Zaranda Star

Zaranda Star was a former countess and then Queen of Tethyr.

Companions
Her companions with whom she adventured were originally known as the Company of the Star, but later became Star Protective Services.


 * Shield of Innocence, the Orog Paladin.


 * Vander Stillhawk, the human Ranger


 * Chenowyn, Zaranda's apprentice who is a young ruby dragon disguised as a human. Zaranda treats her as a daughter.


 * Golden Dawn or 'Goldie', Zaranda's intelligent, talking horse.


 * Gisbertus is a bugbear and Zaranda's chief steward and chamberlain.

Career
Before setting off on a mercantile voyage towards the end of 1366 DR, Zaranda bought County Morninggold and its titles from the Order of the Silver Chalice. Her trip took her to places such as Thay and Unther, and she returned with a caravan of goods destined for Zazesspur. She accepted an orog named Shield of Innocence into her group, something which would normally be frowned upon. When her group arrived in Zazesspur, they were arrested by the Council on the order of Baron Faneuil Hardisty, but escaped before they could be imprisoned.

Imprisonment
In Tarsakh of 1367 DR, Star Protective Services were in Ithmong to speak with the Council when Zaranda was betrayed by one of her own companions and drugged and imprisoned in dungeons beneath Zazesspur.

Days of Terror
On Mirtul 3, 1367 DR, Zaranda and her companions brought the Days of Terror in Zazesspur to an end by venturing into the Underdark and defeating The One Below, who was responsible for many of the evil happenings at that time. On emerging back to the surface, the people expressed their desire to make Zaranda their queen, and the date became known as Crowning Day.

Rise to power
Initially Zaranda expressed a desire to be Queen of Tethyr only so long as the people understood that her position was their responsibility, and set about discussing with Lord Faunce and Lord Hhune of Zazesspur how to get the support of the people.

In Flamerule, Zaranda boarded a ship to Velen where she was greeted as a queen.

In Eleasias, Zaranda exposed the pirates that were ruling Tulmene and enabled the town's citizens to defeat them, restoring order and winning her favour in Tulmene.

A few months later at Higharvestide, she received the public blessings of the Archdruid of Mosstone and this led to her being accepted as queen by the inhabitants of the forest and coastal areas.

By the winter at the end of 1367 DR, the rule of Julian Gallowglass, son of the former Lord-Mayor Ernest Gallowglass, over the city of Ithmong had become tyrannical and Zaranda stepped in, aided by villagers and her companions. They laid siege to the city and Zaranda, Marilyn Haresdown and Tardeth Llanistaph captured Julian, confining him to the Cloister of St. Ramedar.

Magic Items
Crackletongue her magical saber.