and the Seraph of Sanctum to encourage their charity toward those seeking aid and shelter without bias against those that might take a different view of the gods or still call on the spirits and the old ways.

Ansel will be accompanying Isabeau on the trip, serving as the Telmarine representative in the contingent. He will be helping to coordinate Isabeau's efforts to assist in the relocation of refugees when the contingent makes their stop in the Telmarch lands, or any of the Telmarch's vassals' holdings.

On paper, Norwood has come along for the commoner element. He's there as the man who knows how to talk to people who aren't nobels, and one who can pass up their concerns to those with actual authority to do so. He doesn't mince words and carries an air of one who can be trusted to do what has to be done and say what must be said. More quietly, he has come along as an additional guard to Margerie Keaton. Not that he doesn't think that the Princess' guards could do a good job, but... another set of experienced eyes never hurt.

The 'Auntie Superior of the Oathlands' is on the march through the oathlands, riding into the villages she has known well over the last two plus decades, visiting with injured soldiers, the families of the fallen, and community leaders. Her work with the fallen and their families will focus on morale and compassion. Her work with the community leaders will be focused on finding out their most immediate needs and hopes for the recovery period. Upon completing the visits, she is going to activate the network of aunties and contacts her decades of service has created to work together and begin addressing those concerns, investing her social capital in helping to move the healing process forward and better knit the communities of the Oathlands together.

As a veteran of the Seteraci campaign, Commander Jaerith Keaton will be accompanying Isabeau on her trip along with a contingent of Felhounds (a specialized reconnaissance and wet work unit, built of veterans) to provide military escort, as well a show of unity. Lord Jaerith wishes to work with the people for he is a man that values title little, he would rather be in and around the commoners and helping them as much as he can. He will be the one out there expressing gratitude to those who had family members who served. He will be providing what aid he can during the goodwill tour, working with his hands, helping to build and repair even though he may not be the craftiest person out there. He will provide opportunities for employment in the Keaton navy, as well as the Felhounds for those who are worthy. He will leave most of the negotiation for the movement of refuges to his cousin, Count Kael, but should the count be unavailable, Lord Jaerith will jump on the opportunity to help the refuges find homes around Oakhaven, as well as gainful employment in its forests and farms.

When there comes news of a goodwill tour, Count Kael Keaton is joining it without hesitating to see to those he shares fealty with as well as his own lands. Much like Lord Jaerith Keaton, he is ensuring proper military escort if the party happens to split, or moving in to speak with the people themselves. He will pray with them, work with them, and speak with them regarding their loved ones. His intent is to show strength in leadership and support those that need it.

Following the Faith's missionary trip and the Seraph of Sanctum's charge, Princess Isabeau does not sit idly by. She gathers up a goodwill tour and heads out to the Oathlands, determined to do something to help her people - all her people - know that their ruling family values them, and that the Faith and the Valardin work hand in hand.

Her first stop is Sanctum, where she accepts an invitation from the Seraph of Sanctum to join Father Orazio and High Lord Edain in discussions. She steps from that refreshed and motivated. Some of the priests of Sanctum whisper that she leaves the meeting smiling - but few people ever leave a meeting with the dour Seraph actually smiling.

Then it's on to a tour of the Oathlands - and it seems it doesn't matter where she goes, she is welcome. Greenmarch and Rivenshari alike, Telmar and Keaton and Laurent and Moore - from the smallest Barony to the largest Duchy, Princess Isabeau goes. She brings with her Lord Ansel, Sword of the Telmarch in his official capacity. Sir Norwood, Sword of Artshall goes as well. Lady Margerie Keaton - unofficially referred to as the 'Auntie Superior of the Oathlands' is of course present, and Lord Jaerith Keaton and Count Kael Keaton too.

In short, supported by an array of nobles from across the Oathlands, the Valardin Voice ministers to the people. She speaks most often of Gild and the divine love for civilization, as well as the joy of charitable giving. From place to place they go and they show the Oathlands - whether newly settled and converted, or of an ancient tradition - that the Valardin leadership is fully dedicated to the Pantheon. Her actions speak louder than her words even, and those who were still concerned that the worship of the Pantheon would perhaps destroy their former way of life are comforted, more inclined to view those of the Faith in a good light.

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.

"Movin' On Up, To The East Side" - Gwenna has been asked by Darren to spearhead the evacuation of the people of Crovane/Stormwall who will not be part of the fighting. She has already received permission from Duke Asger for this up and will personally be going to Stormwall to gather/lead the people capable of land travel (those who remained after the previous crisis via Donella's on @action 1669). She will be enlisting the help of others to aide the evacuation in a variety of roles, such as serving as protective forces should anything untoward occur as they make their way to the nearest, safest fealties. Gwenna will be carrying with her the lantern for House Redrain entrusted to her during the Rite of Thirteen Lamps.

While in Farhaven, Darren is going to organize the resettlement of refugees evacuated from Stormwall. He is going to prepare Farhaven to receive as many Stormwall citizens as possible, realizing that as a seafaring people they may need support from House Redrain in the form of food, clothing, and supplies. He is going to use his political muscle to strong-arm all the other leaders in the Northlands to accept as many of the evacuees as possible, ensuring that all civilians have a place to settle temporarily, and that, as much as possible the supplies and resources of those cities won't be pushed past breaking. Darren is aware that resettling a city like that is going to be expensive and strain the rest of the Northlands, but he wants to spread out the pain as much as possible so no one area is carrying the burden.

Asger prepares to go up to Stormwall to help evacuate it with Ann and Gwenna. Before hand he sends messengers to start preparing things Stormwall side making sure everyone is ready to up and move when the group gets there.

Cirroch is making efforts to provide protection for the evacuating citizens. He is making efforts to recruit guards that will offer the needed protection from raiding Shavs to the evacuated citizens as they move to safer lands away from the approaching forces. He is having flyers made to spread around Arx and the northlands, encouraging the fighting capable to go to Stormwall to assist those fleeing danger.

Ann is going up to Stormwall with Gwenna and side by side, they get their hands dirty. Ann uses her medical training to assess the health of the people to be evacuated. She then does what she does best - accounting. She accounts for every last soul that needs to be evacuated and makes sure no one is left behind.

Thena sends 250 highly trained Solace Knights to help evacuate Stormwall and protect refugees as they are relocated (represented by Solace Evac Corps, army #263).

Prince Artur will be riding with Darren to Farhaven and busy himself with helping to organize and resettle the refugees. Artur will be keeping an eye on Darren, with the intention of protecting him in case anything unexpected should occur, Artur will be coordinating with the local guards in order to provide leadership, keep order and try and keep the morale of the refugees as high as possible during what is more than likely to be a difficult and upsetting time for many of them. It's maybe not quite as glamorous an assignment as Artur would have hoped for, but he's going to do it to the very best of his ability in any case.

At the request of Princess Ann, Seymour will be organizing the funding and supply side of the evacuation effort. Making sure it is understood how many people will be coming into the area, what economic resources will be in short supply, organizing trade caravans from nearby lands and regions and contacting independent merchants. Essential services not already being handled by one of the nobles spearheading the effort.

Desperate times bring disparate allies and somehow the Aunt Superior of the Oathlands has been roped into helping with the evacuation of Southport. After rallying men at arms, she now rallies men at trees, men at building, men trained for survival in the wilds. Oakhaven and its lumber supplies (at a discounted rate) ride north along with men and women trained in using that lumber to build supplies, both martial and domestic, that will be useful in the rebuilding. When they meet the evacuees they will help in training interested parties with an eye towards a hopeful period or reconstruction. And if it should bolster future trading relationships, well, that's just a side effect. Some huntsmen from Keaton will go along to provide security to the goods and the former Countess. For her part, Margerie will try to meet with two groups - some of the evacuees that might know holdouts back home and some of the older nobles in areas bordering Redrain lands. With the former, she'll offer some diplomatic training and entreaties that might work to convince more people to evacuate Stormwall ((Leaving their fellow northerners to do the asking, though, so it isn't too much Oathlands interference)). With the latter, she'll be encouraging nobles to be prepared for and welcome overflow refugees if needed with offers of trade incentives.

As supplies filter in to Stormwall, Princess Gwenna Redrain organizes the evacuation efforts. It's a massive undertaking with the full support of High Lord Darren. Darren and Donella have traveled to Farhaven to prepare space for refugees, and Duke Asger Crovane encourages every nonessential person to get out of the line of fire.Princess Ann Redrain lends her encouragement, assessing the health of people who will be evacuated, and helping with last minute triage as needed.

Not all the people want to leave. This is their home, after all. But Prince Artur Redrain works to remind the people that this is difficult and upsetting, but that their people were most important to them - not the structures in which they live. Lady Margerie Keaton works with Artur as well, meeting with refugees and seeing if they know of any holdouts at home, helping traing people for eventual reconstruction, and generally strengthening the relationship between the Keatons and the Redrain.

Seymour Oak, who has established supply lines, also works to keep an eye on refugees, trying his best to encourage people to leave the city, taking stock to make sure the right supplies are being sent to the right places. Marquis Cirroch Sanna and Dame Thena and the Knights of Solace help organize protection details for the refugees. It's impossible to get everyone but fighters out, but they're making an effort, minimizing the potential losses in Stormwall as much as possible. This not only gets civilians out of the way, but has the added benefit of making supplies for fighters last longer - if indeed this fight is going to be a protracted siege. Those left in the city and the nearby environs make their final preparations and wait, watching the horizon for signs of the incipient invading fleet.

Cristoph Laurent is calling for all vassals of House Laurent to heed his call! Raise to arms! He'll be sending out word through the marches for them to rally and raise their banners as well as that of their vassals. He's served as a soldier and commander before himself, so he'll be banking on that experience there to help him rally the men and women sworn to House Laurent.

He doesn't work alone! He petitions the help of family members, house servants and other allies to get the message out as effectively as possible.

The Keatons, as a whole, are doing a GREAT tour of their lands, the Baronies beneath them, in an attempt to rally the troops. However, during their adventure they are moving through Laurent lands as well, and Kael will be speaking highly of the Honey Duke and his skills, not to mention the great need for any and all capable soldiers to go to arms. He attempts to inspire, to command, and to rivet them of tales. Not to mention he might have smuggled some Laurent mead along for the journey to share drink with any and all for camaraderie.

Naka decides to take time to physically travel to key points within Laurent and Laurent-sworn lands. He concentrates his efforts on the population, hoping to convince them to accept the idea of a smaller number of troops for home defense in order to free up additional forces to answer the muster call. These people may not have any say in who actually gets sent where, but Naka hopes that helping to allay their concerns and convince them to keep a determined, positive attitude at home will give the associated nobility a spur towards going above and beyond the least necessary participation.

Nicia is planning to play upon the emotions of the vassals and their men by appealing to their sense of loyalty, and honor. Making sure that they feel compeled to rally and raise to arms, for fear that doing any different would lessen their regard in the eyes of the fealty. She has taken to sending messengers, and putting in visits to those close enough, making it a more personal quest to speak with them.

Klaus has rallied all of his men. Men that do not faulter at their lords command. The sight of men at arms to nearby vassals shows that there is no room for avoiding the situation. Coupled with the respect that his men have for him it should be rather usefull in a quick mustering of troops.

As House Sword, Norwood will be helping Cristoph rally the marches and leaning on his skills in leadership and years of experience.

Aeryn is using her spreading her infectious optimism like a disease, rallying everyone that will stop and listen! She keeps spirits high and morale at maximum!

With all his charmed talents Saedrus willingly steps in to assist Cristoph to help gather Laurent’s vassals to arms. It is with an empathic call that Saedrus helps rally the Duke’s men to the cause. Missives are sent with poignant prose to stir the recipients to answer their duty, to bolster them in the face of their fears and remind them that great honour is found in their bravery.

While the youngsters rally armies and large speeches and the like, Margerie? She's using contacts. If she's at the speech? She's standing next to the woman that everyone in the holding looks to as the moral center, the one who can give entire neighborhoods The Look about what they know they should do. Or that man who employs half the town, who knows how to train the other half to keep business going. She's going for short walks, buying a meat pie for them. She's a guided missile calling on decades of service to from Oakhaven up to Laurent to know which person needs convincing at their stops in order to keep the convincing going when they've moved on.

Bastien has been hired to assist with matters of propaganda. He writes a series of speeches to provide to Duke Cristoph and various others who are doing the actual traveling in the Oathlands to speak with the vassal leaders, speeches about the nature of history and living within it, of the weight of recognizing the times they live in now. Speeches of honor and oaths and sacrifice. He tailors the speeches to the various houses, trying to include known notes from their histories in order to apply particularly targeted pressure. In addition, he'll supply a few different outlines for written pamphlets that can be copied and spread through the various cities to also encourage each domain's populace to support their leaders' dedication of troops.

Derovai is providing whatever advice his good judgment of character will afford Duke Laurent in this matter.

Jael has always been an outside kid. Sometimes with an sizeable entourage, sometimes with just a few retainers, she rides out to every part of the Laurent territory she can cover on a massive wicked-looking black warhorse named Freddie to rally the troops. This almost always involves some inspiring speechifying done while performing lot of fancy horseback maneuvers like caprioles and courbettes, pirouettes and piaffes. Maybe even some friendly jousting! All this will hopefully show the vassals that the Commander of the Laurent forces is competent and approachable, and worth rallying to. Also a badass who can manage large wayward beasts with ease.

House Laurent is calling for all their vassals to heed the call, and so, it is time to act. House Valardin's own Prince Rook is lending his aid as a ghostwriter, spin-doctor and one-man propaganda machine to polish up the efforts. As he's come from a very well trained background as a sophisticated courtier, he knows the political and social landscape well enough he can push and prod without sticking his oar in too hard where it oughn't go.

And having worked with the Keatons to call their banners, now Duke Cristoph turns his attention to House Laurent. He's sending out word through the marches to rally and raise their banners, and encourage their vassals to do likewise. He's smart about it too, he isn't trying to do it all on his own, but rather includes his family and those willing to stand with him.

Count Kael and the Keatons are already doing a tour of their lands, and he takes the time to speak highly of the Honey Duke and his skills, inspiring them with tales of his liege. Lord Naka concentrates on the populace, organizing troops for home defense to free up additional forces to answer the call. Duchess Nicia stands by her husband, appealing to their people's sense of loyalty and honor. As often as she can she turns this into a series of personal conversations, using her charm to encourage as many as she can.

Lord Klaus is a man of few words now, relying on honor and the respect his men have for him, the Sword of Laurent, Sir Norwood, at his side. Lady Aeryn adds some cheer and charm, enthusiastically supporting the message and spreading it far and wide.

Saedrus Whisper steps in as well, sending missives with poignant prose to stir the recipients to answer their calls to duty. Lady Margerie tries a more oblique tack, talking to those who stand as the moral centers, the ones who give The Look to entire neighborhoods when they decide something needs to be done. Or she's reaching out to that man who employs half the town, who knows how to train the other half to keep business going. She's calling on decades of service and her finely-honed intuition to reach out to influential movers and shakers wherever they go.

Prince Rook works as a ghostwriter of speeches. Bastien also works writing speeches of honor and oaths and sacrxifices, tailoring speeches to the varying houses, trying to include known notes from their histories in order to apply particularly targeted pressure to answer the call.

Some of these are used by Duke Cristoph, others delivered by Derovai to Lady Jael to use as she rides out to every part of the Laurent territory on a wicked-looking black warhorse named Freddie to rally the troops. She gives inspiring speeches while performing ancy horseback maneuvers like caprioles and courbettes, pirouettes and piaffes. Maybe even some friendly jousting! All this proves to their vassals that the Commander of the Laurent forces is competent and approachable, and worth rallying to. Also a badass who can manage large wayward beasts with ease. In a different house this might be less welcome, but here in Valardin where Knights are often riding before they can walk, they cheer on Lady Jael's acrobatics.

Laurent is rallied to war!

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?