RPG Series: The Maw of Talos, The Star of Selune

Arcanus Archium - The Maw of Talos, The Star of Selune

A campaign Primer for the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting

One night, I've scribbled down an idea regarding a meteorite crater, like the one in Arizona state, in regards to the faiths of Talos and Selune. I was considering the area of impact a hotly contested holy sight (I.E. open warfare) for the two faiths. I was wondering were I can place one say near a medium to large city that hasn't been used since the introduction of the first box set. I'm leaning towards the Lake of Steam region, but I would like some more opinions.

There are some things I need to list members to take into consideration...

Background - There is nothing more destructive or more spectacular than a meteorite impact. A meteorite impacted on Toril shortly before the end of the Avatar crisis (within 07 to 10 days) and decimated a city, but it did not destroy the city outright. The Church of Talos (rather an underground cult) survived the decimation as did the Church of Selune, both with a large respective congregation each.

- An obvious omen, nay, a divine sign of great displeasure showing the raw power of Talos the Destroyer. Talos must be pleased or his wrath will be even greater ("I can't say what greater is than a meteorite impact but it could involve the foot of Talos...."). They will not dispute this fact. The evidence of the destruction is clear. This is holy ground of Talos and all within it is their property. They will fight to the death to keep it.

- The High Priest or Priestess of Selune disputes this fact and hotly blames the Talosian clergy for the destruction of the surrounding area. much of the city, and argues that the Priest of Talos "beckoned forth" the meteorite from its true course in a grab to consolidate their power and strengthen the faith of a corrupt godling. He points to the fact that the "meteorite" was not a meteorite, but a large blue star sapphire wrought when it entered the atmosphere of Toril. This star jewel is not to blame for the disaster that has befallen the people for the touch of Talos corrupted the jewel and used it to spread devastation and lies in its wake. This star jewel must be removed from the confines the meteorite crater and purified by a high priestess for it is not the will of Talos to ruin Selune's gifts to her righteous (and rightful) children.

- The Talosian cleric considers this edict blasphemous and called for his bloody and violent death. He has placed a bounty on the Selunite's head. Obviously, this Selunite is treading in matters of Talosian faith where he or she should not.

- The survivors (The Talos faction, their allies, and their slave labor) spent the last ten years, up until 1372 DR, rebuilding or rather building something spectacular. Rumor has it that the High Destroyer of Talos is constructing a dome to cover the entire circumference of the crater. It's interior shall become the newest crown and greatest temple to the God of Destruction on Faerun. (It's a life long project estimated to take twenty-five years to complete, much like the pyramids of Egypt. And it's nearing the half-way mark of completion....

Miscellaneous Notes

- I've considered using the Faith of Talos and having them exercise a monopoly on power in the area. This would force the Clerics of Selune and their mercenaries into the status of underground rebels, freedom fighters, smugglers, etc.

- The Church of Talos is not too picky on who aid in the construction of their latest shrine (slave labor, slavemasters, Deurgar, Underdark natives, etc.). They are going to make it a wonder-of-the-world for Talos first, Toril second.

-I need the impact site, say near a large body of water with adequate resources (such as iron ore, carbon, a little adamantium and lots of limestone) and definitely access to the tunnels of the Underdark.

- The survivors and converts of the faiths split the city along evenly divided lines. Mercantilism to the Maw is dangerous and but profitable for both and evil aligned companies and parties. Labor, whether it be contacted or enforce by the whip is in short supply as are food stuffs, fresh water, raw goods, and other services. Raids and banditry are a constant danger. The High Priest of Talos is no violent idiot and what's good for the temple is good for Talos. What viable trade routes or roads could lead to the Maw?

The impact was deep enough to reveal several subterranean passages to the Underdark.

....And thus a civil war was born from an idea called "The Maw of Talos"

(c) Jeffrey Williams, 2004.

For Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition