So I need some help on things... I have most sources from 1E and 2E, which will help a lot. But some questions come to mind:
- was Elminster living in Shadowdale, in his siganture tower, at this time?
- where can I learn more about what the various Chosen of Mystra were doing specifically at that time? The Simbul, I think, is still an apprentice to the Queen of Aglarond. What about Storm and Dove and Laeral? Laeral would be adventuring, right?
- what is Silverymoon like, and who is in charge at this time? Was the mythal up at this time (no, I'm thinking), and how was the city different?
- since this is before the elvish Retreat, what is Myth Drannor like and how does the culture affect the surrounding Dalelands and Cormyr?
- Cormyr is ruled by Rhigaerd II, who would have just taken the throne back after *cough* high mage Jorunhast kills Salember. Jorunhast is exiled for regicide, as Rhigaerd II must. But what was this transition of power like, were any other nobles involved and to what degree?
- Yulash is about to undergo a battle of nobles for the title of Lord. Any detailed information about this?
- Waterdeep's palace has been built... who all built it, and who funded it? And are there any special things to know about in the city (guilds in power, nobles in power, etc...)?
- What "well known heroes" and / or adventuring companies are known for the time?
Probably loads more questions to come, all help appreciated! Mostly, I'm looking for tidbits and hooks. Nothing about the future from 1299+ is certain, from my perspective, as this will be a variant campaign world from that point onward.
My answer to most of them is, Im not sure. Ive recently moved so most of my stuff is still in boxes, but Ill look around and see if I cant find anything for you.
Off the top of my head I can tell you what Myth Drannor was like, It was in ruins! 1298 is well after the fall of Myth Drannor.
And no I dont believe Elminster has retired to Shadowdale yet, I remember them giving a date for that but I cant seem to find it now.
As for what the Seven Sisters were up to during this time, your best bet would probably be the Seven Sisters sourcebook if you can find it, if you dont already have a copy.
Another good reference to have if you dont already is the Grand History if the Realms,It has this to say about 1298 DR:
1298 DR Year of the Pointed Bone
Lhestyn, the “Masked Lady,” infiltrates the outlawed Shadow Thieves in
Waterdeep and exposes their continuing activities. This act precipitates a bloody
tenday of fighting between the guild and the City Watch that culminates in
the death or flight of the guild’s members.
Silverymoon has been governed by Alustriel since she and Storm averted disaster when an orc horde managed to breach Silverymoons walls in 1235 DR. The city had suffered from repeated orc hordes and warlords retaking afore that time, so a lot of the (magical) infrastructure needed rebuilding.
The Zhentilar (with a smattering of their allies) push for the Citadel of the Raven intending to rebuild it into an important military outpost.
Some very important organisations are about to be formed, relocated or reinforced. Vangerdahast founds the War Wizards of Cormyr (1306), Manshoon establishes a frim hold on the Darkhold castle, the Eldreth Veluuthra gain a foothold in the Forest of Tethir, Sammaster is barely destroyed in the Deserts mouth mountains, the earlier founded Shadow Thieves get expelled from Waterdeep by Lhestyn the Masked Lady.
Waterdeeps palace is likely funded by those nobles with firm connections to the Hidden Lords and Baeron Silmaeril the Open Lord of Waterdeep before Piergeiron, and build with beautiful calimshan white marble.
Was Elminster living in Shadowdale, in his signature tower, at this time?
As best I can tell the answer is yes to both questions. According to Grand History of the Realms Mystra (2.0) elevated Sammaster to Chosen in 851. The entry pointedly calls Elminster "the Sage of Shadowdale." So running off that I went to cross reference things in the Cult of the Dragon 2E Accessory. Sure enough on page 9: "Before she took her leave of him, the Goddess directed Sammaster to Shadowdale and Elminster's Tower to better learn to use and manage all his new abilities."
Where can I learn more about what the various Chosen of Mystra were doing specifically at that time? The Simbul, I think, is still an apprentice to the Queen of Aglarond. What about Storm and Dove and Laeral? Laeral would be adventuring, right? What is Silverymoon like, and who is in charge at this time? Was the mythal up at this time (no, I'm thinking), and how was the city different?
These are very hard questions to answer.
Alassra Shentrara (the Simbul) did not ascend to the Throne of Aglarond until 1320 DR according to the Grand History of the Realms. It's clear though that around this time the Simbul was in service to Queen Ilione of Aglarond. This is without doubt.
In 1295 Prince Thaum of Impiltur gathered a mercenary army and sacked the city of Sarshel. At the time the throne was occupied by Regent Kuskur, the third son of Imphras II who was ruling for his brother Rilimbrar until he turned sixteen years of age. When Prince Thaum marched on the Tower of Filur and seized the throne of Impiltur, Regent Kuskur and the young king fled into exile. Kuskur then requested aid from Queen Ilione of Aglarond, who sent her apprentice - the Simbul - to dispatch Thaum. She was successful in killing him. In 1296 King Rilimbrar is restored to the throne of Impiltur, but Kuskur never returns, choosing instead to live in self-imposed exile in Velprintalar. This took place after Imphras IV (Thaum's son and Kuskur's grandson) attempted to hold the throne after his father's death. He was later placed under house arrest in the royal tower of Filur. Kuskur died in 1298, still in exile.
I think that largely accounts for the Simbul's activities and whereabouts at the time.
Alustriel Silverhand has some back history with Silverymoon. She was the Fifth High Mage under the guise of Elué Dualen, but "retired" from office in 876 DR. At the time you're setting your campaign Orjalun, the Ninth High Mage of Silverymoon; still holds that post. That's about to change however if you keep with the cannon. In 1230 he retires from office, his fate unknown. His apprentice Sepur takes the office but abandons it in 1232 DR and was slain by unknown hands after leaving the city. Silverymoon is then taken over by the self-proclaimed High Mage Shaloss Ethenfrost, who is later defeated by Alustriel in a spell battle (along with his two apprentices), officially establishing herself as the Eleventh High Mage of Silverymoon in 1235 DR.
Here is the back story on this time period taken directly from The North (2E):
"The last disruption of the High Mages' rule started in the Year of the Long Watch with the retirement of High Mage Orjalun the Wise. Leaving the staff of office and the city in the hands of his apprentice Sepur, Orjalun left the city almost as mysteriously as Elué Dualen had 200 years before. Sepur, after a cautious two-year wait, exposed his perfidy and simply abandoned Silverymoon to the fates while taking some of its items of power with him. Years later, his shattered staff was found atop a scorched tor in the Trollmoors, and Sepur is believed to have met a deserved traitor's death. Still, his abandonment of Silverymoon with no successor left the city in turmoil.
In what is now known as Spellsfall, 25 wizards of various and sundry power levels slew each other and destroyed large parts of the city in attempts to gain the Silver Throne of the High Mage. At the same time, both the army and the growing merchant class wanted their candidates to rule the city instead of a new High Mage. A power struggle ensued.
The five-month stretch of Spellsfall led to the election of Silvermayor Theomel Scalson, a politically savvy merchant with former military ties and children among the surviving wizard class of the city. The Silvermayor led the city well in mercantile terms and rebuilt much of the damage, even doubling the size of the southern sector of the city. However, when huge orc hosts threatened to overrun Silverymoon in the Year of the Black Horde, the Silvermayor found that he did not have the full support of the military, and he was virtually deposed in all but name by the petty, grasping Warlord Khallos Shieldsunder.
Warlord Khallos was soon slain in battle against the orcs, whom he believed to be less of a threat than they actually were, and the army saw the first breach of Silverymoon's walls in over 600 years by the orc hordes. Valiant support was given to the army by a fledgling Spellguard, an idea of the Silvermayor's that proved fruitful. The walls held for another month while the city fell under siege, with 7,000 orcs encamped around the damaged walls. Eager to claim responsibility and power, the greedy Spellguard Captain Shaloss Ethenfrost claimed the title and power of the High Mage for himself, though the city under siege hardly noticed or cared in its despair.
Alustriel Silverhand and her sister Storm led an army of Harpers to relieve and free the besieged Silverymoon two months later. After breaking the siege and refortifying the city's defenses and walls, Alustriel entered Silverymoon only to come under magical attack. High Mage Ethenfrost saw the people flocking to Alustriel's side, and he wanted to rid himself of a potential rival for leadership. While Storm's Harpers and the remaining defenders of Silverymoon fought orcs at the Battle of Tumbleskulls, Alustriel single-handedly destroyed the would-be-tyrant mage Shaloss Ethenfrost and his two apprentices in a magnificent spell battle. With the breaking of the orcs and the fall of Shaloss to her credit, Alustriel was unanimously elected High Mage by every native of the city. Since 1235 DR, Silverymoon has flourished under the kind rule of Lady Hope, Alustriel Silverhand of the Seven Sisters."
I am unsure when the Mythal was raised around Silverymoon. However, I would assume that by this time it is active. The closest I can come is an event that took place 694 DR. High Mage Truesilver and 21 other wizards cast "mighty protections and enchantments" on the walls of the city. These mages certainly immigrated to Silverymoon in 659 DR (known as the Year of Mages' Dawning in Silverymoon). That year more than 50 wizards from Myth Drannor and other parts of the Realms migrated to Silverymoon and began its first era as a center of magical study. This was before the fall of Myth Drannor, and it is likely during this time that the Mythal was raised.
I have no idea what Storm was doing at the time, but I know in 1235 DR she was with Alustriel when they re-took Silverymoon as stated above in the North and also in the Grand History of the Realms. I would assume that she was chillaxing with Alustriel at the time, since they showed up together.
No clue about Laeral or Dove.
Cormyr is ruled by Rhigaerd II, who would have just taken the throne back after *cough* high mage Jorunhast kills Salember. Jorunhast is exiled for regicide, as Rhigaerd II must. But what was this transition of power like, were any other nobles involved and to what degree?
You are correct regarding Rhigaerd II (Son and sole heir of Azoun III) ascending the throne in 1285 DR. He rules until 1335 DR. However, there is some backstory there which would still be fresh in the people of Cormyr's memory.
In 1275 DR Prince Salember is declared regent for his young nephew after the death of his brother Azoun III, king of Cormyr. Then in 1286 DR Salember (known as the Red Dragon King), refused to abdicate the throne to Crown Prince Rhigaerd II. This forces Rhigaerd to gather an army, the Purple Dragons, under his standard to fight the Red army. During a parlay, Salember attacked the crown prince but is himself slain by Jorunhast. Although he is thankful for his life, King Rhigaerd II nonetheles exiles his High mage for regicide. (How's that for a 'thanks for saving me'? 
)
The next major point in Cormyr's history takes place in 1306 DR when Vangerdhast founds the War Wizards.
Here is just some random lore bits I've located on Cormyr during King Rhigaerd II's reign.
- He awarded the Hornshield family a dukedom in recognition of their valiant efforts in driving out brigands from the surrounding peaks. This information can be located in Volo's Guide to Cormyr, under Hornshield page 212.
- "Rhigaerd II lured Vangerdahst to court with promises of unlimited resources, both finacial and political, then appointed him to become Azoun's tutor in history, ethics, and the political and military uses of magic. It's still unclear whether Rhigaerd duped Vangerdahast or the wizard took the position for the opperunity to mold the mind of the future monarch." - Cormyr page 44, under Vangerdahst's entry.
Sorry, that's all I can find for that time period.
Yulash is about to undergo a battle of nobles for the title of Lord. Any detailed information about this?
In 1275 DR Zhentil Keep granted independence to Yûlash. Although the Grand History of the Realms states that, although technically a free city, it was still quite secure in the grip of the Zhents.
In 1276 DR the powers at Zhentil keep met with representatives of the other Moonsea cities and suggested that a joint force man the Citadel of the Raven. Numerous cities along with Zhentil Keep, Yûlash among them, sent forces to repair and occupy the citadel. Some of the cities used criminals, prisoners, and other malcontents to make up their forces. The Grand History of the Realms goes into a bit more detail about the Rebuilding of the Citadel of the Raven on page 130.
In 1297 DR the noble families of Yûlash begin a bitter quarrel among themselves for the lordship of the city. In late Uktar the following note appeared pinned with daggers to doors all over Yûlash:
"The Zhentarim are behind all this treachery—they and the blackhearts of Hillsfar. Be warned, my fellow citizens! Be warned, as your proud nobles were not. Their folly, which I share, may also be your doom. For the love of our fair city, be warned!
It was the Zhents and the Hillsfarians who set us against each other. Yet the greed and pride of my kin and all the proudest families of our city—the Baranasques, the Ilouns, the Kromrors, the Marqrests, and the Vaolors—brought the killings to our streets in open strife to claim the Lordship of Yûlash. And what is that lofty position worth? What joy does it bring to rule a city divided against itself—a cauldron of feuds and hatred, of ceaseless armed vigilance and scheming—a city where corpses lie rotting in the streets to feed rats and nightbirds because none dare venture out to bury them?
Know, my fellow citizens, these truths:
1. The arrogant fool who calls himself Lord Marqrest caused the crypt of his ancestors to be opened, and the dead therein made undead and sent against my family. These foul creatures slew my father, my mother, and all my brothers. Only I now remain alive because I fled Yûlash for the wild forest, where I have survived by gnawing and scrabbling at the trees.
2. The so-called Lord Kromror did not die of a chance fall from his balcony. He was torn apart by the metal blades and claws of his own constructs—lurching creatures that he purchased from outlander archwizards but never learned to control. The Kromrors now keep these striding slayers locked up in their cellars and send them forth against noble foes whose untimely deaths they desire.
3. “Lord” Iloun dabbles in all manner of foul sorceries. He has visited upon more than a dozen nobles—myself included—a magical curse of liquescence that betimes causes us to collapse into watery helplessness. Once so affected, we can regain solidity only through day-long, agonizing struggles.
4. “Lord” Baranasque keeps hidden a veritable menagerie of chained and caged monsters, rivaled only by that of “Lord” Vaolor. Baranasque unleashes these creatures by night against foes of his own choosing—or against random citizens.
5. All these “lords,” and scions of many lesser families as well, are hoarding magic—both hired spellcasters and items—to gird themselves for the long strife ahead.
Citizens, you must guard and defend our city, or Yûlash will be lost! Such deliverance comes too late for me. The last of the Evarlaurs, I live now only to avenge.
Amauritorla Evarlaur"
This letter was can be found on page 133 of the Grand History of the Realms.
I am unsure when this war ended, but according to the Grand History of the Realms in 1337 DR Yûlashi nobles agreed to abolish the lordship and instead be ruled by a council.
I would assume that Yûlash more or less remains in the same condition as described in that letter until such a time.
Waterdeep's palace has been built... who all built it, and who funded it? And are there any special things to know about in the city (guilds in power, nobles in power, etc...)?
A huge question that I can't answer entirely. Here is what I'm able to find.
The Guilds did not begin forming in Waterdeep until 1248 DR. That year the Lords of Waterdeep recognized the merchant gentry, marking the formal beginnings of the Waterdhavian nobility.
In 1250 DR a plot by Illithid and the elder brain of Ch'chitl plot to enslave Waterdeep. It is derailed when a surprise attack by githyanki leads to the mortal injury of the elder brain. Ch'chitl was founded by a cult of illithids that served as an adjunct to Skullport in 1154 DR.
In 1255 DR Marune the Masked helped found the Shadow Thieves, which was at that time a guild based in the heart of Mount Waterdeep.
In 1256 DR Ahghairon dies, and the Guildmasters begin seizing power in Waterdeep. At the same time Khelben the Elder disappears from the city, though his tower remained occupied by his apprentices. The Council of Guildmasters grows to govern the city.
In 1262 DR the Second Guild War erupts after six years of self-interested squabbling among Waterdeep's Guildmasters. All but two of the city's Guildmasters die in the next few months. The two surviving Guildmasters agree to rule together as Lords Magister, although their continued bickering prevented any effective governance of the city. (More of this can be found on page 129 of the Grand History of the Realms.)
At the same time, the Shadow Thieves, previously a minor band of thieves grow openly tolerated as a recognized guild. Their strength and influence begins to spread throughout Waterdeep.
In 1273 DR the Lords' Rule is revived with Baeron and Shilarn Silmaeril, two long hidden Lords of Waterdeep, who slay the Lords Magister. Baeron becomes Open Lord of Waterdeep. The houses of Zoar and Gildggh are outcast, and the Shadow Thieves are outlawed.
In 1276 DR Waterdeep expanded the city's borders to include the North Ward and the Sea Ward.
In 1287 DR the white marble Palace of Waterdeep, commonly known today as Piergeiron's Palace is built.
In 1298 DR Lhestyn, the "Masked Lady," infiltrates the outlawed Shadow Thieves in Waterdeep and exposes their continuing activities. This act precipitates a bloody tenday of fighting between the guild and the City Watch that culminates in the death or flight of the guild's members.
All of this likely still looms large in the minds of the people of Waterdeep.
What "well known heroes" and / or adventuring companies are known for the time?
That question is too open ended. Try to narrow it down by region or something.
All the above being said, I'll see if I can dig up more on Waterdeep. Hope it helps.
I'm sure I'll have more questions as I flesh out the campaign (and I'll post more about the general themes as a develop more), but here's a quickie additional question:\
Narrowing down the "adventuring companies" around at the time, I'm mainly wondering about those that might be well-known in the Dalelands, Cormyr and "the North" because it'd be fun to throw in some tavern talk about "who's doing what" and maybe even as a source for the PCs to look up to.
I know of the "Company of Twelve" re: Sammaster, and that seems like a good tale to overhear in an excited tavern - although I don't know much about their party makeup or who's involved (or which of them die)... or if they were known for other exploits.
I don't think I'd have my players meet any of the adventuring companies per se, but my group LOVES taverns (way too much probably) and I kinda like having lots of little tales, bard music, and other tavern-ish things happen when they get to towns.
As you've already pointed out, there is the adventuring group of paladins, known as the Company of Twelve who attacked Sammaster's stronghold. Nine of them were killed, but Sammaster's physical form (he was a lich) was destroyed. This was in 1285 DR.
It is possible that the Nine is around. The Nine is an adventuring band that was created by Laeral Silverhand. The creation date is unknown (at least I can't find it). However, they acquired the Crown of Horns in 1337 DR. Laeral put it on and went insane. It is likely that they were in existence before this point - they seemed rather large.
The Dawnbringer Company was based out of Waterdeep. They may not still be around by your time period, though. Based out of Waterdeep, they plundered the crypt of Uruth Ukrypt's orcs. In response the Brotherhood of the Scarlet Scourge formed an orc horde named the Broken Bone, with the intent on destroying Waterdeep. The Broken Bone horde was attacked and defeated by the dragon Lhammaruntoz. Since the worship of Lathander is so strong in Waterdeep, it is possible that some form of this Company still exists even if all the originals are dead.
The group known as the Company of the Red Dawn might be in existence. They were responsible for an attack on the vampire Noreth Harpell in 1315 DR. They were based out of Waterdeep. They appeared in Dungeon #126.
The Company of the White Star was an adventuring company started by Araevin Teshurr to explore the ruins of ancient elven sites. They disbanded for the first time in 1356 DR and reformed several times thereafter. It is unclear to me when they formed for the first time, but it's possible they could have formed around your time period. Their leader is a Sun Elf who was born in 1108 DR. They apparently appear in the novel the Forsaken House, part of the Last Mythal Trilogy.
The Bright Banner Brandished was an adventuring company based out of Neverwinter. In 1261 DR, the wizard Ashemmi joined, having left her home in the Neverwinter Woods. In 1266 DR, the company were trapped in subterranean crypts north of Mirabar by the lich Orvanath. The entire company died, except for Ashemmi, who used a teleport scroll to escape. They appear in Dragon #357. I only mention them because it is possible that Ashemmi may be trying to reform the company.
This is the best I can do when it comes to adventuring companies. I used the Forgotten Realms wiki along with Grand History of the Realms.
...This is the best I can do when it comes to adventuring companies. I used the Forgotten Realms wiki along with Grand History of the Realms.
Don't apologize, this is way more than I thought or even hoped to find. Thanks!
What happened was that I was midway through researching and writing the post; then I got up to leave and vote. When I came back I picked up where I left off and it got me confused about when your campaign date was starting (1298 DR). Alustriel had been leading Silverymoon by 1235 DR.
Like I said all the dates and information is correct, I just got your starting campaign date confused.
Although, IMO - the plot hook for Silverymoon is so good I'd just hand wave it. According to the Grand History of the Realms the next important events for Alustriel and Silverymoon take place way after your time period.
In 1358 DR - the year the Time of Troubles takes place - House Baenre led an army of drow, goblins, and kobolds out of Menzoberranzan to attack the dwarves of Mithral Hall. They were aided by various groups, one of them being Silverymoon and Alustriel.
Before that in 1357 DR Alustriel and Khelben free Laeral from the influence of the Crown of Horns and slowly nurse her back to sanity over the next three years in Blackstaff Tower.
If you wanted you could simply extend Orjalun or Sepur's reign as High Mage of Silverymoon. Orjalun ruled from 1050 DR to 1230 DR - ruling for 180 years. He was born on 989 DR. He was 241 years old when he retired. This either points to the fact that he was an Elf or that he was using some form of longevity magic.
Sepur was born on 1185 DR and his rule began on 1230 DR and ended on 1232 DR. That made him 47 years old - likely pointing to the fact that he was human.
Cannon would not be adversely affected I don't think if you increased Orjalun's reign from 1050 DR to 1296 DR. He will have ruled for 246 years, making him 307 years old when he retired. Clearly not a problem because he is either an elf or using longevity magic.
Doing this will mean that Sepur is currently roughly a year and a half into his reign and is about to leave. Everything else can fall into place exactly as described with no major canonical issues at all that I can foresee.
I also had an evil thought come to me while I was doing the research. If there is a wizard in the group I'd make him the apprentice to Shaloss Ethenfrost. As Sepur leaves and the Silvermayor emerges and creates the Spellguard - Shaloss is going to lead it.
As an apprentice the Wizard PC would have first hand ability to shape the Spellguard, but later - as events unfold - would also have the ability to reshape the history of the Realms. When Shaloss and his two other apprentices attack Alustriel Silverhand will the player side against his Master... or will he take the side of Alustriel?
Shaloss lost the battle, but with the player there perhaps it is enough to turn Alustriel back - perhaps she doesn't become the Eleventh High Mage of Silverymoon, but instead Shaloss Ethenfrost maintains his office. Perhaps the player plots against his former master in hopes of taking that office for himself, or perhaps he is loyal to Shaloss, or maybe he has other reasons that are not known.
I would not paint Shaloss out to be a total villain. Instead, I would make Shaloss a true patriot. He loves Silverymoon and wants to protect and defend it. He believes Silverymoon needs a strong leader to pull them out of the muck Sepur left them in - he supported the Silvermayor.
Yet, when the Silvermayor was betrayed by Warlord Khallos Shieldsunder he knew what was coming. It was clear to everyone, really. Khallos was little more than a brute with no real idea how to govern. The Warlord saw an opportunity to seize power and took it.
Shaloss did the right thing by taking leadership. He knew if he did not there would be a power vacuum and it would undo all of the hard work done by the Silvermayor. The city would be thrown into civil war.
When he saw Alustriel appear he misjudged her intentions. So accustomed was Shaloss to living among those who plotted and schemed for power, that he believed Alustriel was going to attempt to challenge his rule. He believed that she was trying to win over the people, turn them against him, so that she could become the leader of Silverymoon herself.
Shaloss had no way of knowing how prosperous her rule would be - he likely did not know who she was at all, and even if he did... A Chosen of Mystra is not without powerful enemies. Those enemies would surely turn their sights upon Silverymoon. It was too much of a risk. Shaloss did what was necessary - he attempted to preempt a civil war.
Ultimately he failed, but if the players are given the opportunity - it doesn't have to turn out that way.
Perhaps the Banite priest had wanted some item of magic thought to have been in the city, perhaps even an artifact or ancient scroll housed in the Vault of the Sages. Unable to secure the item during the tumult of 1235, the priest tries again in 1272 after rebuilding his forces. By 1298 or so, this same priest may have undergone transformation to a lich with help from the faithful of Myrkul. And still plots to get the item.
Hmmm... lots of possibilities there. Just have to figure out what the artifact might be, and why Bane and Myrkul might want it.
I completely love the idea of Ashemmi hanging around as a freelance tutor of the Art, possibly making her available to an arcane PC. She's always struck me as a sort of tragic figure, and she could also serve to introduce the PCs to a number of legends and plot hooks...
I'll probably start them off at level 1 in Waterdeep, as one of them wants to be a minor noble's 4th or 5th son, right in the middle of the purging of the Shadow Thieves. Definitely a hallmark event of Waterdeep, for sure.
For their first few levels, I'll probably keep them in the general environs of Waterdeep and then have them pulled north.
Definitely at some point, I want to have a (smaller) orc horde attack Silverymoon and have them be part of the defense.
I have a wild idea for a brief Underdark excursion that they might undertake, but I'm still trying to figure a way to work that in.
Also, I'd like to have them stumble on some part of old Illefarn, perhaps through some really ancient portals (which I understand Illefarn was somewhat known for, from my reading of Baker's books).
Hmm... after they successfully defend Silverymoon, maybe I could make the core of their upper levels all about the Underdark and some mysterious forgotten part of Illefarn that was all underground.
After 1298, I'm definitely taking the route of divergent history from canon, so although a couple of later events might happen, I'm not glued to anything necessarily. Depends also on how far my group wants to take the campaign. Should be fun.
1295 Year of the Ormserpent
King Jaszur of Tethyr and his retinue are waylaid and slain by bandits near Sarcrag. The bandits are in turn slain by Waterdhavian armsmen who arrive too late to secure the king. The slain monarch is succeeded by his twin brother, King Olosar, who cancels all agreements made with Waterdeep. Many decades pass before it is secretly determined that Lady Evelyn Emveolstone was involved in all nine Tethyrian royal murders in Waterdeep.[i]
Prince Thaum of Telflamm raises a mercenary army and sails across the Easting Reach, sacking Sarshel and then marching inland to seize Filur and the throne of Impiltur. Prince-Regent Kuskur and young King Rilimbrar are forced to flee to Aglarond for sanctuary after their army is defeated west of Dilpur at the Battle of Five Heads.[ii]
The dark naga Ebarnaje becomes ruler of the realm of Najara in the Western Heartlands.[iii]
1296 Year of the Black Hound
1297 Year of the Singing Skull
Massacre of Tyr worshippers on Watcher’s Knoll in Shadowdale by Lord Joadath.[iv]
1298 Year of the Pointed Bone
Lhestyn, as “The Masked Lady”, infiltrates the Shadow Thieves Guild and exposes it. Within the span of a bloody week, the Shadow Thieves are either dead or fled from the city due the efforts of the Watch and other Lords’ agents.[v]
1299 Year of the Claw
The Shadow Thieves settle in Athkatla in Amn after their banishment and exile from Waterdeep.[vi]
The High Mages of Sylkiir in Seros excavate the ruins of the sea elven city of Faenasuor leading to its re-settlement.[vii]
The lizardfolk of Surkh on the Deepwash are united under one tribal leader who declares himself king.[viii]
Cloaked in the guise of a blue dragon, the shadow dracolich Augloroasa slays the black dragon Arngalor of Archendale, seizing his hoard.[ix]
1300 Year of the Starfall
Lhestyn weds Zelphar Arunsun, a powerful mage from Neverwinter and acknowledged youngest son of Khelben the Elder.[x]
Lord Joadath of Shadowdale dies and is succeeded by Aumry and Sylune of the Seven Sisters.[xi]
1301 Year of the Trumpet
Sponsored by merchant interests in Waterdeep and Neverwinter, the mercenary general Gulgathas recruits an army of hireswords in Port Llast, and leads them north to retake Illusk from the orcs of the Bloody Tusks tribe.[xii]
The Shadow Thieves rise to power in the nation of Amn.[xiii]
A cult of the deity Tiamat becomes active in Unther.[xiv]
1302 Year of the Broken Helm
Illusk is finally retaken from the orcs who are all slain or flee north into the Spine of the World. The isolated duergar of Clan Thuldark living under ruined Illusk retreat into the Underdark. A council of merchants led by Urbaloss of Neverwinter assumes control and undertakes the swift rebuilding of Illusk’s walls and port facilities. The rename the city Luskan to dissociate themselves from the city’s less than savory past.[xv]
Khelben “Ravenscloak” Arunsun the Younger is born to Lhestyn and Zelphar Arunsun.[xvi]
Durnan and Mirt the Merciless return from a long foray into Undermountain and retire as rich men.[xvii]
The mercenary general Malakar visits Zhentil Keep bearing the blade Albruin.[xviii]
1303 Year of the Evening Sun
The green dragon Claugiyliamatar establishes her lair in the Deeping Cave in the depths of the Kryptgarden Forest.[xix]
Fall of the human kingdom of Thar.[xx]
The Shadow Thieves begin construction of their training complex in Athkatla which will become known in time as the Assassin’s Run.[xxi]
1304 Year of the Stag
The drow, weredragon Nurvureem is first recorded as inhabiting the region between Triboar and the High Forest.[xxii]
The Eye becomes the pre-eminent slaver in Skullport.[xxiii]
Construction begins on Ravens Bluff's city walls.[xxiv]
1305 Year of the Creeping Fang
Laershala of the Emerald Eyes strangles Thilana the Pirate Queen and claims the Dragonisle and leadership of the pirates of the Inner Sea. However, her open and brutal tactics soon see her lose control over the pirates.[xxv]
The small realm of Elfrin in the Dessarin Valley is attacked and destroyed by the green dragon Claugiyliamatar after its king and namesake dies of fever.[xxvi]
The ruins of the Netherese sky-enclave of Nhalloth in the Sea of Fallen Stars are discovered by surface dwellers.[xxvii]
The magically bred race known as chitins are set free by their creators, the drow of House Mylyl of Ched Nasad, and establish several settlements beneath the Far Forest and Graypeak Mountains.[xxviii]
The Cult of the Dragon approaches the venerable shadow dragon Aurgloroasa of the southern Thunder Peaks regarding her transformation into a dracolich.[xxix]
1306 Year of Thunder
Moonsea War: Mulmaster defeated by an alliance of rival Moonsea cities.[xxx]
Durnan establishes the Yawning Portal Inn over the ruins of Halaster’s Hold, controlling the access to the dungeons beneath Waterdeep.[xxxi]
The wizard Ulthorn is slain in a spell duel with the Archmage Ahrabose in Waterdeep, but not before ensuring the death of his slayer by bringing the Tower of Yintros down upon them both with a great shout.[xxxii]
The Royal Wizard Vangerdahast founds the War Wizards of Cormyr.[xxxiii]
The last heir to the throne of Amn, the self-styled “Exile Prince” Rohav Steelsar, dies of poison at the hands of his vizier, Arlen Bormul.[xxxiv]
Aralagath Tarsil is inadvertently slain by the wizard Orten Imdar who becomes the Magister of Mystra.[xxxv]
The Thunder Blessing: The blessings of Moradin see gold, mountain and hill dwarf populations multiply.[xxxvi]
On a day known as Bloodsword to the citizens of Ormpur, the city’s Chansreena (Princess) Maerildarraine, foster-daughter of High Suikh (King) Askuldur, the Hand of Tiamat, slays her father and proclaims herself queen. Ormpur is plunged into strife as a holy war breaks out between Maerildarraine’s supporters and the Church of Tiamat.
[i] Lands of Intrigue - Tethyr, p.33; Lands of Intrigue – Erlkazar & Folk of Intrigue, p.29; The North
- The Wilderness, p.49; Dragon#128, p.11; City of Splendors Campaign Guide, p.21.
-- George Krashos
My opportunities to show off these days are so sparse that I really do savor them. I really should get on and complete that timeline. -- George Krashos
Well I got most of my Realms stuff out of boxes and on the shelf, but looks like im too late! Between Meldread and Krash it looks like all your questions have been answered, you guys are some Realmslore postin madmen!! We need more like you round here!
I'm deep in campaign developing mode, sorry if it seemed like I drifted off.
Definitely some terrific ideas and history from Meldread and Krash. I have a ton of stuff to work with now, and it's a matter of linking things together so the transitions (in my campaign) will make sense.
I'm sure that I'll have more lore questions to ask, especially about a few "fiddly bits of history" related to my campaign, over the next couple weeks.