It is known that the First Age was the Age of Paladine, who created all things and all things that are good. It is known that the Second Age was the Age of Arioch, where evil took possession of all things and war had claimed many lives. The land was a wasteland and the sea was a dead sea. Men and Elves distorted magick and the Lady of Mysteries took back the Gift, bringing about the Third Age. It is also known that the Third Age was meant for Mystra, the Goddess of Magic. And yet, her presence and influence went mostly unknown.
Nobody knows what the Fourth Age will bring. Some rejoice at the return of Paladine and times of peace. But many men fear that the Time of Arioch is nigh and darkness shall once again rule the land.
As word spread throughout the land, several of the most powerful archmages banded together in an effort to stop Tor Saylan. They knew that despite his immortality, Tor Saylan was still just a man and needed sleep. They would attack him when he rested.
Mystra sent warning and Tor Saylan enlisted four great warriors to watch over him while he slept. Allen, the matchless swordsman, became his right hand. Tyra, the beautiful archer, would protect Tor Saylan from distant enemies. Mord, the great spearman from the southern reaches, was quick and deadly. He was cunning and brilliant and he could outthink the enemy wizards. And Eratus, the eastern warrior who had mastered the whip and chain. He would entrap any sorcerer and bind his hands from performing his magic. Tor Saylan empowered their weapons with great magicks and made them supreme among all men.
(Translated from The Book of Knowledge, also in Clarys’s possession)
In the village of Lochshire, among the Five Shires, the human archmage Par Salien lived among the halflings, teaching them the ways of magic and sorcery. He lived among them because he truly loved the little people and wanted to arm them against the taller races by teaching them to fend for themselves against attack and invasions. He had two apprentices that showed considerable promise, and four other possible candidates for training at the Tower of Sorcery in Darokin.
Ladiana said, “And did you feel in control? Of yourself and of this power?”
Malus looked up into her eyes again and shook his head. “No, my lady. That was the frightening thing. The liquid did cloud my mind of reason. It was not until thou bade thy friend to lay hands upon me. And when she did, the paladin’s healing touch did restore sound judgment and control. I had yet still harnessed the power, but now reason had returned once more.”
Malus licked his lips. He felt his throat had dried out and he swallowed once. “If thou wishst it so, thou should try the liquid but once. Thy friend should touch thee once and thou wilt know what I know. I am not stricken with need, my lady. The paladin of Mystra removed such thoughts and desires within me.”
Ladiana thought long about his words, but gave him no indication as to her intent. “See to it, Lord Malus, that neither you nor your warriors come upon this liquid and attempt to repeat the process. If Lady Clarys is not about, you do not have my leave to drink of it once more.”
“As thou wishes, my lady. It shall be so.”