Second Council of Waterdeep
Agenda Item 4: The Trial of Varram the White – What Comes Next?
The room’s hush turns heavy as the subject of Varram is raised. Chains clink faintly below the council floor. Lady Silverhand raises her voice once more, clear and resolute.
Lady Laeral Silverhand:
“We now turn to the matter of the prisoner held beneath this very hall. Varram the White, former Wyrmspeaker of the Cult of the Dragon, apprehended alive by our champions during their journey into the Serpent Hills.”
She pauses, letting the name settle like dust.
“He sits now in irons, divested of his mask and titles. What remains is a man who has seen the full weight of the cult’s plans—and who may yet hold secrets that could turn the tide. Or trap us in it.”
King Melandrach (without preamble):
“Execute him. He has no honour. The cult has taken too much from my people already. We do not negotiate with butchers.”
He leans back, unmoved.
Leosin Erlanthar (cautious, eyes flicking across the chamber):
“I do not dispute the justice in your words, Your Grace. But if Varram carries even one name, one sigil, one piece of Severin’s ritual plans—then to waste that knowledge would be as great a crime.”
He draws forth a scroll sealed with Harper sigils.
“Our preliminary interrogations have yielded fragments. Mentions of unrest within the cult. Resentment. Fractures. If Varram can be turned—or used—we must consider it.”
Lady Laeral:
“I open the floor. Do we try him as a war criminal? Use him as a source? Or offer him a pact in exchange for confession?”
The delegates begin murmuring. The options now lie before them:
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Execution – swift justice. Risk losing valuable intelligence. Favoured by Melandrach.
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Trial and Interrogation – retain him for further questioning with magical or divine oversight. Favoured by Leosin.
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Conditional Pardon – offer safety or clemency in exchange for turning against the cult.
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Hand Him Over – give him to the dragons for their justice.
A silence grows expectant. The adventurers may also be asked their opinion—and to deliver Varram should the council choose exile or transport.
The council chamber awaits its judgment.