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Written By Serafine

March 18, 2018, 4:28 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

Food's amazing. Woman's amazing. I like dragging her around the southern territories. Everything is new again because of her.

I can't complain. Is it wrong to feel so excited and content with my place in the world?

Written By Apollis

March 18, 2018, 4:23 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

So far this is my least favorite trip to Setarco. And I was kidnapped once.

Written By Eilonwy

March 18, 2018, 4:18 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

I did my best, for the wounded and the fleeing. I think I even managed to grow a little closer to a few people. I have never claimed for myself to be a shaman, but I think the spirits were on our side. Though there were even injuries among the healers, none were lost. Some had never seen the active face of battle, and still they stood fast. I have a great respect for the women that worked with me at Stormwall, for the things we saw would make any sane person flee and still even healers raised blade and bow to guard their charges and aid the fighting. I shall have to learn from this wisdom and work on my archery as well.

Written By Luca

March 18, 2018, 4:03 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

[ Sent northward, from Setarco: ]

I've put off writing thus far because I had an unsettled feeling that the battles to the south were not over, despite our decisive victory against part of the Gyre's fleet. To that end, I was right, it would seem. Sailors are having premonitions of a second attack, and Reveka Tyde has thrown her lot in with the fleets of the walking dead. Knowing what I know, I can understand why she would be righteously pissed off. Just because you're mad though, doesn't mean you get to kill more people. Too bad, so sad. You do lose a little of your moral high ground when you take up with emaciated sailors and ghost ships.

It's impossible to keep up with everything in the chaos of a battle, but in the streets of Setarco afterwards, in the drinking holes and even walking the decks of other ships from the Compact's fleet, the stories come out as people drink up and soak in the relief of having survived a deadly day. It was good to have a laugh with friends while we had the breathing room to do so, even if people were having arrows pulled out of them. Some more viciously than others.

Good men and women died in the first battle. They always do. I won't count or mourn the dead yet, because this isn't finished yet. I will mourn for my newly enforced sobriety now that things have grown dire again. I thought it was over. It is not. I'm writing this while perched on a crate of Setarco Fire.

As for those who still live, I have been greatly impressed with the courage and skill of many I've seen. There are even those I am not fond of, for whom at least my respect has grown. I'm trying not to make a list here, because if I listed off everyone I was impressed with, I'd be writing this for a long time, and there are preparations to be made for the upcoming battle - but of note - Prince Jasher Thrax took a world's worth of punishment and stood strong. Captain Kaede Starfinder, my hat's off to you. I don't wear a hat though, so take the gift of my cousin 'Toni. The Seliki notables, Peri and Kaldur, were a pleasure to train before the battle and I'm glad that I made the time for it. Both of them saw plenty of action, and came through the other side of it despite everything. My old friend Estaban took a vicious arrow to the shoulder, and was gentleman enough to let cousin Saoirse practice her medical training on him. As it turns out, she has no medical training. You're a courageous man, Estaban.

I'm sure I missed some wounded, but I'm not at my best when I'm sober. I have so many more stories to relate, but not here. I'll regale with them when we're all back in Arx again, safe from the prospects of further battle, at least for a while. Worry not for me. I'm surrounded by some of the finest.

Written By Donaldo

March 18, 2018, 3:03 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

Dame Alexis Wyrmfang is a true master of her art.

I have not had much need for real armor in my life, and her team has done me a great service.

The newest piece, my Lycene Plait Bracers, are a true work of art.

I shall do my best not to scuff them!

Written By Jhond

March 18, 2018, 2:19 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

with so many friends away it's good to meet a new one.

Written By Reese

March 18, 2018, 2:17 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

<<Sent from Setarco>>

I report that Princess Lou handled herself wonderfully while we at sea, firing off arrow after arrow. I was blessed to have my sister and my husband with me aboard the pink Gryphon. Prince Luca fought for me when I was too busy commanding the ships to use my sword and in doing such, he protected me from many blows and kept our ship from being overrun with foes. The Grayson fleet did quite well in the battle. I was honored to have Lady Peri and her brother Lord Kaldur commanding the ships of our vassals and staying close to us. Lady Peri showed intense bravery, fighting on even as she was injured and her brother at her side was a huge asset. We are honored and proud to be part of the united fleet of compact and stand ready to face any further threats.

Reese

Written By Cambria

March 18, 2018, 2:14 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Terese

House Mazetti is happy to assist its friends and allies when and where it is able. The sword, so wonderfully named Wyrmclaw, is a gift we were glad to give to her Highness, princess Terese. More, we are only too humbled by her valor and generosity of spirit. She is a shining beacon to all of what a dragon of Valardin represents. I am certain her own House could not be more proud.

Written By Orazio

March 18, 2018, 2:07 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

The acknowledgement of valor and triumph on the field of battle is always a bittersweet affair, for it must include those who can no longer be present to receive their accolades, for whom bravery demanded the ultimate cost - their lives - which they paid without reservation or hesitation.

For those souls who fought to the last drop of their heart's blood in both the north and the south, you have already been welcomed into the arms of the gods, and the Faith celebrates your lives, even as we mourn your loss for this world. Among the fallen, we particularly stand to recognize Lady Eirlys Greenmarch, who gave her life giving the wounded and those who heal them time to escape a foul enemy assault, and Grandmaster Armel Godsworn, of the Silver Order of the Knights of Solace, who - along with many other Silver Order Knights - aided in covering the withdrawal from the shores of Stormwall. The gods know these hearts, and may they find them to be pure. In addition, let us honor the dead who fought under the banner of the Church - at the end of this entry, you will find recorded for history the name of each fallen, Disciple or Godsworn, who answered the Faith's banner call. Letters of notification to their families or their superiors in the Church have already been dispatched.

But it is not just the dead that we honor, and as Gloria demands, we raise up those who have survived the trials of war, who have shed blood for a righteous cause an emerged triumphant and unbowed. I wish to take this time to praise those who fought under the banners of the Faith and stood fast against terrible foes. For the Templars, I wish to particularly acknowledge the deeds of heroism of: Princess Terese Valardin, who commanded the mounted knights of the Templars with valor and unyielding honor at Stormwall; Sir Preston of the Templars who fought and led with strategy and courage; Dame Thena Grayhope, who led the Knights of Solace and who showed unflinching skill in the work of a warrior and a general; Sir Jeffeth Bayweather, who fearlessly risked life and limb to pull the injured from the melee, blending Gloria's courage with Lagoma's mercy; Sir Daemon Dracone, who fought with the strength of ten to defend the wounded and the healers; and Sir Rand Pirran, who fought among the Templars with valor and fury.

Last - but never least, let us praise the Mercies of Lagoma, and the members of the Physician's Guild, who took to their battlefields not to take lives, but to save them. May no one ever forget the strength it takes to heal, and the Faith praises all of the Mercies and medics who saved lives and souls in both north and south. Each of these are heroes as valiant and strong as any who took up sword, bow, or glaive in the defense of the Compact. May the gods see how many of their people are willing to risk their lives to uphold virtue, and rejoice.

<<A list of names follows - a catalogue of dead godsworn and Disciples in the fighting, as well as a brief note of where they fell, and any deeds which were known in the battle. It is a long, long list.>>

Written By Isolde

March 18, 2018, 1:59 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

Arienne for a boy. Arabella for a girl.

I pray to be passed by this plaque of twins. One child is already a stretch.

The things we do for duty. Or for love.

Written By Monique

March 18, 2018, 1:41 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Eirlys

Our last words were ones of love. That is what I will remember.

Written By Aiden

March 18, 2018, 1:30 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

Princess Lark, Princess of Bastion, High Lady of the Crownlands

As the Commander of the Grayson Army at Stormwall, working alongside Princess Marian and Marquis Mydas, I had first hand reports of what happened upon the field at Crovane, upon the beaches and within the city of Stormwall. The decisions we made as commanders brought our forces to act in certain regard, but in the end, the city we sent up in flame, to the cry of those who had always called it home. But within that city, we probably seen over 80,000 of the enemy aflame, so that they would not proceed south and come at another. Let us hope that the sacrifices made in Stormwall, are not in vain.

From the ashes, come the stories of the Grayson effort, of which I have scoured all reports that have been sent to me since, and after my walk through the camp of the wounded, I have hoped to collect them all. I acknowledge and honor those of our men and women, who risked their lives in acts of valor for the efforts at Stormwall. I can not cover all of these stories, but would like to recognize these shining examples of heroism:

Duke Harlan Ashford lead the combined archery forces upon the beaches, accounting for last minute changes without hesitation, ensuring that all forces on the beach knew the signals and worked together. He was precise with carrying out his directives and ensured that the retreating forces had significant cover. His efforts also helped to hold the lines that stood against the siege ladders and fought wounded among his soldiers upon the organized withdrawal into the city. His efforts continued to aid our success in sundering the city of all.

Marquis Malesh Stonewood, though he was injured in the first volley of our enemy, that did not take the fire out of his heart. He bellowed encouragement to those upon the pass, calling to soldiers under his banner to never give up, for the whole of the world and their families depended on not losing this battle. Even wounded, he showed the mettle of a leader.

Count Thesarin Riven is recognized for the steadfast leadership upon the field and never once losing control of his men, in fact, he gained support of citizens that would have otherwise been in a panic, seeing that every man and woman aided the efforts of defending and fighting in Stormwall. His ROAR upon the battlefield was highly motivating and his personal efforts to fight alongside his men will not be forgotten!

Countess Mia Riven showed bravery in the face of the insurmountable challenges, in ensuring morale kept with the soldiers. She was paramount in organizing medical aid and overseeing their withdrawal. She stood without hesitation and was unyielding against the enemy that came at the retreating wounded, suffering injuries for her courage in protecting the defenseless.

Count Gailin Fireviper, stood resolute, supporting the efforts of Michael Bisland to ensure the armies worked together and held the beaches and the walls! He was personally seen fighting alongside his men on the beaches and in the city of Stormwall.

Lady Olivia Ashford is recognized for her unwavering determination to heal the wounded, as well as her selflessness in trying to see the last of the wounded evacuation before the coming of the enemy. She never once hesitated to do her duty as assigned to her and saw many of our soldiers find solace in her healing.

Lady Emily Deepwood personally manned trebuchet with great success, capsizing a ship that was full of pitch, while setting many other ships ablaze through all her efforts. She also was charged with the task of leading archers upon the wall and within the city. Her bravery stands out as her voice heralded direction to ensure archers aimed true and made every shot count!

Lord Michael Bisland took charge of trebuchet teams upon the beaches to target the incoming ships with siege weapons upon their decking, while leading Bisland troops. He showed incredible talent at spreading morale to ensure the troops were inspired to fight on, leading a significant push to drive the ladders off the walls that gave the allies a moment of reprieve so that tactics could be changed before the final surge of the enemy. His dedication should not be forgotten.

Dame Esoka is awarded for her commendable valor in the field of battle, as she took charge of the Marinites at the mountain passes. While she was targeted personally by a great evil, she remained steadfast and held her ground and fought on proudly, as a shining example of Gloria.

Rickard Corsetina by all reports, never balked at the enemy he was faced with and fought with valiant selflessness, destroying many enemy upon the field, personally saving the lives of Princess Terese and Marcas Aodh when the beaches were overrun.

Prince Ainsley Grayson found the strength of Gloria in the field of battle upon the passes and was a beacon of hope to rally against an unmeasured foe of darkness.

Of significant note, while there may be many more great tales of men and women not of our house, one must be recognized for his courage that speaks fully of being one of us. Sir Jeffeth Bayweather braved the field of battle to find Marquis Malesh and pull him from it, personally carrying him from the battlefield. House Grayson thanks you, Sir Jeffeth, for showing such little regard to your own personal safety to find the Marquis and carry him from the city.

To all those who aided our success in Stormwall, I thank you for showing courage under such odds and against such horrific foes. We will not let the fall of this great city be in vain. We will continue to fight and together, we will win.

Written By Khanne

March 18, 2018, 12:37 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

I have made mistakes in my life, plenty of them... some worse than others. There are brief moments in which I think I regret them, but think what you will... I do not, not truly. Mistakes made are learning lessons, opportunities for growth, to recognize ones own weaknesses or places where they falter. Some of my worst mistakes have brought these lessons and required me to focus on myself, and some of these lessons have proven to be tests. Tests that not only I must strive to pass, but involves others as well. Some of those closest to me know what I speak of. I faced a test.... we faced a test... and we are passing with flying colors.... in my ever-so-humble opinion.

What I do regret though.... is time lost with far too many because of some of these mistakes. My time in Stormwall, what I saw, what I watched others sacrifice, what so many of us endured... has deepened my drive to never lose time unnecessarily ever again. I know there is never enough of it for all we must do, all we wish to do. Never enough time in a say, a week, a year.... ever. But, I am going to strive harder to not let moments slip between my fingers.... and to fight for moments that are so important.

No more time wasted. No more looking back with regret at time lost. I will fight for those I care about. I will fight for those I love. I will do my best to ensure that every single one of those I do love and care for, know it, whether it be the occasional acquaintance, or the holder of my heart.

Written By Khanne

March 18, 2018, 12:27 p.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Eirlys

Eirlys... this one is a hard one to write. So much time was lost, with so many, and you among them. I am fortunate that we were recently able to speak after so many years. It was awkward at first, for certain, but throughout the course of that conversation... steps were made, hands extended, and a bridge created, the beginning of steps forward.

What you said to me, mere moments before your passing, will always be carried in my heart, Eirlys. Thank you for the trust, and the sentiment. I will keep my promise to keep them safe, do all I can to ensure it for as long as I draw breath.

May your journey to the Wheel be a peaceful one, my friend. I feel confident in calling you that, because in the end, I do believe it is what we had once more. And when you are ready, when the time is right, may your return to the living lands bring you to a life where you are able to inspire anew with all that you are.

Written By Belladonna

March 18, 2018, 10:51 a.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Kaede

I do not know if this will reach you on the island, but let it not be said that Pravus is found lacking as a host.

Seek out Orathy Culler while you stay in my beloved city. He can show you the best places where you can be yourself. Setarco is not just for the rich and noble, you merely need to know where to look. I can do nothing for the heat except suggest you trade your furs for linens while you are there. It will help. Not much, but a little.

Written By Fortunato

March 18, 2018, 10:45 a.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

A friend who never quite trusts you has a strange, but real value. I will miss Armel.

Also, greetings, I am in Setarco, with Magpie and Mayir, although being of no nautical help whatsoever, I will have to find a way to make myself useful. Philosophy and sketching is-- useful, right?

Written By Kaede

March 18, 2018, 10:41 a.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

Forwarded from Setarco

Seen so damn many surprised faces when those massive red bears on the sails come into view. Can't say I don't enjoy it just a bit. Though I need to make clear, my people have been sailing and fighting forever, and even in this damned heat, I'd put any of my sailors against any other fealties'.

Which isn't to say there's any reason to fight. We've all been working so close together, and I've quickly learned to trust the other admirals. Truly, the Compact's fleet is an incredible power to behold.

As for the rest of it: Setarco is hot and expensive, and I can't say I've grown to appreciate the city itself, but these Lycene nobles sure do know how to have a good time. I think it helps that a Northern Prodigal is exotic and mysterious and that's a good thing, here. Whatever the case, there's a lot of work still to do, and while I wish like hell I could be back home, this is far from the worst place I've been stuck.

~Captain Kaede Starfinder, acting Admiral of The Fleet of Redrain

Written By Cirroch

March 18, 2018, 10:24 a.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

I had heard the suggestion to set Stormwall ablaze if the battle could not be won, but I never imagined we would have followed through with it. Desperate times call for desperate measures. My only worry is that it was all for naught, because a portion of their fleet detached and went somewhere else. Where did that fleet go? I fear this war will be long and with many hard sacrifices and lost friends and loved ones. Let us hope that all this sacrifice and loss will not be in vain.

Written By Adalyn

March 18, 2018, 9:44 a.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

On the eve of battle, I think about home, family, and those close enough to be family. We have all been sent to different battle fronts, and now we have to trust others to protect those we love the most. I hope it won't be long before we are all together again, sharing a drink near the fire and telling one another tales of our exploits.

Written By Edward

March 18, 2018, 8:19 a.m.(5/19/1008 AR)

Relationship Note on Armel

Goodbye my friend.

..until we meet again.

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