recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Guild Arcane

The **Guild Arcane** is a mages' guild, local to the Kingdom of Calimshan, that totally control and regulate the use of magic within the cities that they have bases.

## Organization

Each of the five Guilds Arcane is led by a caleph arcane, who is the most influential wizard in his or her respective city. The syl-pasha of Calimshan has the unwritten support of the leaders of the Guilds Arcane.

Every wizard within the city is assigned a place in the hierarchy of the guild, by which means he or she can be controlled and manipulated if need should arise.

## Activities

The primary way in which a young wizard is taught magic in Calimshan is through one of the Guilds Arcane. Guild members share spell components, minor magical items, and arcane secrets with each other for far cheaper fees than with outsiders to the Guild, making dealing in magic nearly impossible for non-members.

Standard fees in most cities for Guild Arcane services are 25 gp per day plus meals to the one providing magical assistance, in addition to reimbursement for whatever spells are actually cast during the hired mage's employment. The fees for cast spells depends on the kind of spell, the difficulty of the spell to cast, and the capabilities of the spellcaster.

The Guild Arcane advises its members to avoid dealings with the Mages of Saruun due to their perceived connections to the underdark.

## Base of Operations

The cities of Almraiven, Calimport, Keltar, Memnon, and Volothamp each contain an active Guild Arcane. The headquarters of the Guild Arcane in each of these cities is called the Minargent, after the silver-colored minarets used in their construction. An exception is the Auret, the main headquarters of the Guild Arcane located in Calimport.

## History

The first Guild Arcane was founded in Almraiven and was followed successively by four others in Calimport, Volothamp, Keltar, and Memnon.

They recently wrote to Wrelen Kindrock over his foundation of his Institutional Adventurers Magical Academy in Thollos, offering to let him join the Guild Arcane, and instructing him how to restructure his practice.

## Members

While independent wizards do exist in Calimshan, they are rare and frowned upon by society.

* Vizir Muzarad, the member to whom sapphires should be forwarded for payment
* Farad Moshute, had been missing for decades after, despite the advice of the Sultan, he travelled to the Cosarchian Kingdom and was not seen since. He was found to have been turned to stone alongside a cockatrice within a secret magical lair in Sedossa. After being released he chose not to return to Calimshan and the Guild Arcane but to be free.
* Yarham Kulfta, 3rd Secretary to the Caleph of Keltar, Ambassador of Calimshan, Director of Foreign Engagement
Lake Zarovich

**Lake Mikkenson** (formerly known as **Lake Zarovich** prior to the Battle of Ravenloft) is a large lake located north of Vallaki towards the northern reaches of Barovia. A river flows from the east of the lake to the south-east through Tser Pool and Tser Falls, and past Barovia village. Another, the River Luna, flows from the west of Lake Zarovich to the south, between Vallaki and Berez.

The lake is utilised by the fishermen of Vallaki, including Bluto Krogarov, who was a regular at the Blue Water Inn. When approached by the party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Narid Ashplantt, and Eklyre Temere, he threw a burlap sack containing Arabelle into the lake, but she was rescued by Hallgrimm. He commented that he was trying to improve his fishing luck by providing some kind of offering to the "monster of Lake Zarovch".

He would shortly afterwards fall into the lake and be eaten by the monster - a gitrog - himself.

The party were able to obtain yew logs from the north of the lake, and noticed a lone elk watching them. This elk would reveal itself to be none other than Archmage Khazan.
Kavanen

**Kavanen** is a small settlement on Mount Gakis in Barovia, inhabited by the native mountainfolk.

The inhabitants are exclusively the ancient mountainfolk tribe who long ago followed Kavan as their leader, and now revere Narid Ashplantt as Kavan reborn.

Warriors of Kavenen lead by Narid and Chieftain Helga fought in the Battle of Ravenloft, and liberated the valley from its oppressor "the Shadowsworn" Count Strahd von Zarovich.

## Mountainfolk

Barovia has long been home to mountainfolk, who used to be spread across the whole valley. Since Strahd reconquered the valley they were pushed to the outskirts, and now only around 50 of them remain, living on Mount Gakis.

Due to Kavanen's proximity to the Amber Temple many young warriors now train their minds by spending extended periods of time in the temple attemping to resist the callings of the Dark Powers. This is often done as part of a coming of age trial by young warriors.

### Past

* **Chieftain Kavan** - deceased legendary leader of the mountainfolk, who was present in the valley centuries before Strahd arrived.
* **Viggo Fateweaver** - warrior, killed in the Battle of Ravenloft at the Heart of Sorrow, post-humously bestowed the name *Fateweaver* for his valour in the war and contribution to altering the course of destiny with the Shadowsworn's defeat.
* **Donnacha** **Dreadscourge** - warrior, killed in the Battle of Ravenloft at the Heart of Sorrow, post-humously granted the name *Dreadscourge* for her bravery in combat.
* **Cadell Castlebreach** - warrior, killed in the Battle of Ravenloft by an iron golem after the invading force entered the castle's underbelly, post-humously granted the name *Castlebreach* for his unflinching courage in the face of adversity.

### Present

* **Kavan Narid Ashplantt** - deemed to be Kavan reborn as the wielder of his Blood Spear after Kavan's spirit called out to Narid at Yester Hill. The mountainfolk refer to him as Kavan. Resistant to necrotic attacks.
* **Elder** - leader of the mountainfolk tribe.
* **Chieftain Helga Heartbane** - leader of the mountainfolk warriors, owner of the Shatterspike, resistant to necrotic attacks. Bestowed the name *Heartbane* for her key role in destroying the Heart of Sorrow during the war.
* **Tilly Terrorblight** - warrior, fought in the Battle of Ravenloft, resistant to necrotic attacks. Bestowed the name *Terrorblight* for her ferocity during the war.
* **Gunnolf Geistslayer** - warrior, fought in the Battle of Ravenloft, resistant to necrotic attacks. Bestowed the name *Geistslayer* for his efforts in destroying minions of evil during the war.
* **Bjorn** - child, rescued from the shoosuva.
* **Violet** - child, rescued from the shoosuva, helped lead the party to the Amber Temple.
Emerald Enclave

The **Emerald Enclave** is a widespread group of wilderness survivalists who preserve the natural order by rooting out unnatural threats. They struggle to keep civilization and the wilderness from destroying one another.

## Ranks

The Enclave has the following ranks from lowest to highest: Springwarden, Summerstrider, Autumnreaver, Winterstalker, and Master of the Wild.

## Activities

Members of the Enclave swear an oath to protect nature in all its forms, and members are ready to give up their own lives in service of the cause and to preserve the balance.

The Emerald Enclave is the de facto authority in the walled abbey of Goldenfields.

## History

The Emerald Enclave was founded over a millenia ago initially as a small druidic conclave.

In the last century a small group broke away from the Enclave and founded the Amethyst Affiliation, based out of the Border Kingdoms in Faerûn, who ostensibly have almost identical goals.

## Members

### Current

* Sevembta Tumblelead, halfling druid that watches over Goldenfields.
* Erkas Forestmight, Springwarden
* Rif of the Elderglen, Springwarden

### Former

* Lafli Vineblower, sits on the Ruling Council of Waycrest
Church of St Andral

The **Church of St Andral** is the primary place of worship in Barovia's largest town, Vallaki, and is the second most holy site in Barovia's Church of the Morninglord.

The Church was founded by St Andral, a follower of the Morninglord, to provide sanctuary. The current priest is His Holiness Father Lucien. The current gravedigger is Millivoj, and the altar boy is Yester.

The land of the Church of St Andral was hallowed grounds from approximately Y385 until Y735, protecting it from the presence of evil beings. This protection ended with the Feast, when Count Strahd von Zarovich destroyed the bones of the Saint.

## History

### Hallowed Grounds

After the devastation of the Feast Strahd described to Hallgrimm Mikkenson and Narid Ashplantt how St Andral was a common follower of the Morninglord that lived around the year Y385, roughly 350 years before the present day.

St Andral stood against Strahd, and Strahd's own guards betrayed him and joined St Andral. They hid in St Andral's house and as Strahd could not enter without permission they were safe in there. After St Andral took a stand against Strahd and fought him unsuccessfully at Castle Ravenloft his sacrifice caused the land to become hallowed when his bones were laid to rest there.

### The Feast

See the Feast.

After the bones of St Andral had been stolen from the church Father Lucien enlisted the help of the party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Sigismund "the Bold", Narid Ashplantt, and Ireena Kolyana to recover the bones. The party were able to track the bones down to the home and workshop of the town coffin maker, Henrik.

When the party arrived at Henrik's it was apparent that all was not well. When they made it inside Henrik was hidden downstairs and he confirmed that the bones were upstairs, but he was vigorously reluctant to go upstairs to retrieve them. He advised that Strahd had paid him a visit and delivered nine crates to be stored upstairs in the property, and forced him to obtain the bones.

As the party made it upstairs Hallgrimm managed to locate the bones and concealed them on his person, however Narid had located the crates and concurrently seeking to find the bones unwittingly released a vampire spawn, who awakened another five from the remaining crates. One of the spawns instructed: *"Get the bones, the feast begins."*

The party fought in vain against the vampire spawns, unable to contain them or match them in battle, and the spawns spilled out into the street of Vallaki, killing many innocent townsfolk and valiant guards alike. As Hallgrimm bore down on the Church of St Andral with the bones in his possession he was cut off by Strahd himself riding a flying black stallion of fire, who obliterated a squad of guards with a single fireball on the steps of the church. Hallgrimm fell to his knees and handed over the bones, knowing all resistance to be futile.

From interrogating a captured vampire spawn after the Feast, the party were able to determine that Strahd had given them instruction to "create chaos".
Dawn War

The **Dawn War** was the war between the primordials and the gods in the Astral Plane in eras that became known as the Blue Age and the Shadow Epoch.

The Dawn War began when the mad god Tharizdun marshaled the primordials against the gods in a bid for universal domination.

Shar and Selûne both moved to defend the newly born worlds of Realmspace against the primordial threat. Other gods were born from the conflict or were summoned from other universes, such as the world of Nerath, also ravaged by the conflicts of the war, to aid the native gods in their struggles against the primordials and their servants.

In one of the most violent battles of the war, the dragon god Io, in his arrogance, faced alone a primordial called Erek-Hus, the King of Terror, and was killed when the primordial cleaved him in two with his adamantine axe. The same legend told that Bahamut and Tiamat were born from the two halves of the god, and joined forces to kill the primordial before they began to fight against each other. Only when Tiamat fled the battle did both dragon gods aid the other gods in the war, though they preferred to work alone. Some dragonborn believed their race was born in that battle, when the first dragonborn arose from Io's blood.

The goddess of dawn Tierra was struck down and killed during the war.

Eons passed, and the Blue Age became the Shadow Epoch after the sun was devoured by the primordial known as Dendar the Night Serpent.

Finally, the primordial Ubtao turned against his kin and aided the gods in imprisoning many of his former allies. In the aftermath, the sun was recreated and the oceans thawed.
Thousand Year War

The **Thousand Year War** was the major conflict fought between giants and dragons which occurred between -26,000 DR and -25,000 DR.

According to Zephyros it is more likely that the conflict continued long afterwards, until the north of Ostoria was swallowed up by the great glacier in -2,550 DR.

During the war between dragons and giants, the fire giants forged an enormous construct specifically designed to kill their winged foes.

The war ended in a stalemate, but the losses inflicted on the giants ultimately lead to the crumbling of their empire, Ostoria.
Kavan

> *"Long have I waited for one that is worthy of my spear."*
>
>

**Kavan** was a ruthless chieftain whose tribe lived in the Balinok Mountains centuries before the arrival of Strahd von Zarovich. Although he was very much alive, Kavan had some traits in common with vampires, he slept through the day and hunted at night, he drank the blood of his prey, and he lived underground.

Davian Martikov stated that Kavan was one of Barovia's native mountainfolk.

In battle he wielded a spear stained with blood. His was the first blood spear, a weapon that drains life from those it kills and transfers that life to its wielder, imbuing that individual with the stamina to keep fighting.

Following the defeat of his people by Strahd's forces, the Gulthias Tree was burnt to the ground and the bodies of the slain burnt in a great pyre. When asked why the native forces had abandoned their insurgency tactics to engage in a clearly doomed pitched battle, Kavan, a captured native, replied simply: “Wintersplinter”.

At Yester Hill Kavan's spirit called out to Narid Ashplantt and asked him to take his spear. Narid dug into one of the ceremonial cairns and located the Blood Spear of Kavan, which is now in his possession.

## Kavan's Call to Narid

*"Long have I waited for one that is worthy of my spear. I have waited since the early days of the whispering wall. The spear can be yours - retrieve it from me. Now you are Kavan. I fought to be free, for nature, for the natural world. Now you can continue my fight."*
1483 DR

* The War of Green Fields continues between the Cosarchian Kingdom and the Rosarian Kingdom, with little movement of battle lines.
* In Londinium the owner of Alba'ar's Bazaar is rescued from his own malfunctioning magical defences by Wrelen Kindrock and Karo Amakiir.
* Bounty hunter Saphara Mystan is rescued from death by Meqalbecouatl and becomes a warlock.
1487 DR

## Faerûn-wide

* The Shattering of the Ordning occurs, causing unrest amongst giant-kin.
* Queen Neri, wife of Storm King Hekaton, is killed.

## Border Kingdoms

* Destruction being caused by The War spills into the Border Kingdoms, displacing many.
* In Thollos there is an attempted assassination of Lord Duckmountain, one of the Four Lords of Cosarchia, during the Midwinter Festival. Mocic Ashplantt is wrongly imprisoned for the attempt.
* Mentasacro is razed by the Rosarian Kingdom's forces, fronted by an azer that is only stopped when the party of Taagon Willowwind, Rong, and Wrelen Kindrock defeat him.
* King Firgil of the Rosarian Kingdom passes away and is succeeded by his son, King Sergius.
* War of Green Fields ends, with Thollos being officially declared independent, and surrounding Cosarchian settlements being annexed by Rosaria.
* The secret lair of an immensely powerful wizard, Lazarus, is located in Sedossa. Rong, Wrelen Kindrock, Zemli Dubovoye, and George defeated the lingering threats within.
* Wrelen Kindrock's soul is ripped from his body by the void card of the Deck of Many Things.
* In Waycrest dragonborn Saphara Mystan is killed in battle by Josiah Exotic.
* At Maygar's Hill a battle ensues for leadership of the Brotherhood of Free Goblins, Grugs comes out on top.
* Party of Estrid Stormbringer, Karo Amakiir, and Clerebold Quentin kill Ghazuul of the Council of Cerberus. Days later the surviving Council of Cerberus members attack the party this time accompanied by Grimgrim Iron Jaw and Katoo Gosnyoka, but are defeated with Imra Balfiel being imprisoned.
* The party discover Waycrest Ruling Council member Carolyn Bearskin is secretly an oni weakening Waycrest from the inside. She is defeated but kills two other Ruling Council members during the melee.
* At the same time the city is assaulted by a cloud giant flying fortress - the Skyswept Palace. Many civilians are killed but ultimately the fortress is taken down by the adventurers.
* Three new members of the Waycrest Ruling Council are elected.

## Sword Coast

* Nightstone is assaulted by a cloud giant flying fortress, with the villages monolith being stolen by giants.
* The villagers flee to the hills where they are captured by goblins before being liberated by Estrid Stormbringer, Clerebold Quentin, and Grimgrim Iron Jaw. In the meantime Nightstone has been occupied by Zhentarim forces.
* The Doom attacks Zephyros' Tower and crashes it to the ground.

## Chultan Peninsula

* At the Autumn Festival at the Ahmakiq Valley the peace between the two tribes, Cocolia and Necalli, breaks down into a blood bath. Taagon Willowwind, Rong, and Kurk of the Lastfingers are able to prevent the total annihilation of the Cocolia.
* The three adventurers reach Tunde Mountain in search of Wrelen Kindrock's soul. During battle with Trog the hill giant Rong is killed. With the help of Seazkale Kruvah the surviving two adventurers defeat a blue dragon wyrmling and locate the bracelet containing Wrelen Kindrock's soul.

## See also

* Timeline of Episodic Violence
* Timeline of Council of Cerberus & Boundless Horizon
* Timeline of Storm King's Thunder
Meqalbecouatl

The celestial **Meqalbecouatl** is the archetype lawful good and is currently present in the Border Kingdoms.

Meqalbecouatl believes that the Rosarian Royal Magus Lyrei Ravanelis is evil and wishes to prevent her obtaining the Three Relics of Feohorn.

## Patron

Meqalbecouatl was the patron of Saphara Mystan. Saphara's desire for vengeance lead to her seeking out villains beyond her abilities and in 1483 DR she found herself in a duel she could not win. It was in this battle that Meqalbecouatl was first presented to her and struck down the enemy before Mystan was finished. From this day Saphara pledged her undying allegiance to Meqalbecouatl and became a warlock.

Before the dragonborn's death Meqalbecouatl had asked Saphara to come to the Cosarchian Kingdom to prevent the Three Relics of Feohorn falling into the hands of Lyrei Ravanelis, however Saphara's lust for justice and inability to compromise her beliefs lead to her once more engaging in a battle she couldn't win, and she died in battle in the city of Waycrest.
Berez

**Berez** is a mysterious and lesser known settlement in Barovia. It is located south-west of Vallaki in swampy marshland adjacent to the Luna River.

Archwizard Khazan stated that Baba Lysaga was living in the heart of the ruins of Berez. Acres of swamp, mist, and scarecrows ward off any potential wanderers. He stated that the only other person he has seen making the trip into Berez in his time is Jenny Greenteeth.

## History

It was written in Y397 that *Berez is a newly established but rapidly growing village, run by the Burgomaster, Lazlo Ulrich. Located in fertile lowlands along the Western Bank of the Luna River, Berez is quickly gaining a reputation as “the breadbasket of Barovia” exporting agricultural goods throughout the valley and beyond. It is not the merchants that have recently caught the eye of the Lord of the Land, however. In his most recent visits to Berez, Strahd von Zarovich has not been spending his time with Lazlo, but with his daughter, Marina. Marina hasn't taken to the additional attention coming from Strahd, but still he persists.*

According to Kasimir Velikov, Berez flooded and reduced to ruins, and afterwards Baba Lysaga moved in, flooding the surrounding lands. Lady Fiona Wachter advised that Berez is "lost to us" and now in ruins. Strahd confirmed that he himself flooded the town and destroyed it as a result of the Burgomaster preventing Strahd from marrying his daughter. He stated he was not aware of Baba Lysaga being present however.

Davian Martikov believes he managed to track down the stolen Red Dragon Crush gem to the settlement, but stated it was too dangerous for him and his family to attempt to retrieve.
Lords' Alliance

A number of Faerûnian cities and settlements banded together to form the **Lords' Alliance**, a coalition that works actively to eliminate threats to their mutual safety and prosperity. The coalition is loose - some might even call it shaky. Alliance leaders push their own interests above counterparts from other cities, and operatives seek honour and glory for themselves and their own lords at the expense of less powerful members.

They are the greatest antagonists of the Zhentarim.

## Members

### Current

* Baldur's Gate
* Neverwinter
* Waterdeep
* Daggerford
* Triboar

### Past

* Everlund, left 1485 DR following the War of the Silver Marches
* Sundabar, left 1485 DR following the War of the Silver Marches

## Agents

### Current

* Lady Morwen (Daggerford)
* Lord Protector Darathra Shendrel (Triboar)
* Strog Thunderblade (Goldenfields)
* Hantanus Tarm (Goldenfields)
* Klevin Van'Sheran (Port Nyanzaru)

### Past

* Lady Velrosa Nandar, deceased (Nightstone)
Erlkazar

The Kingdom of **Erlkazar** is a mountainous country located immediately to the east of Tethyr and south-east of Amn. It spans part of the so-called Iltkazar Range, an old and immense mountain chain of Faerûn which has now eroded into the separated-but-related ranges of the Alimir Mountains, Omlarandin Mountains, Kuldin Peaks, Snowflake Mountains and Giant’s Run Mountains.

   Erlkazar is one of the few nations in Faerûn to have well-defined borders, a result from its former status as the Duchy Elestam of the Kingdom of Tethyr, which such borders were marked out.

## History

When Elestam seceded from Tethyr during its civil war, it maintained its former borders in the west and secured new territory in the south and east. Now that Tethyr’s civil war is concluded, the border between the two nations has been formalised by treaty, although Tethyr seems to harbour some hopes of a future rapproachment of the two nations. Founded only in 1348 DR, Erlkazar is still a new, young nation trying to establish itself in the world.

## Government

Erlkazar is a hereditary monarchy descending from the last Duke of Elestam, who was also the first King of Erlkazar. Erlkazar does possess a second line of authority in the ruling barons of the realm - the kingdom is split into five baronies.

## Notable locations

* Llorbauth - capital city
* Myefod - village
* Hickory Hollow - large forest on the southern border
Londinium

**Londinium** is a major merchant city in Faerûn.

It is home to a well-known school of magic, which was attended by Wrelen Kindrock in 1482 DR, as well as a huge number of commercial enterprises such as Alba'ar Kalreid's store of magic.

## History

Londinium is a historic city which has long been a centre for commerce and trade.

Around 1430 DR the city and surrounding lands became plagued by a devil, Duathator, who brought fire and brimstone, and a dark cult arose around him. Together they spread fear and death across the province. Eventually Duathator was defeated by Archpriest Nikon of Londinium and a travelling young cleric of Tymora - Zemli Dubovoye.

In order to prevent Duathator's evil returning to the world Archpriest Nikon sealed his bones away beneath a temple and placed divine wards on it to stop Duathator's cult from reaching them.

In 1482 DR, long after Archpriest Nikon had passed away, the cult of Duathator came to learn of the location of their master's bones and of the nature of the wards protecting them, and pillaged Nikon's skull from his family tomb in order to undo the wards and resurrect their dark master.

Luckily, before Duathator was able to escape the temple and begin to wreak havoc once more Wrelen Kindrock, along with a few guards from the city, was able to defeat him and his cult, and return Archpriest Nikon's skull.
Erkas Forestmight

**Erkas Forestmight** is a firbolg from Lonelywood in the Icewind Dale region.

He is a Springwarden of the Emerald Enclave and through his devotion to Annam All-Father has pledged an oath to devote himself to the natural order.

## History

Erkas was born in 1358 DR into a simple but honest family, and it was Erkas' parents that taught him to live his life in virtue and seclusion, trusting in the great Annam All-Father to ensure their honest way of life was rewarded. His upbringing was fairly isolated and the few peers he met from other clansfolk he developed a habit of looking down upon, considering their less "pure" and simplistic lifestyles to lessen their strength and their value.

## Personality

Erkas has an introverted nature and is not concerned with how others perceive him. He considers himself to be a bulwark against threats to Lonelywood and the wider landscape. He has a general distrust of authorities and large settlements. The loose association of misfits in the Ten Towns suits him well.

## Relationships

Erkas Forestmight has no close friends or relationships. He is not on unfriendly terms with his immediate family, but they do not live in the Icewind Dale and so his contact with them is limited.

## Abilities

The strength of conviction of Erkas' oath to defend the natural order has bestowed on him magic abilities exceeding those of his family.

Owing to the time he has lived in Icewind Dale surrounded by the melting pot of races that seek refuge in the furthest reach of Faerûn Erkas is able to speak giant, common, elvish, and halfling.
Tser Pool

**Tser Pool** is a lake which sits at the foot of Tser Falls, a tall waterfall of a river running from Lake Mikkenson.

The area is known for its Vistani camp, home of the legendary Madam Eva.

Tser Pool was the final resting place of Wizard H, revealed by Madam Eva to be Archwizard Khazan, who was defeated by Count Strahd von Zarovich in Y734.

Hallgrimm Mikkenson was able to locate Khazan's Ring of Spell Holding deep beneath the waterfall, which had the Sylvan inscription *"In my final battle, during my final fall, I cast my final spells, to help your final cause."*
Father Lucien

His Holiness **Father Lucien** is a priest of the Morninglord who practices at the Church of St Andral in Vallaki.

He proved to be a useful ally to the forces of good, passing on his wisdom and providing spiritual guidance to Narid Ashplantt as the ranger's faith in the Morninglord was kindled.

## History

Father Lucien is the well-respected priest of the Church of St Andral.

He enlisted the assistance of the party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Sigismund the "Bold", Narid Ashplantt, and Ireena Kolyana in order to try and retrieve the stolen bones of St Andral in order to restore the hallowed nature of the church grounds. The party were ultimately unsuccessful as Strahd von Zarovich and his forces penetrated the town of Vallaki and Strahd himself took the bones and crushed them. Father Lucien responded by providing shelter to the terrified townsfolk within the church's walls.

He provided an eloquent parable at the Festival of the Blazing Sun and introduced Narid for his own speech.
1485 DR

* The War of the Silver Marches ends in victory for the Silver Marches. The cities of Everlund and Sundabar separated from the Lords' Alliance as a show of protest against the perceived lack of support they received during the war.
* The War of Green Fields continues between the Cosarchian Kingdom and the Rosarian Kingdom, with little movement of battle lines.
* Duke Maldwyn, the most recent ruler of Daggerford prior to his sister Lady Morwen, was murdered by a group of adventurers seeking affection from his mistress Natyssa.
* In Waterdeep Ralhak Kharonite Jr of the Metaphysical Investigation Collective found the instructions for the mysterious ritual of the Left-Right Trail.
* The Broken Sword summoned a small number of their most notorious affiliates for a mission so important that the elusive "One" himself delivered the instruction to those chosen for the contract - King Myk Hy-Orf, Lokiel, and Baldwin Darkheart. The three of them were tasked with locating the lost Tower of the Ancient.
Werewolves of the Huntress

The **Werewolves of the Huntress**, also known as the *Mountainthropes*, are a group of werewolves that worship the Huntress of the Mountain Fane. They are based in a cavernous den to the west of Lake Baratok.

Whilst under the leadership of the fearsome Kiril Stoyanovich they were incorporated into the Children of the Mother Night and forced to worship Mother Night, until Y735 when the party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Narid Ashplantt, and Eklyre Temere defeated them and killed Kiril in battle.

## History

Before Kiril, the Children of the Mother Night were lead by Skennis, who taught the tribe that their lycanthropy was a gift and should be respected as such. They would maintain a low profile and only kill to feed.

At some point in the last couple of years Kiril took Skennis' place as the alpha and sought to expand their influence and swell their ranks more aggressively. Under Kiril's leadership they would capture a group of children and make them fight one another to the death. The winners would then be infected with lycanthropy and forced to join the group. A surviving adult member of the group, Zuleika Toranescu, estimated that there were hundreds of werewolves in Barovia, although they were not all particularly strong.

Zuleika elected not to fight the party with Kiril and the rest of the clan and after the others were defeated she told the party that her husband, Emil Toranescu, was being held prisoner in Castle Ravenloft. Narid briefly encountered Emil in the Ravenloft dungeon.
Kurk of the Lastfingers

Chieftain **Kurk** **of the Lastfingers** tribe is a kobold from the Border Kingdoms. The Lastfingers tribe have always lived on Red Crest Pass, and recently were brought to their current home inside White Bear Mountain by Wrelen Kindrock.

Kurk is loyal to the "Allfather" Wrelen Kindrock who had spent time nurturing the Lastfingers tribe's loyalty, bringing food and gifts including Myst, the worg mount Kurk rode.

## History

When Wrelen's soul was lost Kurk chose to answer the call and assist Rong and Taagon Willowwind on the quest to Chult to return it. The three of them, along with Bulzo Warmwater, began the trip inland to find it and encountered a portal to the Astral Plane outside the tiny village of Puentlatoani, whilst in the process of finding the missing Jarber Jamjar.

Taagon, Rong, and Kurk made it to the Ahmakiq Valley in time for the Autumn Festival of the Cocolia and Necalli tribes, which decended into a bloodbath. The adventurers are narrowly able to prevent the militant Necalli tribe from enslaving the Cocolia, with Kurk striking down their fearsome leader Mic Chapulin with the fateful shot.

Their search lead them to Tunde Mountain, known to locals as "Kobold Mountain", and they entered the cavern. They fought off several waves of kobold ambushers as well as countless swarms of cave-dwelling insects and defeated a muscular kobold referred to as "Swolbold". In the ferocious fighting Kurk's mount Myst was killed. Kurk did not participate in the battle with Trog the hill giant in which Rong was killed, but he did fight with Taagon and Seazkale Kruvah to defeat a blue dragon wyrmling and retrieve a bracelet containing Wrelen's soul, as well as the rest of the hoard.

He spent most of 1488 DR working for Wrelen and increasing the size of the Lastfingers tribe, until he managed to get extremely lost in the last three months of the year. By 1489 DR he ended up in the hamlet of Brisbyrg, finding himself there along with two other adventurers, Aeron Dunkrild and Veil of a Mask, and they were to learn of the Grim Harvest tolled by Lord Winterthorn. The three of them were able to narrowly defeat him and his minions, freeing the surrounding villages.

As Veil of a Mask and Kurk headed south in the months that followed they spent a night in the village of Myefod in the kingdom of Erlkazar. Their breakfast was interrupted as they were asked to help find a missing family that the local wizard had managed to locate deep in the nearby forest. They were joined by Bulzo Warmwater as they headed out and locate the family, right in time before they were sacrificed and eaten by a group of kobolds.
Zephyros

**Zephyros** is a cloud giant wizard and scholar. He owned and operated the floating fortress "Zephyros' Tower", before it was permanently grounded by The Doom.

Since the Shattering of the Ordning Zephyros has been consulting with higher beings to see how he may help repair it.

In 1487 DR he arrived in Nightstone after being told the word "Nightstone", and donated 200gp compensation to assist with the rebuilding efforts. He agreed to assist Estrid Stormbringer, Clerebold Quentin, and Grimgrim Iron Jaw in their travels as he believed they may be the smallfolk the higher beings had instructed him to seek.

He stated that for 50 years prior to this he had been floating high above the Moonshae Isles.

## History

### Recent history

Zephyros and his tower arrived at the gates of Nightstone and was greeted by the party, who ascended the cloud stairs to meet him. He agreed to help them in their cause and set off for Goldenfields whilst consulting higher beings to provide them with information. Zephyros' Tower was visited by a mysterious group claiming to act on behalf of the "Old and Sunken One, Lord of the Deep", seeking to reach an accord. Zephyros stated he did not know who they were referring to and when the adventurers became hostile towards the demands they were seen off.

The following day a blue dragon that went by the name "The Doom" came to declare that Zephyros should have taken the kraken's deal, and destroyed Zephyros' Tower whilst stealing his walrus horn.

## Consulting higher beings

When consulting with higher beings to attempt to fix the Ordning he was given the following guidance.

### First consultation

* "Where should I go to help fix the Ordning?"
	+ "Nightstone."
* "Who should I meet there to help me?"
	+ "Smallfolk."
* "What do the smallfolk have to do with fixing the Ordning?"
	+ "Pilgrimage."
* "Who will take them there?"
	+ "Greyhands."
* "Where are they going?"
	+ "Eye."

He was also told that his meddling would bring about "Doom".

### Second consultation

* "Is the eye which is the destination of the smallfolk a physical location?"
	+ "Yes."
* "What is the race of the killer of Queen Neri?"
	+ "Smallfolk."
* "How is the death of Queen Neri linked to the Shattering?"
	+ "Consequence."
* "What is the Doom?"
	+ "Dragon."
* "What is Greyhands, that will take the smallfolk on their pilgrimage?"
	+ "Frost giant."

### Third consultation

* "Which is the nearest settlement to Greyhands, the Frost Giant?"
	+ ""
* "What is the Lord of the Deep?"
	+ ""
* "Did the Lords' Alliance kill Queen Neri?"
	+ ""
* "Does Skoreous Stonebones know Grimgrim Iron Jaw's name?"
	+ ""
* "Proud of me/how become stone giant"
	+ ""
Border Kingdoms

The **Border Kingdoms** occupy an area of lush grasslands between the Lake of Steam and the Shaar. This area is divided politically into many smaller principalities and kingdoms. Because of the instability of the Border Kingdoms, no accurate maps exist and the borders move around as rulers and boundaries change. A borderer is the name given to an inhabitant of the Border Kingdoms.

## Etymology

The region's most well known name, the "Border Kingdoms," was coined by sages in Sembia due to them being viewed as an obstacle to Calimshan's expansion and their ability to remain steadfast in the face of constant turmoil.

## Geography

The Border Kingdoms have a coastline to the west where they meet the Shining Sea. This coastline extends from the mouth of the River Scelptar in the south to the opening of the Lake of Steam in the north, at Theymarsh. The northern edge of the Border Kingdoms is bordered by the Lake of Steam and this natural border continues east for about 700 miles to the town of Alamontyr, the easternmost settlement. The border with the Shaar is not a definite one although it runs roughly southwest from Alamontyr back to the coastal rivermouth of the Scelptar.

## Background

The warm climate of the Border Kingdoms and the fertility of the low-lying grasslands mean that crops grow easily and food is never short. The winters are very mild compared with areas further north, and this combined with the abundance of food makes adventuring a popular pursuit. The excess food produced is traded with merchants from other places, especially Vilhon Reach, in exchange for trade goods.

Conflict is common in the Border Kingdoms. The Borderers have cause to fight the Calishite armies from the west, the invading nomads of the Shaar from the east and south, and also fighting between themselves over territory.

## Regions

* Cosarchian Kingdom
* Rosarian Kingdom
* Thollos city-state
* Waycrest city-state
Abbot of St Markovia

> "*Since he came it has not been the same." -- Burgomaster Dmitri Krezkov*
>
>

The **Abbot of St Markovia** is a deva that resides at the Abbey of St Markovia.

When the party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Sigismund, and Narid Ashplantt arrived at Krezk they were told by Burgomaster Dmitri Krezkov that the Abbey had been closed for a long time until around 100 years ago when the current Abbot arrived. Dmitri advised that since the Abbot arrived it has not been the same and people no longer use the Abbey to worship. In this time the Abbot does not appear to have aged, which is likely due to his race.

Count Strahd von Zarovich told the party that the abbot originally came to Barovia to try and convert Strahd himself to become a follower of the Morninglord, and would then try to raise followers to fight against Strahd. Eventually he settled into the Abbey and began to heal people, then "improve" them.

Dmitri advised that whenever someone approaches the Abbot for his assistance there is always a cost.

The Abbey is now populated by "mongrelfolk" which are stitched together cross-species monstrosities that the Abbot creates as a hobby.

When a recently deceased Ireena Kolyana was handed over to the Abbot's care by the party they were horrified to find that he chose to revive her but then hand her over to Strahd in an attempt to keep him happy. In combat he was completely unperturbed by the party's efforts to harm him.
St Markovia

**St Markovia** was a follower of the Morninglord that dedicated her life to helping the downtrodden and to building the Abbey of St Markovia for them.

According to Father Lucien, St Markovia challenged Count Strahd von Zarovich and fought him alone in the catacombs of Castle Ravenloft. She knew that she did not stand a chance of defeating him alone, but sacrificed herself to save Krezk. After she was defeated she walked out of Ravenloft alongside Strahd. Khazan stated that St Markovia was raised as an undead and taken out to show the people what happens to those who stand against him.

Her remains laid in the catacombs of Castle Ravenloft with the inscription *"Dead for all time"*. When Narid entered her tomb her spirit appeared and thanked him and the adventurers for killing Strahd, then her and her thighbone turned to ashes. Narid collected the ashes in a vial and scattered them over the Pool of the White Sun.
Vampyr

**Vampyr** is one of the Dark Powers and is trapped within the Amber Temple.

Count Strahd von Zarovich described to the party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Narid Ashplantt, and Eklyre Temere how he was Vampyr's Champion and as a result he was trapped in Barovia. He believed that if he found a willing successor they would be able to take his place and he would be able to finally leave.

Strahd stated that Vampyr's mind would penetrate through his amber coffin and try turn the party into vampires should they visit the Amber Temple.

Dr Rudolph van Richten confirmed he knew of Vampyr and described him as one of the Dark Powers, along with Vecra and Malarmet. He attempted to lift Hallgrimm and Narid's polymorph curses but could not, indicating that it felt as though they had perhaps been bestowed on them by a Dark Power.
Faerûn

**Faerûn** is a major continent on the planet of Toril.

The continent includes terrain that is as varied as any other. Besides the exterior coastline to the west and south, the most dominant feature on the continent is the Sea of Fallen Stars. This is an irregular inland sea that keeps the interior lands fertile, connects the west and east regions of Faerûn, and serves as a major trade route for many of the bordering nations.

Next in significance is the Shaar, a broad region of grasslands in the south that, together with the Lake of Steam, separates the area around the inland sea from the coastal nations at the southern edge of the continent. To the east, Faerûn is bordered by a vast region of steppes from Kara-Tur, and in the north are massive glaciers (Pelvuria and Reghed) and tundra. South of the continent, separated by the Great Sea, is the sub-tropical land of Zakhara.

## History

The entire continent for Faerûn was at one time part of an empire of giants known as Ostoria.

See also: War of the Silver Marches.

## Regions

### Sword Coast

The Sword Coast is a region along the western coast of Faerûn.

## Major settlements

* Amn
* Border Kingdoms
* Calimshan
* Chult
* Erlkazar
* Moonshae Isles
* Waterdeep
Ostoria

**Ostoria** was the ancient empire of giants which once covered all of Faerûn. Its society was strictly arranged in line with the Ordning.

Ostoria was dissolved after the giants were engaged in a long war against dragons in which, although not comprehensively defeated, the giants' strength was depleted to a point they could no longer project enough power over the empire to maintain it.

Around four millenia ago "Skyrkongr" Knothling made the empty claim to be "Sky King" of Ostoria, which would have made him the final ruler of the empire.

Zephyros stated that the rightful last ruler of Ostoria was more likely Lanaxis, a titan and a demigod.

Cloud giants believe themselves to be the rightful heirs of Ostoria.

Cloud giants used to create and operate flying fortresses made of tangible clouds throughout the continent, however since the fall of Ostoria the secrets of constructing these giant castles has been lost. Less than 30 still exist, some inoperable and some in desperate need of repair. These fortresses would roam lands demanding tributes in the form of treasures and archaelogical artifacts.

One such fortress was the Skyswept Palace, which was destroyed after assaulting Waycrest in 1487 DR apparently seeking the Knight Stone.

Another attacked the village of Nightstone days later, forcefully taking the obsidian monolith which sat at the centre of the village and from where its name was derived.

A third is operated by Zephyros and bears a comically oversized magician's hat on top.
Myefod

The village of **Myefod** is a small 60-man village located within the kingdom of Erlkazar in Faerûn. The occupants of the village are mostly trappers, hunters, and lumberjacks, with some tradesmen and their families. Myefod is only about a days walk away from the town of Shalane, and lies at the edge of a forest.

The forest consists mostly of tall pine trees with other hardwoods such as cedar and oak. It also has a rich variety of game such as squirrels, deer, and rabbits.

While the immediate area is considered mostly safe, the hunters and trappers speak of strange sounds that they sometimes hear from deep within the forest.

In the winter of 1489 DR the Holborn family went missing and the village's worst fears were confirmed when the local wizard Chariz managed to magically locate them at a set of abandoned ruins miles to the south. Luckily a group of adventurers were at hand, and Veil of a Mask, Kurk of the Lastfingers, and Bulzo Warmwater answered the call.

After being ambushed by large forest spiders and discovering kobold corpses in the spiders' lair the group manage to find a group of kobolds holding some sort of ritual around a large pot. After Kurk tried and failed to reason with the kobolds he assassinated their leader and a large battle broke out, with the adventurers managing to come out on top and take one kobold prisoner. The Holborn family were found and released and brought back to Myefod to recover.

Veil, Kurk, and Bulzo were declared heroes of the village and a festival was thrown in their honour. They were offered ownership of a home in the village as thanks.
Sergei von Zarovich

**Sergei von Zarovich** was the second son of King Barov von Zarovich and Queen Ravenovia, born 11 years after his elder brother Strahd von Zarovich. Sergei studied as a priest of the Morninglord from a young age, and travelled to Barovia a few years after Castle Ravenloft was re-constructed to become ordained.

Strahd was excited to have his brother with him in Castle Ravenloft, and afforded Sergei every opportunity to complete his studying. Sergei was an excellent swordsman in his own right, and aided Strahd with the training of the guards when time allowed it, but did not take up any military duties at Castle Ravenloft.

Unfortunately for Strahd, Sergei fell in love with a woman named Tatyana that Strahd himself had shown an interest in, and they were to be married within a year, with Sergei abandoning his post as a priest.

Lord Victor Wachter attended the doomed wedding of Sergei von Zarovich in the year Y351, where Leo Dilisnya, a member of the Ba'al Verzi, orchestrated a massacre intended to wipe out the von Zarovichs, leaving the magical blade at the scene. Victor managed to survive, but Sergei, as well as Victor's brother and sister in law Reinhold and Gertrude, and his wife Oleka, were among the many who died in Castle Ravenloft that day.

According to Strahd's Tome it was not Leo Dilisnya that killed Sergei, but Strahd himself that commited fratricide in an attempt to steal his bride in accordance with a deal made with Vampyr.

The Abbot of St Markovia confirmed that Strahd tried to steal his brother's wife, and became transfixed by her.

Sergei's remains now lie in a crypt in the catacombs beneath Castle Ravenloft.

After his death, Archwizard Khazan was ordered by Strahd to destroy his sword; a platinum hilt and guard, with a thin crystal blade as strong as diamond. Khazan managed to disassemble and destroy the blade, but the hilt was stolen. It would later be placed within Sergei's crypt and would become the Sword of Sunlight, the fundamental weapon during the Battle of Ravenloft in which Sergei's brother finally met his end.

Sergei's face is engraved on the silver coins of Barovia, however Strahd had removed silver coins from circulation. It is unknown whether the two facts are related, or whether the coins being removed has anything to do with lycanthropes in the valley. Strahd himself would suggest it was nothing to do with him and was in fact because people kept melting them down for silvering weapons, but that he was happy to see his brother's face gone.
Brocc Ningel Stumbleduck Brightblade

**Brocc Ningel Stumbleduck Brightblade**, "Pirate King, King of the Gnomes" is a gnome that escaped from the captivity of the Skullfuckers Pirate Gang and made it to the safety of the city of Leon.

When he was initially captured his entire clan were killed by the pirates during the raid.

Since obtaining the shooting sticks from Drussus Skullskewer Brocc was declared *Pirate King, King of the Gnomes*, and is waited on by two small gnomish slaves Calpip Tinyhat, Bilton Pottymouth and an ebony skinned butler named Django.