The Sentinels of the Shroud

[Meldread]

[SIZE="5"][FONT="Arial Black"][COLOR="Red"]The Sentinels of the Shroud[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT="Book Antiqua"]First Edition[/FONT]

[COLOR="Red"][FONT="Arial Black"]By:[/FONT][/COLOR]  [FONT="Book Antiqua"]Haldorn Mastivor[/FONT]

[FONT="Arial Black"][COLOR="Red"]Chapter 1:[/COLOR][/FONT]  [FONT="Book Antiqua"]The Fall of Netheril[/FONT]

"It is one of the misfortunes of our world that with great power does not also come great wisdom.  It is the mark of the wise wizard to know when best to use his magic, or even more importantly, when not to use it at all."

Centuries ago, panic and turmoil swept across the Netherese empire.  There are few records that tell us what happened, and much of what we know comes from fragments.  Yet, it is well known among the clergy of Azuth, Mystra, and Savras the story of Karsus' Folly.

For centuries before the fall, even before the turmoil, a sickness began to spread among the archwizards of Netheril.  They looked out across their land, and all they had accomplished, both individually and collectively, and swelled with arrogance and pride.  Many began to believe themselves greater than or equal to the gods, and a rare few even worked to establish new faiths that venerated them over the true deities.

It was into this world of arrogant decadence that Karsus was born.  From an early age he showed a great aptitude for the Art.  It was clear from the beginning that his star would outshine virtually all others, and it was true for as he grew into adulthood he became perhaps the most powerful Archwizard to ever walk Toril.

Yet, the Empire had fallen into turmoil and Karsus sought to end it.  He used the extraordinary gifts Mystryl – the first incarnation of Mystra – granted him to craft a spell that would allow him to steal the power of a god.  In his arrogance, Karsus attempted to steal the divinity and power of Mystryl, yet he was but a mortal man.  

His mind could not hold such unimaginable knowledge, nor could his body sustain such an influx of godly power.  The Weave is a powerful but fragile thing.  The Netherese in their excessive use of magic taxed it greatly, and the actions of Karsus threatened to unravel the entire Weave, destroying magic forever.

Mystryl sacrificed herself to save the Weave, but it came at a price.  In the temporary absence of Mystryl - a few brief moments and no more - the entire Netherese empire was destroyed.  Their floating cities and enclaves crashed to the ground, causing the death of thousands upon thousands.  When the link Karsus' had established through his spell to the goddess was broken, he too was destroyed along with her.

Thus, the Folly of Karsus as it has become known, stands as a lesson to us all.

[FONT="Arial Black"][COLOR="Red"]Chapter 2:[/COLOR][/FONT]  [FONT="Book Antiqua"]The Remnant of a Goddess[/FONT]

When we die we leave remnants of ourselves behind.  In most cases for us mortals, it is our bodies, the shells that once contained our souls.  When a god dies it is not so different.  This became clear during the Time of Troubles when deities were slain upon the mortal plane.  For example, it is rumored that the Lord of Murder, Bhaal, died near a river, and as his blood flowed into the water it turned black and poisonous.  It is said that any who attempt to drink the water die instantly.

When Mystryl sacrificed herself it was not so different.  The Weave flows across Toril, and it is often thought of as the body of Mystra.  It was no different for Mystryl.  In her death, she left behind a remnant, and that remnant is what has become known as the Mist on these isles.

It is unclear even to us why the Mist is so heavily focused upon these isles instead of elsewhere where the Netherese were more prominent.  One theory suggests that the active Mythallar here on the island of Ymph, perhaps the last active Mythallar that still exists from the time of Netheril, caused the remnant to concentrate its energies here.  Another theory suggests that the Netherese here were spared from the worst of the collapse of the Empire, and as such many of Mystryl's faithful remained here on the islands.  As such, the remnant, drawn by the worship of Mystryl's faithful appeared here.  

Whatever the case, the Mist maintains some link to the Weave, and as such can be used for both good or ill.  Many have taken to worshiping the Mist, but Mystryl is no more, and what exists is merely a remnant of what was - though it holds great power and knowledge still.

[FONT="Arial Black"][COLOR="Red"]Chapter 3:[/COLOR][/FONT]  [FONT="Book Antiqua"]The Sentinel's of the Shroud[/FONT]

"...and so it must be that the powerful are guided by the wise, nurtured by the upright, and brought low by the just."

It was inevitable that the faithful of Mystra, Azuth, and Savras would locate these isles and learn the truth of the Mist.  Thus it came to be that the Sentinel's of the Shroud were formed, a group dedicated to protecting this holy and sacred relic.  The Mist contains the knowledge of millennia, and from that knowledge can come great power.  That power, like the power of the Weave itself, can be used for good or ill.

The Sentinel's exist to broaden the understanding of the Weave and the Mist, and to use both for the benefit of all.  They stand opposed to those who abuse their gifts and knowledge, and seek to guide them away from their destructive paths.  If that fails then it falls to the Sentinel's to ensure that they do not continue on a path of self and mutual harm.

They are seekers of knowledge, both new and old, and compassionate individuals who care for their family, friends, and community.  They live their lives as an example to others, and demand the best from those who join their fellowship.  

[FONT="Arial Black"][COLOR="Red"]Chapter 4:[/COLOR][/FONT]  [FONT="Book Antiqua"]An Author's Note[/FONT]

This tome was written, not only to spread the knowledge that is contained within, but to begin the rebirth of the Sentinel's.  Great tragedy befell our fellowship as prejudice and unjust laws sought to silence us through violence.  Our comrades were murdered, our initiates burned alive, and all that remains of us are two.  I am one of the last, but here on this island we can have a second chance.  Hope remains so long as our knowledge stays alive.  Spread the truth and knowledge contained in this tome, and if your heart is good and your intentions just know that there is a place for you among the Sentinel's of the Shroud.

If we should fail then it falls to you.  There must always be those who stand up against those who wield great power unjustly, those that seek to cause harm to the innocent, or stop those who seek to defile what is holy and sacred.  If silence should take us turn to the Mist for guidance.  It has ever been our guide since our founding, and it will guide you as it has guided us.