Welvog Tare

*"Do as you are ordered, and live. Outlive your superiors and the world is yours."*

-Welvog Tare

## History

Welvog Tare's background was vague, but it was generally understood that he had been a member of the Mydra Tura Thieves' Guild who had gone to be a soldier of significant reputation. It was this reputation that somewhat justified his ascension to Archon of Mydra Tura. Nonetheless, it was perceived as a strange choice, since Welvog Tare was not from a noble family, and had no network of political connections. He was considered a weak Archon, and the major power players of Mydra Tura felt permitted to act without his approval.

Before his ascension but after his retirement from the army, Welvog Tare served as the secret Guildmaster of the Mydra Tura Thieves' Guild, and counted the support of all six guildmasters in Rhomduil's cities. The guild financed and backed the priestess Idas Gharna, propelling her to the rank of Keeper of the Mydra Tura Shrine. In return, he was to appoint Welvog Tare as her Archon. Tare had connections amongst other thief guilds across the world, and was part of a conspiracy to steer countries to war so that the guilds might profit from arms trading, smuggling, and mercenary activities. His elevation to the Holy Council was a coup for the conspirators; the first time a thief Guildmaster had ever set foot in that august body.

Over the years to come, Idas Gharna and Welvog Tare have had to work as partners in governance and intrigue, despite not really getting along. Out of sheer necessity, they have come to trust each other.

## Personality

The job of Archon bored him, and he considered it an unlikable post-retirement duty. This is not to say that he is not alert and cunning - he is a keenly intelligent man, self-disciplined and self-controlled, and with a ruthless capacity to sense weakness.

Tare cultivates a small group of extremely loyal followers who would die for him. He spends his words carefully; he is far more manipulative then anyone would give him credit for. Those who have seen his rare moments of anger would never dream of provoking him again.

Above all, Welvog Tare keeps to himself. He is perhaps the most important world figure that no one has heard of. Profoundly unscrupulous, he used his power to push for world war so that he and his cronies could profit, and yet his ambitions seem grander still. Tare always gained power by carefully sticking his neck out and doing unenviable tasks at the bidding of those who thought they could control it. Nobles and thieves alike thought they had their man on the inside, so to speak, someone to hobnob with the great powers and take the fall if things went south. And yet, Welvog Tare is never as pliable as anyone seems to think. He is power behind the throne of the dark elves; one of the few generals from the War of the Philosopher-Kings to survive, and an ally of the great old ones. The fires of Welvog Tare's ambitions have not faded, and those who know him are beginning to wonder if he will finally make a debut on the world stage as a man of his own. This terrifies them - for no one knows who Welvog Tare really is or what he wants.

## War of the Philosopher-Kings

Welvog Tare would negotiate Rhomduil's cause with Abi Eodauga, joining the Northern Alliance and becoming and the leader of its troops. He would invade World's End alongside Warmaster Mudagog's orcs, proving himself a deft and cautious commander. Upon Mudagog's death, amid increasing clarity that the northern forces would lose, Tare would take his surviving troops and retreat to Rhomduil to bide their time. Any hopes of re-entering the war would be dashed by the wild hunt, which would ravage much of Rhomduil, and inflict grievous casualties on Tare's men before finally being defeated. The Archon would return to his city of Mydra Tura, having neither achieved very much or lost anything of value.

## After the War

As the influence of the great old ones spread across the world, Welvog Tare and the city of Mydra Tura were the most receptive. Already worshipers of Ghaunadaur in his aspect as the Elder Elemental Eye, Tare and Idas Gharna accepted what the five other shrine cities could not - that the time of the gods was at an end. Rhomduil would soon fall into a religious war, with Idas Gharna leading the forces loyal to the great old ones. She would emerge victorious as the Queen of Rhomduil, and would go on to appoint Welvog Tare as the Mortal Sword of Ghaunadaur.

## Great Awakening

*"I am truly disappointed that the cruel fate has placed us in this position, such that I really have no choice other than to unleash my warriors against your population centers. If only you would lay aside these foolish hopes of protecting your resources and return to your homes and families, much bloodshed and woe could be avoided."*

-Welvog Tare

At Queen Idas' command, Welvog Tare would take the opportunity to conquer Celymnaia so that she could crown herself Empress of Celymnaia in addition to Queen of Rhomduil. The occupation would not be a harmonious one, for it became apparent to the Druids of Celymnaia that their new Empress, the High Priestess of Ghaunadar, was determined to desecrate the natural world at the command of his god.

Welvog Tare led the mortal forces of Rhomduil in the Underdark Wars, where he slaughtered countless dwarves. He was recalled to the surface after the destruction of the Thunderdome to contend with the Godhunter himself. After the death of Ubbo-Sathla, Welvog Tare betrayed Idas Gharna by refusing to come to her aid. Welvog Tare attempted to surrender to the Godhunter, but his offer was ignored and Mydra Tura was razed to the ground. The furious Godhunter sought him out and killed him, rightly deeming him a man utterly without scruples, who had brought enormous suffering to the world.

After his death, Raunin Vrane, who had once clashed blades with the Godhunter and emerged the victory, took command of the most defiant drow and put himself under the command of Romilly Mag Raith.