1. Confirmation of Events
Internal take:
- The party’s successes confirm the cult is under pressure.
- Two dead dragons will force the cult to adapt quickly.
- The succubus infiltration is deeply troubling and confirms Harper fears of internal rot.
What she brings to the table:
- Reinforces the need for vigilance and counter-intelligence.
- Reminds the council that victories increase scrutiny and retaliation.
- Quietly shifts focus from celebration to preparedness.
Conversation starters:
- “We should expect the cult to change its methods.”
- “Success draws attention, not silence.”
- “If they failed openly, they will try quietly next.”
2. The Matter of Neronvain (Captured)
Internal take:
- A living wyrmspeaker is dangerous but invaluable.
- Execution without extraction would be wasteful.
- Elven grief complicates the situation, but does not remove the threat.
What she brings to the table:
- Advocates for controlled interrogation and information vetting.
- Pushes for Harper involvement in questioning.
- Emphasises the risk of manipulation and false confession.
Conversation starters:
- “We should assume he will lie selectively.”
- “Truth gathered under pressure still needs verification.”
- “If he knows the cult’s fractures, we need to hear them.”
Vibe note:
She speaks gently when addressing Melandrach, but does not yield ground.
3. Metallic Dragons and Concessions
Internal take:
- The agreement is symbolically powerful and politically risky.
- Public gratitude matters as much as military value.
- How this is framed will define public trust after the war.
What she brings to the table:
- Strongly supports the promised festival.
- Encourages transparency with the people, not secrecy.
- Wants to ensure the story told after victory does not breed resentment.
Conversation starters:
- “People will accept sacrifice if they understand it.”
- “Silence creates rumours faster than truth.”
- “If dragons are honoured openly, trust follows.”
4. Allocation of the Dragons
Internal take:
- Dragons are too valuable to be static.
- Intelligence, scouting, and rapid response outweigh visible defence.
- A dragon that watches can prevent battles entirely.
What she brings to the table:
- Argues for assigning dragons to Harper operations.
- Emphasises breaking cult supply lines and secrecy.
- Warns against clustering too much power in one place.
Conversation starters:
- “A dragon that sees first chooses the battlefield.”
- “Information denies the enemy initiative.”
- “Protection is reactive. Knowledge is proactive.”
5. Rey Stormsoar and the Question of Trust
Internal take:
- Defectors are often sincere and dangerous at the same time.
- Rey’s survival and timing suggest desperation or opportunity.
- Refusal to engage risks losing critical intelligence.
What she brings to the table:
- Supports cautious engagement with strict oversight.
- Pushes for layered verification and compartmentalisation.
- Wants to control the flow of information Rey provides.
Conversation starters:
- “People leave cults when fear outweighs faith.”
- “We should listen, but not believe.”
- “If we do not take this meeting, the cult will adapt around it.”
Vibe note:
She is the voice arguing that knowledge, even flawed, is better than ignorance.
Personal Subtext
- Althaea feels the weight of every life this war will cost.
- She worries the council is hardening too quickly.
- She is quietly afraid of what victory might justify.
She believes:
- Wars are remembered by what they excuse.
- Someone must remember the line.