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.

Tactics
As the crusade moved across the Sword Coast they ravaged settlements and raided them for food and resources. While some folks offered them food and supplies as tribute, they took what they wanted beyond that with force – including fresh recruits.

Despite their perception as a divine cause, the leaders of the Shining Crusade were not above employing assassins.

Base of Operations
The crusaded was headquartered at Dragonspear Castle, located on the edge of the High Moor.

Possessions
Well-regarded crusaders were given rings that signified their devotion to Caelar and her movement.

Relationships
Surprisingly, the crusade held a complication relationship with the people of the Sword Coast. While their actions cause great destruction and chaos in the region, Caelar was often seen favorably by those she "conquered".

History
The crusade began to form around the month of Eleasis in the. They established their headquarters in Dragonspear Castle, and took hold of the lands near the High Moor, from the Serpent Hills to within the Trollbark Forest, as far south as the Winding Water.

Some time before the 26 of Uktar that year, they began marching even further south. As the mob of crusaders moved along the Sword Coast they greatly disrupted trade and displaced tens of thousands of people. The refugees often sought shelter in larger cities, like the metropolis of Baldur's Gate.

Around that time, member–states of the Lords' Alliance contributed soldiers from their armies to form a coalition army, to march upon Dragonspear Castle.

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.

The besieged the small settlement of Bridgefort. The siege lasted for some time, as those within held out 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 Coalition forces led by the Hero of Baldur's Gate.

Notable Members

 * Clergy:
 * Revered Brother Hephernaan,
 * Reverend Brother Hormorn, a priest that led ceremonies within the crusade's camps


 * Military:
 * Adras Ashatiel,
 * The Barghest, the former bandit that led the siege on Bridgefort
 * Commander Dreon
 * Knight Commander Tristian, a devout follower of the Red Knight
 * Morale Master Deneld

Appearances

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