"But you should have, Raneshi Glyph! Who else could be more deserving of such an honor? Your runes helped save the village from the undead!" Takarias says.
"Thank you!" he says to Dalamian, pulling the other elf in for a tight embrace that is just on the verge of continuing too long.
Idari Lucien stands stoically among his peers, as the accolades are announced by Dalamian. The Ilverani Elf bows deeply when the Queen addresses him directly but other than that moment, he stands still.
Afterwards, when the excitable Dalamian begins granting hugs, Idari suppresses a smile, but he doesn't resist.
We are most gracious of this recognition. We will be honored to attend the ceremony.
Blooms in Darkness holds up a gnarled hand to ward off Dalamian's embrace. "It is folly to take victory on the field and advance thence only to frivolity. I shall put this to her majesty as well."
And so, you journey from the city of Greengold to the capital of Iadara. Kyonin’s roads are safe to travel and well-maintained, and the scenery makes for a pleasurable journey through the beautiful northern reaches of the Fierani Forest before you turn south to travel along the banks of the Endowhar River. Upon arriving at the elven capital, you are welcomed with open arms and brought to your guest quarters in an elegant villa. That evening, you are provided with fine clothing (if you do not have your own) and escorted to the Silver Lantern Garden for the queen’s feast.
Glowing silver lanterns float throughout the lush and verdant gardens, highlighting carefully cultivated paths amid the foliage and illuminating living archways coaxed into interwoven patterns, creating a cascade of shimmering moonlight. Performers wander the grounds, playing a variety of instruments that come into and out of harmony with one another as the wandering players cross paths. All the trails lead to a central clearing, where a large feasting table has been set.
Elven nobles and other dignitaries are already wandering the garden's beautiful grounds, drinking, laughing, and listening to the music of the roaming performers. You are free to wander the garden and talk to various nobles and members of court. The elves and dignitaries are polite and eager to talk. Many of them ask about what you think is to be done about the Whispering Tyrant and how other nations are handling his increased acts of aggression.
Raneshi is forthwith while talking to the other revelers, "I came to crush the lich's forces, and that is what we should do. We drove them into the cold waters of Lake Encarthan when they dared to approach the shore."
Blooms in Darkness glowers at the suggestion. "Where the lich extends his bony grasp, let him be crushed, but from Tar-Baphon's history we may see the folly of diverting our gaze. Darkness that has been driven to the ground will return. We should not wage eternal wars on all fronts when instead we can fend off one and turn our wills to a true end for the other. Treerazer must burn."
Takarias is far more interested in talking than trying to make an impression. "That's a great question! We definitely don't want to let him get a foothold in Kyonin. But more important, what do you think should be done about the Whispering Tyrant?"
The Ilverani Elf is seen wearing his blue and silver colored full plate. It's shine pleasantly reflective of the flickering torches, lanterns and even that elder elf lighting his pipe. His beautifully crafted Elven curve blade proudly displayed at his hip, while casually slug across his back is his steel blue shield, portraying a finger pointing at a red star.
Idari Lucien's blue eyes meet everyone that the tall Twilight Speaker encounters along his meandering route.
Pleasure to meet you, Madam. Yes, that was us, along with...yes, we did, along with....not too my knowledge, but those others were...
The Barbarian seems right at home in this setting....
Group Impression
As he is chatting about the room, Idari passes by Raneshi, as she may (or may not) have committed a social faux paus...
The Barbarian lifts his glass of wine in a reassuring toast.
Absolutely eagerness is applauded!
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Unsure of exactly how to 'do' parties such as this, Alkabah sricks close to it's fellow Findeladlaraian. Though it lacks the same form it has woven the fine outfit given into it's frame featured as many draping tapestries instead of fancy robes.
"Why yes this one does believe that the group is blessed, watched upon by the stars themselves. This one is unsure of where our journey will take us, but it believes that we shall continue to do good to protect the realm. Preservation of this great nation would honor the goddess greatly. The tyrant will not continue to take of we are to have anything to say about it. No tyrant shall hold power here in fact."
Idari smoothly interjects himself to cover Raneshi's somewhat gruff responses. Overall, you make quite a striking first impression on the dignitaries, and positive word of mouth begins to spread.
Across the way, you spot Dalamian. She grins and waves at you before making her way over. "Hey! You made it! Enjoying the party?"
She makes small talk for a bit, but the young elf wears her nervous excitement on her sleeve. "Sorry, I just need to tell somebody. I've been chosen to join the queen's royal guard! I'll be more than just a herald now. I know I'll make my cousin proud and keep her safe!"
As you speak to Dalamian, the performers make their way to the center of the garden, where their melodies unify into a complex harmony. Grand wooden gates made of the intertwined branches of a living tree swing open and allow a flock of songbirds to flutter forth. Their song adds to the melody of the performers, heralding Queen Telandia Edasseril’s arrival at the celebration. She has a steely gaze and a serious demeanor, almost looking more like a painting brought to life than a real person. The queen wears the traditional symbol of the Kyonin monarchy, the Viridian Crown: an enchanted circlet made of vines and flowers that change with the seasons. She has scarcely a hair out of place, though a few light talon marks grace her skin, a sign of the queen’s one passion aside from the throne: falconry.
As she makes her way to the table, exchanging pleasantries with her court, the assembled guests begin to find their seats as well. Once you take your seats, the formal dinner begins. "Welcome, one and all," Queen Telandia says, "but especially to our honored guests, the heroes of Lantana Beach. Would you be so kind as to formally introduce yourselves and tell us of the events of the beach, so that we might hear the tale firsthand?"
"A thousand thanks for your warm welcome, your majesty," Raneshi stands and offers. "I am Raneshi Glyph of Nantambu. I bring greetings and assistance from the Magaambia, for our cousins to the north. My enchantments played some roll in supporting these other heroes at the beach, as we drove our enemies back."
Idari Lucien steps up when call upon. The Ilverani elf towers tall and splendid in his armament. Bowing low to the Queen, he offers
Idari Lucien, Twight light Speaker of the Ilverani. Much gratitude for this invitation to enjoy your fine hospitality, my Queen. May I represent my people well.
Apparently, the initial two contestants missed it by that much....
"I am Blooms in Darkness, your majesty, born of the Tanglebriar's rot, which all who wear the Viridian Crown are heir to. I have long pushed for aggressive action to be taken to the south, and the Whispering Tyrants ships could not be permitted to serve as a distraction.
"The flames of heaven scoured them from the land, and then what remained was swept away by the waters. So too must Treerazer burn."
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"This one is known as Alkabah, it is pleasing to make your acquaintance. During our battle I hoped to channel the guiding, protective, and healing powers of Findeladlara's divinity. The goddess in all her magnificence smiled upon us that day, and through her as well as the strength of arms of this one's companions, we all were allowed to 'taste' victory."
Offering a tiny prayer since it invoked her, Alkabah continues shortly after. "There sat upon a dreadful fel wyrm a once proud knight that led the bulk of the force, disposing of him seemed to rob them of most of their strength to make landfall. As such this one suspects that the Tyrant's power is still in a state of Waxing, and as such must employ generals as conduits for the grand fel energies required to lead such massive charges. At least for now, so if we may in the future be able to capitalize on taking out key targets on a front, the lines may fair better."
"Your majesty! It is so nice to meet you and your court! I am here from Sovyrian to see what Kyonin is like and I have to tell you: I love it! What a beautiful land! And the way we all worked together to repel the invasion of Lantana Beach. That was amazing!"
The queen is visibly impressed by the recounting of your heroic deeds. The rest of the meal goes by quickly. You are presented several courses of truly amazing food, including a crisp autumn salad with hearty roasted pine nuts, gently braised venison cutlets in a rich wine sauce, and a delicate honey lattice made to look like the queen’s crown placed atop a small scoop of emerald mint sorbet.
At the end of the feast, the queen calls you forward to offer her thanks and present you with gifts from the elven people.
Shortly after the gifts are given, the queen stands and thanks the assembled guests for a wonderful evening before departing to return to her estate. While the party continues for some time, things are winding down as various guests begin to leave. You are taken back to your guest quarters before being escorted home the following day.
"That was amazing!" Takarias enthuses as he returns to his guest quarters, bearing his new greater charm of acid resistance.
He pokes through the basket, grinning widely at the small miniature boat, magical arrow and finally a potion. "Oh! It's a shrinking potion! What a wonderful idea for when I want a different perspective, or if I'm getting too big for my britches. It's amazing how well they were able to pick items for me!"
Blooms in Darkness is begrudgingly impressed with the gifts, though substantially less effervescent than Takarias. "They perhaps understand the danger that allowing a threat to conceal itself in shadows will pose."
Idari Lucien is seen wearing new Winged Sandals. The elf is also seen with three Potions of Flying....
Chapter 1: The Council of Life and Death
SIX MONTHS LATER...
Some time has passed since your meeting with the queen. You have gone off to other pursuits, but the threat of the Whispering Tyrant and his undead armies still looms.
You have recently received another invitation bearing the royal seal of Kyonin instructing you to meet with Dalamian in Greengold at the Vynoren Estate. The estate consists of a large manor house and six smaller guest houses. Between these buildings is a garden that features dozens of different flowering plants, offering up an array of pleasant aromas. Just north of the guest lodges sits a small lake, roughly shaped like a crescent. The lake is mostly clear and stocked with a variety of colorful fish that dart from place to place.
Dalamian greets you out in front of the main manor with an eager smile. “Welcome, my friends! I’m so glad that you’ve arrived, as we have only a few days to prepare. You’re probably wondering what this is all about and why the queen has called you here. Well, I’m excited to tell you that we’re going to change the history of Golarion! In the next few days, we’re going to broker an agreement between all the nations around Lake Encarthan: an agreement to resist the Whispering Tyrant—and to defeat him. And you all are going to help make it happen!”
RAneshi treasures the gifts from the queen: a cloak of the bat, a curious crystal (elemental fragment-air), and two fine elven arrows (transposition ammunition & silencing ammunition).
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Raneshi is somewhat surprised to be called back by the queen, but certainly honored. "Is it to be a diplomatic task? I find my skills more suited to direct work in the field, but I will do as the queen commands."
"Dalamian! It's so good to see you again!" Takarias enthuses. "An agreement to resist the Whispering Tyrant? That sounds amazing! I would definitely be happy to help make that happen!"
And, that is why it's better in the snow.
Idari Lucien is found by the Queen's courier at The Nightingale's Retreat . The Ilverani Elf has been regularly attending the various functions offered by the place for 6 months, patiently awaiting a call from the Queen (or Dalamian). Smiling as his solid frame departs the hot tub, Idari takes the message, reads it and smiles.
Back to work!
Arriving at the estate in full warrior Regalia, the Twight light Speaker smiles at the sight of Dalamian.
Greetings everyone. Negotiation is my specialty g! This should be interesting.
Blooms in Darkness scowls, the leshy's head shaking in weary disagreement. "I say again that this is not the time to focus our energies elsewhere, but at least a well-knit coalition can then be properly aimed towards our truest foe; it is Treerazer that must burn."
Dalamian invites you to join her in the manor garden, where a light lunch (sandwiches and tea) has been set out by the estate’s staff. As you eat, Dalamian explains that the queen has spent the past several months sending secret messages to all the nations bordering Lake Encarthan, inviting them to send delegates for a secret council to discuss Tar-Baphon’s growing threat. Each of these envoys are lower ranking representatives to avoid attracting the sort of attention that a meeting of actual national leaders would surely draw. It is the queen’s hope that this council will result, at the very least, in a pact of mutual defense; that is, that if any one of the nations is attacked by the Tyrant, the others will come to their aid. If things go well, though, she hopes that this council might lay the groundwork for an offensive to put an end to the Whispering Tyrant once and for all.
As for you, your role in this is to serve as the council’s hosts and represent Kyonin’s interests. Specifically, the queen wants you to ensure the agreement of the attending nations, meeting with each representative to learn their concerns and address whatever needs they might have to secure their cooperation. At this, Dalamian also mentions that she’ll shadow you and be available to consult as needed, and though it’s left unsaid, she is clearly there to serve as the queen’s proxy. The queen wants this council to succeed, but not at the cost of Kyonin’s reputation or her country’s standing in the region. After all, Dalamian adds, the only thing worse than having the council fail would be to have it result in Kyonin gaining new enemies.
To that end, Dalamian explains that the Encarthan Alliance consists of four articles:
Article 2: Mutual Aid Alliance. This article codifies free or greatly discounted material aid to be provided to nations in crisis from those not in crisis, such as when facing an ongoing military campaign perpetuated by the Whispering Tyrant.
Article 3: Self Defense Agreement. This article states that for the purposes of the Whispering Tyrant, all nations in the agreement will treat a threat to any other nation as a threat to their own. Nations in this agreement will send aid, troops, transportation, siege engines, and magic to other signed nations that find themselves under attack.
Article 4: Conquest Accord. This final article sets terms and conditions for the nations involved to actively go to war against the Whispering Tyrant, stopping just shy of drawing up plans to invade the Isle of Terror.
Article 1 of the Encarthan Alliance is the most important, but the queen hopes that you can encourage several (if not all) the delegates to sign at least two or three articles; they don’t all need to sign all four articles for the alliance to be ratified. Of course, the other representatives might have additional requests as well. Dalamian promises to be present throughout the conference to serve as a guide to you in your negotiations and to help you navigate and vet any of the more demanding or unusual requests.
The council is scheduled to take place over five days, with the first set aside for opening remarks, an oath of secrecy, a statement of goals, and an agreement to act in good faith. The next three days are set aside for private negotiations and talks between the assembled representatives one on one. The final day is when the gathered emissaries try to come to an agreement, draw up language, and offer closing statements of faith and friendship.
Three of the evenings also feature a special event, allowing the assembled emissaries to get to know one another and experience a little bit of what Greengold has to offer. It’s vital, Dalamian stresses, that you and other representatives keep this council a secret from anyone not part of the deliberations. The fate of the entire region might be at stake, and any treachery could spell ruin for everyone involved!
The Twight light Speaker listens intently while graciously munching on delicious cucumber sandwiches and sipping cherry blossom tea (holding the perfect placement of pinky finger). Idari is silent during the debriefing. The Barbarian attempting to memorize the articles....
After lunch, Dalamian tells you that the other delegates are due to arrive soon, and each will be staying in one of the six guest houses. As Kyonin is hosting this gathering, you will be staying in the manor house’s guest wing. The opening ceremony of the Encarthan Alliance begins tomorrow afternoon and will take place at the Temple of Calistria.
Over the rest of the afternoon and next morning, the delegates from the other nations arrive in Greengold for the summit, most traveling as passengers on merchant ships. Only Druma sends representatives via carriage. They arrive with little to no fanfare and immediately sequester themselves in their individual lodges to prepare for the council the following afternoon.
***
As the next day dawns, Dalamian is nearly frenzied as she scurries around preparing for the first meeting and making sure you have what you need for the opening ceremony. This includes making sure that you’re dressed in fine, well-fitting clothing that bears Kyonin’s symbol (a green crystal wrapped in thorn-covered vines). Still, she manages to maintain her upbeat attitude about it all.
When the time finally arrives, Dalamian escorts you to the temple of Calistria and bids you to wait in one of the smaller shrines to the side of the sanctum hall, where the meeting will take place. The delegates from the other nations are seated first, and you are escorted in by Dalamian at the end. Before you are led into the sanctum hall, Dalamian delivers to you a greeting form Queen Telandia and tells you you’ve been given the honor of reading this greeting aloud to the delegates. As you enter the room, the murmuring of the gathered emissaries and their retinues fall silent. All eyes are on you as you’re led to the westernmost table and take your seats.
Six other tables have been arranged, each with a different nation’s banner hanging behind it. Atop each one, save for Kyonin’s table to the west, is a smaller stand adorned with the nation’s flag.
Molthune Delegate: General Lord Walder Resket, wearing sharp military dress, chats quietly with several of his subordinates. Although he is almost 60 years old, Walder still seems fit and sharp-minded. The general is dressed in his military uniform, and his naval hat is close at hand. His hair has long gone gray, but he keeps it pulled taught and his goatee is neatly trimmed.
Nirmathas Delegate: Aromina Yasgon, clad in rugged leathers and warm cloaks, seems nervous about whatever General Walder is talking about. She is a middle aged human woman who dresses rather plainly for this important council.
Knights of Lastwall Delegate: Gorion the Glad, wearing full knightly armor but with the helm off, smiles broadly and he absently fidgets with his uniform. Gorion is a middle-aged orc. His hair is long, black, and tied back in a ponytail, and he wears spectacles.
Ustalav Delegate: Clavance Ordranti, dressed in somber reds and blacks, slumps in his chair and looks bored. He is a well-dressed nobleman who appears to be in his mid-twenties. His skin is very pale.
Razmiran Delegate: Alzarius, wearing robes and a porcelain mask bearing the visage of Razmir, the Living God, sits tall and inscrutable at his table. He is tall and well-built, but little else can be said about his appearance due to his concealing attire.
At the center of the room sits a circular table atop which is placed an object under a black cloth. When the assembly begins, Dalamian steps up to the table, places a parchment on it, and then pulls away the cloth to reveal a grisly centerpiece—a skull carved from burnt wood, wrapped in rusty chains. Dalamian addresses the gathered emissaries.
“This skull represents the shared threat we all face: the Whispering Tyrant, who darkens the heart of Lake Encarthan. Our nations sit around this threat, just as we do in this room. If we’re to survive, we must unite. I hope we shall be able to come to an accord in the days to come. At each of your tables, you’ll find your nation’s flag, and at any time over the coming days, a representative may place it here, on this table, to represent their pledge to return home and work with their leaders to join Kyonin in its stand against this threat.”
She pauses, then glances to you. “Queen Telandia has already pledged to stand against the Whispering Tyrant. I hope that in five days’ time, her flag shall not stand alone on this table. And now, let me introduce Kyonin’s heroic emissaries!”
Dalamian steps over to you and bids you rise one at a time as she introduces you and your heroic deeds to the other emissaries in the room. When the introductions are over, Dalamian steps aside to stand beside you. The time has come for you to read Queen Telandia's greeting.
I welcome you to our land and to this critical council, one that might very well decide the future of our world. Let me thank you for coming and representing your people at this important juncture. I am sure your journey presented inconveniences; your dedication to attending is but the first step in what is to be an even greater journey—one filled with immeasurable risks—if we are to achieve victory over an ancient and dreadful foe.
What you do in the coming days will lay the groundwork for our first steps toward this victory, steps I hope will lead us to a future of partnership and mutual aid. Kyonin’s people are known for their self-reliance, but in this matter, we must stand side by side, for only together shall we have any chance at success. The Tyrant’s power grows, but it is not absolute. Together, we can break him. Together, we can put him back into the ground where he belongs, this time for good. I know that we each have our differences, but I implore you to set them aside and look beyond them. We must fix our eyes ahead. Plan for the worst, yet hope for the best. It all starts here, with you. Every living soul around Lake Encarthan is counting on us, and the sanctity of Life and Death alike is in our hands. May wisdom and compassion guide you.
—Queen Telandia Edasseril
Blooms in Darkness unfurls Queen Telandia's scroll, happily using the prop to make it clear that the words belong to the queen, even as the fierce emphases and fiery delivery are all the leshy's.
Idari Lucien stands ready to introduce himself at the proper time. The Barbarian seems happy to be involved in the negotiations. He proudly wears his normal attire under flowing robes depicting a green crystal wrapped in thorn-covered vines.
Idari nods to each Diplomat as Blooms recites the Queen's hopes.
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All of the delegates seem rather impressed by Blooms in Darkness's passionate delivery of the queen's message. It's enough for them immediately to sit up and take notice of your group.
As the leshy finishes reading the queen's letter, each natoin is invite to introduce themselves. The first to speak is Kyonin’s southeastern neighbor, Druma. "I am Chalzo Rove, Prophet of Kalistrade. Many here know me from my ongoing campaign against pirates on Lake Encarthan. Faced with the Whispering Tyrant’s threat, I pledge that Druma will do all in its power to stand against him."
She approaches the central table to sign the declaration of intent to negotiate in good faith. She gives you an appraising look. "I must compliment your heroics on Lantana Beach. Tell me, who are your tailors? Who made the armor and clothing you wear? I can connect you to some of the finest tailors and smiths in all of Avistan, if you are interested."
Raneshi smiles, "These armor and weapons I created myself," she waves a hand over her outfit. "My less martial equipment was provided by the excellent crafters of Iadara."
Idari begins to regale the Druman representative.
The Barbarian pauses as if listening to something. He nods.
Kyonin made, of course.
The Twight light Speaker begins choking on a plum....
"Smashing pirates is great! But they're a lesser threat than the Whispering Tyrant," Takarias agrees. "And maybe if we can all come together for this threat, we can find common cause elsewhere and work better together across the region!"
"My vestments were once worn by a fallen friend. Her memory is worth more than fine threadwork," the leshy replies in a mild rebuff.
Wearing full military dress, the representative from Molthune is infamous General Lord Walder Resket. He rises and clears his throat. "As you surely know, Molthune has been at war for many years now, but this has only hardened our nation's resolve and strengthened the power of its navy. The Whispering Tyrant has yet to field any ships that Molthune's navy cannot handle."
As he talks, he clearly turns to speak to every representative, except to the one from Nirmathas. The general formally approaches the central table at the end of his introduction to sign the declaration of intent with practiced ceremony. "Your victory at Lantana Beach was exemplary," he says. "The way you destroyed those shadows before they even drew near land was a grand strategy, as well as taking the graveknight's draconic mount out from under him before laying him low. I look forward to speaking with you more forthwith."
Raneshi nods at the compliment.
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As the leshy finishes reading the queen's letter, each natoin is invite to introduce themselves. The first to speak is Kyonin’s southeastern neighbor, Druma. "I am Chalzo Rove, Prophet of Kalistrade. Many here know me from my ongoing campaign against pirates on Lake Encarthan. Faced with the Whispering Tyrant’s threat, I pledge that Druma will do all in its power to stand against him."She approaches the central table to sign the declaration of intent to negotiate in good faith. She gives you an appraising look. "I must compliment your heroics on Lantana Beach. Tell me, who are your tailors? Who made the armor and clothing you wear? I can connect you to some of the finest tailors and smiths in all of Avistan, if you are interested."
"A pleasure to meet you Delegate Chalzo, [b]"It is a shame to hear that you have other forces drawing your attention away from the matter at hand." The Conrasu bends ever so slightly and the orb making up itself flickers woefully for a few moments. "This one is sorry for the losses you have had to suffer, and wishes to inform you that we will discuss well how we may assist. Though to answer your question, this one's robes were crafted with handed-down techniques of the Findeladlaran clergy and thrice blessed to hone my connection with her soft light."
Wearing full military dress, the representative from Molthune is infamous General Lord Walder Resket. He rises and clears his throat. "As you surely know, Molthune has been at war for many years now, but this has only hardened our nation's resolve and strengthened the power of its navy. The Whispering Tyrant has yet to field any ships that Molthune's navy cannot handle."
As he talks, he clearly turns to speak to every representative, except to the one from Nirmathas. The general formally approaches the central table at the end of his introduction to sign the declaration of intent with practiced ceremony. "Your victory at Lantana Beach was exemplary," he says. "The way you destroyed those shadows before they even drew near land was a grand strategy, as well as taking the graveknight's draconic mount out from under him before laying him low. I look forward to speaking with you more forthwith."
"Those whom death has already embraced once are easy to send back to the sea of souls once more, their tenuous grasp on this world perpetually slipping ever further from them. We had only done what we must to protect those who were to aid in doing the work of destroying the foul barges."
"It was a group effort," Takarias says. "We couldn't have done it all working individually. Hey, that's a lesson! It's just like taking down Tar-Baphon!"
"To greet your foes with unflinching hatred requires little strategy, merely the will to strike when the opportunity presents itself."
Idari Lucien proudly stands at attention as the representative from Molthune, infamous General Lord Walder Resket.
Greetings General. We are proud to be in agreement.
The Ilverani Elf appears to be blinking something out of his blue eyes....
Once the general is seated, the simply dressed emissary from Nirmathas stands. "I am Aromina Yasgon, the Speaker of the Heart from the free city of Tamran," she says with a glance towards General Lord Walder. "While I cannot speak for every town and village in Nirmathas, I know that the brave and fearless people of myhome are quite experienced at defeating invaders, and that they will do whatever it takes to stop Tar-Baphon. I have the full support of the Forest Marshal and the Knights of the Everflame in my dealings here."
Speaker Yasgon is soft-spoken when she approaches to sign the declaration. "You are commanding quite the attention of the council so far," she says. "I believe you will have to instill a sense of community among the nations if there is any chance for this alliance to succeed. Open hostility between those assembled is likely to make doing so incredibly difficult." At this, she throws another glance at the Molthuni delegation. It’s essentially common knowledge that Nirmathas and Molthune are currently at war after a period of increased hostility.
"We welcome the people of the forest to this alliance," Raneshi assures the Nirmathi delegate.
Idari smiles warmly to both representatives. The Twight light Speaker raises a glass of wine in toast.
Kyonin welcomes you!
Unfortunately, the elf may have imbibed too much wine to think straight....
"Oh, yes, we definitely don't want conflict -- well, unless you count against Tar-Baphon," Takarias agrees. "But I bet the Knights of the Everflame will be very helpful, since they have so much experience fighting undead in the Gravelands. Maybe we can help with that too!"
Accompanied by a handful of armored knights who quietly stand behind him, the delegate for the Knights of Lastwall is an orc wearing well-tailored clothing and leather armor. "I am Gorion the Glad, emissary of the Shining Sentinels. While Lastwall may have been the first to fall to Tar-Baphon, it was also the first to stand in defiance against the Whispering Tyrant and his forces," he declares proudly. "I swear that we will stand by any who take up arms against the undead menace."
Gorion approaches with a pleasant smile and offers you hardy thanks for repelling the undead at Lantana Beach as he signs the declaration. "Should you ever find yourselves searching for a purpose or quest, the Knights of Lastwall are always looking for skilled soldiers and adventurers, and they need folks who possess a wide variety of skills. If they can take an old raider like me, they can take anyone!"
Blooms in Darkness nods in respect to Gorion's mission, but cannot help muttering, "We have no shortage of purpose."
"I think our purposes align, in this case: To push back the undead an ensure safety around Lake Encarthan."
Once Gorion has sat back down, a shockingly pale, gaunt man wearing an impeccably tailored suit rises to greet the assembled emissarries. "I am Clavance Ordranti of Ustalav. My nation is no stranger to the depredations of Tar-Baphon, it has no desire to return to the old ways. My uncle, the ruling prince, will consider any offers to secure Ustalav’s rightful place in the region."
Clavance casually approaches you with a droll smile. "You have your work cut out for you if you expect to get this rabble to agree to anything," is all he says before he signs the declaration with a flourish and returns to the table.