Waterdeep is widely considered the shining jewel of the Sword Coast. A place where anyone can make their fortune and fame if able to navigate the many nuances of both law and social dynamics of the city. Some rules can be bent, others can be broken, and always, there will be consequences for any ambitious undertaking from the city or citizens within it.   A new group of adventurer's has just arrived in the City of Splendors, and after an impressive debut at the Yawning Portal, each of the members composing this party is now involved in the game of city-wide intrigue. The question is, who will help or hinder them along the way?   *Who is someone your character considers an ally or enemy within Waterdeep?*   Per usual, your response can be anything from a few sentences to a thorough backstory of the relationship between your character and your potential ally/enemy. Have some fun, and let's see if we can flesh out some more prominent figures within the city our characters will be residing in for the foreseeable future!   NOMAD   “The Lady will see you now,” spoke the servant, offering him the doorway leading to the study.   Arkan nodded, taking his cane in hand and moving with the restored youth he’d grown accustomed to for some years now. Lady Silverhand had agreed to the meeting under certain conditions, and for the benefit of his house, he knew better than to deny her request, even if it seemed more an order than anything else. But then, that was their way. He knew better than to fall for the friendly facade she was quick to employ. Just as she knew better than to be indirect with the implacable man.   He found her overlooking the streets of Waterdeep, a tome of speculated arcane applications open on the end table beside a steaming cup of tea. Lemon, from what he smelled. She turned, pleasant smile on her face as he bowed, one noble to the other.   “Lord Valenier,” she greeted.   “Lady Silverhand,” came the practiced response. “Thank you for seeing me.”   “Always a pleasure, Arkan. Please sit.”   He grinned, placing his cane before him and resting his hands on the sculpted head. “Thank you, but I’ll stand. Though do feel free to sit if you wish.”   The smile remained as she made her way around the comforter. “Your newfound youth is most becoming, Arkan. Almost as much as it is unexpected.”   And thus the game began…   “Unexpected indeed,” he replied. “As much as anyone can expect after the War of Tyranny. May I impress upon you what questions you wish answers to before we discuss my request?”   He knew better than to give her answers freely. Standing and holding his position was one of the best ways to conceal even the most subtle of his tells, especially those he wasn’t yet aware of. They were friends, but they were still rivals in the game of intrigue that all nobles played. Her moves were no less calculated than his.   “You may. And if we’re going to dispense with the pleasantries, I’ll skip right to the point as well, if you don’t mind.”   “By all means, my Lady.”   “Young Valena...I hear she’s causing quite the stir at banquet. And she’s beginning to draw the attention of possible suitors.”   “You have one in mind?”   “I do, but not by arrangement. A chance meeting, perhaps. Should they both catch the other’s fancy, I’m confident both families would be glad for the union.”   Position. Marriage was always a good way to solidify it. “And to whom am I to arrange for my granddaughter to meet?”   “The son of my friend and fellow noble, Lady Ramallia Haventree,” she answered. “Arthius.”   Haventree and Valenier. It was only a matter of time before she asked. After Ushen had resurrected her husband, they’d been keen on involving themselves with his family. He’d considered the arrangement before but was allowing Valena to choose her own path before suggesting anything to her, given her youthful age of 16. However, time was growing short for the young lady. She’d have to accept her role in the family soon enough, and Arthius was noted for his charisma and ability to unite even the most opposed sides. It wasn’t entirely unfavorable. “Does he still reside in Silverymoon?” he posed, already knowing the answer but playing his role.   “He does, though he currently travels south by way of Neverwinter.”   “Then I’ll be certain to host him for dinner shortly after his arrival,” Arkan settled the matter.   A warm smile and nod from the Lady. “How is Valena, anyway?”   His stoic demeanor softened with the slight grin he couldn’t suppress. He even started making his way toward the bay window. “Every bit her mother and father. Krissa does well in guiding her. Since Allana’s passing she’s grown all the more attached to our little prodigy.”   “She excels in nearly every field, from what I hear. Yet she hasn’t chosen one school or another. I could offer a recommendation with the Mages’ guilds?”   Clever move, but he wouldn’t be indebted to her quite yet. “Most generous of you, Lady. But I’m confident Valena will make her choice soon. I wouldn’t deny her that.”   She giggled. “You spoil her, Arkan.”   A shrug. “She is the future of the Valenier family.”   Another nod. “And you’re not? I’m curious as to the nature of your restored youth. Have you been able to decipher its origin?”   Dangerous territory. Most knew that as the Chosen of Mystra, Lady Silverhand benefited from a timeless form so long as she dedicated the appropriate amount of arcana to maintain it. He, on the other hand, was a mystery, the nature of his agelessness baffling even the most learned of scholars. The truth was known only to him, and he intended to keep it that way.   “Still little progress, I’m afraid,” he answered. “My sources suspect it still has to do with some final connection to my son.” ...Which wasn’t entirely untrue. “And I do the best I can with what I have that I might honor his sacrifice to the end of my days, however long that may be.”   Only the truth in that.   She bowed her head. “Understood. Do let me know if there’s anything I or any of my colleagues can do. Till then, we will continue to celebrate your good fortune or grieve for this misfortune. Whatever you desire.”   A bow from him. “Thank you, Lady Silverhand.”   “Now then, you had a request for me?”   Finally, to the business he was here for. “Some information has come to my attention regarding the workings of a certain organization. A contact of mine within their ranks has been dispatched to Waterdeep to address what I understand to be a schism.”   “Does this matter concern the Alliance or the Masked Lords?” she posed, sitting perfectly upright.   “It may. I understand you and I haven’t always seen eye to eye on certain matters, but we agree the preservation of Waterdeep to be our highest priority. This agent and his activities could benefit that cause if he were funneled the appropriate and perhaps, most influential information.”   She chuckled, relaxing. “This certainly has your penchant for subterfuge and intrigue. But it serves a mutual goal. I don’t necessarily approve of the methods, but then, I’m not one to judge when a necessary evil is adopted.”   “No. But then, none of us are.”   “Indeed. And does this agent of yours feel the same?”   “I’ve yet to determine that, truth be told. He’s only worked for me a handful of times, but he shares my disposition on the subject of absolute measures. Even if he’s affiliated with a less than reputable faction, there’s no reason their infighting couldn’t be of use to us as he goes about his duties, especially if his influence grants us a degree of agency on who emerges the victor from the feud.”   “Hmm…” She rose, hands neatly folded in front of her. “And should those duties conflict with the goals of the Alliance or the Lords?”   He was waiting for that. “Then we’ll address that conflict at the appropriate time. The point is, may I have your blessing to go about my business with this agent in a more independent fashion?”   “I’m surprised you’re even asking for my permission, Arkan.”   “I see no profit in a quarrel, especially one that’s easily avoided by simply keeping you informed.”   “But only insofar as it concerns the Alliance and I.”   “Perhaps. But if that’s the case,, the more important question would be, do you trust me, Lady Silverhand?”   Putting the cards on the table now, but then, she’d merited the response by implying conspiracy from him for personal gain. An unwise maneuver. Arkan learned long ago there was always a measure of personal gain in anything one did.   She smiled. “I do, my friend.”   He bowed. “I won’t abuse that trust. My friend.”   “And now that our business is concluded, might I invite you to tea before you go rushing off to your next appointment?”   He grinned. Whether or not her offer was truly genuine was difficult to determine. Any smalltalk might divulge information that would otherwise have carried value at a later time rather than serve as meaningless pretense in the present. Some of their exchanges had, in fact, been genuine. He appreciated that. However, with the recent stirrings, this wasn’t the time for emotion or sympathy to dictate his plans. Absolute measures.   “With regret, I must decline on this occasion,” he answered. “However, next week will be the 7th anniversary…”   She bowed her head with him in solemnity. “Of course. I’d be glad to attend. Will you be hosting in the Shadow Guardian’s Sanctuary again?”   He nodded. “Ushen held you in high regard, Laeral. It’s not lost on me that you’ve never missed a memorial.”   “Then I look forward to celebrating his memory with you, Arkan. Until then.”   One more bow after a warm smile. His business concluded, he left to attend to other matters.