The Monastery Addresses the Council

General Summary

Trumpets blare, and the dignitaries are escorted into the Damaran Council Chambers. The Barons of Polten, Ostel and Morov are seated first, with their entourages behind them, the Duke Tranth of Bloodstone follows, though Arcata and (surprisingly) Carmathan are not in attendance. Then all stand (even somewhat reluctantly) as King Gareth Dragonsbane and Queen Christine Dragonsbane enter.

The representatives from the Monastery of the Yellow Rose enter, and King Dragonsbane asks, “Why have you asked for this special council, monks?”

A monk steps up and speaks, “I am Revered Brother Uther, head of the Circle of Chroniclers. We have recently received and verified information which proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Theodorus, who claims to be Duke Helmont the 15th of Carmathan, is not of House Devlin, and is an imposter, pretending to be of the Ducal House.”

Several of the brothers distribute packets which include the Monastery’s investigation, findings, and conclusions. The Council dismisses the monks and each member reads the reports.

“The findings are incontrovertible”, Baron Ree of Morov says, “The Macceln family is next in line to House Devlin, and we should support their ascension to the Ducal Seat.” This is quickly seconded by Baroness Sylvia Praka of Ostel."

Bloodstone and Polten vote not to appoint the Maccelns, mush to the visible disappointment of Polten’s advisor, former regent Zorth. Since the ancient charter of Damara leaves ties in the hands of the King, Dragonsbane chooses not to raise House Macceln, saying, “But the Vailere family, which heads the Carmathan Guard, has as much right to the Ducal seat, being a long-standing family in the Duchy in service of House Bloodfeathers and proud defenders of Carmathan and Damara.”

Morov and Ostel quickly vote against the proposal, Bloodstone votes in favor and King Gareth feels the tides turning towards him, until Donlevy the Younger of Polten, votes no.

Baron Donlevy, who voted against both sides, then says, “I know that the next Duke of Carmathan is important to both Baron Ree and King Dragonsbane, but it is more important to the people of Carmathan. While we need to remove Theodorus immediately, let’s give the people of Carmathan the choice in their new Duke. We give the Duchy six-months to choose and appoint a new Duke.”

Both the Dragonsbane faction and the Ree factions raise their voices against the idea, to which Donvely replies, “It’s the only plan I will support, and neither of you can pass anything without me. Further, this should be a unanimous decision by the council. It gives both of you time to plot and plan against the other and to make the Houses you support the winners of the Duchy, so you each have a chance to ‘win’. I will support whichever House wins the support of the Duchy, which means that the House which wins gets the nod of the council, since I happen to be the deciding vote.”

After much wrangling and attempts to make Polten change their vote (including advisor Zorth’s vehement support of Ree’s claims), the council agrees to the resolution giving the Carmathan counties six months to choose a new Ducal House.

Baron Ree then asks, “So Polten, what does Carmathan do in the meantime? Who handles affairs?”

Donvely replies, “There is a count who is not in the running. From all reports, he doesn’t want the Duchy, he’s more interested in feasting and relying on his subordinates to host him. He’s been the Duchy’s Exchequer, and is capable of keeping the Duchy afloat for six month. His name is Count Giles Rosby. Further, Rosby isn’t going to want to alienate either side who could be his Duke before a year ends, so he will be impartial to the contest. The council needs to name him regent in its declaration.”

Riordan Parnell, advisor to King Dragonsbane and known as the King’s spymaster, whisper something in King Gareth’s ear. The king smiles and says, “Certainly you and your advisor have thought of everything, Baron Donlevy. I could use that kind of forethought in my court. I would ask that you lend me Advisor Zorth for the foreseeable future so that I may rely on his wisdom.”

To Zorth’s utter horror, Donlevy replies, “Certainly, my king. I will arrange his transfer as soon as we return to Trailsend.”

“No need Baron, I will have Zorth moved to the royal wing immediately, he may send for his belongings once you return to Trailsend. Riordan, would you please find a place for the advisor suitable for his importance to the crown.”

“Yes Sire.”, as Riordan escorts Advisor Zorth from the council. When Parnell finally returns, the council is deep in discussion about the wording of the unanimous declaration, how they intend to remove Theodorus from the ducal seat. Several hours later, the proclamations have been drafted, troops have been assigned (wearing all the colors of the provinces of Damara), and the players head to their embassies in Bloodstone City to plot and plan for the next six months.

Related Reports

As everyone leaves the room, Gareth turns to Riordan, “What the hell was that all about?”
“I’m sure Zorth gave the young baron 100 different reasons to support the Maccelns, when Donlevy proposed his solution…”
“Held us hostage is a better description.”"
“Be that as it may, the look that Zorth gave him. I know that look, I don’t believe the young Baron would have survived the trip back to Trailsend.”
“What about this Count Rosby?”
“Accounts say that Rosby nearly choked on a mutton leg when he found that his older brother had died and that he inherited the County. He doesn’t like work, and hates responsibility. Baron Donlevy did his homework, he’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a neutral party.
“We will need to pay more attention to the young Baron, however. He’s not quite as naive as I first thought. The way he immediately agreed to Zorth’s extended stay tells me he knew his peril, and those two young men acting as his personal bodyguard visibly relaxed when Zorth was escorted out of the chamber.”

Report Date

06 Aug 2018