The Forgotten Realms face an unknown danger: a weave of unstable energy washed over Faerun some months ago, causing havoc for spellcasters everywhere. Many attempted spells had catastrophic results, and clerics of all domains have struggled to maintain contact with their patrons of the Outer Planes. To protect the denizens of the Forgotten Realms, the most powerful spellcasters gathered to investigate the cause of this Shadowpulse and seek a means to counter any lasting negative side effects. This gathering, known as the Rymanthiin Investigation, has not been heard from in some time. Although many of the most dire effects of the Shadowpulse seem to have faded, the extent of the Rymanthiin Investigation's success is uncertain.
Several groups have arisen in response to the crisis. One group, the Sunderguard, has developed chapters throughout Faerun with the intent of safeguarding the world against a third sundering. One such chapter is located in the Greypeak Mountains of northwest Faerun, where the impact of a celestial object has prompted the establishment of a mining operation to recover valuable material. Combined with precious gems imbued with potent energies from the nearby Owl Well Nexus, the Sunderguard is equipping their members with new tools towards one universally shared goal: do whatever it takes to prevent another sundering of the Realms.
Greypeak Settlement, located near the source of the Delimbiyr river, is the growing hub for the Sunderguard presence in this area. Lady Morwen, the Duchess of Daggerford, has tasked her niece Marian with its establishment. They hope Greypeak will serve as a resource supply for valuable material as Daggerford grows to rival established cities on the Sword Coast.
Marian is aided in this endeavor by Zelos Winterfield, her quartermaster and advisor. Zelos runs the Daggerford estate and is coordinating its construction, in addition to establishing supply lines up and down the Delimbiyr river.
Marian is also involved with Alexander Green, an apprentice to the powerful wizard and master alchemist Amelior Amanitas, who joined the Rymanthiin Investigation. Alex is focused on discovering the impact of the Shadowpulse and how to manage the fallout.
Alex is friends with Rangrim Ironfist, a respected blacksmith of the Highrock clan Shield Dwarves. This friendship has provided him (and thus also Marian) with a connection to the developing Sunderguard establishment, led by the Ironeater dwarf, Maximus Pentacle.
Maximus is focused on recruiting new adventurers to the Sunderguard, both to gather precious resources and fill out the ranks of the guild. His lifelong friend, Rangrim, is leading the smiths and artisans building Greypeak Settlement and the infrastructure needed to mine new materials.
