View source for Azoun Obarskyr IV

{{DEFAULTSORT:Obarskyr, Azoun 4}}
{{Person
| image          = King azoun 4.png
| caption        = King Azoun IV.
| name           = Azoun Obarskyr IV
| alt_spelling   = 
| titles         = King of Cormyr
| aliases        = Balin the Cavalier<ref name="GHotR-137">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|137}}</ref>
| nicknames      = Azoun Loosecords (derogatory)<ref name="Soe-p164">{{Cite book/Swords of Eveningstar/Hardcover 2006|164|14}}</ref>
| true name      = 
| home           = [[Suzail]], [[Cormyr]]
| formerhomes    = 
| sex            = Male
| gender         = 
| race           = [[Human]]
| ethnicity      = 
| occupation     = Monarch
| age            = 
| patron deity   = 
| languages      = [[Common]]
| basicrefs      = <ref name="HLB-p21" />
| reckoning      = DR
| dob            = 1307
| dobnotes       = 
| turned         = 
| turnednotes    = 
| death          = 1371
| deathnotes     = 
| destroyed      = 
| destroyednotes = 
| daterefs       = <ref name="GHotR-151" />
| parents        = [[Rhigaerd Obarskyr II]]<br/>[[Tanalasta Truesilver]]
| spouses        = [[Filfaeril Selazair]]
| siblings       = 
| children       = [[Foril Obarskyr]]<br/>[[Tanalasta Obarskyr]]<br/>[[Alusair Obarskyr]]
| familyrefs     = <ref name="HLB-p21" /><ref name="ElDa" />
| dynasty        = [[Obarskyr|Obarskyr Dynasty]]
| start of reign = [[1336 DR]]
| end of reign   = [[1371 DR]]
| predecessor    = [[Rhigaerd Obarskyr II|Rhigaerd II]]
| successor      = [[Tanalasta Obarskyr]]<br/>[[Alusair Obarskyr]] (regent)
| successionrefs = <ref name="HLB-p21" /><ref name="DA5-AtD-TKoCT-p68" />
| alignment1e    = [[Lawful good]]
| class1e        = {{Class table|edition=1e|[[Cavalier]]|20}}
| refs1e         = <ref name="DMSotR-18">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Set/DM's Sourcebook of the Realms|18}}</ref>
| alignment2e    = [[Lawful good]]
| class2e        = {{class table|edition=2e|[[Fighter]]|20}}
| refs2e         = <ref name="FRCS2eR.RtR-32">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (Revised)/Running the Realms|32}}</ref>
| alignment3e    = 
| challenge3e    = 
| class3e        = 
| refs3e         = 
| alignment35    = 
| challenge35    = 
| class35        = 
| refs35         = 
| alignment4e    = 
| class4e        = 
| refs4e         = 
| alignment5e    = 
| challenge5e    = 
| class5e        = 
| refs5e         = 
}}
'''King Azoun Obarskyr IV''' ({{Pronounce|az|OO|un|refs=<ref name="DMSotR-18" />}}) of [[Cormyr]] was the king of Cormyr from [[1336 DR]] to [[1371 DR]] and a member of the [[Purple Dragon Knights]].<ref name="CaN-p15">{{Cite book/Cormyr: A Novel/Paperback 1998|15}}</ref> During his reign, the kingdom experienced unprecedented economic growth. He was killed in the [[Goblin War]] by [[Nalavarauthatoryl]].<ref name="GHotR-151">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|151}}</ref> He was counted as a [[mythic sovereign]].<ref name="DR367-p8">{{Cite dragon/367/Epic Faerûn|8}}</ref>
{{quote|''My duty to Cormyr demands that I help avert a crisis that could threaten any part of the continent.''
|King Azoun of Cormyr<ref name="HC-p52">{{Cite book/Horde Campaign|52}}</ref>
}}

==Description==
Azoun was a handsome man just under {{SI|6|ft|long=yes}} with brown eyes, brown gray-streaked hair, graying mustache.<ref name="CaN-p12">{{Cite book/Cormyr: A Novel/Paperback 1998|12}}</ref> He was stocky, muscular, and physically fit for the man of his age who kept a rigorous exercise regimen.<ref name="HLB-p21" /><ref name="CaN-p16">{{Cite book/Cormyr: A Novel/Paperback 1998|16}}</ref>

==Personality==
In his youth, Azoun was a rebel who cared nothing for boring politics and preferred adventuring with his friends. He often missed those days of no responsibilities and no weight of the crown. Even though Azoun remained an idealist, he would perform his duties and forge alliances when necessary. He punished criminals harshly but was a generous ruler and defender.<ref name="HLB-p21" />

Azoun was content to be in battle, and despite the risks to himself, would not allow himself to be excluded from any combat that might arise in his presence.<ref name="CaN-p23">{{Cite book/Cormyr: A Novel/Paperback 1998|23}}</ref> Although, being ready and eager, Azoun was an experienced and talented tactician who was using the troops, their skills, enemies' weaknesses, and the battle terrain.<ref name="HLB-p21" />

Surviving countless assassination attempts, King Azoun was never unarmed, he often had a long [[silver]] magical ''+4 dagger'' tucked away in his boot, along with other magical items ready for every occasion.<ref name="HLB-p21" />

When making public addresses, Azoun preferred the term "Cormyte" over the more usual "Cormyrean" or "Cormyrian".<ref name="FRA-p73">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Adventures|73}}</ref>

Azoun's court in Suzail was famous across the realms for its refinement. The King was an avid patron of the arts, a poet, a musician, and he especially loved drama.<ref name="HLB-p22">{{Cite book/Heroes' Lorebook|22}}</ref>

==Abilities==
King Azoun Obarskyr IV was skilled in fighting with [[heavy lance]]s, [[long sword]]s, [[broadsword]]s, [[horseman's flail]]s, and [[dagger]]s.<ref name="HLB-p21">{{Cite book/Heroes' Lorebook|21}}</ref>

On top of his combat skills, the King was adept at [[falcon|falcon-training]], horseback riding, knew etiquette and heraldry. He also was a good [[mandolin]] player.<ref name="HLB-p21" />

==Possessions==
Azoun's sword was contained in a very tatty [[scabbard]]. He had a collection of magical swords to choose from, but most commonly used were his ''[[Vorpal |vorpal sword]]'' and a +4 ''[[defender]]''. When in battle, he wore his magical +5 [[Full plate|''full plate armor'']] and a +2 ''[[shield]]'' adorned with an image of a purple dragon on a black background.<ref name="HLB-p21" />

When not on the battlefield, he wore his ''[[bracers of defense]]'', a +3 ''[[ring of protection]],'' and a ''[[ring of free action]]''.<ref name="HLB-p21" />

He had a brown [[scarf (clothing)|scarf]] given to him by Filfaeril as a token of luck.<ref name="CaN-p16"/> In his right boot he carried a wand that, when snapped, opened a portal to the royal palace, through which guards and priests were ready to step through in the event that Azoun required aid.<ref name="CaN-p27">{{Cite book/Cormyr: A Novel/Paperback 1998|27}}</ref> Azoun also had a hollow metal sphere that, upon spoken command, could transform into a key to unlock a secret vault in the depths of the royal palace. It is one of only five, the others possessed by [[Vangerdahast]], the queen and princesses.<ref name="CaN-p88">{{Cite book/Cormyr: A Novel/Paperback 1998|88}}</ref>

Being the king of Cormyr, Azoun Obarskyr IV could get a hold of almost any item, equipment, combat beast, or a siege machine. He could easily commission rare and magical items to be created when needed.<ref name="HLB-p21" />

==Relationships==
Azoun's wife was Queen [[Filfaeril Obarskyr|Filfaeril Selazair]].<ref name="ItDL-p3">{{Cite book/Into the Dragon's Lair|3}}</ref> He had two daughters: [[Tanalasta Obarskyr]], ''the advisor'', and [[Alusair Obarskyr]], ''the adventuress''.<ref name="ItDL-p3" /> His cousins included [[Thomdor]], [[Bhereu]],<ref name="CaN-p13">{{Cite book/Cormyr: A Novel/Paperback 1998|13}}</ref> and [[Beatrice]].<ref name="MoC-p34">{{Cite book/Murder in Cormyr/MMP|34-35,49|6,8}}</ref><ref name="MoC-c8">{{Cite book/Murder in Cormyr/MMP|49|8}}</ref> His father was [[Rhigaerd II]].<ref>{{Cite book/Cormyr|42}}</ref> He had an heir in his grandson, [[Azoun V]].<ref name="ElDa">{{Cite book/Elminster's Daughter/MMP|171,326,328|10,20}}</ref> He also had a son, [[Foril Obarskyr|Foril]], who was assassinated by the [[Fire Knives]] before his third year<ref name="BC-17">{{Cite dragon/365/Backdrop: Cormyr|17}}</ref> in [[1334 DR]].<ref name="RoV-TFB">{{Cite book/Realms of Valor/The Family Business}}</ref>

King Azoun could often be found in the company of his trusted friends, advisors, and adventuring companions of youth, [[Vangerdahast Aeiulvana]] the [[Royal Court Wizard]], [[Dimswart]] the Sage of Suzail, and [[Winefiddle]] the cleric of [[Tymora]]. Together they were known as the [[King's Men]] back in the day.<ref name="HLB-p21" />

''Circa'' [[1367 DR]], Azoun's envoy to Lord [[Sarp Redbeard]] and Cormyr's southeast, from [[Wheloon]] to [[Thunderstone]], was [[Grodoveth]], a disgraced noble who was nevertheless related by marriage to Beatrice.<ref>{{Cite book/Murder in Cormyr/MMP|31|5}}</ref><ref name="MoC-p34" />

==History==
{{Fq|width=275px|text=Adventures? Call them that if you must. I prefer "forays into lawlessness" or "bloodthirsty and destructive raids," because I'm on this throne. Were I in the saddle I rode as a youth, I'd see them as you do. Try not to fall off and break your neck, now.|source=Azoun IV, said to a young noble who gave "adventuring" as his excuse for slaughtering two-score cattle<ref>{{Cite dragon/272/The New Adventures of Volo: Quotations of the Realms|94}}</ref>}}

In his rebellious youth, Azoun Obarskyr IV, under disguise, joined a band of adventurers called the [[King's Men]]. During that time he created a life-long friendship with [[Dimswart]] the mage, and [[Winefiddle]] the cleric.<ref name="HLB-p22" />

The Royal Court Wizard, a friend, and a teacher - [[Vangerdahast Aeiulvana]] often helped the young royalty to slip away to have his adventures, but just as often he ended up having to venture out to bring the rebel home. Many a time that coincided with the King's Men being in deep trouble and the court wizard arriving just in time to rescue the unruly youth.<ref name="HLB-p22" />

Azoun married Filfaeril on [[Eleint 2]] of [[1329 DR]]. Because of how many rumors persisted of his womanizing lifestyle until that time, he made a public renouncement of his earlier ways.<ref name="DA5-AtD-TKoCT-p68">{{Cite dragon annual/2000/After the Dragon: The Kingdom of Cormyr Today|68}}</ref>

In [[1334 DR]] Azoun's 2-year-old son Foril was assassinated by the [[Fire Knives]], this broke the young king's heart.<ref name="BC-17" /><ref name="RoV-TFB" />

In [[1335 DR]], then-young Azoun confronted by [[Zhentarim]] assassins. During that adventure, he met the thief [[Scoril Cimber|Scoril "Shadowhawk" Cimber]] and his son [[Artus Cimber|Artus]], who later became a [[Harper agent|Harper]] agent. The thief and his son attempted to rob Azoun but instead were attacked by the Zhents. Artus' father was captured and the young men were forced to work together to save him and defeat the magical assassins.<ref name="HLB-p22" /><ref name="RoV-TFB"/>

He officially took the throne of Cormyr in [[1336 DR]].<ref name="DA5-AtD-TKoCT-p68" />

By [[1341 DR]] Azoun succeeded in driving the Fire Knives out from Cormyr after an assassination of a local lord. The Fire Knives were pushed all the way across [[Dragonmere]] to [[Westgate]]. This is where the assassins met the evil wizard [[Cassana]] and started financing her work.<ref>{{Cite book/The Wyvern's Spur}}</ref>

In [[1352 DR]], the Usurper King [[Gondegal]] attempted to establish a kingdom centered in the city of [[Arabel]]. Azoun led the army of Purple Dragons to reclaim the city. In all, Gondegal had power over Arabel for just eight days.<ref name="C=p32-33">{{Cite book/Cormyr|32-33}}</ref><ref name="CaN-p227">{{Cite book/Cormyr: A Novel/Paperback 1998|227}}</ref>

{{Fq|width=275px|text=Azoun turned back to the window and peered over the western wall again.<br/>"You remember, Vangy, when I was your pupil and you used to give me those tests in ethics?"<br/>"Yes, Your Highness."<br/>"I always hated them. Still do."<br/>"Only now, Your Highness," Vangerdahast replied softly, "they are no longer tests."|source=Azoun IV and Vangerdahast discussing Mistinarperadnacles Hai Draco negotiation results<ref>{{Cite book/Azure Bonds|118|10}}</ref>}}

In [[1357 DR]] Cassana created a living construct that the Fire Knives programmed to assassinate King Azoun. The living construct escaped and gained consciences and became known as [[Alias]] of the Azure Bonds. The magical bonds still controlled her and eventually, she attempted to assassinate a young noble [[Giogioni Wyvernspur]] who jokingly pretended to be the King. Azoun was supposed to be present at the event where the assassination attempt occurred, he and Vangerdahast questioned the eyewitnesses, one of whom was Giogi himself. The young Wyvernspur ended up negotiating on behalf of the ancient [[red dragon]] [[Mistinarperadnacles Hai Draco]] who was searching for Alias at the time. King Azoun negotiated the dragon's departure from her lair in the vicinity of Suzail and gained an agent tasked with uncovering Alias' whereabouts. Giogi continued taking missions from King Azoun after this debacle for years to come.<ref name="ab">{{Cite book/Azure Bonds}}</ref>

In [[1360 DR]] Azoun faced with the [[Tuigan]] Horde when the newly assembled force menaced [[West Faerûn|Western Faerûn]] with conquest. The king thought it his duty to assemble the forces of the western lands to confront and stop the nomad horde before they were to massacre the population. Acting against Vangerdahast's council, the King assembled the force of twelve thousand soldiers from [[Cormyr]], [[Dales|the Dales]], [[Sembia]], [[Tantras]], [[Hillsfar]], [[Ravens Bluff|the Living City]], and [[Earthfast]]. More troops came from a strenuous alliance with [[Zhentil Keep]], and hired mercenaries through imposed shield tax. Neighboring countries also chipped in with coin, mercenaries, and magic users to bolster the Crusade's forces. The final count of 30,000 men on Azun's side versus 100,000 horselords of [[Yamun Khahan]].<ref name="HLB-p22" /><ref name="CaN-p19">{{Cite book/Cormyr: A Novel/Paperback 1998|19}}</ref> Not all citizens of Cormyr supported the war campaign, notably, the [[Trappers Guild]] publicly opposed the King's discussion. During the Azoun's address to the citizens of Cormyr, and rally to arms, a Trapper used a ''[[fireball]]'' [[scroll|spell scroll]] to unsuccessfully attempt to assassinate the King in the view of everyone assembled.<ref name="C-ch3">{{Cite book/Crusade||3}}</ref>

[[File:Alusair, Azoun & Vangerdahast.jpg|thumb|272x272px|''Alusair, Azoun IV, and Vangerdahast consult prior to the battle with the Tuigan Horde.''|left]]
The forces clashed between the cities of [[Telflamm]] and [[Tammar]]. Azoun and Vangerdahast attempted to unsuccessfully parley with the Khahans and the battle started the following day. Azoun was shot in the leg by one of the horselords. The Crusade's cavalry was almost completely destroyed but they managed to reduce the Yamun Khahan's forces by a thousand. Princess [[Alusair Obarskyr]] took command of the Crusade's forces and commanded to retreat and regroup in the [[Forest of Lethyr]], knowing that it would disadvantage the Tuigan horse-riders. The second day of battle was won thanks to Alusair's leadership, dwarven trap-making for the Horde riders, and Cormyrian War Wizards' illusions that kept the traps hidden. King Azoun confronted Yamun Khahan by singling his war banner out and allowing him to penetrate the Crusade's defenses. The confusion and tireless assault followed, the Khahan was surrounded by now unmasked traps. The Horselord managed to kill the leader of the dwarven forces, but in the end, he was defeated and killed himself by Azoun's hand. With the fall of their leader, the Horde was broken and retreated back to the east. The Crusade's cost was steep, 20,000 men out of 30,000 survived.<ref name="HLB-p22" /><ref name="CaN-p19" />

Azoun took an interest in the canal project began in [[1364 DR]] by the city-state of [[Innarlith]] that connected the [[Lake of Steam]] to the [[Nagaflow]], and thus connected the [[Sea of Fallen Stars]] to the oceans of [[Toril]]. The canal would have enabled Cormyr to trade with the western states without needing to take overland routes that were harassed by the [[Zhentarim]]. He sent an ambassador and funds to support the work of its construction.<ref>{{Cite book/Lies of Light||37}}</ref>

For the [[Iron Throne]]'s misdeeds, Azoun made a proclamation in the {{YearlinkName|1367}}, ordering that the mercantile organization be banished from Cormyr for a period of one year, until the winter of [[1368 DR]], because of their various crimes.<ref>{{Cite book/Murder in Cormyr/MMP|2,199|1,30}}</ref><ref name="RtR-p23">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/Running the Realms|23}}</ref> On his orders, their officers were shut and their goods confiscated, while any caravans found to be working for or with them would be seized. While the Iron Throne declared it would appear, Vangerdahast scoffed at the notion.<ref name="RtR-p23" />

In the {{YearlinkName|1369}}, Azoun was on a hunt with Baron [[Thomdor]], Duke [[Bhereu]], and [[Aunadar Bleth]] when he was poisoned by a magical abraxus in the [[abraxus affair]], putting him in a coma-like state.<ref name="CaN-p20-27">{{Cite book/Cormyr: A Novel/Paperback 1998|20-27}}</ref>

[[File:Azoun funeral.png|thumb|right|280px|''King Azoun IV's body lying in his tomb.'']]
King Azoun died at the culmination of [[The Goblin War]] that started in [[1370 DR]] and ended in [[1371 DR]]. The dragon [[Nalavarauthatoryl]] amassed an army of orcs, grodd goblins, the seven [[ghazneths]] to attack Cormyr. Azoun perished in his final battle with Nalavarauthatoryl.<ref name="CDotD">{{Cite book/Death of the Dragon/Paperback 2001}}</ref>

In accordance with ancient Cormyrean customs and suggestions by [[Vangerdahast Aeiulvana]] for morale, the magically preserved bodies of Azoun IV and [[Tanalasta Obarskyr]] were paraded throughout the capital. War Wizards, loyal nobles, and Royals were part of the retinue, as was [[Alusair Obarskyr]], clad in her blood-caked armours still. Azoun IV was placed in the Royal Crypt below the palace, with his daughter by his side. The coffins were warded with powerful magics by the Royal Magician. <ref name="DA-2000-59">{{Cite dragon annual/2000|59}}</ref>

==Rumors & Legends==
There were many rumors and tales of Azoun's encounters with the opposite sex, mostly from before his marriage, and there were a number of children as a result of these relations, but the matter was not discussed openly or officially.<ref name="CaN-p119">{{Cite book/Cormyr: A Novel/Paperback 1998|119}}</ref>

==Reputation==
The face of Azoun IV was on sets of nesting dolls called "Heroes and Rulers" that was sold by [[Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue]] for 2 [[gold piece]]s. The same catalog featured puppets that bore an uncanny and truly "coincidental" resemblance to the King of Cormyr, for 2 gold pieces as well.<ref>{{Cite book/Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue|111}}</ref>

Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue also sold [[chess]] sets themed after the Horde and the Crusade for 25 gp. The set featured King Azoun's likeness as well as Lady Alusair's and Vangerdahast's.<ref>{{Cite book/Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue|112}}</ref>

==Appendix==
===See Also===
*[[Obarskyr]] Dynasty

===Appearances===
{{Appearances
| adventures          = ''[[Into the Dragon's Lair]]''
| adventure refs      = ''[[Nightmare Keep (adventure)|Nightmare Keep]]''
| novels              = ''[[Azure Bonds]]'';''[[Crusade]]'';[[The Cormyr Saga]] <small>(''[[Cormyr: A Novel]]'';''[[Beyond the High Road]]'';''[[Death of the Dragon]]'')</small>
| novel refs          = ''[[Shadowdale (novel)|Shadowdale]]'';''[[Waterdeep (novel)|Waterdeep]]'';''[[The Ring of Winter (novel)|The Ring of Winter]]'';''[[Blackstaff Tower (novel)|Blackstaff Tower]]'';''[[The Dream Spheres]]'';''[[Forsaken House]]'';''[[The Glass Prison]]'';''[[Murder in Cormyr]]'';''[[Realms of Valor]]''
| comics              = 
| comic refs          = ''[[The Grand Tour]]'';''[[Unreal Estate]]''
| video games         = ''[[Curse of the Azure Bonds (game)|Curse of the Azure Bonds]]''
| video game refs     = ''[[Secret of the Silver Blades]]'';''[[Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn]]'';''[[Neverwinter Nights]]''
| card games          = ''[[AD&D Trading Cards]]'';''[[Spellfire: Master the Magic]]''
| card game refs      = 
| miniatures          = ''[[AD&D Miniatures]]''
}}

===Gallery===
<gallery>
King Azoun IV of Cormyr.jpg|''King Azoun IV of Cormyr in 1360 DR.''
</gallery>

===Connections===
{{Obarskyr Dynasty}}

===References===
{{Refs}}
[[Category:Fighters]]
[[Category:Cavaliers]]
[[Category:Mythic sovereigns]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Kings of Cormyr]]
[[Category:Kings]]
[[Category:Nobles]]
[[Category:Worshipers of Tyr]]
[[Category:Worshipers of Tempus]]
[[Category:Members of the Obarskyr family]]
[[Category:Members of the Purple Dragons]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Suzail]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Cormyr]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of the Eastern Heartlands]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Interior Faerûn]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Faerûn]]
[[Category:Inhabitants of Toril]]
[[Category:Inhabitants]]