Chapter 13: The Cult Strikes Back - Rise of Tiamat

Chapter 13: The Cult Strikes Back. During the course of this adventure, the heroes undertake various activities to thwart the plots of the Cult of the Dragon. The cult's awareness of the characters' opposition to their goals will have started even earlier if the characters played Hoard of the Dragon Queen. Either way, it doesn't take long for the cult to target the characters as a threat that must be eliminated. Like "Chapter 9: Council of Waterdeep", this chapter is played out as separate encounters. However, these attacks work best if they are incorporated into other chapters, rather than played out between chapters. Think about the pacing of other chapters and the placement of these encounters so that the cult's attacks can be spaced out over time. In particular, the third attack should be placed for maximum effectiveness. The cult's attacks can happen anywhere, but the characters are at greatest risk while on their home ground. The cult wants its enemies to know that they aren't safe anywhere. If the characters ever split up to pursue separate missions in what seem like safe environments, the cult is almost certain to strike. Character Death Character death should always be handled carefully, but don't be afraid to kill party members in this adventure. The characters should be high enough level to cast raise dead, or to seek out such magic from their allies. Especially if they played through Hoard of the Dragon Queen, the characters have had ample opportunity to prove their worth to the Harpers, the Order of the Gauntlet, and the other factions. First Attack The cult's first attack against the heroes is a measured assault designed to deliver a warning. Location and Timing This attack can occur anywhere. The cult has no concern for innocent bystanders, but the encounter will be easier for you to run without a panicking crowd to deal with. This combat encounter should occur after a previous combat encounter has drained some of the characters' resources, but bef...