Bio

Corthen Nightglade – A Memoir

I put pen to parchment so that should I fall in my travels to the distant Sword Coast, my life and identity might be remembered by those who survive me. My name is Corthen Nightglade of Elven Court, heir to the title of Patriarch of House Nightglade. To maintain a record of my immediate lineage, I put forth the name of my father Thorindryll Nightglade, and my mother, Lady Alestrasa Nightglade. I do have one sibling, my older sister Mariel Nightglade. My familial bloodline will show that I am of the moon elven race traceable back to the glorious age of Myth Drannor.
My father and mother were upstanding citizens of Myth Drannor before the fall. My family has always been considered avid historians regarding all things elvish. My father was even graced with the title of head artificer of my people. He was in charge of cataloging and maintaining one of the most amazing museums that ever existed in Faerun. Of course, that was all before the fall of Myth Drannor. The day that despicable army of darkness overran the city is the day that my people lost their birthright. My parents and sister escaped with their lives, but were forced to leave behind all their possessions including my family’s most treasured item, the Helm of Reverie. This helm is a mighty treasure indeed and very important to my father’s work, as it is enchanted so that the wearer can determine the history of any elvish crafted item, even the memories of those associated with the item that is being evaluated. The loss of this item still weighs very heavily upon House Nightglade. When I was old enough to decide what direction my life would take, I swore an oath to Sahanine Moonbow herself that I would do everything in my power to find and recover this helm and restore my family’s uncanny aptitude for artifice that was granted by being in possession of this helm.
After the fall of Myth Drannor, the survivors from the city established Elven Court as a refuge for all elves who survived. It was here, under the shadowtop trees of the Cormanthor Forest, that I was born. I had a very happy childhood here and consider Elven Court to be home. As I grew, I always wanted to hear stories from my father about what life was like before the fall of the city, and was always fascinated by what I heard. I immediately took a vast interest in elvish history as was normal for members of my family. The more I heard, the more I wanted to hear. But hearing the history of my people was not enough for me. I wanted to see the ancient items of elvish craft with my own eyes. I wanted to feel the history in my hands by holding antiques and artifacts. My father was very pleased with the direction I was taking, as it looked like I would surely take up his mantle once he left Faerun for the unknown. But fate did not play out exactly as my father expected.
Just as I was listening to the history of my people from my father, I was also listening to other stories as well. My mentor and master of the blade, Yalleytl Stormshadow, would tell me stories of epic battles and the good fight my people put up during the invasion of Myth Drannor. He told me of battling monsters and denizens of the dark places of Toril and I was thoroughly enthralled by these tales. As my secret interest in swordplay and magic increased I made sure to keep it hidden from my father’s eyes as I knew he would not approve. As I grew older and my body grew capable, Yalleytl began instructing me in the ways of the long sword. He was impressed with my ambidexterity, being able to use both hands equally well. He showed me how to wield two blades at once because of this ability even though he himself admitted that he was venturing into unknown territory because he was not capable of doing this himself. He tried to teach me to use the weapon most commonly associated with my people, the longbow, but we both discovered that I had no natural aptitude for this elegant weapon. As my skills improved, he even began to train me while I was garbed in his plate mail so that I might get used to fighting in heavy armor. He would train me as a fighter, and afterwards I would pass on history lessons to him that I heard from my father. When he saw how keen my interest was in both historical artifacts and the fighting arts he made the recommendation that changed my life forever. I will relate what he said word for word.
“Corthen, I have taught you well in the arts of the blade, just as you have educated me regarding our people’s history. I can teach you no more at this point, and all that remains for you in Elven Court is what I consider to be endless drudgery working by your father’s side. I think you should take up the mantle of an adventurer and carve out your own piece of history. Instead of just evaluating and cataloging items as a curator for the rest of your life, you could be the discoverer of lost treasures and artifacts. You could even find your family’s helm that you speak of so often, since it could be anywhere in Faerun at this point. You are old enough now to make your own decisions, and although your father may not approve you need to find your own way in this world. I have heard of one place that is rife with lost antiquities faraway on the distant sword coast in the city of men that is called Waterdeep. This underground labyrinth is called Undermountain. It is reputed to be one of the most dangerous places in all of Faerun, but is also one of the most rewarding places for a budding adventurer. What say you? Will you spend your time here in Elven Court muddling away into obscurity? Or will you take up the blade and claim pieces of our glorious past with your own hand?”
Of course after a speech like that it did not take me long to answer to the affirmative. But I was burdened with finding a way to approach and tell my father of my decision to become an adventurer. Puzzled and frustrated by this, I decided the best course of action would be just to approach my father and tell him of my choice. I had even already procured equipment to start my journey west from Yalleytl and was preparing to leave very soon, regardless of my father’s reaction. When I came out and told him of my decision, his reaction was very close to what I had expected. I will relate to you what he said.
“Corthen, our family profession is that of curator, not grave robber. What you are proposing is detestable and suited more to the likes of those barbaric humans, not our people. I disapprove of this decision but I know that I cannot stop you. If you decide to pursue this, know that you are risking the very life that was given to you and the odds are not in your favor. The dark places of Faerun are very dangerous and some pieces of history should be allowed to rest where they happen to be. You even speak of finding the Helm of Reverie, an impossible task in itself. It lies in the heart of the ruins of Myth Drannor guarded by some of the foulest creatures to walk Toril. I know that you say it is not necessarily still in its resting place but I say to you that it is very unlikely it has found its way elsewhere. If you leave Elven Court you do not leave with my blessing and you will forfeit your place within our society as an artificer. Your mother and I will always love you dearly, and your decision will be what it will, but you will not take my place as artificer if you leave. Indeed, you risk the very foundation of our family as you are heir to the title of Patriarch of House Nightglade. What will our family do if not curate and catalog? Surely you don’t think the rest of our line will be adventurers? With this I give you the option of going and forfeiting all that you know and love, or staying and taking my place within our society.”
I weighed my options overnight and made my decision. I have decided to do as my mentor Yalleytl suggested and carve out my own piece of history. I intend to journey west, to Waterdeep, and delve into whatever secrets Undermountain might hide. It is now deep into the night, as I write this on the night of my decision. In the morning I intend to announce my decision to my father, leave this document in the hands of my sister as well as keep a copy on my person, and set out west. Yalleytl suggested that I find companions to journey into Undermountain with me, which I intend to do. He does not have the prejudices that plague my father regarding Humans, Dwarves, Halflings, and Gnomes. He has told me that I can benefit from learning from the other races of Faerun and joining with them in my adventures. I intend to do this as I am curious about their cultures as I have had limited exposure to all races but that of my people. May Sahanine be with me and bless me.

Corthen Nightglade
Adventurer