Episode: Shattered Peace
Posted by Story on 04/22/23
The tragedy at Artshall was a blow for the Oathlands. While most assume that even someone as insane as this shav warlord, Helena Thornweave, wouldn't dare attack Sanctum, the destruction of the Laurent city seems just as much of a sucker punch. In the aftermath of the invasion, the people of Artshall grieve and begin to rebuild with the support of House Valardin watching over them as they reconstruct their fallen walls. The presence of the Valardin forces discourages much of the looting and vandalism that occurred in Bastion and the rebuilding of the city continues apace.
Princess Alis' decision to send another portion of Valardin's forces to fortify the city of Riva isn't exactly frowned upon, after all the Rivenshari bent the knee and are entitled to the protection of their liege lord as duty commands, but prejudice against Abandoned runs deep in the Oathlands and the protection of a Prodigal House over any of the many traditional ones is regarded warily. There are no outright protests against it beyond whispers, but many within the Compact are watching closely to see if Alis guessed correctly that the Thornweave army might march on Riva and don't dare speculate what might happen if she is wrong and a more traditional House is attacked instead. After all, while House Thrax might have won their civil war, the losses that the Mourning Isles sustained have weakened it for a generation. Can any of the other Great Houses in the Compact afford the same?
Princess Alis' decision to send another portion of Valardin's forces to fortify the city of Riva isn't exactly frowned upon, after all the Rivenshari bent the knee and are entitled to the protection of their liege lord as duty commands, but prejudice against Abandoned runs deep in the Oathlands and the protection of a Prodigal House over any of the many traditional ones is regarded warily. There are no outright protests against it beyond whispers, but many within the Compact are watching closely to see if Alis guessed correctly that the Thornweave army might march on Riva and don't dare speculate what might happen if she is wrong and a more traditional House is attacked instead. After all, while House Thrax might have won their civil war, the losses that the Mourning Isles sustained have weakened it for a generation. Can any of the other Great Houses in the Compact afford the same?