Princess Fatima Masah'Malak Thrax, Heir to the Throne of Petrioch, will be gathering up the Isles Canines in preparation for transitioning them into a sizeable fleet to sail to Eurus. There are a lot of people running away from things, and she wants to investigate whether this extends to the Mourning Isles as well, and to find out where they came from, and what their story is. So she will take the Isles Canines and explore the Isles to find out their current status, which she'll report back to Alarissa and Victus. Any frightened or displaced refugees, she will attempt to offer them a promise of protection, and shelter and purpose.

The Protection and Shelter - she'll offer them her own protection, and the shelter of House Thrax.

The Purpose - She is hoping to attempt to recruit as many of them as possible into the Isles Canines, building a sizeable fleet in preparation to eventually sail to Eurus and claim her throne in Petrioch. She will be seeking ships, sailors, infantry, archers, siege weapons, and any riches that may also be available to claim throughout the isles, through either tributes or plunder.

Any who resist the Isles Canines with force, of course, she will have her fleet fight back and seize any plunder or materials, and otherwise unclaimed lands so that she can have the funds and waystations to support her efforts.

But the main purpose is to recruit as many into the Fleet as she can, so that she has a fleet that will cause even the Dune Emperor to tremble, as she seeks to support the slave uprising she has become aware of in Eurus. And to find out in general what's going on in the Isles right now. She's aware of the emptied Shardhavens, and a possible army sailing toward the Mourning Isles. The Darkwater is gone. But what does that mean, exactly?

Fatima invites all members of the Isles Canines, displaced refugees, allies within and without the Compact, and all free Eurusi to join her, with promises of riches and adventure ahead. She will continue to build on this, gathering as many as she can to sail for Eurus.

This is mostly an effort for now to gather a large fleet and prepare to sail. The Princess is not sailing for Eurus just yet. Only once they are ready and have investigated what's going on in the Isles.

As promised, Lady Guildmaster Eirene recruits volunteers of the Physicians Guild to join in Fatima's crusade, especially those who may be of Erusi decent and were themselves refugees at one point before joining the Compact. She also makes sure the Medical Pack is up to her high standards for battle medics, and that they're supplied with the medicines, bandages, and other things they might need.

It is often said that an army marches on its stomach and with this in mind Pasquale, with Malespero and Nilanza aid, has offered to build and defend robust supply lines between the Compact and Fatima's war. Believing in the importance of this mission he will step up to advise and lead armed excursions into Eurus whenever it makes solid tactical sense.

Jasper is going to be on the vanguard, helping motivate soldiers on their many future campaigns to bring order and stability to the Isles.

Aconiteand the Whispers begin to ply their social trade with propaganda and the powers of persuasion to not only assist those in fugue from the memory loss, but to help Shav's fleeing slaughter to, if needed, going in to diplomatically convince people that the Shavs lives might have purpose. She's also attempting to get various fealties or refugees from any of the wars to assist the fleet heading to Eurus.

Denica is going to paint. It's a special painting. She will listen to people describe Eurus, she's done this before. Collected stories about a place and painted from other people's memories. When she is done painting Eurus, she will then add symbols of hope to the painting. Denica has done this before in theory, so she hopes that they will appear painting on the walls of the city, like her flower on the Traitor's thorns. If that's the case, people will see these signs of hope and maybe it will give them a better chance in their struggles. Denica wants to inspire the people of Eurus as they rise up.

Katarina has been preparing for this for years. She's been collecting allies among Eurusi refugees and Arvani folk alike. She will be sailing alongside Fatima, bringing with her the Eventide Flotilla and her experience as Fleet Admiral of House Valardin. She will also be calling upon her allies from Cardia, though with no expectation that they will be able to spare anything, given Cardia's current troubles. Her personal priority is Suj'abbat, but she will fight through anything she must in order to get there.

Samira will rely on her social skills while attempting to recruit people to the fleet. She'll talk passionately and persuasively about the importance of their mission, discussing how individual people and their specific skills might play a role, and what might await them when they succeed. This is a cause she wholeheartedly believes in and she hopes that will come across in her recruitment pitch.

Years after the Skal'dajan domination of the Saffron Chain has been ended, a good many of the citizens of that territory boast Eurusi descent. Archduke Patrizio is of mind to let those who have desire to join the flotilla heading to liberate Eurus from the yoke of the Dune Emperor and his allies, after long having had designs himself of seeing that particular foe of the Compact learn a lesson about how turnabout is fair play - one invasion surely deserves another in return.

Faye's father, Berthold Ruger, is alive and in Eurus, so that means Faye has to travel there and find him. There are important things to do once they all get there, so arriving with a strong and determined force is essential. Faye isn't a charming recruiter, she's actually kind of terrifying and yelly. But she's good at working people up and getting them moving, so she helps Princess Fatima add to her people and ships.

Iseulet for many years has been frothing at the mouth to get to Eurus, or as close as she can to it. So, she would like to accompany Fatima (at a distance, personally, acting as cheerleader for morale's sake) and also be directing some of the ships she has control over to join in the fun. Army 455, 456. She brings snacks and booze! And money and resources should they need it. But lets be honest, mostly the booze.

As the reasons behind the recruitment are explained to Mabelle in future reference to something bigger, something she was prepared to oppose to her entire life, Mabelle is happy to lend her voice and influence to the cause. She embarks on that journey with the group, working her charms and reason and maybe something else as well to make sure all understand on what side of that war they need to be.

Titus, with his proven expertise in recruitment and training, lends his strategic acumen to bolster Princess Fatima Masah'Malak Thrax's ambitious initiative. Emphasizing the transformative power of purpose and commitment, Titus frames this campaign as an opportunity for redemption and reconstruction amidst chaos. He reaches out to those haunted by regret, aimlessness, and other burdens, offering them a chance to channel these feelings into a constructive and noble cause. There are plenty of people to harvest and collect, whether they are the newly freed persons under the Foregetfulness Curse, those who were under writs or demands that have either broken or fallen to the wayside, or simply opportunists.

As he traverses the Isles, Titus's message is clear and compelling: Join the formidable force led by Princess Fatima and Katarina, engage in a righteous struggle against the malevolent forces threatening to scorch our world, and earn the chance to rebuild from the ashes. This is not merely a call to arms but an invitation to be part of something greater, to turn personal despair into collective strength.

Titus focuses on the recruitment of various roles necessary for a robust military force - from skilled sailors to valiant infantry, sharp-eyed archers to masterful siege engineers. He underscores the promise of shelter and protection under Fatima, ensuring that those who join will be part of a formidable and caring community.

Furthermore, Titus leverages his persuasive abilities to attract individuals with resources - ships, wealth, and unclaimed lands - contributing significantly to the fleet's readiness and capability. He approaches every encounter with the understanding that this is not only about forming a military force but also about forging a united front with shared dreams and aspirations.

In this endeavor, Titus is not just a recruiter but a beacon of hope and direction, guiding those lost in the turmoil towards a path of valor and potential glory. His involvement is crucial in amassing a fleet that stands as a symbol of defiance and hope, ready to sail to Eurus and aid in a monumental uprising. With Titus's support, Princess Fatima's vision of a formidable fleet capable of making even the Dune Emperor tremble is not just a possibility but an impending reality.

Fatima desires the assistance of her house and Thrax will not turn away those who are family. Traveling with Fatima where and when she can but not at the cost of tending to House Matters, Alarissa lends her voice, position and influence with the Isles to support Fatima and what she's trying to achieve. Encouraging those who wish to join to do just that. With the knowledge of who is already over there, she wishes to see success.

It is most definitely the largest fleet assembled that was not under the banner of a Great House in Compact history. They come by the thousands to assist. Quite nearly ten thousand Eurusi refugees that have made a life in the Compact, fleeing tyranny from home, but knowing that as the fires of revolution spread in Eurus, they have a chance to retake the Dune Kingdoms. There are thousands of sellswords who believe in Fatima and the Isle Canines, and believe that glory and victory can be found under her banner. There are thousands of knights of the Compact, thousands of men-at-arms who have lost from the attacks of Skal'daja, who have fought the Dune Kingdom before, and have hungered for years at a chance to strike back.

They come and are assembled, and wait for the command. For glory. For revenge, and for many?

They are going home.

Valdemar is going to begin planning for improvements to be made to Grimhold at Grihem's Point. Primarily, this will be expanding it and fortifying it, making the walls stronger where possible and adding arrow slits, murder holes, and pots for boiling pitch. While he is at it, he would include some renovations for the purpose of comfort, but this will be secondary to making it a more secure dwelling for his family.

Ingrid has studied much of economics and with her intellect and perception, she can spot the best deals, and hopefully avoid the rips, for building materials and labor for the improvements to be made to the Grimhold at Grihem's Point. The materials should be the best they can find, while at the most affordable price considering it is a huge project. An emphasis will be made on directing more business the way of whomever deals fairly. For the labor as well, she seeks those that are honest and hardworking.

Duchess Vanora Grimhall has been highly focused on improving Grihem's Point since her husband became Duke, for just as he is the Builder of Grihem's Point she may be the muse that inspires many of the expansions and additions to the Isle. Certainly she played a key role in the Grim Seminary down to details of architectural design...and she lent her support to the Harald Grimhall Naval Academy as well, with slightly less expertise. Expansions and renovations to Grimhold are certainly in her wheelhouse. As her husband considers ways to sure up its defenses, she focuses on the appearance of the castle itself, suggesting the addition of high outer walls and turrets that lend appropriate grandeur to the Grimhall family seat. She supervises the addition of onyx from the famed Grimhall onyx mines to the columns in the great hall and the decor around the gates.

As with any building expansion project, this one requires labor and thus provides jobs for the people, and for some those jobs are the first they have as free men, thralls who are released and paid fairly for their work. Her experience at organizing large efforts of this kind, as well as her charm and diplomacy, which aim to convince the people of Grihem's Point that this endeavor is for the glory of all of them. If her speeches are moving enough, perhaps there will be donations to the cause from the noble vassals and wealthy merchants, in order to impress their Duke and his family.

Orchid is going to help Valdemar with his fortifying and renovations by suggesting changes to optimize the land and organizing the people used for renovations. She isn't really focusing on the military aspect but the more building and people oraganizing.

Iseulet uses her vast network of merchants and people that know people in order to make this a more financially viable affair for House Grimhall. She focuses on sourcing all the materials from local merchants where possible and wields the Empyrean Route to direct more materials that they need to bring in from elsewhere without incurring extra taxes/tariffs. She focuses on not sacrificing quality, just price by (gently) making the merchants compete a little for this business.

Having considerable construction experience - from helping to rebuild Darkwater after the Gyre, to building up the colony at Whitefrost, and assisting in the rebuilding efforts of Stormwall in Redrain lands - Edward is going to leverage his ability with economics and logistics to make sure that quality materials are brought to the efforts of the rebuilding that is being done by House Grimhall. In addition, given his military background and experience - particularly in his assistance with sieges from the Siege of Arx and other locations - he will advise the Duke on how to best place the defenses so as to make full use of the design of the castle at Grimheim's Point.

Fortifying a castle is no small feat; it takes time, people and money. Thankfully, the Duke of Grihem's Point has all of those things. The end result is a heavily fortified keep, complete with secret boltholes and escape routes, a reinforced curtain wall and increase defenses. The people of Grihem's Point are pleased to see that their Duke is looking out for them in these trying and dangerous times.

Let's build a really big dock in the Lyceum! Well, at very least impressively expand the size of Southport's dock.

Lord Martino Malvici will be working with others to secure their expertise and their finances to aid building a larger trading dock in Southport for the use of the Lyceum as a whole and the Malvici family. There will be additional warehouses built to store goods, as well as integrating better office facilities to ensure goods can move quicker through the port. It will be built to connect to Lady Eirene's work with the Shav's in Malvici lands (Action 3882) and Duchess Calypso's to improve the defenses (Action 3858) with the direct connections to Goldhawk Naval Base.

Ships will have more space to dock and wider access points to allow both larger ships to arrive, but also move goods on and off quicker. Ultimately accuracy and speed of loading, with ships later disembarking, will be the goal for Martino in this. High turnover of ships means higher trading profits and more tariffs coming in through the city's coffers. Shipping off more Southport Steel, Southport Spiced Red and wider Lyceum trade goods who make use of the port. As well as the warehouses.

There will also be an opportunity to recruit more fishermen to the Southport coastline, and further afield. With a larger port, there is planned to be more space to allow Clan Brass Hawk and Clan Crimson Malvicus to further integrate into Southport and help fish for the city.

Martino's own role will be to recruit those to help build this. From those within Southport to work, to the Clans outside of the City to aid in building it. To find builders from outside of the Malvici fealty and offering to them the opportunity to work on one of the biggest construction projects ever. After built, he will be travelling to Lyceum cities to make a pitch to their Ministers of Trade and staff to bring goods down to Southport to be shipped out. That, being the Southern point, will mean they see their silver return quicker than in anywhere else.

The name? Dame Arsenia Malvici's Trading Port. The Malvici who build Southport.

Calypso will provide leadership (and the occasional motivational shouting), keeping an eye on how all of the different parts of this project are moving and making sure that everyone has what they need when they need it. Running a big construction project like this isn't, after all, all THAT much different from running a war.

Improving the docks of Southport is something that Domonico readily agrees to assist with, bring his considerable naval knowledge and experience to the project.

He'll review the plans for the improved and widened docks, making sure that they indeed will work, and that the necessary facilities are there to properly and quickly secure ships in order to make sure they are as efficient as possible. He'll test the dock workers and the facilities using a variety of ships from longships, galleys and cogs up to dromonds and his caravel the Tempest (action 3706). He'll also work to plot out the best routes to use entering and leaving the harbour in order to make the operation of the dock goes smoothly and that trade can continue unimpeded.

In addition, he will make sure that the new docks take into account the new defenses that are being implemented in Southport (Action 3858) in order to best protect the Trade Port.

Verity is helping as only an Oathlander among Lycene can: securing buy-in for cooperation through earnest friendliness. She'll assist Martino in convincing trade ministers by providing enthusiastic letters of recommendation and introduction to various Oathlands trading companies, banking on Chevalle's recently-obtained reputation for Lycene cooperation to bring a credible air of inter-fealty commerce. Since she has no problem speaking to her fellow commoners, she'll similarly reach out to various southern traders who will have opportunity to use the new port and attempt to convince them to begin drawing up new routing plans to make use of the soon-to-be superior facilities.

In the spirit of cooperation between the two families, and the contract being negotiated, Zoey has agreed to put her financial acumen toward helping her brother-in-law with his ambitious dock project. Much of her time dedicated to it is spent with ledgers, making sure funds are accounted for and distributed properly. She also ensures that wheat is spent is spent wisely and efficiently, stretching each bit of coin as far as it reasonably can be stretched.

Eirene, as Malvici Minister of Population (Domain Population:1) makes sure there's housing built for all the workers as well as infrastructure to handle the increase in population needed to manage the port. New sewers. Water sources. Housing that's not a slum. All those logistical things that make life run smoothly for a worker's population. She's good at bossing people around to make sure it all happens.

Miranda is going to provide a good deal of resources to Martino's project. For a change, she will build something rather than destroy. Her Malvici Cousin wants to make a dock that suits his ego, well.. who is she to say no! Nobody, that's who. (He's got his wife for that!) However, she can easily supply the resources - or some of them - to make this possible. In addition, she will supply motivation for others, encouraging them to help add their own resources because a stronger port in Southport means more money and a better Lyceum for all!

Master craftsman Waldemai Isenhu stands ready to work on any construction project, by working himself, training apprentices to support the local community, providing and repairing tools for workers in other crafts, and organizing bands of workers for projects too large for one person.

If there is anything Iseulet knows, it's trading. If Martino needs help with negotiating, she can do that during the building process attempting to keep the costs low and drive profits up just that little bit more. But her speciality and focus is in the long term gains for House Malvici. She begins to send word to all of her merchantile contacts throughout the Empyrean Route and ties in the Route to the new docks, bringing in plenty of goods from all over the Compact to sell and then taking Malvici goods elsewhere to sell too. It's a win for everyone!

Bringing a slightly softer yet spirited set of skills to smooth the way for success, Valencia lends her abundant charm, talents and extensive expertise in raising strong support and funds to the project.

Bringing together various leadership, workers, merchants, suppliers, the clans and communities (both in and outside of the city), the Velenosan princess works tirelessly to inspire cooperation, partnerships and passion for the project, while also securing support from various ministers of trade, merchants, traders, shipping companies and other businesses so they can forge new business opportunities and be part of what is sure to be the one of the grandest, busiest and most profitable docks in all of Avrum.

Jules is helping with Martino's Southport dock project and is primarily taking on the role of helping not just to find deals but finding the largest deals possible. He's supplying 10,000 writs to assist in the process. He'll also be willing to help in any other necessary details such as haggling or interacting with people who have any need of his skills.

Being that Southport will forever be his hometown, and the root tradeyard that allowed him to prosper and gain some notorious success in the merchant business, the charming Alexio feels more than compelled to financially support the advancement and growth of his beloved city. The Dame Arsenia Malvici Trading Port certainly seems like a noteworthy investment in his eyes; significantly more when, with the promise of a certain notable Malvici lord, he has already secured a spot in it for a future merchant fleet.

Military (1k) and economic (1k) favors are claimed, and a hefty amount of coin (500k) are invested as well, by the Donatti, in order to have the project be a success.

Thea is doing something out of the ordinary for her. Kinda. She will NOT be doing anything medically related, nope. It's time to get your drink on!

Thea will be getting some of the builders working on expanding the port and the warehouses to add a tavern for her to enjoy. And others as well. (She's not that selfish. Sharing is caring or whatever) She'll be chatty with them to convince them to build it while Martino isn't looking and afterwards will advertise it out to other merchants so they know - Thea's Bar is open! Who wouldn't want a place named after them?! It'll be like Cheers! Where Everybody knows your name!

It is not an easy thing to grow a duchy. Much of the focus needs to be on keeping all the plates spinning to maintain stability. Making genuine advancement and growth takes a massive amount of time, effort, and of course, money. So, so much money.

Martino works on recruiting workers from local clans, incorporating them into the populace and turning them into laborers and fishermen. Calypso develops a new method of motivational shouting to keep people energized and engaged in their tasks, while Dominico works security, both in the short and long term. Verity wheels and deals and seems to have a knack for finding the vendors willing to take a chance on a new venture, and though sometimes these conversations run long, and occasionally happen behind closed doors, they all seem rather smug and pleased with the deals made. Lady Zoey's skill with economics ensures that the venture is a resounding success, creating profits at unprecedented rate. Eirene works with the people, ensuring there is housing, food and supplies for the new citizens to streamline and ensure there are no shortages and blocks. Miranda keeps a weather eye on any potential troublemakers, assisting Domonico's efforts in security. Waldemai lends his personal experience in building and construction, while Iseulet's experiences in trade, when worked in tandem with Zoey's book smarts, contributes to those outstanding results. Alexio and Jules donate copious amounts of money, seed money for Zoey and Iseulet's efforts. Thea and Valencia make a phenomenal team, keeping morale high, culminating in the opening of a tavern, the Canted Lever, which is an instant hit and social hub of the docks, which have been named: Dame Arsenia Malvici's Trading Port.

Yasmine Champagne has taken a keen interest in stepping into the business of agriculture – specifically the experimentation and creation of new food crops that are both nutritious and delicious for consumers, as well as equitably sustainable for the producers with an excellent yield and turn around. House Champagne has no shortage of wealth, influence and connections among the Compact to see this done; however, they lack the lands to do so.

In order to rectify this and cultivate new trade relations within the fealties, Yasmine has hand-picked several noble houses situated upon lands with unique and challenging conditions to base her work upon.

From the Crownlands: It is perhaps rather symbolic that Yasmine approached a house with an ancestry rooted in creating something substantial from nothing. With their penchant for being the most industrious lot Yasmine has come across, Yasmine partnered with Count Orrin Seliki to try and bring them a new food crop.

From the Northlands:Yasmine approached House Clearlake and brokered an agreement with Baroness Acantha Clearlake and Lord Ringvald Clearlake to utilize their lands to experiment with root vegetables that will prosper in the cooler climate regions and be delicious despite the lack of reliable sunlight when the winter months are long and dark. (Think swiss chard, and similar dark greens.)

From the Oathlands: Baroness Brigid Moore and Lady Katherine Moore gave their consent to allow House Champagne use of their lands. Given that they were once the breadbasket of the Oathlands, Yasmine wants to help revitalize their reputation with the careful implementation of new cereal grains and legumes that will attract new lifeblood into the area as the Moores seek to rebuild what they lost in recent tragedies.

The Mourning Isles: From the Isles, Yasmine has brokered a deal with House Stormbreak to make use of their flatlands that may be suitable as a site of new crops. She knows there’s going to be a challenge there with it being so far flung north of the Isles that brutal winters will be a worry, so she knows that cold-resistant and hardy is the way to go.

There are more houses that Yasmine has struck deals with and who’ve agreed to lend a helping hand in the experimentation, guarding, and other fairly important tasks that she hopes will further their successes beyond her initial massive investments into the respective lands.

Harlex Valtyr hasn't been a farmer since he left home at the age of seventeen. But here he is, aiding in the spreading of these agricultural plans. Not as an expert, of course. He remains the business partner of Yasmine Champagne, deciding to not only join her as a personal bodyguard, but also to make sure she doesn't get in over her head. Certainly looking scary is a good way to dissuade anyone from at least not hearing her out. Other than that, he provides the assurance that she couldn't be safer than in his company. Lets make some money moves.

Ringvald, being an economic mind is going to be actively overseeing proceedings that take place in Clearlake hold. His main contribution will be overseeing the beauracracy involved in the matter, and ensuring that should the plan come to fruition, it will be adequate for the surrounding area.

Baron Stormbreak will provide Yasmine with the necessary parcels of land to be used and tended by the colonists of Whitefrost. Those farmers who put their land up for volunteer will get a stipend to offset their costs and ensure that they suffer no hardships going into the winter for their own households. The Baron will also take responsibility for overseeing all logistics and economic concerns for his part of the project, as well as be ready to assist any others whose requries it or with whom he will need to coordinate.

If there is anything the lands of Estroch Isle might have, it's ample amounts of fertile soil. She sets some agriculturally vyable land aside for Yasmine's project and contributes some of her wealth to clearing it and preparing it for farming.

That's about as much of farming as Iseulet knows, unfortunately. But she can help in other ways! As the founder of the Empyrean Route, she can make sure that things get to where they need to go quickly and what needs to be sold gets there and the right ears hear tell of the new crop and all of its benefits.

On behalf of Duchess Cambria Mazetti, her Voice will be seeing to this proposed project. Arrangements in the city-state of Ostria will be made to set aside arable land for this project. On account of the fact that it will prove useful in increasing the stockpiles of food for the people under the protection of House Mazetti and that it may prove financial beneficial for the household, the project is given the full support of the Hydra. In addition to this Duke Hadrian Mazetti stands prepared to aid in stretching out the investments into the project as far as they can possibly go. Putting business talents garnered from the First Bank of Ostria, Port Valerio, the refurbishment and reinforcement of Stone Keep, House Mazetti's recent construction of three caravels, and more to good use. House Mazetti stands prepared to give its full support to the efforts on their land at the request of Yasmine Champagne.

Baroness Brigid Moore, with no small amount of cautious excitement decided to accept the offer for it would be a foolish thing for a decimated house to disregard - especially since Yasmine Champagne comes highly regarded by both the Marquis and Marquessa Keaton but the acceptance came with warnings and stipulations. The full scope of Acorn Hill is as follows: it’s soil has been corrupted by the foul forces that snuffed out all life on the barony and its surrounding woods are haunted with not a living thing remaining as even the Abandoned have fled marking it as cursed.

Once a cleansing has been done and a way found to be rid of troubles past, the parcels shall be open for Yasmine’s profitable experimentation.The Baroness herself will personally find hands to help work the land, acquire horses to help plow even if her own warhorse must be put to use, dig out the agricultural knowledge of Acorn Hill past, and use her own hands to see it done.

It's not easy, but the tremendous investment in time, effort and funding yields fruit. Not quite literally, since it's mostly vegetables for the different fealties, but still.

In the Crownlands, House Champagne and Seliki are able to develop a type of greens based off of an edible (and pretty delicious) seaweed that grows in their waters. Seliki Greens could be grown in most of the calmer coastal areas of the Crownlands in fairly large quantities. It becomes quite a popular vegetable to mix in dishes at Pearlspire, and has started to spread throughout the Crownlands.

At Clearlake Hold, it's a matter of experimentation with different root vegetables, and finding ones that are more hardy and can be grown on land that has brief periods of thawed ground and is not quite to the line of permafrost. Mixing some of the more hardy vegetable roots from more arid regions works well, as they respond well to the portracted sunlight during the thawing months and damp ground, and are able to be harvested still as the ground cools. Clearlake Roots are a hit, and are durable enough that they can provide a staple throughout the land just short of the Everwinter.

In the Oathlands, Acorn Hill is cleared and the lands are used for experimentation with legumes. Some of the ground seems unusually fertile as House Champagne and Moore experiment with it- a possible side effect of the atrocity that happened there. The new Moore Legumes make an excellent complementary addition to the harvests, and can grown as an excellent rotation crop that greatly increases the wheat and rye yields so popular throughout the Oathlands and beyond.

The cooler lands near Whitefrost often have had crops damaged by particularly bad storms, and the newly developed Mourning Beets are extremely resistant to storms and flooding that have often badly damaged harvests. In addition, they are an excellent source of sugar, which is markedly popular.

House Champagne requires a reputation under Yasmine Champagne as one of the foremost investors in the Compact in developing new food sources and specifically in fighting against any dangers of starvation from difficult times. Trade is brisk after the first harvests, particularly for Ostria, Clearlake Hold, Whitefrost, Acorn Hill and the Empyrean, with many domains clamoring to try the newly developed crops. More importantly the Compact has a strong bulwark against starvation.

After many months of planning, the Laurents, spearheaded by Mabelle decide to construct a waystation: road-station / Inn near Artshall. a structure that offers hospitality for all travellers for a set period of time That should, in theory, encourage merchants and other visitors to experience their lands and will probably help with strengthening bonds with neighbours and foreigners alike. A way station right outside Artshall that will offer any and all guests simple room and board for a period of three days. The waystation with facilities for merchants and travellers, will have shops and stabling to help fund it. After three days visitors can stay but will have to pay inn rates. Relies very heavily on a cultural importance of guest-right/hospitality as demonstrated in the Oathlands, the waystation will also include services of physicians, animal groomers, hagglers, religious representative and the like.

The waystation is planned to be not only a place for traders to lay down, have a warm meal and gather the energies to carry on in their hazardous journey, but also crucial hubs where travelers didn't waste the opportunity to do business with local markets and traders, and cultural crossroads where merchants didn't just exchange textiles and spices but also ideas, traditions, languages, and even news, both importing their own and taking back home what they had learned along the way.

The project will be engaging different individuals from the Compact to assist, be it people to handle logistics, economical aspects, guarding duties, blessing of the Faith and building a of shrine for gild, artists to embellish the place with fabrics, mosaics, paintings and wood works. Do not forget the beehive chandelier.

This should encourage merchants and other travellers to visit Laurent lands and hopefully increase pilgrimage, merchant business and immigration as a result.

Inspiration sketch: http://www.pizzatravel.com.ua/uploads/2014/16645.jpg
Inspiration pics and info: http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/sultan-hani-caravanserai.html

Having reviewed Mabelle's plans for this project, Cristoph gives it the stamp of approval. He also does *a lot* of talking it up while he's at court.

Jael recruits and trains a number of soldiers to keep order and peace at the new waystation.

With a clear understanding of the goals Mabelle has in mind and the ways that everyone else is helping, Edward still step in and fulfill the economics logistic and oversight role. While others help with location, procuring materials, and ensuring they get to the site for construction in a timely manner, he will do his best to ensure that cost overruns and quality of materials are used to their utmost. This will also allow him to ensure that there is no siphoning of materials, limit theft, and ensure that high quality materials are not replaced with cheaper or lesser quality materials.

Iseulet helps Mabelle (and the Laurents!) by using the many many contacts she has made over the years to not only spread the word about the waystation to the people that need to know about it (merchants, traders, hagglers), but also ensure that she gets the goods and supplies to build the waystation at the cheapest possible rates.

With the success of the Bold Espressions in Arx, Ryhalt jumped on the opportunity for possible expansion of another shop at this outpost. He reasoned that travelers weary from the road or messengers needing a boost to keep them going down the road would be sure to find a coffee shop a welcome amenity among the other features of the outpost. Therefore, an investment in the Laurent's latest project to ensure a prime location for the shop was a carefully calculated business decision.

To honor the Laurents, the menu selection would weigh towards flavors of coffee that went well with their honey, along with more standard fare for those that did not want such sweetness and would otherwise suit regional tastes. The shop would not be as big as the establishment in Arx, but would still have a cozy area for chatting and drinking inside for cold or inclement weather. Outside would be a small patio for street-side tables to help advertise and to give a place for those who have only a couple minutes to pause a place to sit and enjoy. For staff, mostly locals would be hired, but Ryhalt would send a more experienced member of the Arx branch to manage the shop to ensure the quality did not waver.

Besides the coffee shop, he arranges for the export of other specialty goods from Westrock such as pomegranates, sugar, pineapples to boost variety of products offered by the outpost and to pique the interest of passing traders to goods not yet available in their region, intending to spread not just coffee through the Compact and ensure wider success of the outpost.

And, as promised, he provided Mabelle with tips on the general plan, drawing on his business and life experience to maximize the placement of the outpost and potential for growth and profit for the entire outpost.

Delia uses her family connections to merchants and tradesfolk to spread word about the new Laurent waystation. She focuses specifically on merchants who might have found it somewhat inconvenient to make their way through Laurent lands, talking up the waystation as a solution for that inconvenience. She also intends to travel out there once the building is complete, to bring back personal descriptions of the place.

Llewella eagerly jumps into the project with Mabelle as it allows her to express an artistic and diplomatic idea she's wanted to put into use. Her help takes the form of labor as well as an art installation.

First, Llewella will buy the freedom of more thralls in the isles, seeking to select them from houses sincere in their efforts of reform. These freed thralls will be asked to find employment with Astarrea or House Laurent and used as paid labor to help with Mabelle's project and Llewella's art.

Second, Llewella will talk to the Knights of Solace, House Laurent, and related trading concerns to learn more about the area that is being worked and the people (Arvani or Shav'arvani) that may be involved. She'll seek out their stories, the things important to their cultures, and so on. Using this information leads to...

And third, Llewella and her labor crews will quarry/buy tall blocks of local stone and arrange them at notable, interesting locations around the waystation. On each of these stones will be carved images of trade and cooperation, or civilization and knowledge being exchange. She'll have carved into each several written versions of the stories in all the related languages for those that stand the most chance of passing this way.

Dante has come to protect those who are working upon the waystation. With Tor bordering the Laurent lands (who are also their allies by marriage), the Sword of Tor sees this as an excellent opportunity to aid allies and traffic to and from Tor alike.

Athaur is more then happy to help out his friends in House Laurent. Especially when he believes in the usefulness of their goal. In his own time spent expanding his own house he has developed quite a bit of knowledge in developing and expanding lands and making improvements. He will bring this knowledge to help the Laurents decide where they should build their waystation, how to expand and supply it.

Sanya aids Mabelle in her efforts by spreading word of the project, drawing attention to it in hopes of gaining assistance. She'll discuss the advantages of the Waystation for merchants and travellers in particular.

Colette doesn't really know much about this stuff, but she is more than happy to scout the are and find places to set up new watchposts along the road to help ensure the safety of travelers on their way to Artshall.

There are definitely better people for the purpose of spreading the word about an ambitious project of construction, artistry and, ultimately, diplomacy. But those people probably wouldn't talk to the exact same people as Naka Laurent, so he figures his lesser efforts might still have some efficacy. So Naka goes about talking up the waystation concept and its needs among the Scholars and other primarily Faith folk he comes across in his day to day. Other persons are not immune to a good talking to about this effort, but the above are the sorts of people he most often interacts with.

Dame Alexis leaps at the chance to aid in Lady Mabelle's project. While the Gold Order is respectful of the faith and careful not to overstep boundaries with the Knights of Solace, Alexis sees little issue in ensuring that there are members of the Order at the Waystaton to help relieve the pressure - the Knights, after all, must frequently aid travellers along the way. Besides, the Golden Order are Questing Knights at heart, and what better place to pick up news of those in need of aid than a Waystation? There's even an inn here! So it is that the Gold Order's insignia is seen on soldiers, squires, and knights who rotate in and out, but always maintain a permanent, reassuring presence.

Vicente's roll in this is largely advisory. He will be seeing to any elements that might make the location vulnerable to attacks or raids. Any troops that need trained or advised on defensive or offensive positions based on the surrounding terrain and advising on ideal ambush locations.

Felix will assist not only in helping to establish the shrine for Gild; the building of statue, metal artworks and the like, but in his role as Godsworn - asking for Gild's blessing in this venture for those travelers and merchants who come from near and far to this place. He will also help to establish a shop here for whichever apprentice is soon to earn their journeyman mark and wishes to preside here for a time to represent this branch of Seaborn Weaponry, giving the majority of business to them, while maintaining shipments of quality blades from his own forges for those who do not wish to travel all the way to Arx itself.

Sir Bhandn is here to both represent the Knights of Solace as well as see to the Knights' efforts in maintaining safety for those travelers who would call the waystation a haven from travel and danger. He brings with him a notable contribution (in the form of 6000 military resources) from the Grandmaster for the purpose of improving the fortification and security of the waystation and the area it's in.

Hospitality. Generosity. Home and Hearth.

The Domestique Bell, as Legate Ailith proposed, also known as the Haven of the Honey Bee embodies the vision set by Lady Mabelle - a haven to forge bonds between travelers and traders across the Compact with the community, and to honor Gild and Limerance.

Between the two (more prominently Mabelle), unique and personalized additions were discussed and carefully selected to create a haven that reflects the love of the Gods by way of the hospitality through Gild and the community bonds through Limerance (see OOC section for silver/resources). Boutiques feature such local works by Laurent and its vassals such as honeycomb and wax crafts or the specialty chocolate coated honey coins embossed with the Gild and Limerance symbols. The rooms at the inn offer a "slice of home" with adornments imported from all across the Compact. Ailith reached out to the scholars to create an embossed guest book to be prominently displayed in the foyer of the inn; any visitor may write their name to be recorded in the archives at the new shrine.

For the shrine, Ailith coordinates with Legate Bianca and the Seraph of Artshall to promote a Godsworn as Seraph to this haven - a person who shares the vision for hospitality and community. In addition, Ailith sought to ensure the godsworn and disciples carry forth charitable deeds - offering sanctuary to the weary, healing to the hurt, and compassion to the downtrodden. It is her hope by the hard work and sermons by the Faith as well as the long-standing Faithful leadership by House Laurent that this haven would be remembered as a place where people felt the love of the gods, not just metaphorically.

And as such, Ailith travels to the haven to lead an elaborate consecration ceremony and ritual for the new Shrine of Gild and out to the center of the crossroads that leads into the waystation. Honeycomb shaped bricks pave the walkway with the outer edges in gold, shimmering like honey. A map of the compact is painted on the walkway with the Laurent lands at center. Names create the roads from the waystation on the map - names of local travelers, prominent and respected traders, inn keepers, and so forth to represent the bonds in the community and those who shared in the creation of this place.

Dead center of the map, Ailith pours a special brand of Laurent honey, wildflower with hints of chocolate blended with holy water. As she pours the honey to create the symbol of the pantheon, she recites the Canticles of Gild and Limerance, sharing stories of how havens as these linked even the smallest of towns to the largest of cities (even remarking on her childhood being from a backwater region of the Oathlands that trade links to civilizations) - news, stories, and songs come way by the road - and the hearts of the locals offering hospitality by generously offering a place to stay can make a difficult journey in life a little lighter. The doors open to the shrine and a feast for all (free for all) is offered. She works with the locals including the surrounding Seraphs to ensure that the stories she shares echo that of people from the community, thereby further personalizing and including them in this haven.

It's a massive construction project, as the Domestique Bell begins to take shape. Called also the Haven of the Honey Bee, or simply the Waystation of Artshall, the waystation is part fortress, part inn and part holy place, and it's a remarkable feat of construction that it serves those three roles relatively seamlessly. Lady Mabelle Laurent's project is heavily hyped from the beginning throughout the Compact. Delia and the Whispers drum up excitement at Court, and Duke Cristoph lending his stamp of approval has many taking notice, due to his continued, triumph success in making Artshall a beacon of security and stability in difficult times. With Iseulet and Naka also helping spread the word, more help is offered though there is a noticably large groundswell of support from suspiciously enthusiastic members of the public after Sanya speaks movingly about its virtues. It really resonated, and goes better than it probably should.

Construction and security of the Domestique Bell is overseen by Edward, Jael, Athaur, Colette, Vicente, Dante, Llewella, Bhandn, and Alexis with her Gold Order. While it's not an inherently military structure, it still is strategically important as its a large fort outside of the city proper for Artshall, that lets travelers rest in safety without having to go to the trouble of entering the city itself. As such it should be a key target for Abandoned, but due to the heavy security there's no meaningful attempts to attack the waystation, and only a few petty acts of sabotage from Abandoned likely pretending to be volunteer workers that don't prove to be more than an annoyance. As its finished, it stands as a huge trading post, fortress, shrine and inn that can easily house hundreds of travelers and in a pinch could likely protect thousands within its walls if packed tight. Ryhalt's trade goods from Westrock gain immediate interest, and Felix's Seaborn Weaponry branch is quite popular.

The care in construction is not lost on the throngs that come to hear Ailith's consecration of the large Shrine in the waystation. Much of the beautiful designs are from Ailith's directions, speaking to a celebration of Gild, Limerance and all of the gods. The huge crowd cheers and applauds Ailith's words at consecretion, and some remark afterwards that eating the providing honey coins created by Ailith gives them nostalgic feelings of hearth and home.

People feel safe at the Domestique Bell- to worship, to rest, and to trade. There's a larger response than there probably should be to the completed waystation, even one as large and significant as the Haven of the Honey Bee. Trade floods in immediately towards Artshall, coming from Tor, Westrock Reach and other places. Many marvel at the comfortable rooms, the sense of welcome from the Shrine, and some say they feel particularly at ease when they inspect the masonry that came from the Isles, with much of the stonework of the waystation having symbols of Gild, and some have writing in a language no one can recognize that makes readers feel at ease.

Aside from the general triumph of the Domestique Bell, a new fabric coming from Artshall catches on and immediately draws notice from the Compact. Artshall velvet, a new luxury fabric, will be spreading throughout the Compact in large part due to the waystation, and the timing of its roll out and completion of the Haven of the Honey Bee is near perfect.

House Grimhall will be touring Grihem's Point on a mission of celebration, diplomacy, and showing their availability to the people. Organized by Duchess-Consort Vanora Grimhall, those diplomats and other Grimhall allies accompanying on the trip are offering their assistance typically in one of three ways.

1) Rousing speeches are given to the men of the Grim fleet and Grim Legion, with praise on all of their recent work and propaganda about how important it is to be a part of one of the strongest naval powers in the seas. Citizens will be encouraged to join the Fleet or the Legion in order to show their devotion, reminded that though we have had successes, the battles 'our race' must win are only beginning.

2) The Duke and Duchess Grimhall, their family, and their visiting allies will spread the message of stability across Grimhall holdings. While the Grim Duke was much admired (if not always loved) he is succeeded by his son, and his grandsons will succeed after that, a line of succession cast strong through the males of Grimhall that should keep the holding stable for some time. The chaos of Euginie and then Dmitry's brief rules is in the past, and the era of prosperity and power that Duke Harald ushered in is now continued by his son. To demonstrate this, the new dromonde named after Harald and now used as Grimhall's flagship will be displayed in the harbor to much fanfare. The twins, Arkyn and Anthony, will be brought before the crowds that the generations of Grimhall rule have been secured for years to come.

3) The last mission of the Grimhall party in this visit and tour of Grihem's Point is to take the temperature of the people, after a fashion. Whether it Valdemar joking with soldiers and generals over drinks or Vanora visiting young families with her own children in tow, the Grimhall family will attempt to find out how their people are feeling about their lives and the current situation in the Isles. Are traditionalists afraid that more will be lost, and what is it they fear for? Are some of those of Grihem's Point beginning to have a more progressive outlook? What issues do they feel impact them the most, and what do they hope their rulers will accomplish for them?

Vanora has assisted Sanya in organizing this several pronged mission of diplomacy, and will play her part in executing it as well. She will be at her husband's side when the new Duke addresses his people, playing the expected role of traditional Islander wife while also serving as a reminder of the potential for progress as generations change. She will show off all three of her sons, including little Harald the Younger, that the citizens of Grihem's Point can see the strong line of succession. She will also focus on taking the temperature of the people. With the sweeping reforms that have changed the Isles in the last few years under Victus' leadership to the potential for the Compact allying with Brass and the practice of thralldom being abolished completely, she wants to ensure that the people House Grimhall is charged with leading are feeling heard, and that the Grimhalls know what their primary concerns are. This information will be used to guide upcoming decisions that impact Grihem's Point, with the goal being to avoid civil strife and loss of faith in Grimhall leadership.

Valdemar will do his best to make sure the speeches to the military are rousing, telling the Grim Legion and the Grim Fleet that they need to remain a force to be reckoned with. That his father would be proud of what they've become, but that there is still a lot of work to be done to be ready for the new order of the Mourning Isles.

He will also be helping to drive home the message of stability, showing off his twin sons and speaking of the importance of tradition to house Grimhall. Talking of how Arkyn and Anthony will learn about their roots in the same way that he did himself, so that they can be informed by those traditions as they face the future and rulee Grihem's Point just as he is.

During the smaller talks, he will spend plenty of time with the soldiers, officers, and other important men of Grihem's Point. Though he will do his best to keep them on topic, he will otherwise mainly listen to what they have to say, offering reassurance at times that they seem too agitated by some particular topic.

If there's anything Iseulet is good at, it's rousing speeches and improving morale, so she will assist in Vanora's recruitment drive! She encourages those in Grihem's point to join in their efforts. Between speeches, she too will be getting to know some of the people and aid in the hosting of meetings to get to know the concerns of the citizens.

Joining House Grimhall on their tour is a no brainer for Edward, who will represent House Stormbreak in speaking highly of the new Duke and Duchess. A big part of this will be using stories and gilded talk to step Valdemar outside of the shadow of Duke Harald Grimhall to highlight the new Duke on his own but also equate the two men together as being of the same sort - that Valdemar was a son that Harald was proud of both publicly and privately, and is more than worthy of stepping into the role of Duke. And for those who have doubts and dissent Edward will speak with further - levying his place of trust with the old Duke to provide him leverage and insights - he will do everything he can to reassure those who stand opposed or on the fence, that Valdemar carries every ounce of strength that his father had and more.

Karina will emerge from her on-again, off-again artist cocoon, join the expedition, and actually be social, offering to do a handful of free portraits for a mixed bag of nobility and commonfolk. Most importantly, she'll chat them up (temperature-taking) while she paints them, their magnificent holdings, their adorable and not at all messy and annoying babies, and/or their favorite lapdogs. And while they chat, Karina might just throw in a word or two about how rock-solid (message of stability) her FuzzyCuz AKA the New Duke is and will be.

Baroness Skye Blackshore will craft a wooden door awning to go in front of the entrance of Grihem's Point, giving homage to the what has come before through Harold's reign, showing off some of his deeds and military victories. With the former Duke clasping the hands of Valdemar, showing off the military might and capability of the new duke who has taken over. A reminder that Grimhall's history and traditions will be remembered even as Valdemar takes them into the next piece of the journey.

The baroness will also play a part in the diplomatic envoy by speaking to those vassals about her own experiences, giving them comfort that they are in good hands. It's clear that House Blackshore supports House Grimhall in words and actions.

The tour is a wild success, in terms of raising the profile of the leaders and winning the approval of the people of Grihem's Point. In terms of what they want, the people under House Grimhall are VERY traditional. Most strongly disapprove of things like men doing women's work by going into law or scholarly work even moreso than female soldiers and sailors, and some of them ask that male lawyers and judges be denied the right to practice law in Grimhall lands, due to distrusting their experience. A majority would rather than female soldiers be denied on Grimhall lands, and at the very least they should not serve in the Grimhall military. And most see removing thralldom as an assault on Islander way of life, and strongly disapprove of destroying the institution, as they see it as justice.

Having been granted leave by Hadrian and Cambria to form a new vassal house -- though, without reliance on House Mazetti resources, Giulio is going to begin the work towards finding a shav tribe that would be amenable to joining the Compact. As part of this, Giulio intends to cement the new alliance with bonds of blood, and will offer to marry one of the 'noble' members of the tribe, who is of marriageable age, healthy body and hale of mind and spirit.

This endeavor will likely take some time, and will be focused in the Lyceum. To Giulio's benefit, he does speak the tongue of the Lycene shav and is going into this with the understanding that not all of the tribes are alike. He is particularly looking for a tribe that is likely to have the least difficulties with melding itself into the Compact. Additionally, he will attempt to shy away from tribes that seem to be engaged in shadowy worship.

As of late, the Archduchess of Lenosia has been personally attending whenever her vassals (or vassals of vassals) interact with the Shav'Arvani, especially when they are trying to convince them to bend the knee and join the Compact. The Grand Duchess makes a point to display the wealth and strength of the Lyceum in her person, something that potentially speaks even more loudly than the words she says.

Mydas does not speak the language of shavs, yet this barrier won't stop him from appliying his intellect in preparing messages of propaganda to put Giulio's efforts under the best light, to be translated by those able to speak the language. He does not take a center role, and indeed much to his habit, his influence is felt rather than seen. Distant aid, yet no lesser for it.

Iseulet helps Giulio with the diplomatic side of this effort and while she doesn't speak the language but she has a good mind for negotiation and a silver tongue to boot. Whenever able, she definitely pulls her weight with words in his favor, too. Not only with the tribe themselves but with the rest of the Compact trying to avoid any political messes and thumbing of noses from the Peerage as best as she can.

Elgana has never been to the Lyceum but what a better time than the present to change that! Sure, she doesn't know the land itself, but she has made a great many friends who are part of the Lyceum since coming to Arx and has learned a great deal from them about their home, their culture. And since it is now one of those friends who has called upon her to assist, assist she shall. She will accompany Giulio but stay largely out of the way of any fighting - no fighting for this Redrain! - and instead she will speak with the people and talk both Lord Giulio /and/ the Compact up. What can this man do for them? What can the Compact do for them? She'll be certain to help him give the right answers and look friendly, charming and approachable while he is giving them. She will be on her most charming behavior for if there is one thing this Bear Princess knows, its people.

As Mydas makes his influence felt from afar, Duarte takes that campaign to the lyceum directs and manages the day-to-day of the diplomatic efforts following along the generalized positions and outline set. He is receiving the debriefs from the field and planning the next diplomatic maneuvers in either continuing negotiations where appropriate, or moving on entirely; helping to isolate the most advantageous arrangements and leveraging political capital. He is essentially managing the activity and actions of the legation.

Mirari does not speak the shav language, but she can climb over the language barrier to speak passionately about Guilio and his drive and abilities. She will find people in small groups, speak to them as the Sword of Lenosia, telling them how much better life could be under good leadership.

Grazia is remarkably good at getting people to believe that what she's saying is in their best interests and even happens to be their own excellent idea. She's going to help Giulio for her own reasons, as a favor, but she'll certainly work to build him up as a paragon of Compact leadership as well as presenting Compact membership as an extremely appealing idea. She's got a commanding presence to her and she knows the Lyceum well, even if she doesn't know this particular group of shavs, and she'll make a point of lucrative alliances both in and out of their fealty chain. It's obviously pragmatic for them to form a County, for the wealth and well-being of all, especially since they'll have powerful allies.

In support of Giulio, Talen will be attending the Archduchess during her address on the Mazetti lord's behalf, complimenting the speech with a demonstration of military prowess. Velenosan infantry in full plate armour with war hounds to accompany them, fully barded heavy cavalry churning up the turf as knights ride, and destructive power of a siege weapon will be all shown as a core reason why the Shav'arvani-- unless they side with the Abyss-- are powerless against the forces of evil. It is a show meant to pair itself with Eleyna's speech in not threatening the Shav'arvani, but rather imploring them to take the protection of the Compact, so that they do not need to become the puppets of the Abyss.

Of course, it also works well as a cover for having an actual army there, just in case bad shit does go down.

House Corvini is in many ways a perfect fit, really. They aren't warlike, they were a respected house of the Compact before the Crownbreaker Wars and vague memory of them remain, they aren't shamanistic. The propaganda efforts, and particularly House Velenosa getting behind this and pushing, are largely successful mostly since the Corvinis are far more acceptable by comparison to the recent Redrain houses of wild shavs, or for the Volkovs closer to home. So critically, while the diehard traditionalists will always resent -anyone- being ennobled, even there it could be argued it's just a restoration of their deserving station and Giulio was a respected noble being granted his own holding, which is unexceptionable. Of course, some truly just hate Abandoned regardless, and there will be a lingering degree of disttrust and hate directed at Corvini, but far less than at some of the others.

Under the command of Lord Romulius Blackshore, the new navy for House Blackshore launches with a dromond, galley and long ships that will now protect the newly rebuilt Blackshore Isle. Proper fortifications, a watchtower and barracks have been planned by Baroness Skye Blackshore. She also assists her brother by training new sailors on Blackshore Isle, getting them up to speed to the latest war and sailing tactics, and doing maneveurs with her brother to make sure the new military force is ship shape.

Dycard helps with the recruitment efforts, finding those sailors who believe in what the Blackshores are doing and are willing to defend their new home. Previous experience on warships helps but is not necessary, and he'll also point out that being closer to one place is good for men and women with young families or elderly relatives, or other reasons to not want to voyage the length and breadth of Arvum but still keep working as sailors. And when all's said and done, battleships aren't actually that much more dangerous than fishing boats or merchantmen, and at least they'll be armed and waiting if the pirates come.

Iseulet helps Baroness Skye with recruitment efforts by praising her and the new hope (get it?) she's given Blackshore. She busies herself with not only swaying hearts and minds but also with the economic side of things, keeping the costs low (but not miserly - that never wins you friends).

Kael has been a steadfast supporter of Baroness Skye and has promised to support her where he is able to. One of the ways that he has been supporting her is by way of supplying lumber from Oakheart Woods toward the efforts of building ships. Some supply of lumber will be added, at cost to the Keatons, for their use. In addition to this he will be speaking to Keaton vassals about the potential of trade with Blackshore to make it a win-win for both parties.

To help Blackshore build and develop their naval forces, Edward will provide assistance through education. He will make some of his own Whitefrost fleet elements available to do war games and other naval exercises with the Blackshore Navy so that they can get hands on practical experience at sea. Addtionally, he will get reports based on the performance of Blackshore's ships and Captain's so as to provide proper recommendations for those men who should be promoted to higher officer ranks and those who the Baroness might want to consider replacing.

Baroness Skye is still working hard to strengthen New Hope. Under her guidance her land is flourishing. With the new shipyards at New Hope, a dromond, a galley, and longships are built for the Blackshore Navy. Baron Edward aids in training these sailors. Count Kael makes sure the Keaton's Oakheart Woods supplies some of the best lumber possible - and some at a discount, and more for free. Lord Dycard also trains sailors and makes sure the navy is up to snuff, and Lady Iseulet makes sure everyone knows of the phenomenal job that the Blackshore family is doing to rebuild their ravaged home. All in all, the people of New Hope are quite pleased with the leadership provided by their ruling family, and work diligently to build their own home and the beautiful new domain. Through adversity, they have found their strength.

Iseulet begins spearheading a campaign to put into motion a new -MASSIVE- permanent trading route by water that stretches from the Telmarch, round the coast of the Oathlands, heading south round the Lyceum, to the Thraxian Isles, and cutting across to Arx up to Stonehearth.

Each House that participates is asked to donate 50-100 military writs for the funding of security escorts and the fightin' off of Pirates - river and otherwise). Optionally, each House can /also/ donate some social writs to help spread the word along.

The goal is to stimulate trade between Houses - Houses both import and export goods and benefit from the taxes and stimulated economy! Thereby giving a monthly income boost (and maybe some initial economic writs) to all houses represented here. Every House gets an equal share of all the profits, with the exception of the Houses contracted to secure the route from bandits/pirates (those that have attached ships to the action). Not only are these houses entitled to a bigger share of the profits (due to their increased risk) any and all contraband seized by pirates along the route will of course, be theirs.

The Count of Riva himself has taken a very strong interest in this wonderful mission, probably most likely because the idea was born out of a conversation with he and Iseulet. He knew he would be especially helpful among the peoples on the rivers and so the Count would head out to use his charm and diplomatic skill, as well as his life experiences and relationships to assist in the negotiating among not just the peoples of the rivers, but anyone who seemed inclined to hear him.

Belladonna endorses the deal, meeting with merchants and sailors around her port city and spreading word, building hype and excitement for this new trade route that will open up new revenue streams for the bold and daring who sieze the opportunity at hand!

Baroness Skye Blackshore lends Lady Iseulet the resources she needs to start the trading route, giving her military escort and blessing to move forward with these trading agreements.

Lady Tesha Telmar has spoken with Lord Ansel Telmar and they have decided that this is a good idea for the Telmarch to join in. So they are going to be providing Military and Social support for Lady Blackshore in hopes that this venture goes smoothly and without any bumps.

Always on the lookout to place Caina in traderoutes, Oriana, as a Voice of Inverno, interviews her ship captains to carve a new force from Caian's navy specifically to provide safe passage for trade from New Hope and spreads the word through her contacts and mertchant captains at home and in Arx.

As the Queen of Silver for the isles of Ischia, it's important to pursue business policy and trade like it's nobody's business. No pun intended. So when Lady Iseulet begins such a massive campaign she knew she had to be a part of it and was grateful for the opportunity. Providing ships and the Black Curs' finest corsairs, this southern House hopes to protect the vested interests (and further them when possible) of everyone involved. With the blessings of Gild and the spirits of air, luck and sea, Prisila will work closely with the Voice of Inverno and contribute her forces to helping provide safe passage as well as investing economically into this beautiful project.

Aethan will be supporting Lady Blackshore in her trade endeavors by escorting trade ships as needed, as well as clearing pirates from optimal trade routes able to be accessed by the Kennex navy.

Octavia notes the need for Stormward to be part of the building trade route, and commits significant resources to the establishment and securing of the trade route. The Stormward Fleet, an anti-pirate patrol by its origins, will certainly be excited to join the fray and tear the pirates apart.

Having received contact from Iseulet, Marquis Fairen meets with his staff and vassals to discuss the trade route, examining it's feasability to improve on the economy of Leaholdt. The resulting meeting ensures that not only does Fairen support the goals and objectives of the project, but he also uses this as a way to improve the sales on the unique product, Leaholdt Dreamwine: A rare and expensive alcoholic drink with a milky, herbal texture, and forest green in color said to produce lucid dreams if the consumer drink a full glass. Not to mention, the Marquis encourages his vassals and the merchants in Leaholdt to take advantage of this trade arrangement.

When she was a young woman, Petra listened to the wind and used her gift of clarity to guide her tribe to safe paths. Now that she is helping her family rebuild after the tragedy that Brand inflicted upon them, she has been relying on this ability again and she does so in this instance to help establish a trade route. She asked the voices threaded within the breezes which route they should follow: 'What course best balances safety and prosperity?' When she is given an answer, she relays it to the others and advises them which currents to follow.

Following the lead of Tesha, Ansel will be assisting in commiting the resources of the Telmarch to bear on establishing and maintaining the trade route project. As the northernmost bastion of the Oathlands, the Telmarch itself holds a key position in economic routes through the area, and Telmarine forces will be dedicated specifically to establishing and safeguarding the route. They will clear the way of any bandits, help establish any trading posts along the way, and provide security for the first few rounds of caravans that make the trip, in order to establish it as a safe trading route.

While the Trade Route is largely over sea, but for it to be successful once it finally reaches the end of the route in the Oathlands, where there are relatively few ports, there has to be ways goods can reach overland, as well as goods reach Sanctum and other Oathland Ports so they can travel back along the route. Edain will focus his efforts on setting up solidly defended trade line to Pride Hall to the East and Farhaven to the North. Attempting to extend the reach of the Blackshore's trade route, and to give the Oathlands, Crownlands and Northlands more ways to access the route if they are far inland from it. Where Isabeau is brokering most of the deals, Edain will do his best to make certain they are well protected and those roads are safe.

On behalf of House Valardin and the overarching route(s) through the Oathlands, Princess Isabeau will coordinate and negotiate with local merchants and militia knights to ensure that trade is fair and the caravans are secure. What's more, she will offer a small tax incentive for merchants who wish to travel on the new trade route and/or share their goods with customers outside of the Oathlands. She will also do what she can to help coordinate with the other Oathlands houses and provide assistance to them where required. (Assisting with an additional 200 writs of economic, military, and social resources.)

With the desire to trade by sea and Harthall being an Island based house, the two mesh rather well. Orvyn will work closely with Iseulet and others to best organize the ships and their routes. His own contacts among the various sailing groups will come into play as the pocketbooks of others will likely aid in ensuring that proper bribes and deals take place throughout the seas of the compact. He will commit several of the house trade ships and encourage their sailors and captains to find ways to follow the prescribed routes in an attempt to streamline the fee structures. Further organization with the other Voices and heads will take place so that two ships loaded with similar goods will not pass each other on the seas, organizing bills of trade so that expedience and profit can both be maximized.

It is Hadrian's attention to set about making arrangements for the planned commerce within the city-state of Ostria through acute applications of... delegation! Putting the proper minds to work within Ostria itself to work in establishing the necessary measures to safeguard Ostria and House Mazetti. Making absolutely certain that visitors, whether merchants or otherwise, to the city-state adhere to the laws and traditions of Ostria and remain in the Outer Round. The fleet of House Mazetti shall patrol their own waters and, if necessary, defend traveling merchants with utmost tenacity from the First Ostrian Fleet. Ostria will welcome escorts attached to commercial traffic in order to maintain the safety of the convoys of merchant vessels. The escorts will however be expected to maintain a respectable distance from the Walled City by the Sea. House Mazetti too will be promoting the endeavor, urging those citizens in need of employment to make inquiries at the docks with the potential boom of new trade. Finally, Hadrian will be dispatching his invaluable lawyer to review any documentation before providing his final nod to Hadrian before anything is agreed upon by the Hydra.

Lady Catalana Kennex will be supporting these endeavors. She will personally speak to every noble of Stormward to negotiate such things. She will happily trade with Blackshore of course to boost both of their economies.

The Crown Minister of Coin permits the use of the harbours and ports in the vicinity of the City of Arx as part of the trade route and provides a measure of support in economic waivers, military permits and social connections for the suitable parties. All in all, the effort is more administrative, indicating that on behalf of the Crown and King that the initiative will not be hindered. All they take, of course, is their cut through taxes from any eventual profits.

Malesh is going to commission a brand new trade center at Stonehearth. Port facilities will be expanded, as well as new warehouses and vaults. City defenses in general shall be beefed up as well, in an effort to make Stonehearth THE place to trust your goods with quick an easy access to several trade routes including this new one. As his people handle that at his expense, he will be busy touring the existing routes speaking to the benefit of this new route as well as the virtues of Gild and, of course, the value of trading through Stonewood. Stonewood forces will take charge of protecting the final leg of the trade route, from Arx to Stonehearth, both on the river and along side it. (1000 Economic Resources, 500 each Social and Military)

Ariel will be hosting a trade fair and festival to Gild to coincide with the trade route announcement. She is aiming for a week-long event showcasing the goods, services, and performers of the region. A tithe of 10% will be given to Gild of all money's made/raised. She will be putting forth the money to host the event so the craftsmen spend nothing out of pocket to set up. The trade fair will run during the day why the night will be devoted to performers. Singers, dancing, and theatre productions.

Amari, acting as House Keaton's Minister of Finance, will oversee the Oakhaven leg of the trade route, while the Riverdogs under the command of her cousin are committed to escort merchant ships and inspect them for contraband. A strong supporter of Lady Iseulet's endeavor, she'll tout the benefits to local merchants and others in Arx she's dealt with during her tenure and offer incentives to bring them on board. Otherwise she mainly concerns herself with the numbers and logistics of the undertaking with a lawyer's eye for detail and compliance, trying to make sure it's all as profitable and legal as can be.

Operating as a merchant for years, Lord Fredrik knows the best and most profitable routes among the Isles. How to avoid pirates, how to get the best profit for your returns, and how to make certain that you are not ripped off by the hundreds of hidden fees that are scattered in every port authority. He will bend this knowledge to help the trade efforts, as well as examining the rest of the route thoroughly for wastage or investment opportunities, trying to make this route one large, flowing river of product that benefits everyone involved.

Duarte represents not only Bravura, but also the greater goal and group, in negotiating trade routes and costs with transporters and contractors, mercenaries and merchants. Tying together such an intricately detailed route and nailing down precise agreements for the benefit of all is not always as straight forward as 'Let's do the thing!' and Duarte is there to help smooth the waters and finalize the commitments as a new, but adept, diplomat.

Lys, Voice of Afflua, will of course help! Granted, Fen de Lire is not particularly nearby the water. So she'll be doing what she can to put the word out for the project and see if she can get people to help with it! And of course they'll provide some extra muscle via the Valorous Few.

Lucita evaluates the maps and plans shown her and decides to assist. She uses her charm and skills with propaganda to heighten interest in this project, both locally in Saikland Greens and amid the trade partners she has already established, Secure trade and steady protection and trade partners can only help build the economy and strengthen the military protection against pirates of all who are involved. 100 military resources are put into helping fund the protection from pirates, 300 economic resources are invested.

Lady Cadenza Fidante is happy to assist with this endeavor. As both the Voice of Hawkmour as well as the Admiral of the Tempest Rose, she will be ensuring that Tor and their vassal's lands are properly patrolled and protected as they have always done. She will see to it that the waters around Tor and Brassfall March are properly guarded for the trade route to be safe and successful. In addition, of course Brassfall will be taking part of this trading endeavor to boost their economy.

Duchess Calista Fidante is well know for her charming ways and when it comes to public relations, there are few who can match her talent. She speaks with the Merchants of Tor about new trade commissions and how this opportunity will stimulate the economy. Tor is a city-state that is rich with resources. More trade means more money and everyone likes money.

While gratuitously thanking House Malvici for its offer to protect areas which include areas under control of Tor, their offer will have to be declined. House Fidante has protected Tor and her surrounding lands for a very long time. Knight-Captain Ignacio Fidante shall instead however increase patrols within the Torean region to ensure any efforts by bandits or pirates will be thwarted.

Quenia hears out Iseulet's plan, and agrees to talk to her merchants and her nobles. She works to convince them that this would be a good idea, bringing in new goods, and much needed new avenues for export. She also reminds them that all the new goods would also be traveling to Gemcitta, since Granato is the hub for trade with Rubino-Zaffria lands as well, which should help convince them. She talks to her fleets, and sees that they handle additional protection around the ports of Granato. It's not that she doesn't trust Malvici, getting on with the Duchess well, just she wants her own people to be out in the waters as well in a combined effort to protect the trade routes. Working as one Lyceum. As such, she invests military favors (100) and economic favors (200) into seeing this prosper.

House Malvici will most certainly not come anywhere near Lenosia with its ships. House Velenosa shall protect its own waters, with their own ships, and ensure the proper passing of any trade vessels along its part of the sea route. Prince Mydas Velenosa makes that abundantly clear, before setting to work on using his own knowledge of economics to ensure the venture is a successful one. He also brings in the Silver Consortium as its Voice, to supply their expertise and existing networks to the effort. All for commerce! And to each their own waters!

The proposed trade-route precisely fits with Sudara's hopes for the kingdom as a whole and the Truesworn in particular. Given Esterhold's location, this plan could bring many advantages to her beloved Prodigals: she is committing herself and her little House to its support. Personally, this entails uncovering as much relevant information as possible, and accurately passing it on to her people to help them serve as guides and guardians in their home waters: the latest maps, schedules, accounts of seasonal changes in weather and currents and tides, recognition signals and flags for all the nations and Houses, and more besides. Her hope is that she can make the waters near Esterhold as safe as possible for merchant shipping, and turn her little fief into a favoured port of call.

Tenebrae, like her Lady Sudara, is devoted to helping her people gain power and riches that they deserve. She will do all she can to assist in this endeavor, though with her skills, it will probably be restricted to ensuring the safety of ships around Esterhold and assisting with the navigation of the nearby seas.

Pasquale represents Malespero in seeing the trade route established, putting what military weight his young House has into helping secure the waters and encouraging Nilanza's sailors and merchants to utilize the route for buying and selling. He also puts some of his own personal time to use in studying the raiding patterns of pirates along the route and tries to come up with strategies to avoid and combat them.

Duke Harlan Ashford will also supply social and military support towards this endeavor, but also bring up the fact that he's expanding Fortune's Harvest in Oak's Rest -- and suggests expanding the trading route towards there, especially as he's already building a road from Arx that will lead there -- and the Knights of Solace are patrolling (see action 2250)! The duke will also be allocating 100 military and social writs to the cause.

Lady Olivia authorizes House Ashford's participation in the route, as well as encouraging its (NPC!) vassals to participate and supplying resources in support of the endeavor. In terms of personal contribution, while not a merchant, she is an expert in agricultural affairs and will effectively use that skillset to try and leverage Ashford's participation in the network as a food exporter, studying crop patterns and directing a focus toward those likely to create surpluses in excess of local use. She can also to a degree export that agricultural knowledge as a good itself, ie by selling good seed stocks and other such bounties to their trade partners, hopefully increasing production among all the participating holdings.

Dycard will be working his way through the social scene, reinforcing that this is a great idea and the profit should be rich - and that other trade routes will likely come of it. Not in on this one? Well, when it's a success, there'll be others. Worried about changes? Life is change, and not all changes are for the bad.

Turo commits to protecting the trade routes to and from his waters, ensuring clean hand-offs of responsibility to other fleets as they occur. He also commits his formidable skills and experience in planning naval efforts to maximising these routes. Turo collaborates with the merchants in Escuma, as well as the Arts Academy, and brings Estil - the minister of Income - into those discussions as well.

Arcelia will work to support the additional trading routes at port sites around Escuma. She will also attempt to combine her own efforts in establishing trade routes(@action 2257) for Escuma with Iseulet's much larger expansion of trade routes around Arvum. She will attempt to utilize her relations with the Marin'alfar to expand trade routes to them as well, an attempt to see to it that our potential underwater allies are well supported.

Given the proximity of House Darkwater, Redreef, and Blackshore - Edward already knows these routes fairly well. These are the routes that his family, when he was still Redreef, had him personally following and tracking to ensure efficiency and little loss of cargo for the two Houses. Now he will apply this same knowledge for House Blackshore, showing Iseulet how to incorporate House Blackshore into these trade routes which includes at least two routes down to the Lycem, one specifically going to Setarco. This information is meant to be used to not establish the route since there is one but to ensure the depth of its efficiency - knowing when it is safe to push hugging the coast line against when it is okay to move out. How much cargo can be moved before spillage takes place in terms of perishables, and what the most commonly desired imports for those places are so there is no guesswork to be had.

As Voice of House Tyde, Archeron is keen to promote trade which takes Tyde's hardwoods and other exotic goods wider than just the Mourning Isles and the East coast, especially as they are trying to expand their forestry. Tyde provides a good number of resources to acquire military guards, even recommending a few of the old reavers who have retired from House service but who know the waves and how to defend goods. They also put the feelers out to their vassal houses, spreading the word through their social skills and resources. Archeron will be as charming as he can, of course, to those who wish to trade - showing them the fine qualities of Tyde hardwoods, with the confidence a woodsman has. And of course, direct the leaders to the best and most skilled former soldiers, as mentioned, to defend them.

While her brother, Valdemar, sets up the trade routes, Ingrid's focus is to ensure an economical boost to exports while expertly managing the taxes and other red tape associated with establishing a trade route coming in/out of Grihem's Point. Understanding that often you must spend resources to net in a bigger profit, House Grimhall does just that, using some of their economical clout to influence potential new partners.

Ember prepares Redreef Shores for an influx in trade by organizing patrols to protect the trading ships entering the waters near Redreef shore as well as meeting with local merchants so Redreef Shore may benefit from the new trade.

Donato will take command of Caina's fleet and help to secure the burgeoning trade route. He will drill the sailors and inspect the fleet to ensure they are fighting fit and disciplined and help to plan out the most effective and efficient naval patrol routes to ensure everything goes according to plan.

Demura has given Anabelle the responsibility to oversee the new investments of the Trade Route with Blackshore, and as such the girl has taken an interest in learning more about the world of Investments and the Finnacial Stability of Lyon's Redoubt and her family. The girl seem very interested in the potential of this great partnership to be used for something more among the Dominions, and will make sure that the profit is guaranteed to all parts.

Marquessa Demura Lyonesse will command personally the Lyonesse navy to make sure the first few days of the trade route will go smoothly. She will organise routine patrols and establish proper scouting alongside her strecht of the route to make sure no merchant will be harmed while trying to pass through the Lyon's Redoubt, while promoting the incoming trade goods among her folk. (100 military resources will be donated, 100 social resources will be donated and the Lyonesse navy will be added to the action)

Clover would give aid in spreading the news about this campaign, talking to people and getting others interested in not only investing but using this new trade route once it's settled. She has friends in all sorts of places, and connections plenty. She would see if she could also get independent captains willing to provide help with protection.

House Farshaw adds to this trade route some of its merchant fleet to assist in the shipment of goods as well as two ships to help with escort. What is good for the betterment of the west also is for the betterment of Westcrown. All in Farshaw are in agreement increased trade is to the benefit of all. There is a profit to be made here.

Calypso is going to be using her newest assets to their fullest extent. While using the new naval base (still pending @action, Apost still needed to review early) as a logistical strongpoint for her fleet, she will be directing it to help ensure that the ships she is applying to the trade route not only are deployed properly, but that she is exercising the best coverage. Being relied-on to guarantee the southern route for now, she will be ordering her ships to keep a watchful eye for pirates. Ships Captains are expected to prosecute pirates with extreme prejudice. Her vessels will not be entering waters recognized as belonging to other Houses, however. In the meantime she has been coordinating with Valardin about the logistical angles while building out her combat fleet (Apost is aware of plans, pending base @action approval) and plans to spend a few days in Southport directly rallying her troops and sailors, getting them motivated and putting her best people forward. (The Army attachment should include pending additional Longship purchases, as discussed.)

There's a lot more pirates than expected. A -lot- more. And they seem to have caught word of exactly this new trade route, with a suspicious amount of forewarning about exactly when and where different galleys would be making port calls, as well as a decent amount of resistance by coastal lords who are resistant to seeing any warships in their waters even to guard commerce, which makes things tense and difficult.

It's still a spectacular success.

The amount of diplomatic work in easing tensions, and the amount of military forces dispatched to help oversee this, even with the limitation on where they can and can't go, means that the overwhelming majority of galleys are making their port calls, and after a few crushing defeats of piratical forces, it doesn't look like much will threaten that... provided that the forces stay committed to patrolling the waters of their domains.

The Empyrean Trade Route, as it is being known, covers over thirty primary domains as ports of call or in-land trading partners, and the gains in commerce is significant, even if it is just starting.

@action/newaction Aethan has taken command of the Kennex navy, and has taken stock of the number of ships there are and what condition they're in, as well as whether they're fully crewed. Once that is taken care of, he has several things on the list:

* Ships. Since there are, to say the least, not many at the moment, the first thing he is going to to is call in as many favors as he can -- and, let's be honest, start owing favors to some people -- to get the materials to make more, writs to buy more, or hopefully on the Stormward pirate clearing trip, take a few as prizes.
* Crew. He will be meeting with anyone who he thinks can help point eager young people who feel the call of the sea toward Kennex. And maybe some people who don't feel it but could be convinced to for the right incentives.
* Reputation. Capitalizing on the goodwill hopefully generated from the Stormward trip, he will be looking for people who are respected in their various spheres to start spreading the word that Kennex is on the rise again.

Part of this will also be enacted on the trip to Stormward already planned -- Aethan will be out meeting people, letting them get to know him, and laying out his vision for the Kennex navy. He is not the most charming of men, but he knows how to lead, and that is probably what one wants in an admiral, right?

Ian is going to turn his considerable knowledge and expertise in training new recruits towards the new hires, starting with the basics and maybe even pitting himself against Wash or Aethan in elaborate war games! One way or another, he'll make sure that nobody goes into battle unseasoned.

Wash will write letters, visit vendors, and generally share all of the tips and tricks he learned in his time as Admiral of Kennex on how to rebuild a fleet. He will paint a picture for vendors of how illustrious it is to craft Kennex vessels, to know that your lumber, ropes and brightwork went into making the finest ships in all of Thrax.

Porter is going to be Porter, that is, the dashing sea captain that is hard working, fair, and leads a life of adventure. If there recruitment posters, he'd be on the poster. It's important for everyone to see the hard work and know that Kennex doesn't shirk the work and that they party hardy. He also knows some sailors tired of the Gray River and can be lured out to sea.

Juliana is going to help two fold. First she is going to use her influence and resources in Isles Canines, to get shipwrights and craftsmen to help with the recreation of Kennex Fleet. She will not only talk to those she can but she invest in the fleet as well. Second, she is going to use her own reputaton and skills to talk to those others that can help. Nobles, sailors and the like. After all, Kennex lost a lot fighting to protect her home.

Monique has agreed to help Aethan reestablish the Kennex navy under his control, and to that end the Minx of the Marches is calling in markers from various contacts and providing the Admiral a significant amount of funds to start.

Iseulet is many things, but scared of hard work? Never. She accompanies Aethan and Juliana and others that are heading out there and learning as much as she can about the Brothers Kennex and their achievements on the sea.
Her approach to the rest of what she's seeing around here is /vastly/ different and it's readily apparent she marches to the beat of a different drummer, because, you see, she makes music for them! Singing (slightly embellished) songs featuring tales of the Brothers Kennex and how they will rebuild Kennex's navy (with your military writ donations)! Every night they are out there among the people of Stormward, she takes her trusty lute out there with her and performs the songs (in the form of humorous sea shanties) and even improvises so that each night, there is something a little different about the show to keep drawing larger and larger crowds.

While she's not doing this (boat rides are long and boring, alright?) she uses her economic expertise to lend advice where needed, keeping the expenses for the trip as low as possible (without making the Brothers Kennex and other 'staff' of the ship eat gruel - that'd just be cruel).

As Voice of Kennex, Lady Catalana has been busy and being the forefront for Kennex now that she's back on her feet. After discussions and appointing Lord Aethan Kennex as the new admiral of the Stormward fleet she is there to support him. It is with him she intends to help build up the fleet, along with her family, and be sure to make it known that she has full faith in their knew admiral. Visiting with other nobles and vassals, she reaches out to them in order to gain support of writs of otherwise to make the fleet even stronger.

Ember cannot spare her seasoned sailors, but there are young men in Redreef Shores who would suit as sailors for House Kennex. She attempts to recruit, through cajoling to threats and everything in-between, young untrained men for the Kennex Navy.

After discussing this particular effort with Lord Aethan, Gwenna will speak in her various social circles about the endeavors being put forth by he and the Kennex. How when knocked down, they pick themselves up and quickly get to work rebuilding. War and political turmoil may bring chaos, but it is in those moments that we learn and grow toward a better future. She'll mention the visits made to Stormward and dedication of so many toward re-manning a fleet - new ships, new duties, and the new faces feeling the call of the sea to man them. Kennex surely is on the rise, building it plank by plank, deed by deed.

Elara has been asked to work her charm and musical talent to continue to promote the navy. And hopefully to bring in more recruits as well. She will join Iseulet in singing and playing as much as she can. Going further, she writes up little skits with comedic moments and tale telling about actual Kennex sailors and victories that can be added to performances or done on their own.

Harper spends alot of time in the burroughs and meets alot of people on her patrols and through her volunteer work at the Tragedy. She also sees alot of people that need more productive pursuits to keep them from falling into trouble that she or her fellow guards might have to deal with later. So she spreads the word that there's a fancy admiral fellow looking for crews. It's good work and a chance to learn something useful. And she keeps planting the bug about it in their ears, over and over, hoping that maybe through persistence she can badger them into something productive if nothing else works.

Tesha is going to be helping Aethan and the Kennex fleet in the usual way Tesha can, that means she'll be using her delightful charm and wit to talk up the Kennex sailors and things of that nature. Hoping to steer some wide eyed youths looking to become sailors that way. She'll also be aiding with silver to cover some of the costs.

The Kennex Navy under Lord Aethan Kennex is slowly starting to rebuild. Now Aethan makes a tour of his facilities and shifts some priorities over to focus on shipbuilding to make up for the decimation of the fleet at Setarco. Lord Ian comes to help train new recruits. Lord Wash uses his experience as Admiral to encourage merchants to focus on their shipbuilding first.

Lady Juliana uses her own contacts with the Isles Canines and others to encourage support of - and slightly lower prices for - the new Kennex navy. Lady Monique chips in as well, calling in favors and contributing money to the cause. And Lady Catalana, Voice of Kennex? She's right there helping find money to spend on these new ships.

And to crew them? Lord Porter takes the lead here, serving as the face of the Kennex Navy. Lady Iseulet Blackshore, singing songs and telling tales of bravery and heroism! It doesn't hurt that this also bumps up visibility for her new venture, The Empyrean either, but surely that's tangential to the cause at hand! Lady Ember helps focus on recruitment too, and Princess Gwenna talks about the valiance of the Kennex Navy at Setarco.

With Lady Elara also singing songs of bravery and Harper Ashdown encouraging recruitment to a better life for orphans and other misfits and even Lady Tesha Telmar helping boost recruitment, the people of Kennex take a good long look and realize... the Kennex navy is -famous-. Like, famous-famous. There are people from all over the Compact who know them!

Pride swells, recruitment soars, and the Kennex Navy is well on its way to being rebuilt.

Baroness Skye Blackshore continues to foster industry on Blackshore Isle by sponsoring the ship building yard that is built in this emerging port town that is starting to surround New Hope. The additional investments in the port continues to attract newcomers who are looking for opportunities.

Iseulet lends herself to Skye's project by attempting to wheel n deal. If there's a haggle to be made, she will haggle! She wants to keep the prices as cheap as possible for Blackshore as well as keep the supply lines open for them, ensuring that the cafters on the isle have their supplies coming in for the new Keep at the same time the supplies for the new dock arrive. Where natural resources can be used cheaper instead of importing them, she arranges that too!

Baroness Skye Blackshore announces the creation of a new shipyard at New Hope. Large and spacious, this will serve as drydocks for repairs and for newly built ships, and is the foundation of what she hopes to be a revitalized economy. With the help of Lady Iseulet, the shipyard comes in well under budget, and soon those who stop for a quick refitting or repair at New Hope bring tales of streamlined facilities, new and beautiful and staffed by extremely skilled craftsmen. It's a promising start to this new venture.