Rot 14: "The Second Council"
Diplomatic action
You thwarted the assassination attempt on your own lives only to discover that the Cult of the Dragon quite boldly has assassinated a Masked Lord of Waterdeep in the streets outside the Palace of Waterdeep and Piergieron's Palace. Now though, you must endure a second Council of Waterdeep session - you'd rather just go after the killers than deal with politics though.
After the events of last night with having been attacked by a Cult of the Dragon Assassination Squad and returning to the Palace only to bear witness to the aftermath of the assassination of a Masked Lord of Waterdeep, the tensions are high when you enter the chambers for this Second Council of Waterdeep.
You immediately notice there is a seeming change in hierarchy since last time.
There is a new head of the Council as well as Open Lord of Waterdeep, one Lady Laeral Silverhand. In addition to these titles, she is introduced as being one of the Seven Sisters of Mystra
Lord Neverember is still present, but now sits to the right of Lady Silverhand.
There is another new face, simply introduced as Elia but she remains silent at first.
Also, as where he was not formally on the Council last time, Leosin Erlanthar now sits next to Remalia Haventree as representatives of The Harpers. You recall that Leosin informed you that the murdered Masked Lord was Remalia's husband, Arthagast Ulbrinter so she is quite expectedly even more motivated to do what is necessary to bring an end to the Cult of the Dragon.
After you give your report to the Council there is of course the normal rounds of voices raised and opinions given.
The only person upset at Varram's capture is Delaan Winterhound of the Emerald Enclave. He feels having him as a prisoner only serves as an opportunity for the Cult to try to free him and he's not convinced he'd be of use. However, it's pointed out that since his capture he's been mostly cooperative and actually fearful that the Cult will try to assassinate him rather than free him so has been willing to provide information.
Most of the Council is also pleased that your efforts in the Sea of Moving Ice have lead to the Arcane Brotherhood agreeing to join the cause -- all except Ontharr Frume. While he is still highly supportive of you all, the Order of the Gauntlet does not trust the Arcane Brotherhood, pointing out that they do not limit their membership and evil wizards have also been known to be members.
King Melandrach due to the Cult's attacks on villages within the Misty Forest has stepped up his defenses there.
However, Delaan Winterhound and Prince Alagarthas (King Melandrach's son) feel that more should be done there and disagree with the King that the Cult's attacks in the Misty Forest are ended.
Unfortunately, Emerald Enclave agents have been spread too thin to thoroughly follow up and they need assistance; Delaan suggests that perhaps someone (the Iron Company?) could pay a visit to Atland, one of the few dragon-raided settlements still standing to see if the survivors may be able to provide any information.
The final person to speak is Elia, the mysterious woman sitting next to Lord Neverember. She says she is there as a representative of the Council of Dragons - a gathering of Ancient Metallic Dragons. They have hear of the doings of the Cult of the Dragon and of the gathering of the Council of Waterdeep and have asked, in fairness, for the Council of Waterdeep to send its own representatives to the Council of Dragons. The Council seems to feel that Iron Company would be a logical choice but do not really impose.
Afterwards, Elia asks to speak with you all in the courtyard privately. You agree and she expresses her opinion that, not being politicians, may be the best ones to represent the Council of Waterdeep in front of the Ancient Dragons. Besides, they’d like to meet you. You agree. There is one caveat though – she must leave immediately and can take you with her if you wish and have you in the Nether Mountains within a couple of days – otherwise you’ll be on your own to make the 600 mile journey. Since there is also the matter of investigating the Misty Forest, you agree provided that she can also return you to Daggorford afterwards.
You quickly gather your gear and as you return to the courtyard ready to go, Elia becomes Otaaryliakkarnos, an Ancient Silver Dragon. “Climb aboard,” she says and you all make yourselves as comfortable as possible on her back for the two day flight.
You find yourself in an enormous cave in the Nether Mountains, some 600 miles from Waterdeep. Before you are five enormous Ancient Dragons. Protanther, the Gold dragon head of the Council of Dragons, Iluethra (Brass), Nymmurh (Bronze), the Dragoness Tazmikella (Copper), and of course the great Silver Dragoness who bore you here, Otaaryliakkarnos.
They each have varying degrees of mistrust against the humanoid races for different reasons. Protanther for example still blames the Elvenkind for the ancient event known as the Dracorage mythal that drove all dragons mad for a time. He only promises support and not to take matters into his own hands if you can secure an apology from the Elves for Dracorage mythal.
Iluethra on the other hand is a bit more trusting, seeing good and evil in equal measures among the humanoid races. His one concession is that once the Dragon Masks are found, they be immediately returned to the Metallic Dragons as they are far too powerful to be left in the hands of humanoids.
Otaaryliakkarnos has eerily been staring down Rikon this entire time. Your stalwart hireling and companion seems to not notice and you certainly have not noted anything he may have said or done to offend the Ancient Silver Dragoness, but she nonetheless seems very displeased with him. She explains that ages ago Dwarves participated in great Dragonmoots, hunting and killing dragons they felt were deserving (as if a Dwarf would have the right be judge and jury over a Dragon!). One such moot lead by a Dwarven Lord resulted in the death of Otaaryliakkarnos’s niece and that Dwarven lord having armor made from here hide. One of the Oakenhelm clan was part of that Dragonmoot, and thus she holds Rikon responsible for his ancestor’s actions. She is however willing to forgive if not forget provided that the armor, her kin’s remains, be returned to her so that she may give them a proper burial even after all these centuries.
So far, none of the Ancient Dragon’s requests seem unreasonable nor difficult to obtain. But Tazmikella makes a request that challenges Pubert’s resolve. She explains that her only issue with humanoids is their tendency to steal – she’s had many things taken from her over the centuries. One such item was taken from one of her hordes years ago and it is now in Pubert’s possession. Hazirawn, the sentient magic great sword hard won by defeating Rezmir is that object. Reluctantly, knowing that securing the Chromatic Dragon’s aid is paramount to defeating the Cult, he lays Hazirawn at her feet.
Finally, Nymmurh is the most supportive. Believing that Chromatic Dragons being made in the image of the Great Platinum Dragon Bahumut, it is their responsibility to protect the world from evil. He requests not concessions and in fact is happy to say that because his friendships with Leosin Erlanthar and Ontharr Frume he is honored to have met you and readily votes to support you and the Council of Waterdeep in this war against the Cult.
After some private deliberations they call you back into the chamber. Upon your return you see there is now a large table with a canvas over it. The Council of Dragons is pleased to say that, yes, they will ally with the Council of Waterdeep and the humanoid races to fight the Cult of the Dragon and their evil. To that end, they have a few gifts – for Brehana and Rikon, armor. Studded Leather for Brehana and Chainmail for the Dwarf, magically embued with resistance to lightning. Also for Rikon (or whomever can use the) three crossbow bolts of dragon slaying. And finally, as a reward for his integrity and honor – Pubert is returned Hazirawn as Tazmikella recognizes that it is more useful in his hands than gathering dust atop her treasure pile.
And with that, as promised Otaaryliakkarnos flies you to an area just outside of Daggorford and bids you farewell. You are soon met by a patrol of Purple Dragon Knights, the peacekeeping force and de facto army that defends Daggorford. Once you identify yourselves as The Iron Company you are granted an escort into the city and provided mounts and further escorted to The Brass Wain, south of the city where your old friend Arthur is happy to see you once again. Although Arthur bears the sad news that Cult raids on the caravans have claimed the life of your friend and former employer, Achreny Ulyeltin. You drink a toast to his memory and spend the evening trying to have some enjoyment while you can, sharing stories of your adventures with the Knights and anyone else who chooses to listen.
The next morning you begin your journey into the Misty Forest to the village of Atland. The Misty Forest is a dangerous place even in the best of times as the wood elves do not take kindly to strangers traveling through their woods. And these days, with the Cult attacks they are on even higher alert, but also thinner numbers which has allowed other creatures to become more prevalent. In fact, as you travel further in, you find yourself beset with a large group of Giant Spiders tended to by Ettercaps.
After the events of last night with having been attacked by a Cult of the Dragon Assassination Squad and returning to the Palace only to bear witness to the aftermath of the assassination of a Masked Lord of Waterdeep, the tensions are high when you enter the chambers for this Second Council of Waterdeep.
You immediately notice there is a seeming change in hierarchy since last time.
There is a new head of the Council as well as Open Lord of Waterdeep, one Lady Laeral Silverhand. In addition to these titles, she is introduced as being one of the Seven Sisters of Mystra
Lord Neverember is still present, but now sits to the right of Lady Silverhand.
There is another new face, simply introduced as Elia but she remains silent at first.
Also, as where he was not formally on the Council last time, Leosin Erlanthar now sits next to Remalia Haventree as representatives of The Harpers. You recall that Leosin informed you that the murdered Masked Lord was Remalia's husband, Arthagast Ulbrinter so she is quite expectedly even more motivated to do what is necessary to bring an end to the Cult of the Dragon.
After you give your report to the Council there is of course the normal rounds of voices raised and opinions given.
The only person upset at Varram's capture is Delaan Winterhound of the Emerald Enclave. He feels having him as a prisoner only serves as an opportunity for the Cult to try to free him and he's not convinced he'd be of use. However, it's pointed out that since his capture he's been mostly cooperative and actually fearful that the Cult will try to assassinate him rather than free him so has been willing to provide information.
Most of the Council is also pleased that your efforts in the Sea of Moving Ice have lead to the Arcane Brotherhood agreeing to join the cause -- all except Ontharr Frume. While he is still highly supportive of you all, the Order of the Gauntlet does not trust the Arcane Brotherhood, pointing out that they do not limit their membership and evil wizards have also been known to be members.
King Melandrach due to the Cult's attacks on villages within the Misty Forest has stepped up his defenses there.
However, Delaan Winterhound and Prince Alagarthas (King Melandrach's son) feel that more should be done there and disagree with the King that the Cult's attacks in the Misty Forest are ended.
Unfortunately, Emerald Enclave agents have been spread too thin to thoroughly follow up and they need assistance; Delaan suggests that perhaps someone (the Iron Company?) could pay a visit to Atland, one of the few dragon-raided settlements still standing to see if the survivors may be able to provide any information.
The final person to speak is Elia, the mysterious woman sitting next to Lord Neverember. She says she is there as a representative of the Council of Dragons - a gathering of Ancient Metallic Dragons. They have hear of the doings of the Cult of the Dragon and of the gathering of the Council of Waterdeep and have asked, in fairness, for the Council of Waterdeep to send its own representatives to the Council of Dragons. The Council seems to feel that Iron Company would be a logical choice but do not really impose.
Afterwards, Elia asks to speak with you all in the courtyard privately. You agree and she expresses her opinion that, not being politicians, may be the best ones to represent the Council of Waterdeep in front of the Ancient Dragons. Besides, they’d like to meet you. You agree. There is one caveat though – she must leave immediately and can take you with her if you wish and have you in the Nether Mountains within a couple of days – otherwise you’ll be on your own to make the 600 mile journey. Since there is also the matter of investigating the Misty Forest, you agree provided that she can also return you to Daggorford afterwards.
You quickly gather your gear and as you return to the courtyard ready to go, Elia becomes Otaaryliakkarnos, an Ancient Silver Dragon. “Climb aboard,” she says and you all make yourselves as comfortable as possible on her back for the two day flight.
You find yourself in an enormous cave in the Nether Mountains, some 600 miles from Waterdeep. Before you are five enormous Ancient Dragons. Protanther, the Gold dragon head of the Council of Dragons, Iluethra (Brass), Nymmurh (Bronze), the Dragoness Tazmikella (Copper), and of course the great Silver Dragoness who bore you here, Otaaryliakkarnos.
They each have varying degrees of mistrust against the humanoid races for different reasons. Protanther for example still blames the Elvenkind for the ancient event known as the Dracorage mythal that drove all dragons mad for a time. He only promises support and not to take matters into his own hands if you can secure an apology from the Elves for Dracorage mythal.
Iluethra on the other hand is a bit more trusting, seeing good and evil in equal measures among the humanoid races. His one concession is that once the Dragon Masks are found, they be immediately returned to the Metallic Dragons as they are far too powerful to be left in the hands of humanoids.
Otaaryliakkarnos has eerily been staring down Rikon this entire time. Your stalwart hireling and companion seems to not notice and you certainly have not noted anything he may have said or done to offend the Ancient Silver Dragoness, but she nonetheless seems very displeased with him. She explains that ages ago Dwarves participated in great Dragonmoots, hunting and killing dragons they felt were deserving (as if a Dwarf would have the right be judge and jury over a Dragon!). One such moot lead by a Dwarven Lord resulted in the death of Otaaryliakkarnos’s niece and that Dwarven lord having armor made from here hide. One of the Oakenhelm clan was part of that Dragonmoot, and thus she holds Rikon responsible for his ancestor’s actions. She is however willing to forgive if not forget provided that the armor, her kin’s remains, be returned to her so that she may give them a proper burial even after all these centuries.
So far, none of the Ancient Dragon’s requests seem unreasonable nor difficult to obtain. But Tazmikella makes a request that challenges Pubert’s resolve. She explains that her only issue with humanoids is their tendency to steal – she’s had many things taken from her over the centuries. One such item was taken from one of her hordes years ago and it is now in Pubert’s possession. Hazirawn, the sentient magic great sword hard won by defeating Rezmir is that object. Reluctantly, knowing that securing the Chromatic Dragon’s aid is paramount to defeating the Cult, he lays Hazirawn at her feet.
Finally, Nymmurh is the most supportive. Believing that Chromatic Dragons being made in the image of the Great Platinum Dragon Bahumut, it is their responsibility to protect the world from evil. He requests not concessions and in fact is happy to say that because his friendships with Leosin Erlanthar and Ontharr Frume he is honored to have met you and readily votes to support you and the Council of Waterdeep in this war against the Cult.
After some private deliberations they call you back into the chamber. Upon your return you see there is now a large table with a canvas over it. The Council of Dragons is pleased to say that, yes, they will ally with the Council of Waterdeep and the humanoid races to fight the Cult of the Dragon and their evil. To that end, they have a few gifts – for Brehana and Rikon, armor. Studded Leather for Brehana and Chainmail for the Dwarf, magically embued with resistance to lightning. Also for Rikon (or whomever can use the) three crossbow bolts of dragon slaying. And finally, as a reward for his integrity and honor – Pubert is returned Hazirawn as Tazmikella recognizes that it is more useful in his hands than gathering dust atop her treasure pile.
And with that, as promised Otaaryliakkarnos flies you to an area just outside of Daggorford and bids you farewell. You are soon met by a patrol of Purple Dragon Knights, the peacekeeping force and de facto army that defends Daggorford. Once you identify yourselves as The Iron Company you are granted an escort into the city and provided mounts and further escorted to The Brass Wain, south of the city where your old friend Arthur is happy to see you once again. Although Arthur bears the sad news that Cult raids on the caravans have claimed the life of your friend and former employer, Achreny Ulyeltin. You drink a toast to his memory and spend the evening trying to have some enjoyment while you can, sharing stories of your adventures with the Knights and anyone else who chooses to listen.
The next morning you begin your journey into the Misty Forest to the village of Atland. The Misty Forest is a dangerous place even in the best of times as the wood elves do not take kindly to strangers traveling through their woods. And these days, with the Cult attacks they are on even higher alert, but also thinner numbers which has allowed other creatures to become more prevalent. In fact, as you travel further in, you find yourself beset with a large group of Giant Spiders tended to by Ettercaps.