In the Thorn City Chambers, the five members of the Thorn City Council are gathered, listening to a presentation about the anti-gang war. In attendance are:

-Dara May “Darmae” Rose, the oldest and longest-serving member of the council, an elderly human woman.
-Wally Rose, a middle-aged human male who has been on the council for about 15 years and runs the local publishing firm.
-Gabriella Spencer, a middle-aged human woman who has been on the council for almost a decade. She also is head of the Druid Guild.
-Justin Rose, a 35-year old human man who is known for being extremely dour.
-Mason Treling, the youngest member of the council ever, a lanky human man of 23 years with shoulder-length red hair. Even by Council standards, he is a skilled druid. Rumors have it he has great ambitions for his family, which has declined in influence over the years. He has only been on the council for a year now.

Speaking to the Council is Gordon Rose, General of the Army. An elderly, gruff man decorated in full Thorn City Army uniform at all times, he is well known throughout the city for keeping the Army free of corruption and gang influence.

“and so, to summarize: we assassinate all the leaders, and then while their ranks are disorganized, we kill them. Any questions?”

“Yes,” Wally spoke up, “do we have enough men to take them on at once? If this fails, our city-” 

Darmae rolled her eyes, interrupting the man. “Enough of your whining, Willy. We have the men and we voted to kill the gangs 4-1. If you’re going to make sour grapes, turn it into wine instead of whining.”

“Besides, if the troops die, we can get more,” Justin added.

The elderly woman nodded. “See? So quit-”

A knock on the chamber’s doors were heard, then a man opened them up. A young army cadet with paper in hand, from the looks of it. “Sorry to interrupt, lords, but this is urgent. Liz escaped from prison just a short while ago.”

“See? SEE!?” Darmae exclaimed. “This is what happens when we don’t take down these gangs.” Nods and affirmations were heard from the other council members except Wally, who looked nervous. “Get on it, Gordon.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the old soldier responded with a salute. There would be a lot of casualties today, but they were protecting the city, right? That’s what the Army is for, after all. 

-----

Darmae Rose returned to her chambers in the Rose Palace exhausted, but glad this plan was finally moving forward. Best to get it over with. And of course, Scer'Pi'Kenes was there waiting for her.

“It is done?” he asked.

“Yes. Gordon’s going after the leaders first, then the ranks” the lady responded.

“Good to know. I’ll tell John to lay low; I’ll need him alive for the next phase.”

“Can we trust him? He’s pretty tight with the Oceansiders.”

“Oh yeah, he’s the one who told me how to get past Liz’s traps in the first place. Anyway, I’ve gathered my fellow gnomes. Once the gangs and Army are weak, we’ll kill the other council members and rule the city. Is the Greater Silence spell ready?”

“Yes. When the time is right, I’ll call the special meeting. Be ready to overpower them with those rings of yours.”

Scer smiled an evil smile. “Of course, Darmae. I’ve been ready for 20 years.”