The Good Duke of Gemecitta, a musical comedy by Prince Niklas Grayson

It's time for another Niklas Grayson SPECTACULAR!

With the help of Nightingale Gianna Whisper, Niklas has put together an entirely new form of theatrical entertainment. They've taken one of his older plays, his first real hit, a comedy called The Good Duke and have rewritten it so every scene is a song, every line is a lyric and the entire play is an extravaganza of dancing, singing, acting and (in some cases) fighting. With extensive choreography, music from a number of popular genres and an all star cast, this reimagining, called The Good Duke of Gemecitta, is set to be a genre defining event.

Almost as important as the play itself is the fact that it will be the first theatrical performance held at the Bard's College, meant to demonstrate the worthiness of the College as a venue for all sorts of entertainment. That the show (which Niklas has termed a 'musical', so as to keep it separate from the somewhat artsier 'opera') contains such a mix of performances will allow the auditorium at the Bard's College to show its versatility.

Niklas also pulled together a cast made up of some of the city's most well known singers, dancers and actors. Backstage are legendary and famous artists putting together sets and wardrobes. As well as a veritable army of PR people out there hyping the whole thing. As Niklas has said in his humble and low key manner, this will either be the greatest spectacle in the history of the Compact, or the biggest disaster since the city burnt down. Either way, worth the cost of a ticket, right?

And finally, this is meant to be a big charity event. Once the commoner participants are paid all other funds will go toward Princess-Consort Alarissa Thrax's Thursday's Child project. But wait, what about paying the venue?! Well, it turns out that when you're Assistant Nightingale of the Bard's College you can cut yourself a 100% discount. So every last silver that doesn't go to pay (commoner) cast and (commoner) crew will go toward helping to pay off the debt of thrall children. Given that his brother freed hundreds of thralls, but did so in the dumbest way possible, this is something about which Niklas is actually quite passionate.

There will be no event and as such no specific plot writeup. In a highly general sense the musical is about a conflict between (the wholly made up) Duke Enzo Rubino and Duke Giacomo Zaffria which gets farcically out of control when they schedule weddings for their heirs to occur on the same day. Lady Giulia Igniseri (Sorrel) is betrothed to Lord Stefano Rubino (Alejandro) and Lady Carina Zaffria (Yasmine) is engaged to wicked Prince Marco (no house name, Lumen) and wants out as she and Lady Alessandra Rubino, Stefano's older sister (Bliss) are in love. And of course Lady Eleonora Zaffria (Evonleigh) is in love with Lord Stefano. Marco's sister, Princess Valentina, (Sabella) isn't in love with anyone except herself, but she acts as the narrator and routinely breaks the fourth wall to address the audience directly, generally to make humorously unkind comments about the people on stage. There's humorous lyrical dialogue, some of that broad physical comedy from the second act of The Playwrights, three dramatic sword fights (including a three way fight between done to a jaunty saltarella) and a couple of love stories. There's drama, but since this is Nik, there's a happy ending for most characters and only the jerk prince (whose house is never named) ends up getting killed due to his own shittiness as a person. (Note: though his marriage contract allows him to keep publishing as Niklas Kennex, he's decided his old family is full of nerds, so he's going to be Prince Niklas Grayson for purposes of this show.) And while the show gets a lot of comedic mileage out of the unique setup of Gemecitta's duel dukes, the show is respectful toward the city itself, including the intro song sung by Princess Valentina that talks about how great, if weird, Gemecitta is.

Gianna helped write the songs and is providing the stage - the Bard College's Performance Hall - as well as some of the talent, some funding from the College's account, and using the bards to spread word of mouth and up the hype. The problem with all this involvement is that she has a personal stake in how good the singing is, and she is highly critical and determined to make sure the songs are flawless, even if that means people have to learn to sing better. She can show them what they need to do, and she will, but she will not be pleasant to work with. She probably has to be removed from the process at some point. Good thing Niklas has a really high Diplomacy skill! Seriously, there are good reasons she has instructors that aren't her at the College.

Sabella is simply thrilled to take the stage for the very first time acting in her husband's musical as Princess Valentina, wicked Prince Marco's sister and narrator to the story that often breaks the fourth wall to interact with the audience and make fun of the other players. Not only will she eat nothing but lettuce in the months leading up to the production to make sure she looks her best for the role, she will throw herself into learning the lines and the songs and practicing her improv so that this is the very most amazing show that ever existed! BEST PLAY EVER!

Ah, the theater! Princess Elgana is enthused there is to be another play put on but the fact that it is a production by Prince Niklas is just the icing on the cake. How could she ever dream of saying 'no' to a chance to promote his latest work? There is an all-star cast! Music! Drama! Laughter! It has everything and she's going to bend the ear of anyone who stands still long enough around her to get the word out about this production and how amazing it is going to be and how anyone who is ANYONE in this city ought to be there on opening night.

Berenice has agreed to help promote Niklas's newest production, but she's taking a very particular spin on it: she's talking up her interest, certainly, dropping it in conversation about how excited she is for opening night, but more than that, she's going to be flexing her wiles to get all sorts of people competing for the honor of escorting her to opening night. Will it involve duels? It might, you never know. Will Berenice _encourage_ people to duel over getting to take her to the theater? One hundred percent absolutely. She's going to make an absolutely delightful game of the whole thing. Who will actually take her to opening night? THAT'S NOT IMPORTANT. Hopefully there will be tears and fights and DRAMA before the curtain even opens.

Once again, and to her great excitement, Tabitha will be lending her efforts to any tasks that require the skills of an artist: painting sets, creating props, applying stage make-up and so forth. She'll happily work with the team of artists as a whole, as well as on her own when appropriate. She's an organised busy bee who likes to get get along with others to help a project reach its full potential, so she'll be at her smiling and enthusiastic best among like-minded people of a creative bent.

Sorrel being the Bladesong is a triple threat: an incredible soprano, an excellent dancer, and a swordswoman of some note. She's set to play Lady Guilia Igniseri, the Rubino-Zaffria vassal, in a stylish, charming way. She's quite involved in training the actors and actresses for the show, and she and Bliss are working out choreography for when Lady Alessandra Rubino and Lady Guilia bring swords into their squabble over who should get the world's most useless and undeserving prince, before making up and singing a brilliant duet about how neither of them need that particular man. Sorrel is mainly concerned with helping to showcase the talents of commoners whose livelihood she would like to boost with this all-star cast and in training those with less experience to have more confidence.

Yasmine will be bringing her formidable skills as an actress, singer, and dancer to the role of Carina Zaffria, the apple of her father's eye, yet not without considerable cunning of her own. In the part, the Ravashari embodies the dual characteristics of the 'stereotypical Lycene' by being both sweet and relatable to the audience while also conducting machinations to attempt to assert her own will. On the stage, Yasmine beguiles, whether with her ability to fully embody whatever role she plays, her rich contralto voice, or her expert dancing.

Lumen will be embodying the wicked Prince Marco, intermingling her on-brand impishness with the debonair stylings of a highness entirely lacking in moral high ground. This is not Lumen's stage debut. She portrayed a man in Lord Niklas Kennex's The Playwrights.

Delilah might be a pretty ornament to the stage, but her real threat originates in the province of the pen. Prince Niklas has scored the masterpiece for the stage, and she will be lending the ghostly weight of ink and inspiring words to seed excitement and interest far and very, very wide indeed. Given the Lycene flavour of things, she is gently applying a particular impression to build fascination or interest. That means scattering tidbits to the right people. Influencing the right sorts to carry on the word, to build up a buzz (even if they weren't all that aware before, they sure will be now...). She sends breathless excerpts into the Hundred Cities, stitching and building a train of anticipation about how good things are. Sentiments peppered with the taste of mysteries and drama on the stage, the historical wonders, the *intrigues*. Did we mention intrigues? Possibly scandal? The things that sell tickets and cement the memory are a grand tradition of developing stories, and she will spin one about the tireless playwright, the dashing and debonair actors, the brilliance waiting to be seen like a cut diamond until it's basically Hamilton 2.0 of Arx.

Alejandro takes his talents to the stage for a second time in this new production, playing the role of Lord Stefano Rubino. While his life's focus has typically been in music, he possesses enough natural charm and performing ability to once again handle an acting role. Putting his all into his performance, he focuses his time and practice mostly on the swordfighting aspects he may be called upon to perform. It's probably more a dance than a fight, so he feels comfortable enough. Alejandro works hard, devotes himself to the role, and attempts to put on a good performance.

Initially getting involved in this only for a lark, more or less, Tikva's largely present as a very dramatically loud _voice_ -- there are many actors and musicians in the city who she has no interest in intervening in the livelihoods of, but what weight she can lend to Niklas by putting her showmanship to use here, she does, cheerfully and with great embrace of absurdity.

Lady Evonleigh Whitehawk will be performing in Prince Niklas' play as one of the actresses, of course! She's been trained to do it all -- singing, dancing, comedy, tragedy... Though let's be honest: it's a good thing it's a musical comedy. While Evon's singing voice is sweet and on key, she has not the depth or richness of tone nor the range of a proper vocalist. Any songs she performs in are "sold" by virtue of her acting ability and her charm. The acting, she has the chops for, whether a comedic or dramatic scene, and she will do her best to win over the audience with every line, smile, or sob.

As a lover of the arts, and a tremendous fan of Gianna Whisper and her patron Prince Niklas, Countess Carita is very proud to support Prince Niklas' talents as a playwright and the Bard's College's very first theatrical performance by donating from her own personal funds. That the cast will be a group of people she has come to know well for their musical talents has made Carita dig deep in to her pockets to support them, adding 5000 silver to help ensure the production's success.

Aurora was the costumer the first time this performance was put on, and will reprise her role this time. The costumes don't change too much, just because its a musical this time doesn't mean there is a dramatic shift, though tailoring is done to ensure that the costumes fit their new wearers. More have had to be added too, to include the chorus and other stand ins on the stage.

Playing the role of Lady Alessandra Rubino, Bliss emerges onto the stage in her element - or at least, hopefully so. This role was practically written for her, and whether it's the swordfights, the speaking parts, or the saltarella, the Champion Whisper is more than able to keep up. Indeed, she's going to bring a high level of exuberance to the role, and while the swordfight will of course display skill with the weapon - it's not really about the speed of movement, is it? No, it's about how flashy and entertaining she can make it. Tricks that would never see the sands are going to come out in the show - movements of the blade meant to awe and impress. Hopefully no one gets too hurt, and if they do? Hey, that can be part of the show as well. Maybe even just having her name on the billing will bring in a certain type of fan, as well, that will increase the name recognition of the show. We can only hope.

Rook is, as ever, the hypeman. Patron of the arts, magnate, and philantropist. It's his duty to encourage people towards the burgeoning shows within Arx, and for those that aren't politely within his company simply to get something, they normally even listen to his suggestions. Utilising his extensive contacts within and outwith the Peerage, such as the merchant rungs, Rook targets high profile individuals for putting bums on seats for this event. For those that know his lovely partner, of course, Yasmine will be involved! For the royalists, oh by the Pantheon, House Grayson's own has authored it! It simply cannot be missed.

Caspian is the stunt trainer. He is showing the actors how to perform various stunts and choreographed fights and makes sure everything is nice and polished for when the curtains rise and the show begins.

Liara, with all her customary cheerfulness and passion, talks up the production no end, particularly among the more junior nobles of the Crownlands and of Arx with whom she so often associates. They simply must see it! Or so she says. She even sends a few letters back home to try and wrangle up visitors from Bastion, assuring them that it will be an unmissable spectacle.

There is no acting, no singing, no performances from Alarissa with regards to the latest production of Prince Niklas Grayson. Not in the least. Anyone who thinks they might see her get on a stage and act is going to be disappointed. But what she does do is promote the hell out of the production. She has a good reason to given the deal Niklas struck with her in exchange for applying her social weight. And so when she is out and about, at parties, fluttering a fan, sipping tea, eating with friends and perusing stores for the latest and greatest of trends, she's encouraging people to go see this latest production. Likely to be the talk of the town, filled with notable of society both noble and less than noble, prancing about the stage and giving their all. Shouldn't they go and support their fellow blooded? She thinks so, she's even going to be front row - well, up in a box and away from the rabble of course - and watching. And it's a way to help say you were -there- when this happened, and to indirectly support Thursday's Child in the process. Charity -and- entertainment all in one? Besides, it's bound to be entertaining in some fashion yes? Yes? Probably.

Prince Niklas Grayson is at it again. Or Lord Niklas Kennex? Something about the marriage contract and he's writing under his original name but then he's also Princess Sabella's husband and everyone knows Princess Sabella so now it's suddenly confusing. So they just start calling him The Playwright, and it sticks - and now no one has to remember surnames and contracts not their own.

In any case he's written a new play, calling this one not an opera but a musical. But the names have the starry-eyed among the theater in awe. Princess Sabella acts in her first title role as Princess Valentina, her turn both hilarious and touching. Her humor makes people gravitate toward her, and she is widely hailed as a resounding success in her inaugural role.

Princess Sorrel Thrax, Bladesong and Singer of Heroes, takes a break from astounding the Compact with her own work to perfom someone else's - and she too is a hit. In fact more people than usual come just to see her perform - can you really blame them? Of course not.

Yasmine Champagne, popular model, fashionista, and not-quite-as-scandalous-as-she-used-to-be Prodigal acts, sings, and dances her way across the stage. She reminds everyone why she is so often the talk of the town with another stellar performance.

Bliss Whisper plays a part too, and where her exceptional enthusiasm is, can the Nox'alfar be far away? The entire second floor is bought out opening night by a Nox'alfar delegation, who come en masse to see Bliss perform. They're only a little disruptive of course - their cries of BOO! every time Bliss leaves the stage, and the standing ovation that grinds everything to a halt when she enters gradually stop - about fifteen minutes before the end of the play.

Lumen, Radiant of the Whisper House herself, plays the lead in a performance by turns dark and witty. Sometimes both in the same turn. She outdoes herself and shows why she is so highly sought after in the Whisper house.

Princess Tikva, Alejandro Rossetti, and Lady Evonleigh join this all-star cast. Maybe some are taking it more seriously than others but this musical has it all - ranging from the dramatic to the comedic, there's a part to play for everyone and everyone has their part to play.

And where there is music, is the Nightingale very far behind? No she is not - Gianna Whisper wrote the music herself for this play. Sets are by the incomparable Lady Tabitha and they veritably take one's breath away. Aurora, the legendary seamstress, provides unbelievably beautiful costumes. Caspian trains the actors in their stunts, the Grandmaster of the Champions Guild helping make sure the fight scenes are entertaining indeed. It's like he's done this before.

Princess Elgana, Princess Berenice, Lady Delilah, Countess Carita, Princess Liara, Princess-Consort Alarissa, and the Redoubtable Rook all publicize the event. They're all going to opening night, and to random nights thereafter - and that's enough to ensure that this new play by The Playwright (who might be a Kennex or might be a Grayson or might be both but it doesn't matter) is a roaring success.

Long have the people of Pridehall stood in ready support of the Crown, the Compact en masse, and House Grayson. Throughout his Majesty's childhood and infamous Rest, whilst Duke Gabriel acted as Regent, the noble family members and those serving under House Bisland suffered no neglect -- rather, they picked up the mantle of duty themselves in epic furtherance of peace, prosperity, and glory.

Lumen is bringing others together to produce a grand festival in celebration of these longheld ideals. To take place throughout the streets of Pridehall, the festival will serve as a fantastic reminder of the legendary resolve of House Bisland. Lumen will personally be throwing around her weight (socially, that is). She'll call in boons and finesse friendships to ensure vendors and street performers of all walks. She'll procure the finest lodgings for allies past and present (and prospective) so that they can come, bear witness, and partake in the merriment firsthand.

Delighted to return to her beloved Pridehall, Zoey plunges into the festival with cheer and abandon. This scion of Bisland encourages the stodgy and often grumpily taciturn people of the Mourning Isles (well, at least her husband, Ian, who has been told that he has no choice about coming but all he has to do is drink and stand there) to come with her to partake in Crownlander hospitality at its absolute finest. She uses her charm and diplomacy to encourage deeper bonds and alliances between Pridehall and Stormward.

Lord Michael Bisland the Steadfast, will put boots to polish and to march and prepare a large procession of military prowess for a parade through Pridehall. The survivors of Stormwall will front and center and march on foot with Michael Bisland. Veterans of previous wars will fall in behind them, then behind them the various knights pledged to House Bisland.

Ariel will try to pull dance troupes from Stonewood, Fireviper, and Bisland. Each would do a dance native to that area during the party. Then the final performance would be a new dance involving all three groups one to represent the unified area. She hopes to draw attention to arts of the region and make new contacts in those social circles

Samantha is going to solicit Deepwood vendors of crafts and street food, utilize her social connections, and throw money at the thing to help get it all paid for. But most importantly? She is going to be hiring a playwright and a theatrical company to create and produce a play, portraying the story of Duke Gabriel's heroism during the Tyde Rebellion, and in particular, his rescue of young Samantha from the agents of the Rex'alfar. (Maybe it'll be a musical!)

A festival at Pridehall is arranged in celebration of many long years of success and stability. Lumen Whisper organizes the entire thing, pointing to the years of stability, and how even when Duke Gabriel Bisland served as Regent his heir, Lord Michael Bisland, kept Pridehall secure and successful. Indeed, Lord Michael stands with Lumen, as does Lady Zoey Kennex nee' Bisland, and as do two of their more prominent vassals, Marquessa Ariel Stonewood and Marquessa Samantha Deepwood.

Marquessa Ariel works with performers and creates a new dance. Marquessa Samantha encourages entertainers and performers to show up for the festival, adding to the joy - and even commissions a play to be written and performed that emphasizes the Bisland role in setting the Tyde rebellion to rest, and in rescuing a very young Samantha Deepwood herself so that Deepwood could continue to be strong and to exist as a March in its own right.

Everything is very well received, and the people of Pridehall take great pains to support and enjoy the festival. Indeed, it's a good day to be Bisland.

Let's put on a show!

After some dawdling, it is finally time for Niklas Kennex to have his debut at the Black Rose Theater featuring his comedy The Playwrights, a play about two (somewhat familiar) playwrights, and their growing rivalry during a royal playwright contest. The final synopsis of the play can be found in the The Playwrights - Final Version book (Other The Playwrights objects are of a draft and are owned by people who refuse to junk them because they are dust addicts, not that I'm talking about anyone in particular, Bastien.) and in a black journal to be posted 6/18/18. Niklas and his entourage will be working tirelessly to drum up excitement for his debut.

The following PC actors are being invited to participate in the action. (Most have been confirmed as participating. Other roles will be portrayed by NPC BRT actors.)

Lumen Whisper as Master Ashby Ravelin
Alejandro Rossetti as Lord Eduard Planchard
Yasmine Rovashani as Mistress Bailey
Jareth as Sir Miles Gloriosus

Direction by Bastien, set design by Mailys Corsetina (carpenter) and Lady Tabitha Whitehawk (painting), costume design by Aurora Thornburn, music by Nightingale Gianna and general hype by Princess Sabella Grayson and Rook Grayward.

And no, Lumen! Eduard and Ashby don't kiss!

Bastien is...grudgingly directing. But even though it was not his first choice of project to work on, he never works with anything less than total focus and dedication. The play is not his particular style, but he hones the comedy til it's sharp enough to cut -- if not in style, then at least in precision and timing. The actors likely get very tired of hearing "Pick up your cues!" but by the time the show opens, it has the pace it needs for the comedy to thrive.

Ashby and Eduard do /not/ kiss in the play. However, he will grudgingly allow the production to at least skim across a moderate amount of sexual tension. IF HE MUST.

Jareth looks forward to returning to the stage with the debut of a young protege playwright, Lord Niklas. An elder of the Black Rose Theatre, the lithe and charming actor will bring his usual flair and dedication to his craft in hopes of whooing the audience and holding them into the palm of his hand even when not the lead.

Yasmine Rovashani has made a name for herself by playing secondary characters in many of Arx's most popular productions. The Ravashari's natural comedic timing and, let's face it, ability and experience in working with Bastien, bring the character of Mistress Bailey to life in a way that makes the character relatable and yet does not detract from the performances of the leads. She'll also leverage her current popularity as a dancer and model to hype up the play and, hopefully, lure in the audience that it so richly deserves.

How does one do justice to a man as complicated and deeply, deeply, deeply feeling as Bastien--err... ASHBY. Lumen is bringing the brand of demure preciousness she's best known for to this all-around lovable grump! The whisper hides the tender, longing heart of Lord Eduard's best friend forever behind a protective armor of condescension, theatrical arm-crossing, and childlike pouting fits --- but not so thoroughly that the audience won't see the genuine man beneath, longing for others to reach out to him for unsolicited companionship!

...and then they kiss, right?

Aurora Thornburn, the prized tailor for the Mummers, creates each costume worn by the actors in the performance. She takes into consideration color, detail, and the importance of clothing in being able to portray the right feel within each scene. She wants the clothes to shine in their own right, creating emotions and bonds between stage and audience.

Almost any play is improved by having a good set and props. Therefore Tabitha will lend her skills as a painter to help out with the creation of both of these things, and maybe also with stage make-up should it be required. She'll also be mentioning the play whenever she can, talking up Niklas and the rest of the cast and crew; but really, her main task is to take care of the artistry. How fun!

It's Gianna's first time providing instrumental accompaniment for a play. Thankfully, she realizes she is providing support here and not trying to steal the show. Various musicians associated with the College will be helping her out.

Princess Sabella has been waiting her WHOLE LIFE to be able to talk up a protege like Niklas! And she will do so at every opportunity! Don't you want to be there for Lord-maybe-Prince-by-then Niklas' debut at the Black Rose? Have you seen any of his other plays? Well, this one is even better and incredibly hilarious! He's such a brilliant playwright and no party, tea party, quiet passing in the street or at the market will go without her brightly and cheerfully trying to ensure all of those seats are filled opening night and beyond!

Rook's a hype man, it's true, he can make a dozen well connected people get all very excited over one thing and obsess over it for weeks. In regards to Niklas' play, since Rook's own proteges are both acting in it and designing the costumes, it only makes sense that Rook is stirring up a craze here too! He's going to push the angle of two of the most prestigious commoners having a hand in the show; Mistress Aurora Thornburn is one of the most famous crafters within the city and Yasmine is known as one of the most well known models as well. The courtier's approach is going to focus on the upper echelon, clientele and investors he works with daily, hopefully to get some real money-movers and influencers in the house that evening.

Two of Calista's protege's are involved in the production of this play and this truly makes her one happy Duchess. She supports Alejandro and Jareth completely in all their endeavors. The Duchess of Roses adores the theater and as such offers additional 'hype' for Niklas' efforts as well as silver so that the newly crowned Prince playwright can pay his actors, stagehands, and crafters. Calista has a broad circle of influential people and she makes certain they all hear about the upcoming play.

Though acting is not his main strength, Alejandro has been recruited to take the role of Lord Eduard Planchard. He throws himself into studying the lines and the delivery of said lines, relying on his hard work and natural talent to help him perform as best he can. Being in front of a crowd like this will be new for him but he's not particular nervous. Just focused on getting it right.

In the long winter months, what is there to stop people from losing their minds with boredom? Why art, of course! And Playwright Niklas Kennex means to deliver! He takes his troop of Mummers out to the further ends of the Compact and starts debuting his play. At first, it is decently received, but as the troop gets more and more comfortable with their parts, and starts making each part their own, the audiences become more and more appreciative.

The closer they get to Arx, the greater the acclaim, until it seems all of Arx itself - or at least all those interested in the theater - are holding their breaths in anticipation of Opening Night at the Blackrose Theater. Direction by Master Bastien? Jareth not in the lead - but still playing a supporting role? Audiences do love him, and he's known for hamming it up. Yasmine, character actor and dancer? Lumen Whisper as a... man? Alejandro in a lead role?

Even the setup is amazing - Legendary seamstress Aurora making the costumes, music by Gianna, set and prop painting by Tabitha? This could be a changing point in the Black Rose history - or at least an exceptionally amusing play.

Certainly they're finding support from the haute monde, as it were. Lady Calista, Princess Sabella, and Rook all actively promoting their proteges and talking about the upcoming comedy. They plan to LAUGH and CRY and TALK ABOUT IT WHILE USING EXCITEMENT AND WILD GESTICULATIONS.

And as opening night approaches, the theater-philes of Arx are eagerly in line for tickets and ready to make it a night out on the town!

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Carrot and the Stick:
With the rumors of a rabbit-borne illness hopping about and poaching restrictions lifted, these are treacherous times to be a cotton-tail! Lumen is going to manipulate junior Inquisitors into helping her. "This is good for public perception! The Inquisition aren't monsters, killing off innocent rabbits and tearing beloved childhood pets from their homes," she'll tell them. *Now, some of these Inquisitors may be part of the resources she's been allowed access to by the Master of Questions and some... may very well not be.* She's going to have them help her humanely capture rabbits in the area surrounding the Palace, bring them to House of Questions for inspection, and then release them back into the wild with collars if deemed suitable. If the rabbits seem agitated, the gentle Softest Whisper is just going to coo into their cages sweetly. Just a totally normal situation here.

Tomwell has no rabbit-catching ability whatsoever, but he does hail from the wooded lands of Leaholdt. There are surely many members of House Leary, particularly among the commoners, who are skilled trappers. Tomwell, as a favor to his good friend Lumen, is going to go out and talk to any hunters or trackers or woodsy people he knows to convince them to help her out with her efforts.

Esoka is helping! She's a practiced huntress and tracker, and knows how to build cages and snares that will entangle an animal without killing them (hopefully, if all goes well). She'll set down some traps (with tempting food) in areas surrounding the Palace that seem likely. She'll also be wearing a mirror pendant, and requesting a vial of holy water from the Faith, to flash at and sprinkle the rabbits she traps. Hey, you never know.

Bliss is on guard duty here. Wabbits are very sneaky creatures, as has been told in many stories about when they've been hunted, and she is going to keep a close eye on the cages while 'dealing' with any that escape. With her rapier. It's a cruel job, but someone has to do it, and she is betting she is quick enough to keep up with scurrying lagomorphs.

Having been roped into this thing somehow, Tristan is going to be working on setting quarantine procedures based on the ones he uses when horses from places suspect for contagion arrive in the stables. He'll direct setting up isolated cages away from other animals for rabbits to be quarantined for weeks after they are caught, remind everyone who feeds, handles, cleans or otherwise deals with the rabbits to wash their hands and not use anything the quarantined rabbits have touched on healthy rabbits. He spends a lot of drilling this into rabbit keepers' heads. He will also keep a close eye on said rabbits for signs of illness. Or weirdness. Or evil.

Kia will be observing the various rabbits that are caught. She will be giving a heads up to the others if one of them seems suspicious so that they can give it to the Inquisition or kill it. Prodigals know their rabbits afterall.

Poor Gareth. Poor, poor Gareth. Bunnies were attained. The Fluffybottoms rode forth! Lumen was maimed, possible FOR LIFE! SUCH TRAVAILS. Also everyone sang.

Michael Bisland is going to hire on foreman and construction crews to build up Pridehall's holdings, as well as the vassal houses of Bisland. He will use his leadership and command skills to track down the best architects and planners for the jobs. A great number of Serfs stand unencumbered by steady employment and a public works rebuilding is a good way to get the moving as well as improve the economy of Bisland and its vassals.

Michael is doing most of the leg work on this one. Riding horseback, interviewing folks and all the assorted menial meetings and such to get projects like this moving. Assistance will be rendered by other players via advice most likely.

Samael will use his oratory skills to spread news of their plans to build up the duchy. Some may be concerned with the constant threats plaguing the Isles and the Compact has torn the Bisland's attention from the problems at home. Samael will use journalism and activism to spread and inspire the people. He will give speeches and distribute literature and make contacts with his friends in Pridehall. He is well liked in Pridehall and, even better, he is well respected.

The tugging of fealty's duty has trickled down to the county. Seliki pledges armsmen to Lord Michael's efforts to build and re-build the duchy. Guards for the goods flowing to and fro set out from Pearlspire.

Silas uses his contacts within the Crafters Guild to reach out to experts in the fields of construction and architecture (particularly masons, carpenters, artisans, etc.) to aid Lord Bisland in his goal to Make Pridehall Even Greater. A good amount of stone and timber is sent down south from Hawkhold to assist, as well.

As minister of population Kenna Whitehawk keeps a close eye on the growing number of people in Whitehawk lands. With Michael's offer to build up vassal lands Kenna grabs onto the opportunity to put some of those newcomers to work building up old housing and setting up newer housing for growing families. She passes on the needs of Whitehawk and points out how beneficial it is to make sure that the area is flourishing rather than rat eaten considering their prominent placement at the head of promising trade routes.

Titania is going to ensure the merchants fulfil noble orders first to provide support for the initative.

How can Pridehall and its vassals help a wounded Compact but from a position of bolstered strength? While others look over trade agreements and ledgers, subjects Lumen is well-versed in, she appeals to the sense of patriotism in select merchants and Commoner business owners with personal visits. "At the end of the day, what's good for the Duchy's economic health is what's good for us all." Using the social clout available to her as Softest Whisper, an experienced Diplomat, and the child of a Commoner from the Bisland lands which are now the subject of discussion, Lumen has quite a few different cards in her hand... and she plays them well on her cousin Michael's behalf.

Lumen is careful to leave her role as a daughter of House Bisland implicit. She's a bastard, after all. Anything more would be in poor taste. Of course, if somebody were to infer by themselves that she's acting with the full support of the young future Duke... well, that's a personal choice.

Jev has been asked to pour over the ledgers and offer advisement to Michael in proper distribution and utilization of the serf workforce. He is looking at cutting wasted labor and shifting under and unutilized serfs to areas where they will be more production to help drive production to expected levels closer to the capacity. Lumber, for example, can be bolstered to become a primary trade commodity. Yes it's all very dry. It's all very boring. But Jev's off-the-cuff assessment of things as he fiddles with trying to put puzzle pieces together should - if the dice are kind - make a ton of sense and provide a ton of help.

Barric is going to appeal to the nobles and merchants he knows within Grayson, and without, appealing to them to help get Bisland back up on it's feet. He is going to promote the House as being one of the backbones within Grayson, and the Compact, that the Compact needs Bisland strong and rebuilt. The war is not over and every House needs to be brought back up to strength if we are to have a chance. He will speak of how a strong Bisland is a strong House Grayson as they will be able to call upon the support of the House more fully when required.

It was only a few short days ago that Mia Riven announced she would be opening Riven's warehouses to her sister Houses under the Bisland banners -- and at a discount, no less. Lumber was made available to rebuild lost ships, siege weapons, bows. Leathers and furs were offered for armor. Now she was adding the powdered clay that could be made into bricks to the list and, furthermore, was lending the weight of her words to convince the artisans, architects, and crafters of the Crownlands to add their own skills to the projects begun across the Duchy.

Under Lord Michael Bisland, Pridehall is making some advances and infrastructure changes. Baron Silas reaches out to his contacts in the Crafter's Guild to secure experts in construction. He sends stone and timber south from Hawkwood as well. Lord Kaldur Seliki gets involved, pledging armsmen to patrol the rebuilding efforts and strengthening trade between Pearlspire and Pridehall.

Lady Kenna Whitehawk, follows Lord Michael's example and puts some public works projects in or her own, improving Hawkhold even as they trade and work with Pridehall. Prince Barric Grayson makes the appeal to merchants and nobles within Grayson, to help Bisland rebuild. Countess Mia Riven meanwhile is offering deep discounts from the Riven warehouses to Bisland forces for rebuilding and building.

Meanwhile an accountant named Jev pours over ledgers and makes sure they're paying as little as possible, and that every silver is accounted for. And Lumen Whisper and Lord Samael Bisland work hard too, reminding the people that Lord Michael is focused on Bisland territories, seeking to ensure that their homes are secure and their tax monies are used to make their homes strong and protected. All in all it goes over well, and the Bisland and Whitehawk peoples are working hard.