Episode 23: The Council of Speakers

Darkness returned once again. The Sunstar destroyed but our heroes were now in possession of another strange magical object. Not wishing to stick around for Auril to send more foes against them our party gathered themselves and returned to the sleds, taking a moment to calm the dogs before setting off back towards the Ten Towns. 

The party headed South, skimming the edge of the forest. A few hours later they arrived at the Town of Termalaine. Heading for the Eastside Inn, they were welcomed once again by the young proprietor Marta. The inn was busy. Marta showed the heroes to a table. As the party took their seats and ordered food and drink they noticed a few glancing looks from nearby tables.

Marta returned shortly with their food and drinks. The party took the opportunity to enquire as to local news. The mine was now fully opened once more but the most interesting news was that Speaker Oarus Masthew had lead a group of the town's militia to round up a number of suspected Zhentarim agents. The party got a feeling that recent events in Targos and the upcoming council had the population of the Ten Towns on edge. 

The party finished their meals and drinks and retired to their rooms for the evening. Grom spent an hour studying and attuning to the recently acquired "Amulet of Health" which gave him a very welcome boost to his constitution. Tor spent her resting time finishing off the crafting of two cloaks from the furs and hides of the winter wolfs they had claimed while adventuring in Goodmead. These cloaks would provide the party with some much needed added protection from cold especially now that they were preparing to venture out into the wilderness and would be away from the safety of the Ten Towns for days or maybe more at a time. 

Aldrick studied the strange stone they had recovered. Using his identify spell he was able to determine that this object was in fact a "Netheresse Thermal Stone". Curious as to where this had come from Aldrick consulted his book on Ancient Netheril in which he learned that the Netheresse had created a many many magically infused mundane items like self sweeping brooms. The core of the thermal stone was Chardalyn and it was now becoming apparent to Aldrick that Chardalyn had a big part to play in Netheril magic. Further information was discovered within the pages of Macreadus' journal. The Thermal Stone was created by Macreadus. The cracked surface giving away the fact that this was an unsuccessful attempt to create the Sunstar. He was able to determine the properties of the Netherese Thermal Stone as well as a certain corrupted taint that it carried as well due to the Chardalyn at its core. Perhaps even with its corruption it may still prove useful in the adventure ahead.

As sleep took hold of her companions Shayde felt the warmth eminating once more from the locket hanging around her neck. Tired excitement took hold as she heard again the voice of her lost love Skath. Still unable to tell Shayde where he was but that he was with her and he would try to find a way back to her. Shayde responded by telling Skath that if he could somehow find out where he was that she would find a way to get him back. And so Shayde to fell into a deep sleep. 

Morning came soon enough. After a  breakfast of porridge our six adventurers set out for Bryn Shandar,. Following the road south towards Targos they left the trail and made the last few miles across the tundra to the capital. Upon reaching the North gate they were met by a small contingent of the towns guards. Today was the day of the speakers council. It had been more than a year since the last one and longer still since an envoy from the Dwarven Valley had attended. Grom announced himself to the guards at the gate and they waved him through. They followed the main road South through the town to the stables. The council hall was a short walk from here. They stabled the sled dogs and set off for the council. Halfdan and Nemeia made their way to the House of the Triad.

Grom, Aldrick, Shayde and Tor made their way to the Council Hall. Aldrick waved his hand and muttered something inconceivable under his breath and the unmistakable form of his snowy owl familiar Lookout flew up to perch on the roof of the Council Hall. It was a hive of activity. Clerks busily running errands and compiling lists. There were more guards present too. One of the clerks acknowledged our party's arrival and informed them that Speaker Duvessa Shane sought a private audience with them ahead of the meeting. The party agreed and were lead to a small but comfortable private office at the end of the hallway. 

The party were asked to hand over their weapons before going any further. Shayde flashed a quick glance at Aldrick who gave a sleight nod in return. "I will wait here", she stated, "No need for all of us to go is there. Grom, Tor, I will look after your gear!". It was Shayde's intention to keep an eye on the arriving delegations, especially the newly elected Shandar from Goodmead. 

Pleasantries completed the discussion quickly turned to the spate of recent events and plots that our party of adventurers had found themselves embroiled in. The events seemed to way heavily on the young woman in front of them. But still she remained strong and listened intently to what the party said. After all, Duvessa had navigated troubled times before just a few years ago but this seemed different. The last two years enduring the "Everlasting Rime" was taking its toll on the people and now the threat of an invasion by Xardorok Sunblight and his Dueragar army was adding to that strain. Not to mention the latest uncovering of a plot by the Zhentarim to infiltrate and take over the Ten Towns with the backing of the Arcane Brotherhood and the Speaker was visibly distressed.

Speaker Shane thanked the party for their candid responses and allowed them to make their way to the meeting chamber where she would join them shortly once she had received the delegates from the other towns. 

More clerks were busily arranging seats in the council chamber. A large wooden seat ornamented with iron and the emblem of Clan Battlehammer was being placed in the chamber. This would be Grom's seat. Aldrick and Tor would sit behind him but still included. 

The other Delegates started to arrive. First Speaker Dorbulgruf Shalescar of Bremen. The aging Dwarf being aided to his seat. Speaker Crannoc Siever of Caer Dineval and Speaker Trovus of Caer Konig arrived next. While Speaker Crannoc gave the party a warm greeting Trovus seemed oblivious and the smell of ale gave the impression that he may be slightly inebriated. 

Speaker Edgra Durmoot of Dougan's Hole arrived next quickly followed by Speaker Danneth Waylen of Easthaven. Edgra took her seat. Stern faced and looking like she wanted to be anywhere else but at the meeting. Speaker Waylan like Speaker Crannoc gave the party a hearty greeting. Speaker Nimsy Huddle from Lonelywood followed close behind. She entered the chamber with a basket of cookies which she offered out to the other delegates. 

Lastly Speakers Duvessa Shane and Oarus Masthew arrived. Oarus gave a nod of greeting to the party as they took their seats. The guards at the door pulled them closed following a nod from Speaker Shane and the meeting was set to begin. There were empty seats in the room. Those of Targos and Goodmead. Despite the hushed voices it was easy to understand that the empty seats had not gone unnoticed by the delegates and their parties. 

Speaker Shane opened the proceedings stating the reason for the calling of the council and outlining the various threats and plots that had come to light. Each town's delegates took a turn to speak. It was clear that the different parties gave credence to the threats in different ways. Some choosing to believe that the Zhentarim infiltration of their towns was the most pressing issue. Others believed the meddling of powerful wizards should take precedent. What was clear was that none amongst the leaders of the Ten Towns believed that there was a way to stop Auril's Rime. "What can mere mortals do to defeat a God!" was echoed within the hall. Similarly there were those who felt it implausible that the Dueragar would leave the underdark to invade the surface. 

The meeting was slowly turning into a heated debate amongst the speakers. Leaders like Edgra Dumont argued that small settlements like hers had neither the people or resources to get involved and they would be better served by keeping out of it. Speaker Trovus sought to interject proceedings with tales of his younger adventuring days. 

Grom having listened to the various arguments put forward by the different speakers finally decided to interject. Rising from his chair he called for order, banging his chair on the floor to get the attention of those assembled. Grom tried his best to give an impassioned speech to try and sway those gathered that the Dueragar were the most imminent threat facing all of the Ten Towns and one that had bought the Dwarves of Clan Battlehammer and the Dwarven Valley to this meeting. Grom told the assembly that the Dwarves under Thane Brand had already begun to fortify the outpost at the base of Kelvin's Cairn that had been claimed following the conflict there. Grom implored the Speakers they needed to get ready. Furthermore he put it to Speaker Danneth Waylen and Edgra Dumont that they would be the frontline as it was known that Xardorok Sunblight had a stronghold in the Spine of the World mountains. Grom also made it clear that a small group should be sent to gather intelligence on Xardorok to try and learn more about his forces and intentions rather than just wait for them to invade.

Halfway through the meeting there was a loud knock at the door. They opened and the guards ushered in a familiar face. Olivessa Untapoor. Short of breath and apologetic for the late arrival, Olivessa described how the recently elected Speaker Shandar Froth had been seen leaving Goodmead with a contingent of his loyal followers. Instead of heading towards Bryn Shandar he was observed heading North Eastward into the wilderness on Axebeaks. Olivessa took it upon herself to make the trek to Bryn Shandar to ensure that the people of Goodmead would be represented.

The revelation that Shandar Froth had been named as a Zhentarim conspirator came as little surprise but the news did stir up further debate as to where efforts should be made and which threat was requiring the most immediate attention.

The council meeting continued. Argument and counter argument on the various issues faced by each of the Ten Towns and their opposing points of view. In trying to prevent the stalemate Grom allowed both Aldrick and Tor to take the floor and speak. The gathered speakers listened but none seemed overly moved by what either Aldrick or Tor had to say. Tor made reference to asking the Goliath clans to the alliance. It was accepted that they would make strong allies if they could be persuaded. But again the question of who!?

In a final act of appeal Grom reminded the assembly of what had been allowed to come to pass just a few short years before, when Hedrun the white witch had been allowed to gain control over one of the Reghed tribes. Then too had a threat been allowed to gather strength and that it was an alliance between Ten Towners and the Dwarves of Clan Battlehammer that had marched on the black tower to defeat them. And so during those previous troubles the Arcane Brotherhood had tried to interfere. That time Vaelish Gant had been captured and was now sitting in a cell at Revels End. 

And so it finally came to voting. Would the Speakers side with the party and align themselves against the Dueragar threat. Would they strengthen their militias in readiness and would they agree to sending a reconnaissance mission to investigate. Grom along with Aldrick and Tor had agreed that they would be willing to offer their services for such a mission should the need arise. 

One by one the votes were cast. With the exception of Nimsy Huddle of Lonelywood it was a unanimous vote in favour of the action to prepare the towns against the threat of a Dueragar invasion from the South. The Dwarves would send additional shipments of ore for smelting and making armour and weapons and if needed they would also provide additional soldiers and help to fortify the towns as only Bryn Shandar and Targos were surrounded by a wooden pallisade. 

The meeting of speakers finished and they made their way out of the chamber. Most shook hands or embraced the party as they left. Each eager to return home and pass on the news to their townsfolk.The party lingered until the other speakers had departed. Speaker Shane thanked them. Aldrick explained that they would continue their investigations. They would leave town in the morning but hopefully would return in a ten day to see how things were getting on. Speaker Shane wished them luck and told them to be extra careful as it had been reported that Gnolls had been spotted. The party would head this advice as they made their way to Kelvin’s Comfort to plan the next leg of their investigation.

To be continued..................