The Beacon That Lit the Dark Void

With Raymond making a high-profile reappearance after a long absence, tensions rose across Faerun.

Even the increasingly fierce conflict between the City of Shade and Zhentil Keep in the north eased considerably within days.

Thay, under the Red Wizards' control, went straight to its highest state of military readiness. Even the brutal infighting among its chief wizards stopped for the time being as they joined forces against a common threat.

Everyone was anxiously wondering whether Raymond was about to make another big move.

After all, he had quite a record in that department. He had hardly let up since arriving in this world.

And unlike many people, who acted only when provoked or threatened, he had always taken the initiative.

Even if someone had never crossed him, once he judged them a potential threat, he would stop at nothing to suppress, weaken, or eliminate them for good.

Silvanus, the Nature God and Oakfather, was the clearest example.

Simply because Silvanus's theory of natural balance conflicted with the Sword Coast Empire's development, Raymond had uprooted his sects and followers across the western half of Faerun with astonishing speed.

Silvanus still retained his Greater Divine Power, but his strength and influence were far below what they had once been.

Worse, the newly ascendant Nature God Talona had seized the opportunity to expand into his territory. She was also actively courting deities who disapproved of Silvanus's cold, cruel, and savage side.

Eldath, goddess of peace and springs, and Mielikki, goddess of forests, were among them. The once fairly united Nature Pantheon showed signs of splitting in two.

Talona had also maintained good relations with the Earth Mother, Chauntea.

Their churches worked closely together on agriculture, natural cycles of Degradation, and fertilizer.

As for those who had already crossed Raymond...

Look at Cyric, the