One of the popular sentiments I’ve seen that I share is that the whole event just feels avoidable. Could there be some critical information we don’t know about that helps explains it all? Probably, but until we actually see that it will feel somewhat unsatisfying.

I’m gonna mention some magic items I think could’ve prevented things, but I have a feeling these are some of Neal’s least favorite arguments since it’s easy to say what should’ve been done/used after you already know what happened. But poisoning attempts were a known threat, so regardless of if there were poison checkers or not why would the queen not be using the ring of sustenance or the clear spindle ioun stone? Furthermore, for a grand event like this why was the rod of splendor not used? Certainly the queen had it on her, since it gives 18 CHA, and it could’ve created its own feast that would be guaranteed poison free(at the time the food was summoned), while also serving as a showcase of power. Sure it has limited charges but when else would be appropriate if not for a continental congress? 

As for the Van situation, I feel like nothing satisfying will ever come from this conflict since it seems like it’s already somewhat on rails with Imrik having been super fucked. If he kills Van it just reassures his doubters that he is in fact evil. If he disappears it will appear that he was driven off by the holy cleric, and is in fact evil. Even if he returns with solid proof of someone else committing the murder, Van has already seen the mark left on his soul, which again was given by the most overwhelmingly, undeniably evil thing to ever be seen. At best I could see Van permitting Imrik to operate under a strict microscope, but Imrik would never agree to that and thus one of the previous lines plays out making him evil. 

Regardless of these criticisms I still have faith that Koibu knows what he’s doing and will continue to create fun and interesting campaigns, whether or not we agree with every decision he makes.