The Shadow of the Avatar

The Shadow of the Avatar was an event that occurred around the Time of Troubles.

History
During Elminster's absence, the foes of good tried to rally, but the other Chosen, the Knights of Myth Drannor, and the Rangers Three, held them at bay until he returned. With the present crisis averted, all seemed calm, but the Shadowmasters had other ideas. Elminster and the Rangers Three, along with their allies, managed to frustrate and foil the plans of this race of shapeshifters.

Elminster also confronted the Overgod, Lord Ao, over his instigation of the Time of Troubles. As the critical moment of the Time of Troubles approached, Mystra knew of what was to come and she shed most of her power into Midnight, the human wizard, so that all of her essence would not cease to exist. Since Elminster obtained his power from Mystra, this change left him personally powerless at a critical juncture.

Elminster recruited Sharantyr from the Rangers Three, and they equipped themselves from his cache of magical items. The pair were later reunited with the other two members of the band, Itharr and Belkram, but even the Rangers Three could not prevent Elminster from being wounded in battle. Despite this setback, Elminster and the Rangers, along with their allies, not only freed High Dale and defeated Manshoon of the Zhentarim, but they also outlasted the Time of Troubles. Elminster eventually regained his magic.