Taern Hornblade

"Show me Alustriel’s will, and I’ll firmly label it the right way — for so it is, and can only continue to be."

- Taern speaking before the Council of the Marches

Taern "Thunderspells" Hornblade was the High Mage of the city of Silverymoon, having succeeded Alustriel when she took the office of High Lady, and member of the Council of the Marches.

Description
Taern was tall and gray-bearded, appearing grave and thoughtful most of the time.

Personality
Although reckless in his youth, in his later years Taern prefers to avoid confrontations. By striving for consensus where possible and working hard at building friendships, Taern tended to reach decisions through alliance with others.

Abilities
A powerful Evoker, Taern's nickname, "Thunderspell", was earned during his early Magefair duels where his mastery of potent battle-spells became known. During his tenure among the Spellguard he showed his prowess in defense of Silverymoon by facing off against a dracolich.

Relationships
Taern has a deep and abiding love of Alustriel.

History
Born in 1204 DR  Taern earned his nickname, "Thunderspell", early in his life from attending magefair duels and showcasing his deadly battle-spells. He is also a longtime member of the Harpers.

Taern founded the Spellguard of Silverymoon in 1255 DR as a bodyguard unit to protect Alustriel.

In 1361 DR, Taern and Alustriel defeated two archmages of the Cult of the Dragon that had arrived outside Silverymoon. However while Alustriel was drawn away from the city, Taern and his Spellguard were forced to battle a Dracolich that had assaulted the southern walls.

Before taking over the supreme office of the city he was the leader of the Spellguard of Silverymoon.

In place of Alustriel, who has the roles of Lady Protectorate and High Lady, Hornblade sits as a Peer on the council of the Silver Marches for Silverymoon, though he follows Alustriel's wishes whenever they are expressed.

During the Tyranny of Dragons the leader of Luruar Methrammar Aerasumé sent Taern, already in good health thanks to potions of longevity, as his delegate at the Council of Waterdeep to contrast the Cult of the Dragon and Tiamat; Methrammar selected Taern for his high diplomatic skills.

Possessions
Taern's signature weapon is his namesake longsword Hornblade, which is a famous and heavily enchanted blade. It has a number of magical properties that are extremely useful to Taern, as well as being a potent weapon in its own right. Firstly, the blade has a sending ability, which allows the wielder to send a message to up to five individuals at one time; this message consists of a distinctive horn-call - no other message is possible. Secondly, the sword is capable of storing up to two spells at once, rather than the usual one spell that most spell-storing items can have prepared. Taern normally has dispel evil and heal stored in Hornblade. Finally, the blade is attuned to the ward initiates of Silverymoon, and it will only function correctly in their hands; furthermore, any evil being that holds the sword will receive negative effects.

Taern has a rat familiar called Vesk.