Hello everybody Jorphdan here the PH is silent. I’m excited to dive back into some Forgotten
Realms lore! This time I’d like to talk to you, and take you through the history of the Cowled Wizards
of Amn. Amn being below the Sword Coast but still on the coast. Your wizard could be a
part of this somewhat secret group, running missions for them throughout Faerun. With
their unknown identities these Cowled Wizards could exist throughout your campaign, either
as a friend, or enemy… Let’s dive in!
Amn! Super cool place, rich history! Check out my video in the top right or in the description
below for further information. It’s a young nation, expanding very far after the Spellplague.
Amn is a mercantile state, and it’s capital city Athkatla is often referred to as the
“City of Coin.” With plenty of people worshiping Waukeen, the goddess of wealth
and commerce.
The government of Amn is an oligarchy known as the Council of Five. This council is made
up of Cowled Wizards. Originally it was called the Council of Six and was founded by Thayze
Selemchant in 1333 DR in a response to the Great Trade War of Amn. He got five leaders
of mercantile-houses and families to form a new government to increase profits for all
the wealthy families. It was during the late 1300’s that the Council of Six decided
to end their anonymity and eliminate one of the seats. With this the now open government
of the Council of Five could control the nation a bit more tightly. The economy was priority
but to keep the Cowled Wizards in power there was a ban on the use of Arcane Magic. Punishable
by death. The Council regulated magic, and licensed only certain practitioners of the
High Houses to practice it. This prevented a money-less nobody from gaining power.
Originally the Cowled Wizards were a secretive cabal who’s self appointed charge was to
protect arcane knowledge and lore. But obsessing over foreign mages who traveled through Amn
they transformed into an authority over magic in the whole nation. They tell the public
that it’s for their own protection, that unsanctioned use of magic protects the “Art”
and the people of Amn. Truly though it is a tool to keep political and financial rivals
down. Most Cowled Wizards also work as merchants, librarians or apothecaries. Continuing the
original tradition of magical study and preservation.
Groups of Cowled Wizards were assigned to towns or cities within Amn. These groups are
known as cells and they are led by the most powerful spellcaster in that particular region.
They occasionally return to Athkatla for secret orders and closed meetings. There are a series
of hidden chambers beneath the city where the Cowled Wizards meet. Also to help the
Cowled Wizards in their travels and control of Amn they keep magical safe holds throughout
the country. Over 16 separate caches of magical equipment and/or libraries lie hidden in the
state.
A dangerous member to join the Cowled Wizards was Zallanora Argentresses. This elven woman
was a simple apprentice but during the Time of Troubles a Lich by the name of Shoon VII
swapped places with her. Shoon VII has a long history, and only a brief part of it coincides
with the Cowled Wizards, but here ya go. Shoon VII orchestrated the assasination of Emperor
Shoon VI and thus became the new Emperor of the Shoon Imperium.
He was a terrible, murderous ruler who demanded loyalty through magical means or you would
face death. He was responsible for the deaths of at least two dozen unicorns, which were
sacrificed to make a powerful magical artifact called the Tome of the Unicorn. Some elves
in Snakewood tried to defend a small blessing of Unicorns from being captured and thus Shoon
VII ordered his legions to kill all the elves as well. The rivers turned red with elf blood,
and two thirds of the elves in the forest were captured and half of those were enslaved.
Shoon VII performed horrible magical experiments on these poor elves.
Now the Tome of the Unicorn was magically enchanted, and soaked in the blood of twelve
unicorns. The outside of the book was metal plates, and it was large, about two feet broad
with a three foot spine. The book was over 4 inches thick and the pages were made of
polished plates of electrum. Each page was blank but if you concentrated the contents
would appear. The book bears no title or identifying marks. He also used the horns of the unicorns
to craft a magical artifact called the Staff of Shoon, which had some cool powers but it
and the book were ultimately evil.
Twelve years after finishing the Tome of the Unicorn he faked his own death and three years
after that became a Lich. His body fell into ruin over time and what was left of him, mostly
his skull became trapped in the last page of the Tome of the Unicorn. Fast forward and
someone named Shond Tharovin managed to summon the demilich from the Tome. Shoon VII demanded
souls to consume so the two attacked Zallanora and her caravan. But it was at this moment
the Time of Troubles began and magic went crazy. Shoon VII and Zallanora’s souls were
swapped. Zallanora was trapped within the Tome of the Unicorn and Shoon VII under the
disguise of this elven woman was free to roam around Faerun again.
Shoon VII as Zallanora began to take control of the Cowled Wizards. Pushing their actions to help
his agenda, and gaining access to their arcane power. Towards the end of written lore on
Shoon VII he was attempting to slay a nearby dragon by enlisting help from Calimport. It
is suggested that Shoon VII eventually traveled to Maztica to conquer and control that land.
In 4th edition with the return of Abeir and Toril he would have no longer existed on Toril.
Perhaps with 5th edition this ancient Lich can return, or maybe he is controlling the
Cowled Wizards to this day? The Tome of the Unicorn, it’s powers as an artifact, are
found in the 2nd edition book “Lands of Intrigue.” The Staff of Shoon is listed
in the accessory “Calimport.” Both are very powerful, and perhaps you can adapt them
into your current game.
Thanks for watching everyone! Help the channel grow by liking, commenting, and sharing this
video with your gaming group! Thanks again patrons, you are amazing, and I’ll see you
all in the next video!