Time: 30 minutes
Goal: Build tension as clues about the assassination attempt emerge. Highlight NPC interactions and allow players to investigate rising suspicions.
Setting the Scene
The banquet hall is a vision of opulence—long tables draped in velvet, adorned with crystal goblets and silver platters laden with roasted meats, exotic fruits, and frosted cakes. Servants weave through the guests, refilling glasses and delivering delicacies, while chandeliers cast warm light across masked faces. The hum of conversation fades as Lady Laeral Silverhand rises to give a toast.
DM Tips:
- Describe the mood shift from jovial celebration to subtle unease.
- Use NPCs’ body language and dialogue to convey growing tension.
- Introduce clues in layers, giving players opportunities to piece the puzzle together.
NPC Conversations and Hooks
Lady Laeral Silverhand - Regal and watchful, concealing unease.
“May this evening remind us that even in the darkest winters, unity can light the way. Let us celebrate Waterdeep’s strength and those who defend it.”
- Watches the room closely during her speech, pausing when servants behave oddly.
- Subtly warns players with phrases like “Trust your instincts tonight.”
Doran Cassalanter - Suave but nervous.
“A toast to secrets and shadows. May they stay hidden… for now.”
- Sips wine carefully, avoiding eye contact with certain guests.
- Offers veiled comments about debts owed and alliances shifting.
Masked Stranger (Cultist) - Growing bold as the plan nears.
“It’s funny, isn’t it? How quickly power can change hands… with the right push.”
- Appears increasingly confident, drawing players into cryptic conversations.
- Drops phrases like “Midnight approaches. Time unravels.”
High Harper Althaea Moonshadow - Observant and calm, trying to alert players subtly.
“Notice the servant by the corner? He’s refilling the same glass, over and over. Watch him.”
- Points out strange patterns, like mismatched uniforms or nervous gestures.
- Suggests checking exits or questioning the staff.
Clues and Events During Dinner
- Spilled Wine: A servant drops a tray, shattering glasses and causing a commotion. Investigation reveals shards of a broken vial beneath the table.
- Suspicious Note: A folded paper tucked under a plate reads—“The Lady must not see the sunrise.”
- Nervous Servant: A staff member visibly sweating, avoids eye contact, and clutches a hidden pouch.
- Confrontation: Two nobles argue over a mysterious payment, mentioning debts to “dragon lords.”
- Food Tampering: Players notice an odd scent or discolouration in one dish, requiring a Perception (DC 15) or Investigation (DC 14) check to identify poison.
Skill Challenges and Checks
- Insight (DC 14): Detect nervous behaviour or lies from NPCs.
- Investigation (DC 15): Analyze clues like the broken vial or spilled wine.
- Perception (DC 13): Spot hidden weapons or cult symbols.
- Stealth (DC 16): Follow a suspicious servant unnoticed.
- Medicine (DC 14): Identify poison or symptoms of poisoning.
Escalation Hints
- A guest suddenly collapses, clutching their throat, prompting panic.
- A servant runs toward the kitchen but vanishes before being caught.
- Guards start whispering among themselves, forming defensive positions.
- The music falters as a violinist breaks a string mid-performance, startling the crowd.
- The masked stranger raises a glass and delivers a cryptic line like “To new beginnings… and swift endings.”
Player Guidance and Rewards
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Player Actions:
- Players can choose to question guests, shadow suspects, or secure Lady Silverhand.
- Splitting tasks allows multiple angles of investigation.
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Early Discoveries:
- Unmasking the cultists before the assassination attempt may prevent casualties and grant tactical advantages.
- Catching a servant in the act may lead to interrogations that reveal the larger plot.
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NPC Favors:
- Gaining trust from nobles can provide access to private information and allies during the final confrontation.
- Helping Althaea may strengthen ties with the Harpers, earning future support.
Closing Moment:
As the last toast is raised and midnight draws closer, tension thickens. A sudden cry echoes from the kitchen, and the flickering lights dim. The night turns deadly.