Character Overview
Dagult Neverember is the former Open Lord of Waterdeep and the current ruler of Neverwinter. He is a shrewd politician and a forceful leader, known for his ambition, pragmatism, and disdain for bureaucracy. Neverember is wealthy, well-connected, and deeply invested in solidifying his influence in the Lords’ Alliance.
His leadership in Neverwinter has been controversial but effective, as he has rebuilt the city after the chaos left by the Spellplague. However, many still see him as an opportunist who only prioritizes his own power. He was ousted from Waterdeep’s leadership, and his resentment towards Laeral Silverhand fuels much of his political maneuvering.
Personality & Roleplaying Guide:
-
Confident, authoritative, and direct. Neverember speaks like a man used to being obeyed.
-
Unapologetically ambitious. Every stance he takes should be viewed through the lens of “How does this help Neverwinter?”
-
Does not respect the Harpers or the Emerald Enclave. Views them as inefficient idealists.
-
Thinks Silverhand is a weak leader. He wants to discredit her authority without outright calling for her removal—yet.
-
Prefers action over discussion. Will push for a clear strategy rather than endless deliberation.
-
Has a gruff charm. If necessary, he can be charismatic, but it’s always calculated.
-
Speaks plainly but effectively. He doesn’t waste words, but his statements carry weight.
Relations with Other Council Members
-
Lady Laeral Silverhand – Major Rival. He believes she is weak, overly idealistic, and unfit to lead the Lords’ Alliance. He won’t openly call for her removal—yet—but will work to undermine her authority.
-
High Harper Althaea Moonshadow (Harpers) – Distrusts. Sees the Harpers as unreliable and secretive, especially after their intelligence failures in Waterdeep. Will subtly argue they should not have too much influence in military decisions.
-
Delaan Winterhound (Emerald Enclave) – Dismissive. Neverember thinks the Emerald Enclave’s focus on nature is irrelevant in a time of war. He will humor them but not support any stance that weakens military action.
-
Ontharr Frume (Order of the Gauntlet) – Potential Ally. Ontharr’s desire for direct action aligns with Neverember’s, but he finds the paladin’s moralistic approach frustrating. He may propose a military alliance if it serves Neverwinter’s interests.
-
Rian Nightshade (Zhentarim) – Cautious Alliance. While he doesn’t trust the Zhentarim, he acknowledges their usefulness. He is open to deals with them but will not openly advocate for them, lest he damage his reputation.
-
The Mercenaries – Mixed Feelings. If they prove competent and pragmatic, he may support them. If they appear idealistic or chaotic, he will question their role in the council.
Goals for the Meeting
-
Undermine Silverhand. Without openly calling for her removal, he will frame her leadership as weak and indecisive.
-
Push for military action. He wants to move swiftly and decisively against the Cult of the Dragon.
-
Position himself as a better leader. He will subtly imply that the council would be better off with a strong, pragmatic leader like himself.
-
Ensure Neverwinter benefits. He will not commit resources unless it directly serves Neverwinter’s interests.
-
Avoid unnecessary commitments. He will not pledge troops or resources unless he gains leverage in return.
Talking Points for Each Agenda Item
-
Opening Statements
-
Acknowledge the Cult’s growing threat but immediately question leadership failures in Waterdeep.
-
Subtly criticize Silverhand’s ability to keep Waterdeep safe.
-
-
Security Concerns & The Winterscrest Attack
-
Blame intelligence failures, particularly the Harpers.
-
Push for stronger military preparedness rather than relying on espionage.
-
Suggest Waterdeep needs “stronger leadership in times of crisis.”
-
-
The Cult of the Dragon’s Threat
-
Demand immediate action rather than deliberation.
-
Frame inaction as a failure of leadership.
-
Call for a decisive strategy rather than “gathering more intelligence.”
-
-
Faction Contributions & Preparedness
-
Offer limited military support but demand clear leadership roles.
-
Propose Neverwinter takes command of coordinated military efforts.
-
Oppose any leadership that relies too heavily on “soft” factions like the Harpers or Emerald Enclave.
-
-
The Role of the Adventurers
-
Test their competence. If they present themselves as pragmatic and military-minded, he may offer support.
-
If they seem chaotic or naïve, he will question their role in the council’s plans.
-
-
Final Deliberations & Voting on Immediate Actions
-
Argue for the formation of a war council with clear leadership (preferably himself).
-
Resist any plans that do not benefit Neverwinter directly.
-
Support a vote that moves towards action, not discussion.
-
-
Closing Statements & Next Steps
-
Frame himself as the leader the Lords’ Alliance needs, even if he does not make an outright power play.
-
Reinforce the necessity of strong leadership in the coming war.
-
Secrets & Hidden Information
-
He wants Silverhand out of power. He won’t act on it yet, but he is laying the groundwork.
-
He has secret dealings with certain factions. He might have spoken with Zhentarim contacts about mercenary support but won’t bring it up unless absolutely necessary.
-
Neverwinter’s military is strong but stretched. He will make it sound like he has plenty of resources to offer, but in reality, he is reluctant to overcommit.
-
He sees the adventurers as wild cards. He doesn’t know if they can be manipulated yet and will gauge them carefully.
-
If the council fractures, he has a backup plan. If unity fails, he may attempt to rally his own coalition instead.
Reactions to the Players actions
-
Skyreach Castle Returned to the Giants – Frustrated. Views this as a wasted strategic opportunity. Will criticize the decision and argue that the castle should have been fortified as a stronghold for the war effort.
-
Dragon Eggs Survived – Sees financial potential. While he acknowledges the risk, Neverember believes the eggs could be a valuable asset. Suggests selling them discreetly to powerful buyers who could ensure they do not fall into the wrong hands—while making a profit for Neverwinter’s war effort.
-
Rezmir Captured, Rath Escaped – Mixed reaction. Sees Rezmir as a valuable bargaining chip but will demand interrogation. Will use Rath’s escape as further proof that Waterdeep’s security and intelligence are failing under Silverhand’s leadership.