Exposition for Book 2

General Outline

Whereas Hoard of the Dragon Queen was more focussed on setting up the behaviour of The Cult of the Dragon and its structures, Rise of Tiamat will focus on how the party and aligned factions are going to react to these activities. Technically, this book is shorter than its predecessor, but this heavily varies depending on the party and their decisions.
Even though the second book will encounter plenty of combat scenarios, it is also heavily influenced by political and social aspects, it is expected of every player to at least have some interest in this. Ergo, this campaign requires a certain type of player character to weigh into the discussion.

Changing Characters

New Characters

If the description above does not suit your character, or if you in any way want to play another character, it's easiest to implement new PC's in the beginning of this book. It's not impossible to change halfway through, but it's not recommended. Please talk to me ahead of time so that we can discuss changes.

Character Changes

There will be a slight time-skip from where we left off. More info on this can be found further into this article.

Time-skip

After entering Skyreach Tower, you came to realise the absolute exhaustion which weighs heavily on your shoulders. A collective decision to rest is made silently as one-for-one everyone dozes off.
The next time you wake up, the sun is almost already setting. You all take some time for yourself. Riley and Sen catch up on what happened on both sides of the story, LIFTS and Kibbles try to distract each other in their own way, Lyssandra explores Skyreach Tower, and Morello starts investigating the intricate controls of the tower.
As the day comes to an end, the castle gently floats into the air. Alagarthas, the strange blindfolded man with the snowpanther-drake, had contributed less than nothing to the conversation so far suddenly spoke: ''We are to be expected at Waterdeep''.
Once you arrived in Waterdeep, you met with Leosin Erlanthar who led you to the Igneous Ficer. The top room now refurbished for meetings. Together with Ontharr Frume he took everyone's statements and paid everyone 1000gp. They concluded the meeting with the promise of further employment if interested. Whenever this may be could not be determined as of yet, this depended on the input of different factions.
Now over a year later, in 1455 DR Kythorn, everyone has received a letter from Leosin Erlanthar, requesting they return to Waterdeep as soon as possible.

During this time your character doesn't proceed level 9, but you may fill this time in to your liking. Please discuss details with your DM. You will have time to describe your time spent away in a narrative style at the beginning of book 2.

Factions

There are certain factions who will weigh in on decisions and where to take the next few steps. In total there are four councils where everyone meets up to discuss what to do next. The first council takes place at the beginning of book 2. In between each council, there are certain choices which the party makes, each choice influencing another faction in a different manner.
Certain choices are scripted to add or subtract points, but the actions of players can also add or subtract points from a faction. This is not based on the individual character, but on the party as a whole.

Faction Boons

Each choice can add or subtract points from your connection to a faction:

• Positive: 1 point
• Very Positive: 2 or 3 points
• Negative: -1 point
• Very Negative: -2 or -3 points
• Neutral: 0 points

There are two boons to be obtained per faction, one at 10 total points and another at 20 total points. If your points total falls below the amount of points needed for a boon, the boon is no longer in effect.
Even though the boons and amount of points will remain a secret until a boon is unlocked, they can still be categorised in severity. The first boon for each faction aid you in day-to-day situations, such as certain connections or advantage on certain skill checks. The second boon is a much more impactful influence on the story itself, some of which may result in a matter of life or death.

Different Factions

The Harpers

Representative members: Leosin Erlanthar
Ideals: Freedom, respect

Order of the Gauntlet

Representative members: Ontharr Frume, Rexuroptolus
Ideals: Responsibility, greater good

Emerald Enclave

Representative members: Alagarthas
Ideals: Balance, life

Waterdeep/Neverwinter

Representative members: Dagult Neverember 
Ideals: Moderation, responsibility

Lord's Alliance

Representative members: Connerad Brawnanvil, Ahghairon
Ideals: Respect, reputation

Zentarim

Representative members: Rian Nightshade , Jamna Gleamsilver 
Ideals: Greed