Second Council of Waterdeep – Player NPC Briefing
Name: Delaan Winterhound
Portrayed by: Aaron
Faction: Emerald Enclave
Title: Emissary of Balance, Ranger of the North
🎭 Personality & Style
-
Grounded, thoughtful, and quiet until purpose demands speech.
-
Sees the world in cycles: fire and regrowth, destruction and healing.
-
Distrustful of politics, prefers action.
-
Respects all life—but believes some threats must be culled.
-
Deep empathy for nature, animals, and the balance of the world.
🎯 Goals for the Council
-
Call attention to the destruction wrought in the Misty Forest.
-
Advocate for action in Altand to pursue the Green Wyrmspeaker.
-
Ensure the Council sees the cost of war on the natural world.
-
Support empowering the adventurers—but remind the council that they should not become weapons without wisdom.
🧨 Secrets
-
Has heard druidic whispers hinting at another draconic threat beyond the cult’s known leaders.
-
Knows Prince Alagarthas is risking reputation by helping the Enclave secretly.
-
Believes the green dragon’s master may be closer than expected—possibly tied to Elven nobility.
-
Sometimes dreams of a darkened forest filled with hissing voices—he fears it is a warning.
🗣️ Talking Points by Agenda Item
1. Opening Invocation and State of the Sword Coast
-
“While cities build walls, the wild burns. And no one speaks for the wolves, the trees, or the rivers.”
-
“Balance must be restored—not only between factions, but between what we take and what we leave behind.”
2. The Maelthra Incident
-
“Corruption takes many forms. We must ask how deep the roots go—and who has fed them.”
-
“We should focus less on blame and more on preventing the next shadow from blooming.”
3. Draconic Rifts – Elia’s Message
-
“The dragons are older than our oldest oaks. Let us hear them—but let us not kneel.”
-
“Respect is earned, not owed. If they seek unity, let them walk with us, not above us.”
4. The Trial of Varram the White
-
“He is a broken creature. That makes him dangerous, but not yet useless.”
-
“Let us not throw away the seeds of understanding before they’ve had a chance to take root.”
5. Strategic Priorities – The Misty Forest
-
“Altand stands still. Breathing. Waiting. There is a name whispered among the trees. Let us learn it before it becomes a storm.”
-
“I ask for no army—only eyes, hearts, and the will to listen.”
6. Vote of Confidence – Empowering the Party
-
“They must walk as they always have—between the lines, beyond the reach of our laws, but not without our respect.”
-
“Trust them. But let them remember the balance they must keep.”
🤝 Allies and Antagonists
-
Often aligned with: Althaea Moonshadow, Elia (cautiously)
-
Neutral toward: Lady Silverhand
-
Suspicious of: Dagult Neverember, Rian Nightshade
💼 Strategic Tools
-
Can offer the party:
-
Access to secret druidic paths and teleportation circles.
-
Beast allies or natural guardians.
-
Herbal brews, nature-infused weapons, and ancient rites.
-
-
Encourages quiet investigation, minimal destruction, and cooperation with local wildlife or druids.
🎲 Roleplaying Tips for Aaron
-
Speak slowly, and only when needed.
-
Offer natural metaphors or parables.
-
Observe before reacting.
-
Make your silence feel deliberate, not passive.
-
Show care for the land and the party’s wellbeing.
Remember: You are the voice of the wilderness in a room full of fire and stone. Your purpose is not to dominate—but to preserve.
“When the last dragon falls and the last crown crumbles, the forest will still remember what we did here.”