Siege of Caelwyn’s Hold

“Stone cracked, oaths shattered, and silence fell where once the flame had burned.”

Date

Circa 30 years after the Shadowthorn Rebellion Final year of King Caedryn’s reign

Location

Caelwyn’s Hold, Tarnith

Overview

The Siege of Caelwyn’s Hold marks the tragic culmination of Tarnith’s golden age. It was during this desperate siege that Dorian Nightshade, once a celebrated The Knights of the Emerald Flame, betrayed King Caedryn, leading a dark host in pursuit of the Cauldron of Eternal Wellspring.
Though the king and his knights held the fortress for seven days and nights, they were ultimately overwhelmed by Dorian’s sorcery and the corrupted spirits he had bound. Caedryn fell in battle, and with his death, the unity of Tarnith crumbled.

Prelude

Following the aftermath of the The Shadowthorn Rebellion, peace returned briefly to Tarnith. However, dark whispers began to stir again—centered around Dorian Nightshade’s growing obsession with the Cauldron’s secrets. Disillusioned by what he saw as stagnation and betrayal of potential, he turned to forbidden rites and shadowbound allies.
Despite warnings from the Druids of the Veil and the The Archbound, the court was unprepared for the magnitude of his betrayal.

Key Events

The False Parley: Dorian gained entry to Caelwyn by requesting audience with Caedryn, feigning repentance. He brought cursed earth from the Forest of Nightshade, sowing seeds of corruption that shattered the outer wards.

The Breaking of the Gate: Shadowspawn, corrupted Thornkin, and spectral knights laid siege to the walls. Aedric Stormblade and Sir Braith Oakshield held the western gate for three days, repelling waves of spectral forces.

The Betrayal of the Flame: During a final stand in the inner sanctum, Dorian revealed his true allegiance, striking down several Emerald Knights. Caedryn faced him alone atop the Moonrise Bastion.

Death of Caedryn

Mortally wounded, Caedryn hurled the The Blade of Whispers into the Mists of Avalonreach to keep it from falling into enemy hands. His final act invoked a protective ward over the Cauldron, binding its power until a worthy soul might reclaim it.

Aftermath

The Emerald Flame fractured; survivors fled or took refuge in sacred groves.

Dorian disappeared into the Veil, taking his cursed blade Fellbane with him.

The Cauldron remained hidden, locked by the king’s sacrifice.

Tarnith entered a long twilight of fractured kingdoms and spiritual unease.

Legacy

The siege is remembered not only as a military catastrophe, but as a spiritual reckoning. Songs and rites held at Temple of the Four Seasons honor Caedryn’s final sacrifice. Some believe his soul lingers in the Mists, waiting for Tarnith’s next true king.

Related Articles

Caelwyn’s Hold Dorian Nightshade

Conflict Type

Siege