This Rise of Tiamat campaign unfolded as a high-stakes race against a cult seeking to resurrect the dragon goddess, Tiamat. The party's journey began with an investigation into dragon attacks in the Misty Forest, quickly revealing a deeper conspiracy involving a “worm speaker” and cult activities. Suspicion arose when they encountered a spared village, leading them to uncover a deal between the village warden and the Dragon Rider, granting them crucial information and a map.
Their quest led them to retrieve a dragon mask, a key artifact, which they presented to the Waterdeep council. However, this mask proved to be a fake, signaling the cult's cunning and the escalating threat. The council, recognizing the danger, declared war on the cult and dispatched the party north towards the Well of Dragons.
The campaign's tension heightened as the party discovered that all five dragon masks had been united, a critical step in Tiamat's return, accompanied by ominous cult chants and references to the “gates of nine Hells.” The final confrontation occurred at the Well of Dragons, where Tiamat herself manifested. A chaotic and memorable battle ensued, marked by Tiamat's repeated slaying of Cheshire, the party's cat companion.
Despite the heavy losses, including the tragic demise of Cheshire, the party ultimately triumphed, preventing Tiamat's full return and saving the world. Their heroism was recognized as they distributed the cult's ill-gotten wealth, solidifying their status as saviors.