This episode of “Rise of Tiamat” opens with lighthearted reminiscence of a fiery past encounter before diving into game mechanics, clarifying combat tracking and special GM actions. A minor mystery arises with a player's unexpected +1 Longbow, sparking a debate about its use or sale. Following a successful dragon encounter, the party finds themselves in Blagothkus's flying castle, discovering a substantial hoard of stolen gold. This discovery triggers a significant debate about the gold's fate, with some advocating for its return to Waterdeep's Masked Lords and others desiring to keep it. The party ultimately chooses diplomacy, conversing with Blagothkus, who reveals his intention to betray the cult and agrees to return the gold and the party to Waterdeep, concocting a cover story. Upon arrival, they meet with Leosin and the Masked Lords, presenting Blagothkus's fabricated narrative and the surprisingly small sum of 28,000 gold pieces. The party also notes the presence of kobold-run coffee bars, a nod to another ongoing game. Leosin then invites them to a special council convened to address the Cult of the Dragon. The episode concludes with the party enjoying downtime and a shopping spree, purchasing magical items like +1 plate mail, bracers of defense, and a ring of protection, while clarifying the rules of armor class and magical bonuses.
“Wintermute was a simple cube of white light, that very simplicity suggesting extreme complexity.”
― Neuromancer