Time: 20 minutes
Goal: Facilitate character interactions during the dance, providing motivations, faction ties, and conversational topics. Build tension through intrigue without revealing deeper secrets.
Setting the Scene
The orchestra begins a sweeping waltz, strings rising and falling like waves. Masked figures take to the floor, their movements elegant and deliberate. Candlelight flickers across polished floors, and shadows dance along the walls, echoing the elegance of the guests. Laughter mingles with whispers as alliances shift beneath the surface of polite conversation.
Key Details to Highlight:
- The rhythm of the music subtly accelerates, reflecting tension.
- Guests form circles along the edges, whispering behind fans and goblets.
- Servants refill drinks and glide between dancers with practiced grace.
- The mysterious figure lingers near the edge of the hall, observing intently.
Key NPCs and Motivations
Lady Laeral Silverhand - Hostess, appearing regal but slightly distracted.
“A waltz reminds us that harmony comes from balance. But balance, as we all know, is fleeting.”
Motivations:
- Ensuring alliances between factions remain steady.
- Keeping an eye on anyone who appears out of place or nervous.
- Speaking to representatives of the Lords’ Alliance about security concerns.
- Appreciates the players’ candid responses and lack of political maneuvering, offering a rare moment of sincerity.
- Allows her professional guise to soften slightly around the players, speaking more openly about her concerns for Waterdeep while still maintaining a guarded edge.
Conversations:
- Discusses recent diplomatic agreements and trade policies.
- Compliments guests on their attire and connections, subtly probing for intentions.
- Asks the players about their thoughts on Waterdeep’s stability.
- Expresses relief at speaking to someone without hidden motives, briefly dropping formalities to comment on the burdens of leadership.
“It’s rare to find honesty in these halls. Refreshing, truly. But honesty can be dangerous here—do watch your step.”
Doran Cassalanter - Suave, charming, and slightly predatory in his manner.
“A dance is much like a negotiation—every step carefully placed, every movement deliberate.”
Motivations:
- Strengthening ties with the Zhentarim and consolidating power.
- Testing the waters with rival factions to exploit vulnerabilities.
- Flirting and charming nobles to gather useful information.
Conversations:
- Makes veiled comments about debts owed and secrets best left buried.
- Compliments players on their poise, but questions their loyalty subtly.
- References rival factions as potential allies—or threats.
High Harper Althaea Moonshadow - Quiet and observant, using the dance to gather intelligence.
“Listen closely to the tempo. It shifts as intentions do. Keep your steps light.”
Motivations:
- Uncovering hidden threats among the guests.
- Protecting Waterdeep’s interests while avoiding direct confrontation.
- Supporting the Harpers by identifying potential allies.
Conversations:
- Points out small inconsistencies in NPC behaviour.
- Comments on rumors about disappearances and odd shipments.
- Suggests that not all masks hide noble faces, subtly encouraging players to investigate.
Mysterious Figure (Unnamed NPC) - Silent observer, enigmatic and unreadable.
“Dances are a test, don’t you think? Who leads? Who follows? And who missteps?”
Motivations:
- Watching Lady Silverhand closely, but always remaining on the periphery.
- Speaking in riddles to create unease.
- Observing the players without giving away intentions.
Conversations:
- Refuses to reveal their identity, focusing instead on abstract comments about power and change.
- Suggests that the night may end differently than expected.
- May leave abruptly, creating an air of tension.
Random NPCs for Conversations
1. Ambitious Merchant
“This city’s markets rise and fall like tides. But some tides can be controlled.”
Motivations:
- Seeking new trade alliances or funding.
- Discussing rumors about sabotage or theft in shipping lanes.
2. Suspicious Noble
“It’s curious, isn’t it? Who gets invited and who doesn’t. What do you make of it?”
Motivations:
- Fears losing influence to rivals.
- Probing for weaknesses in other nobles’ positions.
3. Flustered Servant
“I’m not sure where that crate came from. The kitchens were locked earlier.”
Motivations:
- Nervous about mishandled deliveries.
- Hints at disruptions behind the scenes without clarity.
4. Drunken Duelist
“A dance? Ha! You haven’t seen dancing until you’ve crossed blades with me.”
Motivations:
- Seeking validation and trying to challenge others.
- Hints at rivalries that might boil over.
5. Poet and Observer
“The beauty of masks is that they reveal more than they hide.”
Motivations:
- Observing guests and romanticizing their secrets.
- Offering vague comments that may lead to clues.
Escalation Points
- Music Changes Tempo: The waltz speeds up, creating tension.
- A Dropped Note: Found beneath a chair, containing cryptic writing.
- Suspicious Movements: A guest leaves abruptly or whispers with a servant.
- Interrupted Dance: A noble stumbles, revealing a concealed weapon or item.
- Mysterious Figure Vanishes: Leaves a half-finished drink and disappears.
Player Guidance
- Players should be encouraged to split up, taking advantage of both dancing and observation.
- Subtle clues should build up but not point directly to any threat—maintain mystery.
- Guide players to NPCs based on their skills (e.g., persuasive players drawn to nobles, perceptive ones drawn to servants).
Closing Moment:
As the final note of the waltz fades, the applause feels strained. Eyes linger longer than they should, and the mysterious figure is nowhere to be seen. Shadows deepen, and the night turns colder.