recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Archivists

The Sovereign is the name given by the general public to a group of adventurers that were entrusted by the Watchful Archives to find and gather the Arms of the Betrayers. They are the protagonists of the Beneath Betrayers' Eyes campaign.

## **Members**

### **Main Party Members**

* Anya
* One
* Parphryxus
* Cessa

### **Former Party Members**

* Amafrey (Retired)
* Cedar (Retired)

### **Pets and Companions**

* Abyss
* Síl Croí
* Amity
* Lorophis
Sterling Rams

The Sterling Rams are an adventuring band based in the town of Yana in the Grey Valley. The group is led by Sir Tred Stoneheart, who took over leadership after his mentor Sir Oloric Silveraxe, was slain during the Battle of Yana. They are the protagonists of the Grey Frontier campaign.

## **Name**

The name Sterling Rams was chosen by Tred during the group's first encounter with the Crakehall Hunters, selected as the word "Sterling" meant both "Excellent" and "Silver" (In reference to Oloric Silveraxe) and "Rams" could signify Brumbuck, Oloric's goat steed.

## **Members**

**Main Party Members**

* Tred
* Echthra
* Karr
* Crieff
* Lum

**Former Party Members**

* Oloric Silveraxe (Deceased)

**Pets and Companions**

* Salve
* Alchemy
* Brumbuck
* Grace
* Binky
Cato Sunheart

Marcus Sunheart (Son, Deceased)

Cato Sunheart was the Paladin of Pelor in the village of Yana. He was the husband of Octavia Sunheart and the father of Marcus Sunheart. He served as one of the generals in the Battle of Yana and was slain by Thoradin after defending the town gate against the Defiant Legion.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Cato was a 5'8" human man with brown hair. He had a short beard and dark brown eyes. His body was heavily muscled from his years as a paladin. He wears plate armour and a tabard bearing the colours and symbol of Pelor.

### **Personality**

Cato was a serious, angry man. The events of his past, including the loss of his daughter during the Echoes Crisis, caused him to become bitter and racist, particularly towards tieflings and half-orcs. However, he remains a staunch ally and dedicated protector of the people of Yana, trying to overcome his racist nature. He loved his family dearly and the death of his son, Marcus hurt him deeply. In response, he took on the training of Yana for battle as his personal responsibility. He was so devoted to his defence of the town that he gave his life by distracting Jarrett Dewborn from breaking through the gates and attacking the people inside.

His alignment was Lawful Neutral
Staff of Pelor

The Staff of Pelor is a Vestige of the Primes that was once a part of the Sun Tree in Whitestone. It was one of the Vestiges left behind as a lock to Tharizdun's prison. During the Echoes Crisis the staff was cut from the tree and used to free Tharizdun before being wielded by Williner Farnell in the battle against the mad god.

## **Appearance**

The staff is a carved and knotted branch of a tree with a deep red grip made of leather. It has a smooth diamond set into the top of the staff.
Síl Croí

Sil Croi, otherwise known as the Heart Seed, was an archfey from the Feywild who kept Cedar alive following their attack by the Slaugh. He joined the Archivists and set out on the mission to find the Arms of the Betrayers along with Cedar. Eventually, after the defeat of the Skinshaper, Sil Croi absorbed the power of the creature and used it to heal the damage done by it. He passed his Archfey status and healing ability to Cedar, gave the other party members personal gifts, and allowed One to execute him to prevent the Skinshaper from ever spreading its magic again.
Shanna

Shanna was the Warlock who served as the main mage of the Defiant Legion. She arrived in disguise in the village of Yana, posing as a waitress in the Sanctuary Inn. She also began a relationship with Echthra, all based on deception. Following Winter's Crest, she captured "The Six" and killed and crucified them. She took part in the Battle of Yana, bringing down many defenders before facing the Sterling Rams in the town temple, using several demons to aid her before being slain by Echthra.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Shanna was a 5'4" human woman with red hair and violet eyes. She has pale skin and her face is heavily freckled. On her back she has a tattoo of folded bats wings and on her left arm she bears several burn scars, earned during the early days of her pact.

### **Personality**

Shanna was exceptionally deceptive and manipulative. She proved able to convincingly create a second persona for herself to use while in Yana.

This persona was one of an innocent, fun loving girl who enjoyed a simple, quiet life as a waitress. It was this facade that Echthra fell for and had a relationship with for nearly four months before Shanna's treachery was discovered.

In truth however, Shanna used this persona as a means to understand and investigate the people of Yana, discovering the nature of Echthra's pact with Penance amongst other things. Shanna was also exceedingly sadistic, taking pleasure in sewing discord in Yana and causing pain when taking "The Six". Shanna may have played the role of caring girlfriend to Echthra but in truth she cares very little for anyone beyond herself. Her disdain for Echthra became clear when she left a Babau demon in her home in an attempt to kill Echthra.

Shanna's alignment is Chaotic Evil.
Siege of Oblivion

### Outcome

Victory for Hindsight and the forces of Tal'DoreiDefeat of the Council of Echoes

Tharizdun re-chained by the Prime Deities

### Commanders

Forces of Tal'Dorei: Hindsight, Roland Songsteel, Rosalind Songsteel, Lydia Starguard, Izumi, Korg (Late Battle)
Council of Echoes: Tharizdun, Alrion, Korg (Early Battle)

### Forces

Forces of Tal'Dorei: 6 members of Hindsight, ~2,000 Emon Guard, ~40 metallic dragons, ~700 warriors of Bahamut, ~250 Songsteel forces, 24 werewolves, ~3,000 Ravagers (Late Battle)
Council of Echoes: ~60 chromatic dragons, ~5,000 Ravagers (Early Battle), ~12,000 demons

### Casualties

Forces of Tal'Dorei: Heavy: ~1,500 Emon Guard, 27 metallic dragons, ~300 warriors of Bahamut, ~50 Songsteel forces, 16 werewolves, minimal casualties among the Ravagers after they switched sides
Council of Echoes: Extremely Heavy: Tharizdun, 29 chromatic dragons, ~2,000 Ravagers (Early Battle), entirety of the demon forces.

Civilian Casualties: Extremely Heavy: ~48,000 civilians of Emon.
The Platinum Enclave

A secretive enclave of metallic dragons and dragonkin in the far north of Tal’Dorei dedicated to the worship and protection of relics and vestiges of Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon. The Enclave’s existence became public knowledge during the Echoes Crisis when the Silver Dragon, Izumi, led many of her kind to the aid of the mortals of Emon against the Council of Echoes during the Siege of Oblivion. Since then, many more pilgrims and worshippers have wished to travel to the Enclave although it has remained largely closed off to visitors.
The Enclave maintains a public presence by regularly communicating with the faithful of Bahamut at his various temples in Tal’Dorei.

## **Goals**

The Enclave wishes simply to help and protect mortalkind, as Bahamut originally intended when he first created Metallic Dragons. They do not wish to become a dominant military or political power, opting instead to remain at their city in the north and simply provide aid and advice when needed or requested.

## **Relationships**

The Enclave is well liked and respected, especially by the Prime Battalions and the Council of Tal’Dorei. Although many often question why they refused to aid against the Chroma Conclave occupation and why, given the sheer power of dragons, they simply stay away in the enclave rather than hunting and destroying powerful threats to peaceful folk such as the Ravager raiding hordes.

## **Strongholds**

The Enclave itself stands as a powerful and well defended stronghold, utilising a powerful shield spell that prevents evil creatures from entering without approval. Outwith the enclave city itself however, the Platinum Enclave does not maintain any bases or strongholds.

## **Members**

* Izumi, the Argent Saviour - An Adult Silver Dragon, Izumi is the public face of the enclave, sometimes also appearing as a female elf, she bears a blinded and scarred left eye from a battle with Alrion during the Siege of Oblivion, it was her deeds in that battle that earned her title.

* Argos - A Half-Elf Shadow Sorcerer, member of Hindsight and Izumi’s boyfriend, serves the Enclave somewhat reluctantly as penance for deceiving and stealing from them during the Echoes Crisis.
Alek

Mikhaela Kondoron (Half-Sister)

Alek Kondoron, otherwise known as Adder, is Misha's half brother and the illegitimate son of Sisava. He commands a large section of The Myriad on the Menagerie Coast of Wildemount.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Alek is a 5'10" tall Yuan'ti man, though his elven blood shows through as he has pointed ears, unlike other Yuan'ti. He is also heavily muscled, which is unusual for a Yuan'ti to have. He has choppy cut dark hair, golden snake like eyes, and tanned skin. An old scar runs from his chin to just below his left eye. In several places, like his neck and within his sleeves, Alek has the scales that show his Yuan'ti bloodline.

### **Personality**

Alek is a bitter, resentful man, capable of exceptional cruelty. Like his father, he is a master at manipulation, whispering his way into Misha's head and making her doubt herself while he was a prisoner. However, his elven blood also makes him quick to anger and lash out, causing a unique personality in which his anger and other strong emotions are exhibited with a calm detachment, making him appear almost apathetic.

Alek's alignment is Neutral Evil.
The Echoes Remnant

The Council of Echoes was a group of disciples of Tharizdun who sought to free him from his imprisonment led by one of his descendants, a tiefling named Riza Whispercreek. While they succeeded in their initial goal, releasing the Chained Oblivion upon Tal’Dorei, the Council were ultimately defeated by the heroic band Hindsight in the Siege of Oblivion and Tharizdun was rechained. Despite their defeat, a few key disciples of the group escaped the battle and remain at large in Tal’Dorei.

## **Goals**

The remnant lacks the power to free Tharizdun once more and as such their goals for the time being remain secretive and unknown to the people of Tal’Dorei.

## **Relationships**

Due to the chaos they wished to see brought upon the world, all factions oppose the goals of the Remnant and wish to see their efforts undone. Even the Ravagers that once served them have since turned their backs upon the Remnant.

## **Strongholds**

Only one notable member of the Council of Echoes survived the Echoes Crisis itself and they haven’t been seen for nearly two decades, all the former strongholds of the Council fell into new hands, they hold no one location as a known base in Tal’Dorei.

## **Members**

* Alrion, the Winged Plague - An Ancient Green Dragon, firstborn of Raishan, the Diseased Deceiver. Alrion fled westward over the ocean after Tharizdun’s defeat in Emon and his whereabouts have remained a mystery since.
Ariawyn Vennan

Puppy Dog (By Riza)

### Cause(s) of Death

1. Cut by Kulos' poisoned daggers (Resurrected by Williner)2. Hit by Riza's Eldritch Blast (Resurrected by Williner)

Ariawyn Vennan is a Wood Elf Blood Hunter and member of Hindsight. She is a member of the Order of the Lycan and following the Echoes Crisis has become the Alpha of her pack while training new Blood Hunters.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Ariawyn is a 5'8" wood elf with pale skin and long black hair. Her hair is messy and tied back into a loose ponytail behind her head
Garion Strenger

Katie Shan (Girlfriend)

Garion Strenger was a young shop assistant in the town of Yana that briefly dated Katie Shan and was captured and crucified by the Defiant Legion.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Garion was a 5'8'' human man with messy brown hair and pale skin. He had dark blue eyes. He wore simple clothes, often accented with a fur lined jacket and a shoulder slung bag that contained his crafting tools.

### **Personality**

Garion was an awkward young man who cared deeply for his friends. He was shown to have a great deal of confidence and be willing to have fun amongst his friends but be more timid at his work and around Katie while they were dating.

## **Biography**

### **Early Life**

Garion was born in the village of Starfall Hollow on the outskirts of the Grey Valley to the butcher Kazentrel Strenger and the bookseller Polnedra Strenger. At age 16 he and his parents moved to the village of Yana in the Grey Valley. There he met and befriended a group of fellow teens: Opus, Elwen Galanodel and Marcus Sunheart. He also started working at the town general store under Jacen Valen.

### **Grey Frontier**

In 843 P.D. Garion encountered the Sterling Rams for the first time while they were shopping for supplies. He then didn't meet them again until the Highsummer festival when he was seen with his friend group enjoying the festivites.

When Katie Shan first arrived in town, Garion quickly developed a crush on her. Crieff became aware of this crush when he carried out a medical checkup on the Strenger family alongside Katie. Crieff then successfully gave Katie the confidence to approach Garion and they began dating.

Garion was next seen at Winter's Crest, having sneaked into the clinic to surprise Katie, who had slept there overnight. He hung out with his friends through the day and had dinner with Katie and his parents that night.

Soon after Winter's Crest, Garion was kidnapped and killed by the Defiant Legion and his body left crucified as a border marker between Yana and the Defiant Legion territories. His body was discovered by the Sterling Rams after they had found a beaten and wounded Opus tied to a nearby tree.

## **Relationships**

### **Katie Shan**

Katie and Garion had a relationship. She initially refused to approach Garion due to her social anxiety but she eventually did so with encouragement from Crieff. This developed over time into a loving relationship but it was cut short by Garion's murder, leaving behind a heartbroken and lost Katie.
Bliss Gladberry

Opus Gladberry (Brother)

Katie Gladberry (Sister)

Bliss Gladberry is the daughter of Crieff and Music, born to them after their marriage and the War of Defiance. She has learned to recognise illusory images of her brother Opus during his travels around Tal'Dorei, becoming excited through *Sending* spells that he recieves through their father.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Bliss has the same pale white skin as her mother Music and her brother Opus. Her hair is the same white colour as her mother's and she has her father's blue eyes. Her horns are yet to grow in properly, still remaining below her hair. Her tail is longer than her legs and smooth like her mother's, lacking the hair at the tip that her brother Opus has.

### **Personality**

Bliss has already shown a great deal of empathy, emulating the emotions of those around her. She is a very affectionate baby, being excitable and laughing often around her family and their friends and pets. Opus describes his baby sister as "laughing more often than she cries".
Council of Echoes

The Council of Echoes was a group of disciples of Tharizdun who seek to free him from his imprisonment, they served as the antagonists in the first campaign, which was also named for the group.

## **Members**

* Tharizdun - Overall leader, subject of the Council's mission.
* Riza Whispercreek - Founder and leader, tiefling warlock descended from Tharizdun.
* Kulos - Also known as the Reaper, right hand to Riza, high elf rogue/wizard.
* Korg - Lord of the Ravagers, half-orc barbarian. Controlled via blood magic by Riza against his will.
* Hannah - Successor to Strahd von Zarovich, vampire bard.
* Portia - Matriarch of the mongrelfolk, orignally halfling sorcerer but now reincarnated as a dwarf.
* Sisava - A Myriad leader, yuan'ti mastermind.
* Alrion - Eldest child of the Diseased Deciever, Adult Green Dragon.
* The Nuckelavee - A horrific creation of Portia's, mongrelfolk monstrosity.
The Claret Orders

The Claret Orders is an underground organization of blood clerics and blood hunters, whose primary mission is to protect the living from the threats of the undead and any extraplanar threats. The Orders formed in Wildemount and have only recently spread to Tal’Dorei. Following the Echoes Crisis, the Claret Orders took on the protection and curing of the mongrelfolk.

## **Goals**

Protect the mortal peoples of Exandria from threats of undead and the incursions of extraplanar foes.

## **Relationships**

Due to the mutations and dark nature of their powers, the people of Tal’Dorei greatly mistrust the Claret Orders even as they stay thankful for the work they do.

## **Strongholds**

While Blood Hunters wander during their work, they train and spend time with their order at an old fortress named Mithral Hold on the Eastern coastline of Tal’Dorei.

## **Members**

* Ariawyn Vennan - A Wood Elf Lycan Blood Hunter and member of Hindsight who lives in solitude in the southern part of the Bramblewood near the Gatshadow volcano.
Acora

Acora was a human ranger and a member of the Defiant Legion. She was the commander of the scouts and rangers within the Defiant Legion and often travelled with her wolf Shade.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Acora was a 5'10" human woman with pale skin and messily cut blonde hair. She wore studded leather armour and a mottled grey cloak that she used for camouflage in the Grey Valley.

### **Personality**

Acora was serious and quiet. She respects Issam Shieldsong as the commander of the Defiant Legion. From Opus' account of the taking of The Six, Acora is shown to have a sadistic side, beating Opus to within an inch of his life.

Her alignment was Neutral Evil.

## **Biography**

### **Grey Frontier**

Acora was first encountered by the Sterling Rams at the Defiant Legion's base in an abandoned fortress, reporting to Issam Shieldsong, alongside Shade.

Issam was then told by Oloric Silveraxe that the Sterling Rams had no interest in joining the Defiant Legion and in response he told Acora that she would need to "Mark the Border". She left the fortress, followed closely by the Sterling Rams.

It was later uncovered that Acora was the one who carried the message to Shanna and her troops to kill and crucify "The Six". When Dogren and Korrin attempted to rescue the kidnapped people, Acora sent Shade to kill Dogren. She then brutally beat and tied up Opus while Shanna and the other soldiers crucified the other members of the "The Six".

Acora fought the Sterling Rams alongside her scouts and Shade. However, she was defeated by them, with Karr killing Shade and Acora being knocked out. She was taken back to Yana where she was later interrogated by the Sterling Rams and Music. She offered some simple information about the Defiant Legion before taunting the group, making them doubt the other residents of Yana as well as one another. Due to her words, Echthra openly questioned Crieff about Katie's loyalty in front of Acora and she provoked Music by bringing up Opus. The Sterling Rams then left Acora, with Tred remaining for a moment to attempt to understand the woman, but finding no remorse or regrets.

Late that night, Crieff and Music returned to Acora's cell and, once Crieff cast *Silence* to muffle what was happening, Music drew her guns, shooting 6 bullets into Acora's chest, each shot emphasised by a name from "The Six". While Crieff kept her alive using healing spells, Music ended Acora's life by blowing her head off using her Hand Cannon, emphasising the kill by saying Opus' name.
Ravagers

The Ravagers are a tribal horde of orcs, goliaths and goblinoids. They served the Council of Echoes during the Echoes Crisis but turned on the group during the Siege of Oblivion. Due to the change in loyalty the Ravagers became divided and began a period of civil war. They now stand as a divided group, half following Korg, the lord of the Ravagers and the other half devolving into roaming tribes of raiders and bandits. Aside from Korg’s side of the Ravagers there are rumored to be four slaughter lords leading four main branches of the horde. These leaders are said to be artificially enhanced for battle.

## **Goals**

The Ravagers goals reflect their divided nature, half wanting nothing more than to settle and gain honour as mercenaries and protectors and half wanting to slaughter and raid as they did when under the Council of Echoes.

## **Relationships**

People are unsure if the Ravagers are trustworthy following the years that they spent as raiders and then as soldiers of the Council of Echoes. Korg works hard on their reputation and works to protect settlements from the other four hordes but few see a difference between his Ravagers and those other raiders.

## **Strongholds**

Korg and his Ravagers hold a stronghold at the ruined Orme Castle, where he and his Ravager forces fought against and defeated Hindsight whom he considers to be his most worthy and respected foes. The other four hordes are scattered and wander around Tal’Dorei, never settling in one location for long.

## **Members**

* Korg - The Lord of the Ravagers, a Half-Orc Berserker who served the Council of Echoes under the influence of Blood Magic, he now attempts to lead the Ravagers in a more honourable direction, following the teachings of Kord, the Stormlord.
* Tred (Formerly) - A Goliath Earth Sorcerer who was raised by Korg’s faction of the Ravagers and recently left, becoming a squire to Sir Oloric Silveraxe and joining the Sterling Rams.
Echthra

Shanna (Ex-Girlfriend, Deceased)

Malcolm Ranri (Ex-Boyfriend)

Lum (Boyfriend)

Echthra Redmane de Damali is a Zariel Tiefling Warlock and member of the Sterling Rams. She is tied to the ancient vestige Penance, a warpick that once belonged to Zariel. A bounty hunter by trade, Echthra is a follower of Sehanine and is in a relationship with fellow member of the Sterling Rams, Lum.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Echthra is 5'7" and has a strong athletic build. Her hair is greyed due to a former illness and her eyes are amber coloured. Red tattoos in runic warpaint-like patterns adorn the sides of Echthra’s face and most of her body. She has a horizontal scar across the bridge of her nose, stretching from her left cheekbone to just beneath her right eye. Her horns shoot towards the back of her head, curving towards the centre of her occipital. Her long, pointy ears follow most of the way, just underneath the horns. Her skin is grey. Typically she wears a set of layered studded leather armour and has a long scarlet shoulder cloak that bears the symbol of Penance.

### **Personality**

Echthra is a fairly forceful personality, which causes her to be prone to butting heads with others around her. However, despite her prickly attitude, Echthra has a keen sense of right and wrong and is often outspoken about such issues. When she first arrived to Yana, Echthra had a strong eye for an eye morality, keen to counter any percieved slight, however this softened over time to become a value of personal freedom and truth.

Echthra is often ruled by emotions rather than logic and is incredibly empathetic. She had a few relationships throughout her time in Yana, first with Shanna while the girl was posing as a waitress at the Sanctuary Inn. Shanna's betrayal and the deaths associated with it gave Echthra deep seated trust issues and a hatred towards both the Defiant Legion and relationships. These wounds began to heal when Echthra developed feelings for Defiant Legion deserter Malcolm Ranri. Despite a romantic attachment to Malcolm however, Echthra eventually moved on from him and began dating fellow Sterling Ram Lum.
Council of Tal'Dorei

The Tal’Dorei Council is the ruling body for the Republic of Tal’Dorei, granted power shortly before the attack of the Chroma Conclave to rule over the realm. The Council agree that some solidarity is needed to keep evil at bay. While the main body of the Council is based in Emon and dominates the Alliance, every lord and lady in Tal’Dorei is aligned with the group, even while they work for the fate and fortune of his or her own settlement above all others. The agents of the Council include sophisticated bards, zealous paladins, talented mages, and grizzled warriors. They are chosen primarily for their loyalty, and are trained in observation, stealth, innuendo, and combat. Backed by the wealthy and the privileged, they carry quality equipment (often disguised to appear common), and spellcasters tend to have a large number of scrolls with communication spells.

To seek out and destroy threats to their homeland, agents of the Tal’Dorei Council must be highly trained at what they do. Few can compare to their skills in the field. They fight for the glory and the security of their people and for the lords who rule over them, and they do so with pride. However, the Republic can only survive if its members “play nice” with one another, which requires a certain measure of diplomacy. Rogue agents within the realm are rare, but defections have been known to occur and these are often responded to with swift and decisive action.

## **Goals**

To ensure the safety and prosperity of the cities and other settlements of Tal’Dorei by forming a strong coalition against the forces that threaten all, eliminate such threats by any means necessary whenever and wherever they arise, and be champions of the peoples of the Republic.

## **Relationships**

The Council is responsible for the running and protection of the Republic of Tal’Dorei which means that those who operate within the Republic are beholden to the laws and judgements of the Council. While their rule over Tal’Dorei is unquestionable, bolstered by strong relations with the Elves of Syngorn and Dwarves of Kraghammer, the Council struggles to build alliances with Othanzia, Marquet and Wildemount.

The Clasp and Myriad remain the biggest threat to the Council of Tal’Dorei, although militarily the forces of the Echoes Remnant and Ravagers can potentially stand as the main rivals to the Council which still struggles to rebuild its military following the Chroma Conclave and Echoes Crises.

## **Strongholds**

The Council’s main power base stands in Emon in the newly built Council Chamber that replaced the Tal’Dorei Palace that was levelled during the Echoes Crisis. The Council also holds power in Westruun, Stilben, Kymal, Whitestone. The main hold of its military power resides in Fort Daxio.

## **Members**

* Allura Vysoren - A Human Wizard who also serves as a member of the Arcana Pansophical.

* Vox Machina - An adventuring band of heroes responsible for defeating the Chroma Conclave and preventing the Ascension of Vecna.
Melora

Betrayer Gods (Cousins)

Melora, also known as the Wildmother, is one of the Prime Deities. She stands for the wilderness and the sea and maintains the balance of the natural world.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Melora typically appears in the material plane as a breeze or as a growing plant. However, when appearing physically, she has green clothing seeming to be made of vines and leaves. She has pale skin and dark green tattoos around her eyes. She has deep red hair and occasionally has been seen with antlers growing from a crown she wears on her head.

### **Tenants**

* Protect the untamed wildernesses of the realm from exploitation and destruction.
* Slay abominations and other dark mockeries of nature.
* Embrace and respect the savage nature of the world. Exist in harmony with it.

## **Followers**

* Ember - A former member of Hindsight who has taken up the wielding of the Ring of Melora to manage the Gatshadow volcano
* Kaya Fernhand - The priestess of Melora who replaced Wren Pingun in Yana after he fell in the Battle of Yana.
* Wren Pingun - Former priest of Melora in Yana who was slain in the Battle of Yana.
The Golden Grin

During dark times, the need for distraction, inspiration, and solace grows ever necessary. It was Drassig’s rule that drove a group of bards, dancers, and storytellers to come together and weave the fleeting joy from the local populace and give hope. This band took the name “The Golden Grin” as their secret faction and traveled across the realm to offer escapism and entertainment, all while planting the seeds of discontent, rebellion, and heroism.

Since the fall of Drassig, the Golden Grin has been ever present, if happily in the background, watching and guiding along society, and the power of the individual, however it can. Members, or “Grinners,” have included spiritual leaders, artists, musicians, innkeepers, even The White Duke himself. Little is publicly known about the Golden Grin besides myths and rumors, and the members only perpetuate this mystery.

## **Goals**

The Golden Grin (or simply the Grin) exists to enlighten and inspire, keeping ears and eyes out for the murmurs of tyranny and cruelty, seeking to stamp them out. The idea that each person is capable of great things permeates the mantras and beliefs of the Golden Grin, and many who join are less about acting to change fortune, and more about cultivating the downtrodden to rise and improve themselves.

## **Relationships**

The Golden Grin claims no formal allies and nor will its members reveal themselves as such outside of extenuating circumstances. They approve and elevate groups that work with the people’s best interests at heart. Some members do occasionally find their way into higher government, granting a higher vantage point and platform to disseminate the ideals behind their cause. While some may not agree with their rather anarchistic views, Grinners are generally regarded as good and just when revealed.

Enemies of the Golden Grin are those who oppress and abuse free expression and living. They also have a general mistrust of powers that tend to control or regulate the population too heavily, even with the seemingly best of intentions.

## **Strongholds**

The Golden Grin keeps no notable power bases, instead functioning more as an idea than as an established faction.

## **Members**

* Theodore Balmhand - Gnome Cleric of Erathis who wanders the Dividing Plains.
* Lindal Greenbottle - Halfling Thief/Paladin of Sehanine who serves as a member of Hindsight as well as protecting people within the regions around Kymal.
* Irril Manais - Scourge Aasimar Monk descended from Avandra’s bloodline, he acts as the tavern keeper in Carran within the Grey Valley and reports on the project for the Grin.
Felix Bishop

Farnell Estate

Rosalind Songsteel (Adoptive Niece)

Roland Songsteel (Adoptive Nephew)

Erathis (Progenitor)

Zehir (Progenitor)

Felix Bishop-Songsteel, formerly known as Nathair Meyer, is a protector aasimaar gunslinger. He served as a member of Hindsight during the Echoes Crisis and prior to this, served as a family retainer to the Songsteel noble family of Kymal. Before all of that, he was raised and spent his early life with the Yuan'ti cults of the Rifenmist peninsula before fleeing northwards.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

When first encountered in the campaign, Bishop appeared as a 6'1'' tall human man in his late sixties, with guant, pale skin and grey hair and eyes. He wore dark suits, often with elements of dark Songsteel blue to them. He also possessed a dark green waistcoat that he wore with a black suit. In terms of travelling clothing, Bishop wore a long duster coat over his suits and a flat cap.

Over the course of the campaign, as Bishop utilised his powers more often and built his ties to Erathis, he regained a more youthful appearance. His eyes became a deep blue colour and his hair went from grey to a dark black with salt and pepper elements to it.

Bishop's younger form
Battles

## **Curse of Strahd (815 P.D.)**

### **War for Barovia**

* Skirmish in the Death House
* Battle at the Old Bonegrinder
* Ambush at Ravenloft Gate
* Night of Fangs
* Battle at the Wizard of the Wines
* Skirmish at Yester Hill
* Duel at the Golden Towers
* Mission to the Amber Temple
* Battle with Baba Lysaga
* Battle in the Krezk Monastery
* The Wedding at Ravenloft

## **Rise of the Council of Echoes (815-822 P.D.)**

* **Barovian Rebellion**
	+ Fall of Vallaki
	+ Duel in Ravenloft
* Mission to Xhorhas
* Korg's Mak'Gorah
* Theft of the Mantle
* Fall of the Dawndaughter

## **Council of Echoes (822-823 P.D.)**

* **Echoes Crisis**
	+ Skirmish on the Westruun Road
	+ Civilisation's Dawn Attack
	+ Skirmish at Gladberry Farm
	+ Ravager Ambush
	+ Fall of the Orphan Makers
	+ Assault on Emon Orphanage
	+ Battle with the Nuckleavee
	+ Ambush at Orme Castle
	+ Blood Moon Hunt
	+ Journey through Cloudreach Pass
	+ Theft of Bahamut's Scale
	+ Mission to Tharizdun's Prison
	+ Attack on Whispercreek Estate
	+ Battle in the Gatshadow
	+ Siege of Oblivion

## **Grey Frontier (843-844 P.D.)**

* Removal of the Yana Haunting
* Drake Ambush on the Carran Road
* Raid on Carran
* Slaughter in the Carran Mines
* Journey to the Hags' Lair
* Culling of the Coven
* Journey to the Maw
* Mission in the Maw
* Return to Yana

* **The War of Defiance**
	+ The Six
	+ Fiendish Assassination
	+ Acora's Hunt
	+ Battle of Yana
	+ Assault on the Defiant Fortress
	+ Cleansing the Forest
* Skirmish with the Scorned
* The Day of Dragons
S'gail

S'gail is a unique longsword and a Vestige of the Primes, it was created and wielded by Tharizdun, the Chained Oblivion during the Calamity and Divergence. It was later wielded by Riza Whispercreek during the rise of the Council of Echoes and the Echoes Crisis.

## **Appearance**

The longsword featured a waved blade that had wild sharp spikes that jutted out at seemingly random angles, reflecting the wielder's madness. The blade was 35 inches in length, making it a shorter than normal longsword. The hilt featured no handguard which allowed the wielder to adapt quickly during combat.

## **History**

### **Pre-Divergence**

S'gail was originally created by Tharizdun during the War with the Primordials, although the waved blade lacked the spikes that later developed. During the Divergence, S'gail changed its appearance to match the developing madness of Tharizdun. The God of Madness wielded the blade against Ioun during a battle in Gor Dranas and successfully wounded her with S'gail. However, Tharizdun was forced to abandon his weapon as the Prime Deities sacked Ghor Dranas.

### **Rise of the Council of Echoes**

Following Tharizdun's imprisonment in the Gatshadow, S'gail maintained the connection with its creator and therefore, anyone slain using the blade had their soul sent to Tharizdun in his prison. Riza recovered the blade in 815 P.D. from the ruins of Ghor Dranas. As soon as Riza laid her hand on the blade, her link with Tharizdun was strengthened. Over the years that followed as the Council of Echoes rose in power, S'gail became the signature weapon of Riza. Most notably during this time, Riza wielded S'gail in a duel with the paladin Din and her weapon the Sunsword and killed the paladin using the blade, condemning her soul to Tharizdun's prison.

### **Council of Echoes**

S'gail was first seen by Hindsight when Riza used it to threaten them as they were prisoners of the Council. She then used the blade to kill Theodore Balmhand and Lydia Starguard. Later, Riza used S'gail to kill Morxes, a paladin of Sarenrae as he attempted to hold a final line of defence before the gates of Tharizdun's prison in the Gatshadow. The blade was wielded by Riza during her battle in the Gatshadow against Hindsight before being reunited with its former master Tharizdun after the God possessed Riza. Tharizdun then wielded the blade until he was slain by Ariawyn during the final moments of the Echoes Crisis. Bishop then took possession of the blade and passed it on to the Claret Order of Tal'Dorei in order to ensure that the deadly blade never fell into the wrong hands.

## **Trivia**

* S'gail's wicked appearance and cursed powers were based upon the unique machete Kremvh's Tooth found in *Fallout 4*.
Items and Equipment

## **Vestiges of the Primes**

* Ring of Erathis
* Ring of Melora
* Staff of Pelor
* Avandra's Lucky Coin
* Hammer of Moradin
* Mantle of the Raven Queen
* Sehanine's Arrow
* Corellon's Tapestry
* Goblet of Sarenrae
* Scale of Bahamut
* Kord's Hunting Horn
* The Crown of Lolth
* Zehir's Fang
* S'gail

## **Weapons**

* The Sunsword
* Sybil's Regards
* Steelsinger
* The Blood Spear
* The Claw of The Hope Devourer
* Death's Sting
* Sangwa and Sicil

## **Notable Items**

* Kulos' Mask
* Riza's Horn
* Argos' Ring
* Tharizdun's Etchings
* Hindsight's Sending Stones
The Myriad

The Myriad (also known as "The Many") is an organized crime syndicate originating from Wildemount. While they are only just becoming known in Tal'Dorei, they are the greatest organized crime ring in their home continent.

The Myriad began as a small shipping company in Yrrosa, a city in the Dwendalian Empire. Originally selling exotic goods and services, over time it became more profitable to exploit illegal curiosities from the region of Othanzia and the city of Ank'Harel. Through years of establishing their underworld contacts and employing tactical blackmail, the Myriad evolved from illegal smuggling to a powerful and well-veiled criminal faction. The Myriad is one of very few factions that actively engages in the practice of slavery.

The Myriad has begun spreading into eastern Tal'Dorei. Much as they do in Wildemount, the Tal'Dorei Myriad keeps mainly to coastal cities and towns (such as Stilben). This has led to a rivalry with Tal'Dorei's native crime syndicate: the Clasp. Although since the Echoes Crisis, the Myriad has found its efforts heavily hindered by the rise of the Songsteel Trading Company that works to actively undo the Myriad’s work.

## **Relationships**

The Myriad is actively at war with the Songsteel Trading Company as it attempts to gain ground and influence in Tal’Dorei. While many of its strongholds on the continent of Tal’Dorei have been undone through the combined efforts of the Songsteels and the Clasp, the Myriad cannot be so easily undone and they continue to grow in Tal’Dorei and across Exandria like weeds.

## **Strongholds**

Within Tal’Dorei the Myriad only notably controls ground in Stilben and this is constantly battled for withthe Clasp and Songsteel Trading Co. Across the rest of Exandria, the Myriad holds territory in Ank’harel, Othanzia and Wildemount. The group essentially controls the port city of Port Damali on the Menagerie Coast and it also holds a seat as part of the Conclave of Salt and Stone in the Shattered Teeth Isles.

## **Members**

* Sisava (Deceased) - Yuan’ti Pureblood Mastermind, the former leader of the Dragon’s Hoard casino and a member of the Council of Echoes, killed by Riza Whispercreek.
* Clara Songsteel (Deceased) - Human Swashbuckler, mother to the Songsteel twins, killed by Lydia Starguard.
* Frederick Songsteel - Human Sorcerer, father to the Songsteel Twins, fled Kymal following the death of his wife, whereabouts unknown.
Dogren

Dogren was a retainer to Oloric Silveraxe who kept watch over the farm at Yana before he was captured by the Defiant Legion and mauled to death by the Dire Wolf Shade. His body was then crucified and discovered by the Sterling Rams.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Dogren was a 4'2" dwarf with pale skin and blonde hair. Unlike most dwarves, Dogren was clean shaven and unable to grow a full beard. He often wore light armour made of studded leather.

### **Personality**

Dogren was often rude and abrupt with his fellows, up to and including Oloric Silveraxe. He seemed to have a certain sore spot with Tred, unhappy that the Goliath had been chosen over him to become Oloric's squire. Yet, despite the bad blood, Dogren remained loyal to the end, fighting in Oloric's name even up to his death.

His alignment was Lawful Neutral.

## **Biography**

### **Early Life**

Dogren spent his early days in Kraghammer, being brought in to become a retainer to Sir Oloric Silveraxe. He looked set to become Silveraxe's squire before his master was suddenly exiled from Kraghammer. He accompanied Oloric for several years, being joined by Thuldrom along the way.

In 843 P.D. the group encountered Tred, who Oloric decided to take on as his personal squire, snubbing Dogren in favour of the Goliath sorcerer.

### **Grey Frontier**

Dogren arrived in the Grey Valley alongside his master, travelling inwards alongside the rest of the Sterling Rams to the village of Yana. When the group took up residence within the abandoned orchard and farm at the edge of Yana, Dogren became the keeper of the farmhouse.

He remained in the farmhouse while the Sterling Rams adventured throughout the valley, beginning to make cider from the apples growing in the orchard there.

When the Sterling Rams left Yana to hunt the Defiant Legion, Dogren witnessed Shanna kidnapping several members of the town and planned to rescue them. He sought out Korrin from the Crakehall Hunters and the two of them hunted down Shanna, but upon their arrival they were ambushed by the Defiant Legion and Dogren was attacked by the Dire Wolf Shade. Unable to overcome his foe, Dogren fought to his last breath calling out the name of Silveraxe before the wolf tore his throat out.

His corpse was later discovered by the Sterling Rams crucified upon a cross to mark the border between the territory belonging to the Defiant Legion and the territory of the village of Yana.
Ring of Erathis

The Ring of Erathis is a Vestige of the Primes created and worn by Erathis. It was one of the Vestiges left behind as a lock to Tharizdun's prison. During the Echoes Crisis the ring was used to free Tharizdun before being wielded by Felix Bishop in the battle against the mad god.

## **Appearance**

The ring featured a deep blue sapphire set into a silver band which in turn was carved into the likeness of a falcon, which is a symbol of Erathis himself.

## **History**

### **Pre-Divergence**

The Ring was created by Melora for Erathis when the two Gods were married during the Age of Arcanum. Erathis then wore the Ring during the war that caused the Divergence. When Tharizdun was imprisoned by the Prime Deities, Erathis used the Ring as a focus to chain the mad god. This then led to the Ring being left behind when the Gods sealed the Divine Gate.

### **Council of Echoes**

The Ring was kept by Erathis' priesthood following the Divergence and passed between the temples of the Lawbearer. In 822 P.D. Baern was trusted to transport the Ring to Westruun's temple and he then recruited Hindsight as escorts. They defended the caravan from a Ravager attack before reaching Westruun. However, during the Civilisation's Dawn Festival, the Ring was stolen by Kulos and taken to Riza Whispercreek, the leader of the Council of Echoes.

The Ring was next seen by Hindsight when they fought Riza and the Council at the Gatshadow. When Riza eventually completed the ritual to free Tharizdun the Ring was released and collected by Hindsight. It was then passed on to Felix Bishop as Erathis' legacy. Bishop used the Ring's abilities to aid in the defeat Tharizdun in Emon before turning it back over to the priesthood, unwilling to allow a second deity to define his existence.
Opal Tower

The Opal Tower is an adventuring group that located and raised the Fallen Citadel of Dominaeth. The group was named by Krotalis following a battle. They are the protagonists of the Fallen Citadel campaign.

## **Name**

The party was named by Krotalis following the defeat of Amaroche. When Opus revealed the "Gladberry's Tower" spell he had generated using the Coin of Avandra, Krotalis was inspired and selected the name based off of Opals being multicoloured gems, which he felt suited the diverse backgrounds of the party and the tower being known as their base of operation.

## **Members**

#### **Main Party Members**

* Lonnel
* Misha
* Ophelia
* Krotalis
* Merril
* Opus

#### **Pets and Companions**

* Pyrelight
* Grumble
* Ludwig
Daisy Burrows

Daisy Burrows is the carpenter's assistant in the village of Yana. She began a relationship with Karr during the New Dawn celebrations in the village.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Daisy is a 3'1" lightfoot halfling woman with long curly red hair and hazel coloured eyes. She typically wears thick, padded clothing that protects her from the cold and also from any injuries she could potential sustain from her work as a carpenter.

### **Description**

Daisy is a fun loving and confident young woman. Much like her mentor Paleas Vidron, she is extremely talkative. She also loves anything that she finds cute, which likely influenced her attraction towards Karr. Daisy can also have a much more serious side, seen as she plans engineering projects for the battle with the Defiant Legion.

Daisy's alignment is Lawful Good.

## **Biography**

### **Early Life**

Daisy grew up in a small village at the edge of the Dividing Plains, although shortly after the Echoes Crisis, she was orphaned as her parents fell as casualties to the Ravager Civil War. She then spent the rest of her childhood in a lumber yard, where she learned how to work as a carpenter. In 843 P.D. she signed a contract with the Songsteel Trading Company to serve as the carpenter's assistant in the village of Yana in the Grey Valley.

### **Grey Frontier**

Daisy arrived in Yana alongside Katie, Halstein Varlund and Shanna in late Sydenstar of 843 P.D. She instantly began helping Paleas Vidron plan the expansion of the town and drew up designs for specific buildings. A month or so later, her projects recieved aid from Tred and Oloric Silveraxe. She also briefly visited Crieff at the clinic for a checkup. Following the discovery of *The Six,* Daisy began planning new defensive buildings for the battle, including setting up a drawbridge system to allow the Cavalry to manoeuvre more effectively against the Defiant Legion.

Later, at the New Year's celebrations in the Sanctuary Inn, Daisy was approached by Karr, who was simply looking for someone to talk to. Daisy however found herself instantly attracted to the Kobold, flirting heavily with Karr, who took some time to work out the fact that she was being flirted with. Once she did however, Karr accepted Daisy's flirting and went for a walk with her, showing Daisy her home and in particular her nest of blankets within the home. There, Daisy kissed Karr and they began to consider dating properly, though they agreed to both think about it while Karr and the other Sterling Rams were hunting the Defiant Legion. Daisy celebrated the coming of the new year with Karr before sleeping alongside her new partner in the nest for the night, keeping the cold-blooded Kobold warm with her body heat.
Shade

Shade was the Dire Wolf that belonged to Acora, serving as her companion in the war in the Grey Valley. He was loosed on and killed Dogren during the initial stages of the war. He was slain by Karr during a battle with the Sterling Rams.

## **Description**

### **Appearance**

Shade was a black furred Dire Wolf that stands at the same height as a horse. He had golden eyes that contrast strongly with his black fur.

### **Personality**

Shade was a loyal beast, staying close to Acora at almost all times. He could also be extremely cruel, brutally tearing into the bodies of his victims as he killed them.

Shade's alignment was Neutral Evil

## **Biography**

### **Grey Frontier**

Shade was first seen at his mistress' side when the Sterling Rams refused the Defiant Legion and, along with Acora, left to "Mark the Border".

Opus told the Sterling Rams that he saw Shade brutally overcome and kill Dogren while he and the rest of "The Six" were being held prisoner.

Shade later appeared alongside his mistress as the alpha of his pack of Dire Wolves in a battle with the Sterling Rams. He brutally fought with Tred before Karr killed him with an arrow between the eyes.