Lady Silverhand allows a moment to pass before speaking again.
When she does, her voice is steady, but there is no softness in it.
“We must now address the matter of the metallic dragons.”
She looks around the chamber, not singling anyone out.
“Their support has been secured. That support has already altered the course of this war.”
A brief pause.
“It was not secured without promises.”
No one disputes that.
“This council has given its word that, should we prevail, the hoard claimed by the Dragon Queen will not be treated as spoils of war.”
There is a faint shift at the table.
“A portion of that gold and those treasures will first be granted to the metallic dragons who stand with us.”
She lets the words settle.
“Only after that will the remaining wealth be returned to the people of the Sword Coast.”
This time, the discomfort is open.
“These terms were agreed upon to secure trust. To acknowledge ancient wrongs. And to ensure that our alliance is not one of convenience alone.”
Lady Silverhand folds her hands.
“They have bought us allies of immense power. They have also required sacrifice.”
Her gaze moves deliberately from face to face.
“Some here see this as honourable. Others see it as appeasement.”
She does not correct either.
“What matters is that the dragons have committed themselves openly.”
A low murmur follows.
“And because of that commitment, responsibility now rests with this council.”
Her eyes return to the adventurers.
“It was through your actions that this alliance was forged.”
A beat.
“Which means the question of how that power is used cannot be separated from you.”
She straightens slightly.
“Where these dragons are sent will determine which cities are protected, which lands are spared, and which losses are considered acceptable.”
Her tone tightens, only slightly.
“And every concession we have made will be remembered. By dwarves. By elves. By dragons.”
She exhales slowly.
“Before any decisions are recorded, this council must speak plainly.”
Lady Silverhand opens her hands.
“The floor is open.”
Player Emotional Context (DM Reference)
Use these as guidance, not script.
-
Dagult Neverember (Luke)
Dislikes the order of distribution. Sees it as politically dangerous but strategically necessary. -
Althaea Moonshadow (Nat)
Accepts the structure. Dragons must feel respected first if peace is to hold. -
Ontharr Frume (Jack)
Uneasy, but reconciles it as honouring those who fight beside them. -
Delaan Winterhound (Aaron)
Sees the arrangement as balance rather than greed. Dragons are not thieves, but stewards. -
Rian Nightshade (Gemma)
Views this as a clean transaction. Payment before redistribution prevents future conflict.
Opening the Floor to Players
After a few seconds of silence, add:
Lady Silverhand looks around the table.
“These terms bind us to our allies,” she says.
“And they will shape how this war is remembered.”
She nods once.
“Speak.”
Then clearly tell the players:
-
“You may speak as yourselves.”
-
“You may speak as your council representatives.”
-
“You may challenge the order, the promise, or its consequences.”
Optional Pressure Lines
If the debate slows:
From Connerad Brawnanvil
“Gold changes hands. Memory does not.”
From King Melandrach
“If dragons are to be paid first, let them also bleed first.”
From Rian Nightshade
“Clear terms prevent betrayal. Vague ones invite it.”