TEXT: THE WAR of 
  EMBEREZ
  SUPPLEMENTAL LORE FOR
  About the Campaign
  A Requiem of Wings is an ongoing 
  campaign for characters levels 
  1-12. The narrative arc centers 
  on an ongoing conflict between 
  angels and demons fighting for 
  power and territory in a “void” 
  called Emberez.
  The Title
  This campaign is pretty heavy  
  on the religious imagery for  
  obvious reasons, and a  
  “requiem” is a “mass for the 
  repose of the souls of the dead.” 
  Because the story is about war, 
  and both fiends and celestials can 
  be winged creatures, A Requiem 
  of Wings refers to those who have 
  perished during this conflict and 
  the song that is written as the 
  story unfolds.
  Themes
  • Can beings fight against their 
  true nature, or is it more 
  harmonious to embrace what 
  we are?
  • What if angels do not always 
  represent good, and demons 
  do not always represent evil?
  • Who determines what is good 
  and evil?
  • Who profits in war?
  • What are the ongoing  
  repercussions of conquest?
  • What comprises the founda-
  tions of faith? How do these 
  relate or differ among those 
  who worship celestials and 
  those who worship fiends?
  
  What, and where, is Emberez?
  Emberez is less of a realm and more of a  
  currently-inhabited void, a blip in the multi-
  verse, located within the Forgotten Realms. It’s 
  comprised of various cities, all of which contain 
  portals to other places throughout the Realms, 
  and some natural ecosystems including forests, 
  rivers, and mountains. 
       Emberez is a manifestation of faith and  
  belief, a place brought into being with prayer and 
  longing, easily accessible to those who seek it out.
  The Origins of Emberez
  Emberez was established in 1358 DR during the 
  Time of Troubles, when gods across the pan-
  theon were being forced into mortal forms and 
  stripped of their divinity. During this time, ce-
  lestial beings who served these deities feared the 
  same would happen to them, and sought out a 
  place to live in peace and maintain their celestial 
  nature. They discovered a wild, empty void filled 
  with warmth and bright sunlight. They claimed 
  it, and named it Eré.
       Demonlords and otherworldly beings saw 
  what was happening to the gods they often 
  opposed, and worried that they would be next. 
  They, too, began searching for a place where 
  they could maintain their true forms and not be 
  stripped of their fiendish power. These beings 
  found a wild, empty void filled with cold and 
  darkness. They claimed it, and named it Ember. 
       Little did they know that Eré and Ember 
  were the same place. They quickly discovered 
  that their temporary home was occupied by their 
  enemies, and war broke out instantly. The bat-
  tles were brutal and bloody for both sides, and 
  a tenuous truce was made. They agreed to share 
  the void if each side kept to their own territory. 
  They made a deal and unified the void, calling 
  it Emberez. They formed two organizations 
  intended to keep each side in line: the Aureum 
  and the Malum Animus. However, despite the 
  truce, both factions continue to build militias. 
  The war continues, and each side does what it 
  can to undermine the other. 
  Who lives in Emberez?
  Nearly everyone who lives in Emberez is a  
  celestial or a fiend, or someone follows and 
  serves a celestial or a fiend. Most of these people 
  are simple commoners who want to live near 
  those they worship, surrounded by others who 
  also worship their gods or beings, The other 
  inhabitants are members of the factions who 
  control West and East Emberez. These people 
  are spies, warriors, masterminds, and nobles.
  The Sides in the Conflict
  The AUREUM is comprised of celestials, aasi-
  mar, and those who worship and champion gods 
  of the pantheon. Although most of the Aureum 
  serve good/neutral gods, some continue to serve 
  evil gods, which is reluctantly permitted. The 
  Aureum has some internal conflict over this, 
  which has lead to some clandestine efforts to rid 
  the Aureum of any evil alliance. 
       The MALUM ANIMUS is a collective of  
  demons, devils, fiends, hybrid creatures, were-
  folk, and those who worship and serve demon-
  lords and otherworldly beings. Because the 
  Aureum sees hybrids and werefolk as cursed, 
  wretched, and “unnatural” creatures — regard-
  less of their alignment — the Malum Animus 
  saw this as an opportunity to recruit them to 
  their cause. Still, not everyone on this side agrees 
  with the goals of the Malum Animus. 
  Joining a faction
  Characters who complete quests on behalf of 
  either the Aureum or the Malum Animus can 
  receive points of renown. Once they receive 10 
  points from either side, they are invited to join 
  that particular faction. 
  
  LOCATIONS IN EMBEREZ
  West Emberez
  Under the domain of the Aureum
  Aurea
  Aurea is the capital of West Emberez, the seat of 
  the Aureum, and the oldest city in this region. 
  Aurea is known for its famous gladiatorial  
  arena, forum of temples, and the oldest library 
  in Emberez. Celestials travel to and from Mount 
  Celestia via Aurea. Aurea is ruled by Empress 
  Justina, Paladin of the Lark.  
  Ibrido
  Ibrido is an Amnian colony and trade city,  
  established by the Aureum to bring in goods 
  and resources by way of Amn to help build 
  Emberez. Those who live in Ibrido are now ex-
  tremely wealthy and enjoy splendor. A beautiful 
  and strange city built atop a smattering of tiny 
  islands, Ibrido is considered a popular tourist 
  destination by many. It is not uncommon to 
  run into visitors from Neverwinter or Water-
  deep while in Ibrido. It is home to the Castel di 
  Maschera, a beautiful castle that hosts weekly 
  balls and masquerades. 
  St. Valentine
  Located in the valley of the Sol Mountains, St. 
  Valentine is a lush and fertile city that draws 
  farmers, florists, and vintners from across the 
  Realms. It is named after a paladin of Sune who 
  perished in one of Emberez’s first battles, which 
  took place on the land that eventually became 
  St. Valentine. The city honors this fallen warrior 
  with an annual festival. 
  Soldra
  Founded by devotees of Bahamut, Soldra both 
  reveres and fears dragons. For centuries, dragons 
  have attacked and looted Soldra as revenge for 
  settlers invading their home, and Soldrans found 
  peace once they began annually sacrificing one 
  of their own to appease the dragons’ hunger.   
  Natural Landscapes
  Sol Mountains
  The mountains that separate St. Valentine and 
  Soldra are craggy and verdant, a stark contrast 
  from the frigid Kol Mountains of East Emberez. 
  The Sol Mountains are home to communities of 
  rock dragons, brethren to metallic dragons. 
  Lacrimosa River
  This river of souls runs the length of Emberez. It 
  eventually pours out of Emberez, merging with 
  the River Styx, and deltas in the Lower Planes.  
  Lyren Woods
  The veil between the Lyren Woods and the 
  Woods of Sharp Teeth is very thin, and adven-
  turers traveling in that area often inadvertently 
  find themselves passing through Emberez. Soldra 
  and Cerazen have fought over the Lyren Woods 
  for centuries. The woods are home to communi-
  ties of werewolves. 
  Neutral Territory
  Cerazen 
  Cerazen was once under the control of East 
  Emberez and remains a colony of the City of 
  Brass. It is now considered to be the only neutral 
  territory in Emberez. Cerazen is home to com-
  munities of djinn, efreeti, werefolk, and golems 
  — creatures who struggle to find a place among 
  the warring factions. Cerazen has long fought 
  with Soldra over who owns the Lyren Woods, 
  which each side claims as their own. Cerazen is 
  where the plants used for incense are cultivated. 
  Both factions use incense in abundance to ward 
  off their enemies.  
  
  East Emberez
  Under the domain of the Malum Animus
  Ravukoi
  Ravukoi is the capital of East Emberez, the seat 
  of the Malum Animus, and the oldest city in 
  this region. Ravukoi houses a portal to the Nine 
  Hells, and the inhabitants of the Hells travel 
  into the city every year in search of a marriage 
  alliance. Ravukoi is ruled by Tsarina Morevna, a 
  Warlock of the Owl, who spent much of her life 
  in Barovia.
  Magra
  Magra was disputed territory between the two 
  Emberezian factions for several centuries before 
  being relinquished to the Malum Animus. Its 
  haunting and beautiful architecture clearly favors 
  its demonic influence. Surrounded by a dense 
  forest, Magra is home to many wood artisans 
  and hosts a year-round outdoor market.  
  Kolodnokiva
  Tucked in the frigid and treacherous Kol Moun-
  tains is the village of Kolodnokiva. Followers of 
  the otherworldly patron known as the Owl trav-
  el to Kolodnokiva on a pilgrimage, where they 
  must complete a task requested by this patron. 
  Natural Landscapes
  Magran Forest
  The forests of Magra are thick with maple, 
  willow, and spruce trees, providing artisans with 
  the supplies for their trade. Trees grow quickly in 
  this strange forest. Tucked away in the Magran 
  Forest is a temple that once served the Archfey.  
  Kol Mountains
  The snow-capped alps of the Kol Mountains 
  make life harsh for its few remaining inhabi-
  tants. When Emberez was first founded, dwarves 
  migrated to the Kol mountains to mine its abun-
  dance of gemstones. This dwarven influence is 
  still visible to those who brave the summit and 
  explore the abandoned mines and caves. 
  common occurrences in emberez
  Despite the differences in culture across  
  Emberez, there are many recurring sights,  
  including the following:
  Doors. Beautiful, ornate doors are found across 
  Emberez. Because Emberez is a place that many 
  pass through without realizing it, the doors are a 
  symbol of the void’s function as a portal. 
  Incense. Both sides heavily rely on incense: for 
  daily life, for rituals, and for deterring and  
  detecting their enemies. Each side favors particu-
  lar plants used for this purpose. As such, incense 
  is everywhere. Adventurers who are fiendish or 
  celestial in nature are most certainly affected. 
  Annual Festivals/Ceremonies. Emberezians are 
  incredibly ritualistic and are devotees to annual 
  holidays, many of which have sinister history. 
  Transformative/Shapeshifting Creatures. 
  Many people in Emberez, on both sides of the 
  conflict, possess the ability to change their shape 
  and appearance. Adventurers can expect to meet 
  many people like this while in Emberez.  
  
  The Pantheons of Emberez
  What links the warring factions is their shared devotion: both sides revere either divine or demonic 
  beings, and this faith/servitude keeps them bound to Emberez forever. 
  MAJOR GODS AND DIVINE  
  BEINGS OF THE AUREUM
  The Harbinger
  Athena
  Artemis
  Bahamut
  Dionysus
  Lathander
  Sune
  Selûne
  Shar
  Mask
  Oghma
  Tyr
  Gods from other pantheons are  
  welcome and worshipped in Emberez.
  MAJOR DEMONLORDS  
  OF THE MALUM ANIMUS
  The Great Old One
  The Archfey
  The Fiend
  The Raven Queen
  Baphomet
  Orcus
  Demogorgon
  Fraz-Urb’luu
  Graz’zt
  Juiblex
  Yeenoghu
  Zuggtmoy
  Archdevils and other cosmic patrons 
  are also followed in Emberez.
  THE LARK AND THE OWL
  The two queens of Emberez, Empress Justina Justicius and Tsarina Marya Morevna, have each 
  devoted their lives to a greater being that they revere as the “true” one, the being that oversees all 
  the others. The Empress is a paladin devoted to the Lark, who is also known as the Goddess of the 
  Light. The Tsarina is a warlock who serves the Owl, also known as the Night One. Many in  
  Emberez have followed the example of these rulers and also worship the Lark or the Owl. Some 
  religious scholars, however, suspect these beings may be one in the same...
  
  Adventures in emberez
  Planning your A Requiem of Wings campaign?  
  Characters traversing the realms may find  
  themselves in Emberez during one of these  
  adventures. You’ll have to wait until early 2019 
  for the full campaign book, but here’s what you 
  can expect — and play! — in the meantime.
  The Aureum 
  Aurea / Level 1-2
  Adventurers can help a young, captive minotaur 
  escape from a deadly gladiatorial ring. 
  Available early 2019. 
  A Night of Masks and Monsters 
  Ibrido / Level 3
  Adventurers are invited to a masquerade at the 
  Castel di Maschera, which presents the chance 
  to investigate a recent murder. Available now on 
  DMsGuild.com.
  The Executioner’s Daughter
  Soldra / Level 4
  To placate the dragons that once attacked   
  Soldra, the city offers up one of its own in an 
  annual ceremony. When the wrong person is 
  chosen as the offering, adventurers are asked to 
  escort the volunteer to Garra’s Peak.  
  Solo adventure version available on DMsGuild; 
  multiplayer adaptation available early 2019.
  Labyrinth of Thorns
  St. Valentine / Level 5
  Every year, a citizen of St. Valentine is pulled 
  into a treacherous labyrinth. When chocolatier 
  Dante’s wife is taken, he seeks the help of brave 
  adventurers to get her back. Available now on 
  DMsGuild.com. 
  The Resurrectionist
  Lyren Woods / Level 6
  A strange woman in the Lyren Woods seeks aid 
  to collect the necessary materials that will bring 
  fallen soldiers back to life. Available early 2019.
  The Starlight Relic
  Magra / Level 7
  When famous luthier Vela Kapra discovers the 
  location of a lost relic, she recruits adventurers 
  to fetch it from the haunted and fey-touched 
  Magran forest. Available now on DMsGuild.
  The Wolf Oracle 
  Cerazen / Level 8
  The Oracle of Cerazen is trapped in the Cerazen 
  citadel, unable to take action on her latest vision, 
  which foretells the demise of her own daughter. 
  She asks adventurers to act in her stead.  
  Available early 2019.   
  What I Ask of You
  Kolodnokiva / Level 9
  Adventurers who seek to earn respect or favor 
  from their god or patron can embark on this 
  pilgrimage that may cost them everything.  
  Available early 2019.  
  Altar of Holy Fire
  Ravukoi / Level 10
  The Red Princess of Ravukoi has been promised 
  to a prince of the Nine Hells, but her heart be-
  longs to another: Lea, a paladin in the Aureum. 
  The star-crossed lovers need help from willing 
  adventurers to escape Ravukoi and be wed in 
  secret. Available October 2018.    
  Birds of a Feather
  Level 12
  Adventurers come face-to-face with the beings 
  who could end the war of Emberez, once and for 
  all. Available early 2019. 
  
  notes from the author
  This whole campaign began while I was on a 
  family trip to Italy. It was born out of my desire 
  to explore my heritage — Italian and Russian/
  Jewish — and to explore a fantasy story with a 
  different “flavor,” so to speak.  
       The Aureum is heavily inspired by the Holy 
  Roman Empire’s domination across Europe; the 
  Malum Animus represents the cultures that both 
  struggled and flourished in the shadow of that 
  rule. During my travels to places like Istanbul, 
  Budapest, and Prague, the evidence of Roman 
  Empire’s reign still permeates the unique cul-
  ture of those great cities. The tension between 
  faiths is everywhere in Europe — Catholicism, 
  Orthodoxy, Judaism, Islam, Paganism, etc., all 
  tenuously co-exist — and I found that to be a 
  compelling idea in the Forgotten Realms, where 
  gods and otherworldly beings play a significant 
  role in characters’ lives. 
       Although Emberez is my own, I do see it 
  firmly rooted in the Forgotten Realms. I love 
  the notion of a place being “willed” into being, 
  and that’s essentially how Emberez functions for 
  characters who explore it. That being said, every 
  story in this ongoing campaign is easily adapt-
  able to another location. However these stories 
  manifest for you, I hope you enjoy them. 
  Cheers,
  Ashley Warren
  AshleyWarrenWrites.com
  #ARequiemOfWings
  Art credits:
  Angel | darksouls1, Pixabay
  Door | Felicity_Kate11, Pixabay
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Dungeons & Dragons [multi]/Adventures/A Requiem of Wings/A Requiem of Wings - The War of Emberez - Supplemental Lore.pdf