Waterdeep is one of the major cities within the Lords’ Alliance, a coalition of settlements that work to protect their mutual interests and prosperity. Like other Alliance cities, Waterdeep maintains a presence in Port Nyanzaru through operatives who work to undermine rival powers from Calimshan, Amn, and Tethyr as these nations attempt to expand control over Chult’s resources.
Role in the Adventure
Waterdeep’s operatives in Port Nyanzaru present themselves as ambassadors of their city while maintaining ties to the Lords’ Alliance. However, they also employ covert agents who engage in espionage and “less savory tasks,” including undermining the plans of other Alliance members in pursuit of their own city’s interests.
Economic Context
Port Nyanzaru’s thriving trade economy moves enough wealth through its counting houses to rival or exceed the mercantile activity of major Sword Coast cities like Waterdeep and Baldur’s Gate, suggesting why Waterdeep has vested interest in maintaining influence in the region.
Alliance Politics
The Lords’ Alliance sponsors mapping expeditions into Chult with the goal of discovering additional treasures and mineral resources to exploit. While nominally working toward coalition goals, Waterdeep’s representatives—like those from other Alliance cities—prioritize their own city’s interests over those of weaker Alliance members, contributing to the coalition’s unstable nature.