Imperial Crown: A Synopsis

 

On the surface the Last War is over, but bitter adversaries are not so easily appeased and lingering animosities still exist.  The charismatic hobgoblin leader Lhesh Haruuc wishes to recreate the great Dhakaani Empire, and lead the goblinoid race to supremacy throughout Khorvaire.  The first step in his master plan is to invade Breland.  To achieve victory, he must first unite the bickering goblin clans in Darguun. To do that, he requires a symbol. 

 Haruuc’s men discover a scroll containing directions to the ancient burial chamber of Sarath-Ak.  Last ruler of the Dhakaani Empire,  Sarath-Ak possessed a crown of immense power.  The burial chamber is located deep within the depths of the ruins of Cazhaak Draal in Droaam.  With the Imperial Crown in his possession, Haruuc will be able to unite the many clans of Darguun, and together with his ally, Sora Katra of Droaam, invade Breland. 

 Haruuc sends an expedition of his finest warriors, led by Gun’drak, to Cazhaak Draal.  The expedition arrives in the small port-town of Vralkek.  While in Vralkek, Gun’drak and his troops are identified by Vigilaron Ultrinnon (Vig).   A member of the King’s Dark Lanterns from Breland, Vig lives and works undercover in the town of Vralkek.  He is bitter about what he perceives to be a low priority assignment, but he remains loyal to the crown.  Vig informs his superiors, by way of a speaking stone, of the large party of Rhukaan Taash warriors that have arrived in Vralkek, and is ordered to follow the group and gather information. 

 Vig enlists the aid of Grimlar Baltartus (Grim), a friend from the wars.  Grim is a werebear lycanthrope, but poses as a shifter to hide his true heritage.  An expert tracker and scout, Grim allied himself with Breland during the war, and working with Vig, proved to be an essential member of a highly successful wartime infiltration/assassination team.  Although their results were excellent, their methods were very dubious, which led to Vig being stationed so far from Breland soil.  

Vig and Grim follow Gun’drak’s raiding party up the Scar River, and then overland to the Great Crag.  Along the way they discover Gun’drak’s mission.  Acting on orders from his superiors, Vig finds the opportunity to steal the scroll on the streets of the Great Crag.  As he passes Gun’drak he deftly picks his pocket and recovers the scroll.  Vig and Grim momentarily believe they have accomplished their objective, but the map has been enchanted to alert Gun’drak if it leaves his personage.  Soon, Vig and Grim are evading capture through the streets and alleyways of the Great Crag.  Several battles ensue between Vig, Grim and Gun’drak’s men as well as the gnoll patrols.  Vig has just enough time to copy the map and learn the location of the burial chamber before he and Grim are captured.

Vig and Grim are taken before Gun’drak and Sora Katra, and tortured for information.  Their ultimate punishment is to be sent to the Great Arena.  On the first day of combat Grim defeats a hill giant, while Vig defeats a minotaur.  On the second day in the arena, Vig and Grim battle four horrid apes, and again prove victorious.  During their stay in the dungeons they meet Fralic Rustlebrush, a halfling paladin from the Talentia Plains, D’ella Vontaun, a member of the Church of the Silver Flame, and Geldon Valamier, an elven mage from Valenar.  There is an instant and undeniable attraction between D’ella and Vig.  On the fourth day the five of them are sent to the arena to battle a warforged titan.  In the midst of battle, the titan smashes the main gate leading from the arena, providing an avenue of escape.  Also during the battle, D’ella becomes aware that Grim is a true lycanthrope and immediately despises him.  Vig mediates a temporary peace between the two, straining his relationship with Grim in the process.  D’ella will not abide traveling with Grim, so she and Geldon depart, but she warns Grim that she will be informing the church of the Silver Flame about his existence.  Vig has no way of informing Breland of his discoveries (his speaking stone having been taken upon capture) so it’s up to he, Grim and Fralic to proceed to Cazhaak Draal to stop Gun’drak from recovering the crown. 

Gun’drak’s group has a week’s head start, but Grim knows many short cuts through the wilderness to make up time. The trio arrives in the burial chamber just as Gun’drak is freeing the crown of Sarath-Ak.  A great battle ensues.  With the trio nearing victory, Gun’drak is desperate, and dons Sarath-Ak’s crown.  Unbeknownst to all, using the crown releases the spirit of a Daelkyr named Zarlon.  Zarlon sets about destroying Gun’drak’s remaining troops.  Only the combined might of Gun’drak and the trio are able to drive Zarlon back.  During the battle, Gun’drak is slain and Fralic sacrifices himself, while Vig and Grim seal the chamber with the crown trapped inside.  Having secured victory, Vig and Grim return to Breland to report of their success.  The story ends with Vig and Grim earning a well deserved rest.  Secretly, several members of the church of the Silver Flame are watching them.