As the twilight cloak of evening descended upon Old Nan’s Manor, an air of anticipation permeated every shadowed nook and flickering candlelight, heralding the arrival of a guest whose very name evokes a reverence reserved for the legends of Faerûn. Alustriel Silverhand, the Lady of Silverymoon, was set to grace our threshold, her presence a rare boon to the Manor and its inhabitants.
In the hours leading up to her expected arrival, the Manor found itself in a flurry of preparations, not all of which concerned the setting of the hearth or the polishing of silver. Yours truly, Mr. Loman Muckbuckle, found himself partaking in a ritual of readiness seldom seen. A quick shave to ensure a presentable appearance, the choice of a finely pressed shirt and vest that seldom saw the light of day, and, I confess, a pair of shoes designed to offer a slight elevation—not for vanity, mind you, but perhaps to meet the gaze of Silverymoon’s esteemed leader with a bit more… equality.
The moment of her arrival was nothing short of majestic. The gates, as if aware of the importance of the occasion, swung open to reveal Alustriel Silverhand stepping into the Manor’s embrace. Clad in robes that captured the ethereal glow of moonlight, her silver hair flowing like a river of stars, she moved with a grace that seemed to weave tranquility into the very air. Her gaze, both kind and piercing, held the wisdom of the ages, a testament to her storied journey through magic and leadership.
“Welcome to Old Nan’s Manor, Lady Silverhand,” I managed, my voice steadier than my nerves felt, standing a tad taller on my carefully chosen hill. “The honor is ours.”
Her arrival, marked by an elegant simplicity yet underscored by the palpable strength of her presence, promised an evening of enriched tales and shared wisdom. As Alustriel Silverhand, the Lady of Silverymoon, settled by the hearth, a sense of wonder settled over me. Here, in the heart of the Manor, stories would unfold, bridging worlds with words, under the watchful gaze of a gnome who, for all his preparations, found himself humbly in awe of the legend before him.
Guiding Star of the North
In the hidden alcoves of ancient lore, there exists a name that shimmers like a star in the night sky, that resonates through Faerûn’s history like a guiding light. Born Endué Alustriel Silverhand in the year 762 DR, Alustriel’s life story is an enchanting one, knitted with magic, destiny, and the profound impact of an individual on the realm.
The tale began with an intricate pattern of fate and divine intervention. Orphaned tragically, she and her sister Syluné were entrusted to the guardianship of Thamator the Old, a minor lord and member of the Harper organization. The young Alustriel, possessing an innate connection to magic, embarked on a journey that would forever intertwine her destiny with the fabric of the Weave itself.
With her true name hidden, Alustriel embarked on a path of adventure, fueled by a passion for unity among all races and a vision of a harmonious world. It was in the year 815 DR that she arrived in Silverymoon, donning the alias Elué Dualen. In the heart of the city, Alustriel formed an unbreakable bond with High Mage Amaara Nharimlur and her sister Lynnàsha. This triumvirate of power not only gave birth to Silverymoon’s renowned moonbridge but also established the prestigious Lady’s College.
A Love Enshrouded in Obsession
In the complexity of life, love is often carried within its shades of obsession and darkness. Alustriel’s was no exception, as she crossed paths with Sammaster, another of Mystra’s Chosen. Their love, passionate at its inception, spiraled into an obsession for Sammaster, who envisioned her as an embodiment of Mystra’s beauty unattainable to him. For three tumultuous years, Alustriel’s attempts to sever their connection resulted in a dangerous obsession that would ultimately have far-reaching consequences.
Embarking on Cosmic Battles and Defending the Realm
A year later, in 876 DR, Alustriel embarked on an ethereal voyage, a journey that would resonate across planes and alter the destiny of the North. With unwavering determination, she led her sister Lynnàsha, accompanied by Lynnàsha’s devoted partner Tulrun and a cadre of dedicated apprentices, beyond the boundaries of their realm. Their destination: the outer planes, where a malevolent tanar’ri lord sought to impose its dark will upon the northern lands. Alustriel’s decision to confront this threat head-on exemplified her resolute commitment to safeguarding her people.
The battle was waged with a ferocity that matched the magnitude of the danger they faced. Tragedy cast its shadow upon their valiant efforts, as Lynnàsha fell in the heat of the conflict, leaving behind an indelible legacy of sacrifice. Tulrun’s disappearance added an air of mystery to the events, as if the planes themselves had absorbed his presence.
The Mantle of Leadership and Unseen Sacrifices
In the year 1235 DR, Silverymoon once again found itself threatened by the encroaching shadows of malevolence. Shaloss Ethenfrost exploited the vulnerabilities of the city, proclaiming himself High Mage as the Black Horde besieged its walls. In the crucible of adversity, Alustriel’s resolve remained unshaken. With her sister Storm by her side, Alustriel led an army against the marauding orcs, rallying her forces to break the siege in the epic Battle of Tumbleskulls.
As the air crackled with energy, Alustriel engaged Ethenfrost in a spellbattle that transcended the mere casting of incantations. It was a battle of wills, of light against darkness, of a leader defending her realm against the forces of malevolence. With resolute determination, Alustriel emerged triumphant, personally extinguishing the threat that had cast its shadow over her beloved Silverymoon.
Following her triumphs and sacrifices, Alustriel embraced her role as High Mage of Silverymoon with a steadfast commitment that spanned generations. Without the veils of disguise, she ruled with wisdom, compassion, and an unyielding dedication to the prosperity of her people. Her reign endured for nearly a century-and-a-half, a span of time that witnessed the forging of alliances, the cultivation of culture, and the enduring legacy of her influence.
Echoes of the Spellplague and a Legacy Unveiled
As the tides of time shifted and the Spellplague reshaped the realms, Alustriel’s presence remained veiled in shadows. Alongside her sister Laeral and other allies, she stood as a guardian of the Weave, laboring to safeguard the realm from malevolent forces. Her actions, though hidden from history’s gaze, held profound implications for the fate of the world.
Alustriel’s life intertwined with the very essence of the Weave itself, as she worked to maintain its balance amidst the chaos. Yet, the Spellplague wreaked havoc upon the fabric of magic, altering the course of reality. Alustriel’s efforts to safeguard the Weave carried the weight of a world reshaped by the unpredictable forces that emerged during that dark period.
The Luminary’s Lasting Impact
Within history, Alustriel Silverhand’s legacy endures. Her influence extended to her children, her sons known collectively as The Tall Ones, a testemonial to her strength and foresight. Twelve half-elf sons bore the surname Aerasumé, meaning “silver-moon of the evening” in elven tradition, a poignant reflection of their lineage. These sons, born of different fathers, included names such as Andelver, Boesild, Dolthauvin, Elinthalar, Ghaelryss, Inthylyn, Lilinthar Aerasumé, Methrammar, Naerond, Raerilarr, Tarthilmor, and Uoundeld. United by their blood, they stood as skilled warriors, a legacy of their mother’s courage.
When Alustriel graces us in the Common Room, her presence breathes life into ancient tales. Heroes are not forged solely on battlefields; they emerge from the choices made in the unseen moments that shape the soul.
