... explained in the beginning of The Rise of Tiamat. Its a central 'authority' where the leaders (or spokesperson) of the 5 factions as well as a few other important figures of the Sword Coast meet up to take on the Cult of the Dragon. Though I doubt it continues to exist after Tyranny of Dragons.
I know you said no *spoilers* , but there is an interesting power shift within the Lord's Alliance faction in the The Rise of Tiamat, make sure to check that out.
Storm Silverhand is nominally in charge of the Harpers. Lady Cindermoon is still leader of the Emerald Enclave after she was cured of her madness by Stedd Whitehorn. The Lords' Alliance is primarily based out of Waterdeep so the Open Lord of Waterdeep should be considered the polarizing figure. Manshoon has been in charge of the Zhentarim pretty much since the Night Masks were driven out of Westgate. I don't know for sure who runs the Order of the Gauntlet but it might be Vindicator Aradeneth of Waterdeep who, if not the leader, is at least a top lieutenant.
The actual leaders of the factions did not all attend the councils in Rise of Tiamat. Delegates were sent instead.
When life turns it's back on you...sneak attack for extra damage.
Conclusion of Tyranny of Dragons
Posted - 13 Apr 2015 : 16:06:11
