Scornubel and the Western Heartlands

The warlock is an enigma, a person so infused with magic that he manifests power with no training. While his repertoire of effects is small, he has little or no limits on the amount of times he can use them. Warlocks are chaotic creatures at heart, perhaps as a result of the wild magical energy that courses through their veins. They tend to be selfish and don’t work well in a rigid command structure. While understanding the need to stay within a group, the warlock won’t hesitate to leave the group to pursue something interesting. Warlocks generally adventure for curiosity or profit.

A warlock’s infusion with magical power often manifests in minor cosmetic changes to their appearance that fosters a sense of wrongness about them. A human warlock might have catlike eyes, while a dwarven warlock may be hairless. Warlocks tend to be solitary, preferring to be left alone rather than join in camaraderie.

Warlocks come from varied backgrounds. It is not known how or why the magic picks them; it just does. A common thought is that the warlock has aberration, elemental, fey, or outsider blood in his veins. Many warlocks are driven out of their communities and left to fend for themselves (leading to many scholarly debates about “nature v s . nurture” in regards to the warlock’s allegiance to chaos).

Warlocks are found amongst all races, but are most common in races that produce sorcerers. This lends some credence to the “alien ancestor” theory. Most warlocks are human or half-elf, although there are large numbers of gnomish and half-orcish warlocks as well.

While some heroes speak to gods or consort with otherworldly muses, shamans commune with the spirits of the world and the energies that exist in every living thing. These divine adventurers draw upon their power to shape the world and expand the influence of their spiritual patrons. Shamans have strong ties to natural spirits. They form powerful bonds with particular spirits, and as their power grows they learn to call upon other spirits in times of need.

[Prompt] Shaman, Teutonic Ethnicity, Human Male, Player Character, Pathfinder, RPG.

While some heroes speak to gods or consort with otherworldly muses, shamans commune with the spirits of the world and the energies that exist in every living thing. These divine adventurers draw upon their power to shape the world and expand the influence of their spiritual patrons. Shamans have strong ties to natural spirits. They form powerful bonds with particular spirits, and as their power grows they learn to call upon other spirits in times of need.

Wolf shifters usually trace their powers from a distant lycanthrope ancestor, though some gain their powers through totem worship. These warriors tap into the power and skill of the wolf, an animal feared and worshiped by many barbaric tribes. Their connection with this animal comes with a deep respect and kinship at times, though some shifters may turn their back on this fundamental connection. Just like the wolf, shifters often travel great distances, partly from a keen wanderlust, and partly from unwelcoming treatment by common folk.

[PROMPT] Wolf-Shifter, Human Female, Player Character, Pathfinder, RPG, No wolf ears on skull.

Wolf shifters usually trace their powers from a distant lycanthrope ancestor, though some gain their powers through totem worship. These warriors tap into the power and skill of the wolf, an animal feared and worshiped by many barbaric tribes. Their connection with this animal comes with a deep respect and kinship at times, though some shifters may turn their back on this fundamental connection. Just like the wolf, shifters often travel great distances, partly from a keen wanderlust, and partly from unwelcoming treatment by common folk.

While some that become wolf shifters are looking for a way to both control and hone their animalistic urges, others partake in them at every chance they get. These shifters become terrors of the forest, often dominating lycanthropes and packs of wolves to raid and pillage nearby settlements. Delighting in fear and carnage, these monsters reinforce the common stereotype that shifters are crazed animals that need to be put down, no different than their lycanthropic ancestors or the animal that they seek to emulate.

Elturgard, also known as the Kingdom of Two Suns, was first formed by the paladins and clerics of the city of Elturel after the Spellplague. It is the first nation to have grown in the Western Heartlands. It encompasses much of the middle Heartlands and takes up the region in the Fields of the Dead that already is not incorporated into the booming city-state of Baldur’s Gate, an ally of Elturgard’s.

Locations Cities Elturel – The city that formed the nation of Elturgard. Triel – A village that willingly joined Elturgard. Scornubel – Another city that willingly joined Elturgard. Berdusk – Another city that willingly joined Elturgard. Old Elturel – A small farming village founded after Elturgard formed. Greenest – A small farming village founded after Elturgard formed.

Forts Fort Morninglord – A ruined fort dedicated to Torm.

Farming Fields of the Dead – About half belong the nation of Elturgard, as the metropolis of Baldur’s Gate has grown so massive that it encompasses half of the Fields. Both use it for farming.

Demographics Elturgard is nearly two-thirds human with the fair skinned, tall peoples of the north comprising the majority. The dark-skinned Zhents are a significant cultural group, albeit a minority. A number of elves, dwarves, halflings, and gnomes call Elturgard home, but even then, the halflings tend toward the outskirts and the dwarves prefer to distance themselves from the strong human cultural display in Elturel proper.

Government Theocracy, lead by the paladins of Torm

Defences The Hellriders, centered in the capital city of Elturel patrol the roads, train garrisons and soldiers, and police the towns. Many of the major cities in Elturgard are walled, and fortified.

Industry & Trade Tourism: many come from afar to see the Kingdom of Two Suns and bathe in the holy light of the Companion. Farming: The Middle Heartlands is the bread basket of Faerun. Trade: Scornubel, the Merchant City is an important hub of trade and a shipping port on the Chionthar River.

Geography Bound by the Fields of the Dead to the North, the Cloud Peaks to the South. Balder's Gate to the West, and the Chianthar River banks to the East, Elturgard is characterized by rolling hills, windswept grasslands, farms, and the mysterious Wood of Sharp Teeth at its heart.

Natural Resources Wood, grain, vegetables, and sheep

Geography Aliases - Caravan City, The Divided City, Zirta[1] Region - Western Heartlands

Population - 14,000 in 1479 DR Ruler - Lady Rhessajan Ambermantle in 1372 DR

Scornubel (pronounced: /ˈskɔːrnuːbɛl/ SCOR-noo-bel), also known as the Caravan City, was a major tradestop for caravans. It lay on the northern bank of the River Chionthar, where the Trade Way reached the river.

Population Its population was made up of many races and could increase by between six and eight times during the summer.

Description The river was populated by barges, narrowboats, and skiffs, which made their way west as far as Baldur's Gate southeast along the Chionthar to Berdusk and northeast along the River Reaching to Hill's Edge.

Demonym A person from Scornubel was known as a Scornubian or Scornubrian.

History The southern part of Scornubel was once a rival city known as Zirta, until it was conquered in the War of Lords.

In the years immediately after the Spellplague of 1385 DR, trade across Faerûn ground to a halt and Scornubel's fortunes plummeted. The city saved itself by allowing its annexation by Elturgard.

Government In the 14th century DR, the city was ruled by Lady Rhessajan Ambermantle, three Lord High Advisors who were formerly merchants, and an additional council of merchants.

Lifestyle Because there was so much trade passing through the city, many buildings and businesses changed hands rapidly, meaning that the city did not have many permanent landmarks. All year round, many inhabitants slept in their caravans or simply out in the open, using a bale of hay as bedding, rather than paying for a bed in more comfortable accommodation.

Traditional entertainment consisted of mock battles between humans and monsters, monsters trained to dance or perform, or monsters that participated in comedy or spellcasting. Occasionally these monsters could break free and turn on the audiences.

In the past, Scornubel was raided by bugbears and hobgoblins. These raids were more likely during the winter months. The city had problems with thieves and doppelgangers. Creatures like doppelgangers and lamias were tolerated in the city because of their special powers, and the city was used as a meeting place for illithids and yuan-ti, when the Underdark or Skullport were not suitable.

Locations

Official Buildings Scornubel Hall stood on the east side of the Trade Way and was the seat of government. The door warden was named Eljan. The Red Shields office The Free Traders of Scornubel offices

Religious Buildings The Healing House of Lathander was a temple to Lathander, the city's only temple.

The High Holy House of Coin, a temple to Waukeen in northeasternmost Scornubel, fully funded and erected in the late 1490s DR.

Trade Buildings The city's harbor was muddy and on the west side, there was a fish market and a ferry dock from where the Southdock Ferry sailed The smithy ran by Kaerus Thambadar was on the east side of the harbor The shipwright Arkaras's yards were also on the east side of the harbor Trail Lords headquarters Highmoon trading coster The Windriders trading coster Purple Sun trading coster Tallahabur the wagonmaker Surefeet Trademasters headquarters Stag Caravan Company headquarters The Spice & Wine Shop Malikhar the Outfitter Angah Lalla's shop Thyumdar's Reliquary& Eremosckh (general store) The Everfull Jug winery Ehaevaera's Beauty Rooms Ssimbar's Fine Clothes Preszmyr the Herbalist

Clubs, Inns and Taverns Black Bowl gambling club Bowl of Serpents, known for its dancers Cata's Pump tavern Mother Minx's festhall The Nightshade nightclub The Dusty Hoof inn and tavern Far Anchor inn The Jaded Unicorn inn and tavern The Raging Lion inn and tavern The Rolling Wheel, known for dancing The Serpent's Tooth inn and tavern The Thirsty Thunder Beast tavern The Traveler's Rest inn The Fishym & Smoka Inn The Randy Wench tavern and gaming room The Jester's Bells tavern, festhall and baths Thruu's Way Rooms and Dining inn

Roads and Streets Far Rider Street Northstorm Street Red Shields Road Stumblepost Trail Trade Way The Walk

Inhabitants Lady Rhessajan Ambermantle, ruler of Scornubel Angah Lalla, a fence and curios dealer Laertilus, a sage specializing in lost treasures

The Red Shields are a strong merchant organization, previously a strong mercenary company, that protects caravans leaving Scornubel as well as serving as the city's army. The Shields make regular trading operations to Amn, Neverwinter and Waterdeep.

If ever you wanted to reach the Sword Coast with something to sell and lived inland you might go through Scornubel. If you hailed from the north and prefered a land route to sailing the Sea of Swords you would follow the Trade Way down to Scornubel. It isn't the largest place, but it is large and its selection of goods is as diverse as the people found there.

Scornubel has no walls or city plan; it’s most important features are the ferries and ship docks, and Scornubel Hall (which contains quarters for the local Council and visitors, the city’s deep wells and emergency granary, and meeting chambers which can be rented when then Council is not in session Scornubel is the Caravan City, a sprawling place of warehouses, paddocks, and stockyards. Businesses and the buildings that house them change from season to season or even more rapidly, and Scornubel has few permanent landmarks. It is a city of traveling merchants with a population that can increase eightfold in a good summer, sixfold during most traveling seasons. It has no walls and is a place of ready swords and watchful residents. There have been more than a few raids on it by bugbears, hobgoblins, and the like, particularly in harsh winter weather, when game is scarce. Thieves and dopplegangers are a constant problem. Whatever the present level of dangers and intrigue in the Caravan City, one thing is certain; it is never a dull place to visit.

Scornubel's vast diversity and accompanying cosmopolitan tendencies test the ability of The High Overseer to maintain his brand of order there. In fact, he will not go there at all and delegates everything to the elven duchess, Lady Rhessajan. Old, sharp-tongued Lady Rhessajan Ambermantle rules the city, assisted by three Lord High Advisors (retired merchants) in consultation with a council of merchants. Her tongue and world wise stratagems have earned her the title “the Old Vixen,” but she’s generally loved, or at least respected, among Scornubians. She can raise a mounted militia headed and equipped by the Red Shields mercenary company within a few days and has a watch of well-trained and well- equipped Hellriders at her disposal assisted by both priests and mages. The city has many shrines and visiting clergy., but only one temple, the Healing House of Lathander, which is much called upon to heal injured travelers of all faiths.

While Lady Rhessajan is the authority head in Scornubel, she does not necessarily wield the most power. Half-orc count Ivor Helder, the self-made mogul, and Bakluuk Che each operate lucrative enterprises in Elturgard and ignoring their opinions is to feel their political weight.

Traveling from Elturel to Scornubel, or vice versa, and expecting more of the same will surprise anyone. Where Elturel features gardens, river walks, charming houses, and generally high living standards; Scornubel has alleys, seedy taverns, warehouses, cheap boarding houses, and pickpockets. It can be dangerous and there are areas you would do well to avoid.

Inns/Taverns

The Dusty Hoof This middling establishment stands on the east side of Northstorm Street in the block above the six-way intersection of the Walk. It’s unexciting, but relatively safe and comfortable. As the name indicates, it caters to drovers and caravan wagonfolk.

Far Anchor This large inn sits on the north side of Far Rider Street between Stumblepost Trail and Red Shields Road. It’s probably the best accommodation to be had year in and year out in Scornubel. Built by a retired sea captain only 12 or so seasons back, its name refers to its distance by river barge from the Sword Coast.

The Jaded Unicorn This ramshackle complex of former warehouses occupies the center of the first block east of the one that has Scornubel Hall at its heart.but aside from position and size, the two places couldn’t be more different. This dump is proudly presided over by a life-sized purple unicorn sculpture that some wag on a dare or a bet, no doubt, and with the aid of a levitation spell has painted the face of with rouge, lip scarlet, and eye shadow to make it look like a cheap courtesan. Somehow it looks fitting.

The Raging Lion This large, but rather poorly run, establishment stands on the east side of the Trade Way on the north edge of the city. It has the advantage of a large, well-guarded compound to hold off orc and brigand raids and a location that allows timid guests to avoid entering the city proper or to leave hastily, riding hard into the night, if need be. It offers the convenience of secure stables handy to the main building, but not much else.

Government Merchant Council duly elected and ignored by Lady Rhessajan

Defences The Red Shield Militia

The Hellriders of Elturgard

Industry & Trade All manner of trade and shipping

Architecture Tents, domes, and warehouses dominate the landscape

Type: Large town Population: 5000 to 100,000 depending on the time of year Location: under Elturgard

Scornubel is a major tradestop for caravans and a sort of "waystation" for merchants making their way from the southern towns of Berdusk and Greenest towards Baldur's Gate to the west. The city never appears to sleep; what with merchants and other folks constantly traveling through the city, anyone who's invested in their trade ensures their shop is never closed.

Notable merchants:

The smithy ran by Taelen Thambadar was on the east side of the harbor.

The shipwright Arkaras's yards were also on the east side of the harbor.

Angah Lalla's Shop near the center of town.

Scornubel's southern border is marked by the Chionthar river, and it is relatively easy to get a skiff or narrowboat to take you to Baldur's Gate. Inn's are numerous in the city and it's not hard to find a place to stay; albeit for a premium.

Recently was attacked by cultists roughly 3 weeks ago, and the city is still rebuilding the eastern portion of the city. Currently ruled by an aged Rheesajan Ambermantle. A charismatic female bard in charge of the city who is fair-minded, good-hearted and always ready to give a rousing speech to her people when the time called for it.

The Scornubel Hall is the large white stone building on the east side of the city where the city leaders typically meet once a month to discuss recent happenings in the city, budget and more recently how to combat the threat of the cult. They now meet weekly to assess damages to the city, progress of the repairs and also how best to keep the city from being nearly ransacked again.

Demographics All races are welcomed and present here; although some Underdark races are less common.

Government Rheesajan Ambermantle is the mayor of the city and in control of the military provided by the Red Shields mercenary company.

Defences The Red Shields mercenaries protected the city under the direction of Rheesajan.

Industry & Trade Most of the goods sold in the city were clothing, metal crafted goods (weapons and armor) and the occasional baked good. Most of the money made was through their Inns and Taverns to provide food, drink and lodging for traveling caravans.

Infrastructure Stone and wooden buildings, watermills along the river, a singular large courtyard near the center of the city and a massive shipyard along the southern edge.

Architecture The buildings changed hands so often, due to the nature of the city being a tradestop, that a building may be familiar and then one day will be decorated differently because of the new owners.

My Name, Stormbreaker Maxim @RicardMobey2971, Jul 13

I hit upon the idea of an insignificant fishing village along the Sea of Swords. Where along the Sea if Swords, other than Calimshan or North of Baldur's Gate (or Waterdeep), would be an ideal location for a school of Weresharks. I'm looking for warm waters.

Ed Greenwood @TheEdVerse

The two best locations (combining warm waters with abundant fish as food, little urban pollution, and little urban traffic/shark hunters) would be Untraal Bay ("Un-TRAWL," and draw out the length of the "AWL") on The Wild Coast (that's the south side of Chult, the wide bay between The Peaks of Flame and the western end of the Sanrach Mountains), and the Selgut (the firth that drains the Lapal Sea into the greater ocean to the south). Second-rank locations include Mhairal Bay (the bay east of the firth I've just mentioned, due south of the Mhair Jungles); Tashtan Bay (in eastern Tashalar, the bay east of the Dolphingulf and west of Sammarash); and Artagh's Bay (the first bay west of the western border of Konigheim, in the Utter East).

My Name, Stormbreaker Maxim @RicardMobey2971, Jul 13

Mayhaps, anything near the Western coasts of the Border Kingdoms?

Ed Greenwood @TheEdVerse

The small "indent" bays east of Sheirtalar as the coast turns south there; warm enough, but there's lots of fishing, shipping, and pollution. The weresharks would have to keep low profiles to avoid trouble.

My Name, Stormbreaker Maxim @RicardMobey2971 Jul 13

Covert observances by a Harper cell point towards such profiles. The three Harper operatives indicate an unlikely alliance between Umberlee and Malar worshippers, possibly a cult. Only one woman has been identified, one Maryna Khast, a Tytherian woman of ethnic descent with pale skin, thick short wavy black hair, dark brown eyes, like a hungry shark. They've seen her as a serving wench at the Angry Sahuagin. Approach with caution.

Ed Greenwood @TheEdVerse Jul 13

Most of the Tethyrian coast isn't very warm water, thanks to currents and prevailing storms, but the sheltered southeasternmost Firedrake Bay (south of Mosstone) and some of the small bays south of Myratma will work.

Xyn Raven @XynRaven @TheEdVerse Jul 13

Seriously, what pollution???

My Name, Stormbreaker Maxim @RicardMobey2971 Jul 14

Sounds like south of mosstone collects rew waste, sewage, discard plant and animal chunks. Maybe a murder victim or too. The wereshark school is careful not to leave bite marks on missing victims.

Tethyr is a feudal realm ruled by Queen Anais from its capital of Darromar. The queen commands her dukes, who in turn receive homage from the counts and countesses of the realm, appoint sheriffs over their counties, and generally maintain order. The farmlands of Tethyr are abundant, and its markets flow freely with trade from the Western Heartlands.

Tethyr has seen more than its share of noble intrigue and royal murder, and adventurers who are native to Tethyr or merely passing through that land are often drawn into such plots, either as unwitting accomplices or as easy scapegoats.

Structure Tethyr is traditionally a hereditary monarchy, with the monarch ruling with the assent and assistance of a governing council.

The Royal Council of Tethyr has been established, representing the realm’s dukes, premier warriors and noteworthies. The elves of Tethir and the halflings of the Purple Hills have voices on the Council, as do the Druids of the Wealdath. In order to retain their position, the dukes and counts must rule responsibly and sensibly, and failure to do so may result in their removal.

Tethyr has complex internal boundaries. The nation is centred on the Crown Lands, the areas adjacent to the capital city at Darromar. Around this region, the nation is divided into three principalities: the Principality of the Corsairs’ Sea in the north-west, the Principality of Ankramir in the south-west and the Principality of the Iltkazar Highlands in the east. The Principality of the Corsairs’ Sea is divided into the duchies of Cape Velen and the Wealdath; Ankramir is divided between the duchies of the Purple Marches, Kamlann and Ankaram; the Iltkazar Highlands are divided into the duchies of the Golden Marches and Suretmarch. Each duchy is sub-divided into smaller counties.

Demography and Population Population: 3,771,360

Demographics: Humans (76%), halflings (20%), elves (3%), other (1%)

Tethyr is Faerûn’s second-largest nation, behind only Halruaa (and only if you include all Halruaa’s vast, mountainous and lightly-settled borders), and one of its more populous.

Tethyr has a notable internal division between the human-controlled plains and mountains, and elf-controlled lands in the Wealdath (the Forest of Tethir). The elven lands within the Wealdath are effectively autonomous but fully integrated into the Tethyrian political system, with elven military and noble ranks acknowledged across the entire kingdom and the rulers of the forest acknowledged members of the Royal Council. In this way, Tethyr strives to avoid internal, racial strife. Tethyr has a large halfling population in the Purple Hills and along the northern slopes of the Marching Mountains, and a smaller dwarven population mostly located in the eastern mountains.

Territories Tethyr is a large country located south of the Sword Coast, between the nations of Amn to the north and Calimshan to the south. Its western coast is on the Sea of Swords, and pirates of the Nelanther Isles had long harried the kingdom's maritime commerce, especially as trade vessels bound for or returning from far-off Maztica. Finally, the Omlarandin Mountains stand to the east.

The kingdom’s borders are defined as the River Agis and Marching Mountains to the south; the Omlarandin Peaks, Kuldin Peaks and Snowflake Mountains to the east; and the Tethir Road to the north, as far east as Trailstone, where the border moves north to the Tejarn Hills and runs east to Shilmista, the Forest of Shadows (this region is disputed by Am). The Trackless Sea forms the border to the west, and the southern end of the Sea of Swords to the far north-west. Tethyr incorporates all of the Dragon’s Neck (sometimes called the Tethyr Peninsula) and the entire, vast forest known as the Wealdath, or Forest of Tethir, as well as the northern part of the Forest of Mir.

Much of Tethyr’s civilisation is clustered along the banks of its two great rivers, the Sulduskoon in the north and the Ith (once called the Wurlur) in the south. The plains between the two rivers are well-watered and are home to vast numbers of farms and dairies. The Purple Hills along the coast are home to vineyards and wineries. The lands to the east are hilly and mountainous, where Tethyr’s borders meet those of its former vassal of Erlkazar.

Geographical Features Inland Tethyr was relatively flat, though not without hills.

The Spires of Mir covered the southern highlands of Tethyr.

The Forest of Tethir was also known as the Wealdath and was located along the Trade Way, south of the Small Teeth Mountains. In addition to the Suldusk and Elmanesse elven tribes, the Wealdath was home to a variety of fey creatures and other dangers, including dragons, wyverns, and lycanthropes. Rumors also claimed the forest hid portals to the world of the lythari, a species of shapechanging elves, though only the lythari knew the portals's locations and how to activate them.

Barely considered mountains, the foothill area of the Omlarandin Mountains was known for its rare and prized omlar gems. These gems were useful in the arcane arts and could be worth large sums.

The Snowflake Mountains laid at the far eastern edge of Tethyr. The range held some of the tallest mountains in Faerûn and formed a natural border between Tethyr, Amn, the Shining Plains, and the Lake of Steam. The area was once the barony of Impresk within Erlkazar. The best known locations in the Mountains were the Edificant Library, a place of worship of Deneir and Oghma, and the childhood home of Cadderly Bonaduce, later called Spirit Soaring.

Lower than the Snowflake Mountains, but no less treacherous, the Starspire Mountains laid in central Tethyr. It is in this range, near the inactive volcano, Mount Thargill, that the few remaining dwarf clans of Tethyr lived.

Climate Summers in Tethyr are long and temperate. Inland regions typically experience a wet season of about two weeks with heavy rain.

Military The Royal Army of Tethyr, the Royal Navy of Tethyr, various mercenary companies

Because Tethyr has spent more than twenty years in a state of constant conflict, enormous numbers of Tethyr’s population have recent combat experience, giving them a large pool of well-trained soldiers to call upon. As with kingdoms like Cormyr and Impiltur, Tethyr is also developing its own cadre of magic users to reinforce the conventional armies in battle.

Religion The traditional, most-favoured gods of Tethyr are Helm, Ilmater, Torm and Tyr. The nature gods (Chauntea, Silvanus, Eldath) are also heavily worshipped, especially in and around the Forest of Tethir. Sune and Lliira are also growing in popularity. The elves of Tethir worship the Seldarine, the elven pantheon, whilst the halfling pantheon is worshipped amongst the halfling communities of the Purple Hills and the northern slopes of the Marching Mountains.

Talos, Bane and Cyric are especially unpopular in Tethyr, and the worship of Beshaba is particularly despised since her clergy’s activities are blamed for the worst excesses of the Ten Black Days of Eleint. Mystra was formerly popular before the civil war, but her worship has been associated with the decadence and corruption of that time and many of her temples in Tethyr were destroyed during the civil war. King-Consort Haedrak, in particular, is trying to encourage the return of Mystra worshippers to Tethyr.

Foreign Relations Tethyr has re-established diplomatic ties with its neighbours. Syl-Pasha Ralan el Persarkhal of Calimshan, a wily operator if there ever was one, has welcomed Tethyr’s return to stability and offered military support to Tethyr in its struggle with Kzelter (though some ponder if he has done so with the intent of capturing Mintar, providing a springboard for a Calishite resurgence around the Lake of Steam). His full ambitions are unclear, but his good faith is being taken as genuine for the moment.

Relations with Amn are much more complex: the Council of Six has welcomed the end of the war but is deeply unhappy with Riatavin’s defection to Tethyr. War between Amn and Tethyr was only averted by the advent of the Sythillisian War instead. Tethyr has offered Amn assistance in exchange for recognising Riatavin’s annexation, a decision that Amn is agonising over (as without Tethyrian reinforcements, Amn is unlikely to be able to retake Murann from the ogres). The situation remains fluid.

Tethyr is technically in a state of war with the city-state of Mintar on the Lake of Steam, after the latter captured Tethyr’s frontier town of Kzelter. Mintar currently has 23,000 troops around Kzelter whilst Tethyr has reinforced Ithal Pass to the north-west with some 15,000 troops. Calimshan has also moved an unknown number of troops into the area. Tethyr has demanded that Mintar withdraw from Kzelter immediately, but Mintar has refused. Mintar lacks the strength to invade further into Tethyr, but Tethyr does not have enough firepower to retake Kzelter without Calishite aid, and is wary of the cost of such assistance. The situation remains tense.

Vhaeraun (pronounced: /veɪˈrɔːn/ vay-RAWN[5][31]), also called the Masked Lord, the Masked God of Night, The Shadow, and, less frequently, the Shadow Lord, the Masked Mage and the Lord of Shadow was the drow god of drow males, thievery, territory, shadow magic, spellfilchers, and evil activities on the surface, aimed to further drow goals, interests, and power there.

As an avatar, Vhaeraun appeared as a normal male drow, handsome with a slim, graceful, and toned physique. He could change his size as he wanted and appeared either with a height of 16 feet or six feet. His body was surrounded by shadow that did not just randomly lighten and darken but his body seemingly disappeared when this shadow went over him.

It was thought that he never used armor, but he was seen wearing leather armor. He always wore a black mask and a long cloak of the same hue. His eyes and/or hair could change color to reflect his emotions (red for anger, gold for triumph, blue for amusement, green for puzzlement and curiosity). His hair's default color was white with red highlight.

[Prompt] As an avatar, Vhaeraun appeared as a normal male drow, handsome with a slim, graceful, and toned physique with elven ears, dark skin tone.. He could change his size as he wanted and appeared either with a height of 16 feet or six feet. His body was surrounded by shadow that did not just randomly lighten and darken but his body seemingly disappeared when this shadow went over him.

It was thought that he never used armor, but he was seen wearing leather armor. He always wore a black mask and a long cloak of the same hue. His eyes and/or hair could change color to reflect his emotions (red for anger, gold for triumph, blue for amusement, green for puzzlement and curiosity). His hair's default color was white with red highlight., telephoto shot, vibrant color grading, epic fantasy, cinematic shot, dynamic lighting, 75mm, Technicolor, Panavision, cinemascope, sharp focus, fine details, 8k, HDR, realism, realistic, key visual, film still, cinematic color grading, depth of field, ,

[Negative Prompt] , bad lighting, low-quality, deformed, text, poorly drawn, holding camera, bad art, bad angle, boring, low-resolution, worst quality, bad composition, disfigured, ,

The Flaming Fists

The Flaming Fist, or Flaming Fists, are a mercenary company based in the city of Baldur's Gate on the Sword Coast, where its members serve as city guards. They were one of the most powerful and expensive fighting forces in all the Realms during the 14th century DR, motivated primarily by the promise of riches and the glory of victory, though they edged on the side of promoting order throughout the Realms. The Flaming Fist was thrown into turmoil in the Year of the Banner, 1368 DR, when the charismatic but malicious merchant-warrior Sarevok Anchev threw the city of Baldur's Gate into chaos. He helped orchestrate the Iron crisis of the Sword Coast, which almost sparked a war between the city and the entire nation of Amn to the south. Later that year, Sarevok orchestrated the death and incapacitation of several of the city's Dukes, and positioned himself as the premiere candidate for one of the vacancies. One of his first acts after being elected, was to appoint Angelo Dosan as Marshal of the Flaming Fist, in order to wield the mercenary group as an extension of his will. The war and Sarevok's attempted coup were thwarted by his half-brother, and fellow child of Bhaal, Abdel Adrian. By the late 15th century DR, the Flaming Fists had changed from a mercenary group to the police and military force of Baldur's Gate. They were still among the strongest militaries in all the Sword Coast, and allied with other nation-states whenever some threat was menacing enough to warrant it.

In the Year of the Narthex Murders, 1482 DR, the city's beloved Grand Duke and current Marshal of the Flaming Fist, Abdel Adrian was thrown into a horrific battle with the only other known remaining Bhaalspawn, each as two remnants of the century-long Avatar Crisis. The Grand Duke was slain in public in the Wide, and a terrible monster was let loose on the onlooking crowd of Baldurians. After he was promoted Marshal Ulder Ravengard served as the representative of Baldur's Gate and the Flaming Fist at the Council of Waterdeep, to deal with the emerging threat of the Cult of the Dragon and potential appearance of Tiamat in the Realms.

AL graphics by PigeonBlue and Perchance.Org

The Flaming Fists The Flaming Fist, or Flaming Fists, was a mercenary company based in the city of Baldur's Gate on The Sword Coast, where its members served as city guards. They were one of the most powerful and expensive fighting forces in all the Realms during the 14th century DR, motivated primarily by the promise of riches and the glory of victory, though they edged on the side of promoting order throughout the Realms.

While the Fist's base of operations was in the city of Baldur's Gate, they had other forts and establishments in Anchorome, Chult and Tethyr. The latter of which proved to be a source for recent hires by Duke Eltan during their decades-long civil war. They also worked outside the city and their forts; their sphere of influence extending just south of Beregost but stopping before Nashkel.

Structure LEADERSHIP During the 1300s, the company was led by 10 senior officers which included the master-tactician Scar, the powerful mage Moruene and the company's founder and leader, Grand Duke Eltan.

The other leaders included Beluarion, Kulurauk, Bellan, Nenon, Koruelve, Desedrak and Yulimtul. These high-ranking Flaming Fist officers served as commanders on the battlefield, bodyguards during intense, high-risk negotiations and often as a protective bulwark for Eltan and Moruene when they forayed into combat.

Following the near-disastrous expeditions to Maztica and Anchorome during the early 1360's DR, over half of the senior officers were either killed, went missing or were absent from Baldur's Gate due to new posts from which they served. Along with the surviving Koruelve, A new generation of officers were inducted into the Flaming Fist including Lendali Firehair, Herculus the Hammer, Skot-sar, Delandria Kalvistalk the Huner and Morgan Redwing.

During the mid-15th century DR, Grand Duke Abdel Adrian served as the Marshal of the Flaming Fist until his death in the Year of the Ageless One, 1479 DR. He was succeeded by Ulder Ravengard, who also ascended to the office of Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate within a decade.

RANKS The Flaming Fist operated under a strict military hierarchy. They seldom recruited locals to aid in their missions, except in the cases of advisers or wilderness guides.

As of the late 15th century DR, the Flaming Fist comprised six hierarchical ranks. In descending order of authority they were: Marshal, the Fist's general; Blaze, equivalent to a major; Flame, an officer that served as lieutenant; Manip, a Flaming Fist sergeant; Gauntlet, comparable to a corporal; Fist, the rank given to private soldiers.

Some high ranking members of the Flaming Fist were known to have served on the Baldurian Council of Four.

Public Agenda The Flaming Fist served both as Baldur's Gate military as well as the police force of the Lower City. Despite the city's reputation as being rife with corruption, most soldiers of the Fist did their best to uphold justice and maintain order within its walls.

On other occasions, they were merciless and engaged in immediate violence in the name of justice. Yet others were prone to corruption themselves, readily accepting bribes from anyone that had the coin.

History The Flaming Fist Mercenary Company, as it was then called, was founded in the 1330s DR by Eltan, a formidable fighter and Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate.

During the Horde Wars, 300 members were hired out by Sembia to combat the overwhelming Tuigan forces.

While Tethyr was leaderless during the Tethyrian Interregnum, Duke Eltan hired out small squads of the Fist at a greatly discounted rate. It was believed that he did so in hopes of being invited to the Tethyrian Court, and sought to establish a dependent state over which he would have control.

EXPLORATION Guided by his fascination with the explorer Balduran, Eltan arranged for an 150-strong expedition into the jungles of Chult led by the officers Beluarion and Nenon. When he got word of the discoveries of Maztica by the Amnian Golden Legion in the year 1361 DR, he arranged for a Fist-led expedition to the "New World" in 1364 DR, in the hopes of discovering the final resting place of Balduran, in the unknown continent of Anchorome.

Not content with the lands that had been settled by the southern neighbors to Baldur's Gate, the Flaming Fist had four of their leading officers, Bellan, Desedrak, Yulimtul and Scar lead 500 of the Flaming Fist, along with 200 horses and a great deal of cargo, set out from the island of Lantan. They immediately encountered troubles in the form of disease and storms. While the Fist clerics limited the spread of disease, they lost three vessels, one of which had been designated as the infirmary for the sea-faring explorers which contained most of the divine healers.

The remaining Fist explorers landed in Helmsport, resupplied and hired 60 Maztican Eagle Knights to replenish their numbers. The Flaming Fist explorers split their forces, with Desedrak, Yulimtul and just over 200 mercenaries venturing northwest across the newly-discovered continent to find the legendary City of Gold, while the remaining 300-plus continued sailing north in search of the fabled Anchorome. The former group was never heard from again, while the latter lost a third of their ships fighting off the Sahuagin from the undersea city of Itzcali, and were led by Scar further north.

Arriving in the mouth of a bay, which they would name the Bay of Balduran, the remaining Fist mercenaries discovered a lush land inhabited by wild elves, unlike any they knew on Faerûn. While they ventured inland, the remaining Fist ships were sunk by massive whale-like sea beasts. The elves they encountered were extremely hostile, and the Flaming Fist were forced to make a fighting retreat out of their territory towards the coast. The remaining hundred explorers, led by Scar and Bellan, established Fort Flame at the mouth of the bay. With Bellan maintaining lead at Fort Flame, the keen-minded Scar led a small band south to Helmsport, sailed back to Baldur's Gate, and petitioned for reinforcements for the isolated fortress, which arrived in the year 1366 DR.

14TH CENTURY Sometime before 1372 DR, Flaming Fist mercenaries were involved in defending the city of Baldur's Gate from an invading orc horde. The Fists used one piece of notoriously dangerous siege equipment, the Boiler, to defend the walls from orcs crawling up rickety ladders. When the defenders ran out of bubbling hot oil, Sergeant Lukas Oteril made a decision to toss the Boiler off the wall on the heads of climbing orcs. Even though that actions meant little to the battle's outcome, the Flaming Fists were happy to get rid of the accursed device. The battle was eventually won with the horde's chieftain fleeing with his life and the Boiler.

15TH CENTURY By the late 15th century DR, the Flaming Fists had changed from a mercenary group to the police and military force of Baldur's Gate.

AI Graphics by Michael Yarichuk

Founded by Grand Duke Eltan Eltan,the Flaming Fist is a mercenary company-turned police and military force loyal to the city of Baldur's Gate. Despite the organization's struggles with corruption, morals, and tendency to spurn the Baldurian population in favour of Upper City patriars, the Flaming Fist still persists as one of the most powerful and extensive fighting forces in all of the Sword Coast Sword Coast. Members of the Flaming Fist act as soldiers and battle against threats both domestic and abroad, often with the blessing of their allies in the Lords' Alliance Lords' Alliance.

“The Fist have been at some times corrupt and at others virtuous. In that way making a friend of the Fist is buying a packaged loaf. Who knows if the dough is delicious or the crust is poisoned?" — A History of the Flaming Fist

The Flaming Fist can first be encountered at Waukeen's Rest in the aftermath of a raid committed by Absolutist drow and goblins. With the inn on fire, Gauntlet Yeva Gauntlet Yeva and the remaining Flaming Fists attempt to bust the door down to save Duke Ravengard Duke Ravengard. However, successfully entering the inn reveals that the Duke is nowhere to be found, and instead culminates in the potential rescue of Counselor Florrick Counsellor Florrick, who reveals the Duke has been captured and taken to Moonrise Towers. Florrick then requests the party rescue the Duke, kicking off Rescue the Grand Duke⁠Rescue the Grand Duke. Leaving the premises of Waukeen's Rest before any rescue results in the death of Counsellor Florrick as well as the premature departure of the local Flaming Fists.

A second group of Flaming Fist mercenaries are at the Mountain Pass. A squad of Fists led by Gauntlet Dion Gauntlet Dion attempt to disarm a githyanki patrol led by Sarth Baretha Sarth Baretha, to no avail, before being attacked and burnt by Kith'rak Voss Kith'rak Voss ' dragoon.

“He of the Unsleeping Eyes. Grant me the might to carry this burden. Grant me the faith to face darkness without fear." — Fist Recruit Ephren, praying to Helm

Depending on whether or not the Flaming Fists were assisted and if Counsellor Florrick survived the events at Waukeen's Rest, members of the Flaming Fist can be encountered at Last Light Inn alongside the Harpers. If the tiefling refugees were not saved in Act One, Flaming Fist Marcus Flaming Fist Marcus vouches for the party when they are ensnared by Jaheira Jaheira, revealing himself to actually be an undercover True Soul. The party can then expose Marcus as a traitor amidst their ranks, or play along with his deception.

Florrick and her Flaming Fists can be encountered again in the inn's western bunk room, and confirms Duke Ravengard's whereabouts to be in Moonrise Towers. In the same room, an ancient comatose Flaming Fist human named Art Cullagh Art Cullagh is lying in bed. Talking with Florrick, Manip Vidor Manip Vidor, Fist J'ehlar Fist J'ehlar, or Harper Tumeril Harper Tumeril reveals that the Unconscious Unconscious Fist may know a way into Moonrise Towers, kicking off Wake up Art Cullagh⁠Wake up Art Cullagh and Infiltrate Moonrise Towers⁠Infiltrate Moonrise Towers. A  Flaming Fist Writ of Command detailing the man's past can be taken from J'ehlar or picked from the bed (depending on J'ehlar's presence). There, Florrick announces that she will be leaving for Baldur's Gate to seek reinforcements. Leaving Last Light Inn at any point in time after conversing with Florrick results in her leaving the region alongside some of the Flaming Fists. Additionally, if the party visit Moonrise Towers before first visiting the Last Light Inn, Florrick will have already departed and left a note instead.

Upstairs, depending on whether he intervened in the party's defence and remained friendly, Marcus waits for the party in Isobel's Isobel's room and reveals to them he has orders from Ketheric Thorm Ketheric Thorm to kidnap Isobel alive – a ploy the party can either assist with or foil. Attacking Marcus or interacting with Isobel triggers the Resolve the Abduction⁠Resolve the Abduction battle, ending in either Marcus' defeat or the complete loss of Last Light Inn and its occupants.

If the Nightsong Nightsong is freed and heads to Moonrise Towers, the Flaming Fists take part in the assault on Moonrise Towers. Before the party can arrive, the Harpers and Fists clear out the majority of the Absolutist's forces, but at the cost of losing almost all of their numbers in the fight. What remains of the Flaming Fists assist the party and the Harpers in the ensuing fights as melee fighters. Should any of the Fists survive after the initial battle in the main hall, they move to the Moonrise Towers Prison and face off against the Mistresses of Souls and their Necromites Necromites in a bonus fight.

"A century locked inside a Sharran curse will do things to a man. But you're not alone, sir. We're here with you." — Fist J'ehlar, to an unconscious Art Cullagh

Despite effectively being allies to the party for the first two acts, the Flaming Fist take more of a neutral or sometimes antagonistic role in Act Three. There, bolstered by the Steel Watch and as Baldur's Gate police and military force, they are present throughout the entirety of the region as either stationary sentries or mobile patrols. The party also see that they have already resisted a few assaults from the Absolute's forces outside of Rivington.

At the South Span Checkpoint, a Flaming Fist garrison and Steel Watcher Steel Watcher under the command of Gauntlet Edwynna Gauntlet Edwynna prevent both the party and the refugees from entering Wyrm's Crossing, forcing the party to either sneak in, surrender to the Steel Watch, or to attack the Fists. If the Ironhand Gnomes were saved from Moonrise Towers however, they cause a distraction and disable the Steel Watcher, giving the party a window of opportunity to pass. As the checkpoint is crossed however, Manip Falcäo Manip Falcäo attempts to hire the party to kill the Ironhand Gnomes and bring him Wulbren Bongle's Wulbren Bongle's head.

In front of Wyrm's Rock Fortress, Blaze Elin Blaze Elin forbids anyone from entering the fortress during Gortash's Gortash's coronation. She can be convinced to let the party through various Deception checks, a Persuasion check and 20.000 Gold, the use of a  Lower City Pass acquired from Valeria Valeria or Sharess' Caress, the use of an  Urgent Report for Duke Ravengard, or can be avoided altogether by going underneath the fortress or using Fly Fly actions.

Wyrm's Rock Fortress serves as a headquarters and barracks for the Flaming Fist, with some of their highest-ranking Fists and quartermaster Arkleia Oloril Arkleia Oloril being located in the fortress. The Marshal of the Flaming Fist, Ulder Ravengard, is present during Gortash's coronation, albeit with a tadpole in his brain and oblivious to his new role as a pawn. An imprisoned Florrick in Wyrm's Rock Prison, along with various notes and information strewn around the fortress reveal that the Fist are being reformed into a force incapable of sustaining the Absolute's assaults, with the Fist being oblivious to Gortash's standing as the Chosen of Bane Bane. Thus, taking part in Gortash' coronation and attacking him will result in all of the Flaming Fists in the fortress turning hostile.

In Baldur's Gate proper, Lora Bergauz Lora Bergauz attempts to get Blaze Liara Portyr Blaze Liara Portyr to investigate the whereabouts of her missing daughter To Vanra Vanra, to no avail - allowing for the party to intervene and take over the search to Save Vanra⁠Save Vanra. In the Elfsong Tavern, Constable and Gauntlet Devella Fountainhead Gauntlet Devella Fountainhead can be encountered while investigating the murder of Duke Stelmane Duke Stelmane, kicking off the Investigate the Murders⁠Investigate the Murders quest if it has not been triggered before or ending in Devella's own potential murder under a Dark Urge origin. Assisting Devella instead leads to cooperating with her on the hunt for Pain Dolor , a serial murderer.

Attacking Ettvard Needle Ettvard Needle or infringing on his demands in Stop the Presses⁠Stop the Presses turns the guards of Baldur's Mouth hostile, as well as any nearby Flaming Fists in range.

If the Iron Throne has been accessed and intruded upon, all of the Flaming Fists in Wyrm's Rock Fortress immediately turn hostile and side with Gortash if the party return, with no possibility of rendering them hospitable to the party, and therefore culminating in their death, even if Knocked Out Knocked Out.

Ultimately however, if Florrick is an ally in Gather Your Allies⁠Gather Your Allies, the Flaming Fist will come to the party's aid and city's defence in Confront the Elder Brain⁠Confront the Elder Brain through the Gather Your Allies Gather Your Allies action Florrick's Cohort Florrick's Cohort - as well as their desperate defence of the Upper City before the party's arrival.