The Astral Domain of Alenuath

[petagee]

Having narrowly escaped the grand gala at the Man O War on Bral, Ancalë arrives at the docks the next morning and spots Elisar's ship, the Dawn's Light. He is hastily preparing to depart, marshalling his crew and preparing supplies. He smiles once he spots you, and quickly motions for you to join him on board. A few minutes later, the spelljammer lifts off the Rock of Bral into Realmspace.

Over the next few weeks of travel, Elisar catches you up on what happened at the gala after you left, as well as Alenuathí politics since you were last home.

Spoiler: Gala and Alenuath

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Arriving in Alenuath, you experience a familiarity and simultaneous alienation from the place that you once called home. The sights of the city and its people are comforting and remind you of simpler times, but there is a cloud that hangs over the place now; a tension that permeates the streets and looms like a shadow in this city of dazzling lights.

As the Dawn's Light docks at Alenuath, you are greeted by a small group of courtly attendants, bearing gifts and customary Iasmodess Laceflower petals to welcome a returning member of the nobility. At their head stands the elf Arawyn, one of King Amelainia's personal attendants. He wears simple but elegant robes of crimson and gold, identifying him as a noble servant. He bows deeply as you approach, "Greetings my liege, Ancalë n'Alenuath. We have been long awaiting your arrival and homecoming to Alenuath. I can speak for the king and the rest of the court that are eager to hear of your adventures on Toril and throughout Realmspace. Thought we have heard disturbing news of an altercation between you and our Xaryxian allies. No doubt a misunderstanding of some sort. But you must be exhausted from your travels. Allow me to escort you to the royal grounds so you may repose before resuming your courtly duties."

You notice behind the group of attendants, a pair of tall Alenuathí Sentinels from the Ruarid step forward and approach you with spears in hand.

What do you do?

[sakuthinadon]

Ancalë, weary from a long journey and the harrowing battle that preceded it, graciously accepts the hospitality of Arawyn. "It has indeed been quite the journey, and I would gladly welcome a rest. Please send word to Amelainia that once my rest is complete, and the customs seen to, I would humbly request a private audience at akhiilor ("the place of duty" or, 'war room') with the King, the Cáno (commander), and their respective advisors. I have much to report."

[petagee]

A broad smile spreads across Arawyn's face, "Of course, your grace. Please, follow me."

With the Ruarid Sentinels flanking you on each side, you are led on foot towards the royal grounds. Those that you pass nod and bow in deference. A few familiar faces smile at you, but they are restrained, half smiles that serve to confirm your initial feelings upon arriving here. There is a pallor to the bright lights that dance around this city, reflected on the faces of its once cheerful and lively people.

The royal grounds, illustrious as ever with expansive gardens and grand villas upon floating hills, rise before you. You are led to your family home while Elisar and his crew are led away, down towards the Ruarid barracks on the other side of the royal grounds.

Spoiler: Out of Character (OOC)

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Go ahead and describe the grounds of your family home, if you'd like! Do you find any family members or servants there? What do you do once you arrive back at home?

[sakuthinadon]

As I am escorted along the rings of stardust that make the paths of the royal grounds, I notice, even more than before, the sparkle of this great kingdom has seemingly paled. The snaking, angling, floating gardens, with their impossibly lush greenery and spectacularly angled waterfalls seemed to have a little less starlight reflected in them. The old stones of the palace wall seemed dull despite the usually vibrant vines of Lasmodess curling amongst their cracks and crevices. What would once have been familiar faces seem less familiar. Have I really been gone that long? Moving close to the grand entry, I spot an old friend. The head groundskeeper Iandidh had served the royal family for generations before mine. Originally a fine warrior in his youth, keeping the grounds brought him a welcome peace in his retirement. Known to me as "Ia" (as I called him as an infant), his service to me as a secondary trainer and confidante as a youngling has never been forgotten. "Ia" I call as I wave him over, indicating to walk with me. After a hearty greeting, I ask of him in somewhat of a hushed manner (careful to not speak too loudly as the Ruarid guard flank at a safe enough distance) "Ia, tell me, is it the excitement of my adventures still fresh in my mind, or has Alenuath lost some of its lustre? The people seem restrained, the waterfalls less vibrant, hell even the rocks seem duller. I hope you are keeping well here my old friend".

[petagee]

As the Ruarid guards retreat to their barracks, their duty done, Ia greets you with a warm, but restrained, smile. He places a firm hand on your shoulder as he leads you inside your family's home, "Excitement? I should hope you will share your stories with me before you run off again for more adventures. I am well, but these old bones have grown a little weary from boredom. I suppose I only have myself to blame for that. Your young eyes do not deceive you child; there is a shadow over Alenuath that has been growing for many years. Recently, its presence has become impossible to ignore. Our king has made unpopular decisions of late, and there are many in the city that have been vocal in their disapproval, none more than Corsilan. He has long criticized the inability of the throne and the Ruarid to protect our domains beyond Alenuath that have slowly fallen out of our protection, despite all the resources dedicated to it. Avimox has held her tongue all the while, but there are whispers that she is waiting for her moment to strike, seizing unfettered control of the Ruarid to command as she sees fit. And now the Xaryxians are making demands of the throne... But I hear that you know all about the Xaryxians. Perhaps they have something to do with those adventures you mentioned earlier..."

He gives you a sly smile, before continuing. "Ah, but all that can wait. I can see the weariness in you child. I have seen it many times before when you were once my student. I fear that those days are now gone. The way you hold yourself, the firmness in your eyes, the aura Celestian has bestowed upon you... Well, no need for you to listen to these old lips ramble on about times long gone. Get you some rest young man. An envoy from Arawyn told me you are expected at first light at Akhiilor, to present yourself before the King, Méara Corsilan, and Cáno Avimox. That gives you only a few hours to rest before you must prepare to present yourself." He leads you upstairs to your room, giving you a slight bow and a smile. "Will that be all my liege?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Feel free to ask any questions of Iadidh, and describe how Ancalë rests and prepares before his meeting

[sakuthinadon]

"Indeed, Ia" I reply, "for now, that will be all. I appreciate the information. Some things seem to change so quickly once you've been away for some time, and then, some do not seem to change at all." I finish that sentence with a smile on my face as I bid Ia farewell. "It is good to see your face and hear your voice again."

After watching Iandidh retreat from the entrance to my quarters, I take a moment to sit in the familiarity of the space. The warm glow of sunset floods into the room through the pointed, tall, arching windows on the west wall. The bed upon which I sit is grand, and welcoming. Next to the pillows sit a fresh set of nightclothes neatly folded. I notice a fresh set of Alenuathi regalia hung on the opposite side of the room, ready and waiting for the morning. I set my shield and staff next to them, and the rest of my gear on the large beautiful chest of drawers standing next to the hung regalia. I ready myself for a few hours of much needed rest, trying to put out of my mind any worry concerning the next day's proceedings. As I sink into this exceptional bed, a wave of relief hits me. My last thought is so fleeting it is almost only able to be processed in retrospect upon awakening: 'it has been so long since I've been this comfortable -- have I ever been this comfortable?'

Spoiler: OOC

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During this trance, I will focus to become proficient with cartographer's tools in anticipation of tomorrow's 'war room' meeting with the king, cano and special advisors. It says I can also gain proficiency at one skill of my choice. If that is to say I can add proficiency to 'persuasion', then I would like to do so.

[petagee]

During sunset, the glowing orbs that light the city of Alenuath are slowly eclipsed by a dim orb like a massive moon. Only a handful of tiny orbs are still visible, dancing in the night sky like shooting stars. As you fall into your trance thinking of when you last felt so comfortable, a memory enters your mind, shaping your dreams. You recall the night spent in warmth and comfort with Meredin Sandyfoot and the Fab Five. Your belly full of food and drink, safe and among friends. Images flash through your mind as you imagine what could have happened on Bral after your departure.

Is the Rock free of Xaryxis?

Have the Xaryxians taken full control?

Can Toril still be saved?

Are the rest of your friends still alive?

Where are they now?

As you wake the next morning, these thoughts continue to churn. Despite the luxurious accommodations, you did not rest well. However, your trance provided the time to meditate to recall your expertise with maps and diplomacy. Iandidh ushers you into your dressing room to prepare you for your meeting. For the first time since you were last home, you don your most formal regalia. You remember these garments fitting perfectly last you were here less than a year ago, but now they chafe, pinch and sag in places they never did before. They feel restrictive and ostentatious compared to the utilitarian garb of the academy.

What is true comfort? The thought gnaws at your mind. Perhaps all the fine clothing and soft beds of your youth do not provide the same comfort they once did. Perhaps true comfort has more to do with those that surround you and the purpose you share together…

As the eclipse of night passes, beautiful light spills across the city, the light of Celestian that inspired you to take the path you have followed. But this light somehow feels further away and dimmer than it once did in your youth. You do not see his light and love reflected on the streets and buildings below, but instead a harsh glare that burns your eyes.

After dressing, Ia accompanies you to akhiilor, a secluded sunlit grove at the top of a small gnoll on the royal grounds. Squat flat stones, smoothed by eons, are sunken into the soft earth encircling a flat grassy area where an ancient parchment map has been spread. The map shows the astral sea in which Alenuath floats, surrounded by various Wildspace systems of interest, including Xaryxispace and Realmspace where Toril can be found. The surface of the maps shimmer and project into additional dimensions like an optical illusion, shifting over time and changing orientation as you walk around the circle of stones. From your trance, you can immediately intuit how the planets are situated in each system and where Alenuath lies in the astral sea right now.

Already seated in finery befitting royalty, King Amelainia shoots you an impudent scowl as you approach. He shifts restlessly on his stone seat which has been covered with an overly large plush cushion, an indulgence of which no one else has partaken. Cáno Avimox is leaned forward in her seat, eyeing you like a wolf might a wounded deer. She is dressed in sharp pressed military garb with a sly smile curving across her battle-scarred face. Méara Corsilan is seated perfectly still, back arrow straight with hands resting gently on his lap. His robes are simple but elegant, plain but beautiful, like his eerily impassive gaze as he watches you approach. His face betrays no emotion at all, barely seeming to register your arrival.

Royal servants, guards, and other sycophants of the Alenuathi court stand well outside the grove, so Ia bows deeply and retreats to leave the four of you in perfect solitude. Finally, the King speaks, his voice dripping with contempt, “Prince Ancalë, you join us at last. You have been brought before this council to account for your actions against our allies, the Astral Elves of Xaryxis, throughout Realmspace, upon the planet Toril, as well as on the Rock of Bral. Your…”

Corsilan gently coughs, cutting off the King and interjecting, “My King Amelainia, the Prince should be made aware that I have Challenged the decree to ally us with the Xaryxians in the Court of Stars, and thus the alliance with Xaryxis is only provisional for the time being.” Avimox’s smile broadens, her eyes twinkling as the King’s scowl deepens. All the while, Corsilan’s face remains frighteningly calm.

The King gathers himself, then continues, “Your conspirators, Elisar and his crew, have already been arrested, court-martialled, and will soon be delivered to the Xaryxians that they might receive justice appropriate to their crimes. As royalty, you are beyond their reproach, but will instead be judged by this council. We will decide what your fate shall be. But first, I shall hear what you have to say for yourself…”

Spoiler: OOC: Court of Stars

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The Regency of Alenuath is mainly governed by the King Amelainia. However, the Court of Stars, a group of advisors to the King which includes civic and military councillors like Corsilan and Avimox, can greatly influence decisions made across the domains of Alenuath.

While the Court of Stars cannot make decisions directly, it can, in extremely rare instances, Challenge decrees made by the King. A decree that is Challenged by the court can be overturned by a 2/3 majority voting against it. These Challenges are rare because to Challenge the King is akin to political suicide, and few in the Court of Stars are likely to vote against it for the same reason. Further, if a Challenge fails it is expected that the Challenger exile themselves from all Domains of Alenuath permanently.

If the Challenge is successful, the Challenger may offer a counter-decree to replace the original decree, which must then be ratified by a 2/3 majority.

From what Elisar told you, The King, Cáno Avimox, and Méara Corisilan, each hold sway over approximately 1/3 of the members in the Court of Stars.