Elturgard

It is hard to say exactly when you have arrived in the lands of Elturgard while traveling east on the River Chionthar from Baldur's Gate - the plains, rolling hills, and their lightly wooded patches do not evoke a distinguished border. Some say it's when you first see a patrol of Hellriders on the road, others say it's when you can first see the Companion sparkling on the horizon like a low star, and other say it's when you first feel safe on the road. If you ask Thavus Kreeg, the ruler of the land, he would likely say all of those sentiments are and ought to be correct.

Thavus Kreeg has ruled Elturgard from its capital of Elturel since his days as a young paladin in the service of Amaunator. Those times were desparate and dark. The Hellriders, a proud band of mounted knights tasked with protecting the lands of Elturgard, had been infiltrated by a vampire who became their leader and wreaked havoc. The people of Elturgard feared the night and prayed to their gods. The only voice of hope was that of Thavus, who prophetically announced in their darkest hour that the vampire's reign of terror would end by the morrow.

As predicted, the people were delivered from the clutches of the vampire and its spawn that very night. As the sun set and the vampires emerged a new light burst into the sky above the city of Elturel burning them to dust. Thavus became an instant hero and rode the wave of popularity into the role of High Observer, ruler of Elturgard.

The hallmark of Thavus's tenure is a zealous quashing of any potential threat and an excessively strict order. This he has accomplished with the help of the restored Hellriders and the Companions, an exclusive band of paladins hand-picked by Thavus who report solely to him, and a network of wizards. The Hellriders patrol and protect the lands and train garrisons, and the Companions address "special matters".

He is very leery of the arcane, monitoring it closely and carefully limiting its expression. The wizards he employs operate shops about the realm and keep an eye out for any occurrence with an arcane spin or for those who exhibit arcane talent or interest. Anything or anyone that does can certainly expect a visit from the Companions for assessing.

Like the Companion, the name of the light hovering like a sun that never sets above Elturel, his watch has been continual and few can hide from it. But in his late years Thavus seems distracted. Rumors of him withdrawing and taking strange precautions have trickled down from the court in Elturel to the taverns. He has no heir and has reportedly become quite angry and frantic when asked about how he plans to handle his succession. This impending void in leadership has set the courts afire with scheming to ensure it is they who take the reins.

Thavus's excellent reign is nearing its end and the future of Elturgard is atop a precipice. The enemies without and the opportunists within that Thavus has long kept in check are noticing his inattention and actively making their move. A fall is imminent. Who will catch it?