Waterdavian Terrorist Attacks
The Waterdavian Terrorist Attacks were a serious of coordinated strikes perpetrated by the Cult of the Dragon against the civilian populace of Waterdeep during the Great Dragon War. The targets of the attacks varied, from attempting to assassinate the Breadwinners to sowing general chaos.
The Conflict
Prelude
Due to the actions of the Breadwinners, the Order of the Gauntlet, and the Harpers, as well as the very public show of force displayed by the Cult of the Dragon during the Baldur's Gate Uprising, the various factions of the Sword Coast convened in Waterdeep to form a anti-dragon cult alliance. To counter this growing threat to the cult's plans, various groups of cult members and sympathizers were dispersed throughout Waterdeep. Their general goal was to demoralize the populace into not fighting back, though the greater goal would be to kill or neutralize members of the Council of Waterdeep. Of particular note were the Breadwinners, who, by the time of the Council of Waterdeep's formation, had proven to be quite a thorn in the cult's side.
Deployment
Cult of the Dragon cells in the city consisted of many of the organizations high level operatives, skilled in deceit and assassination. In addition, some cells were reinforced with abishai, half-dragons, and even guard drakes that were smuggled in. Most cult attacks were based around causing panic and fear, making ample use of easily thrown explosives and roadblocks to trap crowds. In the event of assassination attempts, the cult relied on heavy and direct attacks, attempting to end conflict quickly before reinforcements arrived to assist their targets. The cult also made sure to station agents within the City Watch and City Guard.
Meanwhile, though initial unaware of the scale of the Cult of the Dragons attacks, the city of Waterdeep was prepared to defend itself. Members of the City Guard stepped up their patrols around the city's gates and walls while the City Watch put themselves on high alert. Members of the Council of Waterdeep also brought along with them their own small retinues and bodyguards that could aid them should they ever personally come under attack.
By the far the biggest asset in preventing terrorist attacks for Waterdeep were the agents of Force Grey. As elite agents that served the city, Force Grey was never effectively infiltrated by the Cult of the Dragon. In addition Grey Hands were adept enough to handle multiple enemy combatants at once, giving them mobility and power that ordinary watchmen didn't have.
The Engagement
The various attacks launched by the Cult of the Dragon took place over the course of 6 months. One of the most notable attacks was an assassination launched against the Breadwinners following the Midsummer Fair, where a crowd of people were trapped by roadblocks while cult members tossed explosives into the crowd. However, the Breadwinners managed to take down the attackers and Esme Heavensong magically lifted the roadblock, allowing people to escape safely.
Once the attacks began, Waterdavian security began a concentrated effort to hunt down and stop any terrorist cells before they could launch any attacks. These efforts, spearheaded by Force Grey, were largely successful.
Outcome
Though the Cult of the Dragon succeeded in a few of their operations, the various terrorist strikes failed to significantly affect the war effort. No major targets were killed during the course of the attacks and the population of Waterdeep was never hit hard enough to begin a serious anti-war effort, though perhaps this would have changed had the Great Dragon War gone on for longer.
Aftermath
The most notable lasting change brought on by the terror attacks was the growing importance of Force Grey in internal Waterdavian security matters. The effective nature of Force Grey in responding to attacks and removing cells before they became public knowledge resulted in an expansion of the organization's duties. While some claim that Force Grey is becoming too closely akin to a secret police, most people of Waterdeep are only vaguely aware of the organization and its role.
Historical Significance
Legacy
When compared to the inner turmoil some city-states faced during the Great Dragon War, such as the uprising in Baldur's Gate or Amphail's Siege of Salt Lake, the terror attacks in Waterdeep are often viewed as insignificant. The attacks did not produce a serious change in the culture of Waterdavians and were not serious enough to result in the creation of memorials. Nevertheless, they are still remembered as the citizens of Waterdeep sharing the suffering brought on by the Great Dragon War.
Included under Conflict
Conflict Type
Covert Operation
Battlefield Type
Urban
Start Date
Mirtul 1492
Ending Date
Marpenoth 1492
Conflict Result
Cult of the Dragon failure; no significanct effect on the war effort
Location
Comments