Shining Crusade

""Many souls were lost during the Dragonspear Wars. I will see justice done and restore them to the light.""

- Caelar Argent

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.

Their ultimate goal to open the portal to Avernus beneath Dragonspear Castle, descend into Avernus, slay the devils within and bring back to Faerûn those who fell during the Dragonspear Wars. While Caelar Argent told her followers the souls of the dead would be restored, in truth she knew this was false; she sought only the recovery of only soul that was important to her.

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. They often attracted willing and even enthusiastic conscripts from among those whose homes they destroyed.

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

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

Possessions
As they operated as an army did, crusaders were expected to wear a certain uniform. Members in high–standing 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 with Caelar and a mere few followers that appeared around the High Moor in month of Eleasis, in the. After growing in numbers rather rapidly, they garrisoned themselves in Dragonspear Castle. They expanded their territory and took hold of the surrounding lands, from the Serpent Hills to within the Trollbark Forest, as far south as the Winding Water.

Over the next three months, the crusade expanded 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, causing overcrowding and unrest within.

In early Uktar, member-states of the Lords' Alliance – including the Lords of Waterdeep, the Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate, and the mayor of Daggerford – rallied soldiers from their respective armed forces and formed a coalition army, to march upon Dragonspear Castle and meet the threat of the Shining Crusade. The armies of Waterdeep and Daggerford had to rally north of the castle, whereas the Flaming Fist of Baldur's Gate had to travel far from the south.

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.

As the Flaming Fist traveled north from Baldur's Gate along the Coast Way they reached the site where it crossed the Winding River, which had been barricaded by the Shining Crusade. Before the Fist soldiers could cross, a crusader by the name of Jayvis panicked and used a fireball combined with explosives to demolish the bridge.

The Crusade then besieged the small settlement of Bridgefort, as that was the nearest crossing point of the Winding Water. The siege was a lengthy one, as those within held out for over a tenday. 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, to prevent the Flaming Fist from pursuing them along the Trade Way. They were thwarted in this effort by the Hero of Baldur's Gate, their adventuring party, and the rest of the Coalition.

Notable Members

 * Clergy:
 * Revered Brother Hephernaan, Caelar's spiritual advisor who in fact served the devil Belhifet
 * 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