18

Council of Speakers

Council of Speakers Begins

• The group arrives at the Bryn Shander Town Hall for the Council of Speakers meeting. Outside, they observe a crowd of about two dozen people from various towns, including militia members, commoners, and some professionals. Through a group perception check, they spot Merken's pickpocket friend among the Targos crew, a Targos militia member with magical sigils on his forearms, and Merken's lady friend. Markham Southwell is at the door of the Town Hall, where many of the expected attendees are already inside. The group notes the presence of various militia groups from different towns, as well as Avarice.
• The council meeting begins with [Duvessa Shane] proposing to raise a standing army for Ten Towns to address growing threats from dwarves, orcs, and goblins. Naerth Encounter counters by questioning the logistics and potential dangers of creating such a force, including who would command it and the risk of it becoming too powerful. The debate highlights the tension between collective defense and maintaining independence among the towns.
• The speakers meet to discuss the potential war threat, with Naerth Encounter arguing against preparing for war and suggesting devotion to Auril instead. Orion attempts to challenge Naerth's portrayal of the adventurers as outsiders but is shut down. Meanwhile, Johnny disguises himself as Naeeth and intercepts Edgra Durmoot on the road, deceiving her into believing she missed an early vote. The meeting breaks for a meal before additional speeches and voting, with the guests asked to step outside.

Lunch Time Chaos

• The group discusses their plans outside while a meal is taking place inside. Merken sends his bat familiar into the chamber to spy, relaying that Duvessa Shane is moving around talking to people, Dorbulgruf Shalescar is sitting alone avoiding interaction, and Nimsy Huddle is focused on Duvessa. Orion and Bragnar approach Avarice to question her motives, but she is evasive and uninterested. When Bragnar threatens Avarice and demands she choose a side, she casts a silence spell on him and walks away.
• The group encounters a tense situation involving a pickpocket child and a Targos militia member who wants to cut off the child's hand as punishment. Various party members attempt to de-escalate the situation through persuasion, deception, and magic. Orion casts a spell on the militia member, causing him to drop the child. Johnny Blades pretends to be the child's father and tries to lead him away. Merken messages Imdra Arlaggath for help in resolving the conflict peacefully. Bragnar and Orion offer drinks to ease tensions. Eventually, Orion manages to persuade the militia to accept a fine of 150 gold instead of physical punishment. As this unfolds, Duvessa emerges from the Town Hall, observing the scene.
• The speakers discuss their strategies for gaining support for the standing army proposal. Orion talks to Nimsy Huddle, who is troubled by past events but still trusts him. She expresses concerns about Duvessa potentially leading the army. Bragnar attempts to engage with Dorbulgruf Shalescar about a sea monster issue, but realizes it's a pretext. Merken suggests alternative leadership structures for the army to Nimsy. The group suspects Dorbulgruf Shalescar has a hidden political strategy and is intentionally noncommittal about their vote..

Tentacle Time

• Merken informs the group about someone performing a magical rite with a tentacle outside. Johnny attempts to rush to the door but slips and falls while vaulting over the table. Bragnar moves towards the door and readies an attack if Avarice enters. Orion runs outside to investigate the situation. The group is on alert and trying to respond to this potential threat.
• Orion successfully grapples Avarice, who then teleported away. Avarice then cast "Hunger of Hadar" spell, which requires a pickled octopus tentacle. No one is killed, but several were harmed.
• A vote is quickly held, but it is a tie. The Council adjourns for three days at which time there will be a re-vote.