Scene Setting – Waterdeep & the Palace Exterior
The streets of Waterdeep are restless. The recent attack at the Winterscrest Masquerade has left the city shaken, and murmurs of blame and fear ripple through the populace. Watchful guards patrol in pairs, their expressions grim beneath steel helms. Merchants whisper of hidden dangers, and couriers rush between noble estates, carrying urgent messages about the upcoming council. The air is thick with tension—an unspoken fear that the Cult of the Dragon has already struck too close to home.
The palace stands resolute against this unease, a beacon of authority amid the chaos. Its towering stone walls gleam in the daylight, banners of the Lords’ Alliance rippling in the wind. Armored sentries check credentials at the grand entrance, ensuring that only those with rightful business may pass. Beyond, the steps lead into the heart of Waterdeep’s governance, where the most powerful leaders of the realm gather to decide the course of history.
Arrival and Leosin’s Briefing
As the adventurers make their way past the palace gates, a familiar figure moves toward them with hurried steps—Leosin Erlanthar, the Harper agent who has been their ally against the Cult of the Dragon. His usual calm demeanor is absent; instead, he appears uncharacteristically flustered, a deep furrow in his brow as he clasps his hands together in thought.
“Thank the gods you’re here,” Leosin breathes, rubbing his temples before straightening his posture. “This meeting is going to be… difficult. Tensions are high after the attack at the Winterscrest Masquerade, and no one wants to admit fault. There’s already infighting. Silverhand will try to hold it together, but Neverember—” he shakes his head, “he’s using this as an opportunity to undermine her leadership.”
He looks each of them in the eye, lowering his voice. “Your presence here is invaluable, but tread carefully. Most of these factions barely trust each other, and if they see you as meddling, they might turn against you just as quickly. Speak only if you are invited—unless, of course, something needs to be said.”
A nearby steward clears their throat, motioning for the adventurers to follow. Leosin exhales sharply. “It’s starting. Stay sharp, and whatever you do, don’t let them divide you.”
Scene Setting – The Council Chamber
The grand chamber of Waterdeep’s palace is filled with tension. The banners of the Lords’ Alliance hang over the ornate table, where representatives of the Sword Coast’s greatest powers have gathered. Guards stand at attention along the marble walls, their watchful gazes ensuring the security of the meeting. The air is thick with the scent of parchment and wax from hastily drafted reports, and the low murmur of voices subsides as the session is called to order.
Silverhand’s Introduction
Lady Laeral Silverhand stands, her eyes scanning the room. The Open Lord of Waterdeep is calm but commanding, her silver hair catching the light of the chandeliers above. When she speaks, her voice is steady, carrying the weight of leadership.
Silverhand’s Opening Statement
“Honoured representatives of the Sword Coast, I welcome you to Waterdeep in these troubling times. I will not waste words—the Cult of the Dragon grows bolder. They do not skulk in the shadows; they strike at our homes, our people, our very way of life.
You all know of the attack at the Winterscrest Masquerade. What should have been a night of celebration turned to bloodshed in an instant. The Cult’s reach is long, and it has found its way into our cities, our strongholds, and even our council chambers.”
(She lets her words settle, allowing the weight of the recent events to press upon those gathered before continuing.)
“I will not allow this to happen again. But Waterdeep cannot stand alone, nor can any of us. The Cult’s ambition is greater than any single city or kingdom—it threatens the world as we know it. And yet, before we can stand against them, I must ask you all: Can we even stand together?”
(She pauses, letting her gaze sweep across the room, her eyes falling on Neverember in particular before continuing.)
“To that end, let us first recognize those gathered here today.”
(She gestures toward each representative in turn.)
“Lord Dagult Neverember, former Open Lord of Waterdeep and current ruler of Neverwinter, whose resources and influence will be vital to our cause.”
“Althaea Moonshadow, renowned investigator and voice of the Harpers, who has tirelessly worked to uncover the Cult’s hidden machinations.”
“Delaan Winterhound, representing the Emerald Enclave, standing in defense of the balance between civilization and nature in the face of this growing corruption.”
“Ontharr Frume, paladin of the Order of the Gauntlet, ever the champion of righteousness, eager to bring the fight to our enemy.”
“And Rian Nightshade, representing the Zhentarim, whose resources and shadowed networks could prove invaluable, if they so choose.”
(She turns her attention to the adventurers, eyes gleaming with recognition.)
“And last, but by no means least, the heroes before us today. It is their actions that have sounded the alarm, their sacrifices that have revealed the Cult’s growing threat, and their valor that has already cost the Cult dearly. You have walked into the fire where others have hesitated. And so, I ask not only this council—but you, brave ones—where do you stand?”
(She takes her seat, hands clasped before her, waiting for the first voice to rise.)