Shining Crusade

The Shining Crusade was an quasi-religious army that formed in the, in the Sword Coast region of the Western Heartlands. It was formed and led by Caelar Argent, the charismatic individual that united many people under the shared faith of their cause. The crusade was to open the portal to Avernus beneath Dragonspear Castle, descend into Avernus and slay the devils within.

Organization
The Shining Crusade was led by Caelar Argent, a champion of the Order of the Aster who was descended possessed divine heritage. She was seen as something of a saint by those that followed her.

The crusade attracted a few different, distinct types of people from the Western Heartlands within its ranks. Many of those who fought in the first and second Dragonspear Wars were eager to join Caelar Argent's cause and undo the damage they inflicted upon the region. Supplementing the experienced soldiers were mercenaries, taken from a variety of humanoid races such as gnolls, hobgoblins and half-orcs.

Beyond those that were skilled in combat, many common folk took up arms for the crusade. Quite a few some were pressed into service, either through intimidation or as a replacement for their livelihood that had been taken by the army's destruction. Yet others joined by virtue of the charisma and zeal that Caelar Argent displayed.

Activities
To recruit new members, the Crusade distributed pamphlets across the lands through which they marched. They made promises of the gold and glory that could be earned by joining their cause.

They celebrated an event called The Lightning that involved a large bonfire and collective chanting. During the event, participants claimed to have "seen the light" or felt a "fire" in their chest.

History
The army began to form around the month of Eleasis in the.

When the crusade approached the hamlet of Innisfall, the residents fled saving much of their provisions. They were tipped off by a crusader named Corinth whose family lived in the tiny village.

Having claimed and held Boareskyr Bridge during their march north, the crusade besieged the settlement of Bridgefort for quite some time. While it was unknown if the Bridgefort defenders fled their stronghold, or the crusade's siege camp was dismantled, the end result was the same – members of the crusade attempted to demolish Boareskyr Bridge with explosives, but were stopped by the Bhaalspawn that recently came to the rescue of Baldur's Gate.

Notable Members

 * Revered Brother Hephernaan,
 * Adras Ashatiel,
 * The Barghest, the former bandit that remade himself into a commander within the crusade
 * Commander Dreon
 * Knight Commander Tristian, a devout follower of the Red Knight
 * Morale Master Deneld

Appearances

 * Video Games:
 * Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear