"For every name, a village." These are words Gwenna has not forgotten, and she is certainly not alone in hoping to keep the people across the Northlands safe. House Redrain has spent the years since the Pirate War preparing their coffers for future threats, which this certainly seems to be. The goal is to defend the lands and keep as many people safe as possible. Gwenna's role is funding and making sure everyone is as prepared as possible for their endeavors.

House Redrain has offered to pay the up-front cost for up to two siege weapons in each fealty (Stahlben, Acheron, Charon, and Clearlake took the offer!), and plans to build watch towers and way-stations near their own outlying villages. These stations will be stocked with anti-itch salves and bandages, as recommended by Lady Eirene (who has offered to provide humanitarian relief to evacuated villagers), as well as snowshoes to help the Templars, Knights of Solace, and guards stationed in the North to traverse the landscape. These will give the additional patrols in the area places to rest and restock. If they can get their hands on some of the vine-weakening solution, that will be added. These stations are meant to watch for trouble and alert villagers so they might have a chance to get to safer holdings.

With the news of the disappearance of the entire village of Littlebreak, patrols will be sent to the farther-out villages. They are to request the residents consider temporarily evacuating to places closer to their main holdings so as to avoid the same fate.

The Physicians Guild has been given permission to make a base of operations in Redrain lands should they feel such a location would be beneficial.

The tl;dr: building watch towers/way-stations to watch for trouble & stocking those with supplies for patrols/Templars/Knights of Solace, funding defenses for Farhaven and the fealty houses, and evacuations of the most out-lying villages.

Donella is not the nice girl she once was. Donella actually cannot remember being a NICE girl, and having all her teeth. It's been a dark time, and she's pissed. These attacks happening now, on innocent villagers, with everything else happening out east does not work for her right now. NOT TODAY. And though she can boss people around like no one's business, she is still not a warrior. So to help Gwenna, Nell is going *early* to those little intransigent outlying villages on horseback and with wagons that she can get to, and say basically: "Get in, losers, we're going to save the North."

The Princess Consort knows they are invested in their homes and possessions, but home is where your people are. And people are being liquidated to strengthen the enemy, and the hope that their small settlements are too remote for trouble to find them is a forlorn one. "To the last" doesn't mean fighting to the death where you stand every time. It means as long as you have anything to fight with, people in this case, you fight -- and the North needs its people to persist for what's coming. So yes, it's an order: to get to their nearest feudal strongholds, to ride double, to pack grandma and the kids into the wains, to help their neighbors turn the goats and chickens out to pasture and do it NOW.

If reluctance is a matter of property (which is not actually under threat), she'll spend up to a million silver buying them out at generous rates. Hell, she'll carry someone on her own horse ("Horse"). However, those too stubborn to obey while she's putting her bacon on the line for them -- perhaps the North doesn't need that sort of stupidity, and she'll say so. Those she'll tell to keep a dagger to use on themselves in extremis, so they at least don't strengthen the enemy against those who actually want to live to fight like Queen Valeria.

Princess Agatha IS a warrior, and isn't shy about letting people know. Yes, the princess will contribute resources to boosting the outer defenses. Some things also need to be handled personally, and the ginger princess will certainly do that. Donning her armor (is she ever without it...?), Agatha will personally lead her share of the patrols. And when she isn't on duty she will be assisting with training and keeping up morale for the other soldiers.

Helena Redrain isn't about to let What's-Her-Name (the audacity of having the same name! Really!) Thornweave kill any more of the northern folks if she can help it. And while she isn't a fighter in the traditional sense, the princess has long said she will use her voice to fight against oppression, slavery, and the Traitor and his minions. And so she lifts it now -- to try to convince the villagers to move to where it is safer. To assure those who have fears and to encourage those who have hope. She speaks of their courage and their community, of the need to be united. To ask for volunteers to help those less able as they move from their villages to the strongholds. To organize those volunteers into committees -- patrols, scouts, medical, cooks, etc.

Helena would be sure to make a personal trip to Gulljar to ensure the safe retrieval of the enshrined Discordant Harp. She will speak with the villagers and explain the significance of the harp, as she believes it may be useful in the fight against both Thornweave and the Traitor. If possible, Helena will try to convince them to allow her to take possession of it, but if this is not possible, she will strive to ensure that it is in safe keeping among the most trustworthy of the Gulljar villagers.

Kenjay is a diplomat's aide and a man with an unusual viewpoint. As both a prince born to House Redrain and a former slave in a foreign land, he's in a unique position when it comes to persuading people of the Northlands that being a slave is not for them. He's going to be focusing his efforts on the Eurusi expatriates who've settled in more far-flung Northern lands - after all, inviting them in and then leaving them exposed to that sort of danger is just wrong however you view it - but he'll also be trying to persuade more traditional Redrain villagers to come in from the cold. There are some things that even the greatest warriors can't fight, and none knows that better than Kenjay.

The plateau supporting Glacial Grove has an unparalleled view over the Gray Forest, one that, on a clear day, extends as far as Bastion. Charon scouts are particularly trained to interpret the east from this high vantage. Their eastward focus will not change but, given the reports of disappearing villages, is more attuned to look for oddness that may have been dismissed as fatigue-induced in the past.

The watch towers and waystations are positioned along the north, east, and south of the holding in keeping with recommendations from Redrain and the Physician's Guild. The siege engine, gratefully accepted, is positioned to do what the crumbling curtain wall cannot - protect the castle from an enemy that may have the ability to use the grove to advantage.

Arthen Dayne's been away from the world for a spell, it's true, but House Redrain can always count on him to blow back in on the colds winds like a bit of good news in their darker days. He's here to help (well, he was here to fence off some things, but it seems help is needed) and as an 'explorer' he's been all over the north so he feels pretty at home helping to evacuate the outlying and in-danger villagers that need to be sorted and leading them to wherever it is they're going, likely tucked away behind the safer walls of their main holding. If there are Redrain nobles out there hard at work and risking themselves, like as not he'll help them to help other folks, he makes a dang nice right-hand-man when he's not off gallavanting around and leading his own crew on adventures into the unknown.

Once again, another threat looms on the horizon, and the drums of war have started their beating rhythm. Once again, the call has been made - and Morrighan has answered. For a considerable amount of time, the Sword of Farhaven has been silent and unseen, but has maintained a presence. Now, with the North and its people in need, threatened, she's stepped forward to fulfill her duty.

Protect and guard. That's been her motto since the beginning, ever since she swore fealty to Redrain so many years ago, and it's with that motto in mind that she returns to Farhaven. Donning her rubicund-fireweave armor mixture, Morrighan rides North to her adopted home with Demonslayer close at her hip - among the other multitude of weaponry she keeps on her person. Once there, she patrols the castle grounds, and keeps a close eye on the Redrain Nobles, prepared to act if any trouble arises.

One of the few things Deva is confident in her ability is to scout and fight. Years spent away from court and well-removed from society proper has sharpened her attention to such matters-- so these days find her, as Redrain's minister of war, personally involved up north to oversee patrols in the northlands and race to conflict. It's been too long since she has spent more than a brief moment in her homelands, and while this isn't the way she'd prefer it, there's a deep sense of pride in being back and working shoulder to shoulder with Redrain's vibrant people. So she prepares and coordinates with the keen minds of the fealty, escorting villagers to safer havens and ready to shoot evil in the eye when trouble inevitably comes knocking.

As minister of War and former Knight of Solace, working on defenses might just be considered Icelyn's "jam". She's also got the headstart of Aviaron's Peak and the lands under Acheron control being old, strategically located and rife with tunnels with which to build on and prepare.

So mostly she has to assess the current situation and just... tighten it up. An additional siege weapon to watch the pass? She'll take that. Address deficiencies in the existing defenses of different settlements? She'll do that too. Where possible it's not just about rehabbing the defenses and making it easier for patrols to move aboveground though.

Overland routes are subject to weather. Terrain (and much of that around Aviaron not exactly easy to traverse to start out with) can slow movement, and when a settlement is under threat... speed of reinforcements count. So where possible without compromising secure locations tunnels are going to be checked, rehabbed and brought into use. Stability and practicality, yes, but preparations will also be made for the unfortunate potential of an egress being overrun;- to seal off areas if needed to protect the greater whole. Aviaron's Peak has always had hardy and self-sufficient people, Icelyn's job is simply to streamline things and make them work with their liege and vassals to insure that if the enemy comes for their names, it'll cost more than they gain.

Relay stations need people, and people talk. Cadern whole heartedly endorses setting up relay stations, and sets to setting up a number of relays to extend around Blackwood as well and encourages people to supply and exchange with these watchtowers to ensure the messages are continual and ongoing to reduce chances of a series of them going 'dark'. One can never have too much time, too much money, or too many ways of getting information about attacks on towns. Cadern will do what he can to spread plenty of fun stories picking up older tales of heroic messengers, and those who watch the dark.

As Sword of Stonedeep Aksel has distingished himself in the past as one of the best warriors of the North. When the call comes out to assist, he's first in line. He will use his experience as a soldier and fighter, to help ensure that those that are doing tasks are well protected. Either through actively patrolling himself with other groups to provide guidance on how to best navigate the norths various terrains or ensuring that adequate resources are assigned to other groups to assist in being successful. He knows the threats of the North and will use whatever available resources he can to make sure as many people stay alive as possible.

Ann in being born a Redrain will use this to her advantage as well as being Duchess for a time to lend her voice to the patrols that are going out to the far out villages. She will persuade the villargers to come in closer to safety so they do not end up like Littlebreak. Safety in numbers after all. If supplies or money runs low in this crisis Ann will use her skills in economics to make sure the Redrain money and resources stretch and go far to where it is needed until the crisis is over.

Cillian, The Sword of Storm March hears the drums of War and answers their calls with the scouts and Caribou he's trained. Scouting along the pathways his team knows between villages and towers alike which border the Northern wastes. Organizing supply lines and planning for reinforcements when needed. He will do what us necessary to keep his home and lands safe.

While Darren Redrain is the High Lord of the North and has earned the respect of his people and his peers over the course of his rule, it is no secret that Gwenna Redrain is the one who usually makes Darren's plans into reality. Quietly, Gwenna has amassed a fortune for House Redrain through her careful stewardship and diligent work for her people. She is not just respected in the North. She is beloved. Many Northerners admire her for her ability to distinguish herself without ever needing to lift a sword or wade into battle. After all, why does she need a steel blade when she has a will of steel?

The project she undertakes for the protection of the North is daunting. The building of watchtowers and way-stations isn't complicated, just expensive, but Gwenna Redrain's stock of coin and favors more than amply cover such an expenditure, especially with Princess Ann to help squeeze every last silver out of their investments to complete the project.

The really difficult part is convincing those in the most vulnerable holdings to leave their homes for a safer location. It requires all the charm and powers of persuasion of her family and allies. Princess Donella, through sheer common sense, manages to convince a fair share that leaving behind their homes is only temporary and if they don't survive, they won't get to keep their homes anyway. Few can argue with her logic even if they really want to. Of course, with a presence like Aksel at her side, some who might have wanted to be stubborn find that they might just want to follow Princess Donella's instructions instead.

Helena Redrain has a somewhat easier time in convincing. She just doesn't take no for an answer and seems very willing to pack people up into wagons herself despite their protests. Of course, she would be doing these things -sweetly-. With Morrighan at her side to assist in the 'convincing', there is even less room to argue.

Prince Kenjay focuses on the settlements of Eurusi to be found in the North. There aren't many, thankfully, but they are far flung and take him into parts of the land that he might not have seen since he was a small child. It could have been dangerous, but, thankfully, he has Princess Agatha to accompany him and watch his back, particularly out in the wilder parts of the mountains.

Princess Deva Redrain, with her skills acquired when leading people during her time away from the Compact, has those skills put to the test as she ventures into some of the more isolated villages to help guide them to safer pastures. Almost quite literally as a significant part of the train of people that she leads through the mountains consists of sheep that no one is willing to leave behind as they are 'like family'. Arthen Dayne also lends his aid to the efforts, particularly in finding trails through the treacherous mountains that will be safe for humans, wagons, and sheep as well.

Lady Icelyn Acheron, Marquis Cadern Blackwood, and Countess Magaen Charon work with Gwenna's offer of resources and assistance to fortify their holdings against whatever might come, be it Helena Thornweave or some other threat. Their people praise their wisdom and feel much more secure should danger come to them, even as they pray that the efforts of their lieges will be unneeded.

The result almost seems miraculous. A system of watchtowers and way-stations is threaded throughout the North in record time. It's expensive, but most of the nobility and commoners can see the value in the increased communication and fortifications even if they weren't potentially going to war. Even more miraculously, the efforts of the Redrains and their allies to evacuate villagers to safer domains is stunningly successful. There are hold-outs, of course, but after all is said and done, the Redrain evacuation is one of the most successful of such efforts in the Compact, earning the entire family acclaim for their forethought. Even the Lycene have to begrudgingly admit that maybe this new generation of Redrain are far more persuasive than ever. Despite the winds of war blowing over the Compact, some whisper that this is a renaissance for House Redrain after so much suffering and loss in the past decade or so. Most point to Gwenna Redrain as the quiet catalyst for the growth in Redrain power and she gains a reputation in the North as someone who gets. shit. done.

Since the calling of banners, Prince Aindre Grayson has been drilling Grayson soldiers from the detachment given over to his leadership by the Princess of Bastion. These soldiers, though dutiful, no doubt wonder and quietly grumble about sailing off to fight in the Mourning Isles for someone else so far from home so Prince Aindre leans into leadership and reminds them of the Compact's truth, of what it means to stand together and fight, especially now with so many potential enemies watchful over them. He rallies his soldiers to embrace the battle, reminding them that they're warriors of the Greatest House in Arvum and it is their duty to turn back any and all evils - especially slavers and heretics against the Gods - from the very same shores upon which their families call home.

Drilling five-thousand soldiers is no small feat but Prince Aindre is a leader of men and so he delegates as a leader should, shaking out veteran soldiers experienced with the fighting conditions in the Mourning Isles and across ships and promoting them to drill-marshals on a temporary basis to help prepare the rest of the men. Silver is turned over and so are owed favors to ensure Aindre's detachment of fighting men are armed and armored and warm as can be managed in such wet, distant conditions as the Isles.

When militaries begin to stir though it's hard to escape notice and along the way Prince Aindre manages to pick up several of the Compact's more noteworthy killers and healers - some not even from his own fealty if just to be a leading example for his men of how we must all stand united - and a few exchanges with the Grandmaster of the Templar even finds the Grayson helping to transport a large number Gloria's finest to their crusade. Their presence, and with it Gloria's presence, should only help to further inspire the men that Prince Aindre is leading to battle.

When and if the time comes, House Grayson stands more than prepared to fall in with House Thrax and anyone else to turn away these monsters.

Orelia has one thing in mind where this mission is concerned: to fight. This is why she volunteered for Prince Aindre's mission, and she she helps drill his troops. There is something evil that they will be facing, and she will not only face it so the rest of the Compact doesn't have to, but she will live to tell about it.

Countess Aella Ravenseye is no stranger to assisting the Mourning Isles, having done so during the Gyre War. This time, instead of directly beneath House Thrax, she has been offered a place among house Grayson and their forces. The Admiral of her own fleet, she will encourage those of Stormheart to join in the fight and sail with them to defend the compact. She will see that the Stormheart Naval Yard is producing ships at a faster rate. Most importantly, she will lead her people to bolster the call for the defense of the Compact, sailing with her fleet, and the Grayson's, towards the east.

Lady Clara Crovane is here as a combat medic but will utilize her skills as a Shaman and Deathspeaker as needed as well. However, she primarily focuses on keeping people alive and ensuring they remain healthy. She stays out of the way of the diplomats unless she's called in as a translator for Northlands Shav and simply leads her medics as necessary.

It's an awful lot of work, drilling a few thousand soldiers and readying a fleet of House Grayson.

Prince Aindre's detachment comes together in far faster time than most would expect, a testament to the command abilities of the prince, with Orelia, Aella and Clara aiding where they can in the drilling and preparing to sail. It seems like no time at all before they are on the sea and helping to transport templars from all over the Crownlands, and without Aindre's drive and disciplined approach to command, there is simply no way the templars would have arrived at Sungreet before the Eurusi did, putting them in a terrible strategic position.

They have extremely fair winds surprisingly, the entire trip. Aella does not seem particularly surprised by this, and some of the men are even a little unnerved by how unnaturally easy going it is, but their forces are some of the first to make landfall at Sungreet.

Then, as in the case of any war, comes a lot of waiting.

For a time it seems that the matter will be resolved peacefully. On the land there's quite a bit of meetings between the forces of the Faith and House Helianthus before the Eurusi arrive, but Aindre knows that the Faith intends to try to arrest a duke in his own domain, which suggests trouble. And when the Eurusi do arrive, it isn't long before trouble finally starts.

The first fights on land are between the Faith and forces of House Helianthus. And then Aindre spots smoke coming from Sungreet, and a full thrall rebellion is in progress. and then the Eurusi are trying to land, and that settles that.

The vessels under his command maneuver to intercept one of the Eurusi flotillas from their massive fleet, and Aindre is leading a boarding action against an enemy dromond. His disciplined soldiers swarm around him, as the ships under his command ram and board. Aindre gets into a brutal swordfight with an enemy captain, as men all around him are cut down and arrow fire rains in all directions. Orelia is nearby, her fighting style like a dance as she parries and rolls with attacks, cutting several men down while moving with a liquid grace. Clara is helping see to the wounded, and a Aindre himself gets a nasty cut across the cheek by an enemy captain before he runs the man through and the body tumbles into the ocean.

And just as soon, the fight is dying down. Aindre's forces destroyed an enemy flotilla as thousands landed on shore. The Eurusi forces are fighting with one another, and he sees Helianthus troops fighting against one another as well, with some on the side of the Faith and the rebelling thralls.

Two thirds of the Eurusi fleet is withdrawing, less a half dozen ships he's now claimed, and his own ships aren't in a position to pursue, though that would be unwise against the much larger fleet. A won battle, but the first blood in a new war.

Valdemar is going to go on a tour of Grimhall's holdings, recruiting new sailors for the Grim Fleet. At each stop, he will give a speech about the warrior tradition of their people, their devotion to duty, and urging them to step up for the sake of the safety and security of the Mourning Isles. Meanwhile, he is also placing an order for new ships with Stormheart Shipyard, asking his protege Aella to assist with expediting the order, so that these new sailors have ships to crew.

With the construction of the Stormheart Naval yard, orders have been coming in at a steady rate, providing work and opportunities to the people of Stormheart. Aella's Patron, and donator to the naval yard, has sought assistance in bolstering the naval forces of Grihem's Point so one good deed deserves another. Aella has opened construction of the naval yard to the Grimhalls, providing them with a workforce more than willing to build ships and assist the Compact.

The Duchess-Consort will be accompanying Valdemar on his tour of the Grimhall holdings, and will do her best to assist Valdemar in recruiting new sailors for the Grim Fleet. She'll host several different events in Grihem's Point, including lavish parties for the nobility and more public speeches directed towards merchants and commoners, all of which are focused on getting as many new recruits as possible, whether through inspiring Grimhall patriotism among the masses or subtle social pressures for noble families to see that their sons have at /least/ a few years of military experience under their belts as Isles traditions would dictate.

The Grim Fleet Admiral will be making his rounds with Valdemar and Vanora on their tour of the Grimhall holdings. Offering speeches and sitting and talking with any potential recruits along the way to bolster up the Grim Fleet's numbers to fill the new ships that are being built.

Seroza is not particularly a fan of long voyages himself, so why not get others to do it for him? Or rather, a recruitment drive. That should help the family out, right? At least, thats what he thinks. So it is Seroza will take it upon himself to rouse up the public in hopes of joining the Grimhall Fleet.

Edward will travel with is Patron, the Duchess Vanora, to help with her efforts at a recruitment drive for the Grimhall military. He will be the veteran of the Gyre's War and the War of Silence, with plenty of stories to share regarding the bravery of House Grimhall and the strength of its military. He will focus on logistical facts and about how it is the merchants who provide supplies and material and the nobles who seek out recruits and opportunities that benefit all of them, that becomes the backbone of strength that makes House Grimhall the mightiest and most well trained military arm in the Mourning Isles.

Lastly, he will even speak not just of the tenacity of the Grimhall fleet - but he will speak on the strength of Duke Valdemar and how the military tradition is very strong with him at the lead. Edward will speak about heros soldiers that the House has had in the past and how every soldier is not just a part of a military but is part of a potential, a group out of many who can rise up and be the next hero recognized by House Grimhall.

The efforts to recruit new sailors and build ships for said sailors is a rousing success. Between the combined efforts of Valedmar, Vanora, Seroza, Edward and Ingvar dozens, hundreds of men report for duty to the Grimhall navy. And given Aella's shipyard, a staggering number of ships set sail for Grihem's Point. 75 Longships, 13 galleys and 2 dromonds all bearing the colors and flag of Grimhall arrive, ready to be manned by the new sailors. Grimhall's fleet nearly doubles and all feel safer for it.

The Ravenseye family have always been seafaring people while others of the North focused their attention elsewhere. It is no secret that Stormheart still relies heavily on the seas and rivers that lead to the city, and Aella has never made it a secret that she wishes more for her family since they have joined the Compact.

Grand plans for a Naval Shipyard to be build on Ravenseye land will increase productivity and income for the County while also providing the North a local ship yard to have their vessels built rather than relying on Mourning Isle families. The closer proximity should allow for Northern materials to be brought to Stormheart so each ship built is done so at a discount to the buyer.

The Naval yard will be in dedicated in honor of Mangata so that the Goddess may watch over each ship created and those who sail on them.

(The social resources are for PR. Buy Ravenseye! The north can be a difficult sell for ships, it certainly isn't their strong suit. Economic resources are for materials and trade agreements with other houses. The Military resources are reserved for protection of the ship yard, as well as making military type ships.)

Lord Arik Halfshav has some experience with development projects over the last few years so after offering his services to Countess Aella Ravenseye she finds a tidy sum of economic resources committed to the project (4000 economic resources) to entice merchants. Not only that but the Halfshav Lord helps with coordinating of caravans and timetables, reports and labor schedules. All the tedious day to day of making sure people get something done.

As the Minister of Fealty for House Redrain, Princess Elgana is more than happy to bring support to Countess Aella's grand plans of a naval yard. While Elgana only knows what she's read about sailing and shipbuilding, it isn't nearly enough to entrust such a task to her, so she leaves that to the professionals. What she does bring, however, is the aid of House Redrain in the form of Elgana working to secure the best merchant contracts possible (5,000 Economic Resources).

She'll talk up the good works of House Ravenseye with building this naval yard to various merchants. Having such independence while also being incredibly thankful for allies in Thrax, such as House Kennex for helping with maritime growth in the north, is a great thing that will bring prosperity, new trade potential, and military might to the Northlands. Who can argue with that?

Rosalind knows next to nothing about building ships, BUT, she's charismatic, gets along with well--anyone and has a really big mouth! Because she enjoys people. Geez! No really--ask around! So she's decided to talk to EVERYONE! All the people! Hey you! Do you know how to build ships? Yes?! Come home with me and build great ships and help with our naval shipyard, Stormheart is amazing, you'll love it! Oh you sail?! You're great at it you say?! Ohymygosh, we need you too! She does know just enough about boats to give out the correct information!

All of this will be spread everywhere, a smile on her face and of course a whiskey in hand. A northerner is always a northerner and alcohol seems to make even more friends!

Princess Consort Donella Redrain will make sure the diplomacy of this task is set up. She will also speak to her connections on Thrax to make sure that things are on the up and up on the basics of construct. The rest will be left up to others. She will make sure to speak to people about how this is a good move and they should support it.

Cadern isn't particularly helpfl for ship sand building but he will help in convincing people to join. This would be a mix of finding and recruiting shipbuilders and incentivizing them to join. He will happily talk up Stormheart and convince people it's THE place to be and go to and assist in recruiting able sailors as well. Cadern focuses on getting the good word out about the project.

Volcica doesn't know much about ships, building, or shipbuilding, but she does know a lot about the spirits. She'll be a guiding hand for House Ravenseye's project, helping to make sure that the spirits and the Pantheon are appeased and happy with the placement of the docks!

While Baltus doesn't know much about building a port or building ships, he does know ships. Which ones are good for which missions and tasks, the quality of one already built. He also knows sailors and knows the tides. And so he offers what help he can in offering advice and organizational assistance.

As a vassal of Crovane, House Ravenseye will receive full support from Duchess Fianna for its naval yard construction. Stormwall has recently built a new port and Fianna will use her experience to assist Ravenseye with its construction, as well as provide black lumber for supply and ships for protection during the process.

Llyr is going to help by giving darwings of design to help woith the ability to vizualize what will be built.

Infrastructure is Kaldur's avocation if not his particular area of expertise. He leads with enthusiasm and vigor for the project, venturing to the worksites as the crafters and laborers toil, unfussed about getting in and helping - particularly when anything needs done in the water. He'll be on boats helping sink pilings, swimming, diving, uncannily at home in the water, as much or more than he is in the saddle.

With his recent experience dealing with large building projects, Valdemar will focus on helping out with the design of the naval yards and the coordination of construction crews for maximum efficiency.

Countess Carita is more than happy to help those that ask her to. When Countess Aella asks her to use her building skills from Darkwaer, Grimhall's naval academy, Clearlake's docks, and numerous other areas, she's built up quite a list of names for people that know the people that get things done quickly, and efficiently. This should be cake, right? Who knows shipyards better than Darkwater?

What a magnificent shipyard it is! Such a massive undertaking increases everyone's standing for a time, and the help this necessarily provides to the Redrain fealty is much appreciated. Building ships in Stormheart is a little cheaper now, which is like to increase its importance.

Stormheart is located in a valley between mountains, carefully tucked for the protection the mountains can afford. These mountains are also quite useful for other purposes, such as increasing the goods with which House Ravenseye has to offer to the fealty they bent the knee to and the Compact as a whole.

Exploring the mountains surrounding Stormheart is Aella's focus as she and volunteers head out to discover the secrets that they might hold. She is specifically looking to increase her County's mining by finding new places where her people are able to find material such as metal to use for ship building and stones to trade for other goods.

While Aella is not an explorer in her own right, she knows her land and will be there as a guide, protecting those who have offer their aide.

Arthen Dayne wasn't surprised that Countess Aella would come to him for something like this - he's a notable explorer after all and a fair enough hand for the wilderlands when exploring goes wrong like it sometimes will - but he was honored to have her ask all the same. While he doesn't know a lot about /mines/ save for the kinds where history has been lost down 'em, he can get a group of folks across the rugged north well enough. Anyway he's convinced there's probably more valuable things hidden out across Stormheart than mines and he's got an eye for that sort of stuff so while he's making sure nobody loses a hand or an eye and probably has to stop Riagnon from putting weird berries in his mouth from time to time he'll also be on the lookout for the rare and unusual.

Volcica isn't exactly a great scout, or a great fighter. She is, however, a pretty great Shaman. She'll focus on the more spiritual side of things, treating with local spirits to help find locations of note for Aella and her House. While she'll try to look for the metal and stones Aella hopes for, Volcica knows that spirits are capricious and alien, and will accept whatever hints they offer without pressing too hard.

Very recently, House Ravenseye came to House Acheron's assistance. House Acheron endeavors to do the same! Lord Riagnon will be escorting a pair of mining surveyors from Aviaron's Peak operations, where iron and steel flow as easily as gold and silver. Hopefully, these miners can contribute some of their expertise Aella's plan!

Riagnon is not an explorer. He IS a Northern knight, very familiar with mountainous terrain and cold climate. This will be fine, this is fine.

Arcadia is a good scout and she knows it. She comes along to aid with the expansion. She's able to look at maps and point out areas which may be of interest and helps move everyone ahead.

While she expects little danger, she does have her crossbow and will use it, if any danger befalls them.

Countess Aella is a vassal and, as such, Kaldur turns out in support of her efforts to improve Stormheart. He lends the weight of Crovane's support to the effort and applies himself to treat with those they encounter to support or make way. He's also got a very fine warhorse, Dumpling, who is worth her weight in diamondplate who may not be descending into any mines, but has a history of stoving cultist skulls while standing guard.

Mika being the explorer she is, enjoys that she is called along to join in. She uses her investigative skills to search for hints of mining indications and other materials that Aella could use to bolster her economy.

Rosalind has just gotten back to the city, but the opportunity arises that she can head home again! Rosalind has always been a pretty perceptive woman, even as a child. She plans to help Aella and the others search the mountains and of course keep them safe. After all, it's her home and she's spent more time outdoors and in said mountains than anyone. Because of that, she's gotten to become pretty good at tracking , being a bit sneaky and such and can tell when there are dangers about.

She will of course have her long bow, just in case something does come up. To protect everyone of course.

Aksel has been asked to come along to help Ravenseye with scouting of locations for mining. The Nygards are a devoted family of miners and at one time Aksel would have taken up that career. So while he certainly remembers some of the things about mining, prospecting is an entirely different story. Still, he has family in Stonedeep that are prospectors who maybe willing to impart some advice to Aksel before he helps Aella on her quest for mining opportunities. Plus he's pretty handy if there are things to get bloodied up.

Baltus has been invited to help Aella in her exploration. Though he's more accustomed to maritime exploration, he's a fair hand in a fight and is willing to be a general helper however the Countess made need to direct him.

The mines in Stormheart are already good, but Aella wants to make them better. So she enlists help, as any sensible Countess would - she's not going to mine all those minerals herself, clearly. Lady Volcica is first - a shaman who speaks with the spirits, hoping to find good places to search for mining locations. Arthen Dayne is also hired on as a notable explorer. Marquessa Arcadia is also an excellent scout, and points out several areas of interest. Lady Mikani, no slouch in the exploration and scouting department herself, also joins.

Aksel Nygard, with his experience of mines and miners (he could have been a miner himself if he'd followed the family tradition, after all), work hard to find just the right spots. Baltus also pitches in, and Lady Rosalind points them at possible locations. Duke-Consort Kaldur grants the aid of Crovane as well, helping his vassal expand and explore - this is his bailiwick, for certain.

Of course, all doesn't go quite as smoothly as everyone might want. The first place they try is all wrong - when the first pick lands, the stone crumbles away softly, and Volcica gets a feeling that this place is not going to be strong enough to build large, safe tunnels for miners. They move on.

The second place they try looks better, and they're starting to build, when there's an odd rumbling. Aksel knows that sound well and shouts for everyone to evacuate. They do, as quickly as possible, but one miner stumbles. It's Lady Rosalind that grabs his hand and pulls him to his feet, urging him to run - and Countess Aella herself who's the last one out, making sure that everyone gets out safely.

But the third mine - the third mine is the right place, and the mine they establish there is strong, and large, and seems to go deeper than the mountain itself. This is going to be a good place to find exactly the thing she's looking for - a solid foundation for an expanded domain.

Success!

In order to put an end to raids along the coast of the Northlands, Rysen builds a coalition of allies in order to set a trap for the raiders. The coalition's goal will be to substantially weaken the raiders' forces and allow the allies to interrogate survivors in order to determine who is ultimately behind the attacks with the minimum amount of casualties on both sides.

Command of the fleet will be handed over to Admiral Aethan Kennex, who will lie in wait off of the peninsula of Greywater Bay, a major port town along the Northlands coast. Rysen offers a good bit of coin to Northland sailors and merchants in the region to suggest a particularly lucrative shipment of blackwood lumber, silver and gold from Crovane mines will be stopping in the major Crackneck port on its way to Perlspire on a trade mission, in an attempt to lure the raiders into an attack. Rysen has entrusted the command of the Crackneck and other Northlands soldiers to Princess Marian Redrain, but he will fight on the beach personally, to honor Gloria, protect the Warchief, and prove the valor of Northland's chivalry. If all goes according to plan, signal fires will alert Aethan's fleet at the sight of incoming raiders, who will sweep in from behind their ships, while Marian and Rysen, along with the Northland warriors and their allies hold off the raiders on the coast. Afterwards, the allies will interrogate the highest ranking survivors, in order to determine their affiliations and by whom they were sent.

Princess Marian Redrain will set a trap at the edge of the port town, using a lumber yard to be where the 'prize' is supposed to be stored, close enough to the water with trees before the beaches so some savvy raiders would normally be able to sneak in and out. The boards under the yard have several trap doors where archers can pop up and shoot, not to kill all so they can capture a few. Infantry will surround the building to catch those that flee. If the men make it to the beaches, calvary are set up to catch them. Of course, once the trap is set, an arrow on fire will launch from the beaches so Aethan is signal to cut off their access to their ships.

Aethan is eager to support Redrain in its endeavors to bring peace and stability to its shores, and so will be commanding its naval forces during this maneuver, augmented with some of the Stormward Fleet. He will be coordinating with Lord Rysen and the Warchief Princess Marian beforehand to make sure to carry out their plans, as well as -- as time allows -- meeting with Redrain captains and pairing them with those of the Stormward Fleet to build trust and understanding between them beforehand so they can better coordinate their efforts. He will also be putting Kennex resources toward it to attempt to ensure a successful outcome.

Cillian will be going with Lord Rysen and Princess Marian and a small blackwood group of troops to help fight on the beach, being the sword of Blackwood and Minster of war he will lead his men into battle and put a end to all of this.

Although I am more a sailor and sea captain than fighter I will stand on the beach by the other northeners and battle with them. Raiding cannot be allowed and I will lend my axe to the fight that puts an end to this.

Following the orders of those above her, Aella will assist Aethan as a captain of one of the ships under his command.

Orrin is offering Pearlspire as the juicy destination of these ships, and also allowing any and all coordination and supply of the forces involved in this action at their new port. He will direct that all ships having visited Pearlspire are drafted appropriate documentation to suggest legitimate unrelated trade purposes for their visits. There will also be appropriate documentation and staffing as if a large shipment of lumber and precious metals is to arrive. All of this will be managed through appropriate application of funds, leadership, and favors.

Arcadia does not know the Northlands well, but she does know the Grey Forest and how to shoot from the trees. Leaving Marian and her troops to take the beach, Arcadia and her forces will be hidden in the trees and moving through the edges of the forest collecting any who try to flee or have set up bases or may give a call to let other raiders know of the trap.

They sail from the North.

This was a surprise, as cutting in from the cold waters of the far north near the everwinter is extremely dangerous, and far from a direct path, but it makes sense- the Bay of Thrax and near waters are being patrolled heavily now by Grayson forces in response to the raids, and so the enemy cuts a far path through the arctic waters in order to try to make landfall north of the port town and then sweep down south towards it.

Rysen's plans work. It looks like the lure provided by Orrin proved successful, as the raiders sweep in from the North, with the ships under command of Aethan, Danvir and Aella staying far out of sight ot the south until they pull into Greywater Bay. No flags fly from the ships, no banners display as the raiders make landfall, speaking to a piratical nature or a group of attackers that has no intention of divulging their alliegence. The raiders are more numerous than might be expected- several hundred, and they approach on the port town with every intention of burning it and putting everyone there to the sword.

Princess Marian waits until they are at a precise point on the beaches- too far from their skiffs to escape into the water, but with wide open area for cavalry to ride right over the raiders. Marian's cavalry charge, supported by Arcadia's hidden archers and Cillian's blackwood troops stopping their advance catches the enemy in a disastrous position, and they are cut to pieces, immediately put to rout. A handful survive to surrender, and reveal they are Undrowned Sons mercenaries, hired anonymously out of Port Defiance.

On the water, their ships turn to flee and are confronted by Aethan's ships. By sheer happenstance, gale force winds pick up and capsize a number of the enemy vessels almost right as they turn to engage, and the already outnumbered enemy ships are quickly set ablaze and ultimately sunk.

It's a crushing victory, and there's no more raids on the Northlands.

Princess Fatima is coordinating privateers from all the Houses in the Compact who wish to be involved in restoring order to the Mourning Sea. Seeing the wisdom in combining Duchess Margot Tyde's diplomatic mission and Lady Regla's search for the weapons into one large initiative, the High Lord believes there will be a higher chance of success by banding together to form a sizable armada. For the sake of logistics and chain of command, Princess Fatima has organized the mission directive into three separate Corps within the armada. The Privateer Corps, the Diplomatic Corps, and the Cobalt Corps. These are not necessarily the official names of each division within the fleet, but it has made organizing the endeavor much easier. The Thraxian princess has gathered together capable sailors, reavers, warriors, strategists and military leaders from across the fealties. Each is dedicated to routing out the Pirate Clans and Abandoned Houses of the Isles participating in acts of piracy and raiding. After speaking with several experienced Admirals, Captains and sailors - Fatima knows that most pirate activity happens just off the coast and along well known trade lanes. It is likely that the cobalt weapons might be in enemy territory or in the same places that pirate activity is heavily concentrated. While searching for the cobalt weapons under Lady Regla's direction, the armada will deal with any Pirate Clan or Abandoned they come across. Duchess Margot will lead the Diplomatic Corps in negotiations with the aforementioned groups in an effort to see them bend the knee and rejoin the Compact. Those who refuse to give up their banditry will be meted out the King's justice; their ships and stolen cargos will be siezed by the armada. Offers of surrender will be accepted and those that do can join the armada as Prodigal crew members with fair wages and the same rights as any citizen of the Compact. Thus far the fleet consists of two dromonds, twenty-seven longships, and two galleys. More ships will be joining the efforts as the other Houses of the Compact get in touch and coordinate with Princess Fatima. Sometimes the Lady Regla will have to break off with a small division of ships and soldiers during her search for the cobalt weapons and contingencies have been put in place for such an event. Fatima is a wise leader and has delegated several positions with their own purview of authority to those who've sworn to the cause.

Division Leader of the Privateer Corps and Head of the Armada - Princess Fatima Thrax
Fleet Admiral of the Privateer Corps - Count Turo Navegant
Quartermaster of the Armada - Baron Edward Stormbreak
Division Leader of the Cobalt Corps and First Mate of the Crimson Shadow- Lady Regla Navegant
Division Leader of the Diplomatic Corps - Duchess Margot Tyde
Countess Aella Ravenseye graciously contributes two longships to the Armada and will serve as the Commander of her forces. Skapti Thrallson, vassal to House Navegant has graciously contributed one dromond to the Armada and will serve as the Captain of said vessel.

After receiving a vision in which Gloria spoke with her about several things, and hearing from others in regards to similar visions from Mangata, Regla has taken it upon herself to begin searching for the weapons that have been mentioned/described/seen that will aid them in their fight against the danger growing in the Darkwater Deep. It was Turo’s own vision regarding a mountain with a blue tear and lightning that has given her the starting point, mixed in with the fact that Gloria showed her Escuma for what she can only figure is a very specific reason. Combined together she is aiming her attention in the northern islands, starting with any that have a mountain large enough to fit what Turo saw. Things that she will be using/doing for this search are as follows:

Sailing charts that have terrain depicted on them.

Gossip and rumors of sailors, searching for any island that seems to have a high frequency of storms AND a mountain.

This is very much a no stone left unturned situation for Regla, and her main priority in things is the search for these weapons, as systematically as she possibly can be under the circumstances.

Edward has been asked to the job in the fleet that is that of logistics and primary quartermaster, given his history of doing this for House Redreef. He will be responsible for ensuring that the fleet is adequately supplied with food and spare stores of equipment and repair materials for the ships for the long cruise. In addition he is first level of responsibility for ensuring that all seized cargo and resources are catalogued and recorded for proper distribution among Houses Stormbreak, Navegant, Tyde, and Thrax.

In addition, he is also primarily serving in the portion of the fleet that is in search of the cobalt weapons, assisting the Sword and Lady Regla Navegant in her search for these weapons.

Sivard will be aiding both Regla and Fatima as they have need of him, though when left to his own choice he will default to helping Regla. He can be used as a scout, infiltraitor, or sword as needed of him.

With the shakdown of assignments, Skapti is taking the Leatherback to be Turo's flagship and him the Captain. With this in mind Skapti will take part in the primary fleet actions with the Thrax fleet to handle pirates and other Shav raider ships the combined fleet is on the hunt for. When Lady Regla Navegant is dispatched to any nearby islands to search for the weapons, the ship and its escorts become the center of her primary command with Admiral Turo moving his flag to the Crimson Shadow; while the Leatheback and its escorts conduct the Sword of House Navegant to her destination and then back to the fleet.

With Fatima's reaching out, Aella is taking two of her longships with her at their head. Aella will take part in the primary fleet actions with the Privateer Corp to handle pirates and other Abandoned raider ships the combined fleet is on the hunt for. When action is spotted, Aella will do her best to act as a forward scout, as well as entreating the spirits, and praying to Mangata to attempt to becalm hostile ships, and fill the sails of their own. If the fleet runs into bad weather, she will attempt to beseech them to ease the storm as well, by offering up tokens of personal sentimental value, and fine liquor.

Ariel is contributing two longships to the Armada under the command of Commander Reginald Bosier (NPC) to assist. Commander Reginald will follow the orders given to him by his higher ups.

On behalf of Valardin, Sir Tarrant is accompanying the expedition aboard the Crimson Shadow. In typical Oathland fashion, he will step to the front in any dangerous or combative situations as a glorified bodyguard to any VIPs, or as a shock troop for any attacks, as he is directed. Should the opportunity arise (and should the commanders allow), he will seek single combat with any enemy champions.

Margot leaves the mission in the Grey Forest straight to go board a ship to perform diplomacy with the abandoned, bringing with her 5 of the Tyde longships and 2 galleys, with members of the crews that previously attended the mission to the Eswynds as they have an idea of what to expect. All her ships have peace flags flying and will not engage in violence with out explicit orders to do so from herself or Fatima (any who do will be kicked over board). They will take their share of recovered cargo and/or ships but no thralls will be taken by Tyde. Her goal is to where ever safe to do so, make first contact with groups they encounter and attempt to sway them to bending knee to Thrax/Tyde/Grimhall. Margot will offer a represenitive or two of any groups who swear themselves to the Isles a place on the Galley she herself is on so she can learn more from them regarding thier peoples, circomstance, and what they have seen of the Darkwater. (Note: Margot speaks Isles Shav fluently)

Alexis is not very diplomatic or particularly cunning, but she is a decent meatshield, and so her job in this matter will simply be to escort those VIPs she's told to escort, to attempt to keep them safe, as much as possible. She may also be part of other military action, if needed.

While Princess Isabeau Valardin won't be setting sail with Princess Fatima's fleet, the Oathlands princess will be assisting the Privateer Corps by provided materiel support on behalf of House Valardin and using her considerable social sway to ensure that trade ships take the threat of increased piracy seriously and that any potential pirates might reconsider their life choices. She will use both open lines of communication and whisper campaigns of propaganda to ensure that Princess Fatima and Lady Regla encounter diminished resistance.

Estaban will be bringing 3 longships and 1 Galley to the fun, he will commander his ships as he is the Admiral of them and assist the Thrax in whatever it is they need him and his men to do.

Edain is supporting Fatima's attemps protect Duchess Margot's diplomatic outreaches and to limit reaver/pirate activity during this crisis. Too support her armada, Edain is sending 1 Dromon, 2 Galley's and 5 long ships. They will be commanded by NPC commanders (Katarina is helping other actions on her own.)

Taking command of the ships in the fleet as Fleet Admiral, Turo will be overseeing the warfare aspects of where the ships are, where they should go, their formations, divvying up fleet to make proper sea units of varying ships, and planning logistics of any battle that might come to pass. If there is to be battle, whether with pirates or shavs, he will plan the offensive and defensive movements, as well as any counter-strikes should they be needed. The fleet will be broken in smaller groups, so as to cover enough ground in Regla's search, but differing combinations of longships, galleys, and dromonds so as unit strength is not detracted or taken away. The main priority is to make sure the safety of the crews, the second is the minimize the potential losses of ships and soldiers by developing the proper strategy for each situation that may result in combat. Thirdly, to make sure they cast a wide enough net to be able to search for the weapons in a timely manner.

Aksel with be assisting with whatever is needed during privateering actions, mostly fighting and fighting and likely a little more fighting. However, when Regla sets off on missions of Cobalty nature, Aksel will assist there. If fighting is on snow and ice, he'll use his skills and knowledge of the North to assist in ensuring those on the landing team survive that sort of weather and battle conditions.

Freja will be using her own scouting skills and spooky shaman hijinks to help Regla in her search for the weapons to help them in their fight in the Darkwater Deep.

One group attacked and dispatched murderous Marinites. One group found a cache of Cobalt weapons. And one group found some shav who were willing to bend the knee as free people in return for information! Sure, some ships were lost but that's not /that/ big a deal, is it?