Council of Waterdeep

Council of Waterdeep

Overview

The Council of Waterdeep is an extraordinary war council convened in the City of Splendors to coordinate resistance against the Cult of the Dragon during the Rise of Tiamat crisis. It gathers rival powers—openly virtuous orders, secretive spy networks, hard-edged pragmatists, and nature's stewards—under one tense roof to share intelligence, assign missions, and vote on strategy against Tiamat's return.

During the Rise of Tiamat campaign, this Council becomes the hub where the party's deeds ripple into politics, alliances, and the final coalition of the Sword Coast.

Member Blocs and Their Agendas

The Harpers (Espionage & Balance of Power)

Operate through secrets, subtle pressure, and precision strikes. They aim to dismantle the Cult from within and expose tyrants without igniting chaos.

• Primary Goal: Maintain balance of power across the Sword Coast
• Methods: Intelligence gathering, infiltration, propaganda
• Council Representative: (To be determined)

Order of the Gauntlet (Holy Steel & Public Justice)

Knightly champions who prize honor, law, and the defense of innocents. They push for decisive blows against undead, fiends, and evil dragons—and to do so openly and cleanly.

• Primary Goal: Protect the innocent and destroy evil
• Methods: Direct military action, public trials, righteous crusade
• Party Member: Xanphina
• Council Representative: Ontharr Frume

The Zhentarim (The Black Network)

A calculating power bloc focused on influence and profit. Modern Zhents prefer leverage and "business" over brute conquest and will back anti-Cult action that grows their reach or preserves stability they can monetize.

• Primary Goal: Expand influence and profitable stability
• Methods: Bribery, contracts, controlled violence, information brokering
• Party Member: Shade
• Council Representative: (To be determined)

Emerald Enclave (Two Philosophies at the Table)

The Emerald Enclave is represented by two competing factions with different approaches:

Talons of Veylan - Dragon-hunters who believe evil dragons corrupt the balance. They endorse force to purge draconic threats.

• Philosophy: Evil dragons are a blight on nature
• Methods: Hunting, tracking, targeted elimination
• Party Members: Keyleth, Karma

Scales of Eldath - Peacemakers who preserve equilibrium, preferring mediation and restorative acts unless the balance is truly imperiled.

• Philosophy: All life has a place; seek harmony
• Methods: Diplomacy, restoration, defensive action only

Devout of Athena (Rare but Influential Voice)

A justice-minded, strategy-first creed championing wise vengeance and the protection of the weak. Often aligning with Gauntlet aims while arguing for cunning over spectacle.

• Primary Goal: Strategic justice and protection of the weak
• Methods: Tactical planning, calculated vengeance, wisdom in warfare
• Party Member: Alexios
• Council Representative: (May be Alexios himself, or a mentor)

What Moves Each Bloc

Harpers:

• Expose plots, protect secrets, avert open war
• Reward careful infiltration and truth-to-power moments
• Distrust: Zhentarim, authoritarian solutions
• Favor: Subtlety, information sharing, maintaining balance

Order of the Gauntlet:

• Protect innocents, crush known evils, act with honor
• Despise deceit and cruelty
• Distrust: Zhentarim methods, morally gray solutions
• Favor: Public heroism, clear victories, honorable conduct

Zhentarim:

• Increase control, profit, and leverage
• Avoid public exposure that could damage reputation
• Distrust: Harpers (their enemies), idealists
• Favor: Profitable outcomes, expanded influence, pragmatism

Talons of Veylan:

• Slay dragonkin and guard sacred sites
• Strength answers corruption
• Distrust: Those who negotiate with evil dragons
• Favor: Dragon hunting, protection of nature

Scales of Eldath:

• Preserve harmony, prevent needless death
• Pursue restorative outcomes
• Distrust: Excessive violence, scorched earth tactics
• Favor: Diplomatic solutions, balance restoration

Devout of Athena:

• Protect the weak through strategy
• Justice over rage
• Distrust: Reckless heroism, emotional decision-making
• Favor: Tactical planning, wise vengeance, strategic thinking

Outcomes the Council Can Grant

Based on faction support and the party's standing:

Intelligence & Safehouses (Harpers)

• Covert routes through enemy territory
• Informant networks in key cities
• Encrypted dossiers on Cult leadership
• False identities and documentation

Sanctioned Strikes (Order of the Gauntlet)

• Troops for major operations
• Healers and divine support
• Relic loans (holy weapons, blessed items)
• Legal authority for public action

Logistics & Favors (Zhentarim)

• Transportation and smuggling routes
• Bribes and political influence
• Deniable hit-teams for wet work
• "Lost" paperwork to cover tracks

Wards, Hunts, or Truces (Emerald Enclave)

• Guides through dangerous wilderness
• Druidic wards and nature magic
• Negotiated creature withdrawals
• Intelligence on dragon lairs and habits

Strategic Counsel (Athena's Devout)

• Battlefield planning and tactics
• Oaths of protection for key figures
• Analysis of enemy strategies
• Calm-edged vengeance when needed

Council Dynamics

Tension Points:

• Harpers vs. Zhentarim (historical enemies)
• Order of the Gauntlet vs. Zhentarim (honor vs. pragmatism)
• Talons of Veylan vs. Scales of Eldath (violence vs. peace)
• All factions vs. bureaucratic delay

Party Influence:

The party's actions and faction allegiances directly affect Council decisions. Each major victory or failure shifts faction support:

• High favor: Faction actively supports party initiatives
• Neutral: Faction will vote based on other factors
• Low favor: Faction opposes or undermines party proposals

Voting Mechanics:

When the Council must make major decisions, they vote on:

• Resource allocation for party missions
• Official Sword Coast response to Cult actions
• Whether to negotiate or fight
• Which threats to prioritize
• How to handle captured Cult members

The party can influence votes through:

• Presenting evidence and intelligence
• Appealing to faction values
• Private negotiations with representatives
• Demonstrating past success
• Making promises or deals

Current Campaign Status

Session Integration:

The Council features prominently in Rise of Tiamat, particularly:

• After major victories against the Cult
• When deciding how to respond to Cult attacks
• When the party needs resources for difficult missions
• During the final planning for confronting Tiamat

Party Faction Spread:

The party has excellent faction coverage:

• Harpers: Gootch
• Order of the Gauntlet: Xanphina
• Zhentarim: Shade
• Emerald Enclave: Keyleth, Karma
• Devout of Athena: Alexios

This means the party can potentially influence all major voting blocs if they maintain good standing with each faction.

Headquarters

The Council meets in Waterdeep at a secure location (likely within Waterdeep Castle or a fortified noble estate).

Relationships

Allied Against:

• Cult of the Dragon - Primary enemy
• Tiamat - Ultimate threat
• Severin Silrajin - Cult leader
• Evil chromatic dragons - Tiamat's servants

Internal Tensions:

• Harpers ↔ Zhentarim - Historical enemies, deep distrust
• Order of the Gauntlet ↔ Zhentarim - Philosophical opposition
• Talons of Veylan ↔ Scales of Eldath - Different approaches to balance

Notable Representatives

Confirmed Representatives:

• Ontharr Frume - Order of the Gauntlet representative
• (Other representatives to be determined as they appear in sessions)

Potential Representatives:

• A senior Harper agent (possibly connected to Gootch's handler)
• A Zhentarim Fang or higher-ranking operative
• Emerald Enclave druids from both factions
• A priest or paladin of Athena connected to Alexios
• Representatives from Waterdeep's government
• Representatives from other Sword Coast cities

Associated Quests

The Council assigns or endorses quests related to:

• Investigating Cult strongholds
• Recovering dragon masks
• Preventing Tiamat's summoning
• Disrupting Cult supply lines
• Recruiting allies to the coalition
• Protecting cities from dragon attacks

Strategic Importance

The Council represents the unified response of the Sword Coast to the Tiamat threat. Without it:

• Factions would work at cross-purposes
• Resources would be wasted on duplicate efforts
• Intelligence wouldn't be shared
• The Cult could exploit divisions

The party's success in the Rise of Tiamat campaign depends heavily on maintaining Council unity and support.

Session Appearances

• Session 42 - The Council of Waterdeep - First major Council meeting with the party
• (Additional sessions to be added as they occur)

Session 43 Council Meeting: The Deputization of Deez Nuts

On August 31, 1488 DR, the Council of Waterdeep convened an emergency war council at a high lord's manor in Waterdeep to address the escalating threat of the Cult of the Dragon. The adventuring party Deez Nuts, having recently defeated Lord Valtheran and uncovered critical intelligence about the Cult's operations, was summoned to provide firsthand testimony and receive official sanction for continued operations against the Cult.

Participants

Council Members Present:

• Lady Dalla Silmerhelm - Representative of Waterdeep, knowledgeable about Maccath the Crimson
• Lord Dagult Neverember - Lord Protector of Neverwinter and leader of the Lord's Alliance, presided over the meeting
• Ambassador Conrad Brawn - Representative of the dwarves of Mithril Hall, skeptical and distrustful of giant alliances
• Marshal Ulder Ravenguard - Military leader of Baldur's Gate and the Flaming Fist, tactical expert and defender of the Bronze Blades
• King Melendrak - Representative of the elves of the Misty Forest, skeptical about the reality of the Cult's threat
• Taern Thunderspells Hornblade - Former High Mage of Silverymoon, concerned about Red Wizards' involvement

Faction Representatives:

• Ramalia Haventree - High-ranking Harpers agent, primary intelligence source on the Cult
• Ontharr Frume - Order of the Gauntlet representative, strong supporter of Deez Nuts
• Declan Winterhound - Emerald Enclave representative for the Scales of Eldath

Adventurers:

• Deez Nuts - Shade, Xanphina, Gootcha, Keyleth, Karma, Alexios

Pre-Meeting Briefing

Leosin Erlanthar of the Harpers met Deez Nuts at the city gates to brief them on the political landscape before the council meeting. He explained the key dynamics:

The Political Reality:

• The Council is not yet convinced the Cult poses a credible threat to summon Tiamat
• While they acknowledge the Cult is dangerous, many doubt the possibility of summoning a god from Avernus
• Lords and ladies on the Council compete for power and influence, creating trust issues
• The party needs to convince skeptics while reinforcing the resolve of believers

Allied Voices:

• Ramalia Haventree would represent the Harpers' intelligence network
• Ontharr Frume was a guaranteed supporter after the party's previous cooperation
• Declan Winterhound would support them as Emerald Enclave members

The Skeptics:

• Ambassador Conrad Brawn - Distrusts giants due to ancient dwarf-giant conflicts
• King Melendrak - Prefers elven isolation and doubts "shorter-lived races'" problems affect the forest

The Pragmatists:

• Lord Dagult Neverember - Could sway the Council if convinced the threat is real
• Marshal Ulder Ravenguard - Tactical focus on what resources the Cult controls

The Council Meeting: Key Discussions

Opening: Deeds and Reputation

Lord Dagult Neverember opened by acknowledging the party's reputation and requesting they share what they know about the Cult of the Dragon and why it poses such a grave danger. Ontharr Frume welcomed them warmly, referencing their past cooperation (including the karaoke incident).

The Party's Testimony

Deez Nuts provided comprehensive intelligence on the Cult's operations:

The Draakhorn:

• Located at the Well of Dragons (intelligence from Lord Valtheran)
• Being sounded around the clock to summon chromatic dragons
• Already affecting dragons - party has met dragons influenced by the horn
• The call is rallying an army of evil dragons to the Cult's banner

Summoning Capabilities:

• The party witnessed the summoning of an Erinyes (powerful devil) in the Hills of Lost Souls
• The summoned devil was beyond the summoners' control, demonstrating the Cult's dangerous ambition
• Rath Modar and Rezmir have both been resurrected by the Cult, showing mastery of high-level magic
• These accomplishments suggest the Cult is progressing toward summoning Tiamat

Giant Alliance:

• The party captured the flying castle Skyreach Castle and brokered an alliance with the giants
• Giants historically oppose dragons due to ancient conflicts
• Bernie (the giant at Skyreach) is now an ally
• Party member Thurmin is traveling with the giants to maintain the alliance

The Draakhorn Intelligence Question

Lady Dalla Silmerhelm raised the question of whether to pursue intelligence on the Draakhorn or try to destroy it directly. She proposed tracking down Maccath the Crimson, a tiefling sorcerer of the Arcane Brotherhood who is the world's foremost expert on dragons. Maccath was researching the Draakhorn and white dragons in the Sea of Moving Ice but hasn't been heard from in months.

Ramalia Haventree supported this proposal, noting the Harpers have confirmed Maccath's expertise and that the Arcane Brotherhood is generally not secretive, so asking around in northern settlements (especially Luskan) should yield leads.

Taern Thunderspells Hornblade expressed particular concern about the summoning capabilities, noting that the involvement of the Red Wizards in resurrection magic and devil summoning is "extremely troubling" and suggests they are working toward something far worse.

The White Dragon Mask Opportunity

Ramalia Haventree revealed critical intelligence from the Harpers' spy network: Varram the White, one of the Cult's Wyrmspeakers, has lost the White Dragon Mask and is searching for it covertly, trying to hide the loss from other Cult leaders. She proposed that recovering the mask before Varram finds it would remove crucial resources from the Cult's summoning ritual.

The Council doesn't know how many dragon masks are required for the ritual, but removing even one should disrupt their plans significantly. Intelligence suggests Varram was last seen at Boareskr Bridge.

The Giant Alliance Controversy

Ambassador Conrad Brawn interrupted to express the dwarves' "completely unbiased" opinion that trusting giants is foolish and dangerous. He insisted the party made a mistake and that the giants would inevitably betray them. He noted that dwarves have fought giants for generations and that his distrust is "in no way biased."

Marshal Ulder Ravenguard countered by reminding the Council that during previous Cult attempts to summon Tiamat, giants fought against the dragons. The ancient dragon-giant war means the giants are natural allies against the Cult. He applauded Deez Nuts for securing this alliance.

The party revealed they had left Thurmin traveling with the giants and maintain communication via sending stones, which satisfied some concerns about maintaining oversight.

The Bronze Blades Incident

In a moment of boldness, Shade asked whether their deputization would include "kill on sight without any repercussions" authority against the Bronze Blades, suggesting they might be frauds taking credit for others' work.

Marshal Ulder Ravenguard firmly denied this request. He explained that the Bronze Blades are one of several adventuring parties he sent to disrupt the Cult's operations, and their work has been "invaluable" in preventing the Cult from gaining more power. He instructed Deez Nuts to offer assistance to the Bronze Blades if they encounter them, as infighting serves no one but the Cult.

Shade suggested that the Marshal should observe the Bronze Blades directly to verify their competence, noting that in the party's experience, the Blades "might take credit for the work of others and be more of a hindrance than a help." The Marshal said he would "take that into consideration" while maintaining his support for the Blades.

The Deputization

After hearing the party's testimony and the proposed mission options, Lord Dagult Neverember made a formal proposal to deputize Deez Nuts to execute the will of the Lord's Alliance and the assembled Council. The motion passed with support from the assembled lords.

Terms of Deputization:

• Authority to act in the Council's name throughout the member cities and territories
• Access to resources (horses, equipment, supplies, lodging) in any Council city
• Official papers granting them standing to call on local authorities for assistance
• Two primary missions: finding Maccath the Crimson and tracking Varram the White
• Standing orders to disrupt Cult operations, gather intelligence, and remove Cult resources wherever found

Resource Allocation:

• Horses for overland travel
• Standard adventuring supplies (healing potions, greater healing potions, elixir of health)
• Right to requisition additional supplies from city authorities as needed
• Lady Dalla Silmerhelm specifically offered access to Waterdeep's armories and equipment stores

Intelligence Sharing:

• Taern Thunderspells Hornblade specifically requested any information about summoning or resurrection magic be brought to him directly
• If the party cannot reach Silverymoon, they should bring the intelligence to the city's mages who can establish magical contact
• The Harpers committed their entire spy network to supporting the party's efforts

Post-Meeting Faction Promotions

After the council session concluded, the faction representatives pulled aside their members for private conversations and promotions.

Shade and the Zhentarim

Rian Nightshade, the current leader of the Zhentarim, approached Shade in a hallway. She wore an amulet with four symbols: a fang, a wolf, a viper, and a dragon, indicating her supreme rank in the organization.

She expressed interest in the Bagpipes of Zariel's Lament that Shade had recently acquired from Duchess Calera. She noted she could sense infernal energy from the pipes and asked whether Shade had noticed any ill effects. Satisfied with the response, she instructed Shade to use the bagpipes "to increase the power and reach of the Zhentarim" and to "stop Tiamat's return and gain more power and influence for the Zhentarim."

She promoted Shade to the rank of Viper (Rank 3) and presented her with:

• An iron viper amulet matching those on Rian's necklace
• The Zhentarim Guide to Poisoning Friends and Foes
• Knowledge of two poisons:

 ** A weapon coating that deals poison damage and can poison targets
 ** A powder that can silence spellcasters within range

Xanphina and the Order of the Gauntlet

Ontharr Frume pulled Xanphina aside to congratulate her on her accomplishments with the Order of the Gauntlet. He noted that he knew from their first meeting she would be "a great addition" to the Order, and her actions had proven him right.

He promoted her to Defender (Rank 2) and taught her the technique "Rally the Line" - the ability to use her words to give allies strength to reroll failed saving throws. He emphasized that finding the right words of encouragement is part of the art, trusting her to know what to say when the moment comes.

Karma and the Emerald Enclave

Declan Winterhound approached Karma to express surprise at how much she had accomplished in such a short time with the Emerald Enclave. He noted that it was "interesting" and "good to see more that are joining the Scales of Eldath," calling it "a powerful path and one that is frequently ignored."

He promoted her to Rivercaller (Rank 2) in the Scales of Eldath and presented her with a special amulet. When she attuned to it, she felt the power of Eldath flow through her body. The amulet has the unique property of changing shape to match her mood, taking the form of a creature that represents her emotional state.

The amulet grants her "Eldath's Sanctuary" - the ability to suppress harmful conditions affecting her allies (charmed, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned, stunned, etc.) for a short time, giving them relief even if the effect requires further saves to fully remove.

Gootcha and the Harpers

Ramalia Haventree had a conversation with Gootcha, but the party didn't overhear the details. The nature of Ramalia's message to Gootcha remains unknown.

Quest Assignments

The Council formally assigned two primary quests to Deez Nuts:

Find Maccath the Crimson

• Objective: Locate the tiefling sorcerer in the Sea of Moving Ice
• Intelligence Value: Learn about the Draakhorn - its properties, weaknesses, and how to neutralize or destroy it
• Starting Point: Ask around Luskan and northern settlements about Arcane Brotherhood members
• Faction Support: Full Harpers intelligence network committed
• Context: Maccath is the world's foremost dragon expert and was researching the Draakhorn when she disappeared

Find Varram the White

• Objective: Track down the Wyrmspeaker and recover the White Dragon Mask before he finds it
• Intelligence Value: Remove critical ritual component from Cult possession; potential to capture/interrogate a Wyrmspeaker
• Starting Point: Boareskr Bridge, where Varram was last seen
• Context: Varram lost the mask and is searching covertly, suggesting vulnerability and opportunity

The Council left the choice of which mission to pursue first to Deez Nuts, trusting their judgment on tactical priorities.

Strategic Implications

The Session 43 Council meeting represented a turning point in the campaign against the Cult of the Dragon:

Political Unity (Fragile):

• First time regional powers formally cooperated against the Cult
• Skeptics like King Melendrak remain unconvinced but willing to let others act
• Pragmatists like Lord Dagult Neverember now take the threat seriously
• Ancient prejudices (dwarf-giant hatred) still complicate military planning

Intelligence Advantages:

• The Harpers spy network is now fully committed to the cause
• Knowledge of the Draakhorn's location provides strategic clarity
• Intelligence about Varram the White's failure creates a tactical opportunity
• Multiple quest paths allow flexibility in response to changing Cult activities

Resource Mobilization:

• Deez Nuts now has official authority across multiple city-states
• Access to supplies, equipment, and local authorities in Council territories
• Faction support solidified through promotions and direct communication
• Ability to requisition specialized assistance (mages, soldiers, supplies) as needed

Remaining Concerns:

• Council unity is fragile and could fracture under pressure
• The Bronze Blades situation creates potential for friendly fire or coordination failures
• Unknown: how many dragon masks the Cult already possesses
• Unknown: the true extent of Red Wizards' involvement in the summoning preparations
• The Cult now knows Deez Nuts is actively targeting them and is laying ambushes

Time Pressure:

• The Draakhorn sounds around the clock, continually calling more dragons
• Varram the White is actively searching for the lost mask
• The Cult's summoning capabilities are advancing (resurrection, devil summoning)
• Every day of delay allows the Cult to gather more resources and dragons

Aftermath and Party Choice

Despite the urgency of the Council's missions, Deez Nuts chose to first address Xanphina's personal quest to find Garmok's Mine in the Mere of Dead Men. This decision was made knowing that:

• The Cult had learned of their plans through torturing an orc guard captain
• Cultists were likely waiting at the mine to ambush them
• A black dragon was confirmed in the area
• The Bronze Blades were also investigating dragon activity in the region

The party's reasoning appeared to be that the ancestral quest was immediately actionable, they were already heading north, and confronting the Cult forces at the mine would still serve the Council's broader mission of disrupting Cult operations.

This choice would prove fortuitous, as they would soon rescue the Bronze Blades from certain death, potentially turning a rival group into genuine allies while also uncovering ancient treasures and confronting the dragon threat in the Mere of Dead Men.

Historical Significance

The Session 43 Council meeting will likely be remembered as the moment the Sword Coast's fractious powers first unified against an existential threat. While skepticism and ancient prejudices remain, the formal deputization of Deez Nuts marked the beginning of coordinated resistance against the Cult of the Dragon.

The intelligence shared by the party—about the Draakhorn, the Cult's summoning capabilities, the giant alliance, and the opportunity presented by Varram the White's failure—transformed the Council's understanding of both the threat and the available countermeasures.

Whether this fragile coalition can hold together long enough to prevent Tiamat's return remains to be seen, but the events of this council meeting set in motion the campaigns that would determine the fate of Faerûn.