Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

An urban treasure hunt for a massive gold hoard in Waterdeep.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist is an adventure module for the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons. It is the first part of the Waterdeep storyline, followed by Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage. The module is set in 1492 DR, the Year of Three Ships Sailing.

Quick Facts

Type: Adventure module
System: Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition
Setting: Waterdeep
Lead designer: Chris Perkins
Released: September 18, 2018

Facts from the source article.

Plot summary

Volothamp Geddarm sends adventurers on an urban treasure hunt for a large hoard of gold in Waterdeep. Depending on the season chosen by the Dungeon Master, the party ultimately faces one or more of these villains: Manshoon the Manyfaced, Jarlaxle Baenre, Xanathar the Beholder, or Lord Victoro and Lady Ammalia Cassalanter.

Publication history

The module was announced in June 2018 during the Stream of Many Eyes event on Wizards of the Coast's Twitch site. It was released on September 18, 2018 as part of the Waterdeep storyline. Beadle & Grimm released a limited Platinum Edition in a wood storage box, including individual chapter booklets, physical props, a custom Dungeon Master's screen, over twenty unpainted WizKids miniatures, encounter cards, and handouts. Digital versions are available through D&D Beyond, Fantasy Grounds, and Roll20.

Reception

Charlie Hall of Polygon wrote that the adventure gives groups a foothold in Waterdeep early on, providing a place adventurers can call home, and offers flexibility to swap villains or change seasons. He called it one of the best introductions to D&D and a great vehicle for familiarizing players with the city. Christian Hoffer of Comicbook noted that Dragon Heist is a good introduction for newcomers, offering a setting with laws that discourage wanton violence and encourage inventive solutions. He praised the four variant storylines with different themes and motivations, but observed that despite the title, the adventure is more a treasure hunt than a heist, comparing it to National Treasure rather than Ocean's 11, which might disappoint some veteran players.