Time: 20 minutes
Goal: Build tension and hint at the plot through conversation and subtle clues.
Setting the Scene
The grand waltz begins, led by Lady Laeral Silverhand herself. The players are invited to join in, either as participants or observers. A string quartet plays an enchanting melody while conversations carry on under the swirl of fabric and flicker of candlelight.
The atmosphere hums with restrained tension beneath the opulence. Light glitters off crystal goblets and polished silverware, while the scent of lavender and spiced wine fills the air. Nobles exchange knowing glances, whispers weave through the crowd, and laughter sometimes falters mid-sentence. Lady Silverhand glides across the floor, her sharp eyes tracking every movement.
DM Tips:
- Use atmospheric descriptions of swirling gowns, flickering lights, and layered conversations.
- Drop hints through NPC conversations and visual details to build suspense.
- Move through interactions quickly to maintain momentum while allowing investigation.
- Add descriptive phrases like “the strings quiver like a heartbeat” to heighten mood.
Social Opportunities
- Dancing: Players can dance with NPCs or observe from the sidelines.
- Dancing well may attract positive attention, while mistakes could arouse suspicion.
- Eavesdropping: Insight and Perception checks can catch whispered conversations.
- Overheard dialogues may hint at alliances, betrayals, or coded warnings.
- Interrogations: Persuasion and Deception checks reveal secrets during discussions.
- Players may need to feign ignorance or curiosity to avoid tipping off cultists.
NPC Conversations and Hooks
Lady Laeral Silverhand - Hosting the event, calm yet observant.
“Winter’s Crest reminds us that the longest nights often herald the brightest dawns. Let us honour those who keep this city safe.”
- Drops subtle hints about increased security measures and tension in the city.
- May express concern over strange reports in the harbour district.
- Her keen gaze occasionally locks onto suspicious guests before softening back into hostess mode.
Doran Cassalanter - Suave, arrogant noble with a hidden agenda.
“A masquerade—how fitting for Waterdeep. Masks within masks, my dear. But even the finest masks slip, given time.”
- Asks leading questions about the players’ backgrounds and allegiances.
- Makes veiled references to debts and secrets among the noble houses.
- Frequently comments on wealth and power, making some nobles bristle.
Masked Stranger (Cultist) - Evasive and cryptic.
“Do you ever wonder what lies beneath the ice when it finally melts? Some truths are better left buried.”
- Wears dragon-themed jewellery, hinting at cult ties.
- Observes Lady Silverhand closely and avoids direct answers.
- Occasionally exits conversations abruptly, raising suspicion.
High Harper Althaea Moonshadow - Quiet but sharp observer.
“The music is lovely, isn’t it? But the tempo… it hides something urgent beneath.”
- Steers conversations toward local disappearances and missing cargo.
- May discreetly warn players to stay vigilant.
- Offers cryptic insights about balancing appearances with readiness.
Clues and Events During the Dance
- Dropped Note: A crumpled note found near the edge of the dance floor—“The Lady must fall before the final toast.”
- Suspicious Servant: A servant nervously leaves through the kitchen doors, avoiding eye contact.
- Confrontation: Two nobles argue about debts; one mentions being threatened by masked figures.
- Unusual Jewellery: Players notice matching dragon-shaped brooches on several masked guests.
- Interrupted Dance: A guest stumbles, spilling wine and revealing a concealed dagger.
- Shadowy Figure: A cloaked individual lingers near the entrance before disappearing into a side corridor.
- False Alarm: A drunken noble causes a scene, diverting attention from the cultists.
Skill Challenges and Checks
- Insight (DC 15): Detect lies or discomfort in NPC responses.
- Perception (DC 14): Spot hidden weapons or coded signals.
- Performance (DC 12): Impress nobles during the dance.
- Deception (DC 16): Extract secrets while feigning politeness.
- Investigation (DC 15): Analyze the spilled wine or discarded items for signs of tampering.
- Sleight of Hand (DC 14): Retrieve dropped notes or steal clues unnoticed.
Escalation Hints
- The music shifts to a faster, more chaotic tempo, increasing tension.
- Guards subtly reposition closer to Lady Silverhand.
- Whispers spread about a missing servant or misplaced shipment.
- The masked stranger vanishes suddenly, leaving a half-finished drink.
- An NPC loudly accuses another of theft, escalating the sense of paranoia.
Player Guidance and Rewards
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Player Actions:
- Players can split roles—some dancing, others investigating.
- Encourage players to create alliances or provoke NPCs.
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Early Discoveries:
- Players who piece together clues may discover the cultists early, creating an opportunity to foil the assassination.
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NPC Favors:
- Winning over nobles may grant social advantages, such as invitations to exclusive meetings or information about rival factions.
- Securing aid from factions like the Harpers or Order of the Gauntlet may provide reinforcements during the climax.