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Velsharoon, sometimes called “the Vaunted” (though not to his face), the renegade archmage of Thay, and one of the most powerful archmages currently active in the Realms, has a-hunting gone.

A certain magical process discovered in a very old ruin, somewhere in The Plains of Purple Dust, north of Raurin, requires a potion containing the blood of adventurers—so Velsharoon is seeking adventurers. It is whispered in Soorenar (where Velsharoon has one of his abodes, the Tower Terrible) that the magical process that the archmage is interested in gives the successful follower demi-godhood and attendant great powers!

Velsharoon’s many enemies (notably the ruling Red Wizards and the archmages Halder of Delzimmer, Omm Hlandrar of Halruaa, The Simbul of Aglarond, and Elminster of Shadowdale) are said to be concerned for the safety and stability of the Realms (and their own persons) if Velsharoon achieves his goal.

DM’s Note: This is one of those nasty rumors that whisper the worst—and is right. There is a process by which a great wizard can achieve demi-godhood (besides the famous one of serving the Goddess of Magic faithfully). It is a process set down long ago by the god Talos, who uses up demigods the way some marching soldiers wear out boots.

Velsharoon is well on the way to achieving his powers, but it is up to the DM (considering both game balance in the campaign and the favored playing style and interests of the players) if the mage ever achieves demi-godhood or not. Perhaps if the PCs themselves reach lofty levels, Velsharoon could achieve the powers he seeks and emerge as a powerful foe.

Velsharoon is powerful enough at present! He is a 29th level wizard specializing in necromancy, having developed many unique spells that allow him to control liches and vampires in his service, use many undead powers (including gaseous form, energy drain, chill touch and flight) while still alive, and so on.

Despite his great powers, Velsharoon does not like to fight opponents directly. He prefers to remain hidden, employing undead, summoned servant creatures, and mercenary agents to do his work.

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