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Action by Society of Explorers for The Thornweave Threat

(Public Action, OOC Date: Oct. 1, 2022, noon)

After attending several defense meetings, being involved in helping evacuate refugees during the razing of Artshall, and meeting with the Society of Explorers as a whole, Lou is taking the Explorers to help House Grayson scout the northwestern part of the Crownlands as indicated in the depicted map: https://imgur.com/a/CNeLZHg (the parts that are circled yellow and red -- also see @clue 4635).

The Explorers will start at northern most portion of the map outlined, which is closest to Frosthaven and Whitepeak and moving south toward the territory just at the base of the mountains above Cedar Vale. They will avoid going into Whitepeak at all; traveling up the mountain is an arduous task and also dangers may still lie there. They will check out the ruins at the base of the mountain where Forsthaven is located, then sweep through the remaining countryside. They are particularly interested in the area where the Arbres used to be homed (all in the red area circled on the map), since the whole tribe of shav'arvani vanished.

While they are almost certain that the Traitor was involved in clearing out the area, they are searching for any signs of survivors among the villagers and baronies that were known in those locations, additional information on how the potential abductions were carried out (all in the yellow circled area on the map), and any new dangers that might be presented in the area. It will be as meticulous a sweep as needs to be in order to bring further information back to Houses Redrain, Grayson, and Valardin.

In particular, they are also looking to see if any areas are being used as a staging grounds for a standing army or group that might do harm to the Crownlands holdings in general in hopes of getting that information back to Liara in order to mobilize the Grayson army if there should be need.

Mirk will be accompanying the Explorers in search of signs of the Traitor's involvement. Though he travels into the Crownlands, it's near to his usual stomping grounds: Cascade Springs, a Halfshav township he helped to found, isn't much further north, and he's had encounters with Shavs in the Grey Forest more than once. He's even traveled though those regions to visit Whitepeak before (Action 4273), though he doesn't speak of that incident.

He accompanies the others and where villages are found or tribes encountered, he gets to know people, never driving for information if he can help it, but always listening and learning their stories. He attempts to get to know the lands they travel in the same way, communing with the spirits where he can and listening to the signs around him, while he pays special attention to anything that distinguishes those places from others. It might present hints of what had happened, leads of where the expedition might go.

Because while these might not be his lands, the Metallic Traitor threatens all, and uncovering his schemes is the first step to stopping them.

Caspian is heading out with the Explorers! While not a fantastic scout in his own right, he knows his way around the hills and woodlands. He is handy in a pinch, can tell horrible jokes and fanciful stories by the fire side, and doesnt mind carrying an extra pack. honestly a great boon on any prolonged scouting trip! That he has done this before is an added bonus. The war on the isles is demanding of his time, but if the Traitor is not stopped, there isles won't matter. And if the Traitor wants something, its a good bet we DONT want him to get it.

Lisebet has been on a few exploration missions with the explorers, and is entirely willing to go along on this one. More, it's important to her to be helpful and useful in the fight against the traitor and his minions. She sees this overall as helping to protect the people of Ashford, and is determined to do all she can to help out.

She's a diplomat, obviously, and so will be there to try to smooth over waters where needed. She'll go along with the group, looking to try to gently get information where she can, if there's any to be found. She's investing resources in order to bring items that are small but valuable, that might be useful in any trading/treaty discussions or to ransom anyone who gets kidnapped. (I was thinking 2000 Economic resources - though am open to any suggestions.)

This diplomacy is the nominal reason she's with the group, and may turn out to be the most important, but she is also an occultist, with a fairly extensive knowledge with regards to things occult, not that she talks about that very often. She'll be looking for anything obvious or obscurely occult, if she can identify it, and if there's a chance it might help, she'll be willing to try mage sense to see if she can learn more - this has helped her at least once (PRP: Tale of the Mercier Massacre) providing some additional information that helped to solidify the picture and understand what was happening. Given that they are searching for information that may relate to a powerful mage, this is possibly a risky but important part of trying to figure out what is going on and how to stop it.

Icelyn is joining the Explorers as a scout. As former Knight of Solace likely she has travelled the roads of the Crownlands before, even if she is not necessarily familiar with some of the settlements they intend to visit. So she'll scout forward where needed and report back to the main group to help keep their people safe.

Lucita has been a member of the SoE for years and is an experienced explorer. She was present at the initial attack on Bastion and at Artshall and is very aware of the threat against the compact. While not the best of scouts, she has traveled through the territory several times on the way to Whitepeak, a matter of which she can not speak (action 4021), to Aviarion's Peak and Bonespire with Quenia (action 4451). She also traveled to Everwinter near Clearlake Hold and Lastlight Hold while attending the wedding of Rowenova and Tarik (event 6542). Bards are generally welcome anywhere. She seeks to ease suspicion of any who are encountered and hopes some of the villages through which she has passed peaceably may remember her kindly enough to share gossip and information.

As the Explorers make their way through the Crownlands, looking for any clues as to what Helena Thornweave might be after or where she might attack next, they pass empty village after empty village. Their mission was grim to begin with, but each abandoned village makes the mood of the party more tense, particularly for Lou who seems to retreat within herself the further they get into the forest without discovering another single living soul.

There isn't even much to hunt for food, forcing them to rely on their rations and whatever they can scavenge in these abandoned villages. Caspian brings back a brace of rabbits for stew one afternoon only to find them all full of maggots when cut open. The forest is quiet for the most part lacking even animal sounds. As Icelyn and Caspian scout ahead, they finally find a village with signs of life? almost.

The carnage is recent with fresh blood making mud of the village green. In the center of it, a twisted amalgamation of red thorny vines rises nearly twenty feet into the air. At the center is a dark haired woman. She has been pierced through with smaller vines and thorns, barely clinging to life. When Lou sees her, the princess immediately backs away to vomit into the nearby grass. The woman looks at Mirk and manages a smile, her teeth limned in blood.

"Take my brooch back to Arx. To? Aindre Grayheart. He will know why. The witch is heading east from here. You.. don't want to catch her." The woman coughs, more blood staining her lips. "She made a monster here, in the green. Made me watch. I set it on fire so she chose to kill me slow."

The woman heaves a few breaths and manages to gasp out, "She doesn't like fire. Tell Aindre that, too. Tell him I'm sorry. Tell him to take care of my brother?" She slumps forward with a sigh of relief and goes still. Before the others can hack apart the vines to put the woman to rest, Caspian spots a copper brooch in the dirt and picks it up, turning it over in his hand with a frown on his face, before handing it off to Mirk as Lou is shaking too hard to take it in her hand.

Lisebet stares at the vines as the others try to remove the woman's body from the cluster. Suddenly, she cries out and drops to her knees, head in her hands as she whispers, "Oh gods, no." Over and over again until she faints.

The Explorers put the woman to rest solemnly, during which Lucita sings a sweet and sad song of mourning for her, and move to head back to Arx as it becomes quite clear that Lou isn't capable of continuing the journey in her current state, Lisebet probably needs to see a Mercy, and they have a message to pass along, it seems.

Action by Society of Explorers for The Great Blood Spirit

(Public Action, OOC Date: Jan. 22, 2022, 11:49 a.m.)

Under the direction of Lou Grayson, the Society of Explorers is going to - well - Explore. Their prime goal is to explore as much of the Saffron Chain as they are able in the time that they might have, in order to find any additional information that might help provide the Spirit Walkers with an advantage in putting the Great Blood Spirit back to sleep.

They'll do this by setting out to sail the Saffron Islands, introducing themselves to the people they find, and asking questions. There are a number of Explorers with various languages available to them to help facilitiate the role of translator, as well as other who excel in diplomatic relations and protection. They will always try to find a peaceful means to get the information they are seeking, only using violence to defend themselves if necessary. Gifts will be provided where feasible, and if they happen upon any tribes among the Saffron that Alarice might have had relations within the past, Lou might try to leverage that ancient connection, provided it was a good one, to see if they'd be willing to form alliances once more.

Questions they might be asking along the way are:

1) what are the legends associated with the Great Blood Spirit?

2) is there anyone who might know of any rituals to put the Spirit back to sleep?

3) what historical records and/or maps might they have that might give further information on locations where relics might be found to help with putting the creature back to sleep or on what dangers they might want to consider when performing the ritual.

4) would there be anyone willing to help the members of Arvum wishing to perform the ritual to put the Great Blood Spirit back to sleep?

Lou would be relying heavily on those members of the Explorers who have first hand knowledge of the Saffron to try and steer away from any of the more dangerous territories; cannibals, hostiles, etc. She has the safety of her people and her crew at the forefront of her mind, while also seeing this task through.

Guides and Translators: Having grown up in the Saffron Chain and spent much of her adolescences traveling around it. Cassiopeia will use her knowledge and connections to help find guides for the Explorers to assist them in navigating and collecting information.

Where appropriate Ryhalt helps smooth and encourage exchange of information by setting up trade for needed goods. Otherwise he joins trips to investigate findings and offers his mind to help puzzle out elusive clues.

Rosa LOVES people! LOVES them. And she's such a chatter box. A stealthy chatter box at that. She's a scout you know, but quiet when needed. Make sense? While scouting about the Saffron, Rosalind with use her people skills and ability to understand the strange, she will talk to those she finds along the way. She will likely talk their ears off, asking a million questions about the blood spirit, that that should not be named.

Ruins of unknown providence? Jungles with curious critters? Tovell is a fresh-faced Explorer who brings one particular set of skills to bear at this juncture: He's a professional person-protector. Throughout the wandered explorations of the Saffron Chain, Tovell will avail himself to any seekers and scouts who believe they may need to tread dangerous ground and could use a protective fellow who won't blend in all that well.

Oh no Oswyn is so busy. So, so busy. But sometimes there are little hidden snippets about far-away things in the Archives. Maybe even things bigger than snippets, because it's probably easy to shove a book about something as crazy as a blood spirit that quaked a continent apart in the silly stories section. Anyway, Oswyn has people who poke books so he has them poke books. And tells them good places to poke at.

As a newer addition to the SoE, Adalyn is eager to join in this endeavor and assist where she is able. She'll put her sociable nature to work, turning on the charm and trading stories with those she encounters (because if there's one thing she might enjoy as much as telling wild stories of her various adventures, it's hearing others recount theirs). She's hoping her conversational and diplomatic skills will uncover helpful information.

Kiera has always been interested in storries untold and the solving of puzzles, which leads to a fascination with connect disperate subjects. This led to an interest in myth and legend of both the oathlands region and tales outside of her conventional faith upbringing, which in turn lead to discoveries about Dawnhome. Convinced that it will be an area of continued interst to the enemies of the compact, she is resolved to learn all she can. her present focos is examining connections between dawnhome and cardia with the hope of providing insights others may not have explored

Action: Eirene knows sailors. And sailors know stories. So she hits up as many in sailor's taverns as she can to get info about the saffron they may have learned along the way. She uses her knowledge of sailing to make friends.She brings great quantities of Southport rum to help smooth her conversations. Lots and lots of rum.

Ian is an experienced sailor and an experienced captain, and more than that, since he, Haakon, and Jasher won the Regatta, he also has access to a sloop. He loads the Explorers onto this fast, agile ship, hoping to keep the non-combatants among them safe(er) by virtue of being able to outrun any ship that tries to overtake them, while at the same time, the fast ship will cover more distance, allowing further exploration in one trip.

He's able to offer one of the outer islands of the Stormward duchy as a staging area, as well, providing easy (or easier, anyway) access to parts of the Saffron Chain that Pravus has yet to map and explore, as these are the places where undiscovered answers are most likely to be available.

Jhond too is an experience explorer and focused especially on the exploration part. Taking the path less travelled, blazing a trail. He will help explore places and will use his talents to get to hard reach places. cliffs, caves, climbing, swimming. he will help pave the way for others to follow.

Lisebet is an Explorer, Scholar, and diplomat, as well as a Duchess. She is signing up for this trip expecting that diplomatic skills will be needed in order to get to places where relics or clues might be found, or to get stories/history from inhabitants of the isles. She's got some knowledge of things occult and riddles, but by far her largest input seems to be on the diplomatic front. She'll be there to soothe nerves, orate about benefits, ask questions, try to suss out hidden agendas or not so hidden ones. She does speak several languages which may also be of use, and she's willing to put herself out there, in order to help learn what to do to resolve this.

And if she gets a chance, she might even try to negotiate a cute little animal companion.

Vitalis is a seasoned explorer and for an effort like trying to learn about an ominous ancient spirit, he brings his sleuthing skills to bear. Talking with islanders, studying ruins and texts, sigils and symbols, mundane and occult alike. He's looking for information about Dawnhome, the fabled volcano, blood spirits, the easternmost point that Shamans sought out, Dream trees, legends, lore anything that will help shed needed light on the slumbering spirit's status.

Shae is a knowledgeable scout, and tracker, but she also possess a great deal of knowledge of flora and fauna. As well as having had the chance to explore mythical places, such as Brightshore. And she plans to put that knowledge to work to help seek out clues, and information that might go unnoticed by others. Leaning into her connection to the land.

It might seem like 'nothing', and perhaps it is. But! A combination of watching the Spirit Walkers, conversations with the Faith, Bella, Sebastian, heck just by virtue of being alive Raven's learned things that want to meddle or have something to say, or sometimes even just be nosy and silent find her with a frequency that's prompted outright exasperation from the Blackheart. Be it Her Shady Friends from Setarco, Abyssals, Spirits, and /possibly/ even the divine, she must just have an approachable face if one is a non-human sentient.
     So that's what she does. She will join the scouts and keep her eyes and ears open. There are no rituals, no appeals for aid. She may poke around to see what she can see incidentally to point out to scouts. She will accompany some scouting groups, other times she may set up somewhere nearby away from people and sit quietly as Mirk and the spirit walkers have taught her to do. If she can entice something to pass comment, or get to talking, or talk up her fellow Explorers to the non-human natives she will make the attempt to encourage anything that doesn't seem outright suspicious to chat up others so they may be questioned. In short Raven tags along and tries to be her usual magnetic self, and periodically makes time to meditate away from the group. See if anything could be spotted, or something opts to approach her and could be persuaded to chat up the group. Could be the group is left to wonder why Raven's even here.

Xanthe is going to tag along and provide help where need be. Mainly in the way of protection since she is best at fighting things with her weapons.

Felicia is an explorer, and Deathspeaker, though at least in relation to the latter her 'talent' has been somewhat spotty of late, and her relationship to stealth might at best be considered 'laughable'. What she can do is help with the exploration of ancient places and perhaps the puzzling of obscure languages. And if the ghosts are willing, mayhaps they might deign to speak to the Harrow and offer insight of the dead and forgotten as to how to deal with their very modern problem.

Lucita is an experienced explorer, often teaming up with other members of the SoE in those explorations. Music often makes a bridge between people, soothing, relaxing, creating a bond through its enjoyment and helping disarm suspicion. She collects old songs, old music references and hopes exchanging these with others might bring some useful information about the Great Blood Spirit to the effort. She asks if playing soothing, calming music helps relax that spirit and help prolong its quiescent state till rituals to put it back to sleep can be preformed.... and will play that if others answer yes to that question.

Recently rejoined, Caspian will do what he does best, namely be loud and stop trouble. Everyone loves a story, and more so people love to tell them! while most tavern tales are fanciful, there is often a grain of truth. Caspian will frequent the taverns and social gatherings, singing songs of the spirits and encouraging others to share their tales. Find enough similar threads and you can start to find the truth. Also, should any trouble arrive from any of the Explorers endeavors, he will likely be the first into the fray to make sure others are safe.

With the work of House Proscipi having cleared the way for the Explorers, the group is permitted to do more of their actual job in exploring rather than trying to fight off the Abandoned. That said, those Abandoned the live within the jungles, give those who arrive a wide berth. There is an awareness that they are there, lurking within the trees or observing from afar, but the Explorers are permitted to explore unbothered. Of course, that also means that they lack the expertise of a local guide in some places, but they are well-trained and still able to pick their way through the jungles with a minimum of injury and delay.

Of course, the fact that it is a jungle means that Lou's dream of trying to map the entirety of the Chain isn't quite able to keep up with reality. She does have the maps provided to her of those areas that -are- settled and well-documented and the work that the Explorers do helps to fill in a few of the blanks on those maps receives wide-spread acclaim from those within the settlements and cities of the Chain since mapping the jungle requires hard work and a degree of ability. Not many possess a wealth of both and either have the skill, but not the time or the time, but lack the skill required. Thankfully, the Explorers possess a good deal of both and are properly appreciated for their efforts, meaning that future trips to the Saffron Chain will likely be welcomed by those members of the Compact that live here.

The jungles are dotted with ruins. Some are so worn down and crumbling that there is only the impression of a structure that once existed where vines now hold the shape. After one strenuous day of travel, they make camp in the midst of some better kept ruins. After rations are distributed and the watch assignments made, some of the group takes some time to explore. The ruins consist of a large building that might have been something like a temple, but one of the walls is missing and, if there was a roof, it is long gone now. Inside, there are marble slabs that line the walls of the 'temple', overgrown with flowering vines and teeming with the local wildlife. There is something that appears to be a fountain in the middle of the large room, but, though it is filled with flowers, it is also crumbling into marble dust.

The carvings on some of the pillars depict closed eyes. Everywhere around them, there are engravings of closed eyes. It's a little creepy.

Still, after a long day of hiking and mapping, they have little trouble falling asleep, despite the weirdness of those carved eyes. Their dreams are deep. They see snakes and hear the sound of music and see the soar of dragon wings overhead. There are voices that whisper in their dreams, but the language is unfamiliar. The dream of a city of the dawn, stretching out over the Chain before it dissolves into lava and ash. When they wake and discuss their dreams, the Explorers realize that they have all had the same dream in this strange, eerie place. They waste little time in packing up and departing after making sure proper notes of the ruins and the dream have been taken for later analysis. Later, when the Explorers speak of the place they found to some within the settlements, they say that they have heard the place called 'The Gate of Dreams'.

Overall, while their mission doesn't map the entirety of the Saffron Chain, they do manage to create some tentative maps where none existed before and earn the respect and favor of the Chain's natives in the process.

Action by Lou

(Public Action, OOC Date: May 16, 2020, 3:22 p.m.)

The Society of Explorers gears up their caravel, the Boundless Venture, for a long voyage towards Brightshore. Food, water, and supplies are stacked within the holds, along with adventuring gear and equipment. Lou has put together a team of people to aid with the journey, with several skilled in seamanship and one of the Faith to help guide their path to this new-to-them location.

Lou, at least, spends many nights praying at the various shrines of the Gods, to ensure a speedy journey, and safe and protected passage. Gifts are put together for the hosts of Brightshore, to help ease entry onto the island. Lou has worked tediously to map the location of the island based on the directions given in the information they've found (@clue 3661 - The Southern Route to Eurus and @clue 3717 - Landing in the Southern World), as well as with Wash and Ian's knowledge of the constellations from their vast years of sailing experience.

They go to Brightshore to determine of the island is a viable resupply stop on the way to Eurus and to work out any details or considerations that may be needed for any ship to use the island as a place to stop. Their information is 200 years out of date, and it has been assumed people have long since stopped using the southern route to Eurus for quite some time. They also go to see what dangers might lurk for those traveling along the way.

Their ultimate goal is to be able to bring back as much information as possible about Brightshore and the prospects of using the island to start using the southern route once more, should it be deemed a viable option of travel to Eurus. Adventure Awaits!

OOC: Using the Explorer's ship, of course, is dependent on if the Whirlpool in Arx is resolved by the time they are ready to set sail. If the Whirlpool is still in place by the time of final submission (which we believe will take 2 months to complete, give or take), we'll make arrangements to use a different ship and the write up will change to reflect this new information.

Also, due to code restrictions, several players had to toggle no-attend so we could submit the action, but we're all approved to attend per @request 21785. And Ezra will join the action once the AP requirement is added. He ran out of AP this week.

Wash will be taking the Candlelight's Promise with Lou. This gives their armada a little extra staying power with a second Caravel. he has a crownsworn crew (because this is not a Kennex vessel) but he'll be happy to take passengers as well.

Ian will be accompanying Lou to Brightshore, helping with the sailing of the caravels as needed, even to the point of serving as captain to one of them if he's the most suited to do so. He's especially interested in coming out of the trip with a strong sense of exactly where Brightshore is and how to get there, and he will be keeping a close eye on the surroundings during the trip.

Shae has been asked by her patron, Princess Lou, to join her on this extremely extraordinary, and once in a lifetime sort of adventure, and exploration. One that Shae is excited to be a part of, not only for the chance to possibly find an island that has been been visited in likely hundreds of years.

But also the chance to see a new and wondrous place. To meet new people, and possibly find new flora and fauna that has not been seen or heard of in Arvum. And to be honest, that is really what has Shae's excitement. The chance to find and meet new animals, to learn about them and study them, as well as the flora of the island, too.

Of course along the ocean journey to find the island, Shae will put her keen perception, and survival skills to use to help. From helping to find stars, to navigate by them. As well as keeping any eye out for any signs of possible danger to them.

All it takes is a bit of faith and trust . . . and preparations. Legate Ailith is no stranger to voyages or adventures into the unknown. As one of the few who embarked on finding the 'People of the Waves', known now also as the Marin'alfar, voyages into the sea carry all kinds of superstitions. As she had then to lend aid to their travels, Ailith shall guide the two disciples--Baroness Shae of Petrichor, Lady Mercy Azova in a prayer for the grace of the Pantheon, focusing upon each of the four triads. The three shall offer pour holy water held by the sacred, Ewer of Gods Love [crisis action 3947] over the side of the vessel. Four pours, one per triad, and a devotion of love for each triad --For where there is Faith and Trust, the light of their beliefs can guide them toward where adventures awaits.

She will provide a steady and calming influence, counseling any during the voyage, and leading nightly prayers or services as needed (excluding what she holds for herself being orthodox born). Included in her trove are tiny medicines -- lemon drops and soothing teas for stomach ailments and minor afflictions, but more or less, leaving the majority of healing in the capable hands of Mother Mercy Sophie (having asked her to assist with supplies) and Lady Mercy Azova. Also included is her lantern, lit by the Eternal Flame of Lagoma, and used to guide Orazio through the Wastes and herself through the Gyre War.

Knowing that Brightshore is named for its flowers and foliage, Ailith relies upon the Crown, Lodge of Petrichor, Archlector Brigida, Dame Leola, and Petrichor's and Mangata's disciples to acquire a flowers and foliage from Arvum to be presented as a gift to Brightshore's inhabitants -- an Avrum collection meant to highlight the gifts bestowed upon the gods and by the hard work of its farmers and faithful. One such flower added is a white bud said to hail from the mountains of the Northlands. It is a flower Ailith requested since the Gyre War: these flowers bloomed in the cold region, seen when the gods warned her of the Gyre, and ever since have praised these flowers as a heart of the faith, strong and sturdy when facing adversity and ever white and gold. Another flower hails from Darkwater, the unusual orange flowers which blossomed from a prayer [action 1947, see Darkwater webpage for landmark]. Ailith knows the unique properties of the flower do not venture from Darkwater, but sees the gesture as one to express the love of the pantheon and one to share with Brightshore -- not to convert, but to see the innocence and joy of such a faithful devotion and the gifts therein granted.

Azova has volunteered her services as a Healer and Mercy for the long voyage to Brightshore. She is fully prepared to tend to the medical and spiritual needs of those aboard the ship(s) they will be sailing on, and has promised to bring as many medical supplies as she is able, and will train any crew member who requests it in the basics of first aid as part of her effort to be useful rather than simply an idle passenger. She will be on the lookout for new medicines or medical techniques from Brightshore to bring back to Arx.

Quintin loves him some exploring, especially forgotten places. He's tagged along on sea adventures with the Kennex before, so he'll hopefully be useful on the ship. Otherwise, he's in it for the adventure and to bring his tactical mind to play, attempting to spot difficulties, come up with plans, and assess situations from a military standpoint. Quintin's good company on a long voyage, eager to learn new skills, and he's happy to bring along a board for some games of stones, too.

When Lou asked Marzio if he would be willing to venture off into the unknown to visit a place that hadn't been visited in a few hundred years, the Mazetti Lord had been only too willing to tag along. While he did not have a ton of experience in sailing, he does have a great deal of experience with commanding men. While he will not seek to take control of any forces that Lou does not grant him, he will be there and willing to offer any assistance that he might along the way.

He will seek to primarily serve in a combat roll for the group as they make their journey. Should they meet any hostile forces along the way and it come to combat, he will be there and ready to go to arms alongside his compatriots. He will also be there and willing to lend his considerable knowledge of surviving in inhospitable environments to the group and doing what he can to make sure that the entire group makes it back alive.

Kedehern might not be a sailor, but he still has skills and assets that he can bring on his voyage, after having been invited by Princess Lou. During the course of the voyage, he'll assist with the navigation if need be, though otherwise he'll let the sailors sail, as it were. Once they make landfall at Brightshore however, he'll help get the scouting parties organized, and underway. Happy to use his knowledge of the wilds to help as they explore the island, and see what there is to be found, as well as providing some protection for the group in what manner that he can, to make sure as many as possible return back home safely from the long voyage.

Seliki born and raised, by very definition and a lifetime of training, Kalani loves the sea and everything about it. The chance to take part in this voyage is to great a temptation to pass up. As a healer, she'll bring along medical supplies as well and stand ready to assist the other healers who are accompanying this group. As a decent hand at sketching, she'll also offer to make map copies, as they become available, and so on. Above and beyond any other skill, she's a combat medic and knows how to handle herself in dangerous situations that happen on a slippery deck, while the sea is pitching the ship side to side, and does not fall victim to sea sickness.

Well, they don't drown getting there. This is now scheduled for 11/28, @cal 4895.

Action by Lou for Skal'dajan Diplomacy

(Public Action, OOC Date: March 14, 2020, 1:11 p.m.)

Lou has been tasked by Liara to reach out to the various sects of Abandoned within the Crownlands and to convince them to join the Compact in protecting Arvum. As such, she has put together a team of people to help with this journey, making sure they are properly outfitted, to tour the various areas of the Crownlands that Lou knows contains abandoned (from her previous work in @aciton 2263), particularly along the coastal regions, to complete this task. Her goals for this task are to:

1) Go to the Abandoned villages or tribes she knows are not tainted by the Abyss to have an open discussion about the latest threat from Eurus. First, Lou reminds those she's places visited that she's there before, and she's worked with them where she was able. Second, she makes sure the villages know that she's not there for slaughter, but honest open discussion and a good faith offer. Then, finally she discusses that Eurus is spoiling for war, they are known slavers, and they are infamous for taking slaves largely from the Abandoned tribes who do not readily have a force of people who'd fight for them. She tells them this information not to scare them, but to let them know what's at stake and what it might cost them to ignore the threat that's coming.

2) To ask them to join the Compact in aiding with the defense of Arvum. And, by doing this, she uses her position as Voice of Grayson to offer them an opportunity to join the fealty chain of House Grayson and a more permanent means of laying down roots on the land that they already inhabiting, as potential vassals of the various noble houses of House Grayson; the details of which vassal houses they'd join to be worked out at a later date and until that time they'd be members of House Grayson directly. By joining the fealty chain of House Grayson, they'd be given the protection of the Compact, as well as a means to start trading with the various members of the Compact.

She makes this offer in good faith as Voice, in part because having more people to defend the Compact would be useful, but also because she's certain the Abandoned may also be a good source of information on knowledge long since lost to the compact, much like the tribe of the Wolfheart people provided (Action 1418, @cal 1156). By adding them to the Compact, they also grow their knowledge base as well, and may be able to better fend off other dangerous threats.

Selene brings a light touch, building on her experience with the Great Road where she followed Thena (action 3099) and Reese (action 3088) to build that tremendous goodwill that strengthened the Grayson forces. The Crown, the Grayson fealty, and importantly the army have brought many benefits to Prodigals who bent the knee. They have quelled many of the battles and quarrels that afflict the Abandoned, and provided potent opportunities for those who joined up. She can sing the praises of House Seliki's endeavors to bring wealth and livelihoods with real value to those who settled among them, how Mia Riven opened her doors and absorbed many displaced Abandoned, then defended them. She orchestrates this diplomacy quietly and directly, a warm smile and a very real interest in the concerns that are raised among those so different from herself. She musters the forces of Whisper House where they might wish to accompany her, organizing the apprentices and other fully ranked Whispers to provide assistance to Lou's endeavours. After all, /peace/ is a foremost concern and a message she speaks (title: Whisper of Peace after all) with quiet, persistent purpose far and wide to draw them in. Separate, they fall, each one of them weak enough to pick off. Together, they are bound to be stronger, more certain to endure.

Felicia is particularly along on this trip to help keep the diplomats safe, but also because of her familiarity with some tribes further up the coast from Grayson. An opportunity to speak with the previously encountered Yorn (action 3562) and other 'neutral' tribes again- to reconnect with those she made headway with and provide them with more assistance. Though she knows of the Kous out there, too, her recommendation to the diplomatic team is to not approach them. This also gives her the opportunity to check the veracity of information previously provided in preparation for other actions in the future.

Invited along by Lou Grayson as her protege, Lord Martino Malvici will be putting his ability to speak before a crowd to the test again. They may have heard of his efforts in doing just this outside Southport recently (Action 3882) and so perhaps more have come along this time.

He will further amplify the points made by Lou about the benefits of life within the Compact and setting up roots. How some have done just that in the south and how House Malvici cares for them. That House Grayson will do the same for them and ensure their safety, prosperity and families will thrive. That the Compact also respects a good number of traditions so there is no total loss of their identity.

For any in the crowd that can speak Lycene Shav, he can speak privately in their native tongue where needed.

Harlan will be going along with the Princess Lou Grayson, bringing the additional power that he and Ashford brings to the table. He knows that convincing Abandoned to join the Compact directly may be a large jump, and is willing to accept a smaller jump: That if the Abandoned don't wish to join the Compact, that they at least agree to not fight -for- the Eurusi, reinforcing the fact that the Eurusi are known slavers, and that Ashford (along with the rest of the Compact) is anti-slavery, bringing up Ashford's recent acceptance of and assistance to ex-Thralls as well. He will also reinforce Selene's message of peace and unity, stressing that the Compact and people are only strong when they fight together. Within Ashford, he will also work to get in touch with Clan Tree-Runner (clue 3660) more directly, although he knows it will be a hard sell -- but at least he wants to reach out, attempting to make peace.

Quintin's a middling diplomat at best, but he's got a sharp mind for tactics and he goes along to keep people safe and get to know the lay of the land. Mostly he's scouting and determining the best uses of land and fighters. He's also going to be coming from the angle of how the Abandoned are stronger with the Compact and the benefits they'd gain from the Compact's additional resources. In a military sense!

It's not easy.

Selene Whisper is one of the finest diplomats in the Compact and Harlan and Martino are talented, which manages to at least get three different clans to the table without violence. That's hard enough in itself, as all of the Abandoned are ones that have studiously resisted attempts to get them to bend the knee during the Silent War or the Gyre War and other diplomatic entreaties, and most have generational grievances against the Compact or at least local houses.

Clan Grayfall would bend the knee if its leadership are ennobled, joined by a marriage pact for protection to a noble Crownlands house. Their lands are relatively in between Ashford and Bisland lands in the Gray Forest, in a particularly difficult area to patrol of cliffs and valleys.

Clan Greatharrow is a relatively mercenary group that has often acted for pay for other Abandoned, and they'd take gifts, but refuse to take a pay cut just for a small matter like an existential threat. Their lands are Northeast of Arx, near Harrowhall, and they'd bend the knee as commoners for roughly 30,000 resources (of any type), or 15 million silver. Otherwise, they intend to flee to the Everwinter and wait matters out.

The Glorians would bend the knee if their extremely heretical worship of Gloria monotheism is protected, and they are all made formal members of the Templars. This particular clan were made up of godsworn that went rogue during the time of Marach the Apostate, who broke godsworn vows and seized lands near where the Gray Forest meets the Red Mountains.

They all could bend a good bit, but they all have difficult demands.

Action by Lou

(Public Action, OOC Date: Feb. 17, 2020, 6:10 p.m.)

It took many, many years of scrimping, saving, begging to finally get all of the resources together, but in doing so, Lou Grayson, Pathfinder of the Society of Explorers, finally scraped, scrimped, saved and begged enough resources to purchase not one, but two caravels for the organization, enabling them to start exploring outside of Arvum with their own very tiny fleet of ships. Special thanks goes to Lisebet, Tarik, Mikani, and Theron for topping off the funding needed. Lou has set about finding the best boat builders she can, utilizing her contacts from when she had the Grayson caravel completed, and setting things into motion.

Where once the sight of a caravel was a rarity, in the last year, they have become more and more common. Enough so that they look less and less foreign by nature, so when the pair of caravels, Boundless Venture and Mangata's Wings sail into port in Arx, bearing the colors and flag of the Society of Explorers, these two caravels embody what has become the distinctly Arvani style in the flourishes and finishes. Each ship bears a brass plaque calling out those responsible for their construction: Pathfinder Lou Grayson, Duchess Lisbet Ashford, Lady Mikani Crovane, Lord Theron Mazetti and Tarik Morien.

Action by Lou

(Public Action, OOC Date: July 30, 2019, 8 a.m.)

Lou brings everyone to the Society of Explorers, and bars the doors against entry for the evening. Only those that are partaking in the ritual will have permission to be in the spacious Explorer's Hall. For those who have not experienced the ritual previously, she has taken extensive amounts of time to talk to them about what's involved, and teach them what's needed to perform their own, and expresses that the ritual is very different for each person, as it is their own vision that's required to make it a success, and then she invites them, and others, to help her with her own ritual.

The thirteen candles are set up around the grand map in the Explorer's hall. Each is placed in a spot where Lou has directly explored before. Everwinter, Eventide Vast,
Lastlight Hold, where Morien's final stand took place, the location of the Battle of Blackwoods where Pena Stormryder asked Petrichor to help against their Sylv'alfar foes, the Isle of Storms, Whitepeak, the beautiful aerie in the mountains where Brass's magical map to help find the dwarves was located, the caves at the Lodge of Petrichor, the not so general location of the Wolfheart Tribe, the blackened ruins of the where the great hold of Eastguard once stood, the general location of the four castles from the Northern Sea Marches, Icefall, where she met and helped rescue 5 live dwarves, the general location of the caves she shared with a pack of wolves for the evening. (OOC: these are locations from @actions and/or @clue 45 - Lou's Travels.)

Once the candles are set up, they are lit at the proper time, and Lou takes the time to meditate over each item, and infuse both herself and her item with her intention. When she's ready, she starts to feed each of the items into the flames, passing her vision and her intention into the fires. As she does, she says the following.

"There may be darkness, but in the darkness there is always light, and where there is light there is always wonder and hope in the world, and in the dream. My wish, my intent, is for the dream to be ever filled with wonder and hope, that people get to experience all of the amazing things I have experienced over the years, from the beauty of the mountains, to the strange wonders of an unknown ocean. To run away form an avalanche, and be able to discover an old people, or new to you people, long thought lost and dead, only to have them revive before your very eyes, having the chance to bring a long thought lost race back into the world. To have passion, and spark of imagination, and to see it grow, and unfold, until you're holding your own tiny clockwork griffon in your own hands - and watching in amazement as it flies around, not once, but three times, before landing at your feet. To experience the fear and worry, but then also the joy and warmth, of sharing a night with a pack of wolves, in an agreed upon truce for a peaceful night of slumber out of the worst storm you've ever experienced. To play, and learn new songs from children of a people long descended from a great people, even if they give you a bit of a scare with one of their games. To always, always want to dream, and explore, and learn something new, and bask in it. For, adventure awaits in everything that we do. Adventure Awaits."

Each of the items she puts to the fire are tiny souvenirs, things that mean only something to Lou, based on her finds from her adventures. Some are more precious than others. A scarf from Viktarkim from their trip to Everwinter, a piece of Mason's shirt from the day they first met when he fell into her encampment while she out exploring, that arrow that was accidentally loosed against Luca when out on patrol, that was meant for an abyssal wolf, a copy of the map she drew of Brass's magical map, a copy of the schematics she made of the clockwork bird she helped make which gave her the other half of the map to find the living dwarves, bits of dried flora she collected from Whitepeak, and a number of other things, until all thirteen pieces are delivered to the flames and burned.

Once that last piece is burned, she whispers again, "Adventure Awaits."

Calaudrin is here to observe and not break anything!

Arcadia is here to watch, learn and support. She will focus on good thoughts on adventures and exploring as guided too and be quiet and still when she needs to be.

Quintin is along to watch the ceremony, participate as needed, and make mental notes for his own ceremony (hopefully).

Having already done his own ritual, Mason is here to support Lou and assist her in adding her own vision to the Dream. Given the theme of adventure and exploration, he will focus his thoughts on the many many adventures he and his wife have gone on together, (and the ones he's only heard about from her). There seems to be no worry or doubt on the man's face, as he fully believes in Lou and supports her. When the time comes for the ritual to be completed, he will also try to meditate and see if he can't witness the culmination of her efforts with Mage Sight.

Amantha will help out as and when asked to as she takes mental notes of the ritual and everything around it.

Cufre is among those who relatively new to the ritual, so she briefed on what was to come and its personal nature. She lends a hand, as needed, during the setup the precedes the ceremony. Once the ritual begins, Cufre's attention is fixed on Lou's countenance and words far more than on the individual offerings.

Lou closes the Society of Explorers for the evening, bringing only those who will witness her ritual to the Explorers' Hall. Still, it's important to her to have this here, and now. Even as she explains what's needed, it's fitting for her, she feels, that she is explaining such a thing in a place that is so very much a part of who she is. Of how she sees the world.

And then she sets up her thirteen candles around the map in the Hall, each one placed in a spot where Lou has directly explored. And in the thirteenth hour on the thirteenth day she lights them, feeding her sacrifices into the flame. As she does, she speaks.

"There may be darkness, but in the darkness there is always light, and where there is light there is always wonder and hope in the world, and in the dream. My wish, my intent, is for the dream to be ever filled with wonder and hope, that people get to experience all of the amazing things I have experienced over the years, from the beauty of the mountains, to the strange wonders of an unknown ocean. To run away form an avalanche, and be able to discover an old people, or new to you people, long thought lost and dead, only to have them revive before your very eyes, having the chance to bring a long thought lost race back into the world. To have passion, and spark of imagination, and to see it grow, and unfold, until you're holding your own tiny clockwork griffon in your own hands - and watching in amazement as it flies around, not once, but three times, before landing at your feet. To experience the fear and worry, but then also the joy and warmth, of sharing a night with a pack of wolves, in an agreed upon truce for a peaceful night of slumber out of the worst storm you've ever experienced. To play, and learn new songs from children of a people long descended from a great people, even if they give you a bit of a scare with one of their games. To always, always want to dream, and explore, and learn something new, and bask in it. For, adventure awaits in everything that we do. Adventure Awaits."

Each of the items she sacrifices are mementos, precious to her for their experience, and her relationship to each one. And as the last piece burns, she whispers again, "Adventure Awaits."

The phrase echoes through the hall. "Adventure awaits, awaits, awaits." The fires flame up, bright as sunlight, and suddenly they are not in the Hall at all, but they are on a mountainous peak, and from the peak they can see all the world spread before them. For a moment, they see not just the world at their feet but the fabric of the Dream itself - the feeling that everything is connected. The thrill of knowing all the threads that have gone into weaving this tapestry, and the thrill of not knowing what will come next. The joy in the adventure, in the story. Tales of love and laughter. Tales of sorrow and betrayal. Adventures of discovery - of the world, of the people within, of oneself. For a moment, they can see it all spread before them and then they are back in the Hall, and the candles gutter out as one. "Adventure awaits," comes the whisper again, though not from Lou's voice this time. "Make it a good one."

Action by Lou for In Search of Whitepeak

(Public Action, OOC Date: Dec. 5, 2018, 1:19 p.m.)

After extensive months of research with her protege Jordan, Lou figures she has enough information to go on to start the search for Whitepeak, the fallen city of miracles. She is armed with current maps of Frosthaven from an expedition set in 1006 by members of House Ashford, as well as bits of research that suggest that Frosthaven is at the base of Whitepeak itself. Lou intends to take a group of explorers to journey to Whitepeak, starting in the Frosthaven area, to see if they can found the mountain trail that takes the group up to this famed mountain where the Metallics once trialed their magics. She will be bringing with her the standard exploration gear that may be needed, and ensuring that all travelers are outfitted with that same gear (represented by economic writs), as well as a small group of warriors for additional protection (represented by military writs).

(Lou has the following clues to back up her search for Whitepeak: 769 - In Search of Whitepeak, 839 - A Civic Enterprise, 827- In Search of Triscali, 1093 - The Fall of Whitepeak, City of Miracles, 487 - The Fate of Frosthaven. Lou also has the Explorer Journal from the past Explorer trip to Frosthaven entitled: Society of Explorers - Frosthaven Expedition - 7/13/1006 through 7/22/1006 - which is located in the Society Journal Shelf in Arx - Ward of the Compact - Society of Explorers - Map Room.)

Delilah provides a wealth of experience with the wilds and the weird to the expedition, especially where it comes to recognizing odd signs and evidence for older cultures lurking about. She knows somewhat of what to expect. Especially when it comes to the Metallic Order! So this will be her foremost focus, gathering academic clues or insights as they arise. She can also look for proof they're headed in the right direction, and such. She lends a strong background in linguistics that may be relevant (see +lang/list), especially for identification of less than commonplace languages. Don't look to her for much in the way of combat expertise, but she has a trove of knowledge to tap into to help keep the group safe, informed, and educated. Also, she'll be a record keeper for the Society of Explorers.

Mason wants to see miracles! But really, adventuring with Lou is it's own reward. How could he not go? He'll let her plan everything, she's far better at it. He'll make sure to pack extra warm clothing but otherwise trust everyone else has things prepared.

Eddard is along for the ride. His patron, Lou, is bringing him along to snow. He hopes it wasn't her idea because of Tycho. Eddard is the overlap between Bard's College and Society of Explorers. Perhaps. So much talk of Metallics. He is bringing a hatchet and a mount.

A trip to Whitepeak! Jeffeth is here, as always, to use muscles. Jeffeth is a good tracker, but his primary strength is.. well strength. So he will be the one climbing ranges, securing lines, pushing the front, watching the back. He will be doing all the physically risky business first to ensure the rest of the group is safe. He will also have his armor on him and his weapons in case for some reason combat is required. The groups safety is his primary concern, then finding Whitepeak. However whenever they make camp? While the guards they pay for keep watch, Jeffeth will go out for a little while every night. He probably just needs to stare at the stars and reflect by himself or something like that.

After lengthy travel, the party finally managed to reach the presumed site of Whitepeak, to find a surprising amount of the city still standing. It was a dead city, a city of empty buildings and ruined books, of broken marvels and scattered bones. But among the wreckage wrought by Lorwroth Kinsbane, they did find a few glimmers of knowledge. They found buildings of foreign architectural styles. They glimpsed what might be a system of writing they'd never seen. They found a tiny clockwork griffon, a crystal that can capture sunlight, and one of Platinum's writings.

The long search has ended, and they finally found the city. Now a new long search begins: the sift through the rubble to find the useful scraps left, in hopes that some tiny part of the dream that was the City of Miracles might live on past the city itself. It will take time -- years -- and far more than one expedition to sift through the remains. But the city remains, still there at the end of that very long road.

And adventure awaits.

Action by Lou

(Public Action, OOC Date: Sept. 24, 2018, 2:18 p.m.)

Lou Grayson, with the approval of King Alaric and all of the Voices of House Grayson (petition 265), is commissioning the building of a caravel class ship for House Grayson. She's been given access to the plans (Caravel Construction Methods - Clue 28028 for Lou), and has sought out the finest carpenters and shipbuilders in order to complete this monumental, and for her -- pretty epic, task of building an ocean voyaging vessel.

It takes a while, but the caravel for the Grayson Navy is built on time, on budget, and more importantly in a solid manner that speaks to the care the workers put into it. It's a good, oceangoing vessel with a deep hull and a wide deck. And on its prow are carved the eternal words of Grayson - None Greater Than Grayson.

Grayson's caravel is complete.

Action by Lou for Adventure Awaits!

(Public Action, OOC Date: Sept. 8, 2018, 7 a.m.)

Lou is putting together a team of people to explore the western mountain range detailed in @action 2512. She brings the map she discovered with her, and has made certain to outline the areas of the range that are of the most interest to her and thinks would be the best places to explore. She's made certain to put together all the necessary gear for expedition survival - for Lou knows how to make sure to prepare for such things - and pack some spare food and clothing just in case. She even brings small trinkets and gifts in case they might run into people she might actually have to talk to in order to smooth the way and not get killed. Hopefully!

Warm summer weather? Out exploring with the woman he loves the most? What's not to love about an expedition into the mountains?! -- Cliffs. That's what. Still, Mason is eager to go out with Lou and will gear up and leave the kids with the nannies.

A chance to get out of the city? Sure, Calaudrin is going to take it! Plus, he hears that the company is going to be pretty good. He packs his important gear, his writing tools and his shiny new bow and sets off with Lou and company to adventure.

An ADVENTURE! Elly's running late - but she's so THERE. Places to go, stuff to study, things to inspect and look at and maaaaaybe more.

Vitalis is an expert tracker and pathfinder (no Capital P, just a regular pathfinder). Reminders in Arx and at home in Ostria of his late father are thick enough that an excuse, any excuse, to seek the horizons is welcome. As it happens, chasing horizons is one of his favorite things to do, so this is the best kind of excuse the young explorer could hope for.

There was adventure! New vistas! New discoveries! A map! But most of all, it's the view from atop the mountain, the serenity found there and the peace as they watched the land for miles around on a beautiful summer's day that sticks with them as they return to Arx. With a map that might point them to.. dwarves? Adventure awaits!

Action by Lou for Adventure Awaits!

(Public Action, OOC Date: July 16, 2018, 6:12 a.m.)

Lou has become very, very curious about this newfound ability to hear books and maps calling her name. And, she has been itching to get out of the city to do some adventuring of her own that doesn't involve patrols, or finding out if shav'arvani are tainted or being sacrificed. She wants to get into some good, down to earth exploring. And so, she goes to the library during the quietest time she can find to see if she can find something calling her name - and perhaps bring her to some great adventure (per her secret). After all, adventure awaits.

Lou stands in the map room of the Explorers' home in Arx and looks around. It's a quiet day, and a quiet place to be - she's the only one in the room.

Or is she?

From one side of the room she hears her name. "Louuuuuuuuuu." Curious, and feeling that prickle of excitement speed her heart, she moves toward where she thinks the sound is coming from. "Louuuuuuuuuuuuuu." There's another call, closer now. Again she moves. "Louuuuuuuuu." Her hand travels across the shelf - third shelf up, almost all the way to the left and... there.

She pulls out a map of a mountain range to the west, beyond Ashford, beyond Grayson lands. There's a range there she has traveled through once or twice, but now the entire range is - lit up? Lou looks up, but there's no one around to confirm whether or not she's the only one seeing it. But whatever is there? Adventure surely awaits.

Action by Lou

(Public Action, OOC Date: July 9, 2018, 8:58 p.m.)

Lou is taking a group of scouts, guards, linguists, healers, and diplomats out into the Crownlands to do a general census and survey of the Shav'arvani clans. She is interested in getting knowledge about how many there are, their wants and desires, and to see if any of them would be open to negotiations about joining the Compact -- but is not asking them to join. Mostly, she's having her people gather information to take back to the King so he can make an informed decision regarding the shav'arvani populations moving forward. Her part in this will largely be for scouting purposes, to get people to the known shav'arvani clans she's visited. The guards will be there for protection purposes only (represented by military writs.)

She does not ask them to bend the knee, nor does she make threats that they must bend the knee. This is a diplomatic journey, as a way to open the door further down the road. It is, in essence, a first contact experience in order to bring back information to the King. And they are doing this all very, very quietly, or at least as quietly as they are able.

As part of the diplomacy, she'll have healers on standby to help any who might be suffering from diseases or injuries, and to share information about healing techniques with each other. She'll bring small gifts for the clans of things she feels they might need (represented by the addition of economic resources), and ask the diplomats to dispense with them where they think they will be most useful, and have the diplomats do the most talking with the aid of the various linguists. Generally, the message is to promote compromise and peace.

Lou is also interested in exploring their knowledge base with goings on of the shav'arvani villages in as much as whether or not people are still disappearing. If she feels the situation is appropriate, she'll ask to speak to any talented singers within the group, and offer them the knowledge of the Wolfheart Rhymes (@clues Wolfheart Rhymes, Part 1 and Wolfheart Rhymes, Part 2) without saying what tribe she got them from. She doesn't know much about the Rhymes themselves, other than that the people she went with to find them felt that they, in some way, offered protection -- especially Part 1 -- from the slaver and the gargantuans. It is not knowledge that can be researched, but it is knowledge she shares freely with those that seem to be friendly and untainted. She's not certain if the Rhymes will be useful or not, but figures it doesn't hurt to pass them along.

Prior to leaving Arx, Mia will be scouring for any information she can find on the areas they're heading to and the tribes that might be there. Historical records and maps are all well and good, yes, but she has the benefit of more recent information -- the masses of people that have flocked to her banners in the last year, ranging from the 10,000 that joined her a year past to the recent refugees that have joined the Compact. What she can gather, she will share with their scouts and diplomats, in order to help guide their movements.

Once done, Mia will be acting primarily as a diplomat (with the benefit of her skill in linguistics and her knowledge of multiple shav dialects) and as a healer, providing assistance to those who are part of the various tribes they come into contact with. She's long tended her husband's wounds, so the site of blood disturbs her little, and with several children of her own, she's familiar enough with the ailments of childhood. For as cool and reserved as she can sometimes seem, the locals may note that Mia has a particular fondness for children. A great deal of attention is paid to them and their needs and if she happens to earn the regard of any of the tribes for gentle care of the smallest and most vulnerable among them, or learn any new songs or rhymes from the children? Well, all the better.

Also accompanying her will be supplies, represented by my addition of economic resources to the action, in particular a number of leathers and furs that are common goods at the Twainfort. It's winter, after all, and a hard life out in the wilds. Someone needs to see them through to spring.

Despite the presence of hired guards, Valarian - as an expert with his blade - will be dressed non-threateningly, but keep his sword at his side and remain close to Lou and the other expedition members to ensure their safety.

Samantha will be participating as a member of the diplomatic team. She will be tapping her shav'arvani contacts in advance to let them know about the delegation while stressing the lack of any need to bend the knee, in the hope that they will encourage the clans and tribes encountered to be receptive to diplomatic approach.  She will make sure her fellow diplomats and others on the mission who are not otherwise educated on whatever traditions for the groups they encounter that she has knowledge of in order to show respect (obviously some of them will be well educated, like Mia). She'll basically do the job she's become known for. In addition to this, she will have a squad of the Deepwood Rangers come with the group, both as part of their security and defense (scouting, and the like), as well as to openly display the kind of elite position a Prodigal can achieve within the Deepwood military in particular. No recruitment, nor as Lou indicated, any bending knee requests or demands, but letting them see Prodigals in an advantageous position.

Oswyn is along as a field medic/healer. He pitches in a few resources for the procurement of gifts as well. Mostly, he's there to tag along, tend to any injuries or illnesses, and teach what he can about medicine.

Caspian is working to protect the group. His main objective is to stab what needs to be stabbing, and to not stab what doesn't need to be stabbing. He'll also give out candy to the children, because these kids probably never had candy before! Poor kids.

Lou's expedition into the Gray Forest does not come without risk. This is a forest that lately has been reported to potentially house gargantuans, cultists, and other denizens that serve the Horned God. And so Lou assembles a small but quiet group - swift moving, diplomats and scouts and warriors too. They even take Oswyn along in case they need a field medic.

And so they go, reaching out. Lou is the Pathfinder for the Explorers' Guild for a reason - she is very, very good at what she does. She scouts the safest places, the best paths to their destinations. Some villages they find in tact. Others not so much - some show signs of complete abandonment, hastily done. Each of those has a small shack at the outskirts, half-built. Some show signs of complete destruction, and where Lou once knew of a shav tribe's home there are only the charred remnants of wood and fallen burnt stone. Still others are worse - in perfect working order, devoid of people, and in the center of the villages a plaque. "Slaves," some read. "Sacrifice," others read. "Fodder," still others.

When they do find villages now, Samantha and Mia work the diplomatic angle and, being known to the shav here well, the Marquessa and the Countess find themselves quite well received indeed. These villagers want to talk about the Horned God, and are willing to do so to any who will listen.

What unfolds is a tale of sorrow and grief. They never know, they say, when they might be visited by the Horned God's cultists. Some villages have taken to a nomadic life to try to avoid being found. Others simply know that they'll be found wherever they are. The situation is ripe right now for someone to come and claim the land, in truth. "There's a rumor that says that if someone powerful enough has claim to you, then he can't just up and take. He needs permission." Whether it's true or not, the leaders insist, their people believe it. So while some shav are willing to take their chances? Others might be very willing indeed to bend the knee indeed.

With Caspian and Valarian there, talk also turns to protection of the villages. It seems there are less martial activities going on than one might suspect. "He's not raising an army," says one grizzled warrior. "An army we could fight. Or join. He's raising a religion. Cultists. Magic. Demons. Slaves. He doesn't care if you're willing, and all he wants is more sacrifices. More of the right kind of sacrifices that is, but I don't know what those are except we aren't special enough. Sometimes we hear rumors of horrifying giant monsters, but we haven't seen those in this place. And when his cultists come through, sometimes we hear whispers - they're focused on sacrificing everything at the Lodge, and they're looking for 'The Blood.' Whatever that is, it's hidden, even from his cultists, and they're very, very angry about that."

All in all, it's a successful journey - they bring back intelligence and information, and no one dies - but it leaves more uncertainty than ever.

Action by Reese for Gyre Straits

(Public Action, OOC Date: March 4, 2018, 10:39 a.m.)

Reese will be commanding the Grayson ships and joining the united fleet of Compact under Victus to help fight against the Gyre at Seteraco. She has a cobalt weapon which she will bring with her in addition to her alatricite. Luca is coming with her and also has cobalt. Lou is coming with and has sailing. Peri is with them as well (who has command of I believe Deepwood's navy). Their intention is work with the army of Compact. Reese would like to bring her people back alive if possible.

Peri will be leading Seliki, Deepwood, Riven, and Bisland fleets, joining with Reese. She will be using her sailing and leadership skills as well as combat skills. She intends to support Reese's actions and is also looking to bring those under her command back if possible.

Lou will be coming along as support for Reese's military / navy action. She'll help Reese in any way possible with her sailing skills, and join in combat if there is any. She's asked a number of Explorers with combat skills who didn't have things to do to also help with this particular navy mission (100 military resources).

The fleet in Setarco is the best example of what happens with the Compact comes together as one. The first battle was hard, but when the Pretender-King sent reinforcements it got even worse. And yet the fleet never wavered. Never trembled - they continued together to protect the Lyceum and the Compact as a whole, and it was their unity that won the day. Even old rivalries got a chance to be set to rest, as people who normally hate each other or find themselves on opposite sides of political rivalries set all of that aside to act as one. It made the difference and, in the face of a baffling and powerful enemy, it won the day.

Action by Reese

(Public Action, OOC Date: Aug. 22, 2017, 2:47 p.m.)



%It was brought to Reese's attention that any Shavs in the Gray forest who have not bent the knee are likely to be recruited to the Horned God's army and to serve as his slaves while fighting against the people of Compact. Reese would like help prevent the Shavs from becoming enslaved as she highly values freedom, but she would also like to help prevent increasing the size and power of the Horned God's army. She also wants to secure the Gray forest as much as she can to make the it more difficult for the Horned God to take action there.

With this in mind she went to her cousin Calarian for help. Calarian and Reese decided to embark upon a mission to help secure he forest and encourage the Shavs to bend the knee. Calarian would be focusing on the diplomatic side of this mission and Reese on the military side (providing the diplomats with protection from any possible threats). Reese fears that treats might come in the form of Shavs who don't like this missions, abyss tainted animals and etc. The goal of the mission is to use words and charm rather than violence as much as possible.

Reese and Calarian would like to bring others with them, especially of the Grayson faction, including vassals and commoners who are interested in such an effort. They would like to bring scouts (who know the forest), social characters (who can help charm the Shavs over) and warriors (who can help defend the party). While on this mission they will be trying to stay alert for anything amiss including, but not to limited to (signs of the Horned God, cultists, blight, abyss tainted animals, any unexpected animals and any signs of monsters).

Reese will not hesitate to kill in defense of their party or herself, however she will offer any mortal and non abyss tainted combatants a chance to surrender. She also has moral problems with killing when not in defense. Which means she probably not kill Shavs who will not bend the knee if they are not attacking the party, not behaving as a threat or not engaging in acts she would consider evil. Reese will most likely follow the commands of Calarian who is voice and above her in rank. She wishes to be inclusive as possible and to invite the Grayson faction to aid in this effort.

Thanks, Reese's player

Since this is getting a little long and unwieldy, I'm going to save this one for reference as we go over the PRPs and applicable crises. Since it's getting hard to track what's resolved in PRPs and what's not, let's break it up into separate ones to make sure things aren't missed and go ahead and throw up a prprequest to make sure staff responses to anything outstanding aren't missed.

Action by Lou

(Public Action, OOC Date: Jan. 10, 2017, 11:18 p.m.)

Mason and Lou are wanting to travel into the Grayson lands. They know the lands are dying. They figure there are many people out there struggling. They are wishing to go in an attempt to gather the common folk and recruit the untainted shav tribes to unify against the threat in their lands. While they are there, they will also be talking to the locals and investigating the area in hopes of finding something to help in driving off this blight.

Few know these lands as well as Lou does. They were where she cut her teeth as an explorer and even after years spent away, traveling through other lands, she remembers its contours the way a skilled sculptor will remember the first bust they ever crafted. Once, years ago, while she was still in her youth, a new adventurer with boots barely broken in and stars in her eyes, she'd come across a particularly verdant grove. The trees rose tall enough to seem primordial, and cast the peaceful place into a green shadow. It was lush there. It was overflowing with life. Remembering it, she steers herself and Mason in that direction, dreading to find it dead-- but overcome with joy to find it still there, still as brilliant and deeply rooted as she remembered. But now, unlike then, there is a trio of small hide tents pitched in the center. When the pair approach, tattooed shamans emerge from the tents and greet them warily but peacefully. It is difficult to communicate, their dialect of Arvani thick and broken to Lou's ears. But with patience-- and a little scratching of pictograms in the dirt for both parties-- they manage to convey that they fled the Blight, the Bringers, the Arvani raiders. But rather than flee away from Arx they've fled towards it, because they had been told that the poison killing the Forest comes from Arx, but they don't believe it to be so. They have a method capable of reversing the blight, of cleansing the poison. They wish to test it but, exhausted, they haven't been able to move from this sanctuary and so they tend it for now, keeping it green, keeping it lush, keeping it healthy.

Action by Tarik for Fighting Legion

(Public Action)

Tarik will be searching for the weapons cache located at the remains of LastLight Hold, or close to it. He will be bringing 350 military resources in the form of sellswords of various levels of experiences from the favors that he collected over the years. The plan is to locate the weapons cache, and gather any hidden knowledge that might among the remains that related to the fight against Legion. Base on Tarik's past's experiences with dealing with previous thought dead beings coming alive, they will be taking cautious appoints. Tarik's sellswords will be divided upon guarding the non-combatants traveling with him, rapidly retrieving any injured personal bringing them to the healers, and the first few ranks in the formation. Extra care will be protection to allow for quick movement, but keeping noise to the minimal. The standing operating procedures if engage by hostile forces is to protect the flanks, and the non-combatants. It is to keep a tight formation in which no unit can be isolated. They will seek aid from any shavs to aid in the of securing of the weapons cache. If they are successful, they will depart the area in the quickest and most efficient way possible. Tarik speech to the people with them, "We are going to the place where Clan Morien after spilling theirs' and enemies' blood sacrificed their lives to by time for those mustering their forces. Yes, it was a small battle, but that battle led to the Compact. This mission might be a small mission, but it will lead to defeat of the Compact's greatest enemy. So for this brief moment in time, until we are gone. Be like the best of your ancestors, draw from their strength, and make sure no history could ever hide the fact that you gave all for the Compact!
Sir Preston lend Morien the use 50 military resources in the form of Templars.
Dame Thena lent 300 military resources to Tarik in the form of Solace soldiers. The unit consists of 30 sworn Knights and 70-foot soldiers under a commanding officer. The 30 sworn knights will be split between guarding supply lines between camps as needed, and the camp themselves taking in consideration in account for the maximum effectiveness. The Templars lent to him by Sir Preston, and the 70-foot soldiers will make up the bulk of the force. If successful in finding the weapons cache, the Templars will be asked to move to the rear flank to help protect their escape. Tarik will spend 300 economic resources to make sure everyone has enough food, fishing and hunting supplies, extremely warm clothes, material to make on the spot repairs, even extra journals so that any knowledge gain or final thoughts if the worse happens might not be loss for all time. He will spend 50,000 silver on medical supplies. Tarik will spend 300 social resources on calling on favors among the Refugees and Golden Hart's sailors and Merchant to find enough ships to help transport everyone to northwest Arvum, and heading east towards the mountain. They will do their best to establish a main camp followed by a secondary and tertiary camp as needed. Since the area that they are exploring is vast, they will move the collapse and set up the main camp as needed for safety and security. Noncombatants will be housed in the main camp, and triage will be set inside.

Wash will be providing transport on his brand new cog. He will commit 50 military resources in order to scrape together a crew of able-bodied crownsworn sailors. This mission is not authorized by the Marquis, so he will not be using Kennex resources for it. He will be bringing his loyal champion, Jayne.

Clover will be taking 100,000silver from the Wyrmguard bank to help pay for the expedition; purchasing gear, sellswords, and the like. While she is going she will also be there to both investigate/research as they go along, and act as a healer.

Rey will be coming along with all of her healing things at the ready to hopefully keep as many people from being killed by the kinds of horrors that require italics (or more commonplace horrors).

Aiden came to Tarik as soon as he could, with the information of the ballad, knowing that he was a Morien. He came to aid Tarik, believing that as one of the last Moriens, that Tarik had the right to the weapons before many many others. He knows that numerous groups are deploying at a rapid pace to try to get their hands on these weapon caches. Afraid that they'd lose valuable time, Aiden struck a bargin with Tarik. He would proceed to go with him on the expedition, and challenge anyone who would otherwise deny Tarik of his right to the cache. Aiden knows the importance of history, of the echos of it. Tarik's people took their last stand over this cache and as a Grayson, he is determined to see the right people get it - He will EXPRESS that to anyone who says otherwise. In return, he only asks that if a bow were to be found, that he has claim to it, to defend the First Children with it.

As unofficial co-leader/supporter and Grayson representative, Aiden brings to the table his survival skills and his awareness of dealing with First Children and Abyssal Creatures. He has spoken to a First Child before and so will COMMAND the group not to attack anything 'animalistic' until he's determined if it was abyssal or not! (Animal Ken Rolls!) He will also aid in scouting, whether by himself or with a small group of Isles Canines that he brings with him (Military Res: take 100) to protect him and to provide support to the military proceedings of the group.

His Speech to the Group: "Together, we will win this fight. Our piece may be small, but put all the small pieces together and it makes a larger picture. We must not let this cache get into the wrong hands. I trust the blood of Morien, who sacrificed themselves to leave us these last measures of strength to free ourselves with. Tarik, will take the cache. As a Morien, it is his to protect and dispense to those warriors who would stand as Moriens did before. A fight to the death, to the end, to the very last!" (command/leadership to inspire!)
Aiden came to Tarik as soon as he could, with the information of the ballad, knowing that he was a Morien. He came to aid Tarik, believing that as one of the last Moriens, that Tarik had the right to the weapons before many many others. He knows that numerous groups are deploying at a rapid pace to try to get their hands on these weapon caches. Afraid that they'd lose valuable time, Aiden struck a bargin with Tarik. He would proceed to go with him on the expedition, and challenge anyone who would otherwise deny Tarik of his right to the cache. Aiden knows the importance of history, of the echos of it. Tarik's people took their last stand over this cache and as a Grayson, he is determined to see the right people get it - He will EXPRESS that to anyone who says otherwise. In return, he only asks that if a bow were to be found, that he has claim to it, to defend the First Children with it.

As unofficial co-leader/supporter and Grayson representative, Aiden brings to the table his survival skills and his awareness of dealing with First Children and Abyssal Creatures. He has spoken to a First Child before and so will COMMAND the group not to attack anything 'animalistic' until he's determined if it was abyssal or not! (Animal Ken Rolls!) He will also aid in scouting, whether by himself or with a small group of Isles Canines that he brings with him (Military Res: 100) to protect him and to provide support to the military proceedings of the group. His skills with the bow are sufficient enough to help provide a line of defense and will likely provide command or support command to archers.

His Speech to the Group: "Together, we will win this fight. Our piece may be small, but put all the small pieces together and it makes a larger picture. We must not let this cache get into the wrong hands. I trust the blood of Morien, who sacrificed themselves to leave us these last measures of strength to free ourselves with. Tarik, will take the cache. As a Morien, it is his to protect and dispense to those warriors who would stand as Moriens did before. A fight to the death, to the end, to the very last!" (command/leadership to inspire!)

Aiden is also using his social status to help with diplomacy issues that arrise when traversing, ensuring safe passage. (Social Res: 100). Aiden is also ensuring that there's enough supplies, given his travel to the North before, he's a little more accustomed to what needs to be brought along. (Econ Res: 100)

Cassandra will be talking to the Templars and getting together a small group of volunteers to assist her in taking this. She is looking for a group of veterans who can rally around her and are familiar with how to strike down this end. She is not going to order them into combat but will be expending 100 military resources in this action to ensure it succeeds.

Fiachra will be accompanying Tarik on this mission. If he happens to recall anything about the location of the cache, any potential traps, etc, he will be letting his comrades know. (Please see my character's secrets, if they become applicable during this action.)

Shae will use her knowledge of tracking, and her keen senses to help in assisting with locating and scouting out the area. Looking for any sort of information she might be able to find while doing so. Her dog Deagmund will be assisting her with this. If they should come across any animals (or other creatures) Shae will use her skills and knowledge with them to help defuse any possibility of a bad situation happening. In addition, she would be most willing to try and speak with any Abandon they might come across and try to convince them to join with them in stopping Legion and his forces. As well that if they need help or assistance or new homes that the Lodge of Petrichor can help them. And that as a Disciple of Petrichor Shae will do all that she can to help them. If fighting does occur, Shae does have her bow with her and will do all that she can to help and assist her group with her skill set. ((Shae does have a secret that could possibly come into play in this.))

Lou will be using her extensive knowledge of Arvum (see @clue Lou's Travels) to help in the expedition to find the weapons cache at LastLight Hold. She has maps of her time spent in the far north and in Everwinter, and has the skills (Survival 3) necessary to scout ahead and find safe spaces for encampment and any additional food they might need along the way so they do not risk frost exposure. She will also act as an archer in times of danger, and if it should come to it, switch to hand to hand combat when archery is not an option.
Lou will also spend 25,000 silver towards helping to ensure that the party has enough food, drink, and warm weather supplies to help keep them stocked during the expedition.
I mean -- COLD WEATHER SUPPLIES, not warm weather! -- IE: coats/cloaks, boots, warm socks, gloves, blankets -- Thank you!!

Mason is accompanying Lou and the others to the horrific place of ice and snow. He's surely going to freeze to death, but he loves his wife and so he will go. He'll be lending his experience as an explorer and scholar of the occult, assisting where needed and endlessly muttering in Eurusi about how cold it is. (but no one will really be able to hear it under the 10 layers of clothing and scarves anyway)

The Blackram Marquis will be bringing with him 75 infantry troops, and 25 archers from his March's forces, as well as offering his personal expertise as a scout and huntsman to help survey the land and enemy, as well as engage in guerrilla warfare. Forging trails, using his keen eye to locate potential sources for the cache, as well as setting traps to maim and slow any pursuit by the followers of Legion.
When Gaston was in the wild, he heard the name Legion whispered to him in his dreams. Leola surmised this was perhaps due to Sylv'alfar blood, or perhaps something else. Whatever it is, Gaston will be wary and on guard should the demon seek to speak to him in his dreams once more.

While not skilled in much beyond healing, alchemy, and artwork, Jayanthi is going with Tarik and those supporting him to offer her aid as healing. Given her severe lack of combat capabilities she is keeping her head down and keeping out of the line of fire as much as possible while healing people. Though, she does put special effort into assuring members of the High Lord families stay safe.

Valery hasn't left Arx since she arrived and she doesn't really want to, even less back north! but she cannot really say no to Tarik's request of help, he says he needs her...
So she's reluctantly packing her warmest clothes and a bunch of health supplies (adding 100 economic resources) and she gets ready to help with any healing (or alchemy work) needed.
However, if there is any danger, she's going to try to stay as out of sight and out of trouble as possible: people don't call her Mouse in vain...
(As they are travelling North, Valery's secrets may be relevant.)

The group made the long trip northward without incident. They scouted out a map in an ancient settlement, abandoned to the weather (and a bear). Heading even further north, they did find Lastlight Hold - but that's where things went wonky. A basilisk, ancient rock elemental guardians, and traps galore both protected the weapon and ate quite a few of the people looking for it. In the end, the basilisk was chased off - and it was carefully noted where he lived so that it could be avoided in the future - the weapon was carried to safety, and Tarik's ancestral home was destroyed. Hopefully it was worth the sacrifice.