Lady Silverhand does not speak at once.
Instead, she turns her attention to the elven delegation. Her voice, when it comes, is steady and respectful.
“There is one matter arising from these reports that this council must address directly.”
She inclines her head.
“King Melandrach.”
The elven king lifts his gaze. His expression does not change.
“My son betrayed his people,” he says.
The words are measured. Controlled.
“Neronvain aligned himself with the Cult of the Dragon. He brought Chuth into the Misty Forest. He authorised the burning of elven lands and the deaths of elven folk.”
He pauses only once.
“The dragon is dead. The raids have ended.”
Another pause.
“Neronvain was taken alive.”
There is a subtle shift around the table. This changes things.
“He is in custody,” Melandrach continues.
“He breathes. He speaks. And he will answer for what he has done.”
His fingers tighten together.
“I will not ask this council for mercy on his behalf.”
The room is silent.
“Nor will I place elven forces at the front of this war,” he says.
“I will not spend elven lives to erase a betrayal born of my own blood.”
Then, quieter but no less firm:
“However, I will no longer obstruct this council.”
Some tension eases. Not all of it.
“If alliances must be made to end this war, I will not stand in their way,” Melandrach says.
“Red Wizards. Giants. Even devils, if you must.”
He looks directly toward the party.
“So long as they stand between the Dragon Queen and my people.”
Lady Silverhand lets the words settle before responding.
“Your position is understood,” she says.
“And it will be entered into record.”
She then addresses the wider council.
“Neronvain’s capture presents us with a choice, not a conclusion.”
Her tone remains neutral.
“He is a wyrmspeaker. He has knowledge of the cult’s inner workings. He also represents a deep and personal wound to one of our strongest allies.”
She pauses deliberately.
“The question before us is not whether justice will be done.”
Another pause.
“It is how that justice is to be carried out, and what we intend to gain before it is.”
She leans back slightly.
“The floor is open.”
Player Emotional Context (DM Reference Only)
Use these to guide reactions, not to script them.
-
Dagult Neverember (Luke)
Feels vindicated and wary. A captured enemy is leverage, but also a liability. Likely to push for firm containment and swift resolution. -
Althaea Moonshadow (Nat)
Sees opportunity and risk. A living wyrmspeaker is an intelligence asset, but also a potential escape or manipulation point. -
Ontharr Frume (Jack)
Struggles with the idea of delay. Justice matters, but so does righteousness. May argue for trial, confession, or public accountability. -
Delaan Winterhound (Aaron)
Focused on balance. The forest is quiet, but corruption lingers while its source lives. Wants assurance that harm will not resume. -
Rian Nightshade (Gemma)
Entirely pragmatic. Neronvain is valuable until he is not. Her interest lies in what can be extracted before judgement is passed.
Opening the Floor to Players
After a few seconds of silence, you can add:
Lady Silverhand looks around the table.
“You have heard the king’s position,” she says.
“And you understand the implications.”
She nods once.
“You may speak.”
Then tell the table plainly:
-
“You can respond as yourselves.”
-
“Or you can speak through your council representatives.”
-
“You may interrupt if it feels natural.”
Let the discussion breathe.
Optional Prompt Lines (If Needed)
If the table hesitates, you can gently apply pressure:
From Rian Nightshade, quietly:
“Living assets depreciate if left unused.”
Or from Ontharr Frume:
“Justice delayed must still be justice, not convenience.”