Disclaimer: I don't own any of the names, characters, setting contained within. Bioware/Black Isle/Interplay does.

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The Iron Crisis. Its plague that swept the Sword Coast four years ago. Rieltar Anchev, leader of the Iron Throne, defeated the Merchant League, and seized all monopolies within the city of Baldur's Gate. Providing the city with 'acquired' iron reserves, stockpiled and sold at premium prices, the Iron Throne knew wealth beyond measure. Quickly silencing their Zhentish rivals, they bought the services of mercenaries and formed a private mercantile army.

Expansion to Athkatla swiftly followed. All shipping, all caravans are controlled by one man. With more power than the Grand Dukes and Athkatla's Council, it was not long before an assassin breeched Anchev's inner circle. Outrage followed. It did not take long for an agreement to be struck with Athkatla's infamous 'Shadow Thieves'. The 'shadow master', Aran Linvail, was not without his own problems.

Irenicus. Outcast elf and mage extraordinaire. Kidnapper. Tormenter. Murderer. Brother of Bodhi.

Bodhi. Terror of the Night, mistress to a coven of vampires.

The guild war, as it became known, raged. As the thieves slowly gave ground to the night hunters, a single confrontation changed the face of the conflict forever. The Cowled Wizards, Athkatla's authorised mages, were forced to step in, but were unable to contain Irenicus. Breaking free of their hold, his presence tipped the balance in the vampires' favour. The reports Irenicus, then unknown in name, cared nothing for such trivialities were contradicted by the fury of his magical barrage. Renewed, intensified, the Cowled Wizards were forced to ally with the Shadow Thieves, and Athkatla's Council was obliged to plead Anchev for aid.

None was forthcoming.

Under Bodhi, the city lay in ruins. The Iron Throne withdrew and Athkatla, jewel of Amn, was shattered. Amnish might failed.

Amidst the shattered stones and burnt out buildings, vampires prowled. Irenicus resumed his experiments.

Candlekeep. Home of the sage Gorion and his wards, Sarevok and Imoen. Spared from the Iron Crisis, events further south passed them by. Sheltered, for a time.

Saradush. Two years ago…