At the appropriate time, the party are led out into the Square of Martials. They are confronted by the sight of an enormous crowd - huge numbers of people have flocked here to witness the ceremony. Unsurprisingly, there is a large dwarf contingent. But there are also humans, halflings and even elves of every social class. Graf Boris is seated on a throne upon a large wooden platform. Beside him are Ar-Ulric, the Middenmarshals, and the Knight-Commander of the Knights Panther. Also on the platform are various important court figures: Law Lord Ehrlich, The Princess and her Chaperone, Rallane, Allavandrel, the High Wizard, and the Knight Eternal. Two dozen Knights Panther in full regalia surround the platform.
A narrow path has been left through the crowd, running from the palace gates to the platform. This path is lined on both sides with men-at-arms of the Knight Panther, carrying halberds. The party follow the master of ceremonies along this path to the platform. They stop beside it, and wait.
Graf Boris rises to his feet. As he does, the tumult of the crowd dies down.
"Citizens and visitors," he says, his voice carrying to every corner of the square, "thank you for attending this ceremony. We are here to bestow perhaps the greatest honour the city of Middenheim can give: membership of the Knightly Order of the Panther.
"All of you know of the unfair taxes levied against dwarfs, wizards and priests over the last few weeks. Hopefully, all of you know that they have been repealed. What you may not know is the story behind those taxes. While I was incapacitated by a lengthy illness, an insidious conspiracy gained partial control of the government of this city. The members of this plot, instigated by Gotthard Brandt-"
The crowd spontaneously boos!
"-included those who had risen to trusted positions in the treasury, in the courts, in the guilds, and even in my own household. It was they who created the tax laws, as a means of generating unrest. Ultimately, they planned to make an armed uprising and seize total control. Among their victims was Law Lord Hoflich, who had served his city for many years.
"The conspirators came very close to achieving their aims. However, they were thwarted by the actions of a small group of exceptional people. These people, through their determination and brilliance, first exposed and then destroyed the plot. All the conspirators have been arrested, all weapons and evidence have ben seized, and every scheme has been undone. Inspired by the example of these heroes of Middenheim, I have risen from my sickbed to lead the city once more!"
The crowd cheers!
"Now I intend to induct these heroes into the Middenheim chapter of the Knights of the Order of the Panther. Let all citizens treat them with the respect they are due!" The Graf gestures towards the party. "Step up and receive your honours. Let my champion, Julian Stonebridge, approach first."
The Knight-Commander takes a step closer to the Graf, and opens a small casket containing gold medallions.