Windwalker (artifact)

The Windwalker is a magical artifact of the ancient Rus, who brought it to the eastern parts of Fearûn, where their descendants, the Rashemi, continued to use it today. The artifact itself is an amulet resembling a small, golden dagger, 3 inches long, encased in a rune-carved sheath hung from a chain (also of gold). The runes are in the ancient language of the Rus, and the metal is described as worn and darkened with age. If someone unsheathes the dagger, the hilt twists off to reveal a tiny chisel, and also that the base of the sheath is hollow.

History
In distant days, the folk of Rus swept over much of the continent of Fearûn, raiding and pillaging the costal lands. Some bands of Rus took the rivers and traveled inland, making their way across the Anauroch (this was before it became a desert) to the lands now known as Rashemen. Their descendants, who retained some cultural echoes, remained in the country and can still be found there. The Windwalker amulet was created by the Rus to help them cast their ancient form of magic, known as rune lore, and they brought it with them to their new homes. It passed down through generations, eventually coming into the hands of the Wychlaran who adapted the artifact's enchantment to store the power of another ancient form of magic, one evolved from rune lore, called "Place Magic". Unfortunately, with the passing of time, the knowledge of this power was forgotten.

In modern times, the amulet was stolen during a raid led by a group of Red Wizards. This incident happened about the time of another problem, a young berserker named Fyodor, who had become a dangerous threat due to his unpredictable rages. One of the witches recalled a legend concerning the Windwalker, a possibility that the artifact could store magic and transfer it permanently to the bearer. Thinking that this ability could somehow be used for Fyodor's benefit, she sent him on a quest to recover the amulet.

He did find it, but lost it immediately afterwards to a drow wizard, whom he tracked into the Underdark, where he the trail went somewhat cold. The amulet itself had come into the hands of one Liriel Baenre (an "atypical drow") by that point, who discovered the unique uses she could put the amulet to, and (being fascinated with magic) naturally set out to do just that. She allied herself with Fyodor in an attempt, ultimately, to bring into being a more powerful form of rune magic, one that would allow the use of drow equipment on the surface without degradation, everywhere, and permanently.

Appearance

 * Daughter of the Drow
 * Tangled Webs
 * Windwalker