Secrets of the Sentinels
  1. Notes

Secrets of the Sentinels

The Sentinels of Seregon are a legendary group of four adventurers who rose to prominence over a century ago. Their epic deeds, which are still commemorated by monuments and stories throughout Seregon, were marked by both triumph and failure. The most tragic of their legacies is their failed mission to stop the undead apocalypse across Moog. 

The Original Sentinels and Their Fate

  • Ambergris the Wizard was once the group’s intellectual powerhouse. Known for his brilliance, Ambergris wore the Ring of Mujamada, which granted him unnaturally extended life. Now, in his old age, he suffers from dementia, a cruel result of both time and the mental strain of desperately seeking a solution to stop the apocalypse. Ambergris, once sharp and full of knowledge, no longer remembers crucial aspects of his life, including his relationship with his former lover, Ilmadia Mianala, a fact that devastates her to this day. Banar, a young adventurer who once worked for Sultan Cirmacin, has become a regular protector of the elderly wizard, often watching over him.

  • Ilmadia Mianala, an archdruid, played a vital role in the Sentinels' fight against the horrors of Moog. She was deeply connected to the natural world, and her magic often provided healing and stability in the group’s darkest moments. However, as Ambergris became obsessed with his failing attempts to stop the apocalypse, Ilmadia had an affair with Sultan Cirmacin, ruler of the Sultanate of Sahar, which resulted in the birth of Princess Litsëa. Ilmadia harbors a heavy burden of guilt, not just for her affair, but also for failing to stop the apocaylpse. She believes that her storytelling about the Ring of Mujamada is what led Clement Schoonoven, the current head of the powerful Schoonoven family, to "borrow" the ring and set out on his own adventure, possibly repeating her own failure.

  • Sultan Cirmacin, the calculating yet compassionate sultan, was another key member of the Sentinels. A warrior and tactician, he has since returned to his lands, ruling wisely. He remains circumspect about their mission, believing they did everything they could, but his mind is never at rest. He continuously replays scenarios, wondering what could have been done differently. His daughter, Princess Litsëa, who knows of her origins and Ilmadia’s past, maintains a friendship with Ilmadia, and often intervenes in situations where the legacy of the Sentinels is involved.

  • Zuri Ironview, the powerful fighter of the group, has spent her later years working behind the scenes to empower a new generation of adventurers—the The Yard Rats—to take up the mantle of the Sentinels. Zuri has been instrumental in securing them resources and opportunities, including arranging for them to gain control of Kerkhof Station, an outpost with strategic importance to Seregon. Her connections with Sovereign Morel, an influential leader in the region, and her efforts to mentor and support these new adventurers show that Zuri, despite her age, remains deeply committed to the defense of Seregon.

Their Legacy and Influence

Though they failed to stop the undead apocalypse, the Sentinels are remembered as heroes in Seregon. Their annual gathering at The Elephant's Embrace, a secretive affair known only to a select few—most notably Banar, their trusted confidant—keeps their bonds strong despite the years. Banar, who assisted Sultan Cirmacin in retrieving an artifact from the Sultanate of Sahar, has earned the trust and respect of the Sentinels, and his protection of Ambergris shows his ongoing commitment to their cause.

Their monument, the Sentinels Statue, located in a bustling town square, serves as a constant reminder of the glory and tragedy that surrounds their story. It depicts the four Sentinels in heroic poses, each figure larger than life, capturing the strength, wisdom, and determination that made them legends. While the Ring of Mujamada, once worn by Ambergris, remains missing, possibly in the possession of Clement Schoonoven, the statue continues to inspire the people of Seregon to uphold the values of bravery and sacrifice that the Sentinels embodied.

Ongoing Influence and Potential Impact

The Sentinels of Seregon may have failed in their greatest mission, but their influence is still keenly felt. Zuri’s efforts to shape the Yard Rats into successors for the Sentinels could prove critical as new dangers arise, including the potential return of Van Droth. Princess Litsëa, while tied by blood to Ilmadia and the Sultan, has also grown into a figure of importance. Her knowledge of her origins and ties to Ilmadia give her a unique role in Seregon’s future, and she may intervene to help steer adventurers onto the right path if they stray too far from their goals.

The Sentinels’ annual soiree remains a quiet affair, but its importance cannot be overstated. It serves as a reminder of the unfinished business left behind by the Sentinels—a chance for them to reflect on their failures and successes. As Ambergris grows older and weaker, his loss will mark the end of an era, but the remaining Sentinels—Ilmadia, Cirmacin, and Zuri—still carry the weight of their shared past. How their stories conclude may ultimately depend on the actions of the new generation of adventurers, who will either succeed where the Sentinels failed or fall into the same traps.


Battles of the Sentinels

The Sentinels of Seregon were legendary adventurers who participated in numerous pivotal battles during their storied careers. Here are some of their most notable battles:

1. Siege of Helderdink

  • Objective: Defend the city of Helderdink from the Necromancer Otropos, lieutenant of Ras Nsi and his undead army.
  • Outcome: Partial Victory —The Sentinels led the city's defense, ultimately defeating the necromancer after a grueling siege. Bram de Vries (now Lord Koninkrijk) fell to the undead, but not before slaying Otropos. His body was taken in the battle and he was later raised by Ras Nsi to replace Otropos. Ilmadia Mianala used her druidic powers to protect the citizens from the undead. This battle solidified the Sentinels’ reputation as capable protectors of cities and defenders against undead threats.

2. The Assault on the Ziggurat of Groth-Golka

  • Objective: Stop the Pterafolk from summoning the Great Old One, Groth-Golka, in a sacrificial ritual atop a massive ziggurat.
  • Outcome: Victory—In a fierce battle, the Sentinels prevented Groth-Golka from fully manifesting. Ambergris the Wizard played a key role in disrupting the ritual, while Ilmadia Mianala used her connection to nature to fight off swarms of Pterafolk. Zuri Ironview led the assault, and the Sentinels’ victory marked the end of the Pterafolk cult in the region. However, the corpse of Groth-Golka remains a source of corruption in the jungle to this day.

3. The Battle of Fortress Temolux

  • Objective: Defend the coastal fortress of Fortress Temolux from a raid by sea giants.
  • Outcome: Victory—The Sentinels successfully repelled a force of sea giants intent on claiming the fortress and its coastal waters.

4. Ambush at the Sands of Sahar

  • Objective: Recover a powerful artifact from the Sultanate of Sahar and prevent it from falling into enemy hands.
  • Outcome: Victory—During a perilous journey across the Sands of Sahar, the Sentinels were ambushed by rival adventurers seeking the artifact for their own nefarious purposes. Sultan Cirmacin used his tactical acumen to turn the tide of the battle, while Ilmadia invoked the desert winds to scatter the enemy. Zuri and Ambergris fought side by side to defeat the leader of the ambushers, securing the artifact for Seregon. This mission also marked the deepening of the relationship between Ilmadia and the Sultan, leading to the birth of Princess Litsëa.

5. Storming of Valusia Keep

  • Objective: Liberate Valusia Keep from the grip of a rogue sorcerer who had seized control of the fortress.
  • Outcome: Victory—The Sentinels infiltrated the keep and confronted the sorcerer in a battle that spanned the towers of Valusia. Ambergris, despite his growing obsession with Van Droth’s threat, played a vital role in dismantling the sorcerer’s wards, while Zuri cut through the sorcerer’s elite guards. Ilmadia and Sultan Cirmacin dealt the final blow, ensuring the sorcerer could no longer use the keep to terrorize the surrounding lands.

6. The Siege of Tarab

The Siege of Tarab was one of the Sentinels of Seregon’s most significant and tragic battles, marking the beginning of the fall of the Holy State of Tarab. This once-great nation was renowned for its devotion to its patron god and its staunch resistance to the growing threat of undead forces across the region. The siege was a devastating clash that saw the Sentinels at their most desperate, and despite their best efforts, they were ultimately unable to save the kingdom from destruction.

The Catastrophe and Aftermath

  • The Fall of Tarab: Holy State of Tarab fell to a formidable undead general, who led an overwhelming force of the dead in a calculated assault on the kingdom. The Sentinels of Seregon were called upon to aid in the kingdom's defense, alongside Tarab’s last standing priests. As the undead poured into the capital city, the Sentinels fought valiantly to protect the people, but the onslaught was relentless. Tarab’s defenses, though fortified by magic and faith, crumbled under the sheer weight of the attack.

  • The Crystal of Tarab: At the heart of the siege was the Crystal of Tarab, a divine artifact brought to the kingdom by Ambergris the Wizard. Intended as a beacon of hope, this powerful crystal was meant to be a weapon capable of repelling the undead. The priests of Tarab, led by their High Priest, channeled all their remaining divine energy into the crystal, hoping to turn the tide. However, the undead general had shielded his forces from the crystal’s radiance, and despite the sacrifice of the priests, the divine energy failed to penetrate the army’s defenses. The Crystal of Tarab, instead of becoming a symbol of hope, became a symbol of lost potential and tragic failure.

  • Ambergris and the Staff of Lost Tarab: In the aftermath of the siege, Ambergris, filled with guilt and sorrow over the kingdom’s fall, recovered the Crystal of Tarab. Using his arcane knowledge, he crafted it into the Staff of Lost Tarab, an artifact infused with the residual divine energy of the fallen god of Tarab. The staff holds great power, but it is also a reminder of the tragedy that befell Tarab. The weight of this failure, combined with Ambergris’ obsession with finding solutions to the rising undead threats, contributed to his gradual mental decline.

  • Zuri Ironview’s Defense: During the siege, Zuri Ironview fought tirelessly to hold the line against the undead. She personally led the defense of Tarab’s gates, cutting through the undead ranks with her immense strength. Despite her efforts, the relentless hordes overwhelmed the kingdom’s forces. Zuri’s leadership saved many lives, allowing some of Tarab’s citizens to escape before the city fell, but the loss haunted her in the years that followed.

  • Ilmadia’s Magic: The archdruid Ilmadia Mianala used every aspect of her power to bolster the defenses and heal the wounded, calling upon the natural world to fight against the undead invaders. Yet, even her potent magic could not overcome the overwhelming necromantic power that had engulfed the region. She witnessed firsthand the kingdom’s fall and the failure of the Sentinels to protect it, a memory that would plague her, alongside her personal regrets involving Ambergris.

  • Sultan Cirmacin’s Tactical Brilliance: Sultan Cirmacin provided vital strategic leadership during the siege. He coordinated several key defensive maneuvers, and his presence on the battlefield inspired the remaining forces to fight on. However, even the Sultan’s military prowess could not stop the ultimate collapse of Tarab. Despite his best efforts, the kingdom fell, and Cirmacin has since been burdened by thoughts of what could have been done differently.

7. The Defense of Seregon Against the Beastmen Horde

  • Objective: Defend Seregon from a Beastmen horde that sought to breach the city’s walls.
  • Outcome: Victory—In one of their greatest battles, the Sentinels led the defense of Seregon itself. The Beastmen army, strengthened by dark magic, laid siege to the city, but the Sentinels organized a defense that saved countless lives. Ilmadia’s magic kept the defenders alive and strengthened the city’s natural defenses, while Zuri fought at the gates, slaying the Beastmen leader in a climactic duel. This victory made the Sentinels beloved figures in Seregon, and shortly thereafter, the Sentinels Statue was commissioned in their honor.

8. Hunt for the Silver Serpent

  • Objective: Track down and slay a silver dragon, corrupted by dark magic, that was terrorizing the countryside.
  • Outcome: Victory—The Sentinels successfully tracked the corrupted silver dragon, defeating it after a lengthy hunt. However, this victory came at a cost: the dragon’s corrupted blood splashed on Ambergris, deepening his obsession with the dark forces they faced. Ilmadia was able to purify the land affected by the dragon, but Ambergris’s decline in mental health began soon after.

9. Battle Against Galatrax

  • The tale of the Battle Against Galatrax has become a harrowing chapter in the annals of Seregon, a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the Sentinels of Seregon. Galatrax, once a promising sorcerer and scholar, succumbed to the allure of necromancy and the dark power of the Tome of Whispers, an infamous artifact crafted by Van Droth. Over time, Galatrax transformed into the feared Serpent of Vitac Tzim, a necromancer commanding an undead legion of Skelesnakes—nightmarish skeletal serpentfolk resurrected from the remains of an ancient civilization. His ambition: to raise the ruins of Vitac Tzim into a necropolis, a bastion of undeath from which he would dominate the lands of Moog and beyond.
  • Though they were victorious, the scars of the battle left a lasting impact. Hase Schoonoven’s death was deeply felt, and Ambergris himself was haunted by the lingering fear that the Tome of Whispers would one day resurface. Galatrax’s defeat saved Vitac Tzim from becoming a necropolis, but the jungle-bound city remains a place of treacherous beauty, its secrets hidden beneath layers of ancient magic and decay.

Legacy of the Sentinels:

Though the Sentinels of Seregon ultimately failed in their most critical mission—their numerous victories earned them a lasting legacy in Seregon. Their heroic efforts to defend the city, defeat powerful enemies, and protect the region from various threats are commemorated by the Sentinels Statue and countless stories told by the people of the city. Even as the group has disbanded and their members have aged, the mark they left on Seregon’s history is indelible.

Ambergris and Ilmadia

In the dim light of dawn, Ambergris the Wizard and Ilmadia Mianala lay tangled together in the silence of their shared bed. The cool breeze from the open window carried the salty scent of the sea, though neither of them stirred from the peaceful moment, savoring what little tranquility they had left in their lives.

Ilmadia turned over slowly, resting her head on Ambergris’ chest, feeling the soft rise and fall of his breath. She whispered softly, a name only she knew.

"Daan, are you awake?"

Ambergris shifted slightly, blinking in confusion at the name she used—his real name, long forgotten by almost everyone else. His wide, silvery eyes stared at the ceiling for a moment before he turned to look at her, his brow furrowing as if lost in thought.

"We... talked about it last night, Daan," Ilmadia continued gently, tracing her fingers along his chest. "About having a baby." Her voice was soft but full of the weight of the conversation that had lingered between them. "What do you think? Is it time?"

There was a long pause. For a moment, she hoped he would respond with the clarity and warmth she missed, but the familiar look of confusion flickered across his face. His breath quickened, and his once-brilliant mind seemed to slip into the fog of his fractured memories.

"Who... who are you?" Ambergris whispered, his voice tight with tension as he shifted away from her touch. "What... what’s happening?"

"Daan..." Ilmadia's heart sank. She knew this look. She had seen it before, on mornings like this when his affliction gripped him so fiercely that it pulled him away from her, from the present, and back into the chaos of the past.

But this time was different. His hand, still trembling from the confusion, began to move in the air, tracing arcane symbols. "No... I... I must protect them!" he stammered, his voice rising in panic. "The aboleth... it's... they're here!" His voice broke into a shout as his eyes darted around the room, seeing horrors that weren’t there.

"Ambergris, no!" Ilmadia cried, sitting up and reaching for him. But it was too late. His fingers glowed with power as he began to chant the words of a spell, his voice loud and commanding.

"Tenebris Ignotus!"

The air in the room crackled with energy as the ground beneath them rumbled. The walls of the building trembled violently, sending dust cascading from the ceiling as the immense magical force built around Ambergris. His eyes blazed with fear and rage, but they no longer saw Ilmadia—they saw ghosts of battles fought long ago.

Ilmadia’s heart raced as she reached out and grabbed his hand, her voice pleading, "Daan! It's me! It’s Ilmadia. Please, stop! You’re safe... you’re safe!"

But he didn’t hear her. The magical energy continued to swirl, the ground shaking under the weight of his power. Just as Ilmadia prepared to conjure her own magic to shield them, the door to the chamber burst open.

Standing in the doorway was Cirmacin, soon to be Sultan Cirmacin, his face lined with concern. He wore his traveling robes, the rich blues and golds of his royal station seeming out of place in the small, shaking room. His dark eyes immediately met Ilmadia’s.

"Ilmadia?" he called, his voice calm but filled with urgency. "What’s happening?"

Ilmadia turned to him, her face pained and her voice tight with emotion. "It's alright, Khalid," she said, forcing herself to remain composed even as the building trembled around them. "He’s... he’s having a rough morning."

The Sultan took a step forward, his expression softening. He had seen this before, had watched Ambergris deteriorate over the years. There was nothing but understanding in his gaze as he looked at Ilmadia, with compassion.

"Can I help?" Khalid asked, his voice quiet, though his strong presence filled the room.

Ilmadia shook her head, swallowing the lump in her throat. "No. It’s alright... just give us a moment. I’ll... I’ll calm him down." Her voice was steady, but the pain of seeing Ambergris like this—lost in his own mind, unable to remember her—cut deeper than any wound.

Khalid gave her a slow, respectful nod, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer before he quietly stepped back, closing the door behind him.

Ilmadia turned back to Ambergris, her hands still holding his, trying to pull him back to her, to the present. "Daan," she whispered, her voice trembling now, tears welling in her eyes. "Please... come back to me."

For a moment, the tension in his body seemed to break, his hands lowering, the magic fading into the air. His wide, panicked eyes slowly refocused on her, and for a fleeting second, he seemed to recognize her again.

"Ilmadia?" he asked, his voice weak, like a man waking from a nightmare.

She exhaled deeply, pulling him into her arms. "Yes, Daan. It's me. I’m here."

The tremors in the building stilled, the air grew quiet, and the weight of the moment settled between them—Ambergris was back, for now, but Ilmadia knew that it wouldn't be long before the darkness of his mind claimed him again.

And as she held him, she couldn’t help but glance at the door, where she knew Khalid stood just beyond, waiting.