Interesting Events at a Gala in Waterdeep (My Players...OUT!)

[Ao the Overkitty]

I'm looking for more things to include for the players at a gala in Waterdeep hosted by Lord Peirgeiron.

They just finished Undermountain: Stardock (altered slightly to occur on Midsummer) and this was an extra reward I cooked up. I figured that, since they were now land owners in Waterdeep territory, they should meet the nobles.

Besides meeting an old enemy and a new friend there, as well as some gossiping over dinner, I've also got a jealous aristocrat/duelist who is going to challenge one of them to a duel (yeah, cliche, but the player will enjoy it).

Anyone have any other ideas to flesh this evening out?

 

[Tilla the Hun (work)]

I'm looking for more things to include for the players at a gala in Waterdeep hosted by Lord Peirgeiron.

They just finished Undermountain: Stardock (altered slightly to occur on Midsummer) and this was an extra reward I cooked up. I figured that, since they were now land owners in Waterdeep territory, they should meet the nobles.

Besides meeting an old enemy and a new friend there, as well as some gossiping over dinner, I've also got a jealous aristocrat/duelist who is going to challenge one of them to a duel (yeah, cliche, but the player will enjoy it).

Anyone have any other ideas to flesh this evening out?

Heh - if you're players aren't too squeamish about the base concepts, try these:

1) Romantic interest of young girl in the 'dashing heroes' - make her parents distinctly disproving, then spin the story slightly so it's more about the girls independence than the romance

2) Spin in any long term plot you want herein - shapeshifters, dopplegangers, fey, or just good old political intrigures (someone(s) not wanting the party to be as powerful as they are - raises the question to the party of who, what, and why)

 

[arwink]

Any gala is going to have bardic performances of some kind, so you can easily use this as an opportunity to introduce a bardic PC (as the performer) and some new plot threads (as the topic of their performance).

Let the PC's mingle, and take the opportunity to let them know how the fit into the campaign world. Do the nobles gush about them, or see them as uncouth mercenaries who have risen up by way of money? If the PC's have done something untoward or potentially inappropriate in their past, they may well have some fairly vicious gossip being spread about them.

Introduce them to some competing adventurers groups - people about as successful as they are (or a little less), who they can trade tales with. As with the bard, above, this serves as an interesting way to drop adventure hooks.

 

[Napftor]

Hmm, sounds like one of my campaigns (PCs became owners of the Brokengulf villa). But as for your question, how about a little murder mystery. During one of the gala's entertainment finales (perhaps the bardic performance as mentioned above) the lights go out. By the time illumination is restored, one of the guests is dead. Is the cause of death obvious? Was it a prominent noble or just a servant? The details are up to you, of course.

Lord Piergeiron orders that no one be allowed to leave. While Lord P's guards move to bar the exits, the PCs are recognized by the Lord and asked to investigate. Why couldn't the murderer simply have teleported away, you ask? Because wherever Piergeiron goes there is a constant field of protective magics that prevent such transportation from functioning. So the murderer is at the party...inside the building...somewhere. If you have the City of Splendors box set you could really get your money's worth by having the gala inside Castle Waterdeep and then make use of the great maps. Investigating within an enclosed area is also a great way to meet the gala's personalities in attendance.

Your murderer could be an agent that leads to a larger story arc. But remember that whoever (or whatever) did the slaying, it would have to have above average abilities to do so anywhere near to the Lord of Waterdeep. Is the murderer a skilled assassin that breached the gala easily only to find his escape route now monitored...or is the whole thing an inside job?

 

[GladiusNP]

Just a few more ideas...

1. A merchant attempts to sell them something - perhaps he's a mason, and wants to upgrade/construct their holdings. Perhaps he offers them the chance to have trade rights or caravan serais for his trade company. Maybe some other sort of business. Perhaps he's a bore, and the party just wants to move on, but have to treat him politely, or maybe it's a good opportunity (or adventure hook).

2. Maybe the old friend has forgotten his/her invite. The PC's must persuade the doorman to let him/her enter. A good chance for some social skill use.

3. Drunken gatecrashers attempt to climb in over the back-wall. The PC's, if they act quickly, can bustle them back out, but can't assault them. If they achieve this with a minimum of fuss, Lord Piergieron is very grateful, and rewards them with some small token.

4. The cleric who was to say the blessing is very late, and the party's priest is asked to offer thanks over the feast. A diplomacy check (DC 20?) means the cleric impressed the crowd. Perhaps someone in need of a cleric approaches the party.

5. A bard PC has a similar situation, with the entertainment running late.

6. The soup has been scorched. A quick-thinking spellcaster can use cantrips to adjust the flavour back to something more palatable.

7. Two of the hounds start a vicious dogfight. A ranger or druid can help calm them down to prevent the disturbance from getting out of hand.

8. A high Cha PC/friend of the party gets many offers to dance from nobles, and takes delight in rubbing one of the more plain PC's nose in the fact.

9. A slightly drunken party guest falls onto a large vase, breaking it and cutting themselves quite badly. The PCs get a chance to heal the person, who ends up being rather overly grateful, and keeps toasting them repeatedly.

Anyway, I hope these are of some use. Hope it goes well!