War Wizards
Overview
The War Wizards are a prestigious and feared organization of battle-mages and sorcerers who serve the kingdom of Cormyr. Their dedication to the Crown and mastery of arcane combat have made them a vital force in the Forest Kingdom, earning the respect of both commoners and royalty alike.
"Whenever there is doubt and dispute, I shall act to preserve Cormyr. Sunrise and moonfall, so long as my breath takes and my eyes see, I serve Cormyr. I give my life that the realm endure."
— Excerpt from the Handflame
Activities
For centuries, the War Wizards have served Cormyr as advisors, law enforcement, and military powerhouses. Their responsibilities include:
- Advising the Crown: They provide magical and strategic counsel to the rulers of Cormyr.
- Investigations: The War Wizards oversee shady dealings, guild activities, and the regulation of magical substances like smokepowder.
- Combat and Espionage: In times of war, they are frontline arcane warriors and agents of subterfuge.
- Protection: They act as bodyguards and counselors to the royal family, ever vigilant for threats to the throne.
Base of Operations
The War Wizards maintain several locations central to their operations and training.
The College of War Wizards
Located in Suzail, this serves as the organization's primary headquarters. It houses their archives, leadership offices, and advanced training facilities.
Stormhaven Manor
Once a secretive training facility located in Espar, Stormhaven Manor was a critical site for the instruction of novice War Wizards. It was shrouded in mystery, known only to the most trusted members of the organization and the royal family.
Features and Role
- Training Grounds: Equipped with arcane wards and specialized chambers, it provided rigorous combat simulations and magical instruction.
- Isolation: Stormhaven's remote location ensured privacy and security for recruits to practice without outside interference.
- Apprenticeship Center: Promising young spellcasters from across Cormyr were brought here to refine their talents and take their first steps toward becoming full-fledged War Wizards.
Destruction of Stormhaven Manor
Stormhaven Manor met its end in a catastrophic attack that has since become a dark chapter in the history of the War Wizards. While rumors initially swirled about sabotage, failed experiments, or arcane battles, the truth was uncovered after an intensive investigation.
The manor was ransacked by a battalion of Drow and other Underdark creatures. These forces struck with precision and malice, exploiting a critical vulnerability. The manor’s formidable magical protections—designed to repel such attacks—were rendered useless by a devastating casting of Mordenkainen's Disjunction. This powerful spell negated all magical effects in the area, disabling the wards and leaving the War Wizards stationed at Stormhaven vulnerable.
The Drow forces overwhelmed the defenders in a brutal assault, razing the manor and slaughtering many of its occupants. Survivors described the attack as swift and merciless, with arcane traps and defensive measures neutralized before they could be activated.
Aftermath
The ruins of Stormhaven Manor remain a haunting reminder of this tragedy.
- Relocation: Survivors were moved to Suzail to continue their training.
- Symbol of Vigilance: The event stands as a warning against over-reliance on magical safeguards and the importance of proactive vigilance.
- Investigations: The War Wizards continue to study the attack, seeking to prevent future catastrophes of this magnitude.
This devastating event not only marked a severe loss for the War Wizards but also heightened tensions with the Underdark, driving Cormyr to strengthen its defenses against threats from below.
Leadership
The War Wizards are led by the Royal Magician of Cormyr, who also administers their War College.
- Ganrahast Aeiulvana: The current Royal Magician, a capable leader, though not as warlike as his predecessors.
- Vainrence: The current Lord Warder of the College of War Wizards. Increasingly intent on militarisation of the war wizards.
Alarphons: The Secret Police
Within the ranks of the War Wizards lies a shadowy faction known as the Alarphons, tasked with ensuring loyalty and rooting out treachery within the order.
- Internal Surveillance: Alarphons monitor the actions of all War Wizards, including peers.
- Counter-Subversion: Investigate and eliminate threats of treachery or corruption.
- Methods: They employ scrying, divination, and other magical means to conduct covert surveillance.
Their presence ensures loyalty but creates tension and fear within the ranks.
Known Alarphons: Proctar Luthen Cormaeril
Possessions
War Wizards are known for their unique magical items, including:
- War Wizard Cloaks: Enchanted garments signifying their rank and role.
- Rings of the Crown: Magical rings linked to War Wizards, used by nobles and knights for summoning aid.
History
The War Wizards trace their origins back to the Year of the Mournful Dance (70 DR) when they were founded to defend Cormyr from monsters. Over the centuries, they have played pivotal roles in the kingdom's history.
Key Events
- The Tuigan Horde (1360 DR): The War Wizards were instrumental in repelling this massive invasion.
- The Spellplague (1385 DR): A devastating event where many War Wizards were killed or driven mad.
- Suzail Writ (1449 DR): Limited their powers to protect citizens' rights while still allowing them to defend the realm.
- Destruction of Stormhaven Manor: This event marked a significant loss for the War Wizards and remains a cautionary tale about hubris and vigilance.
Membership and Training
War Wizards are recruited through a rigorous selection process.
- Training: Apprentices endure five years of intense study and martial training. Only half typically succeed.
- Academies: The secret Stormhaven Manor was a vital part of their training before its destruction.
- Apprenticeship: Graduates become battlemages under oath to serve the Crown.
Trivia
- The autobiography Twenty Winters a War Wizard details the life of Estimyra of High Horn.
- Despite restrictions, War Wizards continue to spy on friend and foe alike, their methods evolving with time.
Categories: Organizations | Magic | Military
Comments