The simbarchs of Aglarond were elite wizards of the late 15th century DR who took their inspiration and principal teachings from the Simbul, the former Witch Queen of Aglarond. They held a prominent place in Aglarondan society of the time, effectively forming the ruling class of the nation.[1]
History[]
While she was ruler of Aglarond, the Simbul took on apprentice mages and taught them the art of using magic, while also passing on magical secrets of her own. Having reigned well over a century, in time she had many apprentices, and they later had apprentices of their own.[1] After she was believed slain in the Year of Seven Sisters, 1425 DR,[2] her former apprentices made an effort to preserve her knowledge and techniques and took on new apprentices of their own. They called themselves "simbarchs" in honor of their departed master.[1]
From the Simbul's former palace in Veltalar, fifteen simbarchs ruled Aglarond as the Simbarch Council.[1][2] Initially, this organization was quite warlike: they forcibly brought outlying parts of Aglarond under their control, and engaged in a costly war against a population of Red Wizard exiles who had left Thay following the ascension of Szass Tam.[2] By 1479 DR, the council remained entirely comprised of simbarchs.[1]
As of 1489 DR, the Simbarch Council had softened its militant stance toward Thay.[3]
Culture[]
The simbarchs of Aglarond were often like the Simbul herself: compassionate and restrained individuals who, nonetheless, when provoked, hurled their magic with a recklessness that terrified their foes.[1]
Any simbarch had the right to petition to take a seat on the Simbarch Council. This involved taking on many significant responsibilities and engaging in politics, and it could take months or years before one was formally recognized and accepted. However, not all simbarchs were councilors, and these others preferred to study and practice their arts privately. They operated independently, often as adventurers.[1]
Abilities[]
Simbarchs had a vitality unusual to wizards, using their magical power to fuel their health and endurance. They could find fresh reserves of energy more often and in tight circumstances, and eventually, even when hurt, their determination carried them through more strongly.[1]
In particular, they learned to wield a form of silver fire. In one foundational spell, called simply silver fire, they could summon a jet of silver fire that would blast a target creature, burn out their defenses, and bolster their subsequent spells against them. Next, with the synostodweomer spell, they could use this silver fire to heal themselves or another up to 100 feet (30 meters) away.[1]
With the Simbul's tempest spell, they could not only produce a storm of telekinetic energy to assault their foes over a 15‑foot-wide (4.6‑meter) area, but also envelop themselves in silver fire to cleanse themselves of debilitating spells and effects.[1]
Appendix[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Rob Heinsoo, Logan Bonner, Robert J. Schwalb (September 2008). Forgotten Realms Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 62. ISBN 978-0-7869-4929-8.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 88. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
- ↑ Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 11. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.