Interview with Amadeo Pneuma: Crown Crisis

This is an interview regarding an event commonly referred to as the Crown Crisis. It was conducted by High Magus Datura Willowgrave of the Earthkin Arcanum.

Willowgrave: Do you think you can start at the beginning as you recall it?

Pneuma: I was less involved in the beginning stages of the affair. Undead were appearing with increased frequency and exhibited more aggression than usual. Roads became unsafe, and populated areas became targets for undead.

I was informed by Shaalira Afsana that a vessel from Tethyr was attacked by Nelanther pirates, some weeks before the undead presence increased. The vessel allegedly contained the necromantic artifact of Myrkul, the Crown of Horns. It was bound for Evermeet when it was attacked and sunk.

The Nelanther pirates were hired by a cabal of necromancers known as the Twisted Rune. They were to be paid for retrieving and delivering the Crown to the cabal. However, during an eavesdropped conversation, it was made clear that the captain they had hired, Kiran Vargos of the Dead Weight I believe, did not wish to part with the Crown. He had fallen sway to the influence of the Crown, and kept it for himself.

When we tracked down his vessel on the seas, the vast majority of his crew had been sacrificed and their blood used in a ritual. It was soon after that the ruins of Kohlingen began rising from the sea. Now with a bearer, the Crown's influence was felt across Arelith. Undead rose and attacked all the major settlements.

A plan needed to be formulated. How was the Crown to be retrieved, and what was to be done with it afterwards? Some wanted to take the Crown into Benwick's Light, thinking that it may destroy or purify the artifact. But this was ill advised, and that plan was eventually discarded.

It was decided that we would attempt to suppress the Crown's magics in the Tower's Spellhold, and conduct research into how to destroy it. It was also decided that there would be a designated Crownbearer, so that infighting did not erupt when the Crown was retrieved. I am afraid I forget the names of the other nominees. In the end, it was decided that I would carry the Crown.

After a plan was formulated, all of Arelith's captains were called upon to sail an army to the shores of Kohlingen. We attacked in a pincer, assaulting from two angles. Derelict vessels filled with undead were sent as defense, along with some bombardment from the shore. We pushed form the bottom of their compound up, meeting Kiran Vargos on the rooftop of the central keep.

Nelehein Afsana was our field commander, during this portion of the attack. He and a ranger Palas led the charge. I recall that the captains were Mari Meyne and Atlas, though there were several more. We fought Kiran Vargos, and the crown toppled from his brow. As it did, the first to pick it up was the hin River Moonchild. Former mayor of Bendir, I believe.

All aggression shifted in an instant to River. What her motivations were, are not clear to me. She claimed she did not trust the others to honour the agreement. But she relented, and handed the Crown to me.

At this point, there is a gap in my memory. I entered a meditative state as the Crown attempted to influence my mind. From what I gathered, I was led down into the caverns below Kohlingen, into the ruined city streets.

When I roused, we were met by three groups. The Twisted Rune's cabal, the elves of Evermeet, and Khelben Arunsun. Each had their own plans for how to deal with the Crown. The Rune wished to use it, the elves wished to contain it, and Khleben wished to destroy it.

I will not say what decision was made, for the sake of safety. I will say that a fourth option was proposed, and agreed upon by all parties except the Rune.

As an aside, the Evermeet delegation offered a reward for our efforts. Only the ranger Jan Korab spoke up, and asked for horses to be brought to Arelith. Not long after, wild horses began appearing around Lake Minmir.

Willowgrave: Do you know why they chose to bring the ruined city from the depths? Pneuma: No. This may have been the plan of the Rune to begin with, but that is not certain. Ultimately, Kiran Vargos acted alone and independently from the Twisted Rune. Whether it was his decision, or the decision of the Crown, is not known. I will say, however, that the Crown did tempt others with the promise of a kingdom.

The End