Lady Silverhand lets the discussion of promises and concessions reach its natural end.
Then she speaks again, quieter now, but with unmistakable finality.
“The metallic dragons have pledged themselves to this war.”
She gestures to the broad table between the delegates.
“They have not pledged themselves to speeches.”
A few faint smiles appear. They do not last.
“They will act. They will be seen. And where they are seen will matter.”
She looks directly at the adventurers.
“Because of the trust you secured, the responsibility of advising their deployment falls to you.”
She allows that to land.
“These dragons cannot be everywhere. Each assignment will leave another place exposed.”
A map of the Sword Coast is brought forward, either physically or implied.
“The council recognises several clear options.”
She speaks them plainly, without embellishment.
“Dragons assigned to the Lords’ Alliance will be stationed over capital cities, defending centres of population and rule.”
A brief glance toward Neverember.
“Dragons assigned to the Harpers will be used for intelligence. Long-range patrols. Interdiction. Breaking the cult’s secrecy.”
A nod toward Althaea.
“The Order of the Gauntlet will send any dragons under its banner to Elturel, to stand watch over the city and the planes beyond.”
Ontharr stiffens slightly.
“The Emerald Enclave will station dragons at sites of ancient balance. Most notably, the Grandfather Tree.”
Delaan’s attention sharpens.
Lady Silverhand then adds:
“Alternatively, a dragon may be assigned to a specific region.”
She traces an invisible circle in the air.
“A dragon placed in this way secures a wide area. Roughly a hundred miles in all directions.”
She lowers her hand.
“Draconic raids in such regions will cease. Other threats may not.”
Silence follows.
“These choices are not symbolic,” she continues.
“They will decide which factions feel protected. Which feel abandoned. And where the cult will strike next.”
She looks around the table.
“Once recorded, these assignments will not be easily changed.”
Then she turns fully to the party.
“Before this council commits anything to record, you will be heard.”
She inclines her head.
“The floor is open.”
Player Emotional Context (DM Reference)
Use these to guide reactions and friction.
-
Dagult Neverember (Luke)
Strongly favours protecting capitals and political centres. Sees dragons as deterrence and legitimacy. -
Althaea Moonshadow (Nat)
Pushes for mobility and information. A dragon that watches is often more valuable than one that guards. -
Ontharr Frume (Jack)
Argues for Elturel and other holy sites. Sees visible protection as morale and faith made manifest. -
Delaan Winterhound (Aaron)
Advocates for the Grandfather Tree and ancient wild places. Believes losing these would be irreversible. -
Rian Nightshade (Gemma)
Watches where dragons are not sent. Those gaps are as important as the protections.
Opening the Floor to Players
After a short pause, you can say in character:
Lady Silverhand gestures toward the map.
“You know the threats better than any of us,” she says.
“And you will live with the consequences of these choices.”
Then, out of character, tell the table clearly:
-
“You can speak as yourselves, proposing strategy.”
-
“You can speak as your council NPCs, arguing faction priorities.”
-
“You can negotiate, trade support, or openly disagree.”
Interruptions are expected here. This is the most political moment of the council.
Optional Pressure Lines
Use one or two if debate stalls.
From King Melandrach
“If dragons guard cities, do not expect elves to bleed for them.”
From Connerad Brawnanvil
“A dragon over stone keeps walls standing. A dragon over trees keeps songs alive. Choose.”
From Rian Nightshade
“Power shown in the wrong place invites challenge elsewhere.”
DM Guidance
This agenda item should end with decisions, even partial ones.
Once at least one dragon is assigned, the council is committed.
Maps change. Rumours spread. The cult reacts.