Lady Silverhand does not wait for movement.
When she speaks, the room stills completely.
“This council has reached its end.”
She pauses, letting the words settle.
“What remains is execution.”
Her gaze moves slowly along the length of the table.
“In seven days’ time, allied forces will begin their movement toward the Well of Dragons.”
No one reacts. Everyone understands what that means.
“Those movements will be deliberate and coordinated. Once they begin, they will not be recalled.”
She allows a moment to pass.
“Within nine days, the assault will begin.”
The finality of it settles heavily.
“From that point forward, there will be no further councils in halls or palaces. No revisions. No delays.”
She looks directly at the adventurers.
“What we have decided here will carry us to that moment.”
Her voice tightens, just slightly.
“There is, however, one final opportunity before those days are spent.”
She turns her attention back to the wider chamber.
“The Red Wizards of Thay have made their position known. Those aiding the cult are exiles, acting without sanction.”
Several delegates stiffen.
“Thay itself has reason to fear the Dragon Queen’s return.”
A pause.
“They have requested an envoy.”
Lady Silverhand’s gaze returns to the party.
“If allies are to be gained, now is the moment to do so.”
She rests her hands on the table.
“Seven days to position our forces. Eight days to decide the fate of the Sword Coast.”
Silence holds the room.
Then she adds, calmly:
“The next time this council meets, it will not be in this chamber.”
She looks outward, as if already seeing it.
“It will be on the battlefield, just before the assault begins, to ensure every blade, banner, and oath stands where it must.”
She straightens.
“After that, history will not wait for us.”
A single, deliberate nod.
“This council is adjourned.”
No one speaks.
Chairs are not pushed back all at once. Some remain seated. Others stand slowly.
Everyone understands that the next gathering will be under open sky, with the Well of Dragons ahead of them.
DM Guidance
This is a point of no return moment.
From here on:
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Time is visible and tracked
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Choices are strategic, not exploratory
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The next council is a war council, not a debate