Time: 15 minutes
Goal: Resolve the assassination attempt, address aftermaths, and set up future plot threads.
Setting the Scene
The hall is left in chaos—overturned chairs, spilled wine, and the echo of combat fading into tense silence. Guards hurry to secure the exits while panicked nobles are escorted to safety. Lady Laeral Silverhand, composed but visibly strained, surveys the aftermath with steely resolve.
DM Tips:
- Reinforce the gravity of the moment while balancing triumph or failure.
- Offer opportunities for character development and roleplay as players process the events.
- Leave breadcrumbs for future adventures to keep the intrigue alive.
Immediate Aftermath
Lady Laeral Silverhand - Assessing the damage and expressing gratitude.
“You acted swiftly and bravely tonight. Waterdeep owes you a great debt.”
- Offers rewards for valor and discreetly asks the players to assist in further investigations.
- May hint at vulnerabilities exposed during the attack.
Doran Cassalanter - Trying to spin the events to his advantage.
“A tragic breach of security—but perhaps this shows why strong alliances are needed.”
- Attempts to sway nobles and gain influence amidst the chaos.
- Might quietly slip away if suspicions fall on him.
Captured Cultist (if any) - Offering cryptic warnings or threats.
“You’ve stopped nothing. The Dragon Queen’s rise cannot be delayed.”
- Can be interrogated for details on future plans.
- May hint at sleeper agents still within the city.
Key Player Choices and Outcomes
- Interrogating Cultists: Players can press for information, leading to new threads about the Cult of the Dragon.
- Investigating Allies: Suspicious nobles may still have hidden motives, creating lingering mistrust.
- Securing Waterdeep: Players may offer strategies to tighten defenses or propose alliances with factions.
- Reputation Effects: Heroic actions boost prestige, while failure creates political instability.
Rewards and Recognition
- Material Rewards: Gold, gemstones, and fine art gifted by nobles.
- Magic Items:
- Ring of Protection or Amulet of Proof Against Detection and Location.
- Scrolls or potions gifted by Lady Silverhand.
- Titles and Favors:
- Honorary titles such as “Defenders of the Crest.”
- Invitations to future noble events or secret meetings.
Future Plot Hooks
- Escaped Cultist: A key figure eludes capture, hinting at deeper conspiracies.
- Sleeper Agents: Nobles or servants might still be under cult influence, creating paranoia.
- Political Fallout: Nobles exploit the chaos to push rivalries or form questionable alliances.
- Artifact Recovery: The cult may have used the ball as a distraction to steal an artifact tied to their plans.
Closing Moment:
As Lady Silverhand addresses the shaken crowd, her voice steadies the room. But as the players step away from the main hall, a lingering chill settles. Somewhere in the shadows, danger still waits.
“Tonight was but the first move. The game is far from over.”