The history of Faerûn is a tapestry of forgotten empires and crumbling kingdoms, but none captured my curiosity quite like the ancient empire of Netheril. Its story is one of unmatched magical prowess, ambition, and inevitable ruin. The chronicles of this once-great floating empire have been scattered and fragmented, but in The Rise and Fall of Netheril: Chronicles of the Floating Empire, Aerendil Talethor has meticulously gathered these stories into one of the most comprehensive accounts of Netheril’s golden age—and its collapse.
When I first encountered this tome, I had only heard whispers of Netheril, tales of flying cities and mages so powerful they bent reality to their will. As I delved into Aerendil’s work, the truth of Netheril’s rise and fall unfolded before me, revealing both the grandeur of their magic and the arrogance that led to their downfall.
About the Book
Author: Aerendil Talethor, a reclusive Elven scholar of Silverymoon, dedicated centuries of his life to the study of Netheril. Aerendil’s work is considered unparalleled due to his access to ancient ruins, recovered artifacts, and rare scrolls once thought lost. His Elven longevity granted him the time needed to painstakingly piece together the fragments of Netheril’s history from a range of sources, including magical extrapolation techniques used on Netherese relics.
Year of Publication: 1421 DR
Language: Written in Elvish and translated into Common by the bardic colleges of Waterdeep. Aerendil’s research was originally meant only for high scholars of the Tel’Teukiira, but growing interest in Netheril’s legacy led to wider distribution.
Physical Description: The book is bound in metallic silver, etched with intricate depictions of floating cities. It contains fold-out maps of the empire’s greatest enclaves, detailed illustrations of Netherese spellwork, and notes on their cultural advancements and eventual hubris.
Content and Usefulness
This tome provides not only a detailed account of Netheril’s rise but also a warning to those who seek to follow in their footsteps. Aerendil divides the work into three key sections, each focusing on a different era of Netheril’s history:
- The Age of Discovery:
Aerendil begins with the early days of Netheril, as it grew from humble beginnings to a mighty empire of magic. He recounts the discovery of the mythallar, an artifact that allowed the Netherese to create flying cities and draw unlimited magical power. This section describes the foundation of cities like Thultanthar (Shadow) and Karsus Enclave, each defying the natural world and becoming centers of arcane experimentation.
Application: Scholars and adventurers may use this knowledge to uncover ancient Netherese relics, understanding the origins of the mythallar and its potential power. The locations of long-lost floating cities may hold secrets or forgotten treasures that lie dormant, waiting to be rediscovered. - The Golden Age:
Aerendil’s work delves into the height of Netheril’s power, where magic ruled every aspect of society. Enclaves drifted in the skies above Faerûn, and archwizards wielded power beyond comprehension. Here, Talethor details the culture, politics, and internal rivalries among the archmages, their reliance on the mythallar, and their quest for immortality and godhood.
Application: Knowledge from this era could provide insight into how Netherese wizards augmented their powers, offering clues to lost spells, magical techniques, or artifacts. For those interested in ancient magic, this section is invaluable in understanding the unparalleled abilities they once wielded. - The Fall of Netheril:
The final section recounts the catastrophic downfall of the empire. Aerendil presents the events leading up to Karsus’ Folly, a desperate attempt by the archwizard Karsus to ascend to godhood by stealing the powers of Mystryl, the goddess of magic. This disastrous spell unraveled the Weave, causing Mystryl’s death and the collapse of magic in Faerûn. The floating cities plummeted to the ground, and the once-mighty empire was shattered in an instant.
Application: Heroes studying this chapter could learn of the dangers of unchecked magic, perhaps discovering remnants of Karsus’ failed spell or ruins of fallen enclaves. Understanding the intricacies of the Weave and the consequences of tampering with divine magic could prevent similar catastrophes in the present day.
Why It Matters
The Rise and Fall of Netheril is not just a historical account—it is a cautionary tale for all who wield magic. The story of Netheril is one of supreme mastery over the arcane, but also of hubris and the fall that comes with unchecked power. It serves as a stark reminder that even the greatest civilizations are not immune to their own arrogance.
The book offers readers not only knowledge of Netheril’s once-glorious past but also practical insights into the locations of their floating cities, the dangers of their lost magic, and the lingering effects their fall had on the Weave. For any adventurer seeking to explore the ruins of Netheril, or for those who seek to wield magic like the archwizards of old, Aerendil’s work is an essential guide.
Imagine discovering the ruins of a once-mighty enclave buried beneath the desert sands or atop a lonely mountain. With Aerendil’s research, you would know where to look, what to seek, and perhaps how to avoid the fate that befell the Netherese mages. But be wary, for their magic still lingers, and the echoes of Karsus’ Folly can still be felt in the fabric of reality itself.
Netheril’s story is a lesson for all who seek to master magic. Their rise was glorious, but their fall—inevitable. This book is not just a history lesson, but a guide to understanding the dangers of hubris. For any who wish to uncover their secrets, remember that power often comes at a price.
