While waiting for Age of Worms to really get kick-started my players have been bugging me to restart the campaign I ran from 2001 to 2003. It was based on the Night Below campaign set with Haranshire set 3 days ride southeast of Waterdeep near Secomber(just north of the High Moor). There was a lot of side trips and the characters all reached 20th level. They now want to play these guys again to take care of unfinished business. To try and get back into the zone I have been recapping the characters based on their exploits and writting it in Ed Greenwood style. So what follows first is the character backgrounds, with actual new events in the high level campaign starting in DR 1379.
Taigen Tammaril, (Human Fighter 4, Ranger 16, AL CG, worships Tymora) aka Surly or the Chaos Bringer, is a adventurer of some repute who wanders the western heartlands between Waterdeep and Cormyr. Most recently been sighted in the Stonelands, this young human warrior has a knack of finding himself in the wrong place at the right time, and has frustrated many evil plots by his inadvertent intervention.
History
During the spring of Dale Reckoning 1358, 4 human adventurers were resting in the city of Arabel between adventures. These four, Kelemvor, Adon of Sune, Ariel Manx and Cyric of Zentill Keep were soon to have a major impact on events in the realms. During a midnight carouse, Cyric found a remarkably stunning naked lady wandering the streets, obviously disoriented and in distress. Cyric opted to impose his charms on the unfortunate lass, never once imagining that he had just made love to the mortal form of Tymora, goddess of luck.
A week later, the four heros managed to free the mortal avatar of Mystra from a prison in Castle Kilgrave orchestrated by Bane. Mystra then proceeded unwisely to use a celestial staircase to ascend without having found the tablets of Ao as was decreed. For her folly she was blasted into dust by Helm and her essence spread to several of Mystra's chosen, including the young Ariel Manx (also known as Midnight). The after effects of this balst was to scatter much of northern Cormyr with areas of dead and wild magic. One particularly strong blast of wild magic hit Tymora as she sat in the temple in Arabel. This blast caused her to quicken and give birth to a newborn male child. The rapid birth astonished the assembled priests of Tymora, who saw this as confirmation of Tymora's divine claim.
However, the child's lot was not to be a happy one, for a priest of Basheba had infiltrated the temple staff and carried off the infant as a gift for his goddess. The priest was not to go far however, as he was plucked out of his saddle by a wyvern just west of the StormHorns. The riderless horse with infant aboard wandered for several days until taken into the care of one Nimbuck Gangletoe, a gnome of Hills Edge.
Nimbuck noted that the infant seemed very irritated with his adventure and wouldn't smile regardless of the number of silly faces shown to him, so was nicknamed Surly. Nimbuck was often away on the course of his business of selling iron nails and pots (the finest wares from The Hill's Edge foundries!), so Surly was placed in the care of Nimbuck's daughter Marie.
Surly grew to be a strong and hardy lad, and during his 16th birthday learned his true name was Taigen from a high priest of Lathlander who was passing through town. Taigen soon began to accompany Nimbuck and his daughter on their various travels, learning the arts of the road from various guides that Nimbuck hired.
On his 18th Birthday, Taigen entered the great City of Waterdeep for the first time, where he and Marie meet up with an unusual grouping of talented individuals, most notably Rowan Thornglen, Ironaxe the Dwarf, the Incantrix Jastra and the wizard warrior Stormwind.
After several remarkable exploits, Taigen grew in power and expertise rapidly and on a trip to Cormyr learned of his divine heritage (but only through costly divination learning that his father was none other than the once mortal Cyric, now the God of Lies and Murder). Upon questioning priests of Tymora in Aabel, it seems he was adopted by the Tammaril Cormyian noble family (noted Tymoa worshippers) soon after his birth.
Affiliations
Taigen is most strongly identified with the Company of the BrightBlade, but his chaotic wanderlust often leds him into places where others may fear to tread. He is a junior member of Khelben Blackstaff's Moonstars. Khelben finds his abilities interesting but far too unpredictable for his liking. As such Khelben often sends Taigen on assignments that are far away from areas of other Moonstar activity, such that he might provide a distraction to Khelen's foes and uncover opposing agents previously unknown to the moonstars. Likewise, Cyric secretly delights in his mortal progeny and often sends information to Taigen by his mortal followers (such as Abu Nashir, a Calimshite rug merchant in the Castle Ward of waterdeep), so that Taigen might spike the plans of Cyric's rivals, such as the resurgent church of Bane.
Foes
In his short career, Taigen has made almost as many powerful enemies as Elminister, which in itself is a remarkable achievement. The most persistent of his foes include the Church of Bane and the Zhenarim under Fzoul, but other entities include the Eye of Waterdeep, the Shadow Thieves of Amn, The Maugylm of the demiplane of shadow, the Red Wizards of Thay, the Cult of Set in Murghom, the beholder cults of the lake of steam and the Twisted Rune. However, despite their animosity, few groups are willing to expend the resources necessary to deal with Taigen, as his penchant for unbelievable luck means that no such enterprise is likely to be successful.
Powers
Taigen is a powerful warrior and welds a +3 mighty Composite Bow (+5 strength) with devastating effect. When forced to melee, he wields Bar-Ethel, a +4 holy undead bane intelligent longsword forged in ancient Netheril and augmented by Khelben. aside from his other ranger abilities, Taigen can shape change into a Chimera 3/week, and gains the benefit of a cure critical wounds spell when he does so. However, he is unable to speak or use spells in this form. The most potent ability of Taigen is what Khelben calls the x-factor. Quite simply, the art of the weave sometimes has very strange effects when co-mixed with Taigen's blood (a legacy of his birth). Therefore, a cursed item might function normally in his hands, and a gate normally fixed to a set location may take Taigen to a completely unexpected place. Taigen has no conscious control of this ability, and its use always results in a cascade of unexpected events, hence many sages have labeled Taigen the Chaos bringer.
The Savage Frontier has spawned many mages of note since the fall of Netheril, but few have been widely admired as Davin Stormwind of Silverymoon (Human Fighter 4, Wizard 6, Eldritch Knight 10, AL NG). This famed hero has single handedly slain Beholders, Giants and Dragons with his arts, and despite being slain more than once in battle has returned to life to fight again and promote the goals of the mistress of magic. There are some sages who whisper that should the current Magister (Talatha Vaerovree of Innarlith) perish, one logical candidate as the new magister would be Stormwind, especially given his gift at creating new spells and devices ( a boon granted by Mystra in exchange for promises of service).
History
Born in the Year of the Dragon (DR 1352), young Davin showed much promise in the arts at an early age, and with the influence of his parents (the Ranger Lord Marek and his wife the Sorceress Janelle-both noted Harper's) was accepted into the University of Silverymoon and quickly became a favorite pupil of Taern "Thunderspell" Hornblade, then spell captain of the guard and now ruler of the city. It is thought that while Davin was an apt pupil, he never lost his father's appreciation for a good piece of steel, and while this may have slowed his mastery of the arts, it has made him a very deadly enemy to face in battle.
Davin left Silverymoon to travel to Waterdeep in DR 1375 at the age of 23. He felt that while life in Silverymoon was pleasant, it lacked the energy that would drive him to greatness. Thus he came to Waterdeep, the largest city in the North, and within hours found himself with boon companions in the form of Ironaxe, a Dwarf prince of surpassing skill with the axe, Jastra, an aloof but deadly elf abjurer, and Rowan Thornglen, a Knight of the Aster and current Marshall of the Cormyian Stonelands.
Davin's natural charisma and intelligence made him a natural leader for the band, which choose to call themselves the Company of the North Star. Some sages have debated whether this is infact the same band known as the Company of the Bright Blade, or that of the Company of the Blue Axe, or that of the Knights of the Sword Coast since all the bands initially originated from festhalls in the Trade ward of Waterdeep, but the company of the Bright Blade is said to have perished in the underdark, the Blue Axe was last seen in the Bloodstone Pass of Damara, and the Knights of the Sword coast have disbanded, whereas the Guidlhouse of the North Star remains an active concern 10 miles east of Waterdeep.
What is known for certain is that Davin was a regular visitor to the court of Allustrial in DR 1378, greatly changed in appearance after being raised from the dead. His hair a silvery white, Davin excluded
an aura of power that led many to believe he had been kissed by the lady of Mystery herself. In between his visit's to Silverymoon, Davin built a stunning mansion on the Storm Watch in Waterdeep, next to the New Olman college, and was a generous benefactor in its continued growth. Although rarely at home enough to teach the art, it is clear that Davin's understanding of unconventional magic is substantial, as the spells his apprentice's demonstrate have a unique flair to them.
Affiliations
Stormwind has many friends in the North and can easily call in favours if necessary. In particular, the company of the North Star will aid him without hesitation. Among his dalliances is a rumoured brief courtship with Allustrial, but what is more certain that he has been a lengthy paramour of Storm Silverhand (as that chosen of Mystra bragged at a Bard's conclave in Shadowdale 6 moons ago). Stormwind is still on good terms with Taern despite (or because of) their mutual admiration for Allustrial, and has become a close drinking companion of Malcor Harpell whenever he happens to visit Twilight Tower in Longsaddle. It is rumoured that Stormwind has on occasion been seen in the presence of the Chaos Bringer and his boon companion Marie the she-devil. However, such a pairing seems unlikely given Stormwinds predilection for careful planning versus the chaotic influence of the Chaos Ranger. Stormwind is well respected by Masker Wands in Waterdeep for his finesse in magic, not throwing around balls of fire like any damn fool, but using tact and restraint. Lastly, Davin has an unusual familiar, a copper dragon he liberated from a Kobold's lair on his first adventure. Although he gifted the hatchling to Allustrial, the copper dragon remains bound to Stormwind and has developed its own strange abilities through the bonding.
Enemies
The major foes of Stromwind remain the Zhentarim, who hate him for the company's assault on Darkhold in which Stormwind stole a priceless Mirror of Mental Prowess. This artifact has all the usual powers of such a mirror but also grants a skilled user the ability to access the demiplane of Mobius. From this tower-like demiplane Stormwind claimed the Tome of Time, a book which so far has allowed him to master time related spells such as permanency and limited wish. The Zhentarim spent years trying to piece the protective shells which prevented finding the mirror, but now they know and covet the secrets that Stormwind was able to find. Other enemies include the Red Wizards of Thay, who also desire his art, and Ophidians of the Serpent Hills, who chaff that their Kobold minions lost such an important sacrifice and the ritual of power that said theft prevented.
Powers
Stormwind has the spell casting ability of a 16th level wizard but his Eldritch Knight class means that he is also an exceptional swordsman. In particular, he is always wears a special pair of Bracers of Blinding Strike. This bands give a +8 Armor bonus, a +2 to Initiative and can caste improved haste 1/day. He also wields the legendary sword Finslayer. This +5 Longsword is an intelligent blade with the special purpose of slaying Kuo-Toans. The blade is quite vocal in its hatred of such creatures and will weigh into any discussion whenever it hears their name, regardless of the situation. It is speculated that Stormwind recently used the blade against such foes, as the sword has been noted as saying it helped slay "the mother of evil fish things". In addition to his martial prowess, Stormwind has a resistance to fire DR 10 and a +10 inherent bonus to his spellcraft and knowlege arcane skills as a result of the Lady Mystra's kiss. He can also cast an additional 1 spell of each levels 1 to 5 each day. Stormwind is immune to magic missile spells, they simple have no effect.
Missive to the Black Hand of Bane -Rowan Thornglen must be dealt with!
Most illustrious Tyrant, we have completed the investigation you ordered regarding the heathen nuisance known as Rowan Thornglen. With the aid of Manshoon and his apprentices, grudging as it was, we managed to delve into the past and present of this individual to see what weaknesses might be exploitable. Our recommendation, after exhaustive scrying and bribing appropriate hands, is that this pest will continue to be a thorn in our operations south of Anauroch and therefore should be dispatched with lethal efficiency. I realize that a large amount of our resources are currently tied up promoting a coup in Loudwater and that other agents are busy in Athkathla infiltrating the Shadow Thieves, but I hasten to point out that recently the cursed Paladin has been seen in the company of the Chaos Bringer. This bodes ill for our plans based on past experience. We simply can't anticipate what the chao's bringer might do and if he is following suggestions from Thornglen then it is almost a certainty they will eventually find the source of our elite goblin troops. To safeguard such an occurrence I have hired several bands of well thought of mercenaries but I would prefer that someone like Artemis Enteri be dispatched to deal with Rowan permanently. In the meantime, the fire knive dupes have agreed to make what trouble they can but Thornglen is paranoid beyond comprehension so getting an assassin close is proving troublesome. Here is what we know about him:
History
Rowan Thornglen was born in the Year of the Crown (DR 1351) , to unexceptional peasants living in the Tradesward of Waterdeep. His father, a former lackey of the guard and now a armourer and weaponsmith, provided the young "hero" his first lessons in swordplay. It appears that the father's contacts in the guard continue to serve him well, as the shop is well patroned and enjoys a long term contract with the city guard ( the Waterdeep controller at Darkhold has recommended that the shop be destroyed by arson, but apparently there are agents of the son watching the shop at all hours and so they have been unsuccessful tio date). In any case, the son was granted layservant status at the gaudy Spires of the Morning temple (I humbly suggest that when we take Waterdeep over that this be one of the first buildings destroyed, it is a vile sight). There he gained training in spellcraft and languages and received weapons training from the Rose Knight (4th lvl fighter/11th Lvl Paladin, AL NG, current location unknown).
We must confess some confusion as to what happened once he left temple training until a few years later, until he established a safehouse under the charter of the company of the North Star. This was later attacked by unknown agents but the presence of a beholder (as reported by witnesses) suggests either a rogue eye tyrant from Calimshan or the Xanthar. But how the Paladin stirred the ire of the underworld crime lord is unknown. We can also trace him as partly responsible for a raid on Darkhold in which the Mobius Mirror was stolen. Manshoon stated to me in no uncertain terms that the Paladin does not have it, which is what we have assumed. Instead, he states that the mage Stormwind has obtained it. They have on occasion be seen in Waterdeep together, so perhaps the Paladin sold it. We also have not been able to trace the location of the Lion Belt, but auguries have noted that it was close to him at some point. Despite all the drugs and mind probes of the priestess of Sune we captured in Waterdeep last fall (said to be a favored mistress of his) we still are unclear as to where the Paladin keeps the pillaged goods from his underground quest (the wench claims he tithes most to Lathlander but who would be so foolish). It is clear that the lout has done fair amount of dealing with Mirt, so perhaps we might find it for a pittance.
During the DR 1373 (the Rogue Dragon), the steel regent of Cormyr came to Waterdeep to solicit financial aid (in actuality, we know she was actually selling a large amount of the King's Trove of opals, despite attempted manipulation the price of opals has fallen quickly as the Waterdeep cartel lacks the focus of the Zhentarim). This trip is the nexus of our present troubles, as Rowan apparently disguarded the Paladinson's daughter in favour of the more politically valuable regent. Make no mistake, he may eppuse alll the high and mighty buffonery of your typical Lathlander idiot, but the man is no fool politically. He impressed the Regent with his wit and swordplay and earned an invitation to court. What we could not understand until recently was why it took him several years to follow up on the invitation (he was apparently dealing with an invasion of Illithids from below-which was actually subverting many of our own cells, so the deluded do gooder actually helped us end that threat).
Since his arrival in Cormyr in DR 1376 he has been nothing but a pain in the ass. Squashing our raids by trained orcs, destroying our summoned monster attacks on Eveningstar, uncovering our agents in Arabel, denouncing the Truesilver family members we had corrupted, he has set back our plans by years. In DR 1378, he was made Marshall of the Stonelands, which basically means he now has large squads of purple dragons in addition to his own followers. Something must be done soon..the goblins in the Dragons lair are not ready.
Allies
In addition to basically having half of the court of Cormyr worship him as the potential saviour of the country, he seems to be able to draw on the aid of a diverse group of powerful allies. Stormwind for one, the Chaos bringer another. How Rowan is able to control the Chaos bringer is beyond our scrying ability, but it makes me very nervous. Perhaps we are only meant to think he can direct him. Perhaps the Chaos bringer is working his own agenda. This would be worse. We have bought several arrows of slaying humans from Thayan scum recently, it would be sweet to slay the chaos bringer with his own medicine.
Powers
Thornglen is a Human Knight of the Aster (Priest 4, Paladiin 8, Knight of Aster 8, AL LG). He is known to have a vast array of magic items at his disposal but the most notable are First Light, a +3 Bastard Sword with the ability to cast daylight and heal its bearer (amoung other abilities) and Twilight, a +3 vorpal scimitar. We have tried to steal Twilight several times but so have been unsuccessful.