Already in session when the characters arrived, the Grand Council paused their present discussion to meet with the party and hear their request to join Freythor's cause. The dwarves of the region were already pre-disposed to join the cause, as Hul Lodir and Hul Golgrim had already pledged troops, giving Cephandrius an edge. The representatives of the city of Skara proper, the Bankers' and Merchants' Guilds - they had already committed their forces to help Alrek reclaim Varheim. Laying out his plan, the bard explained the stakes, laid out all who had joined Freythor against the Eladrin, and appealed to their sense of pride in the North. Backed by Viktor and Vondal, he also reminded them of the work the party had done of the city. To close, he also informed them he had received the pledge of Ylva and Brœðralag Ulfveiðr to come to Freythor's aid.

Votes were cast - the representatives of Trombak and the Shipwrights' Guild joined the six Dwarven members of the Council and the Initiate of the Old Gods to send Skara to war with the Empire once again. The representatives of Sandholm, Sabana, the Carpenters', the Smiths' and the Church of Arvoreen joined with Skara, the Bankers', and the Merchants' Guild to oppose the war - the motion carried 9-8.

Skara would send their forces to join the cause.