Mission Briefing from Laeral Silverhand
The council chambers fall quiet as Laeral Silverhand stands, drawing the attention of all present. Her voice, calm but unwavering, cuts through the tension in the room.
“There is a matter that demands our immediate attention. The Cult of the Dragon has begun using the Draakhorn—a relic of ancient times, a horn so powerful its sound carries for miles, reaching the ears of dragons across the world. This artifact was once used to summon dragons to war, and now, the Cult is using it for their own ends.”
She lets the weight of her words settle before continuing. “Every time the Draakhorn is sounded, we receive reports of dragons becoming restless, aggressive… answering a call they barely understand. The Cult is using this to rally their forces, and the longer we allow it, the stronger they will become.”
She steps toward the council’s map of Faerûn, her fingers gliding toward the frigid north. “We believe the key to locating the Draakhorn lies with a sorcerer of the Arcane Brotherhood, Maccath the Crimson. Three years ago, she was researching the Draakhorn when she disappeared. Our intelligence suggests she was last seen in the Sea of Moving Ice. If she is alive, she may hold the knowledge we need. If she is not, then whatever remains of her research must be recovered before the Cult finds it first.”
Interruptions & NPC Reactions
Neverember scoffs, leaning back in his chair.
- “So we’re chasing ghosts now? Three years is a long time. What if she’s dead? What if there’s nothing to recover? Are we to waste our resources on a fool’s errand?”
Laeral meets his gaze evenly.
- “And what if she lives? What if her research is the only way to stop the Cult from rallying an army of dragons? You would gamble that chance away?”
King Melandrach folds his arms.
- “Even if she is alive, getting to her will not be easy. You are asking them to traverse one of the most inhospitable regions of our world.”
Laeral nods, conceding the point but pressing forward.
- “I do not ask this lightly. The Sea of Moving Ice is dangerous—vast glacial formations shift unpredictably, frigid waters swallow ships whole, and white dragons rule the skies. The Cult may already have a presence there. But if we do nothing, we remain blind to their next move.”
She turns to the adventurers, her expression serious. “This task falls to you. You must find Maccath, recover what she knows, and return before the Cult gains the upper hand. You will need a ship, a crew, and the supplies to survive the journey. Luskan will be your best chance to secure passage, but be warned—its people owe their allegiance to no one.”
Ulder Ravengard grunts.
- “I trust these adventurers can handle themselves, but if the Cult already has her, they will not give her up easily.”
Laeral’s expression hardens.
- “Then they will need to be ready for whatever they find.”
She straightens. “Time is against us. Every day the Draakhorn sounds, the Cult’s influence grows. Make ready and set sail as soon as you are able.”
Additional Information on Luskan & the Arcane Brotherhood
Before the meeting adjourns, Laeral turns back to the adventurers. “You may find additional leads in Luskan. The Arcane Brotherhood has a strong presence there, and while they are not known for their charity, they may have records on Maccath’s last known whereabouts. Tread carefully—Luskan is a city where power is bought and sold, and the Brotherhood’s allegiances are ever shifting.”
Key Objectives
- Locate Maccath the Crimson. Determine if she is still alive and what she uncovered about the Draakhorn.
- Recover any research or records she left behind. The Cult’s growing use of the Draakhorn suggests it plays a pivotal role in their plans.
- Navigate the dangers of the Sea of Moving Ice. This includes white dragons, unpredictable weather, and the potential presence of Cult forces.
- Secure transportation. A ship, crew, and proper supplies will be necessary for the expedition.
Potential Complications
- Hostile Weather & Navigational Challenges – The constantly shifting ice makes navigation difficult, and storms are frequent.
- White Dragon Activity – The region is home to powerful white dragons who may not take kindly to intruders.
- Cult of the Dragon Presence – If the Cult is searching for Maccath, they may already be ahead of the adventurers.
- Luskan’s Uncertain Allegiances – Any dealings in Luskan come with risk, as the Arcane Brotherhood holds sway there, and many of its members act on their own agendas.
Expected Timeframe
- Travel from Waterdeep to Luskan: ~2 weeks by sea or ~3 weeks overland.
- Securing passage and supplies: ~A few days in Luskan, depending on negotiation.
- Travel from Luskan to the Sea of Moving Ice: ~1-2 weeks, depending on weather and sea conditions.
- Search & Recovery Mission: Variable, but expected to take ~2 weeks.
- Return journey: ~2-3 weeks depending on conditions.
Estimated total duration: ~10 to 12 weeks.
The next council meeting will be planned for approximately 12 weeks from now, allowing time for this mission and any other faction-led activities.
Silverhand’s Closing Statement & Faction Assignments
As the discussion draws to a close, Laeral Silverhand makes her final declaration. “We will reconvene in twelve weeks’ time. Much must be done in the interim, and I expect every faction to pull its weight.” She turns to the council members one by one.
- Neverember: “Ensure that Neverwinter is fortified. If the Cult is mobilizing, we must be prepared to defend our northern strongholds.”
- The Harpers: “Gather intelligence on any movement regarding the Draakhorn. If it sounds again, I want to know exactly where and why.”
- The Emerald Enclave: “Monitor the Cult’s activity in the wilderness. We cannot afford to let them move unchallenged.”
- The Order of the Gauntlet: “Prepare your forces for engagement. If war comes, we must be ready to strike.”
- The Zhentarim: “I expect you to use your network wisely. Find out what the Cult is doing, and where they are moving their assets.”
She finally turns back to the adventurers. “You have your path set before you. Maccath the Crimson may hold the key to unraveling the Cult’s plans. Find her, recover what you can, and return to us with the knowledge we need. Until then, may the gods watch over you all.”
The meeting is adjourned.