Chapter 47 - Council of War

Our heroes return to Tyrrah, to settle a few matters of their own.

Rudd visits the Temple, in order to update the Master, and to meditate to improve his knowledge of the White Raven Discipline and his sword. The Nine Knights are gathered, and the Master informs them all that they must attend a Council of War in the occupied city of Windrock on the Island of the Empire of Aduria. The main armies of the allied nations against the Empire wil be present to decide the fate of the Emperor. Rudd secures passage on a dwarven flying citadel for himself and his armies.

Zakonik reunites with his tribe, who seem to have a surprise for him. Prince Adhemar, who has been living with the tribe for some time, has rescued several Minotaur female slaves from a Drow caravan, and makes them a gift for Zakonik. The Minotar chieftain names him "Redeemed", and he is fully accepted into the tribe. Many more barbarian tribes have come from the north, all faithful to Athun, to join Zakonik's tribe, and bring vengeance on the Emperor.

Daedrie feels the sufferings of Tyrrah, as the Mana field that connects all things seems to have been disrupted. She communes with the spirits of nature, who inform her that mortals are tampering with things they should better leave alone. She confers with the shamans of Zakonik's tribe, who offer to help in nurturing the land. Through a powerful ritual, Daedrie creates a natural grove not too distant from the Warren.

While visiting the Temple of the Sublime Way with Rudd, Daedrie receives a vision triggered by an ancestral family ring she aquired, prompting her to finally bring justicve to von Denn Lands, and complete her revenge. She pays a visit to Count Noliss, and assassinate him, then taking his place as the new Count Von Denn, thanks to her Changeling abilities. She manages to fool not only the Count's servants, but also Prince Exerion and Prince Tharod. She then prepares to accompany Prince Exerion to the Council of War.

Meeting once again in Moostair, the heroes see that many refugees, looking for the protection of our heroes, are gathering on the outskirts of the town. Rudd gathers those able to fight and enlists them in his army, leaving a contigent in town to defend against drow and orc raids. The Dwarven Citadel arrives to pick them up, and bring them to Windrock.

A gathering of nations is taking place in the occupied town. Here follows a list of the participants.

Heirs to the Imperial Throne of Aduria, and their following:

• Prince Ghalan Thorion, with High Justice Wistan Silverspurs, General of the Armies of the Light;
• Prince Tharod Thorion, with Thurokk Warscream, Khan of the Flaming Eye Hordes;
• Prince Exerion Thorion, with Count Nolis Von Denn, Noble of the Empire.

Representatives of the Floating Islands:

• Admiral Cassio Taroqui, commodore of the Norvosa's Fleet;
• Warmage Glyphblade, commander of the Legions of Magystria;
• General Thalassion Stargaze, commander of the Coronal Army;
• Duke Targyl Beregar, general of the United Army of Gryphyn.

Other Nations:

• Wyrmlord Risanthi Goldflare, Warlord of the Dragonborn Clans;
• High Protector Ruggin Frostmead, Commande of the Khazzar Floating Citadel;
• Evincar Tassadyn Selaar, High Inquisitor of Cerebem.

Other Personalities:

• The Master of Nine, Leader of the Temple of the Sublime Way;
• Arch Druid Fennimar, Speaker of the Circle.

After introductions, some time is allowed to prepare for the Council, and confer with diffent parties.

Ruby, still impersonating Count Noliss, is tasked by Tharod with the kidapping of the Empress and the Princess of Aduria, accompanying Exerion in is skyship. Ruby promptly passes the task to Waylander, who seems to have no qualms about it.

As the Council progresses, it is decided that the armies split up, in order to obtain certain strategic locations on Aduria, and then meet up for the final siege of Hammerborg. Many start to doubt that the Emperor is really a threat, since no substantial oppositin has been met so far.

The heroes are not favorable to send armies against the Emperor, for they fear that, once he will decie to use the weapon, not much will be left of any mortal legion. The members of the council seem reluctant to base their strategies on the alleged threat posed by only one man.