White canvas shelters ring a central fire court beneath Moon Dragon colors. Six northern delegations stand together as the white-cloaked quartermaster arranges the commanders’ ledger and Veyra’s sealed letter on a low table.
The tiefling handmaiden moves between the gathered representatives, setting out ceremonial cups and straightening silver cords. Beyond the circle, the air suddenly cools, and every fire bends toward the eastern sky.
A vast moon dragon descends without a wingbeat, white scales luminous as frost and broad wings blotting out the afternoon. Kendathar lands beyond the fire court, his weight shuddering through the frozen ground.
Kendathar
Let the Isles see what six private oaths become when spoken beneath the open sky.
The representatives bow as one, though several struggle to keep their footing beneath the dragon’s shadow. The white-cloaked quartermaster opens the ledger, while the tiefling handmaiden offers the first cup toward Sakara.
Ilyan Voss
The ledger records each submission, and Veyra’s letter confirms the Red Tide’s allegiance. Together, they establish the alliance’s reach from river to hill-fort.
Northern Representatives
We stand beneath the Moon Prince’s colors. Our roads, councils, and clan rights remain ours, and our allegiance is given as one settlement.
Kendathar lowers his horned head until one silver eye reflects the fire court. The ceremony waits on Sakara, with every witness watching what shape she gives the promise.
“I look up at my patron, and ruler, Kendethar, the moon dragon, waiting for his approval. This is his negotiation after all”
SUCCESS (Great Perception, rolled -2)
Sakara lifts her blindfolded face toward Kendathar, reading the court through the tremor of his landing, the angle of his head, and the silence that follows.
His breath rolls over the fire court, warm despite the snow. One silver eye remains fixed on her, and the tension in his vast neck eases rather than hardens.
Kendathar
You have given their allegiance a shape no ruler can mistake. Continue.
Approval settles unmistakably in his voice and posture. He accepts the negotiation as hers to present, while his presence makes clear that its authority remains his.
The reading costs her the first exchange of murmurs among the six representatives. By the time she turns her attention back, their private reactions have already passed.
Ilyan Voss
The record is ready, Sakara. The terms await your voice.
““The 6 tribes gathered hear, along with the river people and the Red Tide Cult, from this day forward, shall form a cohesive union in the Ruby Isles, to be subject to the advice of, and support from , Kendethar, the Moon dragon and Prince. Trade between the two kingdom will begin, and both kingdoms will agree to support each other militarily. Those tribes represented here today will now be known as the Stars of the Ruby Isles, and will no longer associate with the tribes of the Ruby Isles not in attendance””
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled -2)
Sakara
From this day forward, the six tribes gathered here, the river people, and the Red Tide Cult form one union: the Stars of the Ruby Isles. We accept Kendathar’s advice and support, begin trade between our kingdoms, and stand ready to support one another militarily. Those represented here will no longer associate with tribes absent from this gathering.
The declaration passes through the fire court. Cups rise around the ledger and sealed letter, and the gathered delegations turn toward one another beneath the Moon Dragon’s watching shadow.
Northern Representatives
We accept the name Stars of the Ruby Isles, and we accept the union. Our councils remain ours, while trade and defense now bind us together under Kendathar’s alliance.
The river routes and clan councils remain protected.
River People
Our boats will carry these terms, and our people will stand with the Stars.
Red Tide Cult
The Red Tide joins the Stars of the Ruby Isles. We will keep the alliance and carry its terms to those who answer our call.
The assent becomes a single raised-cup salute. Yet the exclusion of absent tribes leaves a hard edge in the silence: future reconciliation will demand concessions the new union cannot easily spare.
Kendathar
Then let the Stars of the Ruby Isles be recognized. Their allegiance is joined, their trade and defense agreed, and their first cost is the leverage they surrender by choosing unity over the absent tribes.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish a negotiation strategy for the Stars of the Ruby Isles.
“I subtly each delegation what concessions unity can afford, being sure to phrase it as they wouldn’t be giving anything up.”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled +2)
Sakara moves quietly among the delegations, speaking to each in turn. She frames every concession as an exchange of burdens for access, protection, and a voice strengthened by unity.
The northern representatives listen over lowered cups. Their guarded posture eases as Sakara distinguishes what remains theirs from what cooperation makes easier to secure.
Northern Representatives
Our councils lose no authority by standing together. We gain safer roads, wider trade, and a stronger voice beneath the Moon Prince’s alliance.
The river delegate weighs the same logic against clan custom. Sakara’s phrasing leaves the routes and councils untouched, presenting shared defense as something received rather than paid for.
River People
Our boats remain ours, and our council remains ours. We surrender no route by opening it to friends who will answer when called.
Red Tide Cult
The Red Tide keeps its rites and its own voice. Joining the Stars costs us no faith, only gives our faith allies beyond the shrine.
The delegations accept the framing. Their cups rise again, this time without hesitation, and the union’s concessions settle as shared advantages rather than losses beneath Kendathar’s watch.
Quest Complete
Establish a negotiation strategy for the Stars of the Ruby Isles.
Skill Upgrade: Persuasion Great→Superb