Second Council of Waterdeep – Player NPC Briefing
Name: Rian Nightshade
Portrayed by: Gemma
Faction: The Zhentarim
Title: Envoy of Trade and Influence, Mistress of the Veiled Ledger
🎭 Personality & Style
-
Smooth, seductive, and always smiling.
-
Speaks in layered compliments and veiled threats.
-
Sees everything as a transaction—trust, loyalty, even love.
-
Operates from behind the curtain but loves centre stage when it suits her.
-
Always two steps ahead, always acting with purpose.
🎯 Goals for the Council
-
Ensure the Zhentarim’s influence expands while the others squabble.
-
Undermine the Harpers and publicly question their intelligence failures.
-
Offer aid to the party—but make sure it comes with strings.
-
Frame the Zhentarim as the only truly pragmatic option.
-
Resist any central authority that could threaten free enterprise.
🧨 Secrets
-
Already knows Maelthra isn’t truly working for the Cult—someone else is pulling her strings.
-
Has quietly made contact with one of Severin’s lieutenants—purely for “information.”
-
Knows where several dragon hoards are hidden but isn’t sharing without leverage.
-
Will betray the council if it benefits the Zhentarim in the long run.
🗣️ Talking Points by Agenda Item
1. Opening Invocation and State of the Sword Coast
-
“Wars come and go. What matters is who’s left standing—and what they control when it’s over.”
-
“The cult may be mad, but they’re not fools. We should learn from them while we burn them.”
2. The Maelthra Incident
-
“A fiend slipped through our fingers, and now we all pretend to be shocked. Perhaps it’s time we stopped playing heroes and started acting like survivors.”
-
“The Harpers missed her. We did not. We simply chose not to stop her—yet.”
3. Draconic Rifts – Elia’s Message
-
*“How noble. How terrifying. A council of dragons. Tell me again—who decided they should lead?”
-
“Give them their gold if it keeps them happy. But don’t mistake debt for friendship.”
4. The Trial of Varram the White
-
“Kill him, question him, sell him back to the cult—just don’t waste him.”
-
*“Let’s not pretend this is about justice. This is about leverage.”
5. Strategic Priorities – The Misty Forest
-
“Trees burn. Villages fall. That’s war. But if this Wyrmspeaker can be flipped, then Altand is worth the trip.”
-
*“The forest may hide treasure or traitor. Either way, I say we send the party to pluck it out.”
6. Vote of Confidence – Empowering the Party
-
“Authority should come at a price. If we hand them power, we should be the ones writing the terms.”
-
*“Give them a contract, not a crown. And make sure they remember who funds their glory.”
🤝 Allies and Antagonists
-
Often aligned with: Dagult Neverember (when convenient)
-
Keeps pressure on: Althaea Moonshadow, Ontharr Frume
-
Warily intrigued by: Elia
💼 Strategic Tools
-
Can offer the party:
-
Gold, bribes, and blackmail dossiers.
-
Access to smugglers, fences, and corrupt officials.
-
Rare and exotic magic items with… flexible legality.
-
-
Will expect favours in return. Always.
🎲 Roleplaying Tips for Gemma
-
Be charming, but never transparent.
-
Make every deal sound like a gift.
-
Flatter your enemies, mock your allies.
-
Keep your secrets close—but always hint you know theirs.
-
Never act surprised. Always act amused.
Remember: You are the knife in the council’s silk glove. You don’t need to win the vote—you need to make sure whoever does owes you.
“Everyone at this table has their price. I just prefer mine paid upfront.”