Convenings of the Iron Council

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A fat, well-maintained tome within Whurest's library contains public accounts of the Iron Council. Those permitted access to her library are free to peruse its pages.

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Attendance: Eriak Bristlebeard, Urias Deepforge, Dalgal Deepforge, Dryn Stonewhisperer, Dlara Brightmantle (Quorum)
Honored voices: Murin Stouthammer

General Dryn Stonewhisperer and Battle Maiden Dlara Brightmantle, have convened the Iron Council in order to discuss the recent attacks suffered by: Dailin Copperbeard, Dlara Brightmantle, and Therlan Battlehammer by those loyal to Sestra's Exarch.

The opening floor belonged to General Stonewhisperer. Prefacing the recounting of events by thanking the council for convening on short notice and updating the council on matters within The Valley. Hostilities between banites and those loyal to the established government of Sundren are on the rise. The Valley's war has now begun to affect kin who previously wished to remain neutral to said conflict.

Taking the floor next was Dlara. She recounted her grim experiences in the days preceding. While returning from a mission to gather enchanting supplies on Ixis, the group was stopped at the Sestran docks by a banite priest. In order to pass through Sestran territory it was required that each dwarf to offer up prayers to the human god Bane or suffer the blade of the priest and his men. Dlara, in her wisdom, refused to dishonor herself and ordered her company to fight. Dlara and Dailin fell and were rescued by Therlan, who retreated from the fray and delivered the fallen to General Belindorn for restoration.

Together, Dryn and Dlara brought forth the matter to be considered. They both argued that times are such that the council cannot remain neutral in The Valley's war. Cited as evidence were the hostilities previously noted and the mounting attitude on both sides of the conflict: "any not fighting for them are considered as opposing". They argued that neutrality would no longer be a suitable bulwark to protect Whurest from bloodshed. To this end, the Skullcleavers would see Whurest back the forces of the Legion and Triumvirate with dwarven craftwork. Thus, bolstering forces which would: wage war with the banites, see Whurest prosper, and provide strong allies in the event the tentative truce between Whurest and the vampires cease.

Eriak directed consideration to Exigo, seeking to learn from Exigo's response. Murin's floor as he supported Dryn and Dlara's previous remarks. Exigo continues to sell to both parties, however, he projected that soon the situation in The Valley would be such that Exigo's merchants will be affected. Needing to exercise caution in who they sell to and who witnesses said transactions. Projecting further, Murin speculated the situation could worsen. Merchants could soon have to practice exclusively in their craft in order to not draw hostilities from either side. Murin's time was cut short as the fermentation of one of his new ales neared completion. He left the council to tend to his craft.

Arguments followed by council members Urias and Dalgal. With Urias in favor of the proposal and Dalgal opposing. Dalgal argued resolutely that supporting either side would result in Whurest certainly becoming a target. Why should Whurest risk the lives of her kinfolk for an issue which concerns The Valley? Dalgal's words fell heavy on Eriak and visibly troubled him.

Wanting to risk no more lives, Eriak closed the session by ordering that Whurest would continue on as it has. Neutrality has been Whurest's mightiest shield and it would continue to ensure Whurest's safety. Regarding the Skullcleavers explicitly, Eriak commanded that they were to no longer have dealings within banite controlled territory and that the group was to defend themselves but not actively take part in The Valley's war.

*A reference to a privately held document completes the account*

((11/25/12))