By Derek "Hygar" Booke
To pit oneself against a mind such as Malthael’s is no simple contest of blade and spell. As the former Archangel of Wisdom, he presents a formidable foe. For the past several years, we adventurers of the Realms have found ourselves pressed upon every side. Malthael and his Reapers struck with cunning and persistence, in battles where our victories were measured primarily in survival rather than triumph. Yet now, at last, an opportunity arises to turn the tide. Before us stands a chance not merely to endure, but to strike and bring down one of Malthael’s greatest allies: Urzael, the Harbinger of Death.
The Exotic Items, Creatures, & Wares series is something I am very excited about. One of the biggest draws for me is the challenge of going up against well-run evil like Malthael. It’s not just about fighting a villain; it’s about facing an enemy that feels intelligent, dangerous, and deeply tied into the world’s history. I also love how these events create numerous avenues for players to engage with the plot in their own way. Whether you’re battling on the front lines, investigating the enemy’s strategy, learning new skills, or exploring the quieter corners of lore, there’s always a path that feels personal if you’re willing to put in the work to discover the secrets of the living world.
What makes it even better for me is knowing that this plotline has been built and expanded on for over twenty years. That kind of depth doesn’t happen overnight. Travis, Saturday’s EH, is a gifted storyteller who brings it all together, making the world feel alive, dangerous, and worth investing in, even if you think you know the history of Sanctuary and the Eternal Conflict. Most of all, I love the unique challenge that comes with Stonewood plot. Nothing is handed out freely, and everything is (sometimes painstakingly) earned. The victories feel weighty, and the losses matter.
So, I say to all who would see the Realms endure: take up your place upon the field of battle. Whether by spirit or steel, your strength is needed. Together, we may cast down Urzael and break the grip of death upon our lands, proving that even in the darkest hour, the determination and grit of the Realms does not falter.
See you on the field.
- Hygar Athame
