Chapter 2

Allegiances of Tal'Dorei
The lands of Tal’Dorei are governed not just by their
history, but by factions and faiths striving to achieve
Divine Domains
myriad goals, fighting for conflicting ideals, and Most clerics can gain their magic from a single god,
vying for the power to come out on top. The gods of or even from a number of gods that share domains
Exandria may be barred from walking upon the land or divine provinces. Ultimately, how your cleric
in material form, but they can still put their thumbs serves the gods or their core religious philosophies
on the scales of history through their mortal follow- is for you and your Game Master to discuss. Each
ers. Such followers include clerics with the power god in this chapter has two or three Divine Domains
to cast mighty spells, paladins who wield blades from which many of their clerics are granted power.
alight with idealistic verve, and untold thousands of Nevertheless, almost all deities can have clerics
common folk whose voices can affect the decisions of who gain the power of any domain, if you and your
even the most powerful leaders of the land. Game Master agree.
A number of factions hold just as much sway over
the daily lives of the people as the gods and their Prime Deities
clergy—perhaps even more. These factions range in
Deity Alignment Province
might and influence from the greatest of the great
to the smallest of the small. The Tal’Dorei Council Changebringer Chaotic good Change,
institutes political policies that affect everyone in freedom, luck
grand, sweeping, and often inscrutable ways, while Platinum Dragon Lawful good Honor, justice
the Golden Grin is a group of folk heroes who seek to Arch Heart Chaotic good Art, beauty,
subvert evil across the land. Whether these factions elves
are governments or just tiny organizations, they can
add depth and conflict to your Tal’Dorei campaign. Lawbearer Lawful neutral Civilization,
law, peace

Pantheon of Exandria Knowing Mentor Neutral Knowledge,

learning,
During the Divergence, the Prime Deities created a teaching
powerful barrier between the Material Plane and the
Stormlord Chaotic neutral Battle, competi-
supernatural realms of the Outer Planes. This gate tion, storms
sealed all gods, including the evil Betrayer Gods,
within their respective domains. If the Divine Gate Wildmother Neutral Seas, wilderness
were to be destroyed by the unanimous effort of All-Hammer Lawful good Craft, creation
the Prime Deities, all powers would be unleashed, Dawnfather Neutral good Healing, sun
threatening armageddon. Thus, the gods patiently
Everlight Neutral good Atonement,
watch their creations from beyond the veil, aiding
compassion
their faithful with what small power they can send
through the barrier. Matron of Ravens Lawful neutral Death, fate,
Some lesser idols, such as archdevils, demon winter
lords, fiends and celestials of near-divine power, Moonweaver Chaotic good Illusion,
as well as a number of unaccounted-for demigods moonlight, night
reside among the planes. They are affected by the
Divine Gate, preventing them from crossing it of
their own volition, yet are not so bound by it that they
Prime Deities
cannot be summoned by mortal magic. The Prime Deities are the leaders and luminary
The following gods are recommended as the creators that battled the Primordial Titans and
existing Exandrian pantheon, but they are only a instigated the Founding, forging the mortal races
recommendation. As long as the GM and the players of Exandria. They hold sway over powers that
agree, you are welcome to tailor, alter, or completely represent a spectrum of sunlight, truth, moonlight,
change the gods in your Tal’Dorei campaign to fit benevolent concealment, protection, love, death,
your needs. The domains listed are the likely choices and all other facets of freedom and life in the world.
for followers of that deity, but these are not the While these gods may disagree and squabble, they
only options. are united in an alliance dedicated to ensuring the
survival of their creations.

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 27

 The Changebringer The Platinum Dragon
Also known as “She Who Makes the Path,” the The pillar of justice, protection, nobility, and honor,
Changebringer champions freedom, travel, trade, the Platinum Dragon is a beacon to paladins of order
and adventure across the lands. Her will heralds and good, and is revered by most metallic dragons
open frontiers, and her call beckons her followers to as the first of their kind. The crest of the Platinum
discover that which awaits them beyond the known. Dragon adorns many halls of high leadership and
There are few urban temples dedicated to the judgment, invoking his will in all matters of justice.
Changebringer, but her shrines are often found along To follow him is to look after those who cannot look
well-traveled roads and on isolated wilderness hill- after themselves.
tops. Many merchants, adventurers, and free-spirited Depiction. The Platinum Dragon is often seen
folk worship the Changebringer, and many a gala emblazoned on shields and armor, both functional
toast and tavern song celebrate her as a bringer of and decorative, in the form of a brilliant silver dragon
luck and fortune. head in profile. Temples and works of art depict a
Depiction. She is often depicted as a young massive, glittering dragon with vibrant platinum
woman of dark complexion and long, light brown scales and a wingspan that fades into etherealness.
hair that cascades to form the road left behind her. Divine Domains. Many of the Platinum Dragon’s
Most art shows her in constant motion, ever leading clerics are granted powers of Life, Order, or War.
into the unknown. Holy Day. The Platinum Dragon’s holy day is
Divine Domains. Many of the Changebringer’s called Embertide and is celebrated on the fifth day of
clerics are granted powers of Moon, Nature, or the eleventh month. This is a day of remembrance,
Trickery. solemnity, and respect for those who have fallen in
Holy Day. The Changebringer’s holy day, called the defense of others.
New Dawn, takes place on the first day of the first
month, when the old year gives way to the new. In Commandments of the Platinum Dragon
Emon, the day of New Dawn is celebrated with a • Stand as a paragon of honor and justice.
grand midnight feast that commonly features a short • Smite evil wherever it is found, yet show compas-
play celebrating the changes of the past year. sion to those who have strayed from righteousness.
• Defend the weak, bring freedom to the persecuted,
Commandments of the Changebringer and protect the ideals of justice and order.
• Luck favors the bold. Your fate is your own to
grasp, and to do so is to have the Changebringer
behind you.
• Change is inevitable. The righteous can ensure
that such change is for the better.
• Rise up against tyranny. Fight for the freedom
of yourself and others when you can, and inspire
others to fight when you cannot.
Symbol ofthe
Platinum Dragon

Symbol ofthe Changebringer

28 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 The Arch Heart The Lawbearer
Guardian of spring, beauty, and the arts, the Arch The driving inspiration behind many great inven-
Heart is the patron of arcane magic, elves, and the tions, the creation of vast cities, and law and order
fey. The Founding inspired them to wander the within society, the Lawbearer claims dominion over
twisted lands, seeding them with the first arcane civilization. Judges and lawful rulers pay respect at
magics and raising the most ancient of forests. It was her temples, which are central structures in major
by the Arch Heart’s hand that the first elves wan- cities around the world. Peace and order—through
dered from the Fey Realm, and for this reason, they structure and law—guide the will of her devout fol-
are considered the Parent of all elves. Those who lowers. The Lawbearer has a tempestuous romance
seek art in all of their work, whether magic or mun- with the Wildmother, a furious love that is only tem-
dane, often worship at the altar of the Arch Heart. pered when civilization and nature are in balance.
They loathe the Spider Queen and her priestesses Civil unrest and riots blossom within her beloved
for leading the drow astray. cities in these times of imbalance.
Depiction. Most modern tapestries and tomes Depiction. Illustrations and statues show the
depict the Arch Heart as a genderless elf of impos- Lawbearer as a hooded, armored woman with light
sible grace and beauty, androgynous and alluring, brown skin and a strong, lithe body, sitting atop a
framed by long, wavy, golden hair. The Arch Heart throne of pillars. Her face is generally obscured or
inspired many early elven art pieces, and elements depicted without expression, giving her presence an
of their visage or symbol are included in most elven impartial yet imposing nature.
architecture. Divine Domains. Many of the Lawbearer’s clerics
Divine Domains. Many of the Arch Heart’s clerics are granted powers of Knowledge or Order.
are granted powers of Arcana, Nature, or Light. Holy Day. The Lawbearer’s holy day is Civili-
Holy Day. The Arch Heart’s holy day is called zation’s Dawn, and is celebrated on the autumnal
Elvendawn, or Midsummer. It’s celebrated on the equinox, usually the twenty-second day of the ninth
twentieth day of the sixth month, and commemo- month. In Emon, each neighborhood celebrates by
rates the elves’ first emergence from the Fey Realm. dancing around great bonfires in the square and
In Syngorn, the elves build magical wards, open giving gifts to celebrate their community.
small doorways into the Fey Realm, and celebrate
with uncharacteristic vigor with the wild fey. Commandments of the Lawbearer
• Utilize the company and aid of others. The efforts
Commandments of the Arch Heart of the individual often pale against the capabilities
• Create, inspire, and find beauty in all that you do. of community.
• Follow the echoes of lost magic, forgotten sites, • Strive to tame the wilds in the name of civilization,
and ancient art, for within these lie the Arch and defend the points of light and order against the
Heart’s first works. chaos of darkness.
• Combat the followers of the Spider Queen wher- • Uphold and revere the spirit of invention. Create
ever they may be. new settlements, build where inspiration strikes,
and expand the edicts of the Lawbearer.

Symbol ofthe
Arch Heart Symbol ofthe Lawbearer

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 29

 The Knowing Mentor • Uphold and teach the importance of reason,
Revered by seers, sages, and teachers of all walks perception, and truth in guiding one’s emo-
of life, the Knowing Mentor guided the growth of tions and path.
civilization throughout the Age of Arcanum like • Condemn those who lie without moral cause, for
sunlight guides the branches of a tree. Her teachings evil folk gain power when their followers obscure
were silenced when she was grievously wounded the truth. Never stoop to the level of selfish liars.
by the Chained Oblivion during the Calamity, and
though she survived and went into hiding behind the
The Stormlord
Divine Gate, her followers are hunted by agents of Where thunder cracks and conflict rises, prayers
her ancient foes to this day. Her devout now worship to the Stormlord are shouted into the maelstrom.
in private, spreading knowledge, philosophy, and lore Reveling in all tests of strength, the blessing of the
anonymously through traceless channels. Stormlord finds those that prove themselves on the
The one exception are the scholars of the Cobalt battlefield. Worshiped by athletes and warriors all
Soul (see page 58), an international organization across Exandria, he exalts those whose force of
of knowledge-seekers, spies, and archivists that seek spirit and passion for victory call his attention. He
to reveal the truth at all costs. Most members of the brings tumultuous storms over land and sea, and
Cobalt Soul aren’t zealous worshipers of the Know- those who wish for clearer skies offer their praises
ing Mentor, but still pay homage to her in some form. and prayers to appease him.
Depiction. Common representations show the Depiction. Within his temples and carvings, the
Knowing Mentor as a greying, mature woman of Stormlord is shown as a quintessential warrior,
welcoming, matronly smile swathed in billowing often nude with a beard and short, curly hair. As the
robes and scarves that fan into books and scrolls. epitome of muscle and strength, most art depicts the
Some call her the Knowing Mistress, revering her as Stormlord in a stance of dominance, typically assert-
a headmistress of knowledge among the gods. ing his power by wrestling a terrible beast.
Divine Domains. Many of the Knowing Mentor’s Divine Domains. Many of the Stormlord’s clerics
clerics are granted powers of Arcana, Knowledge, are granted powers of Tempest or War.
or Twilight. Holy Day. The Stormlord’s holy day is the Day
Holy Day. The Knowing Mentor has no public holy of Challenging, and it is celebrated on the seventh
day, for her public worship was shattered during the day of the second month. The Day of Challenging is
Calamity, and she has since fallen into half-remem- one of the most raucous holidays in Emon, and thou-
bered myth. Only in Emon has the Knowing Mentor’s sands of spectators attend the annual Godsbrawl
faith been publicly resurrected—though her worship held in the Temple of the Stormlord to root for their
by the intellectuals of the city bears little resem- favored deity’s champion, particularly the chosen of
blance to that of the knowledge-seekers of old. the Stormlord and the Platinum Dragon.

Commandments of the Knowing Mentor Commandments of the Stormlord

• Unmask those who would destroy the Knowing • Bravery above all. There is no glory in cowardice.
Mentor. Learn their secrets and unveil them to • Strength is the path to greatness, but greatness is
the world. the responsible use of strength.
• The glory of the Stormlord lives through your own
glory on the battlefield.

Symbol ofthe Knowing Mentor Symbol ofthe Stormlord

30 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 The Wildmother The All-Hammer
The realm of the Wildmother extends to wherever The patron of craft and creation, the All-Hammer is
the seas shift and the land grows over. As the keeper worshipped by smiths, artisans, and miners alike,
of the wilderness, she represents the wild creatures granting inspiration where respect and prayer are
of nature, the rush of the angry rapids, and the heat- given. He shaped the mountains from the chaos of
heavy stillness of the desert. Hunters, druids, and the Founding, and stands as the patron protector
nomads worship her, seeking her blessing to live in of home and family. Devotion to the All-Hammer
harmony with lands that still bear their wild fangs. is strongest in dwarven communities, and many of
Likewise, those seeking safe passage across danger- his temples mark the center of a mighty dwarven
ous waters pray to her to guide them. stronghold.
The druids of the Wildmother and clerics of her Depiction. Many guildhalls and workshops
lover, the Lawbearer, work together to preserve the contain images of the All-Hammer, a faceless,
balance of nature and civilization. It is said that the stout dwarf of immense strength, hunched over a
two goddesses grow furious when this balance is flaming heart clasped within his massive hands. The
upset, and this fury manifests as devastating natural All-Hammer’s dwarven appearance is consistent
disasters. Clerics of the Matron of Ravens also pay across Tal’Dorei, with some exceptions. Other cul-
homage to the Wildmother, for the work she begins tures that pride themselves on their metallurgy, like
is the work that their deity must respectfully end. the fire giant enclave of Vulkanon (see page 220),
Depiction. Immortalized through wooden reliefs depict the All-Hammer as one of their own—in this
and carved idols in hidden, overgrown groves and case, a faceless giant with a flaming mane.
rural shrines, the Wildmother is shown as a beau- Divine Domains. Many of the All-Hammer’s cler-
tiful woman with green or deep brown skin nearly ics are granted powers of Forge, Knowledge, or War.
swallowed by a wild, tangled wreath of hair, leaves, Holy Day. The All-Hammer’s holy day is Deep
and vines that envelop her strong, full-figured form. Solace, celebrated on the eighteenth day of the fifth
Divine Domains. Many of the Wildmother’s cler- month. Especially devout followers of the All-Ham-
ics are granted powers of Life, Nature, or Tempest. mer spend the day in isolation, meditating on the
Holy Day. The Wildmother’s holy day is Wild’s meaning of family and how they may be better
Grandeur, and is celebrated on the vernal equinox, mothers, fathers, siblings, and children. Dwarven
usually the twentieth day of the third month. The communities in Kraghammer and abroad celebrate
people of the southern wilds honor the Wildmother with a full day of feasting and drinking.
by journeying to a place of great natural beauty,
like the top of a mountain waterfall or the center Commandments of the All-Hammer
of a desert. Wild’s Grandeur is rarely celebrated in • Remain stoic and tenacious in the face of
Emon, but some folk will plant trees in observance of catastrophe.
the holiday. • Uphold and promote loyalty to your family, loyalty
to your clan, and loyalty to your people.
Commandments of the Wildmother • Legacy is paramount. To create something that
• Protect the untamed wilderness from exploitation lasts is to change the world for the better.
and destruction.
• Slay abominations and other mockeries of nature.
• Embrace and respect that which you cannot con-
trol in this world. Exist in harmony with it.

Symbol ofthe
Wildmother Symbol ofthe All-Hammer

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 31

 The Dawnfather The Everlight
The Dawnfather rules over sun and summer, and his God of compassion and redemption, the Everlight
vigil encircles the ages as the keeper of time. As the bears a divine message of determination and com-
lord of agriculture and harbinger of the harvest, he passion, even in the darkest of times. She believes
is worshiped by farmers and most common folk, and that the corrupt can be redeemed, a mindset that led
his priests are welcome in lands all over. Supporter to a betrayal by the Lord of the Hells, who decimated
of the needy and destroyer of evil, the Dawnfather her followers during the Calamity. Only recently
is often the patron of paladins and rangers who has her faith been rediscovered and her temples
follow a similar creed. The Dawnfather is mythically returned to prominence. The Everlight’s followers
renowned for his defeat of the Chained Oblivion and are often rural healers and community philosophers,
is revered by those who hunt aberrations. offering voices of reason and empathy in angry and
Depiction. Tapestries of old match early texts cynical times.
describing the Dawnfather as a kindly patriarch clad Depiction. Those who rise to bring the Everlight’s
in silver and gold armor, his head a beacon of light words back to the light either unearth her image
and fire so bright that his face can barely be seen. from ruined temples or create new art to inspire
Many statues in holy places use the Dawnfather’s others with her message. She is represented as a
head as a brazier, lit with each dawn and extin- beautiful, strong woman with dark skin and light
guished with the dusk. hair, rising betwixt a set of angelic ivory wings.
Divine Domains. Many of the Dawnfather’s cler- Divine Domains. Many of the Everlight’s clerics
ics are granted powers of Life, Light, or Nature. are granted powers of Life, Light, or Peace.
Holy Day. The Dawnfather’s holy day is called Holy Day. The Everlight’s holy day has long been
Highsummer and takes place on the fifteenth day forgotten, and her followers have yet to decide when
of the seventh month. In Emon, the entire week is her festival should be held, or even what the festivi-
celebrated with gift-giving and feasting. Festivities ties should be. The debate has gone on for years, and
begin on Highsummer day and end at midnight on no great miracles have yet been performed to unify
the twenty-first, the day that Zan Tal’Dorei dethroned the squabbling clerics.
Trist Drassig at the Battle of the Umbra Hills. In
Whitestone, the feast of Highsummer is celebrated Commandments of the Everlight
with gifts and a festival of lights around the Sun • Lead with mercy, patience, and compassion.
Tree. Most folk choose to spend Highsummer with Inspire others to unite in fellowship.
their family, recounting the small things they are • Aid those who are without guide. Heal those who
thankful for. are without hope.
• Those who are beyond redemption, who revel in
Commandments of the Dawnfather slaughter and remorseless evil, must be dispatched
• Be ever vigilant for evil. People are quick to forget with swift justice.
the lessons of the past.
• Help relieve the suffering of the innocent. The Matron of Ravens
• Deliver the light of the Dawnfather where dark- Master of the skein of fate and the mistress of winter,
ness dwells, and do so with kindness, compassion, the Matron of Ravens is the god of death. Her gaze
and mercy. follows and marks the end of each mortal life, watch-
ing over the transition between life and death—and
ensuring that the natural transition is undefiled.

Symbol ofthe Dawnfather Symbol of the Everlight

32 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 Mourners at funerals across the land invoke her The Moonweaver
blessing in hopes that she will protect the deceased The Moonweaver is the god of moonlight and the
from the terrible curse of undeath. autumn season, as well as the patron of illusion and
Keepers of ancient lore believe the Matron of misdirection. Widely worshipped in halfling and
Ravens was once mortal herself, and thus the only elven culture, she is also considered to be the deity
mortal known to have ascended to godhood—before of love, shielding the trysts of lovers in shadows of
the rise of the Whispered One, at least. Her rise her own making. Those who work in darkness and
instantly obliterated the previous, now-forgotten trickery often ask for her blessing.
god of death, and in its wake, the other gods quickly Depiction. Depictions of the Moonweaver are as
and fearfully destroyed the secrets to the rites of numerous as the myths and stories of her meddling
ascension. within simple unions. However, she is most often
Depiction. There are very few visual depictions painted as a young girl of light-blue skin and white
of the Matron of Ravens; many temples simply use hair, with a body and limbs that dissolve into silky
the raven as a symbol of her blessing. Rare images, strands of silver moonlight, caressing and creating
however, portray the Matron herself as a tall, pale the edges of the shadows.
woman wrapped in dangling black linens, her Divine Domains. Many of the Moonweaver’s cler-
onyx-black hair straight and never-ending, her face ics are granted powers of Arcana, Moon (see page
obscured by a white porcelain mask. 169), or Twilight.
Divine Domains. Many of the Matron of Ravens’s Holy Day. The Moonweaver has no holy day,
clerics are granted powers of Death, Grave, or but is celebrated by most elves on the night of the
Twilight. decade’s largest full moon. Elven astronomers track
Holy Day. The Matron of Ravens’s holy day is the the moon’s phases and how it grows closer and
Night of Ascension, which celebrates her apotheosis. farther to Exandria, and can predict these days with
The actual date of the goddess’s rise to divinity is great accuracy. Many high and haughty elves use
unclear, but the Night of Ascension is nonetheless this festival as an excuse to be sly and mischievous;
celebrated on the thirteenth day of the tenth month. some younger elves use costumes and illusions to
Many people of Emon see this cheery celebration prank their peers. The wyvern-riding skyswimmers
of the dead to be unnerving and macabre, but the of Lyrengorn, however, venerate the Moonweaver in
Matron’s followers believe that the honored dead their own way: with the annual arrival of the Moon-
would rather be venerated with cheer than misery. weaver’s Ribbons, a majestic aurora that illuminates
The Matron of Ravens is also considered by some the skies above the Elvenpeaks.
to be the patron of Winter’s Crest, a holiday that
celebrates freedom from Errevon the Rimelord and Commandments of the Moonweaver
is observed in Tal’Dorei on the twentieth day of the • Seize your own destiny and pursue your
eleventh month. own passions.
• Let the shadows protect you from the burning light
Commandments of the Matron of Ravens
of fanaticism and the absolute darkness of despair.
• Death is the natural end of life. Grieve the fallen, • Walk unbridled and untethered, forging new mem-
but do not pity them. Exult in the time that they ories and experiences.
were granted.
• The path of Fate is sacrosanct. Those who pride-
fully cast off destiny must be punished.
• Undeath is an atrocity. Death is too good a punish-
ment for those who pervert the rightful transition
of the soul.

Symbol of the Matron of Ravens Symbol of the Moonweaver

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 33

 Betrayer Gods Depiction. A twisted image of the celestial blood
that once bore him, the Lord of the Hells is portrayed
The Betrayer Gods are the deities who strayed in many tomes and murals as a handsome humanoid
from the ideals of the Founding and embraced the with deep red skin and long black hair. Two curling
destructive chaos of the Primordials. The Betrayer horns rise from his crowned brow, and his lips bear
Gods rarely work together, for they see one an eternal, knowing grin.
another as threats to their own goals. This very Divine Domains. Many of the Lord of the Hells’
weakness allowed the Prime Deities to defeat and clerics are granted powers of Order, Trickery, or War.
Enemies. The Lord of the Hells’ enemies are
banish them, ending the Calamity.
numerous, even among the Betrayer Gods, many
of whom only follow him for fear of his immense
Betrayer Gods power. His archnemesis is the Changebringer, whose
Deity Alignment Province mischief and cunning has vexed him throughout the
Lord of the Hells Lawful evil God of devils eons. It was she who defeated him in the Calam-
and the Hells ity by tricking his fiendish armies into attacking
one another.
Strife Emperor Lawful evil Conquest, tyranny The Devil Lord’s greatest triumph during the
The Ruiner Chaotic evil Slaughter, warfare Calamity was fooling and betraying the Ever-
Spider Queen Chaotic evil Deceit, spiders light and slaughtering all her followers in one fell
stroke—a move that today has united the followers
Chained Oblivion Chaotic evil Darkness, destruction
of the Everlight and the Changebringer in a bond of
Scaled Tyrant Lawful evil Dragon god of evil unbreakable fellowship.
Crawling King Neutral evil Enslavement, torture
Commandments of the Lord of the Hells
Whispered One Neutral evil Necromancy, secrets
• Assert dominance and power over others. Show
Cloaked Serpent Chaotic evil Assassins, your strength of will in the image of your Lord.
poison, snakes • Repay cruelty done unto you with further evil. If
others show you kindness, exploit it.
The Lord of the Hells • As you ascend to power, do not pity or show mercy
The devil god of the Hells is the master of tyranny to those you climb over to get there. The weak do
and domination, and was the first to instill his des- not warrant your compassion—compassion itself is
potic will into celestials, creating the first devils. His a weakness.
words are honeyed and carefully crafted, soothing
and corrupting the hearts of mortals and immortals The Strife Emperor
alike. The Lord of the Hells rules his domain with Blood-drenched armies of brutal warriors oft crush
an iron fist, and the punishments awaiting those that their foes in the name of the Strife Emperor, the
cross him are the stuff of nightmares. Evil entities patron of warfare and conquest. To serve his will is
pay him tribute right alongside his devils, and many to accept the call to conflict, seeking lesser people to
warlocks are drawn to his power. break and subjugate. Warmongers worship the Strife
Emperor as they strike out at the world to bend it
beneath them.
The Strife Emperor twists all living things to his
iron will, even forcing nature itself to bow to his
whims. During the Calamity, he grew his armies not
by rallying demons, but by corrupting noble crea-
tures into monsters and by destroying the wilds to
fuel his engines of war.
Depiction. The Strife Emperor is often depicted
as a brutish, ogre-like man clad from head to toe in
jagged black armor. Heads dangle from his belt, and
the shadows that obscure his helmeted face do not
hide his unblinking yellow eyes.
Those who long for conquest often see their own
people as superior to all others. Thus, somewhat
Symbol of the Lord of the Hells appropriately, depictions of the Strife Emperor are
contentious and myriad: he is usually portrayed as a
member of whatever race currently bears his banner.
In the Republic of Tal’Dorei, his face most often has

34 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 a human cast, for King Drassig’s bloodline paid him the worst of these cults are the Ravagers, the
tribute long ago. scourge of the Dividing Plains (see page 249).
Divine Domains. Many of the Strife Emper- Depiction. Simple clay representations in
or’s clerics are granted powers of the Forge, communities of the Ruiner’s followers show him
Order, or War. as a hulking, bulbous behemoth of an orc. His
Enemies. The Strife Emperor’s greatest enemy missing eye has shifted, the prominent remaining
is the Wildmother, who defeated him in Rifenmist eye now centered in his face like that of a nightmar-
during the Calamity. In turn, he is also despised ish cyclops.
by her beloved, the Lawbearer, for perverting the Divine Domains. Many of the Ruiner’s clerics are
benevolent rule of law into the manacles of authori- granted powers of Death, Tempest, or War.
tarianism. The Strife Emperor and the Wildmother Enemies. The Arch Heart shot out the Ruin-
clashed many times during the war before his final er’s right eye during the Calamity, and the god of
defeat at Beynsfal Plateau. His massive iron armor slaughter longs for the day he can return the favor
is still scattered across Beynsfal, and his gigantic twofold. Likewise, the Ruiner is a dark mirror of
helmet has become the seat of a ruthless empire. the Wildmother, and his hatred for her kindness is
surpassed only by his lust for vengeance against the
Commandments of the Strife Emperor Arch Heart.
• Fear is your ally. Conquer your fear, and inspire it
in your foes. Commandments of the Ruiner
• Disorder and rebellion are to be punished severely. • Ruin. Ravage. Kill.
• To kill is life’s greatest pleasure, and perfecting the • The weak exist to be crushed by the strong. Be
art of slaughter is life’s greatest pursuit. the strong.
The Strife Emperor is also known as the progen- • There are no emotions but fury and joy. The rest
itor of the Curse of Strife (see “Betrayer Curses” are weakness.
on page 39). The Ruiner is also known as the progenitor of the
Curse of Ruin (see “Betrayer Curses” on page 39).
The Ruiner
The Ruiner commands roving hordes of barbaric The Spider Queen
marauders across the lands to destroy, pillage, and The god of deceit, shadows, and spiders, the Spider
slaughter for the joy of it. Orderless and without Queen weaves a complicated web of schemes and
honor, the creeds of the evil lord goad all living crea- treachery through her worshipers, deceiving allies
tures to shrug off the oppressive chains of courtesy and enemies alike to gain power. The Spider Queen’s
and civilization and to devour the world around worship is entwined with the society of dark elves
them, giving in to the chaotic and selfish nature of across much of Exandria, even as the drow fall ever
the predator. deeper into the thrall of the Chained Oblivion’s aber-
As civilization rises, people of all cultures feel the rant minions. It is said that the Spider Queen can see
draw of the uncomplicated, primeval world. Some through the eyes of all spiders and that she is truly
find their way to the loving embrace of the Wild- all-knowing.
mother and her sects, going on to live in harmony A mysterious faction of elves from Wildemount,
with nature. Others fall into the cruel thrall of the the Kryn Dynasty, escaped this evil god’s thrall in
Ruiner and his bloody cults of slaughter. In Tal’Dorei, ancient times. This civilization’s geographical isola-
tion from Tal’Dorei keeps communication between

Symbol of the Strife Emperor Symbol of the Ruiner

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 35

 them limited, but a small number of Kryn dark elves they devote the rest of their lives to hastening the end
have traveled to Tal’Dorei to investigate the subter- of this reality so that it may be swallowed up by the
ranean tunnels beneath the Stormcrest Mountains great inevitability: utter, tenebrous cold.
(see page 112). Even the other Betrayer Gods treat the Oblivion
Depiction. Ancient icons and idols dedicated to with caution. In its endless imprisonment, it dreams
the Spider Queen show an alluring woman with deep nightmarish aberrations into existence, deep beneath
purple skin and silver hair, her abdomen swelling Exandria. The Chained Oblivion’s demented cultists
into the terrifying body of a monstrous spider. Her work without word from their twisted patron, await-
depictions are highly polarized between her elite dev- ing the Epoch of Ends, when its freedom will be
otees and her wretched supplicants. They are either attained and all beings shall be consumed in death-
opulent gilded statues, or deranged cave paintings. lessness unending.
Divine Domains. Many of the Spider Queen’s Depiction. Few visual attempts to depict the
clerics are granted powers of Knowledge or Trickery. Chained Oblivion exist, but texts describe a creature
Enemies. The Spider Queen holds a searing of roiling ink and hungry darkness, a spreading
grudge against the Stormlord, for with one throw of cloud of lightless destruction born from a thousand
his mighty thunderspear, he impaled her against a ravenous mouths. Current references show the night-
cliffside, leaving her drow armies leaderless during mare constrained by chains of black and gold, barely
the Calamity. The Spider Queen and the Ruiner also keeping the dark at bay.
share a burning hatred for the Arch Heart, whom she Divine Domains. Many of the Chained Obliv-
claims drove her children below the earth. Despite ion’s clerics are granted powers of Death, Grave,
their shared enemy, the Spider Queen often manip- or Trickery.
ulates the Ruiner’s followers into attacking her foes, Enemies. The few remaining followers of the
so that the drow may remain safe. The only being the Knowing Mentor, who was gravely wounded by
Queen fears is the Chained Oblivion; she dreads its the Oblivion in ancient times, are dedicated to
alien mind and is furious about how its madness has ensuring that the Chained Oblivion is never again
gripped her children. unchained. Their goddess led the charge against the
all-consuming god’s reemergence, and her bravery
Commandments of the Spider Queen allowed the other Prime Deities to shackle their
• It is better to be loved than feared, but you may enemy, though the victory nearly cost the Mentor her
certainly try to be both. immortal life. Some say the Knowing Mentor can
• Misdirection, slander, and shadowed steps have only be fully restored if the Chained Oblivion is fully
more function than direct conflict. destroyed—for good.
• Death to the elves who live under the sun, and
death to all their allies! Commandments of the Chained Oblivion
• Offer light and life into its all-consuming maw so
The Chained Oblivion that it may surpass all divinities and be freed.
It is darkness unending, less like a god and more like • Uncover, restore, and exalt forgotten shrines and
another world of malevolent, alien intelligence. Life relics in its honor.
and death do not exist within the Chained Oblivion; • Ruin and raze the realms to hasten the arrival of
only the absolute end of all things. Few minds can the Epoch of Ends.
comprehend the depth of oblivion. Most who do are
so completely lost to nihilistic despair or denial that

Symbol of the
Spider Queen

Symbol of the Chained Oblivion

36 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 The Scaled Tyrant The Crawling King
The evil queen of dragons is a fearsome god of greed, The god of the endless tunnels and caverns beneath
envy, and hoarded wealth. While chromatic dragons Exandria, the Crawling King is patron to torturers,
are her foremost worshipers, the Scaled Tyrant slavers, and jailers across the realms. The furi-
accepts the worship of any who crave wealth. All ous, molten tears he wept upon his defeat carved a
chromatic dragons have a fearful reverence for their network of infinite subterranean pathways beneath
tyrannical queen, but many dragons of near-deific Exandria—and in the vastness of the Outer Planes,
power and ambition chafe under her rule. Though his plane of imprisonment is a realm of logic-defy-
the Scaled Tyrant was pleased by the devastation ing caves and grasping manacles from which few
that the Chroma Conclave spread across Exandria, return alive.
the prideful Conclave never considered themselves Those who rob others of their freedom offer
subservient to the Dragon Queen. prayers to him in cellars and other subterranean
Depiction. Most visual representations of the domains, and other creatures who live in the dark-
Scaled Tyrant exist as warnings within sanctuaries ness below worship him and seek his guidance.
of the Platinum Dragon. She is shown as a dragon Depiction. The Crawling King is rendered as a
of frightful size with five vicious dragon heads, each swollen, malformed worm that slithers through the
one a chromatic color of her evil children. Massive, dark below, with a screaming, hairless human head
leathery wings sprout from her back, spreading and three arms carving through the lightless rock.
clouds of poisonous mist. Divine Domains. Many of the Crawling King’s
Divine Domains. Many of the Scaled Tyrant’s clerics are granted powers of Death or Trickery.
clerics are granted powers of Order, Trickery, or War. Enemies. The Dawnfather and the Everlight
Enemies. The Scaled Tyrant’s hatred for the Plat- defeated the Crawling King during the Calamity by
inum Dragon is as old as the Founding, and her cults luring their nemesis above ground. The Dawnfather
are ever-hunted by his justice. For centuries, the pierced his tenebrous body with ten thousand lances
zealous paladins of the Platinum Dragon have lim- of sunlight, and the Everlight imprisoned him beyond
ited the Tyrant’s worship to the chromatic dragons, the boundaries of Exandria within her serene rays.
but sects of humanoid dragon-worshipers appeared The tears of pain and anger the Crawling King shed
in the wake of the Chroma Conclave’s destruction of burned through Exandria, and his faithful fled into
Emon, and have been secretly keeping her faith alive these tunnels to escape their enemies’ holy light.
in the generation since the Conclave’s defeat. Some
Tal’Dorei oligarchs have even turned to the Scaled Commandments of the Crawling King
Tyrant in secret, as their hoarded wealth begins to • Seek and exalt places where no light touches.
run dry, sapped by the immense cost of rebuilding • Revel in the pain you inflict upon others, and relish
what was lost to the Conclave. the pain you suffer yourself as an offering to the
Crawling King.
Commandments of the Scaled Tyrant • Imprison those who cannot resist you, and drag all
• Amass wealth, but spend little. The gold—and life into the darkness.
the power that comes with it—is sufficient reward
in itself.
• Do not forgive nor forget an indignity to yourself.
Let no affront go unpunished.
• Take what you covet. Those without the strength to
defend their dominion are not worthy of it.

Symbol of the Scaled Tyrant Symbol of the Crawling King

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 37

 The Whispered One Moonweaver, who benevolently blesses the keepers
The pain of defeat is cruel indeed. Twenty-four years of benign secrets, robbing him of followers.
ago, a cult known as the Remnants rose up against Commandments of the Whispered One
the world, led by an undead archmage known as
• Learn all you can, and keep hidden that which
the Whispered One. This lich had toiled in secret
you know. Reveal what pieces you must, but never
for years within the Plane of Shadow, constructing
the whole.
the towering citadel of Thar Amphala there, while
• Express and cultivate the evil within yourself, and
secretly spreading his poison throughout the storied
in doing so, recognize it in others to exploit them
lands of Issylra. His goal was simple: repeat the lost
for your own benefit.
rites of ascension that the Matron of Ravens used in
• Seed the ruin of all who worship other deities,
the Age of Arcanum to become a god—and this time,
until only those who kneel before the Whispered
to be on the opposite side of the Divine Gate, so that
One remain.
he could rule the world.
His ascension was successful, but the new god The Cloaked Serpent
was ultimately banished behind the Divine Gate
A wanderer in the shadows and the creator of snakes
by the intervention of Vox Machina. Their victory,
and serpentkin, the Cloaked Serpent is the evil god
though grand, was not complete. The Remnants,
of poisons, assassins, and darkness. The ancient
though bloodied, still venerate their spited master
serpentkin worship him over all other deities,
with offerings of secrets and unwilling souls to gain
dragging screaming offerings to their temples in his
his favor.
honor. Most of the Cloaked Serpent’s worshipers
The Whispered One is a god of hidden things, and
were annihilated during the Calamity, and those that
the occult remnants of his followers prey upon those
weren’t are either suspended in self-induced stasis or
who harbor dark secrets, stoking their fears and
hunted for sport by the servants of the Spider Queen
driving them into his skeletal embrace. He also is a
and the Crawling King. But perhaps the Cloaked
patron of undeath, and upon those who lavish him
Serpent is merely biding his time, waiting for the
with their worship, he bestows the keys to creating
proper moment to unleash his hidden armies upon
ever-greater monstrosities.
the world once more.
Depiction. The Whispered One is a picture of
In Tal’Dorei, most of the Cloaked Serpent’s ser-
sepulchral self-mutilation. Those faithful who saw
pentkin followers live in arcane suspension
him at Thar Amphala describe him as an unnaturally
on the mysterious Visa Isle (see page 145).
tall, gaunt humanoid with necrotic skin stretched
Depiction. Many forgotten temples were once built
taut over his bones, wrapped in robes of shadow, and
to worship the Cloaked Serpent, and his image was
adorned with jeweled talismans.
embedded within much of their architecture. He pos-
Divine Domains. Many of the Whispered One’s
sesses a humanoid body with six arms and a fanged,
clerics are granted powers of Arcana, Death, or
serpentine head adorned with a threatening hood.
Knowledge.
Strands of thick, dark hair sprout from his scaled
Enemies. The Whispered One now despises all
body, obscuring his form in layers of swirling shadow.
the gods who stood in his way by anointing members
Divine Domains. Many of the Cloaked Serpent’s
of Vox Machina as their champions. The Dawnfa-
clerics are granted powers of Nature or Trickery.
ther, the Everlight, the Knowing Mentor, and the
Enemies. The Cloaked Serpent loathes the
Matron of Ravens all contributed to his defeat, and
Lawbearer and the Wildmother, for he despises life,
his Remnants are hell-bent on subverting their mor-
order, and love above all things. His surviving wor-
tal followings. He also harbors resentment for the
shipers relish in using poison and fire to consume

Symbol of the
Whispered One

Symbol ofthe
Cloaked Serpent

38 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 nature and undermine civilization, hoping to infuri- with clerics of other faiths to loosen the bloody god’s
ate both goddesses and cast Exandria into chaos. grip on their families.

Commandments of the Cloaked Serpent Curse of Ruin

• Keep your acts obfuscated and secret. The night is Countless legends invoke hgar’Gruum, the Curse of
your greatest ally. Ruin. Great orc warriors have been laid low when
• Strike quickly and without reason. Blind the target bloodlust overtook their reason. Mighty mages
with their own confusion. driven by a foolhardy ambition forsook caution and
• Kill slowly. Agonizingly. Or worse, make delved furiously into knowledge no mortal eyes
them enjoy it. should behold. The Curse of Ruin is said to be the
birthright of all orcs—a deadly taint carried in the
Betrayer Curses blood of the Ruiner that forged their people during
The malign powers of some Betrayer Gods linger in the Calamity.
Exandria, both as myth and reality. Truth of Ruin. The truth is that the Curse of
Ruin is a myth. The blood of the Ruiner granted orcs
Curse of Strife physical strength and superhuman endurance, but it
The insidious voice of the Strife Emperor, both dam- imparted none of the Betrayer God’s evil. The power
nable and damning, invades the minds of countless of the myth, however, is more ruinous than any magic.
people across Tal’Dorei who have been afflicted by Consequences of the Myth. Countless super-
the Curse of Strife. The curse is especially prevalent stitious folk across Exandria—including many orcs
in Rifenmist, where the Strife Emperor’s faithful themselves—believe in the Curse of Ruin. This
clerics bestow it upon their soldiery, transforming belief doesn’t make the curse any more real. The
them into perfect weapons of war. The curse acts myth’s existence is a convenient way for any one orc
in unpredictable ways, turning some into chaotic to ignore the real consequences of their mistakes,
berserkers, others into obedient legionnaires, and or of any act of thoughtless harm—the curse takes
others still into selfish, isolationist thieves. Cultists of the blame. Even worse is when this “birthright” is
the Strife Emperor also use their power to covertly leveled at wise, even-tempered orcs who have done
spread the curse throughout hospitable and kind nothing wrong, and their frustrated reactions are
communities across Exandria, aiming to destroy then taken as proof of the curse’s existence.
them from within and make them more susceptible
to conquest. Lesser Idols
Origin of Strife. Such transformations are Though the gods still make their wills known upon
the result of the Strife Emperor’s torment, which the world by granting power to mortal clerics and by
whispers constantly in the victims’ minds. The free delivering edicts through their celestial or fiendish
goblinkin of Tal’Dorei regard those who spread the servitors, the Divine Gate inhibits them from exercis-
curse with special contempt—and those who suffer ing their full powers over the fate of Exandria. The
from it with immense pity. same is not true for the lesser idols, beings of demi-
For centuries, small-minded people in Tal’Dorei godly power that have, in the absence of true gods,
have feared goblins because they are the children of used their splendid and profane forms to amass their
the Strife Emperor. But while the first goblins, hob- own cult followings.
goblins, and bugbears were created in the Calamity Dozens of these powers are worshiped in relative
as soldiers for this fell god, the curse does not linger secret across Exandria. Some are supernatural
in their blood—it spreads via those who pledge their beings like archfey or archfiends that have taken up
souls to the Strife Emperor. Clerics of the Strife near-permanent residence on the Material Plane.
Emperor can use the bestow curse spell to inflict the Others are unknown fragments of the power of
Curse of Strife. primordial Creation, given form. Most are mortal
Curing the Curse. Creatures who experience champions that have gained near-divine power
kindness or suffer near-death experiences can have through magic, the blessings of the gods, or through
epiphanies that allow their true self to tear through mythic effort and training. In all of these cases, the
the bloody shroud of the Strife Emperor’s lies. A worship of mortals elevates these beings to some-
curse-afflicted creature who spends one week being thing greater than they were before, imbuing them
treated with love and compassion instead of hatred with fragments of divine power— and allowing them
and fear can make a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw, to grant scraps of that power back to the mortals in
breaking the curse on a success. The remove curse whom they take an interest.
spell also immediately ends the curse—and many
reformed clerics of the Strife Emperor have united

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 39

 Lesser Idols
Other Secluded Champions
Deity Alignment Province
A handful of other mortals exist in Tal’Dorei who
Azgrah Lawful neutral Undying have risen to nearly divine power through destiny
Galdric Lawful good Celestial, Undying or sheer will. Much like Azgrah, the vast majority of
these champions live out their lives in seclusion—
Graz’tchar Chaotic evil Fiend, Hexblade and perhaps it is their seclusion that grants them
Khedive Xundi Chaotic neutral Genie the ability to lend their powers to others, while
Lost Beacon Neutral Celestial they await the day that their full strength is at last
needed to defend their people.
The Observer Neutral good Archfey, Celestial All have their own stories, but no matter their
The Sightless Chaotic evil Great Old One tales, whether they are honored or despised by
The Traveler Chaotic neutral Archfey their kinsfolk, they are all mythic iconoclasts. Other
secluded champions of Tal’Dorei that you may wish
Vesh Neutral evil Archfey, Undying to develop into idols of your own include:
• Flavia, Queen of Unending Storms (cloud giant)
Azgrah, Lord of the • Suthine, Eternal Princess of Vulkanon (fire giant)
Deep Dwelling • Valdemar, Draugr-Jarl of Farborg (frost giant)
The underground citadel of Emberhold, along with • Ghaladron, Traitor to the Iron Crown (hobgoblin)
• Tevrosk, Whose Axe Was Wreathed in
the subterranean territories surrounding it, pays
Flowers (orc)
fealty to the Crawling King as master of the under-
• The First Favored Champion (stone giant)
ground. However, for all but the King’s most faithful,
• Typhoe, the Dreaming Shark (storm giant)
the homage they pay to him is a distant second to
their veneration of Azgrah, Lord of the Deep Dwell-
ing. This mighty champion is a duergar warrior who Graz’tchar, the Decadent End
completed six heroic labors in his prime, all of which Centuries ago, Zan Tal’Dorei defeated King Trist
have been frequently enshrined in bardsong, from Drassig in the Battle of Umbra Hills. Drassig died
the wooing of Prince Lhebeno to the Conquest of the wielding a blade called Graz’tchar, gifted to him
Amber Worm—in which he defeated a servant sent by a cunning demon among the ranks of the fiends
by the Crawling King to punish the present Queen of granted to him by the Strife Emperor. Zan let Dras-
the Emberhold for her impiety. sig’s blade lie where it fell, along with his body.
Azgrah has enjoyed an incredibly long life, even This blade contains a sliver of the ego of the
for a duergar, and now lives in isolation in a temple Demon Prince of Indulgence, and enacts his anar-
deep within the Amber Worm’s writhing tunnels. He chic, hedonistic will upon the world. From up to one
is tended to only by his most trusted warlocks, and thousand miles away from its resting place in the
is venerated by all as the Lord of the Deep Dwelling, Umbra Hills, the voice of Graz’tchar can be heard
and as the dwarf who will emerge in the Emberhold’s faintly in the minds of those it reaches out to—and,
hour of greatest need. so it is said, only one who has heard the voice of the
blade can find it amidst the blackened crags of that
Galdric, the Moonlit Wolf accursed battlefield.
Given purpose and power as the companion to Pur- The Decadent End is willing to grant power to
van Suul, champion of the Matron of Ravens during those who accept it, even from afar. It prefers to
the Calamity, the black wolf Galdric was sealed test those who hear its call before leading them to
within a raven’s slumber (see page 197), one of find it. When the time comes that someone does
several such relics made in the Matron’s honor, and wield Graz’tchar once more, its game statistics are
interred with his master in a tomb under the Mar- on page 195.
rowglade Loch in the distant land of Othanzia.
Over twenty years ago, Vaxil'dan of Vox Machina
Khedive Xundi, Lord of Silver Silt
was named champion in Purvan’s stead, and Gal- Only about a year ago, a genie of elemental water
dric was released from his slumber and bestowed was freed from captivity beneath Nicodranas—a city
with the charge of guarding the Parchwood sur- in Wildemount, on the other side of the Lucidian
rounding Whitestone. This large and cunning wolf Ocean. This marid, named Kedive Xundi, has now
now stalks the woods as the city’s silent protector, returned to his Palace of Silver Silt on the Elemental
with the people crafting new legends about their Plane of Water, and is happy to remain there—but he
bestial sentinel. On moonlit nights, some say you can is itching for payback.
see Galdric wander through the Greyfield, headed to But that’s a continent away, and Xundi has time for
the Matron of Ravens’s shrine for communion. both payback and entertainment. While he manipu-
lates mortals on Wildemount’s Menagerie Coast, he

40 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 also has deposited a beautiful clay amphora in the indeed, all of Gwessar—had ever seen. In its peace
port city of Stilben. Through this item, he watches and magical might, it exceeded even the grasp of the
passersby, occasionally enticing foolish mortals to nearby elven domain of Syngorn. Magic, entirely sep-
pick it up and give it a rub. From there, Xundi offers arate from the arcane rituals practiced by arcanists
them power, with no strings attached—save for a of the era, fueled their city’s rise to splendor, and the
request for them to go on the most thrilling adven- being that came to them looked on in fascination.
tures a little mortal can. And maybe, if they survive It appeared before them in a form that at once
long enough and become powerful enough, the marid seemed familiar and majestic. It had a body like one
will invite that mortal and their friends to his Palace of of the catfolk—a wiry humanoid frame with a feline
Silver Silt for a grand banquet, all the pleasures they face, covered in tawny fur and possessed of a tail and
can imagine, and then a request for them to engage limbs that ended in large paws. Beyond this familiar
in the most thrilling adventure he can think of—and appearance, four broad, avian wings burst from
Xundi has had the length of a most interminable this ten-foot-tall avatar’s back. It was surrounded
imprisonment to think of incredible adventures. by a golden light that seemed not to illuminate and
saturate the world around it, but make it dimmer,
The Lost Beacon of ashy, and washed-out. Yet in this pallid light came a
Unknown Light sharpness of perception, as if it were more real than
In a time before time, when Exandria was naught but the material world around it. The being appeared in
darkness in the chaos before even the Founding, a the center of the Qoniira civilization, at the heart of
luminous being called the Luxon sought answers about the city of Niirdal-Poc, and it spoke a single phrase:
their existence. They lit the first fires within Exandria “I am the Observer, and I give unto you the Gift.”
with their unquenchable light, and then began to wait. Then, it vanished from sight.
Gods came. They created beings that spread across the All at once, the gray-gold light of the Observer
planet. Those creatures died and procreated and died surged throughout Qoniira. Though the citizens
in an endless cycle, of which the Luxon grew curious. didn’t notice a difference at first, as time went by,
Surely, by watching these short-lived beings, they could many people began to manifest new forms of magic.
learn the answers they sought. This magic was not the controlled, scientific power
So the Luxon divided their own light into beacons, of far-off arcanists in their flying cities, but chaotic,
dodecahedral crystals of eternal radiance. They cast unpredictable, and miraculous.
them across the world and fell into a deep slumber, The once-sprawling civilization of Qoniira has
during which they hoped people would find the bea- shrunk over the centuries, but its people still draw
cons and bond to them, allowing the mortals’ souls upon the miracles of the Gift, and they are still
to be reborn again and again so they could learn watched from afar by the unseen Observer. This
everything there is to learn about existence. entity does not reign like a god, but watches impas-
Many such beacons have been found across the sively those whom it gave its unpredictable Gift. As
world, mostly by a people who have learned the ways those born in Niirdal-Poc under the auspices of the
of the Luxon in a far-off land. However, many of the Observer travel north into the Republic of Tal’Dorei,
beacons remain unaccounted for. One such beacon or south into the oppressive realm of the Iron Author-
was unearthed about ten years ago by Tal’Dorei ity, the gaze of the Observer is moved even farther
settlers in the Cliffkeep Mountains, far from any afield—adding ever more variables to its mysterious
civilization. The people of this settlement, Reaching experiment.
Bluff, call it the Beacon of Unknown Light, and treat
it as a mystical oracle that will guide their young
The Sightless
settlement to prosperity. In the Age of Arcanum, an archmage named Clem-
Despite the settlers’ best efforts, word of their dis- ain Astural was the first to make contact with an
covery has escaped Reaching Bluff. As adventurers otherworldly power of the Realms Beyond that called
and treasure-seekers begin to trickle in, the settlers itself the Sightless. His legendary writings, the well-
protect their newfound oracle with cultish devo- guarded Astural Scrolls (see page 112), say that the
tion—despite the fact that it has never once spoken to entity’s words of greeting to him were:
them, as they have beseeched it to countless times. “I am the Sightless. Will you not lend me your eyes?”
The Astural Scrolls are vague about the powers of
The Observer the Sightless—also sometimes called the Sightless
Amidst the Age of Arcanum, the people of the great One, the Borrower of Eyes, and the Lurker Behind
Tetrarchy of Qoniira were visited by a being of One Thousand Eyes—but they are specific about
sheltering power and comforting light. The people of several things. First, Astural willingly relinquished his
Qoniira were on the path to creating the most pros- own sight to the Sightless in exchange for his patron’s
perous civilization that the Rifenmist Jungle—and magical powers. He gained all the power he ever

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 41

wanted, but Exandria was as alien to the Sightless Traveler’s devoted have only grown in number and
as the Sightless was to Exandria. Forced to rely gleeful impishness. The current story is remarkably
upon this entity’s horrific interpretations of the world close to the truth: that the Traveler is a mighty lord
around it, Astural quickly lost his grip on reality. of the fey. This archfey, known as Artagan to a select
In time, Astural’s unchecked devastation was few, despises the relentless pressure of celebrity
stopped by great heroes of the time, and his scrolls godhood, and just wants to bring joy and freedom
were confiscated. They exist in the Westhall Acad- from responsibility to all. He still has plenty to learn
emy in Westruun (see page 91), and the second about mortals, and about when a bit of good, harm-
scroll, though secured in a deep vault, still holds less fun becomes not-so-harmless after all.
the secrets of the ritual Astural used to contact the
Sightless all those years ago. Vesh, the Bloody Siren
Blood and pleasure follow in the wake of the siren
The Traveler Vesh. Long has she stalked the shadows of far-off
Over the past few years, rumors of a green-cloaked Issylra, amassing secretive orgies of people of all
deity with a wiry frame and fiery red hair have genders and ancestries. These grand events have
spread across Tal’Dorei and the neighboring conti- a membership that numbers in the hundreds, all of
nent of Wildemount. This fey trickster, though not whom are bound to utmost secrecy, and are thrown
a god, has certainly enjoyed pretending to be one to in obscure retreats that are hidden in cities and
spread mirthful chaos across the world. towns across the continent. Little do the foolish
Hundreds of isolated individuals across Tal’Dorei pleasure-seekers in attendance know that the siren’s
have heard the voice of the Traveler—or they’ve at great fetes of debauchery can end with only two left
least experienced one of his wily pranks. Within the alive: Vesh and her new mate, who will go on to form
past year, a convention of the Traveler’s devotees a mystical blood-bond.
congregated on the tiny island of Rumblecusp in the “Beware the Bloody Siren,” sob those few who
Lucidian Ocean to exult his name and deeds. have escaped her orgy of blood, but their warnings
And then, suddenly, he vanished. The tales of a have only fueled her legend. In Tal’Dorei, where
trickster deity that washed across Tal’Dorei trickled Vesh’s presence is known only as a legend of a for-
to a halt, and a few of his once-devoted worshipers eign land, her name is most often invoked by youths
hung up their cloaks in disappointment. Something who want to impress their peers.
happened on Rumblecusp that shook the faith But who can say what would happen if an attrac-
of dozens of Traveler-worshipers. Some did not tive and foolish mortal called too fervently or too
return at all. frequently to the Bloody Siren? Perhaps she would
But amazingly, even though the divine narrative appear, baring her subtly radiant gray skin, stroking
of the Traveler has been abandoned by all, the her flowing violet hair, and gazing invitingly at the
fool with her blank white eyes.

Factions and Societies

While the dominant cultures of the continent have
molded structure and law from the rough clay left
beyond the Divergence, these very cultures are
comprised of a number of smaller factions that
together create the whole. Whether they be a union
of opportunists, ever-vigilant to reap the benefits of
an exploitable populace, or bands of like-minded pol-
iticians, striving to maintain control in a land beset
by chaos and danger, each faction seeks to drive
and manipulate the social and political direction
of Tal’Dorei. The alliances and tensions that can
arise between the following societies can guide your
adventurers’ destiny across the spectrum of heroism
and villainy.

Tal’Dorei Council
When the new reign of Tal’Dorei was established
three centuries ago, Zan Tal’Dorei deposed a brutal
tyrant. Though she was beloved by the people, she
did not wish to be given unchecked or uncounseled

Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 rule over the realm. Nevertheless, her inner circle In the generation since the fall of Emon, the
obeyed the will of the people and crowned her council has risen to the challenge of rebuilding and
Sovereign of Tal’Dorei. She took to her new role governing their new republic. This state’s power is
well and swiftly expanded her council by appointing highly decentralized; each individual city-state in
some of her trusted allies—and even some dissenting Tal’Dorei largely acts according to its own interests,
voices—to form an assembly of scholars, generals, with the council in place to ensure that pursuing
and philosophers to govern at her side. This Council those interests benefits the common good. Some
of Tal’Dorei worked alongside their sovereign to critics of the republic say that the Tal’Dorei Council
rebuild the realm following the end of Drassig’s line, is little more than a glorified city council for Emon,
and were instrumental in the following prosperity of though it is just as often praised for governing lightly
the nascent Tal’Dorei Empire. as a rule, and for using the spy network helmed by
Twenty-six years ago, Sovereign Uriel Tal’Dorei the council’s Master of Law to root out corruption
II, the latest and last of the Tal’Dorei line, publicly as needed.
ended the monarchy and passed power over to the In addition to the historical Six Masters whose
council, formally divesting his line of power. Tragi- positions have existed on the Tal’Dorei Council
cally, this ceremony was interrupted by the arrival of since Zan’s time, a variable number of delegates
the four ancient dragons known as the Chroma Con- also cast votes in matters of state. Each settlement
clave. The dragons destroyed the city of Emon, and in Tal’Dorei whose population numbers at least five
the man who had until moments ago been sovereign thousand is offered the option to elect delegates to
was one of the first casualties. Uriel Tal’Dorei is sur- the council if they wish to engage in national politics.
vived by his wife Salda, and three children—Odessa, The settlement is permitted one delegate per five
Illiya, and Gren—who have used their family's still thousand people, and the means of their election is
considerable wealth and power to become well- left to the settlement’s local government. Addition-
known public figures in Emon. Odessa herself won a ally, any settlement with a population of over twenty
seat on the council in a landslide victory. thousand can appoint an ambassador to Emon; these
ambassadors also sit on the council and have voting

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 43

 power. Once in Emon, each township’s delegation Master: the Master of War, who is appointed to the
is expected to negotiate with one another and find council by a vote of all sitting masters, ambassadors,
agreement. If an accord can’t be reached, they must and delegates. The council members are responsible
go through the slow process of drafting proposals to for these domains throughout the city of Emon and
be voted on by seated members of the council. work closely with community leaders in other cities
Though Kraghammer and Syngorn remain sover- to maintain order.
eign city-states, the invasion of the Chroma Conclave The Master of Development works with the
convinced lawmakers that even tighter alliances masonry and carpentry guilds to oversee all
between the peoples of Tal’Dorei were necessary. major infrastructure projects within Emon, as
One ambassador each from both Kraghammer and well as allocating resources to projects needed in
Syngorn now also holds a seat with voting power on settlements that have a delegation in the council.
the council. Each city-state has likewise sent a dele- In the past two decades, the current Master of
gation to Emon to vouch for their interests. Development has added an unprecedented eight
Lieutenant Masters of Development to his staff to
Goals serve the reconstruction needs of each city in the
Following Zan Tal’Dorei’s coronation, the Tal’Dorei republic.
Council existed to aid and inform the sovereign on The Master of Arcana keeps vigil over the lawful
how best to execute their duties. The council has use of magics within Tal’Dorei, informs the
evolved to manage the affairs of the city of Emon and council on matters beyond the mundane, and
provide a private forum for delegates from across the occasionally works with the Alabaster Lyceum’s
land to shape the future of Tal’Dorei. The council is Headmaster. This councilmember is currently
made up of six masters, whose roles have existed embroiled in debates over the danger that the
since the time of Zan Tal’Dorei, and a variable num- League of Miracles poses to organizations like the
ber of ambassadors from all city-states across the Arcana Pansophical.
continent who wish to participate in the coalition of The Master of Law enforces all of Tal’Dorei’s
power that is the Republic of Tal’Dorei. written laws from within the Watchful Hall, and
The Six Masters are elected by a popular vote serves as high judge on legal matters that affect
of all city-states who have sent an ambassador to the fate of the entire republic. All lesser courts
the council. These masters are each beholden to a answer to their authority.
domain of responsibility, and they either inherit the The Master of Commerce works with all major mer-
existing infrastructure of civil servants, or restruc- chant guilds and trading networks within Emon
ture with the approval of the rest of the council. The and beyond. They are to maintain healthy trade at
domains are divided as such: Development, Arcana, home and abroad, especially between squab-
Law, Commerce, Information, and Defense. Addition- bling delegates, and establish the government’s
ally, the first business of the council upon delivering annual budget.
or receiving a declaration of war is to elect a Seventh The Master of Information manages foreign diplo-
macy, and also serves as the head of a network
of spies that, these days, is supplemented by the
skilled eyes of the Clasp. Their work as spymaster
and chief diplomat seeks to root out threats to the
republic from within and without.
The Master of Defense is head of the Emon Guard,
High Commander of Fort Daxio, and manages
the allocation of federal resources to city guard
groups throughout Tal’Dorei. They work closely
with the Master of Law to mobilize armed troops
throughout the country if supernatural or nonmili-
tary threats arise during peacetime.
The Master of War is a temporary position only
instated during times of open or impending war-
fare. As Tal’Dorei has only a small standing army,
this newly appointed master then assembles a mil-
itary from city guards and town militias across the
nation, mobilizing the elite warriors of Fort Daxio
as needed. When peace is declared, the position is
dissolved until it is called for again.

Heraldry of the Tal’Dorei Council

44 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 Relationships city of Ank’Harel has been friendly and open when
it comes to trade and commerce, but has shown no
The council maintains free travel, free trade, and free
interest in any political relationships beyond that.
communication between its constituent settlements,
and between the republic and its allies—both on Figures of Interest
Tal’Dorei and abroad. The incursion of the Chroma
These figures are major members of the Tal’Dorei
Conclave has united the oft-feuding city-states of
Council that you can use as NPCs in your game. You
Syngorn and Kraghammer like never before, and all
should also take inspiration from these figures to
of Tal’Dorei now enjoys free trade and open borders
make up new NPCs for your own campaign.
between even its most remote enclaves. Thanks to
the actions of Vox Machina, the previously solitary Guardian Tofor Brotoras
city-state of Whitestone has joined the republic, to Dragonblood Master of Defense
the benefit of both.
The Clasp was once considered a serious threat Stern, honorable, and quick to anger, Tofor is proud
to the council’s rule, but times have changed. These to serve on the council. After losing many friends
days, Clasp Spirelings in Emon frequently make (and one of her own arms) in the struggles against
public appearances before the council on behalf of the Chroma Conclave, she took the vulnerability
their own organization and their often unscrupu- of the city to heart, swearing never to allow such a
lous business partners. This is to say nothing of the thing to happen again. She is a beloved hero of the
Clasp’s deep involvement in the Master of Informa- war against the Chroma Conclave and has served on
tion’s spy ring. the council since before the death of the Last Sover-
The Tal’Dorei Council has comfortable trade eign. Most folk in Emon suspect she’ll win reelection
and diplomatic agreements between the realm of until the day she dies.
Othanzia in Issylra and the loosely federated cities Seeker Odessa Tal’Dorei
of the Clovis Concord in Wildemount. The recent Human Master of Information
conclusion of a bloody war between the Dwendalian
Empire and the Kryn Dynasty in Wildemount has When the eldest daughter of the Last Sovereign
given the Tal’Dorei Council cause to send ambassa- campaigned for the Master of Information’s seat, its
dors to both nations to establish embassies, in hopes current holder was Seeker Assum Emring, a loyal
of creating an historic arrangement with all of the servant of her father’s. He bowed out of the race, and
sovereign nations of that oft-maligned continent. On his blithe quote made headlines in Emon: “I taught
the continent of Marquet to the southwest, the great her everything she knows.” She won in a landslide.
Odessa wields the dual blades of Assum’s spy net-
work and the mercenary agents of the Clasp with
practiced finesse. Nevertheless, her name and the
legacy of her father's martyrdom weigh heavily upon
her. As Seeker, Odessa is calm, methodical, and
laconic, but she carries a dignified sorrow.

Arcanist Allura Vysoren

Human Master of Arcana
Allura Vysoren has held the position of Master of
Arcana since before the Chroma Conclave’s attack,
and is held in the esteem of Tal’Dorei’s people—
mages and common folk alike. As a member of the
Arcana Pansophical, she is also increasingly worried
Arcanist as more and more of Tal’Dorei’s politicians fall in
debt to the League of Miracles. After decades of
Allura Vysoren investigating supernatural abnormalities herself,
age has finally forced her to limit her adventuresome
excursions. She now is one of the council’s foremost
employers of adventurers.

Arbiter Brom Goldhand

Human Master of Law
A stone-faced, gray-haired, flame-scarred cleric of the
Knowing Mentor, Brom is as mysterious as he is pro-
ficient with law. One thing is clear: he is dedicated to

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 45

 keeping the realm just and orderly, and there are few Ambassador Keyleth of the Ashari
who would dare challenge his judgement. Half-elf ambassador from Zephrah
Hearthmaker Edelbern Cleareyes A legendary archdruid and member of Vox Machina,
Goliath Master of Development Keyleth is both leader of the Air Ashari and ambas-
sador for all Tal’Dorei’s Ashari peoples. She despises
As a goliath of the Rivermaw nomads, no one
politics, and is focused entirely on improving the
expected Edelbern to have an interest in civic archi-
wellbeing of as many people as possible—as well
tecture. Yet, after growing up in Westruun while it
as involving the Ashari on the national stage. She
was occupied by the Herd of Storms some twenty
spends most of her time in Zephrah, with her
years ago, he found that he preferred the beauty of
people—including her father, Korrin, and her newly
stone towers to towering pines. He also possessed
returned mother, Vilya—but she can and will arrive
a remarkable gift of mathematical acuity, and used
in Emon at the drop of a hat, if Vex asks it of her.
his skills to set Westruun—and eventually all of
Tal’Dorei—on the path of reconstruction. Edelbern is Delegate Kel’jaia Uloeh
also idealistic to a fault, and has, in his dedication to Gnome delegate from Syngorn
restoration, been manipulated into handing numer-
Kel’jaia is a confident gnome with incredible strength
ous lucrative contracts to the League of Miracles,
and resilience—both physical and emotional. She
allowing them to amass greater and greater power.
is thought by all to be the council’s first choice for
Coinmistress Vex’ahlia de Rolo Master of War, should the time ever call for it. She
Half-elf Master of Commerce was born in the Rifenmist Jungle and grew up amidst
mercenaries who fought against the Iron Author-
As a member of Vox Machina and hero of the realm,
ity. After her commander was killed in battle, she
Vex’ahlia could help Tal’Dorei in any number of
traveled north to Syngorn to seek aid in her fight.
ways. She already held a ceremonial title in Whites-
She dreams of forging bonds of unity between her
tone as Grand Mistress of the Grey Hunt. Yet when
homeland and Tal’Dorei.
she and her husband pushed for Whitestone to be
formally recognized as a constituent city of the
Republic of Tal’Dorei, all who knew her name (and Arcana Pansophical
her legendary financial savvy) clamored for her to be All of Tal’Dorei’s greatest mages fought at the Battle
elected to the council as Coinmistress. She took to of the Umbra Hills. They saw the incursion of
the duty with aplomb, and fights hard to ensure that demons and devils firsthand, and were rightly
Emon never gets the bad end of a deal when gold terrified that the spawn of the Betrayer Gods could
is involved. ever return to the world. It was clear that the
Divergence had not wholly prevented supernatural
Ambassador Syldor Vessar evil from infringing upon the world, and that the
Elf ambassador from Syngorn mages of Exandria must prevent future “surprises”
Vex’ahlia’s elven father has served as his city’s of this nature. The mistakes of the Age of Arcanum
ambassador to Emon for well over a century, and
requested to be appointed a seated ambassador as
soon as the office was created. Though he is other-
wise a staunch traditionalist, Syldor was inspired
by his brave children to move past his old racial
prejudices and drive his homeland to be less bigoted
and xenophobic—learning from his own mistakes as
a father to two half-elven children. His relationship
with his elder daughter is still strained, and it is a
newsworthy occasion when they vote in accord.

Ambassador Deirdrik Greyspine

Dwarf ambassador from Kraghammer
The youngest son of the ruling House Greyspine
of Kraghammer, Deirdrik has little hope of being
elected Ironkeeper. Instead, this ambitious young
dwarf—a scant seventy years old—left his home to
win political renown in the national arena. He is a
romantic idealist at heart and always votes for bold
new policies, but doesn’t always think through the
consequences of his actions. Crest of the Arcana Pansophical

46 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 must never be repeated. In light of this, Yurek Relationships
Windkeeper, high enchanter of Syngorn and a The Arcana Pansophical is respected, if some-
well-respected arcanist, reached out to the realm’s what feared, throughout the Republic of Tal’Dorei.
most trusted and capable mages, and together they Syngorn and other elf-founded settlements see the
formed a private society called the Arcana Pansophical as allies, as the roots of the society
Pansophical. began within Syngorn itself. The people of Kragham-
mer are suspicious of the Pansophical’s legalistic
Goals Truth of Magic, and they fear that its members
The chief priority of this fellowship of powerful hold more loyalty to the Pansophical than to their
arcane specialists is to maintain the Truth of Magic, homeland.
a strict code enacted to never again allow the ram- Recently, a group of profit-driven arcanists
pant misuse of magic seen in the Age of Arcanum. splintered from the Arcana Pansophical to form the
General members are referred to as Guides, while self-styled League of Miracles. Their involvement in
the higher circle of members who deal in judgment the for-profit reconstruction of Tal’Dorei has made
and oversight are called Makers. At least one mem- them popular among mages who see the Pansophi-
ber is established at each place of arcane learning. cal as a stodgy, elitist institution. The Pansophical,
Membership is largely kept secret unless out however, sees the League of Miracles as a distasteful
of necessity, though the existence of the order is upstart that will soon buckle under its own ambition.
relatively common knowledge. Anyone found to be
practicing magic is logged and routinely checked up Figures of Interest
on, as misuse of magic is grounds for arrest, judg- These figures are major members of the Arcana
ment by the Makers, and punishment outside of the Pansophical that you can use as NPCs in your game.
local law. Even so, the reach and sight of the Arcana You should also take inspiration from these figures
Pansophical are not without limits, and many dark to make up your own NPCs.
and terrible dealings manage to escape their notice.
Enchanter Yurek Windkeeper
The Truth of Magic Elf wizard (enchanter) and Maker
The Pansophical’s myriad rules on the use and mis- Founder of the Arcana Pansophical, the ancient
use of magic are innumerable — detailed at length archmage Yurek generally stays within Syngorn,
in centuries of amendments made to the full text of acting as the nexus of the order and a consultant to
the Truth of Magic. Though the Truth’s bizarre intri- the Wardens of Syngorn.
cacies are left up to the GM, the Truth’s preamble
establishes three unbreakable edicts: Alchemist Oz Gruude
“In the Eternal interest of the Preservation of Har-
Halfling alchemist and Maker
mony within the realm of Exandria, we the Arcana Gruude is an ornery old halfling who is more
Pansophical establish the Truth of Magic, and three interested in traveling the world to study plants and
Edicts from which none shall stray. Those Arcanists minerals with latent magical properties than doing
found in gross violation of the Truth will be pun- alchemical lab work. He is rarely seen in the halls of
ished by the full extent of this Order—outside of the Pansophical.
any local law.
Though the school of Necromancy shall be Seer Gloria Ios
restricted to none, in the interest of magical study Human wizard (diviner) and Maker
and Understanding, the animation of the dead is a Gloria is one of the great diviners of the age, and her
Violation of the Truth. duties have sent her to Vasselheim, where she acts as
The Arcane is a tool to be wielded for the good a foreign outreach for the Pansophical.
of the People. To use its Power in the pursuit of
wanton Destruction or unjust Murder is a Violation Magus Seanor Wiles
of the Truth. Human wizard (enchanter), Maker, and tutor
In addition, though the Jurisdiction of the Pan-
sophical supersedes the power of local laws, a
A humble-looking traveler, Wiles delights in finding
mage who willfully breaks the laws of the land is in fresh and emerging talent and helping his new stu-
Violation of the Truth.” dents refine their arcane gifts.

Planerider Ryn
Tiefling wizard (conjurer), Maker, and planar studies
specialist
This former pupil of Yurek Windseeker has grown
into a master of planar travel. She likewise has

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 47

 taken an interest in the flow of magic across the and form four separate orders to seal and watch over
world by means of ley lines. She’s constantly on the the sources of these unleashed energies. Most of
move, traveling from plane to plane to conduct her the lesser rifts that opened in that time have been
research. healed, but one rift to each of the four Elemental
Planes remains in Exandria. The four orders of the
Tinkerer Quash Dentdruggle Ashari settled near these rifts, watching over them
Gnome construct specialist and Guide and soothing them when they grow volatile. Of these
Obsessed with the development of autonomous and orders, two are in Tal’Dorei, where they watch over
living arcane constructs, Quash is usually holed up the rift of earth and the rift of air. A dozen gener-
in his laboratory within Kraghammer. ations later, the Ashari still hold watch over these
tumultuous locations.
Arcanist Allura Vysoren
Human wizard (abjurer) and Guide Ashari Culture
As a member of the Tal’Dorei Council and a retired Though the Ashari began as a single group of
adventurer, Allura has helped maintain the political elementalists, their individual orders have each
significance of the Arcana Pansophical within Emon. developed their own ways of living over the
Even among her colleagues in the Pansophical, her centuries.
unpretentious strength commands great respect. The people of Pyrah value reactivity and coolness
under pressure, for panic is death during an erup-
Elementalist Drake Thunderbrand tion. The Ashari of Vesrah have a close relationship
Dwarf wizard (evoker) and Guide with the marine life that surrounds their rift, and
Driven to bind the physical elements of the chaotic their actions always prioritize the health of Exan-
planes to his will, Drake is a prodigy of new incanta- dria’s waters. Zephrah’s culture values the freedom
tions in the field. He and Allura Vysoren are lifelong of the open sky, and balances their sense of duty with
friends, and together they’re renowned for achieving a free-spirited sense of play. Finally, the society of
the impossible. Terrah is rooted in planning for the future, and fixing
what is broken with patience and humility.
Realmseer Eskil Ryndarien
Human archmage and Maker emeritus Goals
Though he was a Maker for most of his life, Realm- Each Ashari order guards their respective rift
seer Ryndarien grew frustrated with the politics and between one of the elemental planes and Exandria.
limitations of the Pansophical, eventually retiring to Here, they strive to understand, master, and ulti-
Westruun to pursue his own interests. These days, mately subdue the ever-escaping elemental forces.
he has found a way to rejuvenate his aged body and They attempt to bring balance to the surrounding
is now renowned as a handsome and aloof man lands and heal the rift over time, though recurring
about town—much to the annoyance of all who for- cosmic events tend to reopen these wounds.
merly knew him. The Ashari of Pyrah oversee the Fire Elemental
Rift in the valley caldera of the Sunderpeak Mountain
The Ashari range in Othanzia, upon the continent of Issylra. The
Ashari of Vesrah watch over the Water Elemental
The Material Plane is surrounded on all sides by
the churning chaos of the elements. This elemen-
tal power is invisible to most, but in some places,
the veil between this world and the Elemental
Planes grows thin—and sometimes is torn entirely
asunder. These places where the Elemental Planes
bleed into the world are called rifts, and they first
appeared on a long-ago Celestial Solstice when the
planes aligned. That day, elemental rifts of untold
proportions burst open across Exandria. Wildfires, Symbol of
tsunamis, hurricanes, and earthquakes ravaged the Ashari
the lands, and the people of the world struggled to
combat the elemental beings that poured forth from
the rifts. The tide of rampaging elementals was
eventually stemmed, but the world was gripped by
fear—what would happen on the next solstice?
In the wake of the planar disturbance, a society of
druids called the Ashari made a covenant to divide

48 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 Rift on the Islands of Anamn, within the Ozmit Sea. Figures of Interest
On the southwest edge of the Cliffkeep Mountains, These figures are major members of the Ashari that
the Ashari of Terrah stand vigilant over the Earth Ele- you can use as NPCs in your game. You should also
mental Rift, while high atop the windy mountaintops take inspiration from these figures to make up new
of the Summit Peaks, the Ashari of Zephrah keep NPCs for your own campaign.
the Air Elemental Rift. The Air Ashari also watch over
the Frostweald, where a being of elemental ice once Pa’tice, Heart of the Mountain
broke through to cause untold destruction. Human leader of Terrah
Due to their isolation, the Ashari go to great
Elderly leader of the Earth Ashari, Pa’tice still
lengths to maintain contact with their kin. Each
shows vigor and strength to resist his age, having
order is led by a single elemental master, a title that
led his people through many very tough challenges.
is passed on by blood or honor for generations. In
His stubbornness is legendary, and it's said even
every new generation that comes of age, the young
death has been forced to wait until Pa’tice sees it his
leader-to-be must embark upon an Aramente. This
proper time. Many believe that his druidic training
“noble odyssey” sends them across the world to meet
will keep him alive until he himself chooses to let go
with the other Ashari leaders and train until they
of this mortal coil.
have earned both the respect and an understanding
of their hosts. Korrin of Zephrah
Upon returning, they ascend to the head of their Half-elf elder of Zephrah
order, while the elder retires. This journey often
His wife Vilya was lost while she undertook the
takes years, and should one such Ashari not return
Aramente, and when the previous Voice of the Tem-
within a reasonable period of time, a next-of-kin
pest died of illness, Korrin was called upon to act
or a suitable elemental adept is chosen to take up
as Voice until his daughter Keyleth came of age and
the Aramente.
completed her Aramente. Korrin was shocked when
Relationships Vilya suddenly returned, and now spends his days in
disbelieving bliss, reunited with his long-lost wife. He
The Ashari maintain peaceful, if sometimes strained,
is gentle with those who show honor, and merciless
relationships between the orders, though inner
to those who threaten his people.
conflict occasionally arises within them. Beyond
this, much of life within the Ashari is hidden from Vilya, Who Escaped Death
outsiders’ prying eyes. In recent years, however, Half-elf elder of Zephrah
Keyleth of the Zephrah has taken steps to unite the
Vilya disappeared on her Aramente nearly thirty
Ashari with the rest of the people of Tal’Dorei. She
years ago, and was presumed dead. Her daughter,
has gone so far as to become an ambassador for the
Keyleth, took up her own Aramente ten years after
Ashari people on the Tal’Dorei Council. Part of this
Vilya left, and discovered from the Water Ashari of
work has been expanding the crisis orbs system,
Vesrah that Vilya was killed by a kraken, and only
which the Ashari used to contact their distant kin in
her leg was able to be recovered. Less than a year
times of peril, to connect cities across Tal’Dorei in
ago, Vilya suddenly strode out of a tree in Zeph-
the event of another crisis on the level of the Chroma
rah, her leg replaced with a druidic prosthetic of
Conclave.
her own creation, shocking all—though none were
The Ashari of Terrah nurture a seed of disre-
more overwhelmed with emotion than her daughter
spect and mistrust for Kraghammer, whose miners
and husband. Though Vilya never earned the title
constantly disregard their warnings against reckless
of Voice of the Tempest, she now aids her daughter
mining. This arrogance caused countless deaths in
in leading her people without the faintest trace of
the most recent eruption of the Terrah Rift—and led
jealousy.
to the collapse of an entire mountain.
Each Ashari culture has its own favored deities. Keyleth, Voice of the Tempest
Many Ashari of Pyrah venerate the Dawnfather, Half-elf leader of Zephrah
for his flames give life to Exandria. Many in Vesrah
worship the Moonweaver, for her work controls the Hero of Tal’Dorei and member of Vox Machina,
tides. In Zephrah, the faith of the Wildmother is Keyleth completed her Aramente and took leadership
predominant, for her freedom is like that of the wind. among her people following the destruction of the
And the people of Terrah hold the All-Hammer in Chroma Conclave. She seems to have not aged a
great respect for his association with creation and day since Vox Machina’s victory over the Whispered
the earth. There are many Ashari, as well, who pre- One. Since her beloved’s death, she has kept busy to
fer to revere the elements themselves, forgoing the fill the void in her heart. From expanding the crisis
worship of gods. orb network across the realm and building beautiful
windmills in the Summit Peaks with Percy’s aid to

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 49

 training Air Ashari heroes at home, she has never Relationships
allowed herself a free moment. She has rarely left The Brawler’s League is extremely illegal in all
Zephrah in the months since her mother’s emo- major cities across Tal’Dorei. Should lawkeepers of
tional return. any nation discover the location of the semiannual
event, the venue would find itself swiftly strangled by
Brawler’s League the long arm of the law. As such, magical protections
The brutal blood sports of the Brawler’s League and sentinels are placed throughout the event to pre-
began, unsurprisingly, during the vicious Drassig vent any unapproved entry, or to wipe the memory of
Dynasty. In that cruel era, many of Emon’s affluent those that do infiltrate.
and indolent social elite used their wealth to engage A common rumor states that numerous political
in entertainment of a more “visceral” variety. The figures who publicly decry the event secretly partake
kingdom’s poor were already fighting each other for in the gambling, and that the location of the event is
scraps; why not pay them to literally fight to the death concealed not only by magic, but also impenetrable
for their amusement? layers of bureaucracy. Kraghammer has hosted the
Some strong, charismatic ruffians used this oppor- event a number of times, with most local guards and
tunity to gain social power for themselves, and chief great houses turning a blind eye.
among them was a rough-and-tumble entrepreneur The Brawler’s League frequently hires local
from Kraghammer named Bruel Sunderchin. Reach- Clasp agents (or Myriad operatives, in a pinch) to
ing out to his network of lowlifes and cutthroats, spread word of their next event through the criminal
Sunderchin became ringleader of an annual gladia- underground. If all goes well, they get hired at the
torial tournament that caters expressly to Exandria’s event itself to provide protection, run interference,
wealthiest elite. and make money on the side by providing loans and
Those who have become invested members of the taking bets.
league’s events are anonymously delivered a golden
coin bearing their symbol in the weeks leading up Figures of Interest
to an event. These coins are required for entry into These figures are major members of the Brawler’s
the events, and those who wish to join, whether as a League that you can use as NPCs in your game. You
patron or participant, require a coin of their own. should also take inspiration from these figures to
make up new NPCs for your own campaign.
Goals
The Brawler’s League is always in search of hidden Oben “Broadstaff” Sunderchin
and well-guarded locations around Tal’Dorei (and Dwarf organizer and head of Brawler’s League
sometimes other realms) to establish their semi- Descendant of Bruel and inheritor of the league’s top
annual event. A combatant or team is required to position, Oben secretly goes by the name Broadstaff
have a known and cleared sponsor or manager to and doesn’t directly appear at events, as he avoids
enter the event. There are two tiers of bouts; one public connection with the league.
tier has teams of six battling via single elimination
until a victor is declared. The other features single Kradin Grimthorne
combatants fighting one-on-one, single-elimination, Dwarf fight manager
until a victor is declared. Killing your opponents isn’t A previously disgraced dwarf, exiled from Kragham-
encouraged, but isn’t explicitly discouraged, either. mer for murder, Grimthorne is the foremost brawler
Bets are placed in person at the event, or remotely talent scout in Tal’Dorei.
(via arcane messages and sending stones) from all
around Exandria. Chamber of Whitestone
Generations ago, a team of intrepid explorers
and fortune-seekers sailed from Port Damali in
Wildemount to northeastern Tal’Dorei through the
Shearing Channel, but wrecked upon the Alabaster
Sierras’ rocky cliffs. The expedition was led by the
de Rolo family, and these brave humans led the sur-
vivors to safety after the wreck. They took refuge in
a valley within the Alabaster Sierras, and there they
discovered the holy Sun Tree, a radiant tree blessed
by the Dawnfather. A community grew around the
Sun Tree, and the respected and beloved de Rolos
Crest of the were asked by their shipwrecked allies to be the
Brawler's League

50 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 leaders of this new settlement. Pressed against The Guardian of Woven Stone is the title given to
the chalky cliffs of the Alabaster Sierras, their new the central figure on the council, responsible for
homeland was dubbed Whitestone. higher civil justice, community unification, and
The sovereign city-state of Whitestone enjoyed oversight of internal government.
peace for many generations, secluded from the rest The Steward of Sunblessed Gifts is responsible for
of Tal’Dorei and Wildemount. This serenity was local farming and goods, overseeing distribution
destroyed when Lord Sylas and Lady Delilah Bri- between citizens and exportation.
arwood arrived in Whitestone and murdered most The Curator of Fortune’s Bounty is responsible for
of the de Rolo family. Lady Delilah, a necromancer all major commerce and economic business, both
of the Whispered One and a disgraced member of locally and with allied and foreign entities.
the Cerberus Assembly in Wildemount, and her The Keeper of Divine Virtue is responsible for
husband, a power-hungry vampire, transformed the religious organization and spiritual guidance
quiet city-state into a realm of death. They attempted regarding multiple faiths within the region, both
to take control of all of Tal’Dorei by puppeteering the as a religious leader and a protector of practices.
Last Sovereign, Uriel Tal’Dorei II, but were thwarted The Commissioner of Wardship is responsible for
by Vox Machina. the enforcement of local law, the organization of
Thirty years after Whitestone’s fall, the Briar- the Paleguard, acting as judge on smaller matters
woods and their sepulchral master are defeated, and of civil justice, and defense of the city during
Whitestone has returned to the blessed peace of its times of war.
past. Nevertheless, much has changed. The surviving The Architect of Enlightened Progress is responsi-
de Rolo siblings, Percival and Cassandra, reclaimed ble for the construction and infrastructure of the
the city with the aid of Vox Machina. With the tyrants city and castle.
dethroned, Percival established a council titled The Grand Mistress of the Grey Hunt is respon-
the Chamber of Whitestone to rule in his frequent sible for diplomatic relations and for rooting out
absence, and the city now sends a delegation to the dangers beyond the city’s walls.
Tal’Dorei Council to help safeguard the republic
against evil. Relationships
Despite its benefits, Whitestone’s previous solitary
Goals existence left it without allies in its time of need. The
Under the watch of Lady Cassandra de Rolo, the Chamber of Whitestone has sent a delegation to the
chamber handles and surveys all aspects of political Tal’Dorei Council for the betterment of both. These
life in Whitestone. Its members are appointed by the days, trade caravans are a common sight along the
head of the chamber, who is likely to be a scion of the Silvercut Roadway, transporting goods from Whites-
de Rolo family for generations to come. The head can tone to Westruun, Kymal, and ultimately Emon. The
also add or remove members from the council. This most expensive goods travel via skyships, which land
system is new and untested by a ruler less noble than at Whitestone’s brand-new skyport.
Percival or Cassandra. In many ways, this system
of government is another one of Percy’s tinkering Figures of Interest
projects. These figures are major members of the Chamber of
Members of the Chamber are granted distinct Whitestone that you can use as NPCs in your game.
areas of responsibility to the realm. You should also take inspiration from these figures
to make up new NPCs for your own campaign.

Lady Cassandra Johanna de Rolo,

Guardian of Woven Stone
Human head of the Chamber of Whitestone
Cassandra is Percival’s younger sister, thought
dead until he discovered her in the thrall of the
Briarwoods. She now manages Whitestone’s most
pressing matters, with daily briefings from other
members of the chamber. She is beloved throughout
the city for her resilience and her decisive leadership.

Heraldry of the Chamber of Whitestone

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 51

 Lord Percival Fredrickstein von As blood flows through and invigorates the body,
Musel Klossowski de Rolo III, so faith flows through and invigorates the soul.
Architect of Enlightened Progress Ever remember this: your blood and your faith are
Human member of the Chamber of Whitestone one and the same. Spill not your blood nor that of
Percival is Cassandra’s older brother, thought dead another heedlessly, but do not hesitate to spill either
until Vox Machina discovered him in a prison cell. when the cause is just.
His life was filled with countless joys and regrets. He —From The Crimson Canon,
has taken well to retirement from adventuring, and is
a holy text of the Claret Orders
renowned across Tal’Dorei for his creations.
Lady Vex’ahlia de Rolo, Baroness of
the Third House of Whitestone and Despite the Claret Orders’ best attempts at
Grand Mistress of the Grey Hunt secrecy, the esoteric art of blood magic has escaped
Half-Elf Member of the Chamber of Whitestone their clutches. Though rare, rogue blood mages and
Vex’ahlia is the Grand Mistress of the Grey Hunt, a blood hunters have spread across both Wildemount
title she has held since before she married Percival. and Tal’Dorei, unbound by the tenets and strictures
Over the past twenty-four years, she has become a of the Claret Orders.
talented and respected leader of the Grey Hunters.
And though the hunters use guns inspired by her
Goals
husband’s own designs, she still prefers to wield her The Creed of the Claret Orders asks that its follow-
trusty bow. ers commit their lives to the hunt of entities and
creatures that threaten the sanctity of life and joy.
Grog Strongjaw, Grand Poobah de While the sacrifice is great, the reward is the contin-
Doink, In Charge of All This-and-That ued existence of purity and good in the world. The
Goliath friend Orders strive to protect those who cannot protect
themselves from the shadows, taking no credit for
The noble, if simple, warrior of Vox Machina, no one
their services beyond the means to live and travel.
really knows if Grog’s title is a real title at all, or if
Some have strayed, focusing on building a fortune
Percy was just joking when he gave it to him. Grog
for themselves, but should word of such intent make
likes it, and that’s good enough for most people.
it back to the heads of the Orders, and their actions
begin to threaten the innocents they’ve sworn to pro-
Claret Orders tect, they may find themselves among the hunted.
Hundreds of years ago, a fell power exerted its
dark will over Wildemount, corrupting its outlying Relationships
townships and spreading chaos among its people. The Claret Orders have no alliance with nor alle-
Undeath washed over gravesites like a plague, giance to any standing government or group. Solitary
shadowed beasts stalked the midnight woods, and in action and discreet in display, they’ve not drawn
the influence of fiends befouled even Wildemount’s the attention of many factions in Tal’Dorei as of yet.
purest souls. However, it is only a matter of time before curious
In the eleventh hour, a priest of the Matron of eyes begin to seek answers to questions about these
Ravens named Trence Orman prayed for a way to dark guardians and their true nature.
protect his flock. The Matron’s inspiration came in
the form of long-hidden knowledge: the secrets to
blood magic. Taking his gifts, Trence trained his
most trusted warriors in these techniques, giving a
portion of their humanity in exchange for the power
to defend their people. This marked the origin of
the Claret Orders, and the first Blood Clerics, Blood
Mages, and Blood Hunters.
The Claret Orders work in relative secrecy, as the
nature of their abilities is largely misunderstood,
which often leads to persecution. Their numbers
are small, as the price is great and the Orders only
accept those who are strong of heart and have little
to lose. Small sects of the Orders have begun work
far enough West to wander the lands of Tal’Dorei
in recent years, keeping out of the public eye and
Symbol of the
remaining vigilant to the signs of familiar darkness Claret Orders
undermining the region.

52 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 Figures of Interest in Westruun, Stilben, and Kymal. Members are
branded with the guild’s symbol on their mid-back,
These figures are major members of the Claret
signifying allegiance and commitment. The Clasp
Orders that you can use as NPCs in your game. You
operates like a business-minded family or mafia,
should also take inspiration from these figures to
celebrating loyalty and an ability to keep one’s word.
make up new NPCs for your own campaign.
A member pays their debts, keeps their promises,
Claret Director Alasterre de Vitrevos and always seeks opportunity for the betterment of
Human Blood Domain cleric of Ravens the Clasp.
Leaders of a Clasp sect bear the title of Spireling,
Calm and sanguine to a fault, Alasterre de Vitrevos
and they oversee assigned elements of the organiza-
is the youngest-ever director of Tal’Dorei’s Claret
tion’s functions. Spirelings hold equal power within
Order. He sees his position as one he deserves
a sect, and there is always an odd number acting
without question, and is willing to use his command
within that location to break any disagreements over
more boldly than his mentor, director emeritus
business ventures and actions.
Teresa Dulamar. He is frequently seen in the field,
working with various adventuring parties and his Goals
own blood hunters to wipe out monsters wher-
While most common folk assume that the Clasp is
ever they emerge. The combination of his relaxed
merely interested in profit at any cost (and that is a
personality and his aggressive strategy may seem a
merit of the Clasp), they also wish to preserve the
contradiction at first glance, but those who know him
function and prosperity of civilization. It is com-
see the truth of the immense self-assurance that lets
monly held that a thriving city is a profitable one, and
him make hard decisions without hesitation. This
an enemy of civilization is a foe of the Clasp. They
quality is a strength when coolheaded leadership
largely consider themselves a necessary dark under-
is needed in the thick of battle, but it can make him
belly, willing to do the under-the-table deeds that
challenging to work with as an equal.
more wealthy and powerful citizens cannot commit
Director Emeritus Teresa Dulamar with their own hands. On the other hand, less scru-
Dwarf Blood Domain cleric of Ravens pulous Spirelings also understand that discontent
breeds profit, and have occasionally kindled the
The former head of Tal’Dorei’s Claret Orders retired
flames of unrest to keep things tense and profitable.
ten years ago after suffering a traumatic death in
Were it not for the branch of the Clasp in Emon,
combat. Her soul accepted resurrection, but she
the Chroma Conclave’s attack would likely have
took her defeat as a sign to let younger, fresher
destroyed the city’s culture entirely. However, thanks
blood take her place. She remains a part of the
to the Clasp’s role as a “shadow civilization,” the
Claret Orders to advise the current director on
people of Emon were able to maintain their foothold
matters he is too young to have experienced himself.
at home, even under the watchful eye of Thordak the
Though she displays a chilly demeanor, she simply
Cinder King.
keeps her compassionate side hidden from the
untrusted riffraff.

Hunter Jorick LaMensh

Human blood hunter
Once among the greatest of all blood hunters, Jorick
is now Director Emeritus Teresa Dulamar’s personal
bodyguard. He is still a capable member of the Order
of the Profane Soul, and urges immediate, decisive
action to destroy demons and devils whenever their
occult activity is discovered.

The Clasp
The Clasp is a well-established secret organization
consisting of spies, thieves, fences, assassins, sabo-
teurs, and smugglers. It was built upon the ruins of
the Winksman Thieves’ Guild, an organization that
flourished during the reign of Drassig, but crum-
bled under the rule of Zan Tal’Dorei. Based largely
in Emon—and under it, via a network of subterra-
nean tunnels—the Clasp also runs smaller outfits
Symbol of the Clasp

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 53

 Relationships a dangerous game by enjoying folk-hero status
as the public liaison between the Clasp and the
A generation ago, the Clasp was considered by
Tal’Dorei Council.
most to be an uncouth cesspool of cutthroats and
criminals. These days, thousands of people know Spireling Gholesh
the Clasp as the roguish heroes who saved their Human Spireling of Shadows (Westruun)
lives, or the lives of their parents, from the Chroma
Conclave. Nowhere is this truer than in Emon, where A crass and ambitious man, Gholesh's appearance
its Spirelings make public appearances and even, is a mystery as his face is always hidden behind a
on occasion, deal openly with the Tal’Dorei Council. leather mask that resembles an ogre. He has secretly
Nevertheless, Clasp agents outside of Emon keep thrown in his lot with the League of Miracles and,
their wits about them, for most local governments with their backing, he aspires to take over the Clasp
still view them as underhanded scoundrels—and and enjoy all its wealth and prestige.
not without reason. Most guards and town militias Spireling Melchior
will arrest known Clasp members on sight; however, Tiefling Spireling of Blades (Westruun)
most Clasp members know well enough to have a
friend on the force that will help them escape. This clean-faced, curly-haired tiefling with pale blue
The Clasp frowns upon dogmatic religion or skin and stubby horns may have a soft, babyish
cultish behavior, as it has conflicted with the visage, but it belies their powerful physique. They are
organization’s business in the past, and always equally skilled with a sword, axe, or bow, and made
ended messily. their name in underground brawling rings before
Since the arrival of the Myriad within Tal’Dorei joining the Clasp.
from Wildemount, the Clasp has been on extremely Spireling Fetch
high alert, seeking information on them and any
Halfling Spireling of Secrets (Westruun)
means of banishing this new competition. Gang war-
fare has broken out sporadically between the Clasp Creepy and unkempt in appearance, Fetch’s gaunt
and the Myriad in cities from Stilben to Emon over the face only distracts from his cunning and skills of
past twenty years, and though the rival organizations keen manipulation.
are currently at peace, everyone knows the whole
thing is just one poached client away from reigniting. Golden Grin
In dark times, entertainment and good cheer are just
Figures of Interest as vital as resistance. During the despotic rule of
These figures are major members of the Clasp that King Warren Drassig and his sons, a group of bards,
you can use as NPCs in your game. You should also dancers, and storytellers united to subvert his rule
take inspiration from these figures to make up new and inspire the people to rise against him. This band
NPCs for your own campaign. took the name “the Golden Grin” and traveled across
the realm to offer escapism and entertainment, all
Spireling Shenn
while planting the seeds of discontent, rebellion,
Human Spireling of Secrets (Emon)
and heroism.
A powerful illusionist, Shenn runs a far-reaching net- Since the fall of Drassig, the Golden Grin has been
work of spies and informants. In his younger days, ever-present, using song, comedy, and theatrics to
he was a canny negotiator who sought to spread the inspire the people of Tal’Dorei to endure hardship
Clasp beyond Tal’Dorei. The arrival of the Myriad
forced the Clasp onto the defensive, and he will never
forgive them for souring his ambitions.

Spireling Warren
Half-orc Spireling of Blades (Emon)
Deadly duelist turned master assassin of the Clasp,
Warren handles all contracts that involve kidnap-
ping, assassination, and intimidation. He hates
public appearances.

Spireling Zilloa
Half-elf Spireling of Shadows (Emon)
An accomplished burglar, Zilloa has risen to the
head of all thieving, smuggling, and black-mar-
ket dealings within the Clasp of Emon. She plays Crest of the Golden Grin

54 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 and fight back against evil. These “Grinners” include
among their ranks spiritual leaders, artists, musi-
Houses of Kraghammer
cians, innkeepers, and dozens of retired adventurers The fortified, subterranean city-state of Kraghammer
who still want to do good outside the public eye. was carved out of the bedrock of the Cliffkeep Moun-
Little is publicly known about the Golden Grin, other tains in the years following the Divergence. It is the
than myths and rumors, and the Grinners gladly ancestral home of the native dwarves of Tal’Dorei,
perpetuate these tall tales. and the five major bloodlines that founded the city in
ages past still rule to this day. The ruling families are
Goals Houses Greyspine, Zuurthom, Bronzegrip, Thunder-
The Golden Grin (or simply “the Grin”) exists to brand, and Glorendar. These Great Houses elect an
enlighten and inspire, keeping ears and eyes out for official to the office of Ironkeeper every ten years to
the murmurs of tyranny and cruelty. The Grin’s core keep the alliances between houses just and healthy.
philosophy is that each and every person is capable Though the culture of Kraghammer is highly
of great things alone, and even greater things traditional and as stoic as the stone it was carved
together. Rather than taking direct action them- from, it is not without unrest. It seems every dwarven
selves, most Grinners use songs and tales of great generation has its own great social movement where
heroes to galvanize people to action. disenfranchised workers or greedy, lesser noble
houses attempt to unseat the ruling five. Yet for good
Relationships or for ill, the Great Houses have time and time again
The Golden Grin claims no formal allies, nor do shown that they can put aside their differences to
members reveal their secret affiliation to outsiders preserve their mutual rulership.
unless circumstances are dire indeed. They use their
covert, grassroots power to empower local freedom Goals
fighters and activists. Some Grinners do occasion- Each ruling house has a specialty and holds
ally find their way into government, granting them a responsibility over that domain within Kragham-
higher vantage point and platform to disseminate the mer. House Greyspine maintains the largest mine
ideals behind their cause—but even these members under Kraghammer, as well as the Pools of Solace.
of the Grin take a dim view of the slowly turning House Zuurthom trains the chief architects of the
gears of bureaucracy. city, and most masonry and building is organized
Enemies of the Golden Grin are those that oppress through them. House Bronzegrip funds the smithing
and abuse freedom of expression and living. The guilds and maintains the Bronzegrip Metalworks,
Grin likewise mistrusts people and institutions that Kraghammer’s largest blast furnace and ore refin-
control or regulate the populace too heavily, even if ery. House Thunderbrand prides itself on training
they seem to have the best of intentions. Kraghammer’s foremost scholars and premiere
arcanists. House Glorendar maintains the law and
Figures of Interest delivers punishment.
These figures are major members of the Golden Grin
that you can use as NPCs in your game. You should Relationships
also take inspiration from these figures to make up Almost every dwarf living in Kraghammer can
new NPCs for your own campaign. remember a time when, “Kraghammer for the
dwarves!” was a common cheer at the pubs. And
Theona Balmhand when they said, “for the dwarves,” they meant just
Gnome cleric of the Lawbearer
A wandering healer hailing from Kymal, Theona
lives by donation and perpetually travels from place
to place, seeking to aid who she can and to learn
whatever the people whisper.

Doctor Dranzel
Half-orc traveling bard
A jovial and lackadaisical violinist and frontman for
Doctor Dranzel’s Traveling Troupe, the renowned
Doctor Dranzel exaggerates his stage persona for a
number of reasons, not the least of which is to make
him seem like a preening fool—the perfect cover for
a master spy of the Grin.

Heraldry of the Houses of Kraghammer

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 55

 Five the fingers that grasp hammer or blade, Lord Nostoc Greyspine
Five Houses of Kraghammer rightly made: Dwarf overseer of House Greyspine
Greyspine delves ’neath dwarven halls, The dour executive of dozens of quarries across
Zuurthom raises stony walls, the Cliffkeep Mountains, Nostoc makes up for
Bronzegrip masters of metal wrought, his unpleasant personality by being a formidable
Thunderbrand uncovers secrets sought. businessman. In recent years, he has become fabu-
And Glorenthal to judgments hear— lously wealthy as the reconstruction of cities across
In Kraghammer, dwarf-folk need never fear. Tal’Dorei devoured thousands of tons of stone.
—A child’s learning rhyme from House Thunderbrand and the League of Miracles
made it possible to transport it all with teleporta-
Kraghammer
tion spells.
Elementalist Drake Thunderbrand
the dwarves born in Kraghammer. Times have Dwarf evoker of House Thunderbrand
changed. The prevailing opinion is that a unified One of the eldest of his House, Drake is known
Tal’Dorei is best for all. Those dwarves whose tra- for his surprising empathy and fierce temper. He
ditionalism is just a veil for bigotry have found that is also a member of the Arcana Pansophical. His
they aren’t welcome in Kraghammer—they’ve subse- friendship with Allura Vysoren made him a popular
quently retreated to make their own isolated enclaves choice for Kraghammer’s ambassador to the council,
in the Cliffkeeps. but he politely refused, claiming it was a younger
The Houses of Kraghammer facilitate a healthy dwarf’s duty.
trade of metals, weapons, and armor with Emon
and Westruun. These bonds of commerce and League of Miracles
communication have only grown stronger since an
“Magic isn’t cheap, but miracles are priceless.” Such
ambassador from Kraghammer has taken a seat on
is the credo of the Wonderworker, the mysterious
the Tal’Dorei Council.
thaumaturge whose words inspire and guide the
Many members of House Thunderbrand also have
League of Miracles. This company of mercenary
ties to the Arcana Pansophical. However, lesser
magi is the reason why Tal’Dorei has recovered so
clans with aspirations of supplanting the renowned
rapidly from the near-apocalyptic destruction of the
Thunderbrands have thrown their lot in with the
Chroma Conclave. Westruun and Emon rose from
League of Miracles, hoping to become the new
rubble to the height of their former glory in a matter
masters of the arcane. They have been wooed by to
of months.
this upstart faction with promises of disrupting the
The people of Tal’Dorei adore the league. Their
old ways of commerce and prestige, establishing
mighty spellwrought adranachs (a new creature
something new.
described on page 223) can be seen lifting thou-
Figures of Interest sand-pound bricks of limestone high into the sky to
rebuild walls, towers, and even castles in a matter of
These figures are major members of the Houses
days. Many of the league’s spellwrights have become
of Kraghammer that you can use as NPCs in
folk heroes and celebrities for their miraculous acts,
your game. You should also take inspiration from
which range from healing those maimed in the Con-
these figures to make up new NPCs for your
clave’s attack to transmuting raw timber, mud, and
own campaign.
straw into full-fledged houses in minutes.
Ironkeeper Palluda Zuurthom For most of Tal’Dorei’s elite, the League of Mir-
Dwarf Ironkeeper of House Greyspine acles is likewise a great ally. Trade and travel have
resumed stronger than before, for the league has
Even after weathering the Chroma Conclave, uniting
eagerly subcontracted their talented mages out as
Kraghammer’s squabbling houses in support of the
guards for caravans and persons of interest.
Tal’Dorei Council was no mean feat. Ironkeeper
Yet, not everyone sees the league as an ally. In
Palluda of House Zuurthom proved up to the task.
the early aftermath of Thordak’s defeat, the new
They made a name for themself by taking control of
and untested Tal’Dorei Council put out thousands
a trade deal that ultimately sold tens of thousands of
of bounties on reconstruction projects to get their
gold pieces’ worth of quarried stone to the League
towns and cities back on their feet, and local mayors
of Miracles, which began the reconstruction of
and margraves across the nation agreed to these
Tal’Dorei in earnest. Palluda became a hero of the
subsidies to reduce the cost of reconstruction for
working dwarf within Kraghammer. They are a mas-
their already devastated populace. They expected
ter at getting all sides to agree to a compromise, and
Tal’Dorei’s rebirth to be a multigenerational under-
do so with an iron-edged smile.
taking—yet the League of Miracles snapped up these

56 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 bounties like candy, and the league does not work hunter-destroyers of the league’s enemies. These
their miracles cheaply. Bills for hundreds of thou- spellwrights sign a blood pact that connects their
sands of gold pieces’ worth of bounties found their minds to the mysterious communications of the
way to the desks of local leaders and to the Tal’Dorei Wonderworker, which all spellwrights are blood-
Council by the end of the year. Such vast wealth for bound to interpret and enact.
thirty years’ worth of rebuilding in three years’ time Grand Thaumaturge. The official title of the
simply did not exist. league’s shadowy master is the Grand Thauma-
But this was all part of the Wonderworker’s plan, turge, though most colloquially refer to them
and their spellwrights executed it flawlessly. The as the Wonderworker. None know their true
league needs money to purchase their expensive identity, or their ultimate goal. The spellwrights
spell components and to pay their talented merce- understand that the Grand Thaumaturge has a
nary membership, of course, but their true goal is the master plan that must be followed. Only these
priceless currency of power, in the form of political spellwrights have the privilege of hearing their
favors from leaders ranging from small-town mayors, master's psychic messages. Over the years, they
to city-ruling margraves, and even delegates to the have interpreted them to mean that the League of
Tal’Dorei Council. Rumors even swirl that one or Miracles must become the secret puppet-masters
more of the members of the council itself are in the of all Tal'Dorei.
league’s pocket.
The league’s members are delineated into a simple Goals
hierarchy. The League of Miracles is comprised mostly of
Mercenary Mage. Spellcasters drawn from across mercenary magi pulled from all corners of Tal’Dorei,
Tal’Dorei form the backbone of the League of with some even coming from abroad as news of the
Miracles. The league works as an agency, handing league’s reputation spreads across Exandria. For
mercenaries lucrative jobs, collecting the payment most of these arcanists, their goal is simple: to make
themselves, and paying out in a timely fashion— money. The goals of the league’s spellwrights are
minus twenty percent. These mercenaries come more elaborate. They listen for the cryptic words of
from all walks of life. Some are aspiring adventur- the mysterious Grand Thaumaturge and dedicate
ers seeking a less life-threatening first gig, while themselves to deciphering and enacting their grand
others are skilled arcanists with shady pasts, design. The spellwrights’ current aim is one of total
including Remnant cultists and double-dipping control—once all of Tal’Dorei’s social and political
Myriad agents with a talent for magic. elite are in their pockets, they can shape the land as
Spellwright. The most talented (or best-connected) they see fit, all to the cheering adoration of the fawn-
members of the league are awarded the title of ing people of Tal’Dorei.
spellwright. Only two dozen such masters of the
arcane exist across Tal’Dorei. These spellwrights Relationships
know the secrets of how to create adranachs, The League of Miracles tries to keep cordial, if
mighty constructs of magical energy that were distant, relationships with every major power on
used publicly to rebuild Tal’Dorei’s ravaged Tal’Dorei. Their public image is shiny and unim-
infrastructure—and are also used in secret as peachable. Many members of the Tal’Dorei Council
are already in their pocket and cast votes that further
the league’s self-interest. The Arcana Pansophi-
cal—especially Allura Vysoren, who also sits on the
council—are deeply distrustful of this unregulated,
uncommonly powerful organization.
The League of Miracles has a tense relationship
with the Chamber of Whitestone, as they have long
sought access to the residuum unique to that ter-
ritory. The spellwrights fear outright hostility with
the legendary heroes of Vox Machina, and have sup-
posedly abandoned their quest to mine Whitestone’s
naturally occurring residuum.
As “no questions asked” employers of mages, the
league is in the good graces of many less scru-
pulous arcane factions, including the Remnants.
Necromancers, blood mages, Ruidus cultists, and
other unsavory magi now exist under the league’s
protection.
Symbol of the League of Miracles

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 57

 Figures of Interest Library of the Cobalt Soul
These figures are major members of the League of The Cobalt Reserve in Westruun is home to a monas-
Miracles that you can use as NPCs in your game. tic order so old, enduring, and tirelessly dedicated
You should also take inspiration from these figures to the preservation of knowledge that most people
to make up new NPCs for your own campaign. in Tal’Dorei simply take it for granted. Just as birds
The Wonderworker have always flown and grass has always grown, the
Mysterious enactor of true miracles Library of the Cobalt Soul has always sent its agents
across the world, taking minutes at public trials,
All spellwrights hear the authoritative—yet enigmat- archiving broadsheets, exploring ancient ruins, and
ically distorted—voice of the Wonderworker. The copying scrolls. To all but the most dedicated schol-
Wonderworker has supposedly appeared in the flesh ars, the work of the Cobalt Soul seems like dreary,
only three times throughout the league’s twenty- banal stuff.
four-year history, as a humanoid draped in robes Nothing could be further from the truth. Beneath
of starlight and wearing a mithral mask. In those the veneer of being a dopey order of bookish monks,
moments, they have produced true miracles—raising the Cobalt Soul is one of the most dogged espionage
a castle from the ground in a matter of seconds, halt- organizations in the world. The secret agents of the
ing the rampaging silver dragon Saldarthoryn in her Cobalt Soul, its expositors, are spies who wield the
tracks and healing her twisted mind, and stopping truth as a weapon more potent than any blade. The
the Center Slab of Kraghammer from collapsing into Cobalt Soul was born in Wildemount, just after the
the Pits in a catastrophic mining accident that would end of the Calamity, when the Knowing Mentor was
have cost countless lives. These legendary acts maimed by an evil god. Her most loyal followers
inspired utmost awe and faith in all who witnessed went into hiding and vowed to continue her divine
them, leading the spellwrights to create adranachs work in knowing all there is to be known—and
in the Wonderworker’s image and enact their most importantly, to use the truth as a holy weapon
cryptic will. against lies and propaganda.
Blaine Kraverrogg Each archive of the Cobalt Soul has a common
hierarchy, and higher-ranking members of the Cobalt
Half-halfling mercenary necromancer
Soul can command their lower-ranking comrades
Short and brimming with a malign lust for power, from another archive.
Blaine appears to be a short, skeletally skinny
Monk. The monks of the Cobalt Soul are their most
human who hides his lack of stature in billow-
visible members, for they travel the land in search
ing black-and-gold robes. He is a member of the
of knowledge both modern and archaic. Not all
Remnants, but pays his bills by doing undercover
monks are engaged in fieldwork, especially new
grave-robbing for the league. He longs to reach the
recruits. Those who work entirely within an
bottom of Shadebarrow, a mysterious crypt some-
archive aid in the organization and preservation
where on the Dividing Plains. His obsession with
of information. Few know that these monks are
Shadebarrow stems from a hunger for the power of
the Demon Prince of Undeath.

Honor Kinnabari
Tiefling blood mage and novice spellwright
As the newest spellwright in the League of Miracles,
Honor Kinnabari has a lot to prove. She was granted
a chance to prove her quality in the eyes of the
Wonderworker when the league was contracted to
rebuild the Market Ward of Westruun after it was
devastated by a herd of magma landsharks that
descended from the Cliffkeep Mountains. Her red
eyes and sheet-white skin and horns complement a
traditional red-and-white mage’s robe from the reclu-
sive dwarven clans of the Alabaster Sierras. She is
fully dedicated to the league, but she is as honorable
as her name implies; her fellow spellwrights fear that
she could turn traitor, should the unsavory truth of
the league be laid plain before her.
Sigil of the Cobalt Soul

58 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 dedicated to the Knowing Mentor; the common order entirely. Typically, deserters of the Cobalt Soul
opinion in Tal’Dorei is that they are ascetics, are expositors, who see the ugliest side of the world
obsessively dedicated to the chronicling of knowl- firsthand again and again.
edge, not devotees of an obscure god.
Expositor. Trained in the art of espionage, the Relationships
expositors of the Cobalt Soul use their infiltration The Cobalt Soul is an international organization
expertise to uncover the secrets of governments, with archives in the Dwendalian Empire and Clovis
world leaders, and obscure cults. In times of great Concord of Wildemount, the Republic of Tal’Dorei,
crisis, undercover expositors have even incited the Dawn City of Vasselheim on Issylra, and the
revolutions by sharing the knowledge they discov- great city of Ank’Harel on Marquet. Each of these
ered with people toiling under evil regimes. This archives acts independently under the orders of their
true mission of the expositors is a secret even to commanding High Curator, though they must ulti-
low-ranking monks, who see them simply as well- mately answer to the joint leadership of the Cobalt
trained field agents. Soul: the High Curators of the Rexxentrum and
Archivist. Though they are not involved in field Vasselheim archives.
work, archivists play the vital role of organizing Though Tal’Dorei is a freer society than the Dwen-
the overwhelming flow of information that the dalian Empire, the Cobalt Soul knows better than to
monks and expositors return to their archive. think that means it is free of corruption. From the Cobalt
They also train new monks and perform admin- Reserve, their archive in the city of Westruun, the Cobalt
istrative tasks, like negotiating with sellers of Soul keeps close tabs on members of the Tal’Dorei
artifacts and with government officials to ensure Council, the leaders of Syngorn and Kraghammer, and
the stability of their archive. other powerful individuals across the land.
Curator. A small group of three to five curators man- The Cobalt Soul actively opposes the Remnants—
age the top-level operations of each archive. One followers of the Whispered One, a tyrannical god of
of their number is given the special designation of secrets who is diametrically opposed to the goals of
High Curator, to whom all other members of their the Knowing Mentor. They are also concerned by
archive must ultimately answer. the meteoric rise of a guild of arcanists called the
League of Miracles, whose political maneuverings
Goals have made puppets of dozens of delegates to the
The public mission statement of the Cobalt Soul is to Tal’Dorei Council and political leaders across the
archive knowledge for the betterment of all peoples land. This worry has only deepened as rumors reach
of Exandria. The secret mission of the Cobalt Soul them of the league filling their ranks with Remnant
is to use their accumulated knowledge to root out cultists who seek to dominate Tal’Dorei.
tyranny and ensure the freedom of all people.
As instructed by their reclusive god, the Knowing Figures of Interest
Mentor, the Cobalt Soul in Tal’Dorei makes their These figures are major members of the Library
archives available to everyone, so that knowledge of the Cobalt Soul that you can use as NPCs in
can be used to improve and enrich the lives of all. your game. You should also take inspiration from
Despite this, the curators of the Cobalt Reserve these figures to make up new NPCs for your
privately determine what knowledge is too volatile own campaign.
to be freely disseminated. Typically, this privileged High Curator Greisalda Cassios
information is magical in nature, but it also includes
Half-dragonblood leader of the Cobalt Reserve
secrets recovered by expositors that must be strate-
gically employed as a weapon against unjust leaders, The High Curator of the Westruun archive of the
cults, and power-hungry factions. Cobalt Soul is a high-cheekboned, bald woman
The Cobalt Soul itself is not immune to corrup- who would appear fully human if not for her slitted,
tion and complacency. Nowhere is this truer than in silver eyes and the silver scales that run across her
the Cobalt Soul’s birthplace of Wildemount, where head, neck, and upper arms. She is regarded as one
it must work hand-in-hand with the authoritarian of the fastest minds in Tal’Dorei, for she has the
Dwendalian Empire. Its highest officials say that the rare gift of perfect recall. Monks tremble when her
Cobalt Soul has outlasted every tyrant on Exandria, clear, unpretentious voice rings through an archive
and that they must be content with small acts of chamber, for Greisalda remembers acts of justice
insurrection—subtly subverting propaganda and and personal slights with equal intensity, making
sharing the truth with any who will listen—while her a powerful ally and a furious enemy. She is con-
waiting for the right moment to strike a fatal blow. cerned that corruption is spreading throughout the
Nevertheless, this mantra of patience has caused Tal’Dorei Council.
some of its more radical members to abandon the

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 59

 Cressida Holt The Myriad operates as a loose network of gangs
Orc expositor of the Cobalt Reserve whose bosses run their own localized sects, without
direct oversight from the mysterious heads of the
The name Cressida Holt is synonymous with style
society. Tithes and information are expected to be
and effortless charisma—and also a blunt, merciless
delivered to the leadership at a steady rate from
coldness. Cressida is nonbinary, and uses both she
each satellite of the organization, and should the
and they pronouns interchangeably. Though she's
success slow, threats of enslavement or destruction
fresh blood to the expositors of the Cobalt Reserve,
soon follow.
she has already taken advantage of her license to
kill on her espionage missions. They are slim for Goals
an orc, but still more muscular than many of their
The Myriad seeks wealth in hideous excess. The
human colleagues. Their assignments take them
means are unimportant, as long as they’re lucra-
across Tal’Dorei in search of political corruption.
tive. No trade is too abhorrent, from bloody theft to
She is currently stationed in Emon to observe a per-
kidnapping and slavery. And though they lack the
son of interest on the Tal’Dorei Council, where she
political capital to bribe and puppeteer politicians
alternates between lurking on rooftops and striding
the way they did in Wildemount, the Myriad are
through ballrooms in fine suits.
confident that they can get even the supposedly noble
Archivist Salomane Rothtree Tal’Dorei Council in their pocket.
Half-elf archivist of the Cobalt Reserve Most fronts for the Myriad are businesses that
publicly deal in antiquities and exotic textiles.
A haggard, overworked administrator, Archivist
Behind these masks is a ruthlessly efficient black
Rothtree is known throughout the Cobalt Reserve
market of slaves, magical beasts, weapons, and illicit
as someone who tries too hard to prove himself and
substances. Overt violence tends to draw unwanted
constantly bites off more than he can chew. Half-orc
attention, and the Myriad avoid it when possible, pre-
and half-elf, he has said that he hopes to accomplish
ferring to discredit, blackmail, or frame those who
as much in his lifetime as an elf could in theirs. He
cross them. Should that fail, however, kidnapping
often is tasked with helping adventurers find infor-
or assassination can be a quick and traceless final
mation. Though he resents the task, he may slowly
alternative.
open up to heroes who treat him well.
Relationships
The Myriad Though they are relative newcomers to the criminal
Wildemount’s greatest organized crime ring is now underworld of Tal’Dorei, the Myriad is well-versed
becoming known throughout Tal’Dorei, but it came in the covert art of making money by any means nec-
from humble beginnings. The Myriad began in essary. The Clasp is well aware of their presence in
the Dwendalian city of Yrrosa, as a small shipping the broadest sense, and the two thieves’ guilds have
company specializing in exotic goods and services, spilled blood in the streets of every city in Tal’Dorei
exploiting and selling curiosities from the distant at some point in the past twenty years. These days,
continents of Othanzia and Ank’Harel. Over time,
as legal trading became more difficult, the Myriad’s
illegal occupations became their best business.
Through years establishing underworld contacts
and tactical blackmail, the Myriad evolved into a
powerful, well-veiled criminal faction. Over the
past two decades, the Myriad’s aspirations have
spread beyond Wildemount, and they are now deeply
entrenched in Tal’Dorei’s criminal underworld.
Known for displays of opulence and social grace,
this misdirection enables the Myriad to seduce and
control the lives and wills of whomever is deemed
valuable to their plans. Dozens of truly amoral cut-
throats and thieves noticed when the Clasp began to
work hand-in-hand with the Tal’Dorei Council. They
felt the dagger of accountability pressed against their
backs, and broke with their former guild. Now, the
Myriad has filled the vacuum of truly lawless crimi-
nality that the Clasp left in its wake.

Sigil of the Myriad

60 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 the bloodshed has subsided into a cold war of espi-
onage and counterespionage, as each organization
The Remnants
tries to sabotage the other. In a time long past, an archmage of unparalleled
The Myriad has only been routed from cities a power known as the Whispered One attempted
number of times—they no longer have any presence to ascend to godhood by conducting the Ritual of
in Whitestone or Syngorn—and each time, it has Seeding from high atop the citadel of Thar Ampala
been by a concentrated citizens’ uprising. In both within the Plane of Shadow. The Whispered One
instances, when they sought the source, Myriad surrounded himself with a cult of fanatical mages
leaders were furious to discover an empty safe house and empowered murderers to protect him during his
containing only a single gold coin, marked by a grin- apotheosis. Despite these protections, he failed. His
ning face: the calling card of the Golden Grin. Even cult, however, survived, and helped him return to
across the Lucidian Ocean, the old enmity between power centuries later, after the defeat of the Chroma
the Myriad and the Golden Grin remains today. Conclave. He succeeded in his bid for godhood, but
was kept from utterly dominating the Material Plane
Figures of Interest at the last second by Vox Machina, who banished
These figures are major members of the Myriad that him beyond the Divine Gate, where he was shackled
you can use as NPCs in your game. You should also by all the same limitations as the other gods.
take inspiration from these figures to make up new His cult, the Remnants, went into hiding once
NPCs for your own campaign. again. Their fanatical ranks, bolstered by his true
apotheosis, now seethe in secret, convinced that
Lustran “the Backstabber” Zeth there is a way to grant their god the ultimate power
Human boss of Stilben he sought. Many of them have wormed their way into
Lustran was one of the first Clasp members to positions of power within Tal’Dorei’s political institu-
turn double agent. By the time anyone realized his tions, churches, arcane organizations, and criminal
betrayal, he had granted the Myriad their foothold outfits. Many more have joined up with the dubiously
in Tal’Dorei in the swampy port city of Stilben. His moral, profit-driven arcanists of the League of Mira-
lean, hungry face and graying hair give him a hand- cles. They exist in shadows, lurking, waiting, longing
some, intimidating appearance. All Myriad agents in for a new dark prophet to lead them to glory.
Tal’Dorei respect him, and all members of the Clasp
hate him. He revels in his bad reputation as the
renowned Backstabber of Stilben.

Tully “the Conclave of One” Dezzeram

Gold dragonblood boss of Emon
Tully’s distasteful nickname delights her inner circle
in Emon’s underground. The Myriad boss of Emon is
a position that usually changes hands by the season,
thanks to the diligent efforts of the Clasp, but Tully
has evaded capture for three years, and grown rich
and powerful in her reign of smuggling, trafficking,
and grand burglary.

Sylker “the Millionaire” Uttolot

Half-elf boss of Kymal
This gold-eyed half-elf, a former underling of the
crime families of Shady Creek Run in Wildemount,
joined the Myriad and became the first individual on
that continent to hoard one million gold pieces. He Crest of the Remnants
has a masterful mind for money, and spearheaded
the Myriad’s infiltration of Kymal. “Gold is a dis-
ease,” he often says, “and I’m bloody sick.”

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 61

 Goals Ixrattu Khar
The Whispered One achieved an incomplete victory Tiefling vampire, Master of the Devouring Blood
over twenty years ago, and now his cult is building This escapee from the Black Bastille prison in Emon
a new generation of faithful to make his megalo- is Tal’Dorei’s most infamous mass murderer, who
maniacal dreams a reality. The cult’s leadership once slaughtered and consumed hundreds of inno-
believes that reuniting these malign artifacts will cents on a deadly killing spree from Kymal to Emon.
give them greater power to commune with their god During her imprisonment, Ixrattu was plagued by
and let them begin their quest in earnest to reach shadowy visions of a woman beckoning to her from
him through the Divine Gate. This leadership is beyond the bars. The visions pointed her towards
known as the Circle of the Dismembered. Each cult weaknesses within the Black Bastille's guard, and
leader in the circle commands a branch of the cult, helped her achieve the unthinkable: escape. Once
named for a part of the Whispered One’s body. These free, she vanished for a year as she scoured the
factions are: countryside, puzzling over the cryptic whispers of
The Unveiled Sight. Members of this cult are tasked her continuing visions.
with scouring the planes for arcane lore that could At the end of her quest was a fateful discovery:
restore their master to the Material Plane. within a lightless underground passage, she found
The Mordant Voice. Members of this cult serve the venomous crossbow Condemner, a Vestige
their master by infiltrating other factions across of Divergence (see page 204). Now she lurks in
Tal’Dorei and subverting their purposes with Kraghammer, where she trains a network of elite
subtle propaganda. assassins who gleefully dispatch anyone the Unveiled
The Devouring Blood. Members of this cult special- Sight identifies as an enemy of the Remnants.
ize in the art of silent death. They train in stealth and
necromancy to become truly horrific assassins.
The Unseen Touch. Members of this cult are trained
in magic that corrupts the mind and perverts the
will, making them vile puppet-masters that pre- Ixrattu Khar
pare the world for their god’s return.
The Insatiable Heart. Members of this cult do the
vital ground-level work of seeking out new blood.
They are trained to exploit the emotional weak-
nesses of their targets to convert them to the cult,
without the need of magic.

Relationships
The Remnants remain largely unknown, even after
their master’s grand ascension, and wish to keep it
that way. Those who are aware of their presence are
either cult members or people who have uncovered
their insidious existence and wish to stamp it out
wherever it may appear. Thus, there are rarely any
alliances made by or with the Remnants.

Figures of Interest
These figures are major members of the Remnants
that you can use as NPCs in your game. You should
also take inspiration from these figures to make up
new NPCs for your own campaign.

Quinton Puck
Human jeweler, Master of the Unveiled Sight
While he runs a middling jewelry business within
Emon, Quinton is secretly the leader of the Unveiled
Sight. He is a master of creating and piercing illu-
sions, deciphering ancient script, and all things to do
with the magical arts of obscurement and unveiling.
He can be recognized by his blood-red spectacles.

62 Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting: Reborn

 Wardens of Syngorn level of responsibility amongst the Wardens—to
maintain law, guide society, and preside over all
The elven city-state of Syngorn was established in other Wardens.
the Verdant Expanse by the sorceress Yenlara, the
wood elves’ first leader after the Divergence. Today, Verdant Lord Celindar
the physical and cultural wellbeing of Syngorn is Elf Warden of Syngorn
safeguarded by the three offices of elders called Head of the Verdant Guard of Syngorn, and an
Wardens, united by the High Warden. Their primary accomplished warrior in their own right, Celin-
duty is to protect the city and the surrounding lands dar handles all military strategy and instruction
from intrusion. within the forest’s bounds. They only return to
Syngorn when called by their fellow wardens, and
Goals can otherwise constantly be found prowling the
The Wardens believe that preserving the ancient Verdant Expanse. They use any pronouns, and have
culture of Syngorn is of utmost importance. Even relinquished any sort of gender presentation after
as their fate grows ever more closely tied to the fate receiving a vision from the Arch Heart.
of all Tal’Dorei, the traditions that make Syngorn
unique must be conserved. The three offices of the Ouestra, the Voice of Memory
Wardens are the Verdant Lord, the Voice of Memory, Elf Warden of Syngorn
and the Guildrunner. The office of Verdant Lord A renowned historian and a beloved vocalist, Oues-
commands Syngorn’s formidable military, which is tra is charged with the preservation of Syngorn’s
maintained and scattered throughout the Verdant history and culture. It’s said her most magical songs
Expanse, ready to be called to Syngorn’s defense at a can control moonlight and bring light even to the
moment’s notice. Abyss itself. These days, she has grown somewhat
As preservers of culture, the Wardens also encour- unpopular by also singing songs of Syngorn’s darker
age public respect for the arts, including the art of days, for she says true greatness can only be inspired
magic. It’s not uncommon for a Syngornian to rise in by learning from failure.
social status after being publicly praised by a warden
for a masterful artistic creation or performance. Guildrunner Rawndel
Elf Warden of Syngorn
Relationships One of the oldest living elves within Syngorn,
Syngorn has long been an isolationist society. As a Rawndel is more cunning and insightful than most,
mostly elven enclave, they have often been criticized allowing him to be a very effective head of com-
as xenophobic, or even racist, toward outsiders. merce, business, and the treasury.
There is truth to these claims. Nevertheless, the rise
and fall of the Chroma Conclave has goaded even
some of Syngorn’s most conservative voices into
strengthening the bonds of trade, travel, and kin-
ship with the other free peoples of Tal’Dorei. Even
the people of Kraghammer, who many elves still
remember siding with the tyrant Drassig in centuries
past, have been welcomed as friends and allies for
the loyalty and courage they displayed in the battle
against Thordak.

Figures of Interest
These figures are major members of the Wardens
of Syngorn that you can use as NPCs in your game.
You should also take inspiration from these figures
to make up new NPCs for your own campaign.

High Warden Tirelda

Elf Warden of Syngorn
Though she is in her twilight years, even by elven
standards, High Warden Tirelda is a trusted
descendent of Yenlara, founder of Syngorn. She is
skilled with magic and blessed with calm wis-
dom. Thus, she was entrusted with the highest Heraldry of the Wardens of Syngorn

Chapter 2: Allegiances of Tal'Dorei 63