Time of Troubles

Lore & Background

The crisis began when Bane attempted to steal the Rod of Lordly Might from Helm at the Tower of Skulls. Mystra intervened by casting all deities into their avatars on Toril, forbidding them from using magic or summoning aid unless they completed specific tasks. This forced the gods to rely on mortal allies and physical strength, creating chaos as divine champions clashed in cities like Waterdeep and Baldur's Gate. The most significant consequence was the death of Myrkul at the hands of Cyric, orchestrated by Bane but twisted by fate. Kelemvor subsequently claimed the portfolio of Death from Myrkul, while Cyric usurped Mystra's knowledge to become a god of lies and murder. These shifts destabilized the balance of power for centuries.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicked the cobblestones of Waterdeep as a man in worn armor stumbled into the tavern. He claimed to be a traveler from the north, yet his eyes burned with an ancient fire that terrified the patrons. When a drunkard mocked him and drew a knife, the stranger did not flinch; he simply caught the blade bare-handed, the metal bending like soft clay. "I am hungry," the man whispered, his voice echoing with the weight of mountains. "And I cannot eat bread to fill this void." Patrons fled as shadows lengthened behind him, casting shapes of wings and halos that flickered and died. For a moment, the air smelled of ozone and old blood, reminding everyone that even gods could bleed.

Reader's Guide

The Time of Troubles originated from ancient rivalries among the powers, specifically Bane's ambition to dominate Helm and claim ultimate authority. This event shattered mortal confidence in divine protection, as gods suffered hunger, injury, and death like common folk. Culturally, it forced religions to adapt; some sects claimed their deities abandoned them, while others saw it as a severe test of true faith. The crisis led to the extinction of Myrkul's influence and the controversial rise of Cyric, altering worship patterns across Faerûn for centuries. Currently, the event remains a cornerstone of theological study in Waterdeep and Candlekeep. Scholars debate whether the gods truly needed mortals or if Mystra sought to humble her peers permanently. This knowledge shapes modern adventurers who encounter lingering artifacts from that week, knowing divine power is fragile. The memory serves as a warning: even omnipotence can be stripped away, leaving only raw will to survive in a world where magic and mortality collide. Priests often teach this era to remind congregants that faith must exist without direct miracles. Ultimately, the Avatar Crisis redefined the relationship between creator and creation, ensuring that future conflicts would be fought with mortal stakes alongside divine ones.

Did You Know?

• Bane and Helm were both cast into the Astral Plane as punishment for their conflict during this period.
• Cyric became a god by killing Myrkul, an act that was originally intended to serve Bane's agenda.
• The Rod of Lordly Might was hidden away again after the crisis ended to prevent future thefts.
• Most avatars returned to their divine forms once Mystra lifted the restriction on magic.