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FOR11 - Cult of The Dragon PDF
FOR11 - Cult of The Dragon PDF
the Dragon
by Dale Donovan
Sammaster First-Speaker
Founder of the Cult of the Dragon
Dedication
To my mother and my father, who always encouraged me, no matter how seemingly strange my interests may have
appeared. Thanks to you both I had the chance to pursueand obtainmy dream. While it may seem curious to dedicate a
book about a bunch of psycho cultists to ones parents, I figured that, of all people, you two would understand.
Credits
Design: Dale Donovan
Additional and Original Design: L. Richard Baker III, Eric L. Boyd, Timothy B. Brown, Monte Cook, Nigel Findley,
Ed Greenwood, Lenard Lakofka, David Kelman, Bill Muhlhausen, Robert S. Mullin, Bruce Nesmith, Jeffrey Pettengill,
Jon Pickens, and James M. Ward
Development & Editing: Julia Martin
Cover Illustration: Clyde Caldwell
Interior Illustrations: Glen Michael Angus
Art Direction: Dana Knutson and Dawn Murin
Typesetting: Angelika Lokotz
Research, Inspiration, & Additional Contributions: Robert L. Nichols & Craig Sefton
Special Acknowledgment: Gregory Detwiler, Ed Greenwood, Jamie Nossal, Cindy Rick, Carl Sargent, Steven Schend, and
the stories of Clark Ashton Smith & Edgar Allan Poe
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This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of th e
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9547
ISBN 0-7869-0709-6
2 Credits
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Foes of the Cult...............................................................55
The Harpers................................................................56
History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Red Wizards of Thay............................................57
The Story of Sammaster...............................................7 The Sorority of Silver Fire...........................................58
Sammaster the Apprentice......................................9 The Zhentarim............................................................60
Journeyman and Mastery........................................8 The Church of Tiamat.................................................61
Sammaster the Chosen............................................8
Sammaster and Elminster.......................................9 The Magic and Monsters of the Cult ..............................63
Fanatical Leanings.................................................10 Sammasters Spells.....................................................64
Sammaster the Mad...............................................11 Common Spells.....................................................64
Down the Dark Path...............................................12 Uncommon and Rare Spells...................................65
Sammaster and Alustriel.......................................13 Magical Items.............................................................80
Algashon the Manipulator....................................13 Dragon Spells.............................................................85
A Poison Tongue and an Unsound Mind................14 Dragon Magical Items................................................96
Vile Plottings and Viler Acts..................................14 Monsters Used by the Cult..........................................98
The Battle of the Chosen.........................................14 Dracimera................................................99
Sammaster the Fallen.............................................15 Dracohydra................................................100
Mad Prophecies.....................................................16 Dracolich..................................................102
Sammasters First Dracolich and Dragon, Ghost......................................................104
the Founding of the Cult...................................16 Dragon, Lesser Undead.......................................105
The Cult Grows......................................................17 Dragon-kin.................................107
The Harpers Attack...............................................18 Mantidrake........................................108
The Death of Sammaster........................................19 Ur-Histachii.................................................109
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream................................19 Wyvern Drake......................................................110
Awake to Unlife.....................................................20
Final Disposition...................................................20 Cult Campaigns & Adventures...................................111
Chronicles of the Cult............................................21 Incorporating the Cult Into Your Campaign..............112
Reformationalists vs. Pragmatists.........................21 The Cult as a Covert Organization............................112
The Whispering of Gargauth.................................21 Creating a Cult Cell..............................................113
The Rage of Dragons..............................................21 Creating Mystery.................................................114
Branch Cell Activities............................................22 Adventure Nuggets..................................................115
The Battle of the River Rising.................................23 The Ultimate Spy.................................................115
A Flight of Dragons................................................23 St. Sammaster......................................................115
Recent Activities....................................................23 The Harp and the Claw........................................115
Cult of the Dragon Timeline........................................24 Between Two Evils...............................................116
A Mysterious Patron............................................116
The Cult Today............................................................27 Work for Hire.......................................................116
Basic Information.......................................................28 A Dragon in the Nursery......................................117
Cult Members........................................................28 A Lost Potion........................................................117
Other Religions......................................................29 The Oasis of Handless Men..................................118
The Structure of a Cult Cell....................................29 War Within the Cult.............................................118
Cult plots....................................................................31 Save the Dragon...................................................118
Legal Enterprises...................................................31
Illegal Operations..................................................31 E p i l o g u e. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 9
Active Cults Cells, or Who, what, why, How?......... 32
Sembia..........................................................32 Appendix 1: Dragon Deities........................................120
Elversult.....................................................34 Dragon Deities..........................................................120
Hlondeth.......................................................35 Null................................................................121
Yartar.............................................................36
Dracoliches of Note..................................................38 Appendix 2: School of Incantation..............................125
Aurgloroasa, The Sibilant Shade........................38 List of Spells From the School of Incantation.............125
Daurgothoth, The Creeping Doom.....................43 The Incantatrix..........................................................126
Dretchroyaster, The Monarch Reborn................47 Spells.........................................................127
Known Cult Dragons and Dracoliches.............53-54
Contents 3
I
scented the mammal even before its petty magic bipedal races will one day (sooner than even it knows)
delivered it outside my high, mountainous home. fall before our draconic might. Such tremendous powers
This invasion of my domain, this violation of my of insight this founder possessed! As if any hatchling
privacy, would not go unpunished. As I contemplated does not know this undeniable truth!
the most efficacious means of destroying this intruder, it The human then continued, with some difficulty, likely
used another bit of minor mammalian magic. I was of due to the weight of my formidable claw upon its frail
course prepared for for eventuality, but unlike most of chest, and told of this cult and how it was preparing for
these self-proclaimed civilized races, this one did not that day and
attack, blindly rushing to its doom. I understood before the insect even finished, of
Instead, the magic carried its feeble voice to me. It course. This cult seeks to worship me, somehow perceiv-
spokein Auld Wyrmish, no less begging entrance to ing as well as I the true power and cunning I possess
my lair, promising the mightiest of treasures should I and will someday (soon, very soon) wield across the face
deign to listen. Intrigued only by the insects knowledge of this land. There will be a reckoning when I tear down
of the one true tongue, I allowed it to attend my per- the braggart and fool, Sussethilasis. Then I shall rule
sonal glory. I noted that it even followed the old forms the forbidding blight of Anauroch, and from there stretch
for begging an audience. my wings over but I am getting ahead of myself. Other
It entered on its knees, its head bowed, offering times remain for such plans. Now, perhaps, I will allow
before it a portable dimensional anomaly, the boundary the mammalian insect to speak again to me (with proper
of which was formed by a simple tanned hide and draw- offerings for my patience) and prattle on, telling me more
string. As the mammalian insect crawled toward me, it of this cult and what it may well do for me.
praised my kin for our power, our Art, and our graceful From the magical libram of recording
Strength I thought the last appropriate as the buffoon of Malygris, very old blue dragon
disrupted two of my smaller caches during his awkward of southern Anauroch, circa 1351 DR
approach. (Note: Be certain to thoroughly recount, stack,
and tabulate those again.) This book contains information on the Cult of the Dragon
Noting my displeasure, the human (I care not about for the FORGOTTEN REALMS® campaign setting. This prod-
mammalian genders) apologized profusely, again using uct details the history of the Cult and its founder, Sammas-
the correct forms, and opened the anomaly, from which ter First-Speaker, recent happenings within the Cult, the
poured a not insignificant number of gems. Of the lot, status of the Cults operations and its individual cells, its
most were pitifully small and without merit, but a few sap- magic and magical items, its goals and the plans for achiev-
ing them, its foes and enemies, and of course, its draco-
phires caught my eye. I therefore determined to listen, as
liches, perhaps the most terrifying form of all draconic life
the human was obviously working up its courage for (or unlife in this case).
some sort of oration it assumed I would find captivating. This book is for the eyes of Dungeon Masters. Players
I do not recall most of the mammals babbling, but it who read the secrets contained within not only risk spoil-
spoke reasonably well of my power, glory, and reputa- ing many surprises for themselves, but also risk the wrath
tion, and tendered the few hundred pounds of gems as of their DMs. They have been warned.
The secret society known as the Cult of the Dragon has
an offering to my patience.
existed in the Realms for over 400 years. The primarily
Then, however, it made reference to and praised my human membership seeks to elevate evil dragonkind to
superiorits words, certainly not minethe so-called rule all of Toril as its dominion. When possible, the Cults
suzerain of Anauroch, Sussethilasis. My righteous transforms powerful, willing evil dragons into dracoliches.
anger flared then, and I pinned the fool to the floor The Cults main activities include serving as an intelli-
beneath a single claw of my left forepaw. As I consid- gence-gathering and communications network for the evil
ered making a brief meal of this mammalian, I asked it, dragons of Faerûn and the Cults dracoliches. Cult mem-
bers regularly visit the lairs of evil dragons, praising them
Give me a reason not to kill you where you lie, you effusively and telling them of the destiny Sammaster First-
warm-blooded flea. Speaker proclaimed for them: rulership over all. Cult mem-
The mammal recanted its error and again begged to bers contribute large amounts of treasure to these dragons
be allowed to speak. (Even for a mammal, this one did hoards, offer any assistance at their disposal (healing
beg well.) potions and spells or an exchange of spells and other magi-
It had seemingly been sent by a group of fellow cal knowledge), enlarge or otherwise expand the dragons
lairs, add mechanical or magical traps to the lairs, and gen-
mammals calling themselves by the presumptuous title
erally work to persuade these dragons to actively cooper-
of the Cult of the Dragon. The insect told of this groups ate with the Cult. Cult members also make all necessary
founder and how this human had foreseen that the
4 Introduction
preparations for those dragons that do consent to become a
dracoliche.
In exchange for the Cults services, its members ask
cooperative dragons for permission to use their lairs as
emergency shelters and for a promise of aid should the
Cult ever call on them using the Cults rings of dragons.
(Most often this means combating some foe of the Cult.)
Cult members also guard and tend any eggs or hatchlings
that may be present in the dragons lairs when the dragons
so desire (such as when they leave for a substantial period
of time to hunt or raid).
The Cult is a fractious organization comprised of numer-
ous independent cells across Faerûn. Unlike such organiza-
tions as the Harpers or the Zhentarim that possess some sense
of unity due to centralized command structures and power-
ful, charismatic leaders, some cells of the Cult are almost as
likely to be at each others throats as they are to be working
together. The lack of both a headquarters (or even a predomi-
nant region of influence) and the presence of a single strong
leader keeps the Cult and its powerful allies, the dracoliches,
from achieving (or at least maintaining) the great power and
influence to which they might otherwise rise. Indeed, only the
Cults founder, Sammaster First-Speaker, was able to hold the
Cult together as a unified whole beneath him.
Sammaster was a mage who lived well over 500 years
ago and eventually became one of Mystras Chosen. This
touch of divine power was too much for Sammasters
mind, and he was eventually driven insane, unlike the
Chosen of the modern Faerûnian era. Mystra removed her
touch, but the damage was done already and proved irre-
versible. The Goddess of All Magic could not cure Sam-
master (or refused to for her own inscrutable reasons), nor the Dragon. These followers then spread his word, and even-
did she put him out of his madness and misery, an act of re- tually the group took on the appellation Cult of the Dragon.
straint that, though it seemed merciful at the time, in retro- It created its first dracoliches in 902 DR.
spect would have prevented much grief and bloodshed In time, Sammaster was slain, but he had prepared for
over the intervening years. his death and was able to attain lichdom for himself. Most
In any case, the delusional Sammaster was convinced he tale-tellers and hedge-row sages believe that years later
had some special insight into the powers of the Realms (the Sammasters undead form was itself killed as well, since
gods) and Torils future. He set about translating (or retrans- some members of the Cult have stated that the founder is
lating in many cases) the works of several legendary oracles dust in some forgotten tomb. Clearly this means that that
and sages, among them Maglas, author of the prophetic tome, the mad lich plays no current role in the actions or ruler-
The Chronicle of Years to Come. In one particular passage Sam- ship of the Cult, but sages with more in-depth knowl-
master found the genesis for what would become the Cult of edge or more paranoid natureshave speculated on
the Dragon. Below is the passage as Elminster and most other what else this statement might imply.
reputable sages over the centuries have translated it: Regardless, the Cult of the Dragon has continued on with-
out its founder. His disciples have wended their way across
And naught will be left save shattered thrones, with no the length and breadth of Faerûn, and his teachings have
rulers but the dead. Dragons shall rule the world entire, insinuated themselves into the greedy and insecure hearts
and . . . and minds of the weak-willed, the unethical, the grasping,
the power-hungry, and those who seek elevation to wealth or
Sammaster the Mad translated the passage thusly: power through covert means rather than honest hard work.
But as with any philosophy the farther the tenets the Cult is
And naught will be left save shattered thrones with no organized upon have spread, the more variations and inter-
rulers. But the dead dragons shall rule the world entire, pretations of them have sprung up and the greater number of
and . . . schisms have formed within the Cult. Thus, many of the
Cults cells today proffer divergent versions of the Cults his-
This revelation lit a fire in Sammasters demented mind tory and its final destiny. What this destiny is remains to be
and led to his organizing a band of followers to whom he determined by how a DM wishes to use the Cult of the
passed on his teachings in a magical book called the Tome of Dragon in his or her FORGOTTEN REALMS campaign.
Introduction 5
A
gain my thoughts have been disrupted, my plans the mageling spoke of further magics, power, and the
for further accumulation of glory intruded upon mightiest of all treasures (that phrase again) this cult
by lackeys of this Cult of the Dragon. As the of theirs could bring me in the futureif I allowed
first visitor had stated years earlier additional insects them to continue their association with my august
would approach me. This group was the largest thus presence. As their insipid imaginations cannot begin
far, a veritable pack of the bipeds, seemingly of diver- to perceive the grandeur of my own designs, I refuse
gent races (since their scents were inconsistent). They to record their promises.
traveled overland to bask in my glory as they came not Soon another, this one likely a warrior from its
magically prepared for battle (or treachery). In any case, accouterments, took a turnperhaps their mammalian
there was much scurrying and clatteringto my ears brains allow them to memorize only so much informa-
above my home before they dared enter. When they did, tion at onceto remind me of the censure I had
all bowed and scraped sufficiently to gain admittance. received from that overreaching fool, Sussethilasis.
As I had correctly expected, this pack came from this The insect saved its worthless life by stating the obvi-
cult of theirs. This time, they offered a more sizable and ous fact that I was fully within my rights as draconic
proper offering of gold and other valuables. Their so- lord of my domain to take any pathetic biped caravan
called mageI could smell the petty magics and com- I wish. How was I to be aware that the deluded, self-
ponents he carried, mired liberally with sweat and fear, proclaimed suzerain of Anauroch had claimed its
doubtless due to my imposing majestyalso offered contents? Did it not pass under my very nose? Was
me several petty magical items and spell scrolls it had not such an affront to my power? Was the mammalian
written itself. As if that fact were to impress me! While insects claim of his protection to be believed? Those
these offers were trivial by and large, I accepted them. insects would spout any lies and proclamations they
Why a member of my glorious race would need magical thought would spare them a hideous death at my
items or spells created by these insects is beyond me, claws and teeth! Was the threat of retribution from
but I demonstrated that I too can be gracious, follow- some far-off keep full of these insects to have dis-
ing the ancient forms of converse and exchange. suaded my furious anger? I think not.
Having accepted their paltry gifts, I was now Even these cult insects could see my actions were
obliged to listen to their awkward orations. At first, justified. They stated that they shared my outrage, and
6 History
that their offering was meant, in their meager way, to As a result, the portrait of Sammaster the man and the mage
replace the penalty the black-hearted, arrogant suzerain that can be reconstructed today is fragmentary at best. Inter-
had seized from my hoard. Perhaps these insects do views with such individuals who lived during Sammasters time
have some sense after all. (and who were willing to speak of such events), recovered (and
often reconstructed by me) personal logs and diaries, divinations,
As you have been wronged, Great One, let us tell
and the usual foraging and leg-work have produced the following.
you of another great wrong, one done to another des- Speculation on my part has been kept to a minimum and is
tined for glory and greatness and immortality, such clearly noted as such. All that follows may not be true, but none
was how began they the story of this cults founder, is deliberate falsehood.
one referred towith almost too much reverence for Another reason this mans tale may not be fully told is that,
beings in my presenceas Sammaster First-Speaker. according to some of my sources, Sammaster yet lives. Or, per-
Rather than record their tale directly, I summarize it haps it would be more accurate to state that Sammaster may not
yet be truly and finally laid to his eternal rest.
below. It is not an awfully tedious tale and sparkles Oracle Veshal Questa,
here and there with some epic elementsthough it is, Sibylite of Savras and Harper,
typically, full of the mammalian preoccupation with, from her report to Belhuar Thantarth, 1370 DR
their own position in these lands.
This Sammaster was anapparentlyimportant
and influential mage born in excess of five centuries No one knows exactly where Sammaster, called First-
Speaker among the members of his so-called Cult, was
ago by the mammals calendar. He arose from meager
born or under what circumstances, and the identities and
beginnings, using his guile and might to overcome the disposition of his parents are also mysteries. It is
those other mammals that stood in his way. After a known that Sammaster was an only child and that his par-
time, his greatness was recognised by the insects' ents passed away due to unknown circumstances while he
gods. Their goddess of magic granted this Sammaster was still little more than a babe. Cult mythology attributes
a touch of her power. This divine touch led it, erhim, him with a varied and portentous parentage, including
claiming that his father was a noble, a necromancer, or a
I believeto even greater glories and allowed him
pirate, and his mother an other-planar fiend of some sort
insight into the future that none others possessed. in disguise, an incarnation of the goddess Sharess, an
Such was this mamm-, ah, mans greatness that the escaped slave, a wood nymph, or a priestess from Mulho-
very same gods that favored him turned against him. rand. Most of these theories are held as utter poppycock
They seemingly feared both his still-increasing power by most reputable sages, though claims of nobility to a
and his astounding insight into the mists of time to greater or lesser degree or that one or both parents were
come, and so the mistress of magic removed her touch pirates or escaped slaves are vague enough to be untrace-
able. One assertion that Sammasters familial line can be
from this Sammaster. traced back to the height of Myth Drannor seems specious
While some would think such an act a major set- at best. Such claims are most likely the hopeful musings of
back, it was not so for this Sammaster. Instead, his a Cult chronicler than a conclusion drawn from any solid
mind freed of the meddling presence of a petty godling, evidence.
he made himself immortal (not an inconsiderable feat, Sammasters birthdate is lost, but best guesses as to the
especially for a mammal), the better to pursue his lofty year of his birth place it on or near 800 DR, the Year of the
Black Fist. Sembia is a strong contender for his original
goals. It was also during this time that he uncovered a home since the earliest roots do grow the deepest and Sam-
prophecy deliberately obscured by past scholars too masters Cult of the Dragon has maintained an almost
fearful to realize the awesome truth . . . uninterrupted presence there since the Cults founding.
From the magical libram of recording Other possibilities for the home of Sammasters youth
of Malygris, very old blue dragon include the Dalelands and the North. Sammaster was
of southern Anauroch, circa 1355 DR active in both regions in later periods of his life and could
have been drawn to them by childhood memories and
The Story of Sammaster youthful familiarity.
Little is known of Sammaster after his parents untimely
The tale that is Sammasters life is an incomplete one. Most of demise. It is likely he was raised by relatives or friends of
the records of Sammasters deeds are lost to us in modern-day his parents. As is often the case with orphans, the young
Faerûn, since they were destroyed after his fall from grace boys life was likely less than pleasant. Pawned off onto
among the Chosen of Mystra. So heinous was his crime that some little-caring great uncle or such, many orphans suffer
Azuth (acting as the agent of Mystras will) declared that every neglect if not outright abuse until such time as they can (or
mention of Sammaster and his service to the Lady of Mysteries are forced to) make their own way in the world; such treat-
be stricken from all magely books, scrolls, and other forms of ment might explain, though not excuse, Sammasters later
record. behaviors.
History 7
Sammaster the Apprentice accelerated, and Sammaster eventually left the service of
In any case, no records exist of Sammaster the boy until Mnethos. Without the older mages guidance, the young
after he passed the traditional age of apprenticeship. It is at mages eccentricities blossomed into fully chaotic patterns.
this time that mention of a young man named Sammaster Restless (perhaps from his travels as a youth), Sammaster
with much magical potential appears in the logs of the never stayed in any one area too long. Sources also attribute
journeyman mage, Mnethos. Mnethos was a mage, a cara- him with chaotic behavior in his relationships as well. Chil-
van guard, and an itinerant adventurer throughout much of dren conceived from any of these early relationships are
Faerûn in the early ninth century DR and was, in all other unknown, but if there was issue from any of Sammasters
ways, a minor mage of little historical import. The first men- trysts, there could be hundreds of descendants of the mage
tion of Sammaster, who Mnethos took on as an apprentice roaming Toril, oblivious to their unique heritage.
despite the lads advanced age for such a role, occurs dur- Sammaster journeyed incessantly, seeking out new men-
ing a long term of Mnethos caravan guard duty. Mnethos tors from whom he could learn, only to soon outstrip them
makes no notes as to where he found the young Sammaster, and move on in search of new challenges. The only constant
but it is known that the traveling mage is said to have vis- in his life was magic, Sammasters first and only true love.
ited such diverse locales as Hillsfar, the region of what later Sammaster magical progress was astounding. Despite
became Shadowdale, Chondathan (Saerloon), Marsember, his late start and his poor health, he reached the skill of an
Iriaebor, Berdusk, Scornubel, Baldur's Gate, Nimoars Hold archmage before a gray hair ever sprouted from his scalp.
(Waterdeep), Yartar, and Silverymoon during this period. He delved further and further into the theories of magic
Mnethos recorded in his log notes (a surprising number and the mysteries of the Weave and its Lady. Before the age
of which have survived, mainly full of tedious accounting) of 40, he discovered, rediscovered, or improved upon
that his young apprentice was a tall youth, thin to the point numerous spells (some of which are now known by more
of being gaunt, with dark hair and a pale complexion, and common names, such as squaring the circle, lower resistance,
that he possessed a nervous, excitable disposition and high- and the augmentation, dilation, and far reaching series of
ly acute senses that often resulted in agitation, an uneasy spells) in the advanced theory of magic known as metam-
stomach, and even fits of trembling. The boy, noted Mnethos, agic, an amazing feat for one so young. (Some say that he
was irritable, easily agitated even by simple unexpected was first inducted into the theories by an unknown mem-
noises, and was occasionally possessed of an extreme rage ber of the mysterious sisterhood of incantatrixes, a close-
when he was denied or frustrated. He was also ill often, mouthed group of wizardesses of mighty reputation.)
with bouts of sneezing, coughing, and labored breathing, The Lady of Mysteries certainly smiled on the now-
though simple herbal concoctions allayed this problem potent mage whose rise to power was so rapid. And Sam-
somewhat. master was grateful to his Lady as he referred to the
Despite this, Mnethos noted the boys fierce intelligence Mother of All Magic. He seemed to know that she favored
was plain in his large, somber, brown eyes. He also had a him and that much greatness awaited him. Unfortunately
driving ambition to learn and master magic. The boy regu- neither the mage nor the goddess could see what else the
larly missed meals or even lost sleep in order to better learn future held for Sammaster. All Sammaster could see was
a new magical principle or minor cantrip. This concentrated his Lady, and she soon enough rewarded his devotion,
ambition was remarkable in one so young, noted Mnethos. ingenuity, and industrious spell creation.
Sammasters apprenticeship was unremarkable other
than that the boy, soon a young man, was a very quick Sammaster the Chosen
study. Not only did Sammaster learn the rudiments of the At or around the natural age of 50 (Sammaster had been
Art far more quickly than most apprentices, his travels using potions of longevity and other age-retarding magics for
with Mnethos also opened his eyes to the diversity and some time, despite the inherent dangers), the Goddess of
wonders of life in Faerûn. In addition, the young mageling All Magic appeared to Sammaster while he was in the
learned much of the caravaners trade and gained consid- Dalelands not far from the ruins of Myth Drannor. Our
erable knowledge of the geography of the lands of the Lady of Spells came to the mage in appreciation of his mag-
North and the Heartlands. ical genius with a proposalif all went well.
It was during this time that Mnethos log notes that the Sammaster saw his most fervent dream, his most des-
young man became increasingly fascinated by the underly- perate desire, appear before his very eyes. He was both
ing theory of the Art, the whys and wherefores of how awestruck and smitten with passion as he fell to his knees
magic works. Of course, he knew of the mystical Weave and wept upon Mystras feet. Raising him to meet her gaze,
and its keeper, the Lady Mystra. But this was the time that Mystra responded to his unspoken question and swept him
Sammaster first came to perceive the works of the Lady in into her embrace. They spent a tenday together, and at the
all things about him. Introduced to her formal worship by end of that period, Mystra asked this young magical genius
Mnethos, Sammaster became an ardent follower of the if he thought he was worthy enough and strong enough to
Mother of All Magic. carry a part of her divine power within him.
Not knowing exactly what our Lady of Mysteries
Journeyman and Mastery meant, Sammaster nonetheless accepted. He then became
From that point on, the Lady of Mysteries seemed to smile the first mage to become one of the Chosen of Mystra since
on the young mage, and his career blossomed. His studies the Seven Sisters many years before. When asked why he
8 History
had been Chosen, Mystra acknowledged his advancement
of the theories of metamagic. In addition, she alluded to the
fact that she had some foreknowledge that one of her Cho-
sen would die in battle and that Sammaster would need to
be ready to take her place when the time came. (With the
benefit of hindsight, we can now conclude that Mystra was
referring to Syluné. As detailed later, Sammaster did not
reach that conclusion, but he did remember this prophecy.)
Before she took her leave of him, the Goddess directed
Sammaster to Shadowdale and Elminsters Tower to better
learn to use and manage all his new abilities. As he traveled
to Shadowdale, Sammaster reviewed the past tendays
events in his mind and came to the conclusion that he and his
Lady were deeply in love with each other. Alas, like so
many, Sammaster mistook his own piety and brief passion
for true love, something found rarely enough between mor-
tals, much less between a god and any one worshiper. Of
course the Lady of Mysteries loved Sammaster as she does
all who revere her and her gift, and perhaps somewhat more
as one of her Chosen, but he did not hold her heart in his
hands by any means. Sammaster did notcould notsee
that. His intellectual passion for magic had become a driving
mental and physical passion for his goddess.
History 9
ceaselessly to his education (probably to as quickly absent
himself from the Old Mages presence as possible), and he Each individual is entitled to select (and all of them
mastered his powers as one of the Chosen as quickly as he have selected) one specific wizard spell from each spell
had all other forms of magic. He left the company of Elmin- level to which he or she is immune. This immunity
ster after but three seasons to again take up his own road in extends to a priest version of the spell as well, if such
service to the Lady of Mysteries. exists (the reversed form of remove curse, for example).
Manifested Powers: All of the following powers require
an act of will to used. An individual may either use one of
these powers or cast a spell normally in a roundbut not
Sammasters abilities at this time are described
both.
below.
Once every 7 turns, a Chosen can unleash from within
Sammaster (hm M19 & Chosen of Mystra): AC 5 his or her body a beam of magical whitish flame known
(17 DEX, ring of protection +2); MV 12; hp 38; THAC0 as silver fire (which is also used as a general name for the
14; #AT 1; Dmg by spell/weapon; SA bonus spells; overall power invested in each of her Chosen by the god-
SD spell immunities, +2 to all saving throws (ring of dess). This beam is 5 feet wide and can be made to extend
protection +2); SZ M (5 10); AL CN. as far as 70 feet if desired. No magical or physical barrier
S 8, D 17, C 25 (12), I18, W 14, Ch 13. has been discovered that can stand up against it, and the
Special Equipment: ring of protection +2, ring of free beam inflicts 4d12 points of damage (no saving throw
action, boots of striding and springing. allowed) on all beings struck by it. Any nonliving object
Spells: 5/5/5/5/5/3/3/3/1, not including bonus touched by the beam must make a saving throw vs. magi-
spells. cal fire to avoid being destroyed.
Notes: Bonus Spells: shield, sense shifting*, alacrity*, An individual also can choose to expel the silver fire in
minor spell turning*, lower resistance*, extension III, steal the shape of a cloud that fills a cone-shaped area 5 feet in
enchantment*, Sertens spell immunity, energy drain. diameter at its base, up to 70 feet long, and up to 70 feet
Spell Immunities: magic missile, forget, firebaIl, ice storm, across at its widest. This silver cloud causes no damage,
magic jar, death spell, finger of death, trap the soul, power but banishes dead magic areas forever, instantly restoring
word, kill. such an areas connection with the Goddess of All Magic.
*Tome of Magic spells. This use of the silver fire is extremely rare, since Mystra
Powers of the Chosen: Latent Powers: Each of Mystras considers it an emergency action only.
Chosen has a Constitution score of 25 and enjoys all the The silver fire also can be activated within the body of a
associated benefits, including automatic system shock Chosen to purge all external magical and psionic compul-
and resurrection survival as well as the regeneration of 1 sions from that person. And, once per day, an individual
hit point per turn. The regeneration ability applies even to can teleport without error to the last location where he or
lost limbs and organs, which can be regrown over time. she used the silver fire in any of its forms.
(In the statistical listing for each of the Chosen of Mystra, Mystra grants each of her Chosen the ability to perma-
the characters original, unaltered Constitution score is nently know one spell of each spell level the individual is
given in parentheses.) The Chosen are immune to all dis- able to use. They can cast these spells without compo-
ease and other afflictions as if they were constantly under nents, by a silent act of will alone, and these spells return
the effects of an elixir of health; dying from natural causes without study to the individuals memory 24 hours after
is an impossibility. They never need to sleep and can sur- the last time each was cast. These bonus spells do not
vive without food or drink for up to seven days at a time count against the number of spells that a Chosen can use
(as though benefiting from a vitality potion). per day as dictated by the characters experience level.
The Chosen are immune to the wizard spell disinte-
grate and all similar magic. They receive a +5 bonus to all
saving throws vs. spell and a +3 bonus to saving throws
vs. the breath weapons of dragons. They can detect magic Fanatical leanings
at will out to a range of 90 feet or the individuals line of
Dejected at having his dreams for a long-lasting personal
sight, whichever is greater.
relationship with Mystra smashed so soon after discover-
All Chosen are aware whenever their own names
(including nicknames, titles, etc.) are spoken by someone ing them, Sammaster threw himself into understanding the
anywhere on Toril and can also hear the next nine words uses of his Chosen powers and developing theories to
uttered by the same speaker. The ability to hear these explain them. But, as he was to learn later, not all mysteries
words is always in effect unless it is disengaged, which is are meant to be solved by mortal minds. For if such were
often the case when ones need to concentrate outweighs true, the drive and inventiveness of the mortal races would
the desire to eavesdrop. surely have answered all the questions posed by the world
Each of the Chosen can invoke various forms of pro- around us and, speaking purely hypothetically of course,
tection upon his or her person, including that equivalent the deities themselves might even be displaced. Neverthe-
to a ring of warmth, a ring of mind shielding, a water breathing less, Sammasters drive, nay, obsession with learning the
potion, or a protection from gas scroll. These protections whys, wherefores, and the secrets of the mysteries of Mys-
can be called upon at will, but only one of the effects can tras power, both within him and in Toril at large, began to
operate in any round. consume Sammasters days and nights. Further, while he
loved Mystra and would serve her well for some time, a
10 History
bitter seed of resentment had been planted, a seed that
would bear much ill fruit in the years to come.
History 11
The ball of silver fire struck the cage cart and exploded
with a blinding flash sounding like a dozen thundersnot archmagi, saving throw penalties to targets, bonus
only killing the Zhents but also any peasants who had man- spells, advanced silver fire use; SD spell immunities,
aged to survive thus far. Striking the ground as his dead +3 bonus to all saving throws except spell and +5
mount fell apart beneath him, Sammaster realized what he bonus to saving throws vs. spell (ring of protection +2,
had done. His uncontrolled rage had cost those few still-liv- robe of the archmagi, staff of the magi); MR 5% (robe of
ing innocents, those he had meant to save, their lives. the archmagi); SZ M (5 10); AL CN.
Sammasters psyche could not deal with such a horrible S 8, D 17, C 25 (12), I19, W 14, Ch 13.
truth, and something in his mind snapped that day. Now Special Equipment: ring of protection +2, ring of free
seemingly in some sort of trance, the Chosen of Mystra action, staff of the magi, robe of the archmagi (gray).
calmly turned to the remaining Zhents, the true cause of Spells: 5/5/5/5/5/4/3/3/2, not including bonus
these peoples deaths, and with a coruscating swath of sil- spells.
ver fire about his form, a fixated Sammaster gruesomely Notes: Robe of Archmagi Saving Throw Penalties to Tar-
killed every Zhent in the camp, one at a time. gets: The robe reduces victims magic resistance and sav-
His silver fire protected him as he sought each Zhent, ings throws by -20% and/or -4 when Sammaster casts
overpowered him, and then grasped his enemys head in his charm monster, charm person, friends, hold monster, poly-
hands. Silver fire flared in Sammasters eyes as he took each morph other, or suggestion.
Zhent head in his hands, placing his thumbs over the mans Bonus Spells: shield, sense shifting*, alacrity*, minor spell
eyes, and released a fiercely hot blast of silver fire. Many of turning*, lower resistance*, extension III, steal enchantment*,
the Zhents died instantly and silently, but those who man- Sertens spell immunity, energy drain.
Spell Immunities: magic missile, forget, fireball, ice storm,
aged to scream had their tongues burned from their mouths
magic jar, death spell, finger of death, trap the soul, power
by streams of silver fire from Sammasters eyes. More than
word, kill.
one of the Zhents bodies could not withstand such terrible Advanced Silver Fire Use: After his researches into the
magical energies and burst open, drenching the ground and nature of silver fire, Sammaster possessed such skill
Sammasters already bloody hands and face with yet more with his silver fire that he could make use of all the abili-
gore, while spittle dripped from Sammasters chin. ties detailed as spellfire powers in the Spellfire section of
Upon seeing the deaths of their fellow slaves and the the Magic of the Person chapter in Volos Guide to All
horrible retribution taken by their rescuer, the remaining Things Magical.
already-skittish prisoners panicked. One of the cage carts *Tome of Magic spells.
was overturned in the tumult, crushing several people
under the weight of the cart and their fellows. The situation
was only worsened when, still in a trancelike state, Sam- The news of these events did reach the ears of Elminster
master approached. Sammaster blasted open the locks of and Storm Silverhand. After much discussion and, appar-
the third cage cart and burned an exit through the wooden ently, consultation with Mystra herself they took no action,
bars of the overturned one. None of the slaves would leave assuring themselves that Sammaster had learned a hard les-
either cart, however, until their bloody savior retreated from son in control. They could have done little else in any case;
the carts. Sammaster watched them go, then fell to his knees even the powers of the Chosen of Mystra cannot breath life
amid the smoke and riven bodies. The scents of burning into those far dead and cannot recreate a body annihilated by
canvas, wood, horseflesh, andotherflesh assailed him silver fire. And other events soon took the attentions of Elmin-
as if they were poisonous gases. He soon lost consciousness. ster, Storm, and the Harpers away from Sammasters deed.
The Harper who witnessed these events, though horri- Unfortunately for him, Sammaster could not so easily
fied by what he had seen, carried the unconscious Sammas- forget what he had done. Though he blamed the Zhents for
ter from the scene and tended to him. When Sammaster all the carnage in later years, it is most likely that this ratio-
awoke, the Harper had left to complete whatever mission nalization did not convince even him. This episode was
he had originally been assigned. He had left Sammaster undoubtedly the seminal event that irrevocably turned
near a well-stoked campfire and supplied him with water Sammaster down the path to madness and, eventually, evil.
and food. Sammaster could not know, of course, that this His already chaotic tendencies, his irrational rages, and his
man had been a Harper and that the story of this day obsession with magic and the Lady Mystra, when com-
would reach the ears of the Master Harpers, but even if he bined with the memory of the above horrific events, was
had known, it would not have mattered to Sammaster. too much for him. Sammaster could not live with the facts
that Mystra did not see him as he did Her and with what
he had done with the gifts she had entrusted him with. His
Sammasters abilities at this time are described sense of failure, despair, and grief burrowed deeply into his
below. mind and soul, beginning the process of slowly twisting
Sammaster (hm M21 & Chosen of Mystra): AC 2 them into horrible parodies of themselves.
(17 DEX, ring of protection +2, robe of the archmagi); MV
12; hp 40; THAC0 14 (14 staff of the magi); #AT 1; Dmg Down the Dark Path
1d6 (staff of the magi) or by spell/weapon; SA robe of Little is heard of Sammaster for many years, and his activi-
ties in the service of the Lady during this period are un-
12 History
known. Most believe that he went into seclusion, redevot- her like she was a set of rules to be manipulated by a clever
ing himself to magical research. Some even believe that game player. The kind but independent lady mage rebelled
Sammaster, to whom everything magical had come so eas- at Sammasters attempts to bring her under his sway, and
ily, sought to somehow restore those innocent lives he had she was further disturbed by Sammasters continued
taken. Fragmentary information provides hints that this researches into necromancy. A few years after their first
period of time marks Sammasters first forays into necro- meeting, the pair parted company. Bitterness was in Sam-
mantic magic, trying to find a way to revivify the innocent masters heart and regret in Alustriels.
dead. And these researches awakened his interest in the This failed relationship reignited the angst in Sammas-
end result of many such magicsthe undead. ters spirit, leaving him worse off than before he had met
Sammaster, as a Chosen, would have had little to fear the Lady Alustriel. When he dove back into his studies
from most undead creatures, and it appears that he sought likely more experiments in necromancyto build a wall
them out. Quickly moving on from the base, nonintelligent around his feelings, history again lost track of Sammaster.
varieties, Sammaster came to know of and foster relation-
ships with several of the higher forms of undead, including Algashon the Manipulator
vampires and liches. At an unknown juncture subsequent to his relationship
One must wonder what Our Lady of Mysteries thought with Alustriel, Sammaster met and was befriended by
of one of Her Chosen conducting researches into such mat- Algashon Nathaire, a priest of Bane who had formerly been
ters and consorting with such beings; however, it is diffi- a mage. This Algashon had been an evil mage of indifferent
cult even now to fathom the thoughts and ways of a deity. skill when he discovered the malevolent power of the god
One must keep in mind that the Mystra we know today is of tyranny, Bane. Seeing in Banes worship a quicker path
not the one from the time being discussed; Mystra then was to great might, he converted to the worship of Bane. Over
a much more neutral deity. As has often been recorded, her time, he rose to great personal power and prominence in
primary interest was in the use and development of magic; the eyes of his god.
she was less particular about how it was used or by whom. Short, dark, and thin of body, Algashons devious, evil
Apparently, as long as Sammaster continued to advance mind was as sharp as a razor. By the time he met the unsta-
the theories of magic and push forward into its frontiers for ble Sammaster, Algashon the priest of tyranny and strife
all mortals, Mystra turned a blind eye. One must therefore had surpassed the abilities of Algashon the mage, and this
assume that this attitude prevailed with her Chosen as allowed him to pass himself off as a mage whenever the
well. (Certainly many acts of several of the other Chosen need arose. Further, Algashon had by this time wholeheart-
would be frowned upon by the more morally minded Mys- edly adopted the Banite tenet that Banes priests, as servants
tra that Toril is blessed with today.) This could also explain to the god of tyranny, should seek out tyrants and would-be
the lack of action on the part of Elminster and the other tyrants and support them. In this way, they could better
Chosen who heard of the catastrophe near Cormyr. serve their god by enhancing tyranny and strife across the
face of the Realms. Of course, this also allowed them to be
Sammaster and Alustriel the true powers behind the thrones of any weak-willed or
As noted above, Sammaster disappeared from the records weak-minded tyrants that could be found. (Indeed, much of
of Faerûn for some time. The next occasion on which infor- the ideology Algashon espoused has much more recently
mation about him resurfaces is in the Year of the Exploding been embraced and elaborated on by Fzoul Chembryl of the
Orl (861 DR) in the city of Silverymoon, where he met the Zhentarim. Fzoul promotes this attitude even more vehe-
lady mage Alustriel, Chosen of Mystra, for the first time. mently now since he has adopted the worship of Iyachtu
Alustriel had been ruling the city since 857 DR using her Xvim, the Godson of Bane.) In the unstable Sammaster,
mothers name, Elué. Not since the Goddess of All Magic Algashon saw the chance to create a formidable tyrant, and
appeared to him had Sammaster seen such beauty and Bane must also have smiled upon the chance to rob one of
grace. Alustriel too saw something in Sammaster that drew his most powerful enemys Chosen of his last vestiges of
her to him; perhaps the fire of genius was still evident in his sanityand perhaps his powers or even his life.
eyes. In any case, the two spent much time together, with
Alustriels caring nature seeming to calm Sammasters grief
and stabilize his most eccentric extremes. This stability was At this time, Algashon could be considered as fol-
not to last, however. lows:
As with the study of magic and later the Goddess of Algashon Nathaire (hm M8/P14 of Bane): AC 2;
Magic herself, Alustriel slowly became an obsession for MV 12; hp 49; THAC0 12 (10, footmans mace +2); #AT
Sammaster. This obsession was not a healthy, natural pas- 1; Dmg 1d6+3 (footmans mace +2) or by spell/weap-
sion, but rather an insatiable drive to master Alustriel, a on; SZ M (5 5); AL LE.
need to make her entirely his, a drive to unravel all her secrets S 13, D 13, C 16, I15, W 18, Ch 14.
and to make her world revolve around himas his did her. Special Equipment: footmans mace +2, chain mail +1,
Perhaps this is not a surprise considering the state of shield +1, necklace of adaptation.
Sammasters mind and his record for forming obsessive Mage Spells: 4/3/3/2.
relationships, but Alustriel did not take his attempts at Priest Spells: 8/8/7/6/3/2/l.
mastery well, nor did she appreciate his trying to control
History 13
friend in an increasing number of ways. As the two trav-
Notes: Algashon is a dreadmaster, a specialty priest eled together, years passed, and Sammaster fell gradually
of Bane defined in Faiths & Avatars; see that work for his deeper and deeper under the sway of Algashon and his
available priest spheres and his special abilities. vile master.
14 History
As another of the Chosen, Alustriel sensed Sammasters their scheme destroyed before them. Algashon attempted to
proximity to her, but she never expected an attack from the enter the battle to aid his mad pawn, but Bane forbade it,
intense but brilliant man she recalled. As she emerged from paralyzing the priest where he hid. Banes voice thundered
her tent in the lee of a steep slope to greet him, Sammas- in Algashons head that this too could be turned to his
ters rage burst out of him as a flooding river bursts a dam. advantage.
Blood flowed freely from Sammasters mouth as he Few details survive of the battle between four of Mys-
shouted many of the lies and delusions fed to him over the tras Chosen, although Algashon was temporarily blinded
years by Algashon. He raised his arms and silver fire as- from simply viewing the awesome energies that were
sailed the fair Alustriel. She defended herself as soon as she being released. (His vision returned soon after the battle.)
recovered from the shock of seeing someone she cared From the vague location clues given by Alustriel in some
about in such a state, but she was sorely wounded by Sam- interviews, many of the bare hills that are now the Ever-
masters first strike. moors may have resulted from the effects of this battle. Per-
As the battle raged, Alustriel tried to break through the haps a lack of specific detail is after all for the best, for few
rage and hatred to the man she had once known, but words could describe the incredible magical furies that
Algashon had done his work well. Alustriels attempts at were released that day. Indeed, it may be surmised that at
compassion only fueled Sammasters maniacal rage, and he least one of the three Chosen that did battle with Sammas-
again wounded one of the few people who truly did care for ter must have consciously worked to keep the effects and
him. His madness had given him tremendous power and aftereffects of the colossal conflict upon the landscape and
allowed him to tap into reserves of strength that, when the Weave of Toril to a minimum. Considering the Chosen
combined with his skills in wizardry and his command of involved, the most likely candidate for that role was Alus-
silver fire, threatened to overwhelm the injured Alustriel. triel: She would have wished to preserve as much of her
With no other recourse before her, Alustriel reluctantly beloved North as possible, and as she was wounded, she
called upon two other of Mystras Chosen with whom she would have been less effective an offensive combatant than
shares a special bond, Laeral Silverhand and Khelben Arun- either Khelben or Laeral.
sun, who transported themselves instantly to her side. She
did this with the full and sorrowful knowledge that in Sammaster the Fallen
doing so she was likely condemning Sammaster to a bloody, When the ferocious energies ceased their coruscations
violent death. Neither Algashon nor Bane had planned for across the field of battle, Sammaster had fallen. Before any
this contingency, and each from his own vantage point saw of the three could do more than comfort one another and
History 15
tend to Alustriels wounds, Azuth appeared before them as obscurity we cannot know, but Sammaster was now in the
a flaming blue hand. The hand spoke, praising the Chosen full grip of his own madness and the delusions fostered by
both for their bravery and their restraint, and then turned Algashon. The next traceable crumb on Sammasters trail
to the supine form of Sammaster. Invoking the name of comes to light in the Year of Fell Pearls (887 DR) when Sam-
Our Lady of Mysteries, the hand gestured over Sammaster, master publishes the first of his retranslations of many of
and a silver star fell from the sky to hang above his beaten the worlds prophetic tomes, including the seer and oracle
body. Great gouts of silverfire then flowed out from his Maglas Chronicle of Years to Come. It is from a passage in
wounds like milk from a broken vessel and were absorbed this tome, or more specifically Sammasters mistaken
by the star, removing the Goddesss favor from his form. translation of that passage, that the Cult of the Dragon later
Though nearly dead by this time, Sammaster lifted from rises. Provided below is the key passage that lit a fire in
the ground, stiffened, and bellowed forth a single, horrible, Sammaster demented mind:
soul-rending scream. The star then shot up into the heav-
ens, spilling silvery sparks like tears behind it, and van- And naught will be left save shattered thrones,
ished from sight. Sammaster lay still, his back and limbs with no rulers but the dead. Dragons shall rule the
twisted at unnatural angles. world entire, and . . .
Azuth declared that Sammasters body was to remain
where it had fallen as a final lesson and punishment from Sammaster the Fallen translated the passage so:
the goddess. With nothing else left for them to do, the three
Chosen traveled to Silverymoon to contemplate the deeds And naught will be left save shattered thrones
of the day. There Alustriel mourned the loss, though it had with no rulers. But the dead dragons shall rule the
been necessary, of an old friend to her, now for the second world entire, and . . .
time.
But Sammaster did not pass onto the planes that day on Whether this was an honest mistake on the part of Sam-
the blasted heath. After the others left, Algashon emerged master or just another example of Algashons sugges-
from his hiding place and, prompted by his dark god, cast tions is unknown, and ultimately, is moot. For the evil fire
one of the spells that he had prepared to use on Alustriel on that this passage set alight in Sammasters brain was des-
Sammaster instead. Not only did this spell restore life to his tined to burn for centurieseven to this very day. With the
body, it also trapped some lingering aftereffects of Mystras priests help, Sammaster once again set to wandering the
power with him. While the silver fire and all other dis- face of Faerûn, but this time it was to preach the future of
cernible Chosen powers were stripped from him, Sammas- the world as he saw it wouldand shouldbe. Whenever
ter was to later discover that the effective immortality he was not so preaching (and already beginning to gather
granted to all of Mystras special servants dwelt within him followers), Sammaster turned again to his necromantic
still. While he could be destroyed, Sammaster continued to researches, this time not hoping to return the dead to life
remain ageless and to heal from wounds very quickly. but to grant a form of undeath to dragons. His researches
Algashons spell also had another effect on Sammaster. were, according to current Cult of the Dragon tradition,
It obliterated any last vestige of sanity and morality that aided in part by ancient tomes he had unearthed from
may have remained in his clouded mind and tortured beneath either the sands of Anauroch, or, some say, the
spirit. (Indeed, the lady Alustriel maintains that some part great desert Raurin, after he saw their location in a vision.
of Sammaster stopped him from killing her before the other
Chosen arrived. She also speculates that, in the end, Sam- Sammasters First Dracolich
master may have returned to himself, and seeing all he had and the Founding of the Cult
done, let himself be struck down.) Neither Bane nor Al- Eventually, Sammaster, Algashon, and their band of fol-
gashon controlled Sammaster now; Sammaster no longer lowers settled the city-state of Chondathan and set up a
needed to be directed to any insanity, any evil. headquarters of sorts for themselves. (Chondathan was
Algashon, taking his still shaken pawn from the field, renamed Saerloon some years after the founding of Sembia
fed Sammaster more lies. Algashon painted Sammaster a in 913 DR). They continued to preach and attract followers,
portrait of himself as the tragic hero: Sammaster had dri- and these converts, needing a title to refer to their leader,
ven off the other Chosen after withstanding their furious coined the honorific First-Speaker to honor the founder
attacks and only the treachery of the gods Azuth and Mys- of their cult. It was while Sammaster was in Chondathan
tra had brought him low. Indeed, as Sammasters wounds that he unveiled the rings of dragons for the first time (see
healed virtually before their eyes, Algashon whispered that the Magic and Monsters of the Cult chapter). And the
the powers of Faerûn must have feared him terribly to be- members of the cult, under Sammasters leadership, began
tray him so. Only another deity in the birthing could have the experiments that would reach fruition in the Year of the
inspired two gods to such fearand Sammaster must be Queens Tears (902 DR), when Sammaster convinced the
that nascent god. great red wyrm Shargrailar, whose lair was in the moun-
tains near the headwaters of the Immerflow in the Thunder
Mad Prophecies Peaks, to undergo the conversion process into a dracolich
In the wake of this pivotal event, Sammaster and Algashon (detailed in the dracolich MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM® entry
disappeared again. What happened during this period of found in the Magic and Monsters of the Cult chapter).
16 History
Shargrailar may not have been the first dragon to im- dragons. Algashon could then have the book reproduced
bibe the vile concoction Sammaster created to set the and distributed to many of the members of the Cult who
process in motion, but he was the first to survive it. (Shar- had come from distant towns and lands. These members
grailar went on to become the most powerful dracolich could be dispersed back to their homelands, taking a copy
ever seen on the face of Faerûn.) With the successful cre- of this tome with them and spreading Sammasters word
ation of a dracolich, or as Sammaster at first called his cre- and his cult far and wide. The idea of his lifes work form-
ation, a night dragon, the nascent cult in Chondathan ing the written ideology and secret knowledge of the orga-
exploded in popularity and in wealth. With an overwhelm- nization played to Sammasters vanity and growing
ingly effective weapon to enforce his will, Sammaster soon megalomania as something right and proper, and he cre-
acquired huge fortunes by using the threat of Shargrailar to ated the Tome of the Dragon (detailed in the Magic and
extort moneys throughout the former city-state colonies of Monsters of the Cult chapter) over the course of three
Chondath that would become Sembia. His fearful shadow years. Cult scribes then set immediately to copying the
swept over caravans, marketplaces, and merchants. Even information. Algashons masterstroke of evil inspiration
the rich nobles paid tribute when the Cult threatened to resulted in the creation of this magical tome and the distri-
send Shargrailar to burn their farmlands and villas to ash. bution of many lesser tomes that spread Sammasters ide-
(Sammaster did not think to oppress the peasants for their ology and his cult throughout the Heartlands, the North,
coppers, as it seems they were as far beneath his notice as and beyond.
they were to many of the nobles themselves.) Algashon was also correct about the Cult attracting the
It would take until the Year of the Plough (906 DR) for attention of other power groups in the Realms. The Harpers
the use of the appellation Cult of the Dragon to describe soon mobilized to infiltrate, disable, and destroy the Cult
Sammasters cult to finally become popular. The name cell in Chondathan before Sammasters evil could thor-
likely originated among the local peasantry who all too oughly infest the newly formed country of Sembia. (Sembia
often were witness to the groups crimes and its most was formed in 913 DR under the banner of Rauthauvyr the
potent weapon, Shargrailar. While some scholars point out Raven, commander of the new nations military for the
that Cult of the Dracolich or Cult of the Dracoliches Overmaster, the elected merchant ruler of the nation.)
would have been far more appropriate titles for this group, While they had some successes, they failed to destroy Shar-
they forget that so soon after the conversion process Shar- grailar and could not prevent the spread of the Cults ideol-
grailar still appeared to be a normal, living dragon. And as ogy across the face of Faerûn.
members of Sammasters cult picked up the usage of the The forces of Zhentil Keep also allied themselves
name to refer to themselves (knowing as they did of the against the Cult after Sammaster demanded extortionate
less-public activities of cult members involved in courting safe passage fees from their caravans (both trade and
new dragons for the conversion process and discovering slave). Of course the Zhents refused to pay, and Shargrailar
dragon lore to be used to manipulate dragons in the was sent out from his lair in the Thunder Peaks to raid sev-
future), the name of Sammasters cult became fixed. eral Zhent outposts along the River Tesh and southward
and to destroy any Zhent caravans he encountered in the
The Cult Grows region between Shadow Gap and the River Tesh. The
The Cult in Chondathan soon grew too large for even Sam- Zhents were not cowed by this display of power, though;
master and Algashon to manage, and offshoot cells began instead they became one of the Cults most dangerous
to establish themselves in the city-states of Chancelgaunt foeswhich they remain to this very day.
(later renamed Selgaunt) and Yhaunn. Sammaster was The flush of wealth and success that the Cult felt soon
even able to persuade another wyrm, Rauglothgor, who faded as powerful adversaries continued to array them-
later laired in the ruins of the Tranquil Tower near Lake selves against the actions of the followers of Sammaster.
Sember, to undergo the preliminary preparations for But this did not deter the mad mage. He pressed on, creat-
dracolichdom, and the Cult began preparing him a host to ing several more night dragons in the following years, at
contain his spirit during his eventual transcendence. least some of which were forced into the conversion
Algashon was thrilled by the progress of events since that process by Cult strike forces and the threat of death at the
day in the Evermoors. Sammasters madness had not claws and fangs of Shargrailar should they turn down the
affected his drive and ambition, and the mage now will- Cults offer of immortality. Rather than develop con-
ingly, with no coercion, did most of the evil work the priest tingency plots for dealing with the Cults newly acquired
of Bane had considered it his goal to manipulate Sammas- enemies of stature, Sammaster ignored them or simply dis-
ter into doing. Algashon was determined to expand the patched a night dragon to deal with any foes that were dis-
Cult beyond a few hundred members in one wealthy but covered. Not merely mad now, Sammaster was becoming
otherwise unimportant city-state and a mere score in two drunk with a level of power he had not felt since before he
others. Besides, thought the priest, operating such as large had been stripped of his powers as one of the Chosen.
organization so openly, so brazenly, would soon attract Algashon tried to dissuade his mad partner from some
attention from other power groups. of his more blatant schemes, counseling caution and a
He therefore mentioned to Sammaster that the mage lighter, defter hand in running the Cults affairs. He often
should create a collection of all his wisdom, prophecies, proposed that the Cult go underground, making it a less-
formulae, and procedures concerning the creation of night obvious target for its accumulating foes. Sammaster
History 17
refused, blinded by his visions of power and revenge The Harpers Attack
against the world that had wronged him. Seeing that he Those plans bore fruit in the Year of the Sinhala (916 DR)
was rapidly losing his controlling grip on the mad mage, when Algashon’s spies relayed to him that the Harpers
Algashon began to plan. were closely tracking the whereabouts of the Cult’s leader,
seeking to eliminate Sammaster at an opportune time when
the struggle would not place too many innocents in danger
and, in removing him, to remove the heart of the Cult and
Sammaster’s abilities at this time are described thus send its body of membership to a swift end. Algashon
below. kept this information from Sammaster and made plans,
Sammaster (hm Nec26): AC 5 (17 D EX , staff of with a select group of followers, to be far from Sammas-
power) MV 12; hp 45; THAC0 12 (10, staff of power); ter’s side when he believed Those Who Harp would act.
#AT 1; Dmg 1d6+2 or 2d6+2 if a charge is expended Sammaster and his entourage—which was quite a large
(staff of power) or by spell/weapon; SA differing group of over 60 Cult members accompanied by dragon
necromancer powers, necrology and netherworld hybrids and dragon-kin, undead creatures, and even sum-
knowledge, command undead: SD detect magic, wiz- moned and enslaved other-planar creatures (it is whis-
ard sight (Tome of Magic), detect invisibility at will, 90- pered)—were to pay a first visit to a tall hill near the
foot infravision, spell immunities, +2 bonus to all southern edge of Cormanthor where two green wyrms of
saving throws (staff of power); SZ M (5’ 10”); AL CE. power, who controlled a whole roost of wyverns that
S 8, D 17, C 25, I20, W 14, Ch 13. plagued the range of hills descending from north of what is
Special Equipment: staff of power, ring of human influ- now Featherdale to the Dun Hills, were being courted to
ence, ring of wizardry, potion of evil dragon control (×3), become dracoliches. Unable to directly teleport to the
pearl of power (recalls one 8th-level spell), wings of fly- wyrms’ lair, the common practice among Cult mages once
ing. contact had been established with a dracolich candidate,
Spells*: 13/13/13/7/7/6/6/6/6. Sammaster traveled in state up the roads connecting Chon-
*Including one bonus necromantic spell per spell dathan to Chancelgaunt, straight up through Moondale
level and effects of ring of wizardry (doubles 1st-3rd-level (now the sight of Ordulin), and into the southern edge of
spells). Cormanthor (considerably more south of its current loca-
Notes: At this point, Sammaster’s extensive re- tion). The overflying dracohybrids were unable to discern
searches into necromancy and undeath qualify him as a exactly what lay below the tree canopy at this point, but
necromancer specialist mage. His unique history and Sammaster pressed on into the underlying hills with no
studies also give him the following special abilities: fears, for the green wyrms had promised to hold off any
Differing Necromancer Powers: Sammaster does not
wyvern attacks upon the entourage, and after all, was not
suffer the usual necromancer penalties that balance the
he alone—let alone himself and his entourage—mighty
bonuses a necromancer receives, as in actuality he is a
mage that has gained incredible knowledge of necro- enough to deal with any random forest creatures or elf
mancy, performed twisted ceremonies, and made dark scouting parties that might intrude themselves between
pacts to gain his unusual abilities. Therefore, he does not him and his goal?
need a 16 Wisdom score, is not restricted from learning The Harper ambush came at dawn one spring morning;
illusion/phantasm and enchantment/charm spells, does a massed force of Harpers and their allies had, with the
not suffer a -15% penalty when learning spells from blessings of the elves and the nature deities, hidden them-
other schools, etc. He does enjoy all the bonuses of the selves virtually undetectably in the forest just outside of
necromancer specialty (as a way to define some of his the tiny village of Hap. While Sammaster was surprised, he
increased abilities in AD&D® game terms). responded quickly and heavy-handedly, summoning two
Necrology and Netherworld Knowledge: Sammaster pos- lesser dracoliches to aid him in obliterating this impudent
sesses, among his numerous nonweapon proficiencies, threat and loosing his entourage to kill anything in sight
extensive knowledge of the undead, the disposition of not one of their own. (Algashon had arranged for Sammas-
spirits after death, and the outer planes. These non- ter to send Shargrailar off on some unknown long-range
weapon proficiencies are detailed in The Complete Book of mission, removing the night dragon both from the danger
Necromancers, but effectively, unless something is con- posed by the Harpers and preventing the powerful draco-
sidered obscure knowledge in these fields, he knows it. lich from tipping the scales of power in the battle too far in
Command Undead: Sammaster can command undead
favor of Sammaster.)
creatures as an evil priest of his level.
The battle between the Cult and the Harpers raged for a
Spell Immunities: Sammaster is immune to any spell
that drains life energy, traps or moves the spirit to other full day and night, with heavy losses on both sides. Harper
places unwillingly, or instantly kills outright in a fashion mages and priests of Lathander and other good deities had
not due to accumulated damage, such as: energy drain, come prepared to deal with the dracoliches as best they
magic jar, death spell, finger of death, trap the soul, power could. Warriors, rangers, and paladins clashed with the
word, kill, etc. Cult’s merchant-warriors and mercenaries. Those who
broke through the Cult warriors were pounced on by flights
of dragon-kin and peculiar dracohybrids. None could reach
Sammaster, and as the sun set, the fallen Chosen of Mystra
18 • History
rode into battle atop a formidable dracolich commanding a Sammaster held it up before him, as if to force Lath-
virtual army of creatures both undead and the results of ander to read it. Fool! Lathanaer thundered, and Dawn-
other foul magical experiments, many of which even the speaker came down resoundingly through the metallic
Harpers had never seen before (see the Magic and Monsters scroll and into Sammaster, whose body twisted in the after-
of the Cult chapter for some of these creatures). Despite the shock of the blow and then, miraculously, started to
element of surprise the Harpers had seized, it appeared that straighten. The scroll shattered in all directions into a mil-
the Cult, led by Sammasters might, was to overwhelmingly lion slivers of light, but one small, dagger-shaped piece
win the engagement as the sun rose over the battlefield for stuck in the golden plate armor above Lathanders heart,
the second time. Several priests of Lathander, desperate for scratching his chest, and four drops of his blood fell to the
some means to stop what seemed to be an even-more-pow- ground at his feet. (After the battle these were gathered up
erful Sammaster than any reports had described, appealed in an amber flask by a priest of the Morninglord from the
to the Morninglord for aid in stopping the seemingly invin- village of Hap. Today this holy relic of the Morninglords
cible mad mage. church is revered as the artifact, the Blood of Lathander.)
Lathander reached out with one hand and crushed the
The Death of Sammaster wheel of spellstuff that held all in thrall while twin globes
Lathander heard their dawn prayers. Outraged at the future of dull red and black flew from Sammasters hands to burst
Sammaster prophesied and the abominations of creation he against Lathanders breastplate ineffectually. Lathander
had perpetrated unceasingly, Lathander sent a battle avatar gestured, and a hole of light was ripped through the flying
to the field. The undead creatures forming a wall around ash that obscured the sun. Light brighter than any who wit-
Sammaster disintegrated in a flash of light as the full glory nessed the event ever saw before or later in their lives shot
of the god of the dawn touched them, but the choking ash of down through the hole, cloaking Sammaster from view.
their remains clogged the air immediately as an unearthly Sammaster did not have time to even scream as he was
wind howled forth from Sammaster, forming the ash into a instantly killedapparently incinerated in the suns fire.
cloud that obscured the sky and turned the dawn light red Upon investigation of the battlefield later, nothing re-
as blood. Sammasters dracolich steed breathed a massive mained of him but about two pounds of fine ash.
gout of dragonfire upon the golden breastplate of the Morn- With Sammaster and most of his entourage (containing
inglord, only to scream an unearthly keening wail that the majority of his most loyal followers) dead after the
faded into nothing as Dawnspeaker, Lathanders mace, battle with the Harpers and Lathanders avatar, Algashon
smote its head and disrupted its unliving existence. relocated his personal sect of followers to Urmlaspyr and
Sammaster, seemingly untroubled, floated in midair then beyond, taking the organization underground as he
where his steed had been, and in the twinkling of an eye a had long advised Sammaster to do. Over the intervening
coruscating aura of ineffable blackness surrounded him, as centuries, the sect of the Cult loyal to Algashon and those
if a cloak of night and death had been knit about his body. cells loyal to the Cults founder that earlier had been
His eyes glowed dark purple, and he gestured with his instructed to branch out across Faerûn came into conflict
staff, and a mighty turning wheel of faintly glowing energy many times. In all likelihood, this early schism of the Cult
appeared between him and Lathander. Energythe auras resulted in the fractious nature of the organization to this
streaming out from every living and undead being on the day.
battlefield except Lathander and Sanmasterappeared as
multicolored threads, and all of them were being sucked To Sleep, Perchance to Dream
into the wheel, spun around, and pulled tight. Within an As the world would learn over 300 years later, Algashon
instant, all were taut. had not been the only high-ranking member of the Cult to
Those who were there speak in what accounts remain of plan ahead. So long devoted to necromancy, Sammaster
a sharp pain followed by a sense of anticipation, as if some had made plansand cast contingency and chain contin-
hugethingwaited just beyond the doorways of their gency spellsto prepare him for unlife as a lich should his
senses to happen. What happened next is recalled by very amazing regenerative abilities fail him.
few, and only in dreamlike snatches, as past this point When the avatar of Lathander blasted Sammasters
apparently only Sammaster and Lathander could move. body apart, the mad mages mind fled to a prepared phy-
Lathander looked upon Sammaster and a fierce delight lactery, in this case a small but exquisite uncut diamond
seemed to play behind his eyes. Abomination, he cried, worth over 10,000 gp. This phylactery was unknowingly
die! Crackling streams of lightning and golden radiance carried by Zotulla, a half-elven mage/thief. It served as a
poured out from his eyes, assaulting Sammaster with portion of the start-up funds for a new Cult cell that Sam-
deadly force. Sammasters skeleton was visible briefly, master had given to Zotulla, along with what is believed to
glowing like an inner light within his corporeal form, and be the original Tome of the Dragon. Secreted in this book
he convulsed suddenly in midair, dropping his staff as his were a set of secret instructions for Zotulla that would
fingers curled into claws. Then, with a tremendous effort, allow Sammaster to transfer his phylactery-held spirit into
he reached up and sideways with his left hand to elsewhere another bodymuch in the manner of a dracolich whose
and drew back a single thin sheet of metal glinting with a original body is destroyed. Also fastened inside the front
faint, silvery sheen. Strange symbols and glyphs crawled cover of the book was a small packet that, when opened,
across its surface. appeared to contain a quantity of fine ash. This is believed
History 19
to be the mortal remains of Sammaster that his new host
would need to consume in order for the mad mages psy-
che to inhabit it. The means by which this quantity of ash
could have been put in the packet before his death by as
skilled a necromancer as Sammaster can be guessed at, but
should not be dwelt upon by the squeamish.
Zotulla also had been given instructions by Sammaster
to found a new cell of the Cult farther northwest, nearer to
the border of Cormyr and the lair of Shargrailar. Unfortu-
nately, Zotulla did not succeed. A little less than two years
after he founded a cell in the Desertsmouth Mountains
above the town of Tilverton, the Zhents were able to locate
his cells sanctuary and attack. They wiped out the cell
with the sole exception of Zotulla himself. Able to escape
thanks to his magic, the half-elf fled higher into the moun-
tains, only to meet his final fate at the hands and blades of
an orc war party. Not knowing who they had just killed
and what they possessed, they tossed the diamond (which
in its uncut state did not reveal its true worth to those
without knowledge of gems) in among their other loot and
tried to destroy the Tome of the Dragon. They doubtlessly
failed.
Both the phylactery and the mystical book disappear
from history for over 300 years as they were likely passed
on or traded from shaman to shaman and from chieftain to
chieftain of half-a-dozen humanoid races and three times
that number of tribes. But some unknown eventperhaps
a humanoid shaman with wits enough to decipher Sam-
masters instructionsfinally granted Sammaster a chance
at unlife as a lich.
Awake to Unlife
Sammasters story picks up again early in the Year of Many
Mists (1282 DR), when a lich arose high in the Deserts-
mouth Mountains near Shadow Gap. This lich, who called
itself Sammaster, began to gather servants, creatures, and
even a few dragons under its banner. Rumors spoke of the
lich as the once-dead founder of the Cult of the Dragon.
The same rumor said that Sammaster the lich was using a
dracolich of enormous size and power as its steed. Cultists
(and others) in the area investigated and found that the
lichs claim was true: He was Sammaster. The Cult began to
rally around the lich lord. Alarmed Harpers and good folk
of the Dalelands and Cormyr began to ready themselves to
defend their homes and persons from the lich and his
hordes of evil servants.
In the Year of the Blacksnake (1285 DR), a group of
adventuring paladins known as the Company of Twelve
rode off to confront Sammaster and his growing army The
paladins, supported by the Harpers, attacked the lich and
his dracolich in the ruins of an ancient city then known as
Harrowsmouth, or the Gates of Hell. The battle was
immense and nine of the Company of the Twelve died, but
in then end Sammaster was defeated and the mad mage
fell once more. Though they searched far and wide, neither
Sammasters phylactery nor the Tome of the Dragon was
recovered by the forces of good.
20 History
Final Disposition tion has been known by that title ever since, marked by the
In the century since then, this ruined city has been lost to dark purple robes they all don for formal occasions.
the ever-expanding sands of Anauroch, and adventurers As Algashon ruled over the decades, he slowly brought
have not been able to find Sammasters final resting place. more and more of Banes doctrines and philosophies into
Current leaders of the Sembian-based cell of the Cult (now the Sembian branch of the Cult. While many of the follow-
once again located in Saerloon since before 1350 DR, but ers he had brought west with him from Chondathan had
this time covertly) have been overheard to say that Sam- no compunctions about this, many of those who joined the
master is dust in some forgotten tomb or lost city (perhaps Cult later grew unsettled as Algashon steered the Cult far-
this apocryphal Gates of Hell). A consensus of opinion ther and farther toward a seeming union with the church of
among sages and diviners is that this remark can be Bane.
believed, though exactly what it means remains unclear.
No creature, alive or dead, has offered a credible claim Reformationalists vs. Pragmatists
of being Sammaster brought again to life since the battle in Many people who had joined the Cult, especially those
1285 DR. This might lead one to conclude that the mad who already had wealth and some status, had joined
mage is truly and finally gone. While such a thought is because they saw the Cult as a means to further their own
doubtless comforting, comfort should not be confused with power through mutual alliances with dragons and draco-
the truth. Sammaster existed inside his phylactery for 300 liches, rather than as any sort of religious experience. This
years before he reappeared the first time. And, the dia- coalition of warrior-merchants, mages, and rogues believed
mond was not recovered after the battle in the Deserts- that the Cult should be more of a secret society and less a
mouth peaks. Some scholars also have speculated on the religious organization, and it was led by the archmage
exact meaning of the overheard dust comment by the Tuelhalva Drakewings.
Sembian Cult of the Dragon leaders. Over the years until 1000 DR, these philosophical differ-
Therefore, as to the current disposition of Sammaster ences grew until the entire membership of the Cult of the
First-Speaker, I offer the following theories: Dragon in Sembia had aligned behind one of two leaders
and their philosophies: Algashon and his Bane-influenced
Sammaster is dead, his spirit passed onto the planes reformational stance (We shall rule as servants of the
forever, likely to the City of Strife in Oinos on the Gray undying dragons and the ultimate tyrant, Bane) or
Waste, or possibly to some other plane, such as Avalas, Drakewingss pragmatic perspective (Anything we can do
in Acheron, where the former abode of Bane was located. to further our worldly power base by exploiting our
The mad mages psyche again rests within the lost dia- knowledge of dragons and the creation of dracoliches
mond phylactery, awaiting another chance to return to serves us well both now and in the future when undead
the Realms as a vastly powerful lich. dragons rule.) Those loyal to Drakewings were eventually
Sammaster being dust in a long-forgotten tomb from forced to move in secret within the Cult, as Algashon
the Cultists statements mentioned above may indicate brought in yet more priests of Bane to bolster his support
his form has evolved to that of a demilich. If this is so, within the group and intimidate all those who might
woe to any who find the resting place of Sammasters oppose him into at least giving lip service to the primacy of
form. He is likely to possess capabilities far in excess of his leadership.
even other demiliches. The hostilities continued to grow, with occasional skir-
One final theory is that it would not be beyond Sammas- mishes spilling the blood of both sects within the Cult. The
ters capabilities to try to bring himself back in the body violence further factionalized the Cult, and it was only a
not of a humanoid lich but rather as a dracolich. While matter of time until a final confrontation took place within
one trembles at such a possibility, the prospect cannot be the Sembian Cult.
discounted out of hand.
The Whispering of Gargauth
In the Year of the Awakening (1001 DR), Tuelhalva Drakew-
Chronicles of the Cult ings, Keeper of the Secret Hoard and Member of the Pur-
In the years following Sammasters death battling the ple, was sent south to Peleveran to investigate reports of an
avatar of Lathander, the Cult of the Dragon all but van- ancient undead dragon that lurked in the catacombs of the
ished from the face of history. Algashon now led the rem- capital city of Peleveran, Peleveria. (Peleveran was located
nants of the Sembian cell and most of the other cells were in the triangle formed between present-day Torsch and
still in the process of forming and too busy concentrating Hardcastle and the Great Rift. Its capital, Peleveria, was
their power bases to attempt any feats worthy of note here. built into the side of the Landrise.) While Tuelhalva found
Algashon led the Cult through the millennium, using no sign of an undying wyrm, he did discover a gathering
age-retarding magics to maintain his youth. He adopted evil in the deepest caverns. From the depths of an endless
robes of a rich, deep purple to signify his status in the Cult, pit, a reptilian voice whispered promises of absolute power
and soon being allowed to wear this particular shade of if only the ancient wards that prevented his entry into the
purple signified a high rank within the Cult, and members world were sundered. Tuelhalva saw this as his opportu-
of the inner circle of leadership came to be known as nity to break with the Sembian Cult and set up his own
Wearers of the Purple. The Sembian Cults ruling coali- power base elsewhere.
History 21
of hellspawn, and select draconian allies (mainly the less
obvious dragon-kin and a few dracohybrids) marched
forth. The throne of Peleveran was his within a fortnight,
and his friends became its new nobility.
As Peleveran fell to the armies of baatezu, Gargauth, the
great fiend of the pit, disguised himself in a more pleasing
form as an aged wizard and flew north. When he reached
Urmlaspyr, he sought out the leaders of the Cult there, and
his whispering voice told them of Tuelhalvas victory and
how the archmage had destroyed an ancient undead
dragon king he had found to obtain it. Enraged, Algashon
and 20 other mages of the Cult summoned all their dragon,
dracolich, and dragon hybrid allies together into huge a
flight of dragons. Within a month of Tuelhalvas corona-
tion, a Rage of Dragons descended on Peleveran, and when
it had passed not a trace of that nation nor Tuelhalva
remained.
Drakewings, his followers, and the handful of dragons
and dracoliches they controlled were all destroyed, but the
Sembian factions victory came at a price. Beyond decimat-
ing the Sembians ranks of draconic might, Algashon, high
priest of Bane, fell in the climactic confrontation with
Drakewings. Algashon and Tuelhalva had met high above
the smoking ruins of Peleveria, each atop a mighty draco-
lich. The name of Drakewings mount is lost, but Algashon
rode Shargrailar the Dark into the fray. Of the four, only the
Sacred One, as Shargrailar demanded to be called, sur-
vived.
After destroying Drakewings faction, the remaining
Sembians returned home, but with Algashon and many
reformationalist members of the Purple gone, the Cult
needed new leaders. While the remaining Banites tried to
The Rage of Dragons maintain control once back in Sembia, they were finally
In the Year of the Dracorage (1018 DR), most of Faerûn suf- outmaneuvered and outvoted by the larger numbers of the
fered from various draconic rampages. While Cult histori- pragmatist faction, and the more pragmatic philosophy has
ans have attempted to claim responsibility for all of that had the upper hand in the Sembian Cult of the Dragon to
years draconic attacks, such a proposition is clearly ludi- this day. The Sembian Cult entered another quiescent
crous. If the Cult truly possessed such extensive control of period after this, either working so covertly as to not direct
evil dragonkind across the face of the Realms, they would any attention toward themselves or simply quietly recoup-
surely have conquered all of Toril long ago. However, one ing the losses the Cult had suffered.
event of that yearthe obliteration of Peleveran in a rage
of dragonswas brought on by the Cult; in fact, it proved Branch Cell Activities
to be the swan song of both Tuelhalva and Algashon. Other Cult cells came to prominence through their activi-
Both factions of the Sembian Cult had gathered much ties in the century of Sammasters return to Faerûn as a
magic, multiple dracoliches, and live dragons to back up lich. In the Year of the Winged Worm (1225 DR), a Cult cell
their philosophy. For 17 years Tuelhalva labored with was formed near the city of Elversult. The Cult began by
ancient magics until finally he could cast the mighty incan- infiltrating the dock workers in the port town of Pros. From
tations that the voice revealed to him. With the casting of this they earned (most likely extorted and stole) enough
his last spell, a great fiendthe demipower Gargauth wealth to approach a great black dragon named Cypress
arose from the pit. Drakewings felt that his time had come, who laired in the swamps nearby. While Cypress would
and he used his newfound fiendish support to guarantee a not become a dracolich for several decades, his rare psionic
place of power for himself and his faction. Seizing this abilities allowed him to quickly and easily control the
opportunity, those members of the pragmatist faction most human leaders of the Cult, finally killing them when they
loyal to Tuelhalva declared their secession from the Cult in were of no more use to him. (For the final fate of Cypress,
Sembia, teleported or used other swift magical means of see The Veiled Dragon novel.)
travel, and joined Tuelhalva in Peleveran, along with their In the Year of the Snarling Dragon (1279 DR), just three
dracolich, dracohybrid, and dragon allies. In exchange for years before Sammasters rebirth, a Cult cell in Luskan
his release, the diabolical lord summoned forth an army of that had three white dragons and a lone dracolich ally self-
fiends to serve the archmages whim. Tuelhalva, the horde destructed when one of the white dragons and the draco-
22 History
lich attacked the other two dragons, a mated pair, for their Syluné, the Witch of Shadowdale and Chosen of Mystra,
hoards. Before long the Cult members were drawn into the died after breaking a staff of the magi over the nose of an
fray. By the time the battle ended, none of the four dragons ancient red wyrm that ravaged Shadowdale and set
still moved and the few surviving Cult members raided the parts of the forest of Cormanthor ablaze.
most valuable items from all the dragons hoards and fled
the area forever. These attacks, as well as the mass movement of so many
dragons at one time, have been laid at the feet of the Cult of
The Battle of the River Rising the Dragon. The Cult has done nothing to refute these
It is not until some 60 years later that the Sembian cell of claims, and a few of its more vocal members have even
the Cult of the Dragon is again heard from. In the Year of bragged of it, but it is unclear whether the Cult of the
the Lion (1340 DR), Cult forces and a portion of the Sem- Dragon really did create the flight of dragons and whether
bian army engaged in a magical and martial battle in Feath- it could or would duplicate it again.
erdale. It is believed that the Cult had established a trading The phenomena of flights of dragons and the rarer Rage
coster and a base of power outside of Featherdale. When of Dragons (a flight of dragons of tremendous sizeper-
the Cult attempted to infiltrate and control Featherdale haps involving all of dragonkindspeculated to occur
itself, Featherdale asked for and received help from the approximately every 300 years) remains one of the greatest
Sembian border patrol that was in the area. unsolved mysteries of modern-day Toril, although logic
The Sembian forces met those of the Cult in a battle that dictates that it will be satisfactorily explained one day.
has become known as the Battle of the River Rising. The Some sages say that such flights are merely part of dragons
Sembian and Featherdarran forces eventually managed to life-cycles. If so, many knowledgeable folk have countered,
defeat the Cult members and their allies, but the mysteri- they ought then to be much more common than they are.
ous Dalelands archmage Mhzentul (crafter of the Seven Another proposal that flights of dragons are somehow
Lost Rings of Mhzentul detailed in Volos Guide to All Things linked to the movement of the stars in the heavens above is
Magical) fell in that battle. Mhzentul sacrificed his life to only slightly less ridiculous. However, it is possible that the
become a living pillar of flame, then swept through the Cult of the Dragon has learned to magically harness certain
Cults forces, causing the mercenaries and mages of the aggressions and biological imperatives of the species, per-
Cult to flee from the archmages wrath. The Cults warriors haps by accentuating the need to acquire and hold territory
then broke and fled before the smaller but better disci- and treasure so as to rise in status and attract a mate. If the
plined Sembian military force. Unfortunately, the mighty biological cycles of many dragons are brought into syn-
magic had taken its toll, and Mhzentul is assumed to have chronization so that a score or more of them feel such
perished in the conflagration he created. increased drives simultaneously, an effect similar to the
flight of dragons might be generated.
A Flight of Dragons
In the Year of the Worm (1356 DR), the most recent flight of Recent Activities
dragons took place. This flight started in the lands beyond Lately, the Cult of the Dragon has begun to act openly and
Thar and ended after the dragons had inflicted great dam- often in the lands around the Sea of Fallen Stars. An indica-
age in the civilized lands of the Realms. In the course of tion of the power of the Cult was demonstrated in the Year
this flight, the following damage was inflicted: of the Prince (1357 DR) when the Cult became embroiled in
events surrounding the spellfire wielder, Shandril Shessair.
The cities of Yûlash and Phlan were both completely The young thief was captured by a Cult mage calling her-
destroyed. (Yûlash was later rebuilt by Zhentil Keep.) self the Shadowsil after Shandrils adventuring company
Over 9,000 warriors perished at the Citadel of the Raven was all but wiped out in a battle with Cult members.
while killing two of the three dragons that attacked. The Shadowsil presented Shandril to the dracolich Rau-
Zhentil Keep was heavily damaged by two great beasts glothgor as an offering, but asked that the Cult be allowed
that raged through the Keeps streets like great cats and to question the girl before the dracolich consumed her.
that seemed to shrug off Zhent wizard attacks like water Rauglothgor agreed, but before any information could be
before they were finally slain. extracted from Shandril, chaos erupted within Raugloth-
The largest wyrm of all attacked the town of Hillsfar gors lair as the Knights of Myth Drannor and Shandrils
and was slain by the citys mages. The dragons vast future husband, Narm, attacked. Shandril struck the Shad-
body fell into the harbor and lay there half-submerged owsil with a crystal ball-like object, hurting the Cult mage
like some grotesque island until the citys mages blasted and damaging the item. As it turns out, the item had been a
and burned the body away. prison for a magic-consuming creature known as a balhiir
A large dragon was slain over Arabel by catapults and (see the Villains Lorebook) which upset the spells and magi-
archers. It crashed onto the road east of the citys gates, cal abilities of Rauglothgor, the Shadowsil, the spellcasters
thereby saving the lives of many of the towns citizens. of the Knights and Narm.
The War Wizards of Suzail, led by Vangerdahast, drove Instructed by Elminster that only she could defeat the bal-
off a great green dragon by means of their Art. The hiir, Shandril did so, awakening her latent spellfire abilities in
dragon fled south over the Dragonmere and was not the process. In discharging the spellfire energy trapped in her
seen again. body Shandril destroyed both the dracolich and its lair.
History 23
Seeking both revenge and the power of spellfire itself, c. 800 DR Sammaster First-Speaker, founder of the
the Cult of the Dragon pursued Shandril and her rescuers. Cult of the Dragon, is born, though the
This pursuit eventually resulted in the death of the Shad- location and exact date of his birth are
owsil, the then-archmage of the Purple, and her dracolich lost to time.
mount Aghazstamn.
After the destruction of two dracoliches, Shargrailar 817 DR The Year of the Deadly Torch
flew forth of its own accord to punish the killer. Shargrailar The traveling mage Mnethos takes the
attacked Shandril and her husband, Narm, as they traveled young Sammaster as an apprentice, not-
down a road. Diving out of the sun, Shargrailar first lashed ing the boys fierce intelligence and fas-
out with several lightning bolts and then loosed its fiery cination with magic.
breath weapon upon the couple. Shandril absorbed as
much of the magic as she could with her spellfire abilities, 818 DR The Year of Broken Locks
but Narm was terribly wounded. Shandril blasted the Mnethos the mage introduces Sammas-
night dragon from the sky, and with the help of a dwarven ter to the glory of Our Lady of Myster-
compatriot, destroyed the most powerful dracolich ever to ies, the worship of whom Sammaster
tread the Realms. After these setbacks, the Cult considered soon adopts.
the price to continue their dangerous quest for spellfire to
have become prohibitively high. (See the novel Spellfire for c. 825 DR Sammaster leaves the service of his
more on these events and the sequel, Crown of five, for more magely tutor, Mnethos, having learned
on Shandril and her friends.) all he can from the itinerant wizard.
In addition, the Sembian Cult has taken to equipping
and supplying adventurers for exploring the ruins of the c. 835 DR Sammaster achieves the status of an
great elven city of Myth Drannor. Cult leaders believe that archmage at an age almost unheard of at
by controlling bands of explorers and adventurers, the Cult that time. Sammaster wanders Faerûn
of the Dragon can gain experienced adventurers as pawns extensively.
and liberate the awesome magic and treasure that is
rumored to lie free for the taking in the Elven Court. c. 840 DR Sammasters researches into the field of
Thus, over the past decade or so, the Cult cell in Sembia metamagic result in many new enchant-
has brought together adventurers, supplied them, and then ments.
sent them off (most often to their doom) in the elven ruins.
It is believed that the Company of the Purple Cloak is one 851 DR The Year of the Jasmal Blade
of these bands, for this company is known to have dubious Our Lady of Mysteries appears to Sam-
origins and motives, and its name is evocative of the dis- master, they dally, and the Goddess of
tinction granted to leaders of the Sembian Cult of the Magic offers to make the archmage one
Dragon. This company has reportedly visited Myth Dran- of her Chosen. It seems that Mystra has
nor three times. foreseen the death of a Chosen and Sam-
More recently, it has been learned that Piergeiron Pal- master is to be her replacement.
adinson, one of the Lords of Waterdeep, destroyed the
dracolich Kistarianth the Red. The Cult had restored the c. 851-852 DR Sammaster meets with the Sage of Shad-
beast to life after it was originally killed by Piergeirons owdale, Elminster, and learns how to
father, only to have it slain by the same blade that had use and control his Chosen powers,
killed it once before. (See the Undermountain: Stardock including silver fire.
adventure for more information on this event.)
Also, a dracolich of the Cult has been active recently in 855 DR The Year of Cornerstones
the Elversult area. Both the Harpers and emissaries of the In the spring, Sammaster first meets
Shou Lung Empire in Kara-Tur have become involved in Zhent slavers. Many die, including inno-
the fight against it. (See The Veiled Dragon by Troy Denning.) cent prisoners.
24 History
864 DR The Year of the Broken Brunch tury. Algashons Cult adopts many of
Sammasters relationship with Alustriel the revenue-generating schemes
ends with disastrous results for Sam- required to finance much of the Cults
masters emotional and mental well- operations.
being.
c. 950 DR Cult of the Dragon cells number near
865 DR The Year of Flamedance 100 at this time, the height of Cult power
Sammaster meets and is befriended by across Faerûn since the organizations
Algashon Nathaire, a mage and priest of inception.
Mystras enemy, Bane, near or in Bal-
durs Gate. c. 962 DR The Cult reaches farther south than ever
before with the creation of the cell in,
866-874 DR Sammaster and Algashon travel widely, around, and beneath the city of Hlon-
with the duplicitous priests words turn- deth in the Vilhon Reach.
ing Sammaster toward bitterness, resent-
ment, and evil. 971 DR The Year of the Children
The Cults further expansion in the
875 DR The Year of the Stricken Star south is halted by the church of Tiamat
Algashon coerces Sammaster into when an underground Cult cell tres-
attacking his former lover, Alustriel of passes on a similar group worshiping
Silverymoon. Alustriel is wounded in the Dragon Queen in the city of Surkh.
Sammasters initial assault and calls for
aid from Khelben Arunsun and Laeral 972 DR The Year of the Cairngorm Crown
Silverhand, two more Chosen of Mystra. After the recent defeat in Surkh, dissi-
Sammaster is stripped of his Chosen dents within the Cult begin to openly
powers. Algashon saves Sammaster question Algashons leadership and the
from death. Sammaster, insane, weighty influence the church of Bane
embraces evil from this point onward. has had in Cult operations in the
preceding years, with the mage Drakew-
887 DR The Year of Fell Pearls ings becoming a particularly outspoken
The first translations of ancient opponent of the god of tyrannys place
prophecies by the mad Sammaster are in the Cult of the Dragon.
distributed, including his specious work
on Maglas Chronicle of Years to Come. c. 972-995 DR The Cult refocuses its efforts to expand
in the North, creating at least 10 new
902 DR The Year of the Queens Tears cells in this time period. The only known
Sammasters researches into necro- failure of the Cult to infiltrate an area
mancy result in the first successful Cult during this era is in Silverymoon.
dracolich, Shargrailar.
c. 995-1000 DR Factionalism within the Cult increases
905 DR The Year of the Rotting Word with most members joining either
Sammaster finishes his principal work Algashons reformational Bane-
on the Tome of the Dragon, and copies influenced camp or Drakewings prag-
begin to appear across Faerûn as the matic faction.
Cults philosophy spreads.
1001 DR The Year of the Awakening
916 DR The Year of the Sinhala Tuelhalva Drakewings encounters
The Harpers and priests of Lathander Gargauth trapped in a pit in Peleveran.
ambush Sammaster and his entourage Gargauths words inspire him to plot a
as they travel to visit two green wyrms break from the Sembian Cult cell.
in southern Cormanthor. Sammaster
and an avatar of the Morninglord do 1018 DR The Year of the Dracorage
battle. Sammasters actions wound the Drakewings frees Gargauth. A horde of
avatar slightly before he obliterates abishai baatezu summoned by Gargauth
Sammaster. allow Drakewings to take over the
country of Peleveran. Drakewings fac-
c. 916-940 DR After Sammasters downfall, Algashon tion breaks from the Cult in Sembia and
leads the Cult underground for the first relocates to Peleveran. Less than one
time since its creation in the prior cen- month later, Algashon musters and
History 25
incites a Rage of Dragons and destroys 1340 DR The Year of the Lion
the entire nation of Peleveran. Both Forces of the Sembian Cult cell battle
Drakewings and Algashon perish. elements of the Sembian military near
In a related event, a great Flight of Featherdale.
Dragons assaults Zhentil Keep in this
year. The old Keep is destroyed, but the 1356 DR The Year of the Worm
city is saved by its wizards and priests of The most recent flight of dragons occurs,
Bane. The Cult is widely blamed for the causing much havoc across Faerûn.
devastation in Zhentil Keep, and the Though the Cult of the Dragon claims
inhabitants of the Keep first take note of responsibility, the true cause of such
the Cult as a recognized enemy (as events remains a mystery.
opposed to a dimly perceived nuisance).
1357 DR The Year of the Prince
1065 The Year of the Watching Wood The Sembian Cult of the Dragon cell
Harpers in the North find the lair of the becomes embroiled in a quest to obtain
dracolich Alglaudyx and manage to the spellfire power of a young
destroy the undead creature, seizing its Daleswoman. This young woman costs
rich hoard for Harper coffers. With this the cell three dracoliches, including
newfound wealth, the Harpers invest in Shargrailar, Rauglothgor, and Aghaz-
valuable properties and businesses in stamn, and two Wearers of the Purple.
cities up and down the Sword Coast.
1361 DR The Year of Maidens
1222 DR The Year of the Horn Four Cult of the Dragon archmages
The Cult of the Dragon attacks the arrive outside of the Silverymoon and
Harpers, who have fallen under the unleash spells to draw Alustriel out. She
sway of the self-styled Harper King, the and Taern Thunderspell dispatch two
lich Thavverdasz. The subsequent of them easily, but Taern and other Spell-
arrivals of first Szass Tam and then guard members are soon kept busy with
Elminster result in a significant defeat a dracolich unleashed on the southern
for the Cult. walls. Alustriel defeats another Cult
mage, but only the timely arrival of
1225 DR The Year of the Winged Worm Khelben Blackstaff Arunsun and
A Cult of the Dragon cell forms in and Laeral Silverhand saved Alustriels life
around the city of Elversult. Initially led against the final archmage.
by human Cultists, the cell is later taken
over and run by the first dracolich the c. 1364 DR The Sembian Cult cell steps up its activi-
cell creates, Cypress the black. ties against the Zhentarim, attacking car-
avans and attempting to usurp control
1279 DR The Year of the Snarling Dragon of various trade routes.
A Cult of the Dragon cell near Luskan
destroys itself when the dragons and 1365 DR The Year of the Sword
dracolich involved with the cell do battle The Sembian Cult cell convinces Maly-
over treasure hoards. gris, a blue dragon of Anauroch, to
become a dracolich. This dracolich then
1282 DR The Year of Many Mists attacks, kills, and replaces the ruler of
A lich calling itself Sammaster appears the Great Deserts loose society of blue
in the Desertsmouth Mountains and dragons.
begins gathering humanoids, undead,
and dragons into an army. 1369 DR The Year of the Gauntlet
Piergeiron destroys the dracolich Kistari-
1285 DR The Year of the Blacksnake anth the Red on the slopes of Mount
An adventuring company of paladins, Waterdeep during Halasters Har-
the Company of Twelve, attack Sammas- vestide. The transformed red dragon
ters stronghold. Nine are killed, but the was slain in life by Piergeirons father,
lichs physical form is destroyed. Sur- Athar the Shining Knight.
vivors confirm that this indeed was
Sammaster First-Speaker.
26 History
O
nce more was I visited by the cults envoy, a how less irksome than the implied risk of losing
mageof dubious scentthat calls himself everything. These creatures continue to amaze me with
Namirrha. He brought with him yet more sap- their ingenuity andmore importantlytheir greed.
phires and several more human spells with which I They are, however, fortunate that none have been so
was unfamiliar. He was accompanied by a clawful of foolhardy as to attempt such tactics against my kin.
lackeys, minor magelings all. While they do their No true dragon, not even that pretender and coward
human best to disguise their fear and awe, it avails Sussethilasis, would permit such simple sophistry to
them little as they scuttle about, placing the enchant- work; the perpetrators would be instantly and vio-
ments I had ordered set about my lair and the sur- lently destroyed for their arrogance.
rounding area. None can now approach my domicile Namirrha then told me of another tactic of this cult
without my knowledge, nor can any, not even the arro- of theirs, this mightiest of treasures they have con-
gant Sussethilasis, now simply demand entrance. If tinually alluded to. Namirrha revealed to me that Sam-
that pretender to power again attempts to interrupt my masters greatest prophecy was that dead dragons
contemplations, he will receive a long overdue lesson would someday come to rule the world. To that end,
in real might. The so-called suzerain will learn of the the founder of this cult found a way to transform a
power at my disposal, the true glory that I am des- willing dragon into an undead version of itself. I had
tined to achieve! heard that some mammals undergo such an abom-
Toward that end, Namirrha and I recently finalized inable process to become a lich in an insane attempt to
an arrangement that benefits both myself and his cult. increase their petty power, but I marveled to myself
Of all the mammals I have encountered, these cult that dragons would do so willingly. Namirrha, now
members think more like my kindred than any others, identified by me as a necromancer, must have sensed
Including them in my schemes for power, glory, and my doubt in my silence, for he stated that many
dominion was a wise choice indeed, simply put, I dragons have indeed become dracolicbesor Sacred
agreed to let the cult provide me with information on Ones as he calls themand the Sacred Ones con-
certain caravans attempting to cross the Great Blight tinue to cooperate with the cult. This wizard of the
what the humans call Anauroch. These caravans I will dead even claims that certain powerful ancient dragons
destroy or merely harry as is my wish, taking what- known by reputation to all of my kind have long since
ever prizes I deem to be worthy of satiating my seen the wisdom this course offered and become one
hungers for food, wealth, knowledge, and status. of these, thesethings.
As Namirrha detailed, members of his cult will While outrage tore at me from within and my sinews
demand a toll from all caravans that desire to cross twitched to blot this vile mammal from existence for
the Great Blight in order to trade their petty goods. what he and his other insects would dare to do to our
Those who refuse or otherwise decline the cults pro- majestic forms, I exhibited magnificent control. While
tection are those upon whom I will visit my wrath. he babbled on about thesethings not needing food
Additionally, Namirrha and I have negotiated a nor sleep, how these things need not fear the passage
portion of the wealth received from those traders wise of time, and of the formidable and mighty powers they
or fearful enough not to risk my wrath. This percent- gained, I held back my fury. He is fortunate indeed
age will be transported regularly to my lair, in forms that he did not offer me this mightiest of treasures
that are easily portable by the weak frames of the or I would have assuredly sent him to dwell with that
humansGems, with such sapphires as can be ob- dead man Sammaster he seems to revere so highly.
tained, of course. Namirrha also agreed to provide By the rules of conclave, I allowed him to finish
more of the mammals minor magical items (the better his wicked oration, then forbade him and all other cult
to let me devote my attentions to greater matters) and members from entering my presence for one of the
a regular shipment of rare mammalian delicacies humans years. I must reconsider my dealings with
(whenever such can be procured and delivered fresh such beings, though I am bound by my word on the
and alive unto me). arrangement earlier struck.
The cult uses this and many other methods for From the magical libram of recording
accumulating wealth, only some of which involve the of Malygris, very old blue dragon
traditional draconic tactics of force and ferocity, muscle of southern Anauroch, circa 1364 DR
and magic. They seem able to dupe the human and
other doltish bipeds into believing that giving up a
simple portion of wealth on a periodic basis is some-
While this spell is in effect, the mere sight of the caster A more powerful version of the empower skeleton spell,
causes all creatures of 2 Hit Dice or less within the area of this magic imbues a skeleton (which must already be
effect to flee in terror. undead, though it need not be under the control of the
Creatures with more than 2 Hit Dice but fewer Hit Dice caster) with the ability to cast a spell when specific condi-
than the casters level must succeed at a saving throw vs. tions outlined by the caster during bestowal of the spell-
spell at a -2 penalty or be immobilized, unable to move or craft are met. (Note that sloppy casters have been attacked
act. Creatures immobilized by terror can try to ward off by their own spells when their presence fulfilled conditions
blows, suffering a -1 penalty to Armor Class; they cannot they set.) The skeleton can launch a specific wizard spell of
attack. Each round, an immobilized creature can try a new 1st to 3rd level once. It does not choose the best opportu-
saving throw without penalty to shake off the spells effect nity for doing so, but unleashes the spell on the first round
and regain its freedom of action. in which its triggering conditions are met.
Creatures whose levels or Hit Dice equal or exceed the The spell to be unleashed by the skeleton must be cast
casters are unaffected, as are mindless creatures or crea- on or at the skeleton by any wizard on the round immedi-
tures immune to fear. ately after the skeletal spellcraft spell is cast. This second
The material component is cloth from a lichs shroud. spell vanishes without apparent effect (even if the wizard
launching it intended it to be an attack on the skeleton)
Pierce Magic Resistance into the skeleton, to be launched later when its casting
(Wiz 5; Alteration, Metamagic) conditions are met. (If more than one eligible spell strikes a
Range: 0 skeleton in the round after skeletal spellcraft has been
Components: V, S, M applied, randomly select which one the skeleton is empow-
Casting Time: 5 ered to unleash.)
Duration: Special The trapped spell operates as if cast by the spells origi-
Area of Effect: 1 spell nal caster when activated, and it launches itself at a ran-
Saving Throw: None dom target if more than one is present as a valid target
when the casting conditions are met. In situations when it
Pierce magic resistance makes another spell more potent: is unclear if the conditions have been met, the skeleton
It pierces magic resistance and some spells that shield a tar- does not launch the magic. (Note that a skeleton governed
get from spells. Casting pierce magic resistance affects only by skeletal spellcraft cannot be fooled by illusions in matters
the spell a wizard casts in the next round. If the target of pertaining to its triggering conditions.) Multiple skeletal
the second spell has magic resistance, its magic resistance spellcraft spells cannot be applied to the same skeleton, though
check is rolled twice. Unless both checks succeed, the spell a single empower skeleton and a skeletal spellcraft can be cast
pierces the creatures magic resistance. on the same skeleton.
For example, if Therdillion the Invoker casts pierce magic The material component of this spell is a handful of
resistance and then a disintegrate spell at a creature with 50% ashes from a scroll that was burned while it still bore at
magic resistance, the DM rolls the resistance twice to see if least one intact wizard or priest spell of 4th level or greater.
it proves effective. Unless both resistance rolls succeed, the The requirement for this material component cannot be
spell gets through, forcing the creature to make a saving eliminated by any means, including spells or items nor-
throw against the disintegration spell. If the saving throw is mally engineered to allow the casting of other spells with
failed, the creature is disintegrated. no material components. (If Sammaster never figured out a
The pierce magic resistance spell has a 50% chance of way to get around this, how likely is any subsequent wiz-
instantly dispelling protections against spells of 5th level or ard to succeed?)
By means of this spell, a dragon can protect its hoard in Wingbind is a highly effective combat spell that is rare
such a way as to make theft virtually impossible. When even among dragons. It creates a web or net of force that
hoardguard is cast, the dragons breath weapon temporarily entangles the target, which must be a dragon. This force net
changes. Instead of the usual fire, lightning, acid, and so has the same effect as a grappling attack: the dragon is
on, the breath weapon becomes pure magical energy that unable to fly and plummets toward the ground.
must be released by the dragon within 1 round following The target dragon receives an initial saving throw vs.
the spells casting or the magic is wasted. The dragon spell to avoid the effects of the spell. At the end of each
breathes this energy (which conforms to the dimensions of subsequent round, it receives another saving throw vs.
the dragons usual breath weapon) over its hoard, attempt- spell, but with a cumulative -3 penalty. A successful saving
ing to encompass as much of the hoard as possible within throw means that the dragon has broken free from the net
the area of effect. of force.
This energy bonds whatever parts of the hoard it touches The wingbind spell remains in effect until either the
into a solid mass. The spell does not harm the hoard in any duration expires, the victim successfully saves, the caster is
way, nor does it alter its appearance or position; the items slain or rendered unconscious, the caster intentionally
within the hoard remain loose and separate. Instead, the releases the spell, or the victim slams into the ground.
hoardguard magic fills in the spaces between the individual A wingbound dragon falls at 125 feet per second or
coins, gems, weapons, chests, ingots, and so forth, and 7,500 feet per round. After the wingbind spell is termi-
holds them together as a solid mound of wealth. This invis- natedfor whatever reasonthe victim continues to fall
ible bond prevents the hoard from being sorted, separated for another 2d10 seconds (250-2,500 feet). If it strikes the
for transport, scattered, or otherwise moved or manipu- ground during this time, it suffers 1d6 points of damage
lated as separate items. Because it has essentially become per 10 feet fallen to a maximum of 20d6.
one single mass, lifting the hoard as a whole is impossible
by any single creature except through powerful magic. 5th level
The hoard so protected cannot be harmed by physical or Breathblock (Wiz 5; Evocation)
magical attacks without first removing the hoardguard spell. Range: 10 yards/level
It is thus impossible for intruders to break off pieces or sec- Components: V
tions of the hoard and carry them away. Casting Time: 2
Dispel magic has no effect on a hoard protected by the Duration: 1 round/level
spell, and an antimagic shell frees only as much treasure as Area of Effect: 50x50-foot shield
fits within its area of effect. (If freed treasure is not removed Saving Throw: None
from the hoard, the hoardguard magic reasserts itself as
soon as the shell expires or moves away.) A limited wish The breathblock spell is much like the 1st-level wizard
negates a hoardguard for one hour (and if the treasure is not shield spell. The spell brings into being an invisible plane of
separated in that time, the hoardguard will return as above). force 50 feet on a side that is totally impervious to all dra-
A full wish destroys the spell permanently. conic breath weapons. The dragon can create the wall any-
Treasure added to a hoard already protected by this where within the maximum range and can instantaneously
spell does not gain the spells benefits. New treasure move it to any point inside that range. The wall of force can
requires a hoardguard of its own, though the dragon may be maneuvered as a shield to protect the dragon, other
include the new treasure after the first hoardguards dura- creatures, or valuable objects (that is, treasure). If posi-
tion expires and a new spell is cast. tioned directly in front of the mouth of a dragon about to
This spell only affects the dragons hoard. It does not use a breath weapon, the breath weapon either reflects or
function upon creatures or the items they possess unless billows back upon the breathing dragon. Unless the dragon
the dragon acquires the items and adds them to its hoard. is immune to its own attack formwhich is usually the
This spell typically protects the dragons treasure while it is casethe dragon suffers half damage from the breath
out hunting for food or seeking treasure. Some dragons weapon (save vs. breath weapon for one-quarter damage).
arrange their hoards so that the entire amount can be Any other creatures within 30 feet of the breathing dragon
warded with a single spell. Others make several smaller but on its side of the breathblock also suffer half damage
piles so as to use up an invaders magical powers in repeat- (save for quarter damage).
edly negating the spell and thus minimize the overall trea- The most spectacular use of this spell was when the leg-
sure loss. endary gold dragon Autophon defeated the fiend Lash and
the red dragon the fiend used for a mount. As the red
99
Dracohydra Cult of the Dragon
100
Dracohydra Cult of the Dragon
Young adult: Wall of fog twice per day. pair with one or two offspring of age category hatchling
Adult: Darkness three times per day (60%) or very young (40%).
Old: Stinking cloud twice per day. Dracohydras hate all other dracoforms. If they think they
Wyrm: Cloudkill once per day can get away with it, they will attack other dracoforms on
sight. Dracohydras also have no love for humans, demi-
Habitat/Society: Wild dracohydras are found in remote moun- humans, and humanoids. They sometimes enslave these
tainous regions far from civilization. They prefer snow-covered smaller creatures, but the period of servitude never lasts long
peaks around which violent storms often play. Dracohydras are before the dracohydra gets hungry and eats its slaves. The
most like white dragons in their outlook: rapacious, selfish, and Cult works hard to curb these tendencies in those dracohy-
ferocious. Their low Intelligence makes it difficult for them to dras it makes use of, since having a dracohydra attack its
plan or think in an abstract manner, so their behavior is most members and other draconic and dracohybrid servants would
often direct. be counterproductive. The same strategies of bribery, sub-
Basically, these beasts are bullies, killing any intruders into terfuge, mental manipulation, and magical charming or dom-
their territories even if they are not hungry at the moment. If ination that the Cult uses on its other servants are employed
faced by a strong foe that will not back down, they often run to good effect to keep its dracohydra allies in line.
away. Conversely, they enjoy playing with a weaker foe
before killing it. This easily manipulated predilection makes Ecology: Like all draconic creatures, dracohydras can con-
them excellent tools of the Cult for those cells lucky sume almost anything, including nonliving materials such as
enough to have access to them. These cells most commonly rocks or gems. They have a rapidly mounting, voracious
use dracohydras as stationary guards of sites important to hunger that they prefer to satisfy with fresh meat. This is the
the Cult. These include secret passageways, treasure or magi- greatest hindrance to the Cults use of these creatures. The
cal item caches, or the ruling members (or members) inner dracohydra must be kept near a large food supply such as a
sanctum. herd of grazing animals or other large, easily tractable
Dracohydras are by preference solitary, associating with beings.
others of their kind only to mate. Offspring remain with the Like the dracolisk (see the M ONSTROUS M ANUAL tome),
parents only until they reach the young age category. They the dracohydra is a distinct species, not a variety of hybrid
then either head out on their own orrarelychallenge one creature such as the dracimera, mantidrake, or wyvern drake.
of their parents for its hoard. Parents protect their offspring, (Its statistics remain stable for its species and do not vary
but not at the cost of their own lives. Should it look as though according to its parentage.) The main enemies of dracohy-
continued defense might mean death, the parents flee. Any dras are storm giants, stone giants, and red dragonswho
encounter with more than one dracohydra is with a mated consider the flesh of the creatures young to be a delicacy
Age Body (in Feet) Tail (in Feet) AC Breath Spells MR Treasure XP Value
1 5-14 2-6 5 1d2+1 Nil Nil Nil 1,400
2 14-23 6-12 4 2d2+2 Nil Nil Nil 2,000
3 23-32 12-20 3 3d2+3 Nil Nil Nil 4,000
4 32-42 20-30 2 4d2+4 Nil Nil E 7,000
5 42-52 30-40 1 5d2+5 Nil 5% E, O, S 9,000
6 52-63 40-50 0 6d2+6 Nil 10% E, O, S 10,000
7 63-74 50-60 -1 7d2+7 Nil 15% E, O, S 11,000
8 74-85 60-70 -2 8d2+8 Nil 20% E, OSx2 13,000
9 85-96 70-80 -3 9d2+9 Nil 20% E, O, Sx2 14,000
10 96-108 80-90 -4 10d2+10 Nil 20% E, O, Sx2 15,000
11 108-120 90-100 -5 11d2+11 Nil 20% E, O, Sx3 16,000
12 120-125 100-105 -6 12d2+12 Nil 20% E, O, Sx3 17,000
101
Dracolich Cult of the Dragon
102
Dracolich Cult of the Dragon
®, & ©1998 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
If a dracolich or proto-dracolich is slain, its spirit immediately returns l -10 if the corpse is the spirits own former body (which can be dead
to its host (see below). If there is no corpse in range for it to possess, the for any length of time).
spirit is trapped in the host until such a timeif everthat a corpse l -4 if the corpse is of the same alignment as the dragon.
becomes available. l -4 if the corpse is that of a true dragon (any type).
A dracolich is difficult to destroy. It can be destroyed outright by a l -3 if the corpse is that of a firedrake, ice lizard, wyvern, or fire lizard.
power word, kill or a similar spell. If its spirit is currently contained in its l -1 if the corpse is that of a dracolisk, dragonne, dinosaur, snake, or
host, destroying the host when a suitable corpse in not within range other reptile.
effectively destroys the dracolich. Likewise, an active dracolich is unable
to attempt further possessions if its host is destroyed. The fate of a disem- If the corpse accepts the spirit, it becomes animated by the spirit. If the
bodied dracolich spiritthat is, a spirit with no body and no hostis animated corpse is the spirits former body, it immediately becomes a
unknown, but it is presumed that it is drawn to the lower planes. dracolich; however, it will not regain the use of its voice and breath
weapon for another seven days. (Note that it will not be able to cast spells
Habitat/Society: The creation of a dracolich is a complex process involv- with verbal components during this time.) At the end of seven days, the
ing the transformation of an evil or neutral dragon by arcane magical dracolich regains use of its voice and breath weapon.
forces, the most notorious practitioners of which are the members of the If the animated corpse is not the spirits former body, it immediately
Cult of the Dragon. The process is usually a cooperative effort between becomes a proto-dracolich. A proto-dracolich has the mind and memo-
the evil dragon and wizards and/or priests, but especially powerful wiz- ries of its original form but has the hit points and immunities to spells
ards and priests have been known to coerce an evil dragon to undergo and priestly turning of a dracolich. A proto-dracolich can neither speak
the transformation against its will. Priest versions of this procedure are or cast spells; further, it cannot cause chilling damage, use a breath
similar to the wizardly version described here, but priests still need a weapon, control undead, paralyze with its eyes, or cause fear as a draco-
wizards assistance for certain aspects of the transformation process, lich. Its Strength, movement, and Armor Class are those of the possessed
while wizards never a priests aidthough it is sometimes welcomed. body.
The church of Tiamat, in particular, is working to eliminate the require- To become a full dracolich, a proto-dracolich must devour 10% of its
ments for wizardly assistance. original body. Unless the body has been dispatched to another plane of
Any dragon is a possible candidate for transformation, although evil existence, a proto-dracolich can always sense the presence of its original
spell-casting dragons of old or older age are preferred. Once a candidate body regardless of the distance. A proto-dracolich tirelessly seeks out its
is secured, the wizards first prepare the dragons host, an inanimate original body to the exclusion of all other activities. If its original body
object that will hold the dragons life force. The host must be a solid item has been burned, dismembered, or otherwise destroyed, the proto-draco-
of not less than 2,000 gp value resistant to decay (wood, for instance, is lich need only devour the ashes or pieces equal to 10% of its original
unsuitable). A gemstone is commonly used for a host, particularly ruby, body mass. (Total destruction of the original body is only possible
pearl, carbuncle, jet, chalcedony, chrysocolla, citrine, epidote, moonbar, through the use of a disintegrate or similar spell; the body could be recon-
and morion (smoky quartz). The gemstone is often (though not always, structed with a wish or similar spell, so long as the spell is cast in the same
by all means) set in the hilt of a sword or other weapon. The host is pre- plane as the disintegration.) If a proto-dracolich is unable to devour its
pared by casting an enchant an item upon it and speaking the name of the original body, it is trapped in its current state until slain.
evil dragon. The item may resist the spell by succeeding at a saving A proto-dracolich transforms into a full dracolich seven days days
throw vs. spell as if it were an 11th-level wizard. If the spell is resisted, after its devours its original body. When the transformation is complete,
another item must be used for the host. If the spell is not resisted, the item the dracolich resembles its original body: It can now speak, cast spells,
can then function as a host. If desired, glassteel can be cast upon the host and employ the breath weapon of its original body in addition to having
to protect it. all the abilities of a dracolich.
Next a special potion is prepared for the dragon to consume. The The procedure for possessing a new corpse is the same as explained
exact composition of the potion varies according to the age and type of above, except the assistance of a wizard is no longer necessary since cast-
the dragon, but it must contain precisely seven ingredients, among them ing magic jar is required only for the first possession. If the spirit success-
a potion of evil dragon control, a potion of invulnerability, and the blood of a fully repossesses its original body it once again becomes a full dracolich.
vampire. When the dragon consumes the potion, the results are deter- If the spirit possesses a different body it becomes a proto-dracolich and
mined as follows (roll percentile dice): must devour its former body to become a full dracolich.
A symbiotic relationship exists between a dracolich and the wizards
Roll Result and/or priests who create it. The group that creates the dracolich honors
01-10 No effect. and aids its dracolich, as well as providing it with regular offerings of
11-40 Potion does not work. The dragon suffers 2d12 points of dam- treasure items. In return, the dracolich defends its animating organiza-
age and is helpless with convulsions for 1d2 rounds. tion (or individual) against enemies and other threats, as well as assisting
41-50 Potion does not work. The dragon dies. A full wish is required it in its members various schemes. Like dragons, dracoliches are loners,
to restore the dragon to life. A wish to transform the dragon but they take comfort in the knowledge that they have allies.
into a dracolich results in another roll on this table. Dracoliches are always found in the same habitats as the dragons
51-00 Potion works. from which they were created. Dracoliches created from green dragons,
for instance, are likely to be found in subtropical or temperate forests.
If the potion works, the dragons spirit transfers to the host, regard- Though they do not live with their creators, dracoliches lairs are never
less of the distance between the dragons body and the host. A dim light more than a few miles away from them or at least one of their regular
within the host indicates the presence of the spirit. While contained in meeting places or refuges. Dracoliches prefer darkness and are usually
the host, the spirit cannot take any actions; it cannot be contacted nor encountered at night, in shadowy forests, or in underground labyrinths.
attacked by magic. The spirit can remain in the host indefinitely. Dracoliches continue to age just as dragons do, becoming more powerful
Once the spirit is contained in the host, the host must be brought as they enter new age categories.
within 90 feet of a reptilian corpseunder no circumstances can the
spirit possess a living body. The spirits original body is ideal, but the Ecology: Dracoliches are never hungry, but they must eat in order to
corpse of any reptilian creature that died or was killed within the refuel their breath weapon. Like dragons, dracoliches can consume
previous 30 days is suitable. nearly anything, but prefer the food eaten by their original forms.
The wizard who originally prepared the host must touch the host, (For instance, if a dracolich was originally a red dragon, it prefers
cast a magic jar spell while speaking the name of the dragon, then fresh meat.) The body of a destroyed dracolich crumbles into a foul-
touch the corpse. The corpse must fail a saving throw vs. spell for the smelling powder with a few hours. This powder can be used by
spirit to successfully possess it; if it saves, it will never accept the knowledgeable wizards as a component for creating potions of undead
spirit. The following modifiers apply to the roll: control and similar magical substances.
103
Dragon, Ghost Cult of the Dragon
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Subterranean/cave-dwelling in almost A ghost dragon never ambushes intruders; it uses its aura first to
any climate and terrain get their attention and give them a chance to hand over their wealth
FREQUENCY: Very rare without a fight. If they refuse and attack the ghost dragon, try to
ORGANIZATION: Solitary leave, or (worse yet) attempt to steal some of its remaining treasure,
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any it begins its assault. In addition to its aura, a ghost dragon has a
DIET: Nil claw/claw/bite/tail-slap sequence daunting to even the toughest
INTELLIGENCE: Exceptional (15-16) warrior. Not only can it inflict up to 104 points of damage in a single
TREASURE: Special round, but each successful hit requires the victim to make a saving
Neutral throw vs. death magic or lose two levels to an energy drain. Further,
ALIGNMENT:
the limb struck (determined randomly) is affected as if struck by the
NO. APPEARING: 1
withering power of a staff of withering: It shrivels and becomes use-
ARMOR CLASS: 0 less unless the victim successfully saves vs. spell.
MOVEMENT: 9 The ghost dragon also has a breath weapon it can use three times
HIT DICE: 20 before it must desist 12 rounds to renew its internal energies (at
THAC0: 2 which time it can breathe three more times). The breath weapon is a
NO. OF ATTACKS: 4 cloud of gray mist 50-feet long, 40-feet wide, and 30-feet high that
DAMAGE/ATTACKS: 1d10+10/1d10+10/2d10+10/2d12+10 ages any creature caught in it as follows: humans, halflings, half-
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Enhanced fear aura (can magically age), elves, most humanoids 1d100 years; dwarves 3d10×10 years; gnomes
breathweapon, energy drain, withering 6d10×10 years; and elves 1d100×10 years.
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Immune to all spells cast by nonethereal Ghost dragons are immune to all spells cast by nonethereal oppo-
opponents, all weapons of less than +3 nents and all weapons of less than +3 enchantment. They are
enchantment, charm, sleep, hold, and all immune to charm, sleep, hold, and all mind-control magic, even if the
mind-control magic; cannot be turned or caster is on the Ethereal Plane. They cannot be turned or controlled
controlled by priests; immune to the by priests; they are also immune to holy water.
effects of holy-water If a ghost dragon is killed by damage or magic, it simply reforms
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil 48 hours later and resumes its attempts to build its hoard. Most adven-
SIZE: G (40-100 feet long) turers who have encountered a ghost dragon have found out that it is
MORALE: Special better to give the creature what it wants. The experience point values
XP VALUE: 10,500 (defeat), 21,000 (placate), 32,000 for dealing with ghost dragons reflect its unusual nature.
(lay permanently to rest) The only way to lay a ghost dragon to rest permanently is by giv-
ing it treasure. Once it has gathered enough wealth to replace its lost
Unlike most of the creatures listed in this section, ghost dragons are not hoard in gp value (it need not literally be the exact treasure the
a creation of Sammaster or the Cult, nor do spells or other undead dragon hoarded while alive), it will whisper a quiet thank you and
beings create them. In their search for willing evil dragons to work disappear forever, never to return to the Prime Material again, leav-
with, members of the Cult have come across lairs of deceased dragons ing the accumulated treasure behind for anyone who wants it.
that are still inhabited by the spirits of their former owners. As Cult
members learned, ghost dragons are truly terrible opponents. Habitat/Society: Ghost dragons are solitary creatures haunting the
A ghost dragon is a sinister-looking, semitransparent figure. It desolate ruins of their empty lairs. They can be found anywhere a
resembles whatever dragon type it was in life. All ghost dragons are a live dragon would secure its most prized possessions, but always in
swirling murky gray, and they always speak in quiet whispers. dark, underground, or indoor places. As intelligent creatures, they
A ghost dragon is created when an ancient dragon is slain and its enjoy the occasional conversation with intruders, but never allow
hoard looted. In many cases, the dragon died defending its hoard and themselves to be talked out of the treasure they need. Since only the
home. The tie between a dragon and its hoard, however, goes far eldest dragons (ancient dragons) possess the will to continue to exist
beyond mere human greed or dwarven avarice. The dragon will haunt beyond death as ghost dragons, and since most ghost dragons spend
its former lair until it manages to accumulate enough treasure to equal centuries if not millennia in that state, they can be valuable sources of
the value of its vanished wealth; then it will depart and rest in peace. information about the pastfor those adventurers willing to pay
Ghost dragons never stir from their lairs. They are less belligerent their price. It is rumored that living dragons sympathize with the
than their living kin, but more obsessive. In many ways they resem- anguish that the ghost dragons feel over their plundered wealth and
ble revenants more than true ghosts, except that they have no interest often help their departed kin by sending potential treasure their way
in revenge. All a ghost dragon thinks about is its treasure. Unfortu- in the form of unwary adventurers. Any Cult cells that discover a
nately for intruders, in the ghost dragons mind, any and all valu- ghost dragon lair also arrange for potential or actual foes to hear of
ables brought into its lair fall into this category. Since a ghost dragon the lair, though not the nature of the lairs inhabitant. More than one
can find peace only if it succeeds in rebuilding its lost hoard, it will Zhent or Harper group has fallen victim to such a ploy.
demand trespassers hand over any treasure they are carryinggold,
jewelry, magical items, etc. The creature will allow polite adventures Ecology: Like most incorporeal undead, ghost dragons play no part
to keep 10% of their possessions (a procedure it calls tithing) and in the living world, nor do they need to eat or sleep. Ferocious preda-
will answer questions they might have regarding neighboring mon- tors in life, in death they completely drop out of the local ecology.
sters or events it knew about in its lifetime. Those who refuse to turn They do, however, play a large part in the economy of the regions
over their valuables are savagely attacked. they inhabit, as their tithing of passing adventurers tends to
deplete both cash and surplus magical items in those areas. (An
Combat: A ghost dragon has several different attack modes, and enterprising DM can use a ghost dragon to curb runaway inflation in
since it is an exceptionally intelligent creature, it will always choose a campaign world.)
the combination that will best achieve its goal. Ghost dragons have a Of course, after a ghost dragon regains its treasure and passes
fear aura far more dangerous than that of their living counterparts. on to its afterlife in the planes, all the above-mentioned treasure
Victims of a ghost dragons aura must make two saving throws, both remains behind to taken again by those with the courage. For strate-
at a -4 penalty: one vs. petrification to avoid aging 10-30 (1d3x10) gically important lair sites, some Cult cells have fulfilled a ghost
years, and a second vs. spell to avoid cowering in terror for a full dragons wishes in the past. They simply reclaim the treasure after
turn (10 rounds). Note that the aura affects all in the dragons lair at the dragon passes on and use the lair for their own purposes. Most
the time it appears, including beings normally immune to fear often, this is to provide a home to a new Cult dragon or dracolich
effects, such as paladins. that the Cult has recently recruited or created.
104
Dragon, Lesser Undead Cult of the Dragon
Zombie Skeleton What does one do with the corpse of a dragon that failed to
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any land Any land achieve dracolich status or one that foolishly perished in
FREQUENCY: Very rare Very rare
battle before the conversion could even be attempted?
ORGANIZATION: Solitary Solitary
Theres always dissecting the body to use the various pieces
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any Any
DIET: None None to create various magical items. But if one is a member of the
INTELLIGENCE: Non- (0) Non- (0) Cult of the Dragon and does not wish to go to all that messy
TREASURE: Nil Nil work or if one still has need of a fearsome, undead draconic
ALIGNMENT: Neutral Neutral warrior, then one can try to create a lesser form of draco-
NO. APPEARING: 1 1 undead, specifically a zombie or skeleton dragon.
ARMOR CLASS: Same as living Same as living In his work toward creating the ultimate undead dragon,
dragon form dragon form+1
MOVEMENT: Half living Same as living the dracolich, Sammaster perfected several lesser forms of
form; no flight form; no flight draconic undead as steps in his learning process. Two such
HIT DICE: Same as living+1 Same as living undead forms are detailed here (as they are in Sammasters
THAC0 Same as living Same as living Tome of the Dragon). These are the first two types Sammaster
NO. OF ATTACKS: Same as living Same as living created and the easiest for modern Cult wizards to recreate
DAMAGE/ATTACKS: Same as living Same as living
today. The existence of other, more powerful forms of dra-
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Physical dragon Physical dragon
attack forms not attack forms not conic undead is often hinted at by Cult necromancers, but no
using flight; using flight; instances of such have ever been recorded.
spell-like abilities spell-like abilities A zombie dragon superficially resembles a dracolich. Its
of living form of living form flesh is rotting and hangs in tatters from its bones, and it
SPECIAL DEFENSES: All dragon type All dragon type
often has ripped and torn wing tissue. However, zombie
and age immunities and age immunities
from life; immune from life; immune dragons lack the evil fire of a dracolich in their eyes. Instead,
to charm, hold, sleep, to charm, hold, sleep, the eyes of a zombie dragon are dull and dead and are often
paralysis, and paralysis, and gone entirely, since the delicate tissue decays rapidly. The
poison; save as poison; save as mindless dragon zombie cannot speak and can follow only
priests of a level priests of a level
equal to their HD equal to their HD
the simplest commands.
while living while living Skeleton dragons are literally undead creatures formed
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Same as living Same as living from the animated skeleton of a dragon. They can also can be
SIZE: Same as living Same as living mistaken for dracoliches, though they too lack the fire pre-
MORALE: 20 20 sent in a dracolichs eyesockets. They are mindless, cannot
XP VALUE: Varies Varies speak, and can follow only relatively simple commands.
105
Dragon, Lesser Undead Cult of the Dragon
Combat: The dragon zombie is a ponderous creature that (and only evil dragons of sufficient age can be reanimated, as
always strikes last in any round. Its movement rate is half Sammaster discovered to his chagrin). To create a zombie
that of its living form, and it cannot fly. When created, the dragon, a relatively intact dragon corpse (in other words, one
dragon zombie has one more Hit Die than the dragon had in with no missing limbs) is required and at least 75% of the
life, though this additional Hit Die has no effect on the age- body tissue must be present. To create a skeleton dragon, an
related abilities of the creature. Zombie dragons possess the intact dragon skeleton is not necessary; the skull, spine and
same Armor Class they had in life. claws of the dragon are the only pieces that are absolutely
Skeleton dragons take only half damage from edged and required. About 60% of the rest of the skeleton must also be
piercing weapons and are immune to cold-based attacks. present. (The bones of some other large creature may be sub-
Skeleton dragons have the same number of Hit Dice and stituted for bones missing from the dragon skeleton in the
movement rate that they possessed in life, but they cannot fly. final animated form.) To prepare the corpse for animation
Their Armor Class is one better than their AC in life. takes 1 day in the case of a zombie dragon and 3 days in the
Lesser undead dragons generally have the same number case of a skeleton dragon. In addition, a piece of zombie flesh
of physical attacks and inflict the same amounts of damage as or a shard of a skeletons bone must be added to an arcane
when they were living. However, since they are flightless, elixir (contents to be determined by the DM) worth at least
they cannot perform the snatch and stall dragon attacks. Like 500 gp to create a zombie dragon or 1,000 gp to create a skele-
their living counterparts, they can divide their attacks ton dragon, and the elixir must be poured over the corpse
between opponents. Lesser undead dragons do not retain the before the animate dead spell is cast.
fear aura of their living dragon form, nor can they use that Finally, the dragon corpse receives a saving throw vs.
forms breath weapon. spell as if it were still a living dragon of the appropriate type,
Lesser undead dragons retain all the immunities that they but with a with a -4 penalty. (Magic resistance is ignored for
possessed while alive. For example, a zombie or skeletal this purpose.) If the saving throw is successful, the dragon is
dragon that was old or older when it died is immune to nor- not reanimated and the preparation time and potion have
mal missile weapons, as zombie and skeletal dragons of the been wasted. If the saving throw is not successful, the corpse
red dragon species are immune to fire. In addition, lesser is reanimated as the appropriate type of lesser undead
undead dragons retain any magic resistance they had while dragon. Attempts to animate a dragon corpse which suc-
alive. Lesser undead dragons also have the standard undead ceeded at its saving throw may be repeated, but the prepara-
immunities to charm, hold, and sleep enchantments and are tion time and the concoction and use of a new elixir must
immune to paralysis and poison. Lesser undead dragons also also be repeated. A force other than the spirit of the actual
can detect invisible objects and beings and can use clairaudi- dead dragon provides the animation for zombie dragons and
ence in their lairs. Undead dragons save as priests of a level skeleton dragons; their actual spirits and minds pass into the
equal to their HD while living rather than as fighters. Clerical afterlife with their deaths.
spells and other spells that specifically target undead affect
lesser undead dragons normally. Lesser undead dragons are Ecology: Zombie dragons and skeleton dragons eat nothing
turned as Special undead, and holy water inflicts 2d4 and hunt nothing they have not been told to attack. They
points of damage upon them. often serve as guardians for Cult of the Dragon meeting
The dragons innate spell-like abilities, if any are usable by places or hidden treasures, and sometimes serve as eternally
the lesser undead form of the dragon despite its lack of intelli- vigilant door guards for Cult dragons or dracoliches. They
gence. To a magical creature such as a dragon, using its spell- have no treasure of their own, though they may be allowed
like abilities is as natural as biting or clawing its foe; it is an or assigned to remain near their former hoards in some cases.
instinct, not a conscious decision. True spellcasting is, how- Though they do not project a living dragons fear aura, ani-
ever, impossible for such mindless undead beings as listed mals of all sorts instinctively dislike them and will not
here (unless an undead dragon has an imbue undead with spell approach them if given a choice. The only exception is car-
ability spell cast upon it). It is theorized that other, more intelli- rion-eaters, who may, in the case of zombie dragons, hang
gent types of undead dragonsshould they be proven to about in the vicinity of the dragon occasionally to feast on
existmight be able to cast spells as when they lived. bits of flesh the zombie has sloughed off.
A protection from evil spell is ineffective against these lesser
undead dragons (since they are neutral in alignment), but
other spells relating to undead creatures or dragons may
ward against them.
106
Dragon-kin Cult of the Dragon
Tribal Cult of the Dragon forced to fight on the ground, they are not as likely to flee from combat if
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any land Any land they can wrest a magical item from its owner. Unless they can do so with-
FREQUENCY: Very rare Very rare out fear of retaliation, they will stay and resolve the combat. They are
ORGANIZATION: Tribe Tribe smart enough to guard against back attacks and never, under any cir-
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any Text cumstance, allow themselves to be attacked from such a disadvanta-
DIET: Omnivore Omnivore geous position if it can possibly be avoided.
INTELLIGENCE: Average (8-10) Average (8-10) Tribal dragon-kin never use their captured magical items in combat
TREASURE: See below V for fear of losing them. This is viewed as their biggest disadvantage, for
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic evil Chaotic evil they are forced instead to rely on mundane weapons or their claws. This,
2d8 unfortunately for the dragon-kin, makes them easy targets for those with
NO. APPEARING: 2d8
ARMOR CLASS: 3 experience in fighting aerial creatures. Cult dragon-kin, however, use any
3
MOVEMENT: 6, Fl 15 (B) magical items suitable for combat in combat, especially those that have
6,Fl 15 (B)
HIT DICE: 7 been given to them by their Cult allies.
7
THAC0: 13 13 Cult dragon-kin also feel the pull of magical items, but their training
NO. OF ATTACKS: 2 or 1 2 or 1 (2 or 3 when allows them to overcome their acquisitive instincts in favor of their mis-
sion. However, if they feel they can justify seizing a magical item in pur-
airborne)
suit of whatever duty they have been assigned, they do so without
DAMAGE/ATTACKS: 1d6/1d6 1d6/1d6 or by hesitation using the above procedure. Unless the item is a simple weapon
or by weapon weapon plus 2d8 they can immediately use (such as a spear, pole arm, or sword), they
with rear-claw rake keep the item and continue the fight.
when airborne
Nil When airborne, Cult dragon-kin attack with both their foreclaws and
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil also rake with their back claws. The rear-claw attack is a single rake with
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil Nil both rear claws that inflicts 2d8 points of damage on a successful hit. Cult
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil Nil dragon-kin have also been trained to use missile weapons such as bows
SIZE: L (7-9 feet long L (7-9 feet long or javelins while aloft.
including tail) including tail)
MORALE: Champion (15-16) Fanatic (17-18) Habitat/Society: Dragon-kin normally live in a tribal setting. Their leader
XP VALUE: 1,400 2,000 is determined by combat and ownership of the most powerful magical
items. Any leader defeated in combat, but not killed, is eliminated and
These creatures are rumored to be very distant cousins of dragons. replaced by the tribe.
Most dragon-kin live wild, and this type (which appears also in the If an adventuring party should happen into a dragon-kin den, its
MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM Annual Volume One) is known as tribal members will find half of the residents left to protect what is theirs. If
dragon-kin. The Cult of the Dragon has managed to gain (or regain) these are defeated, there are 1d2 nonpermanent magical items (for exam-
control over a few dragon-kin tribes; it has been allowed to impose ple, potions) per resident dragon-kin. There is a cumulative 10% chance
more discipline on dragon-kin society in exchange for teaching Cult per resident that a permanent magical item is in the batch. Hence, a lair of
dragon-kin additional combat skills and keeping key members of these six has a 60% chance of containing a permanent item, and there is always
tribes in power through judicious gifts of magical items. at least one permanent item in a lair of 10 or more.
Dragon-kin have developed bipedal humanoid characteristics, but Dragon-kin are often found in the service of a powerful Cult dragon
they still possess a dragonlike face and wings, claws, a tail, horns, and a or mage. Unless magically compelled, most dragon-kin refuse to serve a
sort of mane/beard that certain dragons have. Their coloration ranges dracolich. Regardless of their master (if any), dragon-kin retain their
from a dark yellow ocher to a reddish brown with darker spots or dragon-kin urge to collect magical treasure. This very likely is the reason
bands. Most have green wings that lighten to gold or yellow, though many tribes agree to work with Cult members, who offer them all sorts
some have wings that match their body coloration. All are covered in of (mostly worthless) magical treasure.
scales that are larger and rougher over their backs and tails, but more Cult dragon-kin are allowed by their Cult masters to keep quite a few
supple, though still tough, across their torsos and limbs. Their head of the magical items they acquire so long as they turn their acquisitions
horns are swept back and small, and function decoratively (and per- over to the Cult to be examined first. Any seized magical items the Cult
haps defensively to protect their skulls), not offensively. deems it necessary to keep are paid for through gifts of nonpermanent
Dragon-kin speak their own sibilant language (a corrupt dialect of magical items (such as potions), simple weapons the Cult feels present its
Auld Wyrmish) and can speak a rough form of common as well. forces with a tactical advantage, and magical gewgaws that look impres-
sive but are actually the recipients of such spells as Nystuls magical aura.
Combat: When they expect combat, tribal dragon-kin take to the air so
they can have the upper hand. They remain airborne as long as possible, Ecology: Tribal dragon-kin are a blight on any areas ecology. They have
then swoop down to rake their targets with their foreclaws. no regard for others and simply take what they want. They have no nat-
All dragon-kin can detect magic at will, and tribal dragon-kin target ural predators, although there is a large bounty for them in any place that
beings carrying magical items over others, as their overriding instinct is has known their depredations. They eat nearly anything that can be
to acquire these items. When a tribal dragon-kin notices a magical item, it chewed, although they prefer meat, especially that of sentient beings,
tries to take it away from its holder and flee with it to its lair. If the since they like to torment their food.
dragon-kin makes a successful attack roll against the item (treat an item Unlike their larger cousins, tribal dragon-kin have no love of conven-
as AC 10, with bonuses [or penalties] to its Armor Class equal to any tional treasure. If a hoard has no magic, they are not interested in it. Tribal
magical bonuses it has plus the holders Dexterity bonuses), it seizes the dragon-kin simply leave coins and nonmagical items where they lie.
item. A contest of Strength then commences between the dragon-kin and There is a 50% chance that tribal dragon-km will attack a party if it is not
the items owner. The first of the two to fail a Strength check (consider the carrying magical items. They always attack those who carry such items.
dragon-kin to have a Str 13) loses his or her grip on the item. At the best Cult dragon-kin are more disciplined and are fierce fighters for the
opportunity, the dragon-kin then absconds with the item. Half of the Cult cause. They obey their Cult masters willingly for the promise of
time, it does not return to the fight, remaining in its cave instead to wealth and magic. They have learned to value mundane wealth some-
admire its newfound acquisition. what for the occasional items or services of use that it can buy. Cult
If forced to bring combat to the ground, all dragon-kin move in and dragon-kin eat only meat except in extreme circumstances. Aside from
use their claws or weapons, such as spears or pole arms, which they sentient species, who the Cult is trying to discourage them from preying
favor. Tribal dragon-kin are easily distracted by magical items, especially on (it attracts too much attention), they seem to prefer the taste of deer,
if one of them becomes separated from its owner. However, when pheasants, other wild game, and goats.
107
Mantidrake Cult of the Dragon
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any
FREQUENCY: Very rare
ORGANIZATION: Solitary
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any
DIET: Carnivore
INTELLIGENCE: Low (5-7)
TREASURE: Nil (E)
ALIGNMENT: Black: CE; Blue: LE; Green: LE; Red: CE;
White: CE; Brown: NE; Yellow: CE
NO. APPEARING: 1d2
ARMOR CLASS: Black: 1; Blue: 0; Green: 0; Red: -3;
White: 1; Brown: 2; Yellow: 0
MOVEMENT: 12, Fl 18 (E)
HIT DICE: 6+3
THAC0: 13
NO. OF ATTACKS: 3
DAMAGE/ATTACKS: 1d3/1d3/1d10 (claw/claw/bite)
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Breath weapon, tail spikes
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Immune to breath weapon of dragon
parent and like attacks (spells, etc.)
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil
SIZE: H (25 feet long)
MORALE: Elite (13-14)
XP VALUE: Black 3,000 White 3,000
Blue 4,000 Brown 3,000
Green 4,000 Yellow 4,000
Red 4,000
108
Ur-Histachii (Undead) Cult of the Dragon
The necromancers of the Cult of the Dragons cell in and under the
Vilhon Reachs city of Hlondeth have created this undead perver-
sion. Ur-histachii are made from histachii, which are yuan-ti-created
abominations formed from unfortunate humans who are forced to
drink a specially brewed elixir (discussed in the entry on histachii in
the MONSTROUS MANUAL tome).
Like its living counterparts, an ur-histachii is hairless, and its skin
is a mottled gray to gray-black in color, often with patches of green
or yellow mold growing from old, open wounds. A small reptilian mausoleums. A few ur-histachii also have been teleported on occa-
head-fin starts atop the undead creatures skull and grows down its sion to the homes or courts of Cult enemies where the enemies
back as a spinal ridge that ends at the tip of the ur-histachiis vesti- guards are sure to incite a berserk rage from the ur-histachii. Thus
gial tail. An ur-histachiis undead eyes are empty sockets filled by far, these teleported ur-histachii have served as undead assassins or
blackness, and a scabrous reptilian tongue flicks out between its bro- as diversions for other Cult activities involving that particular foe.
ken teeth in an instinctual effort to taste the air it no longer breathes. To make one or more ur-histachii requires at least one to three
Ur-histachii emit a faint scent of rust and acid, along with that of days, during which time the histachii to be transformed are slain in a
musty decay. hideous ritual, the necromancers performing the procedure perform
Ur-histachii do not speak, per se, vocalizing only grunts and bro- other obscene rituals and incantations, and several expensive
ken hisses, but understand the commands of their creators and other unguents and decoctions are poured over the corpses. No more than
yuan-ti so long as they are spoken in common or the yuan-ti tongue. eight ur-histachii can be made at once due to the stress of the proce-
dure on the lead necromancer performing the transformation.
Combat: Ur-histachii attack any nonreptile that enters their sensory The accelerated rage ability of ur-histachii appears to burn the
range. They can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch just as well as a liv- undead bodies of ur-histachii out quickly. Few ur-histachii exist for
ing histachii despite their apparent lack of visual organs. They also more than one year, and to date, none have existed more than five
have 90-foot infravision. All but mindless, ur-histachii simply charge years past their transformation into ur-histachii.
any such creatures that come within range, attacking with their
filthy claws and teeth. Cult necromancers have somehow given the Ecology: Ur-histachii need eat nothing to exist, though residual
ur-histachii the ability to enter berserk rages up to three times in a impulses of their previous life as carnivores sometimes result in their
24-hour day. To induce an ur-histachii to become berserk requires a idly chewing on carrion or catching and chewing rats, worms, other
nonreptile to inflict some direct damage upon it. (For instance, a vermin, and yuan-ti leftovers, if such are left within their reach or
mage casting a magic missile would not trigger a berserk rage, though enter their sensory range. Ur-histachii are different from many of the
the ur-histachii would react to the attack. If that same mage stabbed nonsentient undead in that they often grunt and hiss to themselves,
an ur-histachii with his dagger, the ur-histachii would enter a remembering to be quiet, like most undead creatures, only when
berserk rageprovided it had not done so already three times that specifically instructed (or reminded) to do so by their creators or
day.) The berserk rage of an ur-histachii grants it +2 bonuses to other yuan-ti. Yuan-ti find their presence and their lack of restraint
attack and damage rolls plus a +2 bonus to AC for 3d4 rounds. annoying, like a persistent itch, and so rarely place them where they
Like most undead, ur-histachii are immune to sleep, charm, and need often interact with them. Ur-histachii never guard yuan-ti
hold spells, death magic, poisons, and cold-based spells. Holy water brood chambers; apparently, their masters fear they will forget
does 2d4 points of damage to an ur-histachii. Ur-histachii are turned and eat the broodlings.
as shadows.
109
Wyvern Drake Cult of the Dragon
The wyvern drake is, as its name implies, a cross between a dragon and a
wyvern. It is 45 feet long (half of that is tail), with a 60-foot wingspan and
a yard-long stinger at the end of its tail. Its body, limbs, and wings have
the same color ranges as that of wyverns, from a dark brown to gray. A
wyvern drakes 5-foot head is colored similar to its dragon parent, Yellow Blast of scorching air and sand 50 feet long, 40 feet wide, and
though its eyes often have red or orange swirls or patterns in the iris, a 20 feet high; half damage if save is made vs. breath weapon.
remnant of the normal wyvern eye color.
Besides a wyverns hissing and roaring calls, the wyvern drake can The wyvern drake is immune to attack forms that resemble its breath
also speak the tongue of its dragon parent and the common tongue, weapon. Wyvern drakes do not suffer any additional damage or effects
along with one or two other languages that it learns or is taught. Those from weapons or items specifically designed to kill dragons.
wyvern drakes raised from birth by the Cult of the Dragon normally Wyvern drakes prefer to use their breath weapon instead of relying
know common, the language of their dragon parent, and perhaps a local on physical combat when fighting an aerial opponent. Still, their stings
tongue or the language of a humanoid race the Cult deals with. are useful in a dogfight, as they can arch over their backs to strike oppo-
nent in front of them.
Combat: Having more intelligence than a normal wyvern, the wyvern When stalking prey, the wyvern drake uses cunning. Neither sound
drake is a highly dangerous foe. It always fights in the open if it can, nor shadow alert victims that they are being followed, and the attacking
invariably attacking from the air. In addition to doing physical damage, wyvern drake achieves a -2 penalty on the victims surprise roll due to its
the scorpionlike tail also injects Type F poison, killing the victim unless it silent dive to the attack. Though it will not attack an enemy that is obvi-
saves vs. poison. The tail stinger can hit an enemy in any direction, so ously too powerful for it, a group of humans will be attacked if the beast
long as it is within reach. The clever wyvern drake can also pick up a is hungry enough.
smaller foe, carry it high into the air, then drop it (inflicting normal falling
damage), or else pick up objects such a boulders and drop them onto foes Habitat/Society: The wild wyvern drake prefers to live alone, staying
(-2 on attack rolls, but inflicting 1d10 points of damage on a hit). with another of its kind only for the few months it takes to birth and rear
The wyvern drake also fights with a breath weapon inherited from its its young to a fledgling state. It lairs on mountains or cliffs overlooking
dragon parent usable three times per day Damage done by the wyvern forests or plains, particularly those containing caravan or migration
drakes breath weapon is equal to the beasts normal hit point total. This routes. Its average hunting ground is about 25 square miles in size, but it
damage does not vary as the beast is wounded or healed over time. can travel 150 miles in a single day and back again in its search for food.
Unlike ordinary wyverns, wyvern drakes never fight their own kind
Dragon except when there is absolutely nothing else around to eat. Wyvern
Parent Breath Weapon drakes hoard treasure just as dragons do.
Black Jet of acid 5 feet wide, 60 feet long; victim takes half damage if Cult of the Dragon wyvern drakes are often used as aerial scouts and
successful save vs. breath weapon is made. as airborne attack platforms. Most are trained to accept Cult members as
Blue Bolt of lightning 5 feet wide, 100 feet long; save for half. riders.
Green Cloud of chlorine gas 50 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 30 feet
high; half damage if save is made vs. breath weapon. Ecology: The wyvern drake eats the equivalent of a cow or horse per day.
Red Cone of fire 5 feet at mouth, 90 feet long, 30 feet wide at cones It swallows victims whole once combat is finished, without chewing, and
widest; half damage if save is made. only the bones and any metal or stone items on the corpse are not
White Cone of frost 5 feet wide, 70 feet long, 25 feet wide at cones digested. (It cannot swallow prey whole in melee.) Carrion is regarded as
widest; half damage if save is made vs. breath weapon. a food of last resort. Wyvern drakes have few natural enemies, though
Brown Jet of acid 5 feet wide, 60 feet long; victim takes half damage if other large territorial predators will attack them if they consider them to
successful save vs. breath weapon is made. have invaded their ranges.
110
V
engeance is mine! I have destroyed Sussethila- being for all time. Never can a mere wound bring me
sis! I rule as Suzerain of Anauroch! The first low again, as no wound, no mortal pain, no mere liv-
step of my destiny is fulfilled! Glory and power ing agony can touch me in my altered form, and all
are mine! pale before that transforming experience.
The events of the past few days are surely without While the draft completed its dire and portentous
compare in all the history of my kind. Not a day after work, I lost focus on the pain as the potion and the
my humiliating defeat at the claws of the pretender and effects it induced clouded my brain and dimmed my
his human accessory I drank down the magically toxic psyche. Soon, the torment was but a roaring within my
draft that was the key to true power and glory. Namir- skull as I felt my Spirit, my very soul, soar free from
rha had returned as promised, bearing with him the its mortal confines. I looked down upon my slumped
potion that I was to consume along with an otherwise form and felt for the briefest of instants some minor
unremarkable sapphire that, he stated, would become measure of the awe and terror I have inflicted on so
my host or the repository of my spirit should any ill many foes over the greater than half-dozen centuries
ever befall my immortal form. I do not fear the men- of my life or, rather, my previous life. All too soon,
tion of such here in my records as my massive hoard the marvelous vision of my physical form was taken
now incorporates the former suzerains as well as from me as I found my consciousness now residing
mine own. The number of sapphires I now rest my in some infinite-yet-bounded deep blue realm. Of
immortal shape upon is nigh-countless, and they all course, I soon realised I was somehow aware of my
now radiate magic thanks to Namirrha. I defy any to host while my spirit rested in its multifaceted confines.
even hope to pinpoint the one critical to me. The time I spent there is quite difficult to adequately
Indescribable pain wracked my form after I quaffed describe, much less experience; suffice it to say that I
the magical elixir. I convulsed from the horrible contented myself with constructing and reconstructing
agony. As the potion worked its way through my the perfect plan by which I would gain my revenge
already weak and damaged frame, I felt every iota of against the pretender.
my being burn with the purifying flames of transfor- After an unknown length of time, I felt compelled
mation and power. Every sensation of that terrible and to leave behind my realm of perfect blue, though my
awesome infinity of pain is burned indelibly into my psyche left its indelible mark upon the structure of the
Epilogue 119
T
he draconic pantheon is a confused one, espe- the light of wit. In the Outer Planes, she is more commonly
cially to nondragons. Beyond what The Draconom- known as Aasterinian and is often regarded as chaotic neu-
icon has to say on the matter of dragons and the tral in alignment. Her domain in Arborea is unknown, but
powers they worship, a draconic pantheon is dis- in Ysgard her domain, Brassberg, is in Nidavellir.
cussed in Monster Mythology. These two differ in
many ways. The following list summarizes and reconciles Kalzareinad (Dead)
these two for the purposes of the FORGOTTEN REALMS cam- (Keeper of Dark Wonders)
paign setting. Following the general list is a complete Kalzareinad was a neutral evil demipower of the Gray
description of the draconic deity Null. This deity description Waste. His portfolio was dragon magic, specifically the
follows the format established in Faiths & Avatars. See that uncaring, evil, or selfish application of dragon magic. His
work for definitions of the heading categories and special symbol was a five-pointed star encircled by a dragon grab-
notes pertaining to the abilities detailed in the bulleted points bing its own tail in its mouth. His worship and portfolio
in the specialty priest information. were entirely subsumed by Kereska during the Time of
Troubles (1358 DR), and he passed quietly into deific death
shortly thereafter in the Astral Plane.
Dragon Deities
Asgorath Kereska
(World-Shaper) (Wonderbringer, Light of Magic)
Asgorath is a greater power of the Outer Planes. He is said Kereska is a chaotic neutral intermediate power of Limbo.
to encompass all alignments in his being, but he is often Her portfolio is magic, specifically dragon magic, and mag-
regarded as neutral. His portfolio is creation, and his sym- ical creativity. Her symbol is a five-pointed star with the
bol is an unadorned circle, representing totality. In the lower two points extended.
Outer Planes, he is more commonly known as Io, and the
location of his domain is unknown. Lendys
(World-Shaper)
Astilabor Lendys is a lawful neutral intermediate power of Nirvana.
(Acquisitor, Hoardmistress) His portfolio is balance and justice, and his symbol is a
Astilabor is a chaotic neutral intermediate power of Limbo. sword balanced on a needles point. He is the consort of
Her portfolio is acquisitiveness, specifically the desire to Tamara.
acquire and hold wealth and by doing so gain status. Her
symbol is a 12-faceted gem. Null
(Death Wyrm, Guardian of the Lost,
Bahamut Night Dragon, Reaver)
(The King of all Good Dragons, Null is worshiped as a two-aspected dragon deity in the
the Platinum Dragon, Lord of the North Wind, Torilian crystal sphere. Here he is regarded as both a lawful
Justicemaker) evil lesser power of Carceri and a lawful neutral intermedi-
Bahamut is a lawful good lesser power of Mount Celestia. ate power of the Outlands. His portfolio is death and the
His portfolio is good dragons, metallic dragons, wisdom, dead. In his evil aspect, he is Reaver, and his portfolio is the
and enlightened justice (justice tempered with mercy and taking of life, decay, the undead, energy draining, and
punishment with forgiveness), and his symbols are the necromancy. In his neutral aspect, he is known as the
polar star above a milky nebula or a reptilian eye superim- Guardian of the Lost, and is the guardian of the dead and
posed over a square of gold. His domain, Bahamuts the shepherd of dragon spirits to the afterlife. In this aspect,
Palace, is located in Mercuria. In some traditions, he is said his portfolio is the dead, exhaustion, final judgment, and
to be the son of Tamara and Lendys, and in others, he, Tia- fatalism. His symbols are a circle divided diagonally into
mat, and Null (or Faluzure) are all said to be children of white and black semicircles (the Guardian of the Lost) or a
Asgorath (Io). In the Realms, he is often known as Xymor. draconic skull (Reaver). In the Outer Planes it is commonly
known that Null is, in fact, two different deities known as
Garyx Faluzure (the Reaver aspect, who regarded as neutral evil),
(Firelord, All-Destroyer, Cleanser of Worlds) whose domain is the Mausoleum of Pain in Minethys, and
Garyx is a chaotic evil intermediate power of the Abyss. Chronepsis (the Guardian of the Lost aspect, who is
His portfolio is fire-using dragons and destruction by regarded as neutral), whose domain is the Mausoleum of
flame, and his symbol is a reptilian eye superimposed over Chronepsis in the Outlands.
a red flame.
Tamara
Hlal (Her Beneficence, Her Mercy)
(The Jester, the Pursued) Tamara is a neutral good intermediate power of Elysium.
Hlal is a chaotic good lesser power of Arborea and Ysgard. Her portfolio is life, light, mercy, and forgiveness, and her
Her portfolio is draconic humor, inventiveness, and plea- symbol is a seven-pointed star on a field of black. She is the
sure, and her symbol is a single white flame, representing consort of Lendys.
9th Level
Unbinding (Wiz 9; Abjuration)
Range: 0
Components: V, S, M
Duration: 3 rounds
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: 20-foot-radius sphere
Saving Throw: None