Inspirational Music for the Action


- https://youtu.be/aIHvr5zKquw - Throw off the Bowlines (starting the journey)


https://youtu.be/n-Dh3ftkRAs - Flight of the Silverbird (Wind in the sails and cutting through the water. If you only listen to one make it this one)


https://youtu.be/6qTghUgMOeY - Impossible (an Epic One)


Domonico has been planning a pilgrimage dedicated to Mangata for some time (FLASHBACK 291), intending to visit numerous sacred sites to the Goddess of the Sea and Sky.
The ship transporting the pilgrims will be Domonico's personal caravel, the Tempest, named and dedicated to Mangata and personally blessed by Blessed Madeleine, Archlector of Mangata. The ship will be flying the colours of Mangata for this journey. (ACTION 3706)

The voyage itself will be as important as the destinations themselves, with Domonico doing his best to navigate the Tempest through interesting routes and making sure that the other pilgrims and travellers are able to assist with the sailing on the ship and will encourage 'sea chanties', sung prayers to the Goddess to help with with work on board ship, as even the act of sailing on the seas will be a form of worship.
The wind in his hair and the smell of the waters will even have the stern Admiral smiling most of the journey as well. On the voyage one thing that Domonico will be noted doing every day, is dangling (absail fashion) by a rope or climbing netting, off the side of the ship, just enough to let his hand touch the water, running his fingers through it.

The route will be beginning at Arx with prayers held at the Shrine and on the Beach by the statue of the Goddess and as they travel they will collect water from the different sites to return to Arx with. (if the whirlpool is still in effect then they will have a brief travel to where the Tempest is at anchor on the Gray River).
From Arx, the voyage will head up the river towards the North, the wide river allowing the Tempest to travel a considerable distance up towards there, pausing briefly at the numerous Shrines and aiming to reach the Great Northern Shrine itself.

From there the journey will go back down the river again before heading up the coast to Pearlspire where the ship will moor before cliff jumping and pearl diving will be the main experiences in a form of worship to Mangata.

Onwards the voyage will go, across the sea to the Mourning Isles to pay tribute to the Goddess in the ruins near Maelstrom to visit (clues 3018 and 3019), praising her name. Here Domonico will drink from the fountain statue and gaze upon the murals of her likeness.

After Maelstrom, Domonico will set course for Darkwater Watch, to allow Carita to host the pilgrimage and show them the altar, shrine and healing pool there.

Setting sail from Darkwater Watch, the Pilgrimage will set course towards Southport, the City of Swords to dock and pay tribute at the monument of Mangata that was erected several years ago.(Action 497)

From there the Tempest will sail around the coast towards Ostria to dock at Port Valerio and see the statues of Mangata on the walls there.

The Tempest will then head to the southwest, towards the Cyrto Archipelago and the domain of Magnotta, the House named in honour of the Goddess. There it will allow a while to pause and reflect in one of the natural lagoons off Cyrto Major, a time to rest, relax and swim in the sea before Domonico berths the Tempest at Fort Magnotta and will host and entertain the pilgrims in Caer Morien, the towered city built on the ruins found on the highest mountain on Cyrto Major. Here they will be close to the Goddess's other domain, that of the Sky and the vantage point allows them to look out over the Cyrto Arch and the sea itself.

The Tempest will then give the Goddess the helm, letting the wind fill the sails and see where the winds take them as per the suggestion (in FLASHBACK 291) from Legate Aillith. Where would the Goddess want to take them? A new island? A forgotten shrine? Maybe just the open sea?

Whereever they end up, Domonico will eventually turn the Tempest back towards Arx, taking the pilgrims home, hopefully with a greater love and devotion to the Azure Queen, Goddess of Sea and Sky, Mangata.

Madeleine is very much for a pilgrimage dedicated to Mangata and is delighted to be invited by Lord Domonico. It's clearly something that falls under her remit as Archlector. She joins the voyage for in her capacity as Archlector for a few reasons. She is interested in going on pilgrimage to sites sacred to the Goddess. She is also very interested in creating a new notable route dedicated to the Goddess that others can follow in the future.

She will lead the pilgrims and crew in prayers, as well as leading a few 'sea chanties'. She will sing prayers to the Goddess to help with work on board the ship.

Months and months ago..ok, probably a year ago, Domonico asked his favorite sister(only sister), if she would go on this pilgrimage with him. Of course she agreed! She's in a boat, so of course she did. And she's never gone on such before, so let the adventure begin! Thea is so excited to get out of the city, to get sun, sea, and just away--To learn more about Mangata.

Thea will listen to every story, every prayer(respectfully), every everything from all on board and well-she came to not only go and do the things but well---she's is also going to be the medic. Someone has to make sure if something goes, iry they can get mended.

At every shrine, Thea will pray, leave a little bit of something personal of herself at each place. The final leg of their journey, she will leave something of her late father, Callo Malvici. The most important man in her life.

Miranda's never been on a pilgrimage. This will be her first and she is excited. The Explorer side of her is excited to see the different places they may go and her Malvici half (Father's side) is excited to be amongst family. More, to help her cousin see his way through this necessary step in his life. And for hers! Mangata's been essential in various dealings of nasty Abyssal things and in life, so Miranda is glad to pay homage. She will bring a small vial to fill just a little with the water of each place they go. At each shrine, she will offer something of her own. Nothing big. The idea is to just leave a tiny piece of herself as sacrifice. A strand of hair. Tears. Laughter... at each shrine, each holy place they go, she will let the place 'speak' to her and offer something as a result. She loves to sail and knows Mangata can offer them gentle seas and winds, or storms of terrifying proportions (she's been through both!) and that is part of the thrill. Are they worthy? Will they be tested? Only Mangata knows for sure!

Accompanying Domonico and the others on the pilgrimage, Jasher offers neither hymns nor scintillating conversational skills. What he -does- offer, though, is being there: when not participating in the various rituals of the pilgrimage, rarely a moment goes by when the Thraxian isn't seen checking knots or otherwise doing maintenance suspiciously close to puttering busywork. He also keeps an eye on their surroundings, noting changes in the current or wind when able, and doing what he can to help navigate the Tempest around whatever hazards may be in the way.

Otherwise, Jasher seems to willingly participate in the rituals as they visit the various places the Tempest takes them. He would join the prayers held at the beach where the shrine is, linger near the side of the vessel as it sails so as to relish the feel of the wind and the sea spray, drink in the fountain and the sight of the ruins near Maelstrom, and even engage in cliff diving(!).

"An endless pilgrimage of the heart . . ."

With a mind unfurled and light as the winds and a devotion vast as the ocean, the Legate of Concepts dedicates this pilgrimage to the love of our Lady, Bright Star of the Ocean, Azure Mother, Pearl of Grace - Mangata. In unison with Archlector Madeleine and supported by the attending Godsworn and disciples, Ailith oversees the spiritual needs and ceremonies as well as encouraging the pilgrims with their spiritual journeys.

To the Bay of Arx, dropped to a kneel, Ailith awakens the dawn with a prayer before the sacred statue and altar of Mangata -- sharing with earlier risers the tale of how the devoted in Arx in company of Prince Venteri of the Marin'alfar recovered the ancient altar piece and made offerings before the statue, sharing a tale of white dolphin babies being rescued, sharing of other tales of how prayers across the Mourning Isles empowered the Goddess with the eternal struggle against Leviathan, sharing a tale of the Goddess' kiss upon a young inquisitive girl's cheek opened the possibility of hope and new devotion -- that this morning prayer is to symbolize the devoted to the Goddess (in all forms) and to invite a new beginning for each pilgrim.

The prayer is focused on encouraging pilgrims to seek meaning about their self by expanding their knowledge and deepening their connection with the Goddess. The route was selected, not only for the sacred sites, but the long journey across the waters to allow for seclusion with prayers and contemplation within their cabin as well as opportunities to discuss and share personal experiences related to the Goddess. Emphasizing, Ailith asks each pilgrim to prepare a prayer or offering for the Goddess at the last leg of the journey -- to symbolize what was learned or any grown devotion.

At every stop along the journey, Ailith makes a point to accompany Archlector Madeleine to visit the shrine, local Seraph, and parishioners. The focus is to renew kinship and be among the people, offering charity and means to expand upon these communities. A special afternoon ceremony is held for the pilgrims, inviting the local parishioners and above all the host House nobility to share in these devotions made in honor of the Goddess, Mangata. Each ceremony is personalized to the specific region, a tale the people can identify with, but, too, also become more aware of the Goddess, her gifts, and acts done in her name. For instance, of the Lighthouses that stand as beacons against the night and storms (clue 1087).

At Ostria, Ailith accepts with Archlector Madeleine the very kind invitation by Duke Hadrian to spread good will, charity, and worship upon the faithful beyond the port at Port Valerio. For this specific case, she will carry forth the Ewer of Gods Love (crisis action 3947) to host a special ceremony for them and to pour the holy water in the gardens that Duke Hadrian has permitted (hoping by the shrine).

At the Great Northern Shrine to Mangata, she walks with Archlector Madeleine and converses with Lord Arik as to honor the devoted site built by House Halfshav. To this, she carefully pours these sacred waters from the Ewer by the trees and flora that Duchess Khanne or Lord Mirk personally oversaw in being planted.

At Southport, Ailith shall host a special ceremony to honor those who dedicated themselves in the battle against the Gyre -- sharing the public pieces of her experience and offering chances for the pilgrims such as Lady Eirene and Highlord Victus to share their own. At the very port where the sailors departed for the Gyre War, Ailith pours the sacred waters and whispers prayers in thanks to the Goddess, asking that the winds shall be fair to House Malvici when they are called to defend the Compact and in her honor as they had during the Gyre War.

In between each shrine, Ailith guides prayer circles and encourages the time for seclusion and journaling. She asks for every pilgrim to be willing to share any new experiences or ask their questions to one another -- for together, we can grow wiser by learning and accepting differences. And for fun, she assists with Archlector Madeleine for water coloring! It is a soothing artform that can focus one's mind in meditations or can simply be a fun and enjoyable practice to bond with others.

It is at the very final spot -- the leap of faith. Ailith starts a pilgrimage ritual to send their prayers upon the winds and waters to the Goddess -- letting her hear how her pilgrims grew in their faith and devotion. This specialized ritual relies upon every pilgrim to offer their prayer or gift to the Goddess, to be open with their heart and soul, so she will come to know their individual journey and change within themselves. It is at the bow of Tempest that she begins this ritual, gesturing to each pilgrim to extend their prayer or offering off the bow. Upon conclusion, she seals the ritual with her own devotions -- calling out to the Marin'alfar (touching upon her moon pendant to say hello to Ayllish and Venteri), to the brotherhood of white dolphins, to every sacred gift of sea and sky, to the Seraph of Mangata, and lastly to the Goddess herself -- and offering her water color portrait which represents every water collected at each spot on the pilgrimage, painted in brilliant colors to reflect her worship. She asks that the winds catch their sails and the pilgrims based on their journey be guided to a place under Mangata's eye -- a place her present worshippers may renew to be included in future pilgrimages.

Caelis has been looking forward to this pilgrimage for some time. Having offered her cousin her aid previously in the past, she is quick to join the crew for this voyage. With plenty of soul searching to do, Cae helps out with the day to day managing of sailing as well as using the various tools in her arsenal to make sure the trip is as safe as it can be.

Reese plans to attend this mission and to help sail and fight as needed! She hopes to be there to support Domonico and to help the mission be a success. She will help defend the others if it comes up, fight if they need to and will try to help with the ship or navigating."

Eirene has, as of late, expressed more interest in learning about the Gods and how the Pantheon interacts with one another. So she takes the opportunity to better learn and grow from this journey, enjoying the sea air and sunlight on her skin as they sail further south, after the oppressive Arx weather

Arik Halfshav on a pilgrimage. Impossible. Improbable. It's a pilgrimage to shrines to Mangata. Oh that makes sense. On the journey Arik asks quite a few questions it would appear he has a passing familiarity with the specifics of Mangata. There's a booze contest, he knows about that. There are some elves below the waves that she likes an awful lot. Spring stuff. He asks a lot of questions especially once they leave Cascade Springs for other sites.

His actual participation though is showing off the Whitehold shrines to Mangata. It is more than likely that they don't stop to see them all since Halfshav and its people made shrines at at the mouth of every river in the duchy, by every pond, every stream, every lake within the lands years ago. He'll point to a spot as they float by on the Grey River and tell of oh there's a shrine over there only a half a days ride... etc etc. Once they do get to Cascade Springs itself and the Great Northern Shrine to Mangata, Arik has some things prepared for them. Northern wool cloaks with swirling sea-hued gradient and sumptuous white fur. Upon the back is a silver emblem: an image of two streams coming to meet as one. They are also treated to pudding cups which look like planted springs of mint which are in fact chocolate confections. Finally everyone on the ship gets a tour of the river port town. Arik is rarely long winded but as he was one of the people who built it... He talks quite a bit. How Khanne brought about the shrines in the duchy. How the shrinetown of Cascade Springs became a goal of the Halfshav's a few years after. How there is a Bard's College chaperhouse, notable merchants from every fealty with northern shops here, and of course the Great Northern Shrine to Mangata itself. (see action: 2976 for origin of items)

Leola is there in her role as the Paladin of Creation and as a Knight of Southport. She accompanies to inspire, to support, and to act as a second to the Archlector and to the Dominus as required, supporting them as they need.

Orrin will both be attending the whole of the pilgrimage and, before it sails, ensuring there is an appropriate reception for the travelers in Pearlspire.

Attendance: Orrin's expertise has never been sailing. He loves the sea, of course, but loves it from within, swimming and diving; from above, the breeze on the cliffs of his home; in its foods, seaweed, fishes, mollusk and brine; and in his people, the divers and fishermen, sailors, shipwrights, navy men and other salt-stained souls he calls his. Seeing the sea through sailors' eyes will be a new sort of devotion, and a way of showing his people he understands the gifts they've been given, a way of channeling their gratitude through him as their leader. And so he will sail, and learn what he can, and also enjoy the wind and the water in ways more familiar to him on the way, swimming and diving, eating fresh catch, and letting the sun bake him as happens. Particularly in Maelstrom, he will meditate on his family's relationship to the sea, and in particular Tiga Seliki, shipwright, liberator, and leader.

In Pearlspire, he will ensure a proper feast and celebration is prepared, reflecting the bounty of the sea in its season and the diaspora of peoples of Pearlspire through the range of foods, songs, dances, and games, both cliffside and ready to board the ships so that everything can be enjoyed on the water itself. Games to include of course cliff-diving and swimming races, plus the easygoing enjoyment that is Pearlspire's every day. Local officials of the Faith will be called upon to bless the journey. Those of the pilgrimage who dive and manage to capture for themselves a pearl will be encouraged to keep it and offered settings by Pearlspire's own artisans, and those who are not so bold or lucky will be given a Seliki pearl (with the same offer of a setting) to remember their visit to Pearlspire along the way.

Scythia joins the pilgrimage with her husband, Orrin, though the Redreef born noble is devout in her prayer and pleased to accompany the group for such a purpose. Through the pilgrimage, she tells stories of Mangata, via voice and dance when appropriate, and naturally when they are at Pearlspire she relishes the time with her people.

There will be those who may believe it slightly mad of the Third Reflection to have suggested - nay, /convinced/ - Count Domonico Mangotta to have allowed her beloved, Ravna Culler, to join them on this journey. But Dianna is sure that the wild vagabond is both lucky and beloved by at least one god, either Gild or Mangata -- and this is both a journey, therefore a tribute to Gild, and a journey of the sea, an obvious tribute to Mangata.

She has assured and promised Count Domonico that she will keep the Culler well-in-hand and well-behaved such that this journey is truly successful. She is a Mirrormask, of course; is it so very strange, then, that one of her personal tributes and contributions is one so unusual?

And yet, all things have and must have a balance: Dianna is, of course, sworn to all gods first and foremost. She will bring her lyre and play it, singing prayers with Madeline in support of the sailors, the journey and the various stops. Dianna also brings with her tributes of her own to aid in these rituals: Two casks of Third Wall, her favorite Ostrian brandy, with which she will share a toast with the others at every shrine; and a single bottle of Second Wall, Ostria's juniper-and-fig-based gin, which she will share with her companions when they arrive at Ostria's shores, where she and Madeline may see to the state of the statues Dianna had placed there while she was with House Mazetti (action 1572).

The arrival in Ostria will be, of course, the most emotional part of the journey for Dianna: Being home, being reminded of what she had been, being reminded of what she gave up and for whom: The very goddess she makes this journey for being one of the gods and goddesses Dianna has traded her oaths to serve.

So, the greatest tribute Dianna gives is her own life, her presence. In Ostria, the Third Reflection Mirrormask will offer a special prayer to rededicate the statues to Mangata and will hold a sermon on the divine place of the sea and of drink in Ostria's history, noting the good that can come of even overindulgence in alcohol - for, how many truths are spoken freely by those who are drunk? How many earnest tears spilled, how many honest emotions revealed? How many friendships are sealed so very often in the joy of sharing wine and distilled alcohol - like Third and Second Wall?

Having, of course, invited her beloved parents to the sermon and rededication so they may see for themselves who Dianna is and know of her great dedication - both to Ostria and to the Faith, the Third Reflection hopes they will accept and honor her choice. Of course, they will also meet Ravna, should they accept her invitation - and who knows how they will feel about that wild Culler being loved by their eldest daughter? But, perhaps, they will see her joy in his freedom and love for her; and it will make them smile.

Unconventional, though she may be, Dianna Godsworn is yet always bold - and so very elegant in being so.

Princess Rawen is coming along on the pilgrimage to study over as much of the lands as she can. She wants to find out what secrets may lurk on these isles

On this trip, Ravna will dice with the crew and any who join. He will drink, be merry, and otherwise sing and lounge; enjoying life as only the Drunken Sage can. At each site, he will spin his luck and eyeball these places, the words and riddles within, and in each place riddle, and talk aloud to Mangata herself. Probably while in a hammock. Or so drunk he falls asleep in the green grass.

For Prince Victus' part, he'll be welcoming the whole procession onto Maelstrom personally. Shepherding their ships into the same docks that the Colossus of Mangata overlooks. He will also ensure that several disciples of Mangata are there to meet them when they arrive. Once they're here, he'll join their group to the Ruins of Maelstrom, where he'll recount the history to the best of his knowledge. On the trip back, he'll ensure they're sent off with a proper and formal feast celebrating their journey. Victus will be talking up the worship of Mangata quite a bit during this time. The rest of the Pantheon is great too of course, but Mangata? Hohoho that Mangata sure is great.

Ostria is made ready to receive visitors. This means a few different things. An honor guard tasked with receiving the Tempest in the form of the caravel Valor, two galleys, and four longships from House Mazetti's own fleet move out to meet the visiting caravel and helpfully guide it to Port Valerio's deep waters.

Due to upcoming efforts regarding Port Valerio's use in cooperative efforts between House Mazetti and Velenosa, the visiting worshippers will be advised that their presence is welcomed within Port Valerio itself and the shipyards are strictly off-limits; this is to lessen the possibility of misunderstandings and the fact that the points of worship are quite evident in the sea-side statuary, the wonder that is Port Valerio itself, and the fantastic mural of Marshal Valerio Mazetti (action 3064).

An escort is assigned for those seeking to explore the port, to ensure that nothing untoward happens to the distinguished visitors. Any attempt to access locations that have been previously advised as closed to visitors? Will result in their being turned away and sent back to the port, up to and including being sent back to the ship which they arrived on.

The visiting Archlector Madeline and Legate Ailith of course have approval to venture beyond the port, mingle with the people, and spread their good word. They are the exception to the rule.

Carita aaaabsolutely loves the salt air, wind in her hair, listening to the various singing voices. She's not much of a singer herself, but she can carry a tune, and she's more than willing to join in when the song calls for it. If there's a drinking game, she'll offer up the rum and whiskey, likely drink someone under the table (or at least look like she did while pretending to be sober) and hate everything the next day. There's not a single port that the group goes in to see that she isn't -right- there with everyone else, quiet, considerate, reverent, observing. She'll tell her own story, how felt like she had an excellent relationship with Mangata since her childhood, and believes that it's how she was brought to Darkwater, through Mangata's guiding hands. When Ailith and Madeleine paint, Carita joins them; in fact, she will most likely set up a little time at each port visited to paint a little, if time allows for it. She'll also spend a little bit of time with the other pilgrims, asking them about their stories to keep a record by writing them down, when permitted, for everyone later so that the trip's memory is forever solidified on paper.

When the journey takes them past Maelstrom towards Darkwater, Carita is happy to host the pilgrimage there. Though, because of the past hurts of the isle, the Countess is protective. Following Hadrian's example, the worshippers will be advised that their presence is welcomed as long as they don't wander to explore without the guards that Carita has offered, who will make sure they don't go any further than the healing pool that the Countess has arranged to show everyone. She'll explain how she believes the pool might be a marriage of Mangata and Lagoma, telling that she witnessed Highlord Victus dip his cut hand into it, once, and pull it out completely healed. That Legate Ailith was there for the shrine's creation, which is carefully built from the weapons of the fallen near the funeral pyre that once burned for Lord Darrow and Koraj Marin--better known as the Gyre. She'll proudly show around the altar are the symbols of each of the Thirteen. And at the base of the altar are symbols - The symbols of the Faith. The symbol of the Inquisition. The symbol of the Sentinel, of a ship. Of a trident, of a hand, a pair of crossed lightning bolts beneath a single flame, and in the center a teardrop.

A small cairn sits to one side next to the altar, a stone cairn with a medallion bearing the image of Sentinel, a faceless helm, atop. And in front of the altar, where careful hands dug a small pool, it has widened now and turned into a reflecting pond. They'll be encouraged to visit the water, but warned to leave the peace flowers around it alone, and their guards would respectfully enforce this as well.

Pasquale is joining the pilgrimage in an attempt to better understand and connect with Mangata, the sailors mindset and each location along the route. He will be paying special attention to the religious aspects of the journey but also wishes to take the opportunity to make contacts and explore parts of the world he doubts he would have visited otherwise.

It is an auspicious day to begin the pilgrimage - clear and cool, under a beautiful autumn sky. The group must travel to the Tempest’s berth on the river, and from there, they sail up towards the North. Although unkind stereotypes often paint the North as a place of barbarism and spirit-worship, the Faith is just as well known in the northern fealties as it is in the Crownlands, and the pilgrimage visits the northern temples on the wide, deep Gray River. When the Gray River grows too narrow and shallow for the great caravel, the pilgrims walk to Halfshav lands to see how the Northerners have honored the lifegiving goddess of sea and sky with beauty and bounty. Arik proves a competent host, despite some initial grumbles from the more Orthodox followers regarding his status as shaman. By the end, even the most skeptical are willing to admit that Halfshav does honor the gods well, whatever quaint customs they also choose to cling to. Ravna spends the entire time drunk, but he makes a lot of friends by sharing his peach liquor.

Along the way, the prayers of the Archlector Madeleine and Legate Ailith resound from temple and shrine, and people flock to be ministered to by leaders of the Faith that they never get to see. The songs and performances by Dianna and Scythia are greatly appreciated, and by the time they get back to their ship, several Northerners have begged for a chance to join the pilgrimage as well. Thus, the Tempest is followed by a small fleet of river boats all the way down and to Pearlspire - only Domonico’s canny captaincy and the help from these sailors enables the Tempest to navigate a branch river to the great river leading to Pearlspire and avoiding the whirlpool.

There, the pilgrims are feted and feasted by Count Orrin. A pearlfishing expedition is remarkably successful; everyone who chooses to dive comes up with a pearl-bearing oyster, and Rawen shows impressive oyster-shucking skills. As pilgrims offer prayers to the sea, the wind kicks up, blowing a large wave up and over the shore; for some reason, Orrin is particularly struck (and soaked) by the surprisingly warm water. When they set out on the sea, it is to cheers and joy. Ravna spends the entire time drunk, but somehow, when he passes out on the shore and almost drowns, he finds a remarkably nice pearl oyster. And almost drunkenly eats it, before some kind soul trades it for more booze.

The sea is, however, a place of dangers, and not everyone honors a pilgrimage as they should. As they are heading towards Darkwater Watch, pirate vessels are sighted on the horizon. To arms, to arms! Unable to outrun the pirates, the pilgrims must fight. All of the pilgrims put up a good fight, but Thea, Jasher, Victus, and Caelis show themselves particularly adept in the defense. As does Princess Reese, who swings to the other ship, and cuts down the pirates’ first mate in a brief but vicious duel across the deck. The captain, finally recognizing the High Lord of Thrax and the legendary Knight of Ribbons, turns tail and flees. Eirene finds the rest of the pilgrimage quite full with treating the wounded, and people are thankful to have such a competent healer along, even if it means she doesn’t get to concentrate on her own prayers as much as she’d hoped. Ravna spends the entire time drunk, but does manage to stumble into a pirate and knock him overboard during the fighting.

In Darkwater Watch, the pilgrims are welcomed by Carita, who moves from pilgrim to host with grace, as well as prayers and feasting. Although the pilgrims are not permitted far into the Watch, they do get to see the beautiful spring rumored to have healing powers - but when they find it, the water in the pool is very, very low, as if the spring is, at last, drying up. Ravna (still drunk) bursts into tears, moaning, “It is not enough. It is never enough.” And, perhaps overcome by the journey, Miranda faints. She is quickly revived, finding herself desperately thirsty, and the pilgrimage continues, although not without some worried murmurs from those inclined to superstition.

Although the curiously persistent escort of dolphins that leads them away from the Watch brightens some spirits, especially in conjunction with the charming sight of Leola teaching them some tricks along the way, it’s still a more sober Tempest that docks at Ostria. And the Ostrian reception is equally complicated, with stern and cautious people who are not as open as many others. But, if they are not effusive, they are welcoming, and Duke-Consort Hadrian is as warm and friendly as anyone might wish. The visitors are confined to the port, but given every comfort. Dianna finds her reception chilly at first, but by the time they leave, she has begun to reconcile with some of her people. Ravna spends the entire time drunk, and is found snoring on deck, draped in seashell necklaces. He has no idea where they came from.

Finally, to Caer Morien, where its heights touch the sky as its roots reach into the sea. Unsurprisingly, with Domonico leading the pilgrimage, the welcome is everything they might wish, and several days are spent in feasting, praying, and celebration. On the third day, a tremendous storm arrives, and the sky itself turns to water with the sheeting rain, the booming thunder somehow a joyful - if potentially deadly - sound as lightning dances over the sky. The next day, Domonico lets Mangata take the Tempest’s wheel, and the winds blow hard, sending the ship skimming over the waves as if it suddenly sprouted wings. The winds blow for most of the day, sending them out deeper into the sea that any of the Compact’s trade goes. There, they are becalmed. The silence is broken by massive bodies, leaping out of the sea around the vessel. Even with the size of the caravel, when they land, the waves shake the ship, and splash the pilgrims with saltwater. Leola gasps, and says a word under her breath...balaen. The great, scaly-hided beasts of the deep sea circle the ship, singing a strange song without cease. And then they sink under the waves. All is calm. Ravna is drunk.

Domonico unerringly guides the ship back to the coast of Arx, although he must find a lesser port to dock the ship, as the whirlwind continues to churn.

3871 Reese is going to be leading the Crownlands Defense at the Mouth of the Gray River. She is coordinating her action with an action to help the defense that will be lead by Marquis Malesh. She is heading to the mouth of the Gray River with a good portion of the Grayson military and with allies. The goal of this defense is to make sure that the Eurusi do not enter the Crownlands through the Gray River route. The goal is to protect Grayson lands, The lands of Grayson vassals and to protecte the crownlands. In order to be mobile, Reese will be bringing the Grayson navy along with her. Everything done here has been coordinated with Princess Liara.

She will bring the cavlary with the hopes that they can be mobile, moving to differen stations along the river as need be. They are sending some of the Archers, Pike men and Infantry to Thrax and a few will need to stay in Compact as well. STill she will have 1000 infantry, five hundred pike and 500 archers with her. This will be the less mobile force stationed near the mouth of the river where she thinks the eurusi would land. If they do land she hopes to attack the Eurusi right as they dock to get the upper hand if possible.

The cavalry and ships will be ready for movement. She is working the House Deepwood (Rymarr and Jessa), House Whikehawk (Jauffrey) and house Ashood (Rhiannon). House Stonewood is doing a seperate, but related action at the same area and Reese plans to communicate closely with them. Reese wants to be ready to move as needed, to response to orders and to be alert to any messages from the King or Liara. 4

The 1st Banner under the command of Marquis-Consort Rymarr Deepwood sets out from Old Oak to join with the gathering banner of the Crownlands. Under General Reese Grayson's instruction the plan is to wait for possible incursion by the Eurusi into the Compacts lands and catch them when they're making landfall. So that's the plan he intends to follow. On the prospective battlefield he sets himself about the task of organize his troops, conveying orders through Captains, and delegating some of the command responsibilities to Lady Jessa Deepwood. If this will be their place to defend, then Rymarr sets about the task of ordering defenses and pickets established in order to defend that beachhead against a threat to the Compact.

The 2nd Banner under the command of Lady Jessa Deepwood is called to arms. The Infantry is set in parallel to the 1st Banner. Jessa and Rymarr have coordinated a tag-team cohesion, ensuring their armies can have each other's backs in a pinch. Her defense is primarily for the innocent people in the area, focused on being the solid line (or wall of Woods) between Eurus at the coast and the rest of the Compact.

Rhiannon, as the Ashford General, is bringing all the Ashford troops to bear that are not under other leadership for this engagement. She leads the bulk of the Ashford troops to protect Grey River. Rhiannon doesn't just have the Ashford Infantry, she is a scout at heart and she will have some scouts at her disposal to be located along the river mouth and the land leading to the river. These scouts have ways to signal through sound and hidden markings in the forests to share information with infantry or cavalry to have a heads up on any movement toward the river by hostile forces. She leads these Ashford information networks just by sending out troops to keep an eye out.

The bulk of the Ashford Troops will be at the river at the possible landing spots into Grayson and Crown lands. They will coordinate with Princess Reese in protecting the river mouth and ensuring that this location can be defended and not used as a site for incursion into Grayson and Crown lands.

While not of a military mind, Rey is assisting House Grayson and Princess Reese with the defense of the Gray River by making sure that Brighthold is able to support the troops, offering the city and port as a place for rest and supplies. Rey will also be sure that there are mercies on hand should anyone be need in medical attention, first aid supplies and medical tents at the ready. As well as a place to use to send out patrols and the like from. Including adding Laveer's army to the troop numbers.

Cabbit must stay home this time while Bedivere heads out to the Crownlands Defense at the Mouth of the Gray River : with a whole slew of Solace and Whitehawk (with a siege weapon) behind him to join up with his fellow commanders.

Liam will join Reese with a force from the Riven lands to join in the defense of the gray river mouth. He and the Riven warriors will deploy with the main detachment allowing others to handle more scouting duties. Liam will offer what insight he can to preparing their defenses and readiness happy to hold the line in case of invaders.

It's a good, sensible plan to defend the mouth of the Gray River. Of course, it's often said that no plan survives contact with the enemy, and in this case well before it, as the strategic position has greatly changed since they first received their orders. The Eurusi fleet is being met at Sungreet by the combined forces of the Lyceum, the Mourning Isles and the Faith, and a great whirlpool now blocks Arx's harbor. This has made a defensive position there to intercept incoming Eurusi forces not as pressing a need as was originally planned.

Which is not to say that they don't have threats they need to respond to.

Word comes up from House Leary lands that a great many of the refugees may, in fact, be dangerous and they had to stop some refugees that were clearly advanced scouts of Skal'daja sent with orders to torch the farms and villages of the Crownlands. There's indications of fires and attacks throughout the Crownlands, and their forces are the ones in position to respond. So they march upriver in search of hostile forces.

Princess Reese directs scouting missions with the different forces under her command, finding evidence of minor villages being attacked and farms being burned throughout the Crownlands, and some murders of Eurusi refugees with evidence that suggests it was from Skal'dajans trying to stop innocent Eurusi from giving warning. Ashford troops under Rhiannon's command report movements from along the Gray River and the groups of refugees that have turned inland, and Laveer and Riven forces under Rey and Bedivere respectively track inland giving aid to villages that were attacked. And then it falls upon Rymarr and Jessa leading their Deepwood banners north from the river to hunt down the Eurusi saboteurs.

Rymarr and Jessa march quickly passed torched farmlands, and tragic signs of farmers put to the sword, of Grayson, Bisland and other vassals cut down as they worked their land. As Rymarr presses his troops for speed, the first signs of smoke are seen, and he steadily follows a line of ravaging towards Deepwood lands, including passing a slaughtered picket near Deepwood's borders. Several dozen dead soldiers, but they had bought time, and it's not long after that at a small hamlet named Lost Tree near Old Oak that Rymarr and Jessa find the raiders.

There's not many of them. A few dozen mounted Eurusi who had been riding hard and burning and killing everything on their way. The hamlet of Lost Tree is aflame when they arrive, the huts burned and bodies of cut down villagers in the street. There's the sounds of battle as raiders ride down villagers, and Rymarr sees a pair of templars desperately trying hold the door of the local church, where the children had managed to be ushered for safety. There's only a handful of armed villagers, and a robed Eurusi barking orders is pointing his scimitar at the church.

Rymarr and Jessa lead the charge, their archers taking mounted Eurusi off their horses while some crossbow fire comes in return. Jessa brings her forces around to encircle the village and to be certain none of the mounted raiders could ride off into the woods and continue their slaughter, and her pikemen manages to plug potential escape routes as Jessa matches swords with an Eurusi raider. The clash of her diamondplate sooted blade Storm's Fury splits the air as the Eurusi slashes again and again with his scimitar, but Jessa finds and opening and cuts the man down.

Rymarr is charging through the hamlet, cutting a rider off his horse that comes at him, and Rymarr doesn't even break stride as he parries another charging Eurusi and cuts the man in half.

The robed Eurusi points at the templars guarding the church, and both of the men scream and tumble over, bursting into a black flame that turns them to ash where they stand. The fighting is quickly dying down with most of the Eurusi down to Deepwood soldiers as Rymarr and as the robed figure turns and starts to gesture towards Rymarr, the Marquis of Old Oak cuts the Eurusi's arm off, sending him sprawling off his horse and mortally wounded.

There's a haunting bubbling laugh that comes from the dying Eurusi bleeding on the ground, who with his remaining hand lifts a dagger up and then plunges it into his own heart, his laughter silencing. And then the ground rumbles. Jessa, Rymarr and most of the Deepwood soldiers struggle to contain their footing as the ground shakes from a sudden, impromptu earthquake, and Rymarr is coming to his feet when he is thrown back towards the church as the ground by him and the corpse of the Eurusi suddenly erupts in a gyser of flame and a beastial inhuman roar that further shakes the earth.

From the cracked earth, a clawed black fist as large as a man rises from the ground, slowly pulling a mishapen beast from the earth. The scaled monstrosity looks like a mix of alligator, ox and man, with horned tusks, scales and rows of fangs in an elongated snout. Covered in flames and hulking at twenty feet at the shoulder, it bellows in rage and stares at the church where the villagers and their children are hiding and starts moving forward, as Deepwood archers feather arrows at it.

And the only one standing between the demon and the church is Marquis Rymarr Deepwood, once of the King's Own.

What stands in the memory of the Deepwood soldiers afterwards is the complete lack of hesitation on the part of the Marquis of Old Oak. The roar of the beast has hardened soldiers turning pale and stumbling backwards, screaming in terror, and Rymarr is running as well- but he's running directly at the beast.

The beast's clawed fist swipes at Rymarr, and he batters away the claw, his alaricite shield bending under the inhuman pressure. Rymarr's alaricite sword flashes, cutting the hand away as he charges, slashing the underbelly of the beast and drawing a cry of pain and rage.

A frightening fast turn of the beast's body and a massive tail slams into Rymarr from the side, but he rolls away on the ground before its maw finds him and snaps him up. Rymarr then slashes into it's jaw, drawing another roar as he's splashed with the black acidic ichor of its blood, and Rymarr's shield is torn away by another claw that finally catches around his waist as his alaricite armor makes a shrill squeal as it bends under the demonic strength.

The Marquis slashes off a demon's finger, but the beast lifts him into his maw. Its fangs that are the size of a man's arm closing in on him, and biting through his armor with a horrifying crunch as it tries to swallow him. As the fangs pierce through Rymarr's chest and his upper body enters the beast's mouth, he thrusts his sword up with all his might, the blade piercing all the way up through its skull.

The beast's monstrous body turns black and begins to disintegrate into ash and smoke, with Rymarr falling to the ground as Deepwood troops rush and surround him. His body ravaged, the Sir Rymarr Lyonesse and Marquis Rymarr Deepwood of Old Oak lets out a final shuddering breath. It's silent in the village, save for the sobs of relief from the villagers in the Church. Not much is said for a very long time, but all the soldiers and villagers agree.

None had seen a man die as valorously as Rymarr.

At the request of Marquis Rymarr, Reese is going to attempt to speak with House Rutherford vassal of house Greyreeve and attempt to get this house to either shift their loyalty to the House Deepwood or withdraw their participation from the conflict. The goal is that such will help encourage House Greyreeve to work with house Deepwood well and help things on their end. Reese will use no violence in her attempt unless it is in direct self defense of herself and those with her. She is attempting to use charm and diplomacy. She is attempting to convince them that not participating in the conflict is in their best interest. She is hoping to bring along some with her who are charming and diplomatic to help with this process. She is being careful not to amp up the conflict, get into any fights or undermine the efforts o those working with House Greyreeve. She will report any results quickly to Marquis to Rymarr. She is being careful not to take over the situation as a Grayson, but rather to help as an ally to House Deepwood.

Lisebet has been asked to bring her diplomatic skills to this endeavour, to try to help with the talking, convincing and persuasion. She's definitely not there to fight, but is more than willing to try to help resolve things peacefully. She's asked for information on House Rutherford in order to get to know them and what they might need/want, to try to come to a peaceful conclusion with them withrawing their participation from the conflict, in aid of the end goal -- to encourage House Greyreeve to work with their liege productively. She is not there to take things over, any more than Reese is, but is there as a diplomat to try to ease the conflict if she can.

Lady Kaia Bisland is part of the low-key ambassadorial party traveling, with Princess Reese Grayson, to House Ratherford’s lands per Marquis Rymarr’s request with the purpose of "charming" (discreetly commanding) and "persuading" (subtly leading) the members of the barony to shift their loyalty towards House Deepwood; or, at the very least, convince them to desist from supporting House Grayreeve on their open rebellion.

Innate charm, silver tongue and honeyed words come together to form a suave masterpiece of tactful mediation. The lovely little Bisland begins with some customary pleasantries, all the while making a subtle but quite perceptive assessment of House Ratherford's needs, before delving deep into highlighting some of the perks and benefits that could prove to be more advantageous to them, the oh-so-great and wise Ratherford’s, in the long run - ONLY IF they were to choose to shift their loyalty to House Deepwood, OR, at the very least, simply cooperate through the withdrawal of both martial and provision support to said rebellion.

Ratherford really was just looking for an excuse to stay out of it, since there's little political benefit to them supporting Grayreeve in his confrontation, so they are all too happy to use any reason to stay out of it. Which doesn't mean they aren't looking for the most benefit out of this that they can. Ultimately they are willing to back down from supporting Augustus, and support his much less warlike and difficult son Thomas, in exchange for a few mills in areas contested with other groups.

The Reaper's fortress was destroyed by Dame Ida Ferron's ballista bolt, an act that is no doubt a miracle granted by Gloria and one that restores faith in Preston that they are on the right path in taking opportunity to destroy one of her enemies. Her forces are dead, her redoubt is gone. Yet, there was no sign of the Reaper. And more worryingly Preston has learnt others are collecting the dark metal blades, no doubt for some attempt to piece together the Will. An act that would mark a failure of the Templars, and one Preston cannot allow given the commands of Gloria as her various chosen have relayed to him.

Preston knows how the Will whispers, how it encourages them to build these armies, to find strength, to cause death. So he knows that though the smart choice would be to hide in some mountain cave, that is unlikely to be the path taken. Instead she will hide where she can also seek strength, she will hide amongst the people - it will be the roads and villages that pay the price for what Preston sees as his failure to ensure her death at the redoubt.

Preston also knows that one person must be opposed by a small group not by an army they can easily avoid. Preston is going keep his forces in Blackram lands and begin searching himself the villages close to where the Reaper's base. They will check for unexplained deaths, for new generals. And more importantly, in case she did died, any sign of a new holder of the Gate of Oblivion scythe. Any indication of strangers or strangeness that might lead them.

As they visit these villages, Preston will be wearing his ring to try and detect any sign of the Abyss and he will be carrying Crusader, hoping that it may also provoke the Will to whisper to the Reaper to be reckless, this opportunity to claim or disrupt Gloria's sword being too tempting. So as well as wolf hunting the Reaper, Preston sees himself in this as a fatted lamb, tempting her into a reckless attack - knowing emotion rules with the tainted. He will of course also spend time deep in prayer for guidance, using it to pause and think upon the direction he must go, praying to Gloria to use him in this task for her will to be done.

To avoid the risk of her escape, Preston will order his crownland templars who accompanied him to the area, and the Templars of Blackram to seal the area, to hold the roads. Likenesses best as they can produce of The Reaper and possibile sigils she may bear, as well as the description of the blade, will be passed to sentries and all who pass will be checked. Should the Roads crisis be ongoing, it also helpfully means an army of Templars sit in Blackram lands, in case Threerivers might act against the Templars at Clearlake or if Fireside causes trouble. Should Threerivers attack Blackram directly, and risk the hunt, during this time, Preston will make it clear to their leaders that the Faith's mission here is from the Gods and overrides any petty feud of their temporal Lords - to disrupt it is to challenge the will of the Gods and their most Holy Church. In short, he is not going to let them break his cordon and risk the Reaper's escape but will do all he can short of that to get them to back down and bugger off if they come.

Preston will seek a small band of the local lords and those he trusts to stand against the Reaper. He will also bring silver to provide alms and charity as they go, hearing of the struggles of the local people, and hopefully making them more friendly towards the Templars and helping them. Of course, more recruits in the Oathlands is always better to his mind. And never a bad time to do it.

If they should find the Reaper or Oblivion's Gate, her dark metal scythe, Preston will secure it in the box Ida has made, inscribing blessings and what markings of containment he knows from exorcism into the box, careful when doing so not to touch the blade with his bare hands. He will then seal the box inside a chest. He will bring 5 such chests with him. This means should they be ambushed on the road and it is necessary to dispatch the chest ahead while they fight a rearguard, the enemy will not know which rider to chase. Hopefully though that won't be necessary.

Invited to join Preston on this mission to root out Ines Cheval (or whomsoever may have taken up the Oblivion in her stead) within the Cloudspine, Teagan will venture out and take up her bow. It is as much an opportunity to see how the Blackram lands are doing and to be among the people as it is to aid in a venture she has worked alongside the Templar with for some months now. She is also going to task some of the scouts with acting as forward agents alongside the Templars: going ahead to chosen locations to gather information, speak to people, and report back. Being as knowledgeable about the region (and familiar sights) as they are, they'll be able to operate quickly, easily, and without too much notice.

Tasked with forging a container at Sir Preston's request, Ida will attempt to do just that, as well as act in whatever supporting manner he might need her for. The container will be made with a mix of steel and diamondplate, smooth so as to be etched should such be necessary. As a hand-to-hand fighter, she has no plans on throwing into the fray, but won't stand idly by if things spill over and it becomes necessary.

Reese will attend this mission with Grandmaster Preston and the Templars. She will follow Preston's lead unless something happens and he seems to loose his mind or something (because one never knows!). She will come while adorned on her steel silk for protection. She will also bring her alatricte blade Devotion and her Cobalt blade. She will have her bow just in case she needs range. Reese will fight if needed, trying to be careful not to harm any innocents who might happen be around (because one also never knows!). While she is a knight of Solace, she considers herself a guest of the Faith and the Templars on this. She will feel honored to be invited. Reese will fight if needed. She will try to help keep those around her safe. She will try to be alert to any information that can be discover and she share what he learns with Preston.

It is to no one's surprise that Amund would be interested in seeing the capture or kill of a most dangerous shav through. Clad in his gear and wielding his trusty blade Moonlight, the sellsword Northlander will try to assist Preston set up patrols in the roads that might lead to the capture of Ines Cheval or at the very least deter her escape routes, as well as employ his martial abilities to the utmost of his capabilities.

After all, if he manages to pull this off, it's another check-marked achievement in his list. If tactically employable, he will attempt to flank the wielder of the fragment of the Will as they battle Preston, allowing the knight to fight with Gloria's sword on even terms, especially if the shav or possible other wielder of the Gate has henchmen or dangerous followers to attempt to tip the balance.

They found the Reaper, and through some ingenuity and perseverance were able to secure the Scythe. Or Lady Teagan was, which was almost a very large problem. Though eventually the Scythe ended up in the box Ida created, there was almost a rather large problem - which leaves a few outstanding questions indeed. But for now, the Reaper is no more.

Peri admires all of the work her brother organized the Seliki Engineering Corp and so many of the Compact into building the Great Road. Her brother has inspired her. Are there not more great engineering projects the Selikis can accomplish? What of a fortress to protect the Pearlspire and the Compact and give the Pearlspire a shipyard and port? Seliki engineers are capable of this great work. Pearlspire will be able to create a fleet like no other. Her allies will be able to use the port and have ships built for them. Peri will finally be able to give Kalani a hospital ship to command.

Peri will use her command and leadership skills to organize teams of people in this work. She directs people to build fortifications that will provide protection and early warning for hostilities in the sea.

Peri wishes for this project to provide protection along the North East coast of Arvum and in the waterways between Arvum and the northern chain of the Mourning Isles. The fortress will be able to provide defense as well as a base for patrol fleets to keep the sealanes clear from piracy.

Peri also wishes for this project to provide a stable location from which scouts and couriers can be safely quartered and provisioned while also ensuring access to a well maintained stretch of road, should a rider need to be dispatched post haste OR a larger response be fielded to the shore line, The fortifications will provide lookout for impending threats. (OOC: thanks! Kalani provided words for this paragraph. she is good at this.)

Peri will consult with with people who provide quick responses to emergencies at sea and along the coast to ensure that the construction will meet their needs and allow them a base to push from. People such as Physicians, Mercies, Order of The East Light. They will have facilities and docking rights.

Peri has spoken with Legate Ailith to get advice on prayers and blessings, and Legate Ailith recommended that Peri meet with her Seraph in Pearlspire to ask for prayers and blessings for the work. Peri asks to have prayers on the people doing the work so that they are protected from injury and harm. She ask for prayers for wisdom in planning. She will ask for blessings upon the construction and for a dedication of it to the pantheon.

Peri will speak with economic advisors to have them plan new trade routes for the area.

Orrin is primarily providing military expertise so that the fortress and shipyard will be properly outfitted for those purposes; though it will surely provide economic benefit, his priority is seeing to the enduring security of the Pearlspire, the Crownlands, and the Compact, in that order. He will be reviewing design choices made by others to ensure that war vessels can be produced at speed; that shipping lanes and cargo platforms are well-protected by the edifices; and that the towers are appropriately arrayed to provide a complete range of visibility to warn of impending attacks, whether by pirates, raiders, or military forces, foreign or otherwise. He will be leveraging military contacts so that it is clear that this port and fortress are meant to provide a continuity of protection for the sea and coasts north of Arx.

Maru does his best to drum up support and resources for the port, extolling the virtues of increased naval defenses and shipbuilding capabilities along the northern coast of the Crownlands.

A lifetime of war has given Gabriel a great appreciation for the usefulness of a well situated fortress and awareness some of the common pitfalls that allowed him to breach countless Shav'arvani fortifications in the gray forest. It's this experience he offers to share with the Seliki engineers as well as an amount of material support from Bisland itself

Always pleased to assist in developing the strength of the Crownlands, Alaric lends some of the Crown bureaucracy's technical expertise as well as some resources for building the project.

Michael Bisland sets about securing authorization for just such a behemoth. Permits and such, ensuring it'll be marked upon mercantile maps. Being a Voice means access to diplomatic channels that some don't have. And the wherewithal to negiotiate within them.

Using the Crafters Guild's best artisans, Joscelin would help the Selikis design a fortress that is not only funtional, but the most beautiful, a tribute to the location and the legacy of its people, as well as a clear testament of the Crafters Guild's nurtured talent and growth in these years past. She would also help negotiate on behalf of the Selikis, ensuring they get the best materials available at the most affordable prices without cutting anyone out.

Etienne lends his expertise where it is applicable, furthering the efforts of civilization and advising where he can for best economic results. This in addition to be generally supportive and lending perspective, education, and teaching the ideals of the Faith to others.

For a feat of such magnitude, there should be significant propaganda campaign done to ensure that word is spread regarding the greatness of House Seliki and what they are doing. Scythia is seeking to do precisely this, using what contacts she has to sway them to supporting the cause. After all, would it not be great to have defenses in that region from the dangers that might be faced? Would it not be beneficial to look to make trade deals with a port, freshly formed, that allows for easy export in both Northlands and Crownlands? What about the ample opportunity of employment in such a place on the surge of an economic boom? Naturally Scythia seeks to sway the population into thinking precisely this, and better yet, ensuring that they believe that is really what they wanted to do to begin with.

Reese will join and help with this by using her military background to support the project, but even more so she will try to lend her voice by providing and help provide hype for the building. She will make sure to be seen about as the night of ribbons, being positing and excited about the project. She will try to inspire those working upon such, including laborers and others who are in the area. Reese will spend time on the site and try to help keep spirits high. She will talk to not only those building, but she will visit any nearby shops and merchants, try the local food, talk to children who around, people bringing lunch to their family. The whole idea is to help keep people energetic, excited and unified about the project.

Prince Ahriman Grayson as a recently appointed admiral after ensuring the engineers build him a command room of his own and making sure he has a copy of the blueprints will assist in the strategic position and location of this fortress.

1) He will make sure that the approaches and location is a prime defensible position.

2) He will advise to build additional defensive measures such as lumber to generate smoke (in case of sky born assault) to help obscure the fortress from elevated targeting for a time.

3) Ahriman will aslo make sure to do his best to ensure that the currents nearby are charted, timed, and that ranges of defenses are timed and adjusted regularly to be optimal in their defense of the fort.

He will advise on other measures and generally assist with the strategic elements of this fort.

Rysen organizes the shipping of blackwood lumber to be used in the construction of the port, and makes diplomatic entreaties for Crovane sailors to use the new port as the primary port of call for trade voyages on their way south to the Oathlands and east to the Mourning Isles.

Fianna will ensure that shipments to the port are approved and will also support its construction with lumber from Stormwall. She will also offer naval assistance should the effort need it, as well as any other support that she is able to provide to see that this project is a success.

In the wake of his successful tour of Pearlspire with Lady Rey, Kaldur returns to Pearlspire as advocate for the people of the county, especially those who will be most affected by the large undertaking, highlighting that change - Lagoma be praised - is essential for growth.

Pearlspire and the new port will be a jewel - a beautiful, gleaming pearl - in the crown of the Great Road, seated (or seeded) appropriately in the Pearlspire. It doesn't escape his - or anyone's notice - that pearls are born from grit... from intrusions turned by long and steady effort into things of beauty. It's the point! To support this message of change and perseverence, he works to ensure that the everyone is working together so that the outcomes are positive and to minimize any negative impacts on the people and industry of Pearlspire.

He also makes a sizeable donation to the Faith, to support the Faith's outreach in the Pearlspire or wherever it is most needed (OOC: 100,000 silver, 50k attached to the action, 50k given or donated to the Faith when the action resolves).

Lady Ilmia is going to be working with Peri to talk up the port and how it can help numerous people. Her social graces have been needing to be put to use and this is a great opportunity while also helping another of the Grayson fealty.

The Seliki Engineers work very hard on what Lady Peri is calling "The Portress." A fortress and a port all at one, this provides quite a staging point for ships and patrolling. With high walls and strategic defense positions, it makes for a surprisingly safe port of call.

Under Count Orrin, the plans are strategically sound. With Lord Kaldur helping direct the Engineering Corps - and spending a surprising amount of time working on the port and out in a ship handling... something to do with water, no one's quite sure - the work goes smoothly. Duke Gabriel and Prince Ahriman also provide sound tactical advice on locations and setup. Guildmistress Joscelin makes minor adjustments to the plans that just somehow make the whole thing seem - just right somehow. Unexplainable, but right.

Etienne offers a blessing along with the Seraph of Pearlspire. Lady Ilmia, Duchess Fianna, Lord Rysen, Princess Reese, Lady Scythia, Lord Maru, Lord Michael, and even the King work very hard to promote this as a Very Good Thing, and people - not just the people in Seliki but also their allies who have every intention of using that new and safe port - are excited about it. Piracy is down and trade is up, and overall that's a very, very good thing.

With each new tragedy there are people that never come home and often times efforts to help them focus on only the families that are suffering from the latest tragedy. Princess Sabella Grayson wants to make sure that no family is forgotten and will be pushing a huge fundraising effort to help those that have lost loved ones during the recent skirmishes surrounding the Great Road, the Lodge, the Gyre War, and even the Silent War. Families don't stop grieving when a new crisis arises and Princess Sabella wants those families to know that the Compact remembers. The funds will be used to put together packages that include food, clothing, household items, and toys where applicable. Further arrangements will also be made to help family members who are looking for it find positions as apprentices or squires or household servants so that they can further help their families

Kaldur's own assistant is someone who lost one of her brothers in the Gyre war. Her brother Aonghus was found and brought to Arx. He's invested in this personally and on a larger scale. Kaldur has got a big heart and isn't shy about sharing it. Plus, with the Eater stirring, remembering people and stories and events is more important now than it ever was.

This is Sabella's passion and damn if Nik isn't going to get in there and do what he can to help realize it! So he helps by using his connections in the Isles and the already-softened sentiment created by the war with the Gyre, the specter of a future war with one of the new foreign powers or Reveka Tyde, to fundraise for Sabella's works. Surely the greatest of us can find it in ourselves to give for the meanest among us.

The College assists, via Gianna. Bards circulate through the city, drumming up interest as best they can. The bards passing through are encouraged to spread the word as well, so who knows how far this will spread? Gianna herself? She'll perform. Surely, the legendary Nightingale will draw a crowd, singing a heartbreaking song of sorrow.

Olivia isn't as skilled at rallying people and gathering supplies, but she still wants to help. So she will be helping with the actual delivery of the supplies gathered. That way she can go to the villages and provide physicians services for free to the people in need of it.

Liara helps with the organisation and administration of the charitable effort. She does enjoy organising. This includes assisting with the direction of resources and ensuring that they are properly used, using her not inconsiderable capacity for and experience of stewardship. She largely stays out of the public eye for this one.

Tabitha's efforts are focused through her art. She'll be painting beautiful but tasteful posters to bring awareness of the fundraising efforts, and will place them in strategic locations to draw the attention of wealthy philanthropists. She'll also put up paintings for auction -- considerate works that symbolise the worthiness of compassion and helping those in need.

Reese would like to join this charity and try to help raise money and help. She lead the Grayson troops in the War of Silence and Commanded the navy in the Gyre word. She also also at the lodge battle. She would like to do what she can to help those who were harmed by such and their families. She would like to make a showing a the Knight of Ribbons and encourage as much support for this project as possible.

There's immense appreciation for this, as the many victims from the different conflicts are gratified to be remembered and to be receiving much needed aid, particularly in families that found the pensions just didn't stretch as far as they hoped. Their prestige greatly increases.

Great Road Patrol/Reese is going lead a patrol of the Great Road in the Crownlands in the name of Grayson and Solace. Her goal is to keep the road for travelers, merchants and civilians safe. She wants to help keep the road in Bastian as a safe place to travel and she wants to contribute toward the road being used to help increased trade in the Crownlands. She is bringing along about half of the Grayson army. She is going to try avoid battles if possible. She will be focusing on chasing off thieves, those stealing and attacking from the road. She will not attack anyone who is not hostile to their patrol, clearly tainted by the abyss unless they are someone attacking others who will not cease such. She will retreat from overwhelming odds. She will try diplomatic means before going into combat if possible. She really wants to bring back the army in one piece. They are staying on or close to the road. They are going to follow the normal paths that Solace would take. She is not going to venture into the lands of Grayson Vassals because she respects agency. So while she patrols the pathways, she won't go chasing down bad guys in Riven lands for example. She hopes to make a positive show of force that will help those in the Bastian. She hopes to a patrol that reflects well on both Grayson and Solace. She will throw in the weight of her name as the Knight of Ribbons and the Grayson General to help in the image of the patrol. Since many important members of her family supported the road, she also hopes to give the road a better image as well.

Reese has invited Rey to be the head Mercy that moves on the road with this large group. She will be there to offer healing to the warriors as well as any on the road that has need. During this time she will be looking and marking sites for warstations to be placed along the road itself.

Rymarr will be present to aid in the patrols of the Great Road alongside House Grayson's efforts. He will be present to offer himself in the physical sense, but to also act as counsel when sought by the General of House Grayson.

Lisebet has been asked to come along, bringing her diplomatic skills. She's there to try that diplomatic approach in an attempt to settle things peacefully wherever possible. To that end, she'll be studying up on the lands they're going on, and making sure she's got a good idea of who she might be speaking to and with, so that when they are there, she will be at her best. Although she's not a Whisper, she's a fairly good diplomat, and used to helping out in such ways.

As a former Crownsworn and with a fierce loyalty to the crown and the vassal houses under the Graysons, if Princess Reese asks Jyri to help, he will come. So, using his expertise as a soldier, he will join this effort. He has a vested personal interest in the safety of the road as well, and it fits perfectly with his wish to see that refugees can travel safely to safe areas. The safer this part of the road is, the better for them. He will keep to what Reese orders, but offer his expertise at living in the wilds, work as a scout in the nearby forests to look for trouble, and he can also talk Crownlands Shav'arvani should they face any Shav'arvani of that kind - not that he's much of a diplomat, but he can translate if needed. And of course, if it becomes violent, he knows how to use that spear.

As per the modus operandi of Princess Reese, Lord Bedivere rides forth with Hawkhold's Soldiers and some promising Solace recruits mixed in ((from @action 3080)) at a 10:1 ratio. He will help patrol that Great Road which he and his men helped build. Whenever come close to Whitehawk lands, they temporarily detour to check those then join back up with the Grayson patrol.

Olivia is comming along to help keep the group healthy. She is not a fighter and won't be able to contribute in any martial way, but hopefully her knowledge of Medicines, Herbs, Alchemy, will help keep everyone in top top shape! Ideally though the group stays safe and healthy enough to not need her skills.

A show of force is enormously helpful. The Crownlands were spared much of the worst of the problems facing the rest of Arvum as a result of the Great Road, due to Alaric forbidding construction in areas that would have cut through largely Shav'arvani controlled lands. Being spared the worst doesn't mean 'no', however, as more than one Abandoned group took advantage of the distraction of the chaos of the Great Road to prey on travelers, and brigand attacks are at a high not seen in decades. Reese patrol largely puts an end to that.

Some of the groups can be talked down, of course, particularly with force behind them. Lisebet is able to resolve one inane border conflict between House Twinstone and House Ratherford, two of the baronies sworn to Grayreeve that had quarreled since Augustus' declaration. Jyri is able to convince the Gray Forest Reavers to stay well clear of this, after some had ventured from closer to Nox lands. Rey and Olivia help aid many of the wounded on the road, which turns out to be more than might be expected- there was at least four significant skirmishes between Whitehawk soldiers under Bedivere's command and brigand groups, ending with the latter's apprehension.

Reese and Rymarr lead the main Grayson forces, and there is one major engagement against a several-hundred strong force of Clan Wildrage, who seemed to be preparing a major raid against villages near Old Oak lands. Suspiciously, Clan Wildrage is closer to Grayreeve lands than it is to Old Oak, making it exceedingly odd that they would have been able to travel that far unchallenged, but unfortunately the handful of ones that surrendered were clan spearcarriers that only knew that they were told by their leaders that Old Oak lands were vulnerable and ripe for raids.

At any rate, as a result of the patrols, the Crownlands are significantly safer for it, and word spreads of their success.

Reese would like to try to work on increasing the defenses of Bastian. She got the okay from the King to do such. She is doing this largely in response to the Great Road, but also in response to concerns that the slaver might cause trouble there. This might be a multi-step process. The first step and the goal of this action, is going to be recruiting for the Grayson Army. Reese would like to travel about the Grayson lands and recruit for the army while bringing along some charming, intelligent and knowledge people to aid in such. Reese will have a gentle hand about such and while not hard pressure anyone into joining the army. She will only accept adults who are consenting into the army. She is willing to take prodigals, but she will take extra care with them to try and make sure they want to be in the army and they are not spies. She will for the most part only take healthy recruits in both mind and body who she feels would have a fighting chance as part of the army. She will be honest about the risks of joining up. Despite honesty, she will be hopeful and focus on the greatness of Grayson, the importance of protecting the road, the importance of protecting the people of Grayson and the expectations of military victories. She will not directly speak about the slaver as she feels such could incite panic, draw the slaver's focus or being a security concern for Grayson. She will try to keep them safe while recruiting. She would rather lose a few recruits than put her group at danger or increase tensions along the road. She wants to take great care not to cause further troubles.

Liara takes a trip upriver to Bastion - it's good to be home, and besides that, she knows no small number of people there who might help with recruitment. She goes about constructing a propaganda campaign. Whether talking to people in person (in part by way of giving 'impromptu' talks in public places, in part speaking directly with local leaders) or by asking one of her acquaintances to assist, she does what she can to encourage people to enlist. A core point is how House Grayson always does what it can to keep its vassals and its people safe, and that by joining the army, people will be able to further that goal and consequently ensure the security of their own friends and families. Of course, she notes, the pay is quite respectable too.

The Radiant Emeritus excels in the arts of negotiation and talking -- discreetly, quietly, whether to groups or to individuals. Whether mustering or an army from eager visitors or reaching out to uneasy Prodigal bands, she uses the art of conversation to build those bridges needed to encourage recruitment. A variety of means at her disposal are employed: reminding people of the sacrifice of Copper, the honour enjoyed by the soldiers, the blessings of the Faith, the Prodigals in the Gray Forest rising in defense of their homes and Compact citizens during the Lodge. When reluctance shows, she individually speaks with elders and hunters or warriors alike to soothe their concerns and relay these to Reese. The prevailing theme of unity and peacemaking she uses throughout. When called upon, she can speak to the positive effect on perceptions of the Prodigals and shav'arvani who have staked their lives for the good of their peoples. Examples include Alistair Velenosa and Thesarin Riven. Through serving a mutual aim, these brave warriors and would-be soldiers can change opinion and elevate their standing. And for everyone, she'll be happy to encourage resistant community leaders to bringing their thinking around by leading by example.

Roxana loves helping! She's not really great at increasing defenses of anywhere, but she does sort of know what that means! It means that Princess Reese needs shiny new army recruits! Military men! This Roxana can totally help with. She can give rousing speeches on the heroics of the men and women in the Grayson military, those who keep the Crownlands safe from the prettiest court ladies to the adorable little commoner kids, and everyone in between. She can appeal to the personal honor of those who seem like potential recruits, listening to them talk about their lives and then suggesting how much more meaningful they might be if they were devoted to protecting House Grayson and its people. She will talk to members of the peerage, to common folk in local gathering spots, and even pen well-written letters to send off to the corners of Grayson territory, hoping to catch as many eager young warriors in this net, or web, or invitation, as possible.

It's markedly successful. There's an extremely large surge of recruitment, greatly increasing the size of House Grayson's army, and their renown within House Grayson spreads. In addition, they do hear a bit more about the tenor inside the Crownlands. There's a great deal of concern about the Grayreeves- not that house itself, but the worry that it's just the start of a huge degree of pushback against the neo nobles and prodigals in the Compact, and many will turn to the great institutions like House Grayson for stability during trying times. ((Grayson army increased, vox up, individual prestige awards))

The Lodge of Petrichor stands - at a heavy price. Directly after the attacks stopped, a new unit was made in the Iron Guard: The Rangers, or the scouts. Jyri calls them The Crows. The unit will be a hundred men strong, but the Iron Guard is down with a thousand men, so recruitment is still ongoing. However, the existing new unit has some soldiers in it and they need to get to work despite being new.

Jyri will take the scouts out to the Lodge, and dispatch five groups with five men/women in each group out and scout around the Lodge. He wants to get back reports on the effects of the forst, that the Horned God and his minions left behind. He wants to see if there are Shav'arvani refugees that could be convinced to come to Arx to get help. He wants to see if there's been an effect on the land itself - trees, animals, anything odd. The scouts will be asked to stay out for no longer than two nights, and then report back. THey are NOT to engage in fights, but try to remain unseen or simply withdraw if they have to. Fighting will be if they have to defend themselves.

Jyri will scout himself as well, despite a severe lack of stealth, with a team of Iron Guards and close allies.

Reese would like to like join Jyri and help to scout. She would like to go on a scouting mission and help to collect information. She is following Jyri's lead on this mission and will only take over overall command if an emergent need for such arrives. Her goal is to find out information, not draw notice and not cause any trouble. She wants to be good strong support for Jyri and the Iron Guard on this scouting mission. She will fight if she has to in self defense, but her goal is to avoid fights and just collect intel.

Elora is going to be joining up with the scouts, working on her own stealth (which she currently has none of). She'll join Jyri in helping with the Shav'arvani refugees, offering medical aid where she's needed to them, soldiers, and wounded animals. She'll also be checking the area to make sure that the animal's homes are mostly undisturbed and that they can continue safely. She has a hawk and a hound to help aid her during her searches, one on the air and one in the ground.

concerned with the possible affects upon the land, Rhue has gone to specifically evaluate the trees and other flora for anomalies. While she does not have any stealth, she does have skills to assist injurred parties if necessary.

Marian offer her services to Jryi and the Iron Guard. She is willing to lead one of the parties sent out to scout into the forest. She will use her knowledge of survival to navigate the forest, treading lightly while she records the aftermath of the Horned Gods minions. She will bring her bow and on the journey teach the new recruits in her party how to survival in the forest. When she meets any Shav'arvani in the woods she will approach them as a prodigal, telling them of her experience in joining the Compact and trying to convince them to bend on knee. If they refuse, she will leave in piece, having the location mapped by one of her warriors. If they get aggressive, she will use her knowledge of the forest to quickly withdraw and disappear into the trees.

Harper has her own new orders to get underway from Bosshawk, but she's worked with Jyri for a long time and trained with him. So when her friend puts out the call for help, she naturally pitches in to help him build the team. When the time comes for the scouting, she'll head out with the others, taking along some of their new recruits on her team to use this as a training opportunity, as well as to gather information. Once in the field, she will set each of the recruits to their tasks before heading out herself with clear instructions not to engage, to stay low and out of sight, and to report back at regular intervals.

After all the trouble at the Lodge, it's hard to find any shav'arvani at all willing to talk to them. In fact, most scouts can't manage to find anyone at all. Whoever's still there in the Gray Forest, they're being extremely cagey and not at all welcoming to visitors. But this team is filled with seasoned scouts, so it's highly unlikely that they're going home empty-handed, right?

Reese, with her knowledge of the Gray Forest and her experience here, suggests they head northeast. There were plenty of problems coming from that direction toward the Lodge it's true, but by her reasoning that's also the most likely to have people resettled, now that the Compact has spent such time clearing out cultists and very large creatures who were perfectly normal and not any sort of name rhyming with "marmantuan."

Rhue keeps an eye on the foliage now too. With winter passing this should be the time of rebirth, but the foliage here in the forest is much greener than expected. The flowers are blooming early, and in such an abundance it's a heady trip through trees and grassy clearings of wildflowers. Dark red blood apparently does make the green grass grow.

Elora catches the next hint of life, studying the animals and their paths through the forest. She sees a family of deer, squirrels scampering through the trees, the trill of a delighted songbird. She stops, listening to the sounds of the forest and then she looks down and points. "That way," she says as she corrects their course due north now.

It's Harper that catches the next shift - she turns into the wind and sniffs, and there's a faint scent of smoke in the air. She raises a finger to her lips, a call for silence. Together they draw weapons, get ready, advance. Jyri shifts to point, Marian moves to rearguard. They move forward, together.

And they come upon.. a family. Around a campfire. They startle when they see the Compact's scouts, standing up quickly. The parents hide the children behind them protectively, but they raise their hands. It's clear they don't want trouble.

When questioned, they are quick to give up details. The cleansing of the Forest went surprisingly well. Those who followed the Horned God have gone, and their relief at not having the cultists and zealots nearby is palpable. Slowly they're returning to their homes, the shav of the Forest. But though they're grateful to the Compact for handling the massive problems and cultist issues, most of them simply want to live their lives. "No trouble," they says. "We want no trouble."

And that is the current status all through the Forest. Oh, the scouts find evidence of squabbles, and once in a while what looks like signs of a raiding party. But it seems that relative peace has returned to the Gray Forest.

For now.

Reese would like to encourage the Shavs she had ready to bend the knee for a barony to instead bend the knee to Deepwood and Riven somewhere along the lines of half and half. Not wanting to part families or anything like that, she will try to keep people together who want to stay together and will worry about that over being exactly even. She will once again not force anyone bend the knee, but instead will try to rely upon her charm and diplomacy to encourage such. She will stress the need to be safe from the slaver as a reason. Anyone who changes their mind about bending the knee will not be forced. With this she hopes to protect those she gathered to bend the knee from being taken by the slaver, but she also hopes to help increase the size of Riven and Deepwood. She hopes to strengthen her bonds with them and her image as a protector of the Gray Forest. She is going to encourage Countess Mia and Marquesa Samantha to help with such and will support them setting their own terms when it comes to bending the knee. Beyond not forcing the issue, she will honor and aid Mia and Samantha in doing things their way. Although she is pretty sure they wouldn't force anyways and has great faith in their ability to handle this well.

    (ooc note: This going to be done in place of getting the barony for Reese. She would rather the people safe and sworn houses she has faith in then waiting for around.)

Samantha of couse, is mad happy with the notion of adding land and people to her domain. As Mia has already indicated, she will want to more or less go through her now familiar process when it comes to incorporating would-be prodigals. She'll want to meet with the Shav'arvani leadership of the tribes and clans who want to consider swearing fealty to her, as much for them to talk to her as it is for her to talk to them. She'll offer a clear overview of Old Oak law and her expectations (she has not, to date, demanded her people join the Faith), and she'll want to address their expectations in return. She has the means to let her reputation speak for her, but she will also do some outreach with the shav'arvani population that is hoping to be incorporated, take time to expose herself to their particular clan culture and lives. Basically showing that she cares about respecting their way of life. If all goes well, assuming the 50/50 split Reese has proposed, she sit down with their leaders along with Mia and Reese, to determine the border between county and March.

Mia will do as she has so often done with the shav'arvani -- ride out to meet with them herself, and speak to them of all the possibilities of their future together, strenghtened by one another. To this point, she will wish to meet with the leaders of all of the clans and tribes, to hear out their concerns, their requests, their requirements. The utmost respect will be shown to them and to their elders over the course of these discussions, and each point addressed not with vague promises but with specific, pertinent examples of situations faced by others who have joined her banners, with frank honesty given as to their results and current state as best she is able. She will lay forth her own, which are simple enough, as they pertain to the laws of Riven and the requirements of the Compact. Mia will point, too, to the large number of Prodigals that have settled in the County in the last fifteen years, and what has become of them -- their lives, their fortunes, their successes, and yes, their service. Emphasis will be placed on the dire circumstances which Riven and the Greenwoods found themselves in once, with strong comparisons made to the threats made by the Horned God and his minions now, and how each may assure the survival of the other now as was done then, with Thesarin to stand as evidence of the benefits of unity. She will, too, speak of her future hopes and plans for the County -- for developing its lands, for strengthening its defenses, and soon for expanding its armies, all of which may provide opportunity for those who have been displaced from their homes and forced to abandon their property in the face of current threats, thus giving them hope of a more secure future for them and for their children. (NOTE: I have not added resources to this as I was uncertain if they'd be needed, based on Reese already having the people. However, if they would be beneficial to the outcomes as outlined in my/our OOC intent, then I am more than happy to contribute 250 Econ/350 Social from my personal inventory.)

Thesarin will, once again, be riding into the Grey Forest to welcome the Prodigals into the Compact. His own example, he hopes, will serve as a show of the treatment of Abandoned in the Houses of Deepwood and Riven, and he hopes his reputation (mixed though it might be) will carry weight to people in the Grey Forest. As the Prodigal Count-Consort of a largely Prodigal land, welcoming to many peoples, and with his own fame (or infamy) to draw on, he hopes to peacably gain lands and people; with his experience fighting the Slaver's monsters in the woods, and with the fang of Braxxus the Bloodsniffer set at the pommel of his sword, he looks to show the dangers they face and the protection he offers.

The current state of the Gray Forest creates great risk for the average person unaffiliated with the Compact. With Old Oak and its ruler prepared to accept more potential citizens, Rymarr's duties are in need once again. Security is increased in the interest of providing these latest individuals seeking to join with the March with added safety. Rymarr has progressively become more and more accustomed to directing and coordinating large groups of people; first as the Marquis of Lyon's Redoubt, then onward to the King's Own, the Iron Guard, and of course as the military leader of House Deepwood. Outside of warfare, there's plenty of opportunity and reason to employ such skills in the aid of both those committing themselves once more to joining the Compact through House Deepwood and House Deepwood itself.

Of course Rymarr would be missing a golden opportunity not to put on a little show for their arriving citizenry in the form of putting their finest troops forward in hopes of inspiring some of their potential new citizens into enlisting in the ranks of House Deepwood's 2nd Banner.

So they are happy to serve. Maybe a little too happy, in fact. There's one very respected Abandoned priest named Rufus Proudwood who heartily endorses Reese's message, and encourages the different shav groups to settle on Deepwood and Riven lands. Not shamanistic at all, but definitely a divergent line of Pantheon worship that seems to hold Petrichor as the One True God and All Others Are Subservient Before Him And His Wilds, the Divine of the Dirt has been gaining a lot of traction among abandoned groups as of late, and it's a version of worship that is why the Proudwoods were cast out of the Compact during the Elven War. Now the prodigals all bending the knee to Samantha and Mia seem to listen to Thesarin and Rymarr and go out of their way to avoid creating problems, and the patch of proudwood land does pass to Riven while most of the people pass to Deepwood, but some of Rufus' teachings are a little odd. One common sermon supposedly was, "THE GREAT HORNED BEAST IS COMING FOR US ALL! WE NEED TO PROTECT HIS DAUGHTERS OR ELSE ALL IS LOST! WHEN THE CENTIPEDES RISE TO EAT EVERYONE AND FORM SHACKLES OF WRITHING BUGS AROUND THEM, ONLY HIS DAUGHTERS WILL SAVE US!" And so on. It's quite apocalyptic. The proudwoods and their get are VERY happy to settle on Riven and Deepwood lands for some reason.

As for Rufus? Well, accordingly right as they were all about to finally bend the knee, he ran off screaming into the woods saying that 'It had finally come for him!' and was found in a ditch with his barely recognizable devoured form covered in centipedes. So nothing too strange.

Sorrel gathers friends and family to her, around a warm brazier. "The time has come," she says, "To cleanse the primum and to sing the world as it truly is. This is my song. This is my ritual. Yours may be different, in turn, for it must truly come from you. I pray that each of you supports me wholeheartedly in this and that you take this as a sample to perform your own ritual."

"Let me sing you a song of love in thirteen verses, each one carefully written with time and creativity. Let me sing Love into the Dream with joy and sacrifice:"

Each bit of the song is pinned to a scrap of fabric that is meant to represent the person or thing the verse of the song is about. The first one is a scrap of violet baby blanket. The second one is a square of gray fabric with a Thrax sea serpent embroidered on it. The third is simply plain gray fabric. The fourth is a bit of aeterna, very plain. The fifth is another square of plain gray fabric, this one with the sigil of the King's Own. The sixth is a square of green seasilk with a sword worked upon it. The seventh is white silk with a spiraling red vine embroidered on it. The eighth is white aeterna edged in gold threads. The ninth is a dirty piece of wool. The tenth is brilliant green seasilk, embroidered with tiny clovers all over it. The eleventh is umbra with the sigil of House Wyrmguard embroidered thereon. The twelvth is also umbra, this time with the sigil of House Thrax. The thirteenth is umbra edged in gold. As the song is sung, the appropriate bit of fabric is placed into the brazier to be consumed.

1 Kyrios is a hope for the sanctity of life, a beautiful new thing being born, something that can grow into something new and greater than that which proceeded it:

Precious love of mine
For nine long months time
Small one within me
No greater love than thee

2 Galen is love. Passion, ambition, attraction, and all the things that attract people to one another. Let the world be full of love and lovers:

My great love for you is a burning flame
Now one and whole, we are never the same
Half of me is you; what am I to do?
To your dear love I will always be true.

3 Leona is faithfulness and fidelity, the choice of a dearest friend. Beautiful and true, a close bond of spirits in trust and friendship:

Sister not of body but of spirit.
To you do I tell secrets; you hear it.
A special bond of choice and freedom dear:
Our friendship in the purest sense is clear.

4 The Choir is a group of us with similar talents who all sing the Dream as it really is. Freedom and love and beauty:

Beautiful dreamers, listen now to me
Hear my song truly; it lets you be free
Power and strength coming with every note
Let the world be as my song is so wrote.

5 Corban is strength and honor, the true knight. Given the opportunity to do something the right way, he will take the path of righteousness:

Brother you are, though no brother you be
Like my own kin is how you are to me.
To you I entrust the most precious weight
Knowing that you are a knight very great

6 Luca was a Champion, and he stood for the honor of others. He also fights for the Light as a member of the Inquisition. Although he may not be a knight, he is a great man, admirable and true:

A fighter you are, champion to all
Dueling for true, never taking the fall.
Working for Light yet behind the closed door
We're lucky to have you give 'em what for!

7 Tikva represents sisterhood and platonic love. The sort of love that comforts you through tears and is joyful for you when you're joyful, love that melds in harmony:

Beautiful singer, sing your songs with me
Together meld in perfect harmony
Best friend and girl friend and companion true
I'll always be found singing next to you.

8 Ailith is Faith, a friend who has recently found her way to greater heights. Faith and love of the gods is important, a real true religious sort of love:

Peaceful, faithful, knowing of mystery,
Joyful, respectful, caring of history.
Guide me in the ways of the gods and love:
Advice that is tempered by those above.

9 Ian is loyalty. Love born of loyalty between soldiers, comrades in arms, in the field true. Love that is camaraderie:

Always at my back, you do yourself ride
Your right sword hand always at my side
Forever my protection with your men
Come! An adventure! I'll need you again!

10 Clover represents family love, the love that comes from sharing the same life growing up and the natural love and loyalty that inspires:

Beloved sister, bound by blood ties --
We would be best of friends yet anywise.
Bubbly temperament, always a joy:
When you were born, I was glad not a boy!

11 House Wyrmguard is where I grew up and how I developed my fascination with dragons. The love of House Wyrmguard, an ancient house, is one of fealty and devotion forever:

Though on the ground, the wyrms may yet lumber
The House recalls: Not all dragons slumber.
Danger is near? They will not surrender
As Valardin lives, they will remember.

12 House Thrax is where I married and to whom I currently owe fealty. Although I am not a sailor, I am learning to love the sea, and though I have reservations about some of their traditions, I am learning to love their culture:

A mariner's dream, so the current flows
Whenever the tide is out, there Thrax goes
Rough Islanders living off of the sea
One of their number is where you'll find me.

13 Music is what I want to fill the world with. Beautiful music is the song to which we should all live our lives, singing the Dream true and full of love:

A song is a song, but in the right key,
It can be a balm for you or for me.
All the world's dreams can be sung in music:
Finding the right words is the only trick.

Cora will learn the ritual through being present when Sorrel performs it so that she might perform it herself to teach others.

Sabella will quietly watch Sorrel's ritual with rapt attention!

Charlaine will learn the ritual through being present when Sorrel performs it. Charlaine will definitely try to perform it herself later in order to spread the knowledge and asisst in cleaning the primum.

Sparte will be present to observe, learn, and lend support.

Amari will sit in to watch Sorrel enact the ritual so she might learn and perform it herself (not nearly as awesomely, but she'll try her best when it's time)!

Having been invited to witness Sorrel's ritual, and hoping to learn it, Alexis attends to bear witness - and if necessary, offer protection, presuming any danger is even physical.

Carita will observe with awe, take notes as she listens, and quietly lends her support to the cleansing of the primum. There are moments when Sorrel's song brings tears to her eyes, or a smile to her face and while she might want to close her eyes to let that song wash over her, she doesn't so that she can witness every last moment.

Invited to bear witness to the ritual, Denica will stay with them and study with her so that she might perform the ritual herself someday.

Caspian watches the ritual with interest, and when it is over, he can already be seen scribbling down verse ideas!

Katarina is but one of many invited along to bear witness to the ritual that may very well begin cleansing the primum of its poison in the land. She listens, watches with rapt attention and intrigue, ready to help however she may.

Sina has been invited to witness the ritual to learn it. She has agreed to bear witness and learn, that the primum may be cleansed.

Ohboyohboyohboy! THIS IS IT! IT IS HAPPENING! /MAGIC/!!! Well, the first step towards it anyway. When Sorrel invites her to come observe the ritual, Caith is the first one there. Bright and early. Probably even before she and Galen and the baby are even awake that day. 'Don't mind me,' she'll shout through the door at the Thrax Estate. 'I'll just wait out here in the hall until you guys are ready!' A few minutes will go by. 'Are you ready now?' A few minutes more. 'How about now?' Five minutes later: 'Do you need help in there? Have you fallen down and hurts yourselves? Come on! Let's get a move on! IT'S RITUAL DAY! WHEEEE!' Caith is there with paper and pen and ink, all bright-eyed and bushy tailed and ready to take /NOTES/. And when Sorrel is done, she will ask /QUESTIONS/ to double-check, triple-check and cross-check her notes. Because, and maybe this isn't clear but: Caith is VERY INVESTED in this.

Bianca will also be observing so that in the future she too may perform and teach others for the betterment of all humanity.

Sasha will sit and carefully watch the ritual as Princess Sorrel performs it. She is eager to learn to so she can help the Primum be cleansed.

Olivia is likewise joining in to watch and learn!

Edain willl participate and observe the ritual. He will be somber and respectful, but he will be paying close attention. His intention is to attempt to perform this rite at Cairn Valardin in the very near future.

Desiree will be there to witness and study the ritual. She is hoping to learn to perform it.

Zoey will be there as well, watching and, knowing her, probably taking notes. Because ritual. Learning rituals. Et cetera.

Fredrik will, of course, join in these proceedings, knowing how valuable this ritual is, both for himself and for the Compact as a whole. For all our futures, it must be spread.

Reese will join this and will try to assist Sorrel however needed. She will attempt to pay close attention and to learn how to do the ritual herself so that such can be done when the time comes for her own. She will be respectful, helpful and largely quiet during the ritual.

Richard will be present in Sorrel's ritual. So that he may learn it and use it in the future.

Victus is here to learn. He doesn't know much about what he's looking at, so he's taking down notes with a quill and parchment and saving all the details in his head.

Kace will be joining in on the ceremony in order to learn the ritual that she might complete it herself someday soon.

Sorrel gathers friends and family to her, around a warm brazier. "The time has come," she says, "To cleanse the primum and to sing the world as it truly is. This is my song. This is my ritual. Yours may be different, in turn, for it must truly come from you. I pray that each of you supports me wholeheartedly in this and that you take this as a sample to perform your own ritual."

"Let me sing you a song of love in thirteen verses, each one carefully written with time and creativity. Let me sing Love into the Dream with joy and sacrifice."

And then she sings, feeding each slip of verse and a small piece of fabric into the fire, and with each one she weaves love through them all. The love of a child, the love for her husband. For her sister of the heart, for the choir. Freedom and strength, chivalry and righteousness. Honor and comfort, joy and harmony. Faith now, and loyalty. The love for family and home, the love for duty carried long through the generations, for fidelity and for music and happiness.

With each verse her love, deep and abiding and joyous, wraps around all of them. It pushes away the darkness, it pushes at the poison. She is seeking to reshape the future and her contribution is love, and there is one timeless moment where everyone assembled feels that love course through them. And while it fades, each of them knows they will remember always the strength of Sorrel's heart as she fights for the people she loves the most, for her family, for her friends, for the Compact, for humanity.

(Reference: Request Ticket ID 9883 -- an effort to comply with requirements to expand land area) Nearby land area UNCLAIMED by any Lycene houses is surveyed, explored, and mapped to the west, south, and north to avoid being too close to Brasshall March, the closest Lycene holding to Saikland Greens. East is the bay. Shav villages and camps, areas in use by them are mapped and noted. Areas suitable for establishing a Cavalry Training Facility with necessary pastures, farms (feed, food, stockpiling for lean years), homes (workers/staff), lumber (fences, buildings, cook-fires), training trails in various terrains (woods, hills, shore, marsh, creeks, open, rough) with lengthy routes for coordinated exercises and endurance building rides for horses and men. (Not competitive with horse breeders but to give military an area for groups to use, return to their units and other sessions to start.) Students and instructors in this benefit Saikland by serving as an additional military presence and patrols along the perimeter trails to supplement Saikland military.

Saikland land area is too small, just 5 at present, and growing population and economy may well cause overcrowding and hardship for the people, something Lucita is stern in avoiding. (reference: Action 1963, Action 2116) Land area is also needed in order to establish the Cavalry Facility to help serve the Lycene and Compact military. 1500 economic resources are attached to this action to represent investment in infrastructure, roads, improvements and any necessary buildings. We hired (fee-4000 silver and 15 writs each) three Society of Explorers people to have mappers, surveyors, explorers, etc. to make sure this was done safely and properly. Several ships are available to use for transport of people and supplies.

Saik military and any who wish to support the effort move in to help map, explore, and establish a perimeter and patrol area to claim such area as is not in use by Shavs then follow the steps below when Shavs are encountered. We have already begun to increase our military, not to threaten but to prepare men to defend new holdings, maintain peace, oust hostile Shav's and help teach. Saik military added, a few at a time, during the fall and winter months of 1008-1009 were 15 infantry-150 mil, 3 pike-45 mil, 5 cavalry-150 mil, 5 archers-100 mil--an investment of 445 military resources to reach 200 army. An additional 1000 military resources are added to the action for Calvary Training Facility Trainers, staff and additional military-increases growth.

When Shavs are encountered, translators, diplomats and propagandaists are sent meet with them (military to ensure safety) to initiate peaceable negotiations aimed toward bending the knee and ensure no dangerous cults or factors endanger newly acquired areas. If hostile groups or cults exist or Shav's decline to bend the knee, they will have to be moved away from Saikland borders to avoid having enemies close at hand. Faith is consulted to confirm any bending the knee are meeting current faith efforts. Templars attached to the action and groups provided by Duchess Calypso protect diplomats and negotiators if attacked and handle any abyssals encountered. This is an attempt to build good relationships and avoid bloodshed if possible of those who may become useful, productive and content new citizens using techniques such as succeeded in the Southport action, but enemies can not be permitted to remain in or in dangerous proximity to Saikland. (Reference: Action by Calypso for Turmoil in Southport (Private Action, OOC Date: April 20, 2018.) Lucita has taken the time to learn Lycene Shav language so she can communicate directly with them. 1000 social resources are attached to this action to represent investment and support of these diplomatic, peaceable efforts.

Calypso will fully support this measure for the Barony of Saikland. She will commit 30 of her cavalry to the action as advisors in order to help identify the most ideal land.

Additionally, Calypso will rally House Grey Raptor to help explore these lands. These explorers should be able to ride forward and speak to Abandoned and help convince them to either work with Saik, move off the land, but PRIMARILY to join in with Saik. Grey Raptor has been one of the huge recipients of aid and faith after the Southport conflict and they would be the ideal force to ride with the cavalry and seek peaceful resolution. Prior to Grey Raptor leaving, Calypso would voice this as a test effort for Grey Raptor to move forward without causing violence. If they prove their ability, they will be some of the first to take the training and be able to ride more freely into exploration under proper training. She intends to turn them into a force of Rangers.

At the request of Baroness Lucita, the Faith are taking an active interest in this expansion, especially as it is liable to come across Shav tribes that might be integrated and to ensure it is done by the proper methods. Preston is taking a decent force of 200 cavalry 300 archers and 500 infantry (attached to the action) to monitor events. If the Faithful are threatened, or the Shavs turn out to worship the Abyss, or somehow the Shavs attack the Faith forces directly, they will intervene and put the Shavs to the sword, obeyind Gloria's tenants as they do of course. If the Shavs are willing to talk, the Godsworn of the group including Preston will explain proper worship of the Pantheon, and the benefits that come from the Faith - including training in proper ways of war by the Templars. The large force hopefully will convince the Shavs that fighting is a bad solution for this. The Faith will also bless the land for the cavalry facility in the name of Gloria for Lucita, and will let local Templars know to support the effort and make use of it.

Reese is coming to help Baroness Lucita. She would like to use her leadership skills, propaganda skills and experience in relating with Shavs to help try and speak with the Shavs and encourage them gently to join Saik. She will fight, but only in self-defense unless she runs into agents of the abyss. Then she will fight eh agents of the abyss. Reese will remain uninterested in using physical force or threats to encourage anyone to join, but she is very willing to turn on her charm, use her long history of relating well with Shavs and being fair to them and propaganda talk to them about the greatness of Baroness Lucita and Saik.

Look, Lord Karadoc Saik's here. Yes, he's trying to prove himself useful to this VERY IMPORTANT project to expand Saikland Greens lands into territory that's unclaimed by Lycene Houses but occupied by Lycaean Shav'arvani. Look, he's kinda wary about Prodigals, okay? He'll leave all the diplomacy and straight-talk to the diplomats, courtiers, and Whispers. He's working behind the curtain, again, to take care of this project's logistics (intellect) while keeping a very careful eye on supplies (economics.)

Friends help friends. And that's why Sasha is traveling with House Saik to help convince the peaceful tribe of Shavs to bend a knee. In this task the Oathlander turned Northerner throws her all, projecting to the tribe the poise and grace of a former princess, telling the Shavs all that they can gain from bending a knee; security, prosperity, and purpose in a strong and growing alliance of many people. She shows them goods that could be theirs if they join The Compact, food, clothing, tools - all things that they likely have limited access to due to the ban on trading with Shavs. All this to hopefully convince them that it is in their interest to swear fealty to The Compact.

Softest Whisper Saedrus is more than happy to assist Baroness Lucita and House Saik in their endeavour. He will accompany whatever groups lead out into the territories of abandoned tribes to help negotiations of land and joining the compact. It's all with a little charm and gentle diplomacy, with the aid of translators, he hopes to speak with the shav'arvani and see matters sorted out in benefit to the Saik and Abandoned peacefully. He brings with him social, economic and military favours (100 resources each) to help bolster the Saik's efforts.

Zebulon will provide his ship to Lucita to assist in ferrying supplies back and forth as needed to assist with the expansion of Saikland and cavalry camp setup.

Not only will Ariella be making the Red Bargain available for ferrying supplies to Saikland, but she will also be making regular patrols along the coasts in search of potential threats before they become a problem, while also acting as an escort with other cargo ships, her doughty group of sailors offering protection for those ships whose sailors may not have been battle hardened in places such as Setarco.

Leola acts as an outrider for the Saik forces. She knows the lands (Survival), knows what land will likely be valuable (Agriculture), and takes the opportunities to guide the Saik forces to the places that will be most of use to her liege.

Juliana will be using one of her ships from Isles Canines to join and help the Baroness in her quest. Having spent time amoung the Lycene Shavs before the war, to convince them to join Pravus in it's efforts, she will use that experience in working with these to show them how it will benefit them to side with the Baroness Lucita. Not only will she be using her charm and propaganda to help but as they move through the people, Juliana will also do what she can to treat those that need medical attention.

Duchess Calista Fidante offers her assistance in the form of hype and diplomacy. She is known for speaking elegantly and truly getting to the heart of various situations, easing the confusion of those who might be on the fence of bending the knee. She also gives good hype. Hype Hype Hype - Saik is great!

No vassal, even a non-direct one, is too small to not deserve the attention of the Archduchess of Lenosia. In fact, as a show of her respect and affection for House Saik, the Archduchess arrives in person to speak with whatever Abandoned tribes are found. She stresses the strength of not only House Saik, but of the unified Lyceum that stands behind them. Though sheer force of personality, Eleyna attempts to move and persuade them into bending the knee, painting it as an opportunity not just for protection for their tribe, but a chance to join the Compact, a force united against all those that would threaten it, from the Great Houses to the Prodigal tribes that bend the knee.

Scouting! Mapping! Exploring! Yes, that is what Caspian is doing. Working with the other Explorers, Caspian is doing his best to help map out the potential lands without having the party get killed or lost.

Eirene comes along in her official capacity as VOICE OF SOUTHPORT as well as a Healer of the Explorers to make this all official like if anyone has doubts about the validity of the expansion. She's there to ensure the new shav tribes are not diseased and to spread goodwill with her medical knowledge. She's also familiar with the general region if not the specific due to years of Malvici patrols and military exercises in the Saiklands.

Despite an army accompanying them, there's an awful lot of notables in this group of people, and Valarian is there to make sure anyone who would try to slip through and take a stab at any get stabbed first. Accordingly, the giant sellsword and Explorer will hang near the most vulnerable members of the party to provide defense.

Baroness-Regent Lucita Saik continues to strengthen her lands - this time with an expansion of her lands outward. Her Barony is becoming very used to having Very Important People in town to help them with infrastructure and building projects, and when they speak of Lucita now, they speak of her not as the wife of their former Baron-Regent, not as an Igniseri, but as the Baroness who is making sure their home thrives.

First, the Grey Raptor clan, recently-Prodigal shav from Southport arrive, at the direction of Duchess Calypso. Lady Eirene shows up in her role as Voice to help oversee the process, and they start scouting likely territories of receptive shav.

Then Sir Preston arrives with a sizeable force (for a non-Crusade, which is to say, sans trebuchet and sans completely overwhelming force) of Templars too, providing some muscle on behalf of the Faith. And by "muscle" here that is of course to say "measured conversations about the joys and benefits of the Faith.

Princess Reese also shows up to help lend her military expertise, along with Dame Leola, Grandmaster Caspian, and Valarian Harrow of the Crimson Blades. Their experiences and skillsets range from military to scouting, and they work with the Grey Raptors and Lady Eirene and her healers to find shav willing to bend the knee, and convince them through wily strategy not to fight.

Logistics are masterminded - errrr, organized! by Lord Karadoc, and he puts together the charts and plans and schedules for supplies and their transport. Supplies are ferried in to support both the military campaign and the expected expansion, with Lady Ariella's Red Bargain and Sir Zebulon's ship leading the way.

And then the diplomatic corps sweeps in. Alongside Baroness Lucita? Archduchess Eleyna herself comes to entreat people to join the Compact. Lady Calista is so cheerful and excited for this expansion of Saikland Greens. Lady Juliana uses her experience convincing shavs near Pravus to join the Compact and applies that to good effect. Whisper Saedrus helps ease negotiations with the Abandoned-hopefully-soon-to-be-Prodigal. Marquessa Sasha speaks eloquently of all they stand to gain.

In the end, this is a very successful campaign, and Baroness Lucita finds herself in the middle of a Barony that is suddenly quite a bit larger, with infrastructure projects ongoing, and new Prodigals bending the knee and starting to integrate to call Saikland Greens their home.

Reese would like to make a huge push to protect the Shavs of the Gray Forest from the influence of the slaver. She would like to go in a systematic pattern visiting all the villages in the area and keeping documented records of where she was been and what she has found. She would like to encourage Shavs who are not yet under the influence to move for the own good and to help protect them while moving. She would like to try and take down half-finished huts, knowing it is a risk to herself and any who join her. She would like to leave the villages with a finished hut alone until she figures out to help them in a safe way, but she will talk to them and let them know she is trying to help. She will protect any from danger who she runs into along the way.

Reese is interested in trying to establish a barony in the Gray Forest to help protect the land and people there from the slaver. She will ask about interest in such as she goes along on this task. She will not use any force for pressure, but rather will try to lean upon her charm and reputation as a defender of the forest. She will feel out for interest, but will not make such a requirement for protection. She wants to get the mood and see if the Shavs in that area will be overall interested in such. She would like to travel the forest, protect the shavs and lay out the ground work for one day setting up a barony.

Alexis is, primarily, muscle and a meatshield with an impressive sword to put in the way of any harm that seeks to befall the people they protect - but her skill in the forest with regards to tracking and foraging isn't to be disregarded either.

To combat the strange mind enslaving huts

Sabella will happily help Reese out with the diplomatic portion of this mission! She will accompany her sister to all the villages she would like to visit, speak with them about their concerns and also Reese's concerns for their safety, and more importantly listen to what they have to say. She will talk up the Compact and the safety that it offers as well as how a Barony could do a lot to stabilize things for their people if they were interested in going that route. Should they be very resistant she will not push the issue, but inquire to how they are doing in that part of the forest, what their ways of life are like, and just generally anything they feel like they want to talk about.

Titania has been helping Reese and others with trying to keep the the Grey Forest safe, she has gone wiith weapons out this time she goes with Reese with her weapons at her side and her mind on Diplomacy. She will do he best to help Reese on this diplomatic mission.

The Gray Forest has shifted and changed quite a bit in the two years since Princess Reese has first started defending it. It's a place of opportunity, of shifting alliances, of uncertain population and security. Perhaps no one in the Compact is more familiar with the Gray Forest than Reese, and the shav of the forest are more familiar with Princess Ribbons than any other representative of the Compact as well.

And now there is ample reason to believe that these shav are ready to bend the knee at last. It is their last-ditch effort to try to find some kind of security, and the Horned God's cultists have convinced them to try to make the security of the Compact theirs at last. In uncertain times, this is the lifeline they're grabbing at, and now they come together to respond to Princess Reese and her diplomatic effort with Princess Sabella and Countess Titania, and the obvious protection represented by Dame Alexis.

Shav from the Compact are ready to bend the knee, they just need to know who to bend the knee -to-.

With the news that many shav'arvani tribes are fearful for their lives in the face of the Horned God, Samantha has decided to attempt what she has previously done successfully: open her borders to shav'arvani refugees, without obligation of joining the Compact, but with the requirement that they adhere to the rule of law while within her borders. That being said, as there is great concern regarding any spies or Horned God loyalists coming in amongst the refugees, Samantha is going to utilize the procedures that she helped develop when she acted as a Liberator and needed to screen for true criminals amongst the freed thralls when helping them re-establish their lives. She will also turn to her Prodigal population from the time before, asking them to take an active hand in this process, as they themselves can speak from experience as to the veracity of Samantha's word, and she believes they would be extremely scrutinizing in making sure any spies or enemies slip through the process. As before, Samantha will show by example the benefit of joining the Compact, and hope that her actions result in further prosperity.

Grady is used to the quiet spaces. To growing up in the woods, and being away from Arx. Having recently made the journey himself, he'll talk of his own experiences. It's not quite the same journey, mind - he's always been part of the Compact. But it's not so different out in the middle of nowhere. He appreciates the quiet spaces too, and so he'll talk about how expansive the world can be. How there's still room to be free. How the Compact isn't a trap it's a gift of security. He'll mention children too, and building for a bright future together. How the Compact takes care of its own, and in these difficult times that's important. How we fight for each other, and celebrate the joys together, and come together in times of sorrow. We can build together. It's not a bad thing at all, is it?

Marquis-Consort Rymarr Deepwood has sent along notice to Old Oak of the plans of the ruling Marquessa, Samantha. In that notice he calls for volunteers that may be prepared to accept new Prodigals and teach them the way of life in the Compact - ideally pulling from the great many Prodigals already become citizens of Deepwood Hold. Along with that efforts are to be taken to ensure the safety and security of Old Oak, whether from these welcomed Abandoned in the form of a subtly close eye being kept on them or ensuring that they do not bring something altogether unpleasant in with them. Up to and including disease or other less than savory affairs.

Mia will be following Samantha's lead, opening up Riven's borders to allow for the transport of various shav'arvani tribes along the rivers that run north-to-south through the county, ferrying people from dangerous locations to more secure ones. Those who have been thoroughly vetted by all of the procedures laid out may also be permitted to remain at the Twainfort, on condition that all laws of the Compact be adhered to while present.

Moving a large number of people is an undertaking. Moving whole villages into Deepwood territory, in winter, will take food, blankets, foragers, guides, fires, and waystations. Thesarin, and his Riven subjects (Prodigals especially), will be working with Deepwood and Grayson to arrange everything needed to bring the shavs into the refugee camps, and see them protected on their way.

Lord Kaldur will shadow Samantha in her efforts to welcome the shav'arvani who take shelter in Deepwood as the Traitors forces stir. He's reasonably observant, so he'll be on the look out for mannerisms or customs, greetings, physicalities, sayings. He will be of particular use if any cultists are discovered.

Reese would like to help protect the shavs who are wanting to move to safer lands. She would like to try and be a positive force and to gently encourage those in danger to move. She will be highly focused on protecting any shavs as they move.

Dame Esoka's efforts are two-fold. First, she assists with security under the Marquessa's direction, keeping a particular eye (and feel) out for any shavs who might be Abyssal spies. Second, she speaks to those who come about her own experiences as a prodigal among the Deepwoods and Rivens and encourages them to bend the knee, trying to show them they can maintain their pride and tradition within the Compact.

As Voice of Whitehawk, Kenna organizes routes for the shav'arvani who meet the Deepwood requirements through Whitehawk land, as well as places for them to stay within the barony as space and protections exist that deep within the forest. Her greatest effort is directed towards helping arrange passage down the two branches of river that cup surround the Barony to where there are better defenses.

Alaric will be comitting some military resources and support from House Grayson to temporarily bolster garrison postings that have had forces diverted to help in other areas of the effort. Otherwise, he will be putting his diplomatic skills to managing any complaints, disagreements, and other general issues in regards to residents with problems with refugees traversing the Crownlands.

Bethany will bring the Mercier trade network to bear, handling logistics, tracking down suppliers for the needed sundries and negotiating the best possible prices. She won't go herself, but she'll do everything that can be done from the safety of her tea shop to make sure that on the ground, everything runs as smooth as a well oiled... anachronism.

The Baron of Whitehawk will provide his cousin Kenna with the military personnel, food, and resources she may need in assisting the prodigal population to or through Hawkhold. Rangers, healers, boats, caravans - the works. He will delegate the actual orders and organization to her, though, to preserve the plans she has already set in place.

Scouts in the Gray Forest are reporting a significant number of shav who are afraid of the actions being taken in the Forest by a cult figure known only as the Horned God. While most reasonable people in Arx know that this is clearly a figure trying to draw from various scary pieces of folklore, some of the leaders of Grayson are seeing a chance to extend their lands and expand their populations.

Under Marquessa Samantha Deepwood's diplomatic leadership, diplomats from the Compact gather - Countess Mia Riven, Lady Kenna Whitehawk, and Princess Reese Grayson among them. They assemble support - Marquis Rymarr Deepwood, Baron Silas Whitehawk, Lord Grady Deepwood, Dame Esoka Greenblood, Bethany Mercier, Count Thesarin Riven, and Lord Kaldur Seliki - to render aid, tactical leadership, diplomatic outreach, and economic strength to their proposition. King Alaric Grayson even signs off on this attempt, putting his not inconsiderable charm to work.

They offer safe haven for those who want to flee potential "recruitment" by this cult leader. No overt mention is made of the need to bend the knee and yet those responding bend the knee anyway. Without prompting. One tribal leader even comments, 'It's a protection isn't it, to have someone we're oathed to already?' And so it seems. Riven, Whitehawk, and Deepwood lands expand, their populations swell, and for now it seems as though this is a very good thing for everyone.

One wonders what the response in the forest will be to that.

The Lord Commander is organizing a party to protect the Gray Forest (or at least the immediate forested area around the city) from the mysterious canine beast which has escaped the city, and to investigate just what it may be and potentially hunt it down if it poses any immediate danger to travellers en route to the city. A retinue of approximately 80 guardsmen will be deployed to scour the Gray Forest, commanded by himself and Lieutenant Calaudrin Estardes.

If they find the creature they will attempt to avoid killing it outright and instead see if they can lead it further away from the city - where travellers are unlikely to go. If it proves to be hostile, however, they will not hesitate to defend themselves and slay the creature.

Calaudrin doesn't like the sound of this! He's going to assist Silas in combing the Gray Forest. He'll be assisting Silas in leading the 80 men and will be looking for signs of anything unusual out in the woods.

Kenna finds things best when she isn't particularly looking for them so while the others are intent on combing the forest she seems a bit disconnected from the rest of the group. She pokes about in the bushes and sets herself just a little apart from the group to do her own brand of searching and finding. If they're lucky, hopefully they find... whatever it is, if not, well, maybe Kenna will pick up someone else completely that can help solve this mystery.

Reese will attempt to help track down the large feline in a few ways. One is she lives in a watch tower right on Sea watch gate with an upper room where she lives overlooking the gate, the boroughs and part of the lands beyond the gate. She plans to keep regular watch which is the point of the tower. This includes watching frequently, but also doing patrols in the area around the gate, the upper boroughs and in the out skirts of the gray forest near the gate and the beaches. She will use her survival skills to try and find tracks, signs of the canine and so forth. She isn't above asking about too, see if anyone has word or information on such. She will try to use her reputation to good effect in terms of getting anyone to talk.

Leola is here to try to track down this large, impressive beast of a canine. So she tracks. And she thinks. To find a too-large dog that's hurt none.

Sparte is happy to offer his assistance against a threat that may very well be abyssal in nature. He is carrying his diamondplate polearm on horseback for the trek, the one bearing the symbols of Gloria, Skald, and Petrichor. Blades, wolves, and forests. There is no hurry to combat for him, it is clear he is open to the notion this isn't a threat. Doesn't hurt to be prepared though.

Thesarin was born in the Grey Forest, and is no slouch as a hunter and a tracker. He'll be going out into the woods with the scouting parties, looking to find evidence of the creature, as well as keeping any of the city folk from drowning in a brook stream or eating the wrong sorts of berries while they're out there.

There's good news and bad news.

The good news is hunting through the woods, one can be reasonably sure that the wolf that escaped Arx had absolutely nothing to do with Duke Cassius' death. The way the tracks went, there definitely couldn't have been one returning to Arx. Not... as a wolf. And that might be the bad news.

The tracks just plain don't make sense. They just... stop at some point, as if the wolf climbed some trees. There were people in the area, so some guardsmen thought one of the Crownsworn forest travelers might have killed the wolf and taken it, but there wasn't any blood for that, and no sign of a struggle for a wolf being captured, so they are largely baffled. Wolf tracks just stop, nothing going -back- to Arx, and just plenty of tracks that could be people. It's very confusing. But definitely no wolf returning to Arx, even if it's elusive. That's the good news.

The bad news is that the entirely separate wolf that killed Duke Cassius is almost certainly still at large. While they were away, there's been another murder inside Arx of a person torn to shreds. There's not much of a body, but a beast tore its way into the Grayhope mansion and Moira's bedroom is drenched in gore, the head of the Grayhope family presumably being brutally murdered. A beast definitely still being at large. That's the bad news.

Reese is leading a group of people on a patrol into the Gray Forest upon orders from Laric. Her goals are to clear out any supernatural threats that might there including any demons, demon bunnies, slaver's agents, Shavs loyal to the slaver and etc. If she can find out any useful info while doing this all the better. She will looking for any signs of damage to the forest, demons, movements of Slaver's agents, info on the slaver and etc. This is a small part of Pcs, if they run into overwhelming foes, her goal will be to retreat and stay unnoticed. Ultimately, she wants to keep the gray forest save, the lodge of petrichor safe, the first children safe and any Shavs no tainted by the abyss safe.

Sparte is dutifully joining the patrols, assisting Reese's team as he has been assigned. He is bringing some map supplies in case they end up off the beaten trail for any reason, so basically his usual exploration kit.

Barric will join the patrol(s) as requested, always offering to accompany the Princess. He will bring supplies, a tent, a hammock, as well as food and water (and whiskey). He will kill all the bunnies as necessary, as well as everything else that Reese says they should take out. Given the nature of their foes he will be using Elvesbane just to be safe and since it is in defense of Grayson and Arx together.

Michael Bisland will joining the patrol alongside Princess Reese Grayson. Considering its official nature, Brightroar will be brought along. Lord Bisland sends out runners first, to contact villages along the outskirts of the Gray Forest and collect as up to date information as he can muster up.

A half-built hut that burns. A warning and an offer. An evacuating village. Ominious, no?

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.

Duchess General Calypso will be heading back home to Southport to be with her people during this time of turmoil. Having a very public and visible presence with her signature state of calm and grace in hopes that it will reassure those who would otherwise be unsure of her leadership. She will be appointing new leaders to fill the positions that were lost and bring stability back to the military. During this time she will also be having her two children, Cosette and Lukas Malvici, naming Cosette the heir and assuring the line of succession. Hopefully giving the people something to celebrate. She will also be enlisting the support of allied politicians to help spread the word of her competence, and allied economists to help sure up the stability of the Duchy and make best use of its resources while others hunt down the missing silver.

Anze is going to southport to be side by side with Calypso not only to be visible along with her but to be present for the birth of their children. Anze may not have calm and grace in the same way that Calypso does but he has worked to make himself a part of the Malvici and instead of relying on grace will instead try and use charm and good nature to calm the people of Southport. Anze will also pull no stops in giving honest opinions of his wife. How she is brilliant, capable, talented, and strong and the best leader Southport could possibly have in this time or in any other.

Harald will send several longships to accompany Calypso in her homecoming, to further illustrate that even traditional rivals support the Duchess against her enemies. One ship of veterans who fought with Harald and Calypso at the Battle of Giant's Fall will get a brief vacation in the Lyceum as winter looms near. Harald's message is that so long as Calypso and Malvici rule, all is well. Should they be overthrown... not so much.

Reese would like to support Calypso by talking about how great a leader she and trying to prompt her leadership in Southport

Edain has assigned 25 of his 100 sworn blades that are present in Arx, under the command of Captain Calevaro to escort to Archlector Bianca in her efforts to assist Lady Eirene in finding the missing Southport Soldiers.

On a more personal note, Edain will do his best to show his faith in Duchess Calypso publicly, and will send some new shipments of lumber to Southport for their ship building efforts to continue and keep up with their contracts. Edain will take this opportunity to distribute some pamphlets about the great achievements of Duchess Calypso as the MInister of Defense and the leader of Southport.

Alarissa's putting her silvered tongue to good use with regards to the Duchess Calypso. Never has she met a woman who even blindfolded, knows how precisely to complete a task effeciently and correctly and come out shining on the other end. Where Calypso's name comes up or even an opportunity to apropriately laud the woman, Alarissa is doing just that. Her support of the Duchess Calypso is without fault. Sure as the sun rises in the morning, Thrax and the Princess-Consort supports Calypso.

Calista Fidante is known for being an exemplary courtier prior to taking up the role as Duchess of Roses and as such there are few who can hold a candle to her charm and grace. When called upon by Duchess Calypso Malvici to offer assistance to Southport, Calista did not think twice. One time fierce enemies, the two cities are bonded by the bridge of marriage. The pending arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Tor's first child and heir is the perfect opportunity to help assuage the ill feelings the people of Southport are feeling these days. The pen is mightier than the sword and words offer a soothing balm to ease the disgruntled citizens. There are many friends and allies to Southport who are coming out in support of House Malvici and Duchess Calypso. Calista will make sure to reiterate this to the people of Southport and do all in her power to make sure they understand they are not alone and will not be left in the dark during troubled times.

Eleyna Velenosa, Archduchess of Lenosia and Grand Duchess of the Lyceum, lets stand no question as to her feelings regarding the competence of Duchess Calypso Malvici. But it's not in what the Archduchess does that speaks to her faith in her vassal, but what she does NOT do. Despite rumors of unrest and turmoil, she does not march Velenosa soldiers into Southport to secure the city. Despite the dire situation that seems to be unfolding, Eleyna doesn't seem particularly moved to 'sweep in and save the day'. It's not as if rebellion and political intrigue are particularly unusual in the Lyceum. Instead, when she is asked, the Grand Duchess simply explains that she trusts Calypso to set things right, which speaks more to her liege's confidence in her abilities than an incessant insistence on the fact.

The Newly made countess of Magotta has a vested interest in her new county and its ports. She will reach out to the serfs and providing morale where morale is short. Spreading propaganda of Calypso's great deeds and reassuring she has the best intentions for all that live within.

Princess Roxana Grayson was first and foremost a Malvici and is loyal to her siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews just as they are to her. She will attempt to assist the family while staying in Arx, letting Calypso handle what needs handling in Southport itself. Roxana will be writing letters to nobles she is in contact with back 'home' in Southport to reassure them that the Duchy is as safe and reliable as it ever has been under the rule of House Malvici, and praising the work of her sister Eirene and her niece Calypso in their dedication to addressing this turmoil. In addition she will be sharing those same opinions with her contacts in her house-by-marriage, House Grayson. Her status as a Grayson princess and a widowed one at that has elicted warmth and sympathy for years, and she will leverage this through gentle cajoling and occasional hints of manipulation. The focus will be having Calypso's competence praised on several fronts, enough so that any support among her contacts for a rebellion in Southport is quashed and redirected.

Donella doesn't just talk Calypso Malvici and her leadership up at home with Northerners who do business in the south. She makes overtures to captains on the Lycene coastal transport routes (esp. those interested in Redrain business), and puts a ship or two of bullish veterans who served as raiders and soldiers during the Silence crisis on shore leave in Southport. With extra coin to spend on resupply and repairs, of course. She makes sure that crews talk war stories on the way into port, encouraging effusiveness in their praise of the Duchess, and generosity during the process of social lubrication. Because nothing speaks louder, literally or figuratively, than a man (Thrax or otherwise) waxing poetic about the woman who successfully led them in battle. It just doesn't happen that often, unless there's something extraordinary to praise. The captains themselves can speak to the prosperity of Southport with an outsider's perspective. "The princess-consort of Farhaven will gladly take Calypso's leadership wherever it lands. Arx would not still stand if not for her able administration of our defense effort."

Karadoc will call in every favor he has to stimulate trade to and from Southport, get the silver flowing, even if, in some cases, this means trading IOUs for IOUs until the coffers can support the ebbs and flows of day-to-day exchange. He will lean hardest on markets that need Southport goods the most, and are thus most likely to accept brief hiccups. (He will, of course, try to keep the hiccups modest to low. Eradicate where possible!)

Marquis Mydas Nightgold aids by applying his knowledge of economics to Southport's aid. As such, he works with Karadoc to not only ensure trade flows, but pays particular attention to ensure proper book-keeping is kept of the finances, with as many copies as is required to ensure no information regarding the economy is lost. As such, his role is far more the one of an accountant, than to personally encourage further trade or making deals with various houses and groups.

Cicero will work with Karadoc and Mydas to bring trade and commerce to Southport to get that tax/customs money flowing. Silver Consortium gonna Consort

Dafne works on encouraging trade between Gemecitta and Southport, assuring Gemecittan merchants that such trade is both safe and profitable, and Southport is stable under the rule of Duchess Calypso. Among the goods flowing to Southport is a certain amount of Gemecittan granite, just in case any fortifications need repair.

Quenia will be speaking to her various nobles and merchants, and sending letters to Granato, letting her people know she has complete faith and confidence in House Malvici and Duchesss Calypso. She'll also remind them what an important trade hub Southport is, and that if trade fails there, that the effects of the disrupted economy may very well hit their own bottom line.

The King of the Compact aims to cut off support to rebellious factions in Southport by any party who wants to hedge against a possible change at the top (or get ahead by getting in on the ground floor of an potential transition) by making it known through various diplomatic channels that the Crown judges the situation in Southport to have very suspicious indications of an externally directed plot to personally discredit an effective Minister of War by foreign powers that would stand to gain a lot by the Compact -not- having an effective Minister of War. As such any aid at all to the rebellious factions is actively discouraged by the clear implication that anyone found doing so will draw attention to their own dealings in Arx and with the Crown for invasive scrutiny by the Inquisition for any other evidence of collaborating with enemies of the Compact. And the Inquisition has a reputation for being good at finding things, whether they were originally there or not.

Alis will be singing Calypso's prpaises as a General and a Leader every chance she gets, going so far as to give anecdotes and stories from each of the battles they have fought together. Strong, smart, capable, loyal. And she will encourage those cavalry that were given to Malvici as part of the marriage contract between Edain and Caelis to do the same.

Khanne is known for many things, for those who know her. She is not widely known as an economist though, despite her role in the NDC (she prefers to be thought of as an idea person on that front), so lets Darren and Mydas help support Calypso and Southport when it comes to their economy. She is not known as a soldier, so is more than happy to let those more capable help there. She is also not widely known for her negotiating skills or diplomacy so to speak... though she does have experience there. What she might be known for is her ability to connect to people, understand their concerns, and speak to them in ways that ease their minds. This is where she focuses her time in helping, knowing and working with Calypso for some time, as a fellow Crown Minister, she assures them that the Duchess General is more than capable in her position, and is not responsible for Southport's current issue. She agrees with King Alaric that it was an external force of some sort. She would emphasize the fact that all of the Houses of the Compact are behind her offering their support and assistance as needed to help Southport thrive again, through economics, trade, and whatever support is needed. She would talk to those in Arx, but would also travel to Southport to spread the word if it would be of further help.

As High Lord of Redrain, Darren will offer his public and private support to Calypso and the Malvici family as a whole. Darren is going to be sure anyone who will listen will hear about how much confidence he has in her leadership, and at a time when evils from outside the Compact threaten our shores, we must all stand behind the Minister of Defense. Patriotism and all that. Finally, to seal the deal, Darren is going to encourage the distillers on Farhaven to release a special, "Calypso's Reserve" whiskey brand, top shelf stuff with the slogan "Strong, but smooth - like the General herself." Because, you know, the Northlands!

And now Duchess Calypso Malvici arrives in Southport herself. She brings offerings from her friends, and she brings friends as well - a special limited edition whiskey from Redrain, a ship full of Redrain sailors speaking well of her. Grayson charm and Velenosan confidence, words of support from Fidante, praise from the Princess-Consort of Maelstrom and longships of Grimhall as an escort. Soldiers from Valardin and trade credit from Saik and the Silver Consortium alike - well and carefully accounted for. Trade with Gemecitta and personal friends too, as well as an endorsement from the King of the Compact himself!

All of this means that Calypso arrives with friends and allies and gifts aplenty, ready to set things right in Southport. Indeed, as she arrives she finds the path eased for her by Hadrian and Melinda. She finds work done by Eirene, Orazio, Bianca, Leola, and Sophie. She works to establish order. She works to make peace, to fill in the ranks that were decimated by soldiers not at their posts. In short, she steps off the ship and she goes to work.

Is it enough?

Reese would like to pray to each of the gods and all of the temples to the gods, including the 13th. She would also like to pray to Aion despite not knowing if he has a temple or not. She will try to prayer right after sleep when dreams are still lingering to Aion in place of a temple. Her primary focus will on prayers to Gloria, the god she feels she is the most connected with. But she also will focus on Limerance, Gild and the Sentinel. Reese would like to focus on her prayers on a few things.

On Opening herself to the gods and to the faith in general.

And on seeing if anything triggers her to feel a connection with the powers she either has or has had in the past. In the past Reese glowed twice in combat and was able to explode bringers, she also seemed be able to protect some around her (such as Tristam and Luca). Once in the battle on the Gray Forest mission, she felt Gloria touching her and her combat speed and skill increased. She would like to see if she feels any connection or trigger that might help her to understand this better.

She hasn't been able to draw upon this lately, including at Killian's death when she tried. Reese sees herself as a protector and Killian as a close friend and ally. She feels his death acutely and feels she failed to save him. This has struck a nerve and has given her a greater drive to understanding what connection with the gods she might have. After all if she did this before now, maybe Killian would be alive.

She would like try and figure out how she can save the next person, protect those around her and protect Crovane (where she thinks she will be assigned), Compact and the last daughter (who she thinks is a Redrain faction member) in the coming battles.

She would like to try and figure out if she can still call upon this or what she needs to do. She feels she lost her way a from a path she feels she was previously on. She would like to find it again. She feels Killian would want her to explore this, as he encouraged her to before his passing.

The first step, she thinks is praying and trying to feel a connection. While she will focus on Gloria, she doesn't want to close herself off to the other gods and she doesn't want to assume things. Many think she is touched by Gloria and Reese thinks she might be, but she doesn't want to ignore other clues around her and focus solely there. She isn't positive she is touched by Gloria, but she would like to reach out and see if she might be touched by her or another god. She wants to pray intensely, be humble and to be open.

    Thanks, Reese's Player

Reese prays. She prays to the gods, and she spends time in the various shrines. It's a comfort now - the gentling of the grief she bears. In the Shrine of the Queen of Endings, she watches a spider skitter across the altar and smiles. Every soul returns to the Queen in the end. In the Shrine of Gloria, she remembers the look on Killian's face as he prepared for his last battle. In the Shrine of Limerance, she remembers the love of companions, of good friends - the bonds between them. In the Shrine of the Sentinel, she remembers his yearning for Justice and truth. At each shrine a different memory, in each place a different piece of her grief consoled. Not taken from her but eased, until at last her mind can focus.

She doesn't get an answer from the Gods, but what she gets instead is peace. Her steps take her at last to the Shrine of Skald and she goes in, and there she receives her answer. It is not in the form of divine revelation, nor in a quiet talk with any of the Godsworn there. No, it comes as she sits down to meditate. A pamphlet is there next to her, and she reads it out of habit until, struck, she stops at one paragraph.

There is no glory, no heroism, no goodness that means anything if it did not come from a free choice. Mistakes are not to be sought after, but they are to be learned from; since they cannot be changed, we can only take what wisdom there is available and do our best to move forward. Repair what can be repaired. Strive to do better next time. Move on. Do not let yourself be chained by your own mistakes.

And then she knows what she must do. As peace settles into her heart, so does the resolve she holds to make her own choices, and stand on the side of righteousness. Bolstered, she turns to step from the shrine, and as she moves the badge of the Red Wardens, the badge of the Red Wardens, kept always close on the necklace she wears, seems heavy against her skin.

Monique knows that a certain individual has been spreading rumors about the Minx. She also knows that Corban has been tarnished by this feather. And she knows that Corban has many, many friends who will help to cheer the Telmar Lord on publicly and not let someone else bring him down! So she's speaking to friends and kin of Corban Telmar, in an effort to have the man's honor be recognized above those who would inadvertently tarnish it, especially since it's his birthday coming up!

Agnarr, knowing Corban is a good paying client, occasionally takes a few moments to extoll his virtues and whatever it is that Telmar sells. (He isn't really sure.) Or else...

Bianca is happy to express Corban's virtues. From his gracious donations to the Scholars to his undying dedication to the Compact, she is happy to sing the praises of the man in any casual conversation that the topic may organically arise.

Every occasion in which Samael has been given the opportunity to meet Lord Corban has been a good one. That coupled with the fact he has the heart of his good friend, leaves Lord Corban in Samael's high esteem. He'll be telling anyone who will listen.

Dame Esoka Greenblood has always found Lord Corban Telmar to be an honorable, upstanding man and a fine warrior. She's happy to speak up on his behalf and tell all she knows that she's never found his conduct to be anything but chivalrous.

Thesarin Riven doesn't speak often, but he'll speak in support of Corban Telmar. A strong arm, some good company, and a man who helped keep his wife safe during a dangerous journey.

Reese would like to help by using her influence to speak positively of Lord Corban. She speaks of his help on the missions, his skill in battle, his level-headedness under pressure, his command abilities and his willing to step up when needed.

Marquis Rymarr's certainly willing to speak of Lord Corban's virtues. The Telmar did very probably save his life once. So speaking well of him? Not difficult to do.

Always a fan of talking up people, the King of the Compact makes a point of it to mention how pleasant he's found his interactions with Lord Corban Telmar in a few well-placed ears.

Clover will be doing what she can to start a propaganda campaign; going over Corban's many virtues to those Sworn of Valardin and Crownsworn. Telling about how how he worked with her as a vassal of Telmar in his duties as Voice. She will tell stories of how honorable and kind he is. And in general try to sway people to seeing hima s a respectable, and honorable, Oathlands lord. Who works hard for his duchy, fealty, and the compact.

There's a roving bard singing a song these days extolling the virtues of Lord Corban Telmar and it's incredibly catchy. To the point that random people are humming it in the streets now. And by the time they get to the clever ending, everyone's singing along. "Say it again! Who's that man among men? And we'll say it once more! Who's that hero next store? Who's that super success, don't you know can't you guess? Ask his fans and his five hangers on.... There's just one guy in town who's got all of it DOWWWWWWWWWN. And his name's C-O-R... C-O-R-B... C-O-R-B-A.....CORBANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!

Thena continues to oversee the Knights of Solace in Stormward, making sure they are vigilant about making sure that freed thralls are not being taken advantage of as they transition to their new lives. The Solace continues to place agents on ships as requested, as representatives of the Faith. Freed thralls are welcome to find a place in the Solace that suits their talents, and receive instructions in the Faith.

Reese is going to help the Knights of the Solace with helping to make sure that the freed thralls are not take advantage of.

Thena manages to prevent a dangerous incident. A commoner vassal of House Thrax named Captain Rolfus Blacksail was making a port call at Stormward with his crew and got into a brawl with some of the ex-thrall Orazian Sentinels, who declared his entire crew 'unholy agents of a sinful institution'. The brawl was turning violent, and many of the Thrax men were declaring that the Sentinels were criminals and would be coming with them, to start new lives at Maelstrom as thralls. The Knights of Solace put a stop to that.

Aiden has spent a considerable amount of time acquainting and training with the Grayson Archery unit and after running a few field missions into the Gray Forest with them, they have been battle tested and come out as a stronger unit, surprisingly flexible and mobile. When Aiden Grayson is involved, it comes with little surprise to know that birds of prey, horses, and dogs get utilized to make the group stronger and more versatile. Mounted archers expand their mobility and using birds of prey expand their scouting range, with guard dogs helping to shield from infantry aggressors. The archery unit takes to wearing altered uniforms to distinguish themselves, sporting winged helms and their insignia a white feather crossed over an white arrow on a dark green background, with silver cloaks. They've adapted to calling themselves the Grayson Silver Wings, with pride in their banners. However, Aiden hasn't done it alone... he's relied on some heavily experienced individuals to assist him in commander duties!

Reese will attempt to help Aiden. She will attempt to help booster hype for Aiden's action and will show support and encouragement of such. She will spend some time hanging out with archers, talking up Aiden's actions, trying to be charming and calling them the Grayson Silver Wings.

Calevaro does his best to help Aiden. He uses his available infantry to provide training to his archers, allowing his own soldiers to get to know Aiden's troops. Hopefully he'll be able to help the young prince and earn the respect of another noble. He alsso does his best to show to the young prince that, to be a good commander, empathy is key.

Ainsley will help out by spending sometime with Aiden's troops. Specifically working on them with their formation, drills, and other various non-archery things. He'll be working on teaching them various different bits of drills and correct formation. He'll also spend a little bit of his capital on helping with the military needs.

It's not without its bumps, but overall training goes well. The Silver Wings are established without any major disasterss, mostly due to the very capable help that Aiden has in learning how to lead. Reese, Calevaro and Ainsley are invaluable in turning the unit into beginnings of truly an elite unit for House Grayson. ((Vox update to come))

Reese would like to go hunt (and try to destroy) the monster after the daughters of the slaver who was in vision from Gloria. The vision gave her some details of where the monster is and she has plans to go into the Gray forest and follow those landmarks to try and find the monster. She plans to take Luca, Esoka, Rymarr, Barric and Killian. These are the ones who have been praying with her about how to protect the daughters. I was told this is a scene that Puffin will run. Thanks, Reese.

Luca's helping Reese with hunting the monster to protect the daughters to do a big blow against the slaver. Not exactly clear on details, but he's always down to be called on for this sort of thing, especially in keeping Reese safe.

Rymarr will be suiting up with blade and armor, then joining the Fellowship of Extraordinary Monster Slayers as they venture into the Gray Forest. He'll bring plenty of jerky and suuuper watered down wine. Super, super watered down wine. It's just water.

Killian is going to tag along to try and help out. He'll spend the days before departing in prayer to Sentinel, Gild and Limerance at their shrines. When the group heads out, he'll be taking sword and armor, but leaving his animals and retainers behind.

Esoka will accompany Reese on her search for this monster, with the intent of helping her slay it. She'll be taking along her diamondplate blade, River's Heart, which she believes was blessed by Gloria, and praying to the goddess for courage and resolve in the face of this foe which threatens those she loves.

Reese led a group of people out to find the demon in her vision, and they definitely found it! What they found were minions of Legion, a trapped family, and slavering creatures that consumed what they could and made them part of Legion too, growing bigger each time. They also learned that the people were searching - for the daughters, and the thief who stole the names. A half-dead and very somber group returned to Arx. The mission was complete, but the struggle continues. (OOC - check the event log - To Catch A Predator)

While several troops go scouting the woods for signs of the Slaver's armies, including some of Thesarin's NPC scouts, Thesarin himself intends to be staying with a slower, larger force to serve as a checkpoint for people venturing in further, along with Reese. The intent is to give the scouts somewhere to fall back to and resupply from, and be ready to provide support if the scouting parties need it.

Thesarin and his forces strike out into the forest, giving themselves ample time to travel slowly. They're not a stealth force, they're just building a bivouac in the middle of the woods as a camp from which scouting troops can travel and return for resupply as needed. It may not be the most exciting action these soldiers will ever see, but it's important. For now, the scouts have a safe place to resupply and rest, and that's important.

Reese would like to organize scouting parties to hopefully subtly track the actions of the slaver and/or his minions in the Gray Forest. Her intention is not to be noticed by the slaver (although she is not sure if such is possible). She would like to look for the following. 1. The location of any hostile Shav forces, including how close they are to Compact or Grayson lands. 2. Into any stories, reports or evidence of attacks by the slaver or his minions against those living in the forest and/or on the outlaying Graysin lands. 3. The presence of any abyss tainted animals or plants. She is especially interested in looking into the presence of wasps, wolf packs, tainted bears and etc. 4. The state and condition of the land. 5. Any signs of the slaver.

She would like to encourage the parties she sends out to remain as subtle and discrete as possible. They will have orders to retreat from any overwhelming odds and to quietly clean up threats only if they think can win. This is primarily and info gathering venture. Reese is overseeing the missions, taking reports from scouts, but not heading out herself. She feels that sometimes a good leader doesn't do all the things herself. Sh also feels like she is not stealthy and subtle enough for this. She will include pcs who seem suited to the task and some Grayson npc tasks. I hope to run prps for those joining the scouting missions.

Aiden would help with the scouting and the archers

Samael has offered up the Bisland army on a volunteer basis as per General Reese's insistence on this mission being strictly volunteer only. The Bisland army will support the Grayson army and/or act as reserve units. Samael makes a passionate speech to the army attempting to encourage volunteers without coercion.

Approved to run - sent @mail to Reese with some additional suggestions.

Reese is concerned that she hasn't been able to acquire a weapon against the Slaver. She has a strong desire to be one of those who get to fight against him, not only for herself, but for some of those who follow her often into battle and been attending her missions such as possibly (Killian, Barric, Luca, Esoka and Rymarr). She feels driven to protect Compact in general and many of those around her, including those who might be of interest to the Horned God and have joined her in battles. She has pondered and pondered how she might find some weapons for her group and herself and hasn't come up with any brilliant ideas. So she decides to turn to the faith. Reese is far from an expert investigator and isn't even very clever about the politics of being allowed a weapon or getting some for her crew.

She would really like this chance for them all as she feels that fighting the abyss and being able to join in against the Horned God will be important to this group. They also have a vested interest and much to protect.

Reese feels (although) she could be wrong that she has a special connection with Gloria. She would like to invite this group of warriors and do vigils at the shrine of Gloria, praying for insight on where they might be able to find some weapons (preferably in Grayson lands). She wants to implore to Gloria, asking for her help in empowering them to battle against the slaver in the defense of compact and in defense the loved one's around them. She wants to ask for her aid in fight and defending against the slaver and in finding a way to locate a cache of weapons that her group could go search for. She plans to be devoted, passionate and humble in prayers, asking rather than making any demands. She does plan to express confidence in herself though and to express her intention to use the weapons only honorably and only in battle against the slaver, if they are found. She seeks any insight into this that might help them. She will explore any leads she can get and look for advise about how they can join the future battle against the Hornded God in General.

Thanks for Reading, Reese's Player

Reese prays. And she prays, and prays, and prays some more, until it seems like she's going to go unanswered. And still she comes to the shrines and prays, and makes her way through her devotions to each of the gods in turn. And as she does, her prayers change. No longer is it about her - it slowly changes into protecting people. Standing for the innocent. Stepping between an evil she cannot fight directly, and the death of good women and true.

And in that moment, in the Shrine of Gloria, with Dame Esoka praying next to her, Reese sees - herself, and a small group. They are fighting something with teeth and fangs and far too many eyes to be entirely normal. Something awful that creeps in the night and that she knows - she knows deep in her bones is hungry, and hunting for one of the daughters. It hunts, and she must stand in its way, she and those with her. "RUN," she screams to the others, prepared to fight it alone to defend her friends.

The vision is over as abruptly as it comes, but she knows where they are. She knows that patch of forest, those stones, that rock formation nearby. She knows, and she feels that tug on her heart to go, to stand in the way of evil. To stop it if she can. What she doesn't know, is if there is still time to get there before whatever that thing was comes to Arx looking for blood.

OOC Note - If/when you want to pursue this, feel free to gather a team of a few people and storyrequest for it and one of us will GM it.

%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.

Under the command of First Lieutenant Calaudrin and Lord Commander Silas, the Iron Guard takes possession of a dozen small wooden boats to go out and attempt to fish out any survivors in the harbor, as well as begin to collect bodies of those lost in the harbor disaster. They will use paddles and ropes to assist, and will avoid getting into the freezing water themselves for obvious reasons.

    The bodies will be moved to the Commons Medical Clinic for cleaning and identification.

Vox post up!

Greetings Staff,

Reese is acting as the Grayson of the Minster of War. She is planning on taking the following actions regarding her position and based upon the information she has got about the Horned God, The Gray Forest and the Grye.

1. Reese is spending times with the Grayson army, doing drills, building moral and prepping them for a likely coming next war.

2. Reese is surveying the army to get an idea of what the Graysons have. She wants to get to get an idea of the aprox numbers. She would also like to get an idea of how many ships they have, what kind of ships these are and how many warrior are sea trained and etc. She also is curious about the size of the Army of Compact vs the Grayson army.

3. Reese is continuing her patrols in the gray forest. Some of these I am running as prps. But she is going into the forest herself and so are some of the grayson warriors. She wants to keep tabs on the state of the land, including anything suspicious, how it is healing and so forth. She has been told that in the land there are all these centipede like creatures who might be minions of the horned god and she is looking out for that. Among the Shavs in the forset she is looking for any sign of connection to the horned god.

She plans to take back any information she gets to the Grayson faction and hold another war meeting soon. She is expecting that they will eventually have to fight the horned god and the Gyre and is prepping that direction.

Thanks, Reese's Player

1. Readiness increased, drills are being done and the men are getting whipped into shape.

2.Approximately 3000 infantry, 1000 pike, 500 cavalry, 1000 archers at Bastion, as sworn swords to House Grayson. Calling their banners from all houses under them would probably get around five times that number, without also mass recruitment and levies, in theory ten times that amount would almost certainly be sustainable, if not far higher. The standing army of Arx (meaning really the Iron guard) is around 10,500. For ships, that's vague right now since the coded navies aren't there yet, but several dozen for grayson, and Arx itself approximately the same size as Thrax (a hundredish).

3. The Gray Forest is relatively quiet since the end of the Silent Army and the Nox'alfar stopping their follies. However, there's disturbing reports of Abandoned hunters that are scouting far and wide, supposedly hunting mythical creatures. Just small bands of raiders, hard to find, and of course, usually dismissed as legend since what they are hunting doesn't exist. Far better than actually raiding people, as far as the commoners are concerned.

At the Crown Council Meeting Reese was given the task by Lark of surveying the Gray Forest with the intention of discovering how the bad the blight and draining damage is and if they can afford to wait on action. She knows about the dark elves. The goal is figure out can they wait to act more aggressively until a treaty is worked out with the elves or can the land not afford the wait. One of the main factors in deciding that will be 1. is the blight spreading. 2. is the blight getting worse. 3. Is the drained state getting worse. 4. Is the drained not getting worse, but possibly going to get harder to heal with time - i.e. are more plants and etc dying off with time.

Reese doesn't intend to answer these questions herself as she is not qualified. She is bringing a team with her. The idea of the team is to bring people who can answer these questions while those who are more combat mined serve as security to protect them. She wants to keep the team small and subtle, because she does want the elves to feel like they are going to war against them. The goal the team is not to run into elves and not to get into combat with this. Of course this goal might not be reality and Reese is aware of such. She has warmed everyone coming quite clearly that they could die and I believe that everyone going on this mission knows there is a risk of character lose in involved. If they are attacked by elves, she is going to have a few people flee and try to survive while the rest stand against the elves and give them cover (and probably die). This will be detailed more below.

Coming on the mission are Reese (leading it), Luca (serving as security and personally protecting Olivia), Olivia (coming to check on the state of the land), Maeve (coming to check on the state of the land), Esoka (serving as security), Rickard (serving as a scout/security) and Harlan (serving as security). Reese is also bringing two members of the faith to be chosen by Orazio and to be yet to be determined.

If they are attacked by dark elves and can't talk their way out of this - Reese, Luca, and Rickard are going to make a last stand while Esoka, Maeve and Olivia are ordered to flee. Harlan will be up to him. He is a duke and the player is talking about maybe not being around. She is sending Esoka with the non-combat types so they have someone to protect them while they flee and Esoka is good scout and knows the forest.

Reese choose this party based on who contacted her and wanted to attend. These were all the pcs who expressed a desire to come. She didn't personally ask anyone.

This might @inform, a staff run scene and/or a prp depending upon staff preference. I would love to see us get at least one scene and I would be happy to seek out a prp runner for such if staff would like. I would love a staff scene, but I realize that staff gets busy and happy to work on finding my own storyteller.

Thanks, Reese's Player.

Edit:
IMPORTANT! Reese is being ordered by her family voice Calarian to sort of abort this mission. Or rather to only go out during daylight hours. Which means they will only go survey as far as they can get while staying in the forest only during daylight hours. Reese will follow those orders and so this is very very important to note!

Resolved with the crisis, can run PRPs related to this though.

    Reese is running patrols of the Gray Forest as the Grayson Minster of War. She wants to help secure that the forest closest to compact is safe for travelers. She also wants to help secure the safety of the city by getting the surrounding woods and forest under compact/Grayson control. She wants to help refugees and Abandoned as need be. She would like to try to avoid killing Shavs, but she won't shy away from it if they are a danger to the safety of the area.

I am running prps of this of which Reese will not be at (because I am the storyteller). I already discussed this with Apos in prp requests. It occurred to me that since I want this to be action she is taking post siege as the minister of war for Grayson that I should story request it too.

She is looking for the following 1. How safe is the forest? 2. How many Shavs are in the forest and are they hostile to Compact? 3. How many Abandoned/Refugees are in the forest trying to make it somewhere and if so where? 4. How is the land/plants/animals/wildlife of the Gray forest? 5. Is there any signs of blight? 6. Is there any signs of anything amiss supernatural or natural?

She will bring Grayson forces with her. Reese now has Command 4, leadership 3 and war 3. She will avoid heading into the lands of Grayson Vassals and if there seems to be a need for such, she will ask their permission before following the lead if at all possible.

If she finds anything of note, I may include this information in Prps - assuming Apos is okay with such. It will help me describe the land and etc. Reese is only on off camera patrols due to my storytelling at this time.

I am hoping for a Vox note of what she is doing and also some ic info about the state of the Gray forest that she might learn on her patrols.

Thanks, Reese's Player.

vox post up

Greetings Staff,

We got a clue about the graveyard and resolution from staff. However, Sir Silas (of the Iron Guard) has ordered that Reese and Merek continue to patrol the graveyard for now. We gave him the information we found. He wants us to continue patrolling and keeping alert while a plan is arranged. The Faith was contacted about the graveyard and I suspect they will act upon it soon.

That all being said I thought this was quite important to report to staff, in case should anything else go down at the graveyard. Reese is making daily patrols there. I believe that Merek is coming with her. Reese plans to drag in a few volunteers to help patrol, but I will add that to the job once I get solid ic confirmation. I may attempt to entice some of the patrols to rp with me at the site of the graveyard, because rp is good!

Thanks, Reese's Player.

Right now, nothing further would happen, but it could change and I'll consider Reese and Merek regulars down there.

Reese is to go to the shrines of Gloria (her normal haunt), Lagoma and Mangata. Her specific request to each of the priests is that they bless her armour and her mace as she will be fighting against the darkness in the catacombs and unholy things. To each of the shrines, she will give a 1,000 silver donation from her own bank accounts. To the shrine of Gloria which she is closely attuned to and usually at, she promises to bring back a trophy of their victorious honorable crusade against the Bringers.

It seemed odd at the time, but each of the priests in each of the shrines said something like, 'Watch your head down there.' 'Good luck, keep your head down' or 'Don't lose your head.' It seemed like each of the priests had a perplexed expression after they said it, as if they were surprised they said it themselves after they blessed her and waved her off. Later, she notices that her helm feels much more comfortable than it'd been in the past (no one wears helms for comfort). She thought it might have been dented or something, but it looks perfect... disturbingly, absolutely perfect. She can't scratch it if she wants to, it looks better than it ever has.

Reese is making a point of visiting the shrines of the gods on a regular basis, especially Gloria. While she is doing it for her own private reasons, she is also making sure to be seen sometimes by the people of Compact. This is in part to (attempt) to help show that the Grayson family are still religious and have not turned their back on the faith over this all. She makes a point as she goes about her life of being a follower of Gloria, carrying around the prayer book and so forth. She spoke of Gloria in her journal and at her spars in the training grounds. She performs rituals to Gloria. She has been seen once with Orazio in public and has been seen with a follower of the church Merek on the more than one occasion.
Reese is making a point of visiting the shrines of the gods on a regular basis, especially Gloria. While she is doing it for her own private reasons, she is also making sure to be seen sometimes by the people of Compact. This is in part to (attempt) to help show that the Grayson family are still religious and have not turned their back on the faith over this all. She makes a point as she goes about her life of being a follower of Gloria, carrying around the prayer book and so forth. She spoke of Gloria in her journal and at her spars in the training grounds. She performs rituals to Gloria. She has been seen once with Orazio in public and has been seen with a follower of the church Merek on the more than one occasion. She is currently providing security outside the vigil as a Iron Guard. She intends to keep all parties safe, including the crown, the faith, the nobles and those at the vigil. She wants to make sure the law is followed and things stay orderly.

House Grayson and the Faith certainly appreciate the show of support, and Reese's actions are in large part a reason why there's a lack of violence, reminding Grayson vassals that the Faith is not the enemy and vice versa. There is some irritation among northlanders however- their excommunication and call out for shamanism struck them as particularly unfair, and they aren't great fans of anyone attempting to win back the Faith at present.

Reese will make patrols, using her units composed of her personal military resources. She will focus her patrols in the Gray Forest. She will focus on trying to encourage any Shavs she runs into joining the Grayson and taking shelter at Samantha's home. She will try to avoid fighting the Shavs if possible. If she sees a bringer, she will probably try to get reinforcements from her family, The Ministry of Defense or from the Valerous Few and then come back to fight it with others. She is certainly looking for signs of exactly where the Bringers are. She would like to fight while along side of the Compacts warriors if possible. (ooc: Would love a staff ran combat scene if possible. I realized it might not be).
Reese will make patrols. She will focus her patrols in the Gray Forest. She will focus on trying to encourage any Shavs she runs into joining the Grayson and taking shelter at Samantha's home. She will try to avoid fighting the Shavs if possible. If she sees a bringer, she will try to get reinforcements from her family, The Ministry of Defense or from the Valerous Few and then come back to fight it with others. She is certainly looking for signs of exactly where the Bringers are. She would like to fight while along side of the Compacts warriors if possible. Crisotoph said she can join his van in the upcoming battle. She plans to do that.

Reese winds up spending quite a bit of time in the field. She does find shavs near Old Oak, and while none of the Abandoned are willing to take up arms against the Bringers, they greatly appreciate the offer to find safe haven among House Deepwood- it's a dangerous offer, technically sheltering Abandon who refuse to bend the knee and become prodigals could become treasonous, but some would argue by them honoring guest right at Old Oak they already are bending the knee more or less, so it's a fine line. Reese and Samantha's kindness is, however, very noted.

Further scouting does reveal that a column of 18,000 shavs are headed west to Pridehall, and Reese helps harass the foraging parties that are helping sustain that large of a force. It impedes the shavs movements and helps set the stage for the Battle of Pridehall.

There in battle, Reese shines. Seeing a princess of House Grayson bolsters the morale of the House Grayson armsmen taking the center of the battle, the young woman standing amidst the central line. As the Oathlands cavalry makes it charge, it seems like the enemy horde knows that if they shatter the point that Reese is at, they Grayson lines will roll up, and they'll be able to butcher the Compact forces. Princess Reese thus is facing some of the most ferocious combat of the Battle. (See the crisis update for the general details)

The shavs lay fiercely into the Grayson lines, and men around her start to fall, with panic spreading among the lines. Reese can feel the panic, and know the lines are near breaking, and as men around her were backing away and shavs are starting to surge forward... it just feels as if something deep inside of her clicks into place, and she knows that if she takes a step back then the entire line may be rolled up, and thousands will die. And so, she charges.

It is one of those moves that would have every Grayson family member aghast at her for doing something near suicidal, but it made perfect sense at the time. The shavs leading their own charge were suddenly shocked by the young, talented swordswoman taking the fight to them, and a cry goes up from the Grayson line, and they surge behind her, following Reese's lead.

It probably lasted but minutes, but felt like hours, as the fervor of battle shifted to other parts of the field, and the Valardin cavalry reached her lines. And far after the battle, Grayson soldiers would not stop praising her.

It was a little embarrassing, truthfully.

Reese would like to watch for signs of blight while patrolling the Gray Forest with her personal Military resources. She would like to talk to any Shavs she finds about the blight. She plans on reporting any information found to her family.

Reese discovers two distinct kinds of blight. One is the areas that have had bringers of silence pass through are very dead, as if the soil has been depleted and used up, and everything has withered away. Another is kind of a poison, rarer and inconsistent. Reese meets a few terrified members of the Gray Forest Reapers, the clan that has mostly been destroyed by recent events, and the handful gradually calm down and open up to the charming young woman. "The Poison of Arx has been going on for a generation, at first it was so rare we thought it was a legend, but now it shows more and more!" It's very inconsistent. Some areas she visted that were blighted seem to be recovering on their own on her way back, and some look unusually well on her return trip, where they couldn't really have grown back nearly that fast.

Reese has been tasked by her Commander Silas to try and recruit new guard members from the Upper Boroughs. She is going to do this. She attempts to turn on her charm and try to convince commoners of the Upper Boroughs to enlist in the guard. She also will be making regular Iron Guard Patrols in an attempt to help keep the city safe.

It's a bit of a hard sell to join the town guard when an invasion and siege is imminent, but Reese is -very- charming. Seeing the plucky and lovely knight praising the guard does win some hearts and minds and a number of Upper Boroughs inhabitants promise to look into it. (Also updated on Silas' actions)

Lady General Calypso Malvici has been assigned as the field commander to lead an assault up-river to attack one of the four columns of Brand’s army. She will be leading forces from House Malvici, House Velenosa and House Pravus in the form of infantry and archers. Other commanders she is coordinating with are Prince Victus Thrax, Princess Deva Redrain, Princess Alis Valardin and Duke Valkieri Rubino.

The host of Compact forces will be traveling up-river by boats provided by Thrax, the Lyceum and the Black Mountain Training Company. We will be searching for an ideal location to set up our assault. High ground for archers, a place to anchor the ships and a field for the infantry. All with the goal of eliminating the entire column of Brand’s forces to weaken the army by one fourth.

Calypso will also be wielding Truestrike, the alaricite rapier during this battle.

The group of soldiers Inigo is in command of are the remnants of the same crew he commanded at the Battle of Pridehall, additional men filled in to replenish the losses from the previous battle of course. He wields Recompense, the diamondplate longsword, hoping this time to be more effective at taking down Bringers, saving his men from their wrath. The battalion's mission is to do as much damage as possible to Brand's army, fighting fiercely at the front lines of combat.

As the result of a discussion with Eirene, at least one member of the battalion will possess bow and arrows, the arrows themselves tied with highly visible cloth that will be fired into the air should the group encounter a High Bringer. This is to alert any of the special forces that are intended to take down such targets that one has been found. Inigo will, of course, engage any he sees himself, as he is the best equipped in the battalion to take on such a threat. The goal is to either slay the High Bringer, or delay it long enough for one of the special forces to arrive and kill the creature.'

Costas will be Calypso's bodyguard for the campaign, at her side at all times as well as defending her in battle. He sleeps in the same tent as her to ward against potential assassins, and is only ever removed from her vicinity for private discussions with other nobility.

Although sending squadrons of the Malvici Phoenixes to assist the other Compact forces, Eirene brings her hand-picked finest battle medics to accompany herself to the front with General Calypso. She will ensure the triage centers are defendable and coordinate medical efforts with the Mercy's and other assigned medics.

Waldemai will be deploying with the field forces under Calypso's command to provide on-site armor evaluations, upgrades and repairs.

Harmon will accompany Eirene, supplementing her medical expertise with his knowledge of occult matters as well as alchemy in order to stretch out supplies without losing efficacy.

Mirari will be joining Eirene and her medics, providing medical supplies via her apothecary skills, where she can. And defending the medical tents and medics with her small blades should forces break through the lines and to the medic station.

For the next stage of the Bringer's march on Arx, Alis will be accompanying the combined forces led by Lady General Calypso Malvici.

She will be in charge of the Valardin Infantry and Archers. Her instructions to those under her command will be to help divide and flank pockets of the enemy column into more manageable groups; with a warning about the berserker Bringers, and that they should call out a warning when the berserkers are spotted so they can be swarmed and taken down as quickly as possible. She will be participating in the battle.

    Ansel will be leading the Telmar forces in Princess Alis' forces supporting Lady General Calypso' mission of eliminating the shav forces at the river.

    Ansel will be coordinating with, and taking orders directly from, Princess Alis as the forces deploy to engage the shav forces. He's delegated total authority of his subordinate sections to his vassal house's commanders, providing them instruction pertaining to the general goals of the mission, but leaving the exact manner of accomplishing those principles to his subordinate commanders.

    For his part, Ansel will be taking direct command of a small company comprised of a section of archers supporting a small team of hand-picked swordsmen. Their mission will be to identify any Bringers at the outset of the engagement, particularly any beserker Bringers, and eliminate the most serious threat to the Valardin column as quickly as possible. He'll be leveraging the support of the archer section, as well as the Telmar diamondplate heirloom weapon, attempting to dispatch these threats hastily.

As Alis' second-in-command, Fiachra will be coordinating his efforts directly with her, using his knowledge and experience of Greenmarch tactics in facing a larger force. (Particularly from an archer/scout standpoint.) As before, he will be using his particular talents for assessing the terrain (see his metaplot secrets) to any advantage it can afford for the troops under General Calypso's command. He will not be leaving Alis' side, and will be watching for threats to her life.

Barric will be accompanying Calypso's force upriver. During the battle he will be focusing his efforts on identifying and destroying the massive and hulking Bringer beserkers. Presumably with a team of other soldiers doing the same, he will position himself on the battlefield when one of the monstrosities is found and engage them in an attempt to minimize their devastating impact. He has fought one before and wields Elvesbane, the alaricite blade of House Grayson.

The Mirrorguard (led by Talen and Luca), Valorous Few (led by Audric and Kima) and Grayson (Barric and Reese) strike teams have been given the high profile task to break the River Column morale by gunning for the Undead Generals (like Hush!) and Abandoned Beserkers that undoubtedly guard them.
Their troops will be armed with fire and poison (supplied by Eleyna, Blacktongue, etc) for more effective fighting against the standard Bringers and Abandoned respectively while the commanders named above will be using their diamondplate and alaricite weapons in combat with the big baddies - individually, as pairs or in teams as is appropriate.
Talen will be wielding Mirror Blade, the alaricite blade of House Velenosa and as usual will be fighting dirty as fuck.

Holden will be with the Valardin Infrantry forces leading one of the smaller manageable groups under Alis's command. He will be participating in the battle.

Valkieri is leading the combined troops of Rubino, Zaffria, and Igniseri under the coordination of Lady General Calypso. Their naval forces for the journey upriver are under the sub-command of Lady Ariella Igniseri, and Lord Luis Igniseri and Captain Gian Fuller are also a part of their ranks. He will be leading a mix of archers, infantry, and some cavalry, and it is the cavalry that he will be among on his warhorse Tempest.

Kima, for this particular excursion, joins Captain-General Audric of the Valorous Few to do what she does best: slaughter enemies upon the field of battle. With her recent gift of an alaricite blade, the Absolute, she has been chosen as part of the strike force targeting Bringer generals and berserkers.

Audric and the Valorous Few (and Kima, see her action) will be taking part in Calypso's offensive action against one of the oncoming Bringer armies. Specifically, they'll be part of the strike force meant to target the Bringer Generals and Berserkers in an attempt to take out their core leadership. Since alaricite seems to make them basically die instantly, he'll be using Coinspinner, his alaricite sword for the fight.

Luca is joining the special assault squads going to the river column front alongside Talen, leading the Mirrorguard prong of three groups all hunting the biggest, baddest Bringers they can find, whether commander types, berserker types, or anything else monstrous they can cut down with Alaricite or Diamondplate. Luca will be fighting with Viper's Fury, his diamondplate sabre and Viper's Fang, his HQ steel blade, unless Lorelai ends up finding him an alaricite blade before then as she implied might be feasible, in which case he'll fight with diamondplate and alaricite. He is going to try and identify and cut as quick a path as possible to any big bads and asplode them with heart or head shots of the diamondplate (or alaricite). Luca very much will be trying to keep an eye on state of Reese and Barric's team as he wanted to accompany them to see Reese safer but was overruled by Calypso. If Reese ends up in trouble and Luca has any hope in the Abyss of cutting his way to her, it's possible he'd break orders and go and try to save her (and is something our players OOCly sort of want for a bonding moment of fighting side by side). Luca's more than a little burnt out by rage, grief, pain, and discontent with lack of challenge at Pridehall, so it's quite likely he'd take greater risks than he probably _should_ strictly if it meant finding a greater challenge in this battle, though only the sort of risks that would get himself hurt, not that'd kill off hundreds of others depending on him.

Under Valkieri's direction, Gian will be leading the Infantry of Rubino-Zaffria, from the front line. In addition to defending archers or attacking as ordered, he will have a number of guardsmen nearby for a rescue/recovery assignment, in case Duke Valkieri's stupid horse goes down.

Reese is joining the special assault squad going to the river column front alongside Barric, as a member of the three groups all hunting the biggest Bringers they can find, whether commander types, berserker types, or anything else monstrous they can cut down. This is a six person team (Talen, Luca, Audric, Kima, Barric and Reese). Divided into 3 pairs. Reese is with Barric.

Reese is fighting with Devotion, her alaricite superb short sword. Reese plans on using Dex+medium wpn as her attack skills. Her sword is 10 dam, 12 damage bonus and -2 difficulty. She will have Dazzler her rubicund excellent short with her just in case. She will wear her hq steel armor with mitigation 68. She is going to try and identify and cut as quick a path as possible to any big bringers and explode them with heart or head shots (but not mouth shots!) with alatricite. She plans to keep close to her cousin Barric. she will try to watch out for him. She plans to fight side by side with him. If Barric falls in battle, she will be attempting to retrieve Elvesbane, the Grayson house sword from his body.

Ariella will be leading the naval actions of the Rubino, Zaffria, and Igniseri from her ship the Red Bargain, up the river in support of the attack.

GOing with Eirene's healing unit, using uber medical skills, chatting with hurt soldiers for morale boosts, offering last rites to those willling to have them with a THirteenth bent.

Eleyna will be gathering any and all alchemists willing to assist in the upcoming war effort, including Blacktongue and Emeline, to provide additional supplies to the three strike teams put together by Lady General Calypso. The Mirrorguard (led by Talen/Luca), Grayson (led by Reese/Barric) and Valorous Few (led by Audric/Kima) forces will be given fire and poison to fight the Bringers and Abandoned respectively, so their troops which are not wielding alaricite and diamondplate can gain the upper hand when cutting their way towards the generals.

Continuing his role as the back channel logistical man, Maximilian has hired ships to transport and maintain logistical ties for up to 7000 extra men, as well as bringing a few of his river-capable warships along to help keep river pirates off the goods. He's getting paid back for this, right? Right? Why is everyone suddenly quiet?

Max will be investing 300 Military Resources (Darkwater) into outfitting many of the merchant ships as riverine warships, as he anticipates that the enemy will try and cut Calypsos supply line. He will take personal command of this unit and use it to keep the enemy from severing those lines. They will look like normal merchant vessels, just covertly outfitted with weaponry and marines.

Deva will be commanding the Redrain portion of the overall river assault under Calypso's direction. Her forces will consist of approximately half of overall Redrain troops (archers, infantry, etc.), several hundred Nightgold archers and calvary, and at least a chunk of Halfshav infantry as well. The goal is to separate the enemy as best as possible to make it easier to cut them down. Adjustments will be made as necessary per any instructions given in the thick of it, and Deva will be flexible with fighting both ranged with her archers, and up close melee on the front lines as/if needed.

Artorius is leading a battalion of Malvici warriors under General Calypso's command up the river.

Dagon will be joining the forward operation to flank and cut through the ranks of the Bringer army, and focus on finding and eliminating Bringer generals and berserkers; the baddest of the bad. He will be working alongside three other strike teams (Valorous Few, Mirrorguard, and Graysons) with his own hand picked Knights of Tyde. Dagon plans to attack with Reafian, the sword of House Thrax, while wearing rubicund plate, and plans to lead at the head of his unit, and work quickly to cut a path into the generals. In and out, ruthless and efficient; everyone on this mission was hand-picked, and Dagon has no illusions about saving anybody -- not today. They can handle themselves, they are all warriors, and they all are prepared to die. His mind is on breaking this army, here and now, to save those back at Arx the trouble, and he will single out the generals with a one-track determination, trusting his men and the others to cover his back.

Serafine is aiding Dagon Tyde as his second, following his orders but exercising her own judgement and experience, wielding her diamondplate blade, Pathway, to use it to its namesake and cut a path into her foes, using light, well-made, high quality leather armor, efficient and dangerous, using her speed, strength, and endurance to her advantage. With her experience in the past of killing and identifying Bringers in earlier campaigns and missions as well as her exceptional skill at killing the Shav-slaves they keep, she would do her damnedest to get the job done as efficiently as possible, while also do her best to stay safe and, if the Gods allow it, return home to her loved ones, more or less in one piece.

Leta will be joining the Valorous Few, with Audric and Kima, in the attack on the Bringers. Since she just has rubicund and steel, she'll stick to protecting Audric and Kima's backs by helping cut a path to the big Bringers and fending off any counter-attacks with the rest of the Few. Leta isn't planning on any heroics, but if some opportunity presents itself to chop some Bringer in the side, or to attempt a rescue of some of our heroic alaricite wielders, she'll probably take it. If Audric dies, she's grabbing his sword. If there's time for it, she'll also go through his pockets. He would have wanted it that way.

Estaban is joining the Archers under Calypso's comand.

Garza will be joining Audric and the other Valorous Few as part of the strike force meant to target the Bringer Generals and Berserkers in an attempt to take out their core leadership. He'll be fighting with his bow and sword, focusing on range tactics unless he needs to fight in close quarters combat.

Inquisitor Alistair and a cadre of loyal Confessors (loyal to him) will be accompanying Lady General Calypso and her command guard. From there the man will observe the battle, keeping an eye out for the presence of Bringers and any possible abyssal magic that the enemy will be using. He will point out Bringers that he identifies as well as issuing warnings of their approach and/or the workings of any abyssal magic. Further he will be keeping an eye on any Compact soldiers who attempt to use magic, though he will not stop them. If battle is joined his Confessors armed with crossbows and he armed with a blade will fight with the cry "May the Sentinel guard the Righteous!" on their lips.

Halsim is supplying the armies intercepting at the river, along with the archers at the ramparts, with poison for their arrows and other gear they might want. Anyone who wants any other alchemical supplies is welcome to approach him for supplies as well.

Karadoc will be assisting from General Calypso's command tent. A (lazy) genius, he's been pressed into action to support his leige lord family as best as he is able, and is (reluctantly) doing so. A veritable master of economics, he's working to solidify support lines, arranging resupplies, and acting in a manner most mercantile. His efforts are on food and fresh water for the soldiers, leaving the specialized supplies to those better able to provide. He'll be traveling with his favorite cousin Kima, though, will certainly be confined to non-combat rolls, stuck in/around the command tent.

Caelis will be serving under Lady General Calypso largely as transpertation. She'll be leading the Malvici ships carrying troops up the riber and back. While they are up the river she'll join the troops in battle on the field.

Zhayla will be joining the Grayson forces with her alaricite trident, looking for the biggest, meanest bad guys and the worst of the fight where she might make the biggest difference and look ~so heroic~. Even if it is super risky.

Infamous for being the man to survive the poisons of his former position, Blacktonge is the defacto unspoken, but recognized with knowing nods, poison maker for House Velenosa - apples be damned. The Harlequin of House Velenosa will open up his lab, chuck out the apples, and pour all of his work into making the poisons to help along the blades wielded by Talen and crew.

Live GM'd and resulted in the destruction of the Bringer column after a confrontation with a Formorian Bringer of Silence.

Lady General Calypso is leading the forces at the Ramparts and Gates. This includes all of the Malvici Forces within the city. The group mustered to keep watch there will be working as an information point for the city, keeping their eyes beyond the walls for any movements, new arrivals or anything else they can see coming towards the city on the horizon.

They are also the active point of defense that includes both archers on the walls to take out any advancing troops, and the guarding of the gates to make sure they remain closed and fortified. This group will fight back any and all who approach the city to the best of their ability while staying inside the walls.

Calypso will also be wielding the Alaricite sword, Truestrike during this time.

Artorius moves to the wall/rampart to help support Calypso as she prepares to lead the Malvici forces in the defense of Arx
Artorius takes a group of archers to the south side of the wall, hoping to hit the shavs and bringers in the army's weak spot.

Under the direction of General Calypso, Kima is taking part of the defense of the gate. She knows to remain inside, due to the foul magic possessed by Tolomar Brand. She will be wielding her alaricite sword, the Absolute, during this conflict.

Gabriel will be supporting Calypso in support of the gate with the Bisland forces he has available to him.

Advised to join the wall with the Grayson Archers was the best course of action and placement for the young Prince Aiden during this coordinated effort. He will stand among numbers for the first time against the enemies of Arx, showing a steady countenance in dark leathers and a Grayson cloak, Eagle Strike - his Grayson Bow, and a white gyrfalcon circling above. Aiden will inspire the Archers on the wall with not only his presence, but his ability to take action when it comes time. The Prince will add his arrows to each call to 'loose', as well as taking dynamic attempts to strike at individual targets when the order for 'fire at will' takes place. He will take heart in the men and women around him and will encourage them verbally with a voice like that of a drumbeat: "Aim True, For Our People!"

Per Reese's request, Aislin will be placing Ashford forces -- particularly any present or former Vista Glades (Ashford's elite arboreal scouts and archers) who happen to be the city -- atop the roofs of buildings throughout the city, as well as stringing ropes and such between roofs ahead of time where possible. They'll be concentrated around the gates, but others will be scattered throughout the city as well, with another cluster close to the Lower Boroughs to be able to keep an eye on any approaches to the Pit. The intent here is to give a not-quite bird's eye view of situations in the city -- keep track of enemy movements should any be spotted within the city -- and provide semi-aerial archery coverage.
(Additionally -- given that this /is/ the Vista Glades -- I have been reminded by others to ensure that, if at all possible, ziplines, rope bridges, and parkour be involved if possible. Because... well, crazy arboreal special forces.)

I shall set a healing tent up where I can provide assistance to people who need quick healing. Also, I would like to use stealth to maybe locate Brands army gathering any intel I can before they get close to the gate.

Will be assisting Calypso at the gate with the sword Elvesbane. He will also be wearing a new set of armor to try and help inspire the troops to stand fast against the siege.

Peregrine will be leading the Gold Feathers as a mobile reserve force, guerilla style, to supplement the gate forces in the event of a breach. Anything that gets by will be hunted, with prejudice, by the thousand newly minuted Prodigals.

Eirene will mobilize the Phoenix Brigade to perform triage, moving the wounded back to safety and holding the defenses until reinforcements can take the places of the fallen. As for herself, she will use her studies of the occult to try to prevent and counter any of the more lethal supernatural attacks when not coordinating movement of their medics.

Reese plans to join the Grayson forces at the east gate. She intends to help serve as back up leadership, but will let Lady Maude and Duke Gabriel take point on commanding. She hopes to inspire the troops with her presence. She hopes to service as a heavy hitter if needed against any bringers or Shavs who might breach the gates. She will have her superb Alatricite short sword with her. She will be armed in her hq steel. She intends to fight next to Barric and Zhayla. She will try to help keep them alive if they run into trouble. She will pick up Barric's sword, the Grayson blade, Elvesbane if he falls in battle. She would like to focus on being a charming inspiration more than commanding and hopes to use her charm+leadership pool to inspire the Grayson troops. She hopes to use dexterity + medium wpn to fight if needed.

Inigo will be directly commanding the three-fourths of the Fidante army promised for the protection of the Seawatch gate. He will be overseeing the troops from the front, leading by example (as best as he currently knows how). The overall actions of the Fidante army will be seen to by Lady General Calypso Malvici, Inigo and the Fidante army will be acting according to her commands and directions. Lord Inigo will be wielding the diamondplate longsword Recompense and will be adorned in a full suit of HQ leather armor (while fondly wishing he had exotic).

Estaban will be up on the ramparts raining arrows from above down to the Bringers below.

Esoka will be there with her Riven peeps to help hold the gates with the Grayson/Lycene forces. She'll have given her prayers to Gloria before the battle, for guidance and favor for her own sword and the lives and honor of her comrades.
She'll be with the Riven forces as they lend their strength, primarily under their liege the Deepwoods and their forces.

Captain Caelis Malvici brings her marines in support of Lady General Calypso in the Seawatch Gate. In her hawk armor with her rubicund blade, she is ready for part two in facing off with the shavs and bringers on the ramparts.

Luca will be joining the defense of the gates in front of part of the Mirrorguard as likely his last act as their Shield. He'll be wielding his (as yet unmade) alaricite blade called Viper's Soul and in his usual diresnake scale exotic leather dueling armor, and as the last fight, would be focusing on cutting down any Bringers he can reach specifically. As the last battle he didn't even touch a Bringer for getting caught up fighting the trashmobs, he'll be tasking the Mirrorguard explicitly to trying to hold them back for him and others with diamondplate or alaricite to focus on the more dangerous foes. The intention I believe is for the mirrorguard to act as mobile strikeforce targetting breaches as they come up so that other forces can plug the holes with more defensive fighters, though this could change as Talen ultimately will be directing strategy.

Fiora will be playing rooftop rascal when the fighting begins. Raining arrows down so fast and furious they will have to fight in the shade! Or, you know, she'll be trying to help harry and harass the Bringers where the Compact wants them to be led. Or just straight up trying to murderface them. That would be good too!

Ferrando will be using his streetwise smarts, connections, and encyclopedic knowledge of the layout of Arx plus some general stealthiness to provide a ground-based compliment to Aislin's aerial rooftop operations. Should small groups of enemy infiltrators make it past the gate area into the city, Ferrando and his allied associates (cashing in some military resources to represent some recruiting among his fellow independent security consultants) will be setting traps and laying ambushes inside the Boroughs and especially along the approach to the Pit to apply his alaricite mace to Bringer faces as often as possible, as well as trying to clear out any enemies pinned down by the archers to free them up to keep scouting.

As the Gemecittans have tragically lost their commander, Dafne has placed her troops under the command of Lady General Calypso. A non-combatant herself, she does visit her troops beforehand and reminds them of what they are fighting. Not only to save all of existence, but to avenge their duke and leader, foully murdered by one of the creatures they now face. FOR VALKIERI!

The forces of Lenosia in the city that helped reinforce Seawatch Gate during the last attack, will be doing so yet again this time around. They will be joining Calypso's forces and any other armies at that location. Niccolo will be commanding those forces himself.

Gian will lead what remains of the Rubino-Zaffria troops in defense of the walls and gates, under Calypso's direction. Without much left to lose, and so recently after failing to defend Valkieri, he and many of the house guard will die before falling back.

Will lend her aid in training troops and fighting herself to whomever asks of her assistance.

Zhayla will be in the thick of the fight with her alarcite trident. She's a little bit reckless, and a lot a bit looking to prove herself, but not stepping out of line of the Deepwood / Grayson / etc. battle orders.

Tikva will be with the archers on the walls, shooting down troops on the advance with the defense of the gate. If the walls breach, she will edificeer some leaps to other roofs and pursue the front line, shooting where she can.

Costas will be walking in Calypso's shadow, on the lookout for any attacks at the Lady General herself. That protection extends to others in the vicinity but his priority is to keep Calypso safe and mobile during the battle.

Dante will be assisting the forces at the gate with a small detachment of Fidante soldiers. He wields the diamondplate blade Rosethorn, and his presence, along with that of the famous blade, should prove to be a boon and a symbol of moral for those soldiers serving with him and around him. He will be actively attempt to go where the fighting is thickest, as he finally has the chance to prove his own valor, and that of his house, on the field of battle.

Maude will be assisting with the deployment and command of Grayson troops. Other than generic generalling and shouting at people, she will continue to focus her attention on defending the city streets behind the gates and the walls, in case of a breach. She's already done much of the planning for this last time. This involves fortifying some points, preparing ambush sites, and having a reserve ready to flank the enemy if it gets through. If the enemy overruns the wall, the idea is feign a retreat to lure that group into the city, whittle away at them with ambushes and archery from rooftops and the inner walls. If possible, surround them with the reserves and counter-attack. It's all very elaborate.

In keeping with Samantha's effort to provide the Prodigals of Deepwood the means of being readily identified, Rymarr will aid in dispensing the various means of identification. Likewise he'll help to coordinate those willing among the refugees occupying Deepwood's turf within Arx in forming groups to more efficiently produces these means and then dispense them in a bid to make the process as fluid and efficient as possible. Ideally through the acute application of Command and Leadership.

On the topic of Old Oak and the Prodigals there which will be harassing the Bringer army from the rear, Rymarr will put his martial planning experience to the test. While not instructing the Prodigals how to fight Bringers, as they're no doubt experienced in that regard by now - Rymarr will at least send a few birds off to Old Oak in order to offer some advice in terms of a battle plan. Sent to the most noteworthy leadership figures among the more martially inclined figures of Old Oak's current warriors, Rymarr will provide some military insights - giving tips on terrain features to utilize, emphasizing teamwork over battling individually, and any other aspects of warfare that Rymarr may feel are prudent to reinforce the importance of War.

As the newly minted Marquis of Deepwood, Rymarr has been tasked with leadership of the House's military forces. Deepwood will make themselves present at the Seawatch Gate and join the assembled forces. Sticking with their direct liege in the form of Bisland and their direct vassal in Riven. Rymarr will be investing some of his own personal armaments(Military Resources) in ensuring that as many of Deepwood's soldiers are appropriately equipped and prepared as possible, for the oncoming battle. Rymarr for his part will be exactly what he is, the former Lord Commander of the King's Own, utilizing that reputation as a means to hopefully aid in keeping the gathered forces in line and steadfastly fighting; i.e., working to prevent a rout through pure Leadership and War planning. Furthermore Rymarr will make absolutely certain that messengers or criers in general circulate through the Compact forces. The message that is cried, screamed, shouted, delivered, spoken, or otherwise is simple and clear: "Deepwood's Prodigals will possess three black lines on a green field", in an effort to differentiate them from the enemy shav forces. Whether said Prodigals arrive from the north or within Arx itself, it should prevent any confusion or . For the fighting itself Rymarr will be carrying Autumn's Grace, an alaricite longsword and a rubicund morningstar as a de facto secondary weapon.

The creation of the siege towers and scaling ladders and deployment of Brand's forces all across the spread of the North wall has not gone unnoticed by the defenders of Arx. The Silent Army intends to attack all three northern wards simultaneously and move over the wall and storm the Seawatch Gate simultaneously. When the attack comes, they'll be ready.

((This will be live GM'd. The AP and military resources greatly reduced the difficulty of the rolls and this will be factored for initial deployments of soldiers, and taken into account. All characters not physically present during the GMing will be noted based on their actions)).

Reese would like to help clean up the Grayson forest. She wants to clean up the whole forest, but she is interested in starting in the areas closest to Grayson farmlands, Grayson lands, compact, etc and branching out from there. She would like to work closely with Mistress Leola and Lady Khanne who are aware of her intentions. She does this crisis action with Leola's blessing. She wants to mobilize Grayson faction npcs and pcs both to help restore the land. She has a few ways of trying to do this. 1. Bringing in fresh new healthy soil and carting it in. 2. Bringing in new healthy plants of a sort that go naturally to the area and replanting. 3. Putting intense effort - blood, sweat and tears to the land. The more energy sunk into this especially while actually at site in the forest the better. 4. She wants to try and help inspire those who go with her to be passionate and work hard. 5. She is not a singer - but she would like to sing while they work and hopes to get some songresses on the action. 6. She is not a priest, but she plays to prayer while she works and will encourages (or try to encourage others to do the same). She suspects those more effective at this might take point here, but she feels like every little bit helps. 7. She wants to take any life that seems corrupted beyond hope - such as twisted animals and plants, killing them and burning them if possible. She plants to follow Leola's and Khanne direction and will listen to them if they advise her in some way. She plans to give them credit amoung the Graysons working with her for the work they have done toward this.
Reese is is using a 100 econ to help provide the funds for this. 100 social to help provide the social influencing to encourage people to get involved. 100 military to help protect those joining the effort. She also is spending 10,000 to help fund the project. She wants to bring much generous number of the Grayson military with them to help guard those working. She will focus on moreso on commanding the forces and guarding the efforts - now that more information has come to light.


Important Append: Reese is taking the group only to the area of the forest closest to compact and is not venturing too far into the Gray forest. She plants to what she can help to help the forest close to compact. She still plans to bring Grayson soldiers and to focus on the protection of those going out. Keeping people safe is her personal #1 objective. She will be fully armed and armored and on the watch for trouble.

Esoka has been enlisted by Reese to aid in the task of restoring the Grayson lands in the Gray Forest to order and beauty.
She'll pitch in on the manual labor, and patrolling/clearing areas of hostiles. She'll also offer her assistance, and the aid of those other Riven prodigals willing, as translators and general envoys to meet with the more cooperative Abandoned tribes in the area. She wants to facilitate information-sharing about the dangers in the forest, what it endured during the march of the Silent Army, and ways to rectify it. Perhaps even gain some assistance from these Abandoned in the effort to restore it.

For once, Aislin's not going to be able to help that much with lore or esoterica. But she /can/ help by providing sweat and labor to help work the land in the Gray Forest, and she will absolutely do so.

Killian isn't sure how much help he can be with the matter of restoring the land, but the one thing he's certain he can be of help in, is finding the places where darkness and evil still linger and taint the land. So he's going to go lend his unique ability to find trouble to the group, and his sword to deal with whatever trouble they find of course. Under no circumstances is he attempting to plant anything or nurture anything, because he's certain to have a black thumb and be more harm than good.

Reese asked Olivia to help in her efforts in the forest, and naturally the nature-loving Ashford is quite happy to assist. Her best skills are in matters of herbal lore and alchemy, so I imagine she could be of some help identifying and analyzing the blighted areas, both to try and target the dead areas as precisely as possible while retaining anything that can be saved, and also to learn more about the blight itself close-hand. So maybe a bit of soil analysis, etc. Of course if she knows any natural products or processes that might spurn new growth, she'd also use these once things are cleared and re-soiled (ie maybe using improved fertilizer blends or... something? Player has a total black thumb!)

Reese also asked about her assisting in coordinating some of the farmers in their planting works. She's not an expert at this but will do her best if there's not anyone better or pitch in assisting if there is.
Added: Following certain new information, Olivia contacted Reese (as well as Leola and Cara who I know have other actions on the same crisis) with a warning about their efforts potentially coming under attack. Wary of the fact that she's not readily able to defend herself, she'll make sure she stays close to certain protection (likely Killian ) and doesn't wander off or stray from the group as she might normally be inclined. Caution is the word!

Luca's going to be joining his wife in helping to fix the land if he can, primarily by putting his own blood, sweat, and tears into the effort and trying to help inspire others to do similarly. The things a lazy man will do for love!

Sparte is making an effort to collect plants to present to the king, mostly taken from the Gray Forest. As a side effect of this he is learning about the areas that were damaged and what grew there. He is doing his part to lend a hand clearing the damage and ensuring there is qualify spaces for the plants to regrow while collecting his samples.

Silas will get his hands dirty and do some manual labor, as well as take some new Iron Guard recruits with him for 'physical conditioning'. Additionally he will look into getting some of the farmers of Whitehawk to lend a hand with their skills in forest agriculture. They will use agricultural lime to help lessen the toxicity of the afflicted soil.

Laric isn't very interested in the gardening aspect of Reese's patrols, but will happily assist in controlled burning where deemed appropriate. He's apparently pretty good at starting and containing fires, go figure. Inquisitors are weird.
I.E, overly corrupt areas or places the actual gardeners feel need it.

Samantha is going to tap her network of new Prodigals, requesting that their shamans and healers research and consult the spirits for information on how to reverse the blight. She will also call upon the archivists at Old Oak for any information they might find as well.

Arianna is the Voice of House Stonewood and all of their forces mobilize to support the Princess Reese's efforts to reclaim the outskirts of the Gray Forest. A small unit of infantry, cavalry and pikemen are dispatched to assist in patrols. Keeping travelers and surveyors safe. The craftsmen and other vassals of House Stonewood lend their skills to help build fortifications and the many pyres needed for the controlled burns. The timber her House provides comes from Stonehearth and should be of great use. Arianna herself will be accompanying the small army of Stonewood soldiers, craftsmen, and laborers to the Gray Forest. She stays for a time and oversees the initial efforts of their getting involved before she will leave a capable commander in charge until she returns.

At Reese's request, Zhayla is joining those helping to bring new life to the Grayson forests. She's more than willing to defend the less martial among them in case of trouble, and will be armed for it, but she's mostly hoping that she can just plant a few trees. A lot of trees.

Princess Reese Grayson leads the other major effort to work the Gray Forest and revitalize the land left dead by the Bringers of Silence. Of particular use are the prodigals in her group, such as Esoka or ones with very close ties like Marquessa Samantha, who are able to speak personally with some of the remaining Abandoned mostly left shattered in the Gray Forest and near Old Oak to at worst leave the work parties alone, and a handful see it as time to bend the knee and help out- they've been through enough. Lady Olivia spends time studying the land and seeing what specific plants can be brought in to foster growth and reporting such to Reese, who sees it done. Aislin, Luca, Sparte, Killian and Zhayla help out with with sweat and labor, and making certain the area stays safe as they till the land and haul up fertilizer in one of the least glamorous jobs done in their respective careers. Silas as Lord Commander of the Iron Guard 'requests' iron guardsmen help out, which has its share of grousing but is undeniably effective at helping provide manpower. Laric and the Inquisition help organize control burns to clear the land for recovery, because inquisitors are weird. Lady Arianna has Stonewood house troops on hand to make certain the work parties are kept safe, and to lend raw effort. Between the efforts of Reese's part and Leola's, the effected land in the Gray Forest is expected to make a full recovery.

Reese is commanding Grayson forces who are going into the Gray Forest. They are traveling to the border between the Grayson and Redrain part of the gray forest. The Redrains are aware of such and Princess Freja asked her do this. She intends to keep her people as much as possible on the Grayson side, but if there an urgent need to defend against the abyss she won't be too shy about crossing over (but won't linger and will let the Redrains know promptly that she went over the border and why). Her intention is to create a barrier, making it hard for the horned god or his minions to travel into the Grayson part of the forest. She believes (having heard a vision) that the horned god plans to march through the redrain forest to the grayson forest and to compact from there. There are few things that Reese is attempting with this. 1. The protective barrier explained above. 2. To try and recruit any Shavs she finds to compact's side and keep them away from the horned god's side. 3. To be a loud distraction, keeping the horned god and his minions (hopefully) focused on her instead of those looking for the weapons. 4. To take down anything abysmal in the area and thereby reduce the power of the abyss. 5. To take down any agents of the horned god in that area and to thereby reduce his power. 6. to Search for clues of where the weapons are, primarily by asking and investigating amount the Shavs in the area. If clues are found for the location on Redrain lands she will give these clues to them and let them decide how to act. If clues are found or weapons on Grayson lands, she will dispatch out a team to look for them.

Reese is taking 200 archers, 200 infantry men and 200 pikemen. The men are primarily under her command, but she is open to people such as Rymarr, Silas and Killian helping her command they are around. She plans to be loud over the top and recruit as much as she can. She hopes to bring diplomats, warriors, healers, scholars and so forth. Reese intends to protect those who come with her as much as possible, especially healers, scholars and diplomates She will not kills Shavs who are not hostile to them or working with the abyss, but will go out of her way to be human, protective and to follow the laws of Gloria and honorable combat.
A few more points. 1. If the Horned God himself shows, Reese will order a tactical retreat, saving as many as she can, rather than engagement.

2. Rymarr is her second in command, he is fully in command if something happens to render her unable to lead.

3. Command assignments go like this: Rymmarr: Second in Command of the mission, command of Deepwood Troops. Command of Any Kings Own Troops (that may or may not come). Killian: Command of any Ashwood troops that come. Second Command for the Grayson Army. Arianna: Stonedeep Troops Commander. Reese: Mission overall Command. Grayson Army Command. Co-command of the Knights of the Solace. Thena: Commander of the Knights of the Solace. Tobias: Commander of the Crimson Blades. Preston (if he comes and he might not): Command of the Templars. Corban: Back up commander if another commander falls or is not present.

3. Fergus asked if some wanted to do missions in the north. Reese will let her people do that or possibly send out on missions on the Grayson side if a need arrises. She will let pretty much any pc who wants go, but she is specially interested in sending some of the more champion like fighters without armies to command on these such as: Vesper, Dameon, Alexis, Kaldur, Graham, Faelan, Luca and Barric.

4. Noncombant attendees or possible attendees include Mia (diplomat), Margot (Diplomat), Rey (Healer) and Aurelian (Investigator). Reese will try to protect them. Esoka is also assigned to protecting the diplomats. Monique and Esoka, despite being fighters are assigned with the diplomats due to the backgrounds and langs.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UggXLCYVY99-ongS-yHsqxxBY20V3PyscroyyjqDMmw/edit

Above is the goggle doc. Thanks Staff!

Reese has a few secret actions to take here.

1. The first one is protecting Thena. Reese believes that Thena is important to the Horned God and that if she dies to his agents his power might be increased. She realizes that Thena is a great warrior, but she still feels it is her responsibility to make sure she is safe. Thena is partly coming as a lure to keep the Horned God's attention away from those seeking the weapons. Reese is concerned about such, but Thena really wanted to do this and she respects that. She just intends to bring her out of this alive, even if it means taking blows for her or doing down herself in battle.

2. If the Horned God makes a personal appearance, she plans to retreat. She is open about this plan. What she is less open about is that she will try to save as many lives as possible among those who attended this mission and will try to guard their retreat even if that means she doesn't make it out herself.

3. The third one is that Reese believes that Thena is a new commander without the leadership skills at this time to be sure the Knights of the Solace will be succesfully commanded. She believes she will develop such in time. She believes this because Thena asked her to command the Knights. Reese intends to help command the knights, to watch out for them and at the same time to try and not upstage Thena with them. She wants to step in as needed without taking the spotlight, if she can manage that.

Barric, armed with Elvesbane and a backup sword just in case honor demands he not use the heirloom in a given situation, will be primarily serving as bodyguard to Reese and any other Grayson of rank that shows up for this affair, up until the point where he sees anything abyssal, at which point he will endeavor to stab evil in the face. Repeatedly.
If Reese needs him to go on a mission (a la 3), he will gladly go.

Margot attends with Reese to work predominently on #2 to try ad recruit and shavs she finds on the compact side and keep them from joining the Horned god, which is something she's getting rather practiced at at this point. She ensures her own escorts (the peace keepers), come with food and supplies to give out to Shavs who have come through the winter but it hasn't warmed enough to replenish their stocks yet.

Lord Corban has pledged his sword and skills to Princess Reese's mission. He will guard what needs guarding, slash what needs slashing, and otherwise do his usual job of Guy with a Sword in these missions.

Tobias and the Crimson Blades have been hired via Reese Grayson to join up with the Princess' wall in the forest. Iron Company (100 heavy infantry) have been contracted, and Tobias himself will be commanding the mission on the Blades' behalf. If this becomes obvious that holding the line is suicide, Tobias will work with other military commanders for an orderly retreat. Otherwise, the elite of mercenaries will hold the line, just like the Night Grove, if need be.
Tobias will be primarily wielding Requiem for this... but if the army comes up against undead, he'll switch to his rubicund blade to see if that helps to cut them down quicker.

Killian will be joining the armies of Grayson as one of Reese's lieutenants, and taking command of whatever troops she designates him to command on the expedition. Of course, he'll also be personally entering whatever battles are joined. He'll bring along whatever troops Ashford sends (new Harlan, so not sure of what this will be) as well.

Kaldur will be going on the mission, as a mounted knight if needed, or on foot as the case may be.

Monique is fighting as needed, but mostly helping to recruit the Abandoned with her extensive Abandoned background and languages.

Thena will personally lead a contingent of Knights of Solace out with Reese's forces, to help the Princess accomplish her listed goals.
As Thena is not particularly experienced in leading troops, the Solace divison will be co-commanded by Thena and Reese, with the help of a trusted (NPC) Solace marshal.
Solace unit consists of 30 knights, 70 footsoldiers, 1 marshal.
As a Godsworn priest of the Pantheon, Thena will offer any religious support as needed such as prayers, blessings and holy water. A few, though not all, of the Solace Knights are Godsworn as well. She will also offer aid as a battlefield medic and herbalist.
Thena will be bringing with her Dame Vesper, newly Godsworn Knight of Solace.

Aurelian signs on to assist in investigating the weapons as best he can, and hesitantly to act as an additional diplomat if needed.

Daemon rides alongside Thena and Princess Reese as a brother in arms to the Knights of Solace bands. He will assist in combat and wherever he will be needed otherwise.

Silas will be lending his sword and the armies of Whitehawk to the cause, bringing with him his archers/rangers while leaving his infantry behind in Hawkhold to defend it in case of a surprise attack (unlikely but who knows). He will command his rangers to scout the area they decide to camp at, in hope of countering any surprise ambushes or enemy movements and to see if they come across anything... strange.

Mia will be assisting with this as well, once I can see the full action and know what to add!
Mia will be bringing 50 of her archers and 100 of her infantrymen on this mission, with them under command of the following PCs in this particular order: Thesarin -> Esoka -> Rymarr -> Silas. Additionally, she will be acting as one of the diplomats attempt to convert as many shav'arvani as possible, making use of both her familiarity with the language, their customs, and her own reputation as the head of a House composed of a significant number of prodigals. Being as Esoka may be called to another mission concurrent with this one, she will be in need of some type of bodyguard, as she's not particularly combat ready.
Added in 30 AP.

The Grayson Princess General has asked Lady Arianna, and by extension, House Stonewood for aid in fighting Legion. Never one to deny her duty to Grayson, Ari has graciously agreed to lend her blade, expertise and knowledge of the dark forces that Legion will no doubt be utilizing. While that might be enough, Arianna has gone above and beyond by bringing along a detachment of Wardens with her to help support any military action that may occur. The men and women under her leadership have excellent Commanders drawn from the recent population of Prodigals and other Abandoned tribes which have filtered into Stonehearth. Above all, Arianna makes sure that she stays close by Reese with ten of her best men willing to die for their charge. This Royal Guard falls under the direct command of Princess Ribbons and is sure to follow her word even when their Liege, Lady Stonewood, is dispatched on any secondary or tertiary assignments such as recon or elimination of enemy commanders.
Arianna is a talented Investigator and has the ability to find leads and hunt them down with a relentlessness that borders obsession. When she is not commanding the Wardens (of which she brings five hundred), she is at work speaking with the local Shav populace and gathering information that might lead to a breakthrough in the hunt for the weapons they seek.


Lady Lailah of House Bisland has sent along 750 infantry and 250 archers under the command of Lady Arianna to help supplement the Gray Wardens. The additional men will be organized into units along with the Wardens, creating a combined fighting force to operate under the direction of Princess Reese. Lady Arianna leads these men by example, and follows Princess Ribbons military directive as she is the more experienced General.

Saedrus will be assisting Reese through diplomatic measures in trying to secure Shav'arvani are loyal to the Compact rather than the Horned God. As a Whisper brings with him his effortless charm, his carefully honed diplomacy and, beyond all else, the kind of empathy that cannot be taught or learnt to get through to the Abandoned tribes. He'll also keep himself well out of the way of all the martial types and generally keep himself away from frays, or anything other than being charming.

Halsim will be providing scouting services for the army (wearing his black robe and mask to keep his identity hidden to the Abandoned), and when necessary, provide his expertise on occult and investigative matters for the weapons search. When not doing any of this, he will provide his alchemical expertise towards equipping the army with medicines, poisons, and useful alchemical cocktails.

Alexis will do what she can, which is primarily serve as a meatshield to stand between enemies and more important targets. She brings her weapon and her armour, and will escort and patrol, and fight, as needed.

100 Infantry, 50 Pike, 25 Cavalry, and 50 Deepwood Rangers. Marquis Rymarr Deepwood's contingent to travel northward into the Gray Forest in preparation to play distraction. Those remaining in Deepwood are given explicit orders from the commander of Old Oak's military leader to be vigilant. A heightened state of security ordered, increased patrol regularity, reserves called into service for the duration, etc. Before setting off, Rymarr will gather his troops; first to speak with them and explain to the whole their objective, their purpose, and hopefully inspire them to fight hard and return home safely. Watch over those in front of and beside themselves, and trust those behind them to watch over them. He will also join his men and women in prayer to the Pantheon's deities. In regard to more Shamanistic means of religious observation, Rymarr will make himself present in support of those under his command, though he will not take direct part in their activities.

The Deepwood forces, under Rymarr's command, will be working in conjunction with a number of military pieces into one overall unit. Acting as Princess Reese Grayson's second-in-command, he's prepared to follow orders or lead, as is necessary dependent on the situation. Additionally, Rymarr is an experienced (and learned) battlefield commander - the first order of business will be locating important terrain features and choosing a strategically strong defensive point to make their presence known and draw attention. Ideally this position will benefit Deepwood's forces, while still permitting them ease of withdrawal, resupply, and all the rest - while preferably robbing any potential aggressors of those same traits and altogether impeding their ability to fight effectively. The former Lord Commander of the King's Own is prepared to play advisor - admittedly quietly to the overall commander of the mission, Reese. He's not afraid to speak up and offer an alternative plan, if he deems it strategically wiser.

Resources which Rymarr will be making use of(13 Economic, 27 Social, and 27 Military) are used to represent the fact that Rymarr will be hiring mercenaries to assist in bolstering both numbers and presence. Their orders are to... follow orders, but when a retreat is called, to retreat.

Having suggested a strategic withdrawal to Princess Reese should the 'Metallic Traitor', 'Horned God', or whatever name will be used for the day, makes an appearance on the battlefield? Should that time come and the Horned God makes his presence known on the battlefield, then Rymarr will work with the other commanders to promote an expeditious but strategically sound withdrawal. A fighting retreat, if necessary.

An additional 100 Deepwood Infantry, 50 Pikes, and 50 Deepwood Rangers will be on hand in the event such a fighting retreat is necessary, in which they will cover those withdrawing and begin a systematic retreat using the two separate forces to withdraw under the cover of arrows and fresh troops to cover the retreating force.
Additionally the King's Own will be there in the form of Dame Felicia and Dame Paloma, each with four Silver Swords/King's Own under their command. So they'll be doing their thing under Rymarr's guidance and ever watchful eye. They're amongst the greatest knights in Arvum, so there's not much that he'll need to command them on. But, he'll keep an eye out to ensure that the don't get in too deep over their heads and to correct any strategic matters he may notice. Despite being their very own past Lord Commander, he'll lead those few knights as though they were any other troops under his command. Given the history, no doubt they could work together to great effect. Their overall command will fall to Dame Felicia and Dame Paloma, per Lord Commander Leona Thrax, but Rymarr will be present to offer any strategic and leadership course correction as necessary.

Felicia is going to gather up her squad and assign them to the direct protection of the various VIPs (Rymarr, Reese, etc.) within the main attackng force. This is ostensibly because the King's Own trains for the defenseo f the King and so is particularly suited for this role but also because the secondary role she intends to take on would be to accept 'special' missions. If specific targets need to be eliminated the King's Own can be tasked with these dangerous but vital missions, including eliminating enemy leadership, etc. She wants to make use of the King's Own high level of esprit de corps and training to make a single squad as valuable as possible without getting them killed unnecessarily.

Luca is doing as usual and joining the fight to add to his monster head collection and keep his beribboned badass of a wife safe. He's becoming a decent scout, but mostly he's just there for the stabbing of things.

Tikva will be posting herself amongst the archers and scouts serving beneath Reese's command. She is especially lending her services as wilderness survival expert and scout to the efforts to comb through the freezing north, hunting down the Abyssal and/or hunting down agents of the Enslaver /as one does/. She will also be along to provide plucky morale assist to those who care to listen to her, and in case Reese needs cousinly advice and/or a hug, because you never know.

High Inquisitor Alistair will be taking a cadre of Confessors and lower ranking Inquisitors into the Gray Forest alongside the Grayson expedition. The High Inquisitor has multiple reasons for joining the expedition and the war effort against the Horned God. 1. To capture living agents of the Horned God to obtain information on their master and other abyssal entities. 2. To better train the Inquisition to deal with abyssal forces, especially in martial conflicts. 3. Provide martial support to the Grayson effort.

With the support of the Faith, and the need to attract the attention of the enemy, Preston and the Templars are going to try and muster a sizable force of 400-600 Templars to march in support of Reese. If they can't manage that, they will at least try to send several lances of mounted knights. If they manage the full deployment, they will act as a second 'battle' of the column, alongside Grayson troops, allowing some mutual support and flexibility, including the ability to pin the enemy with one and smash. If they only manage the knights, they'll act as a mobile reserve and try to pin down any breaches of the shield line. But in all things they will act in support of Reese, a thanks for her and Grayson being a friend of the Faith.
There is a request associated laying out a bit more detail on our motivations - ticket 6028

Joslyn will be sticking close and directly taking and relaying orders given by Lady Arianna, all while armed with Alaricite hairpins and adorned in leather. While her skills are mostly in stabbing and making sure that things stay stabbed, she'll also ensure that all of Arianna's operation runs smoothly. She'll help Arianna with command if it ever comes down to it, but mostly she'll just be doing copious amounts of stabbing.

Paloma will be assisting Rymarr! And leading her four troops to glory and good tactical use.

Lethe is going along as a healer for the group.

Zenix, a native to the lands, will provide insider insights about the various Clans and Abandoned Tribes that occupy the area. Including their numbers, an estimate of how many warriors they have and what chances one might have at flagging them as friend or foe. Besides their guidance through the land, Zen will stay close to Lady Arianna's side protecting her with her entourage of Wardens and Mistress Joslyn.

Olivia is joining the group largely in a supportive role behind the lines, as a healer and apothecary. If it proves useful, she'll use her alchemical and herbal talents to help with treatments for anyone who needs it, and potentially, if any weird abyssal blight, corruption, sickness, or that kind of thing rears its head, to try and combat it via whatever potions or elixirs she might be able to come up with. Failing that, she's got decent medical training and can simply service as a medic, and will aid wounded soldiers.

A scouting force heads out from the Gray Forest base. There have been a lot of these of late - small groups, meant to find shav, to treat with them as possible, to stop any flocking to the Horned God's banner. Tonight, Arianna, Joslyn, Zenix, Olivia, Kaldur, Silas, and Faelan are headed into the Forest. When they return, it is with a single shav and tales of the hideous creatures that were going to eat the woman's dog (and possibly the scouting group too). They are bloody and battered but alive. And hopefully the very grateful woman who is now swearing dutifully to the Compact is willing to give them information on the movement of the Horned God's armies. And the dog? The dog lived.

Meanwhile in the Gray Forest, Marquis Rymarr Deepwood's army has been busy. Today as they returned to the base camp, they told a tale of cultists trying for a sacrifice to the Horned God, one of the First Children about to be sacrificed, and perhaps most importantly, a prisoner escorted back by Lord Killian Ashford and delivered into the hands of the Inquisition.

A party of diplomats and diplomat-likes, consisting of Margot, Alistair, Aurelian, Monique, Saedrus, and Tikva ride out into the deep woods, it'’s said, to speak with a nomadic group of shavs claiming to possess key strategic information. Whatever negotiations happen past the ragged flaps of ragged tents remain private, but the group emerges with a sheaf of parchment and none the worse for wear.

The stories coming out of the Gray Forest tell another tale as well, as a large group of refugees is escorted to Arx by contingents of the Grayson army. They spread word of the valiant heroes who lead their defense, protecting them against the horrors coming from the northlands. Princess Reese Grayson's army, along with the Iron Company lead by Lord Tobias Telmar, apparently encircled the refugees as they were soon to be overwhelmed by the enemies which had pursued them nearly to their destruction. They tell tale of Prince Luca Grayson's 'nearly insane bravery' in fighting three huge monsters at once, to draw their attention away from the injured Grayson troops. Of Prince Barric Grayson's prodigious strength and prowess, as he cut one of the monster's heads clean off. Of the efforts of Lady Lethe Tyde, who set up triage and sought to mend the injured in the thick of battle. They tell of the hundreds of enemy dead left upon the field, and of the heroic troops who fought such overwhelming odds, standing behind their leaders against the coming onslaught and turning it away with their might. Needless to say, the refugees are being redistributed to Grayson lands, having bent the knee to such heroic representatives of the house.