Second Council of Waterdeep – Player NPC Briefing
Name: Althaea Moonshadow
Portrayed by: Nat
Faction: The Harpers
Title: High Harper, Lady of Whispered Truths
🎭 Personality & Style
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Calm, articulate, and unshakably composed.
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Speaks with layered meaning—rarely says what she means directly.
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Believes information is power and silence is a blade.
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Fiercely loyal to Harper values: freedom, truth, and balance.
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Compassionate to those wronged, ruthless to those who manipulate.
🎯 Goals for the Council
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Protect the integrity of the Harpers’ intelligence network.
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Repair public trust after the Maelthra incident.
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Reinforce the importance of subtlety and long-term strategy.
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Argue in favour of empowering the party but with a moral compass.
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Keep dragons from seizing too much influence.
🧨 Secrets
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One of her agents has gone dark after tailing Maelthra.
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Suspects a traitor exists within the Harpers but has told no one.
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Received a prophetic warning about the Well of Dragons but hasn’t shared it yet.
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Believes Elia is sincere—but is wary of draconic pride and potential dominance.
🗣️ Talking Points by Agenda Item
1. Opening Invocation and State of the Sword Coast
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“Our victories came not just from blades, but from whispers in the dark and maps never meant to be read.”
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“The cult is a shadow that moves faster than steel. We must think, not just strike.”
2. The Maelthra Incident
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“We failed to see her. I will not deny it. But the question now is: how many more like her have slipped through your gates?”
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“Let us be honest. We are all vulnerable. So let us stand together rather than cast blame.”
3. Draconic Rifts – Elia’s Message
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“The dragons are ancient and proud. We should heed them, but never blindly.”
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“Their help is welcome, but so is clarity. Let them speak plainly of debts and alliances.”
4. The Trial of Varram the White
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“Varram has lost everything. That makes him dangerous—but also valuable.”
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“If he’s willing to talk, let’s listen. Dead men offer few revelations.”
5. Strategic Priorities – The Misty Forest
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“The forest sings with stories. The green wyrm’s master hides in mist and memory. I say we search Altand.”
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“Let truth grow where fire has passed. Let us hear the survivors.”
6. Vote of Confidence – Empowering the Party
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“Give them the authority they need. They’ve earned it. But let their conscience be their guide.”
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“Too much power, too fast, and even heroes can be turned. A guiding hand, not a leash.”
🤝 Allies and Antagonists
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Tense with: Dagult Neverember, Rian Nightshade
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Often aligned with: Delaan Winterhound, Lady Silverhand
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Carefully respectful of: Elia
💼 Strategic Tools
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Can offer the party:
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Magical communication across great distances.
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Secret passage through guarded borders.
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Rare scrolls and knowledge sealed away by the Harpers.
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Will encourage subtlety, discretion, and diplomacy.
🎲 Roleplaying Tips for Nat
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Speak softly but with confidence. Let others come to your pace.
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Offer a counterpoint when others rush to violence or blame.
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Ask questions that reveal others’ motives.
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Use stories or parables instead of direct orders.
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When cornered, redirect the conversation with poise.
Remember: You are not the loudest voice—but you are the one they’ll remember when the shouting stops.
“Truth doesn’t need to shout. It only needs to be heard.”