Sorry this is so late- my internet problems continue.
The State Dinner
When you arrive at the main gate, Ari and Asinjin are early, you find heavy security, with Icefian soldiers, Knights of the Republic and the White Sword patrolling the grounds. In Ari's case he is saluted by the Knights and then surprised to find a "date" waiting for him: Padra, the cleric from Phiam, as the designee of the High Cleric. She looks beautiful but somewhat uncomfortable. There are many in the line that you do not recognize but that problem is quickly remedied as you are announced as you enter the great hall. As you wait in line, well behind the dignitaries Asinjin hears a familiar voice greeting him: "It is is pleasure to see you master artist", and Itsuwaru smiles at you from an Icefian style suit.
The Icefian delegation is made up of the high wizard and four high nobles : Strydus Archir, Julia Parkstone, a half elf from another of the Kingdom's most revered families, Maratha Everhope, a human woman from a wealthy family, and Gideon Silverforge, scion of a great military and arms trading family, only recently elevated to high nobility. Midan Granitebreaker of the Guardians is present as are all three of the wizards, Luigi, Cloud and Russell. Luigi and cloud have attractive dates. Russell has no date. Many other professors and all of the deans are present.
The great hall of the College is arrayed as you have never seen it before. The flag of every nation's delegation hangs from the walls. Some, Yellowia, Pacyr, the Rosetree's, the String Mountain Kingdom, look very old and are chased with precious metals and stones. Others, Thalmeret and the Grean Republic, look like they were hastily made but are still of fine construction. A huge buffet table has been set out and there are over two dozen tables with seating for eight at each but only the name of the head of each delegation or some other dignitary placed at each. Each delegation is limited to five attendees, which has apparently greatly upset the Gree and the Yellowians. The Gree because of their indecipherable rules and Alawin because he has substituted his sister Lira for his cleric. Lira looks remarkably different than the last time you saw her but very uncomfortable amidst all of the attention.
All of the major figures from the delegations are present, dressed in their finest gowns, robes or suits. Layla of Iott gets the most attention early on as her attire is the talk of the room: a revealing form hugging dress covered in magical symbols. Later when Robyn arrives with Parker her dress seems to shift the conversation to her for a moment. She draws a clear glare from Layla and her attendants. Itsuwaru's accent disappears for a moment as he remarks, "Some things never change."
Still her time in the light is short lived as Queen Irene and Samantha Goldenseas, the Queen of the South (in waiting) arrive. Samantha is now 16 years old and will clearly be a woman of preternatural beauty but now still awkward and somber. Her story is now well known; the only child of the late King of the South, Kandren and his wife a scaled elf, Eliandra, her father sought to dispel any doubts about his loyalty to the High King during the Wyvern Crusade and was killed in a sea battle. His wife died of a broken heart leaving the child a ward of the Kingdom. Samantha has short blonde hair, unbecoming a queen most whisper, and is exceptionally tall for a woman, let alone a half elf. She is reportedly to attend the Bardic College shortly. Their attire is nothing but appropriate but their entrance still causes all eyes to turn to the young woman.
Ari is relieved to find not only Midan present but Nisoru as well. Midan introduces you to a gnome Gembel Whitemountain, who is a cousin to the Brokenglaciers, and a member of your order. He is very honored to meet you and insists on introducing you to Snella Firstice. She is the epitome of charm and etiquette and praises your order sincerely before moving on to other attendees. Midan spends his night as far as you can tell with his fellow dwarves, Thale, Buld and the King of the Dwarves.
During the evening Itsuwaru steers each of you expertly into a conversation circle away from the main group where Simonir of Pacyr is quietly speaking with, Aianna Cadmurren, Tvisarc Naepaer, the Grus Cannus of the 4th legion, a bladesinger from the Rosetree delegation, an Ice Gnome, the Wood Duke and Keverene of Amansky. Strangely none of them seem to notice your approach and you overhear Simonir say: ". . .the war is all but won and even if it were to end today the Scaled Kingdom will exist no more. The winter may not be of the Kingdom's making but it has proven their greatest weapon. Between the lack of a harvest and the blockade there is no food left to feed the civilians or the army, we must . . .", at which point Itsuwaru says, "My lords and ladies," causing all of them to jump (a particularly funny sight from the Orc) "may I introduce you to Lord Arishimoto Udinaru, commander of the Order of the Banished Hero and Feyalin of Tfop, Professor Parker Berko of this institution and master sculptor Asinjin al-Davounin el-Tarrak." He then exchanges kisses with Aianna who eyes each of you as if evaluating your mettle. The rest then introduce themselves to you.
(Post any questions or conversation you have or attempt with any member of this group.)
Before the end of the evening there are a series of speeches, a few controversial. The first is from the young king of Yellowia. He is undiplomatic in what he says, but not the means in which he says it. He speaks against the war, but defends the king's right to do whatever he sees fit. His speech is followed by Aianna who, with great skill, conveys that the republic sees this war as foolish and that it must end. The true enemies of law abiding nations lie elsewhere, not among the scaled elves.
The Horarian representative begins by praying for peace any implying that a violent death is the reward for warriors but is unable to conclude her speech as a visibly angry Harfith of the Republic shouts her down with calls of pirate! and challenges to put her own house in order before criticizing a noble king and warrior. The orcs loudly support him and soon after he and they leave. Aianna is clearly embarrassed.
Next comes the Wood Duke. Taemus is a capable speaker, but never commands the room like Aianna. He speaks highly of Stasis and the kingdom of Icefia and expresses sorrow that wars are necessary, but he avoids the question of his opinion on the current war in Icefia. As the orcs have left, he makes mention of the orcish defeat several years ago at the edge of the Forest.
Simonir of Pacyr speaks of the goal of peace among the nations and cooperation against coming evils and receives polite applause from all but Iott and Thalmeret who look on with contempt. Shortly thereafter Layla stands to make her speech but the back of her already low cut dress has been pinched by the seam of her chair and is ripped almost completely off of her. She is quickly covered by an attendant's cape and leaves by a side door.
Keverene of Amansky gives the most memorable and controversial speech of the evening. With his wings partially unfurled he is an intimidating sight and he makes an impassioned speech. He speaks about the glories of the kingdom of the past, about its role in the freedoms of the world and particularly Amansky. He decries the misguided war, speaks harshly against those that are prosecuting it, sending Lord Silverforge into a rage. He begins to shout the Sakor'akai down only to find that both are momentarily in a globe of silence, cast by Thale, who looks angry but restrained. Someone quickly dispels the globe but the moment has passed and both return to their places.
Finally, Snella speaks, also beginning with the glories of old Icefia, when Stasis ruled, when his children and grandchildren ruled. She speaks highly of Nomagrok and their monarchy, pointedly looking at Alawin. She advocates for a nation ruled in the ways of Gnarland or Nomagrok, a true theocracy with, either Stasis himself or his clergy as the rulers of the kingdom. This earns a few polite claps and looks of disbelief from the Yellowians.
Post any responses or questions. Two shorter parts still to come.
