The Standing Stone was a large, imposing stone obelisk that served as a symbol of unity between the elves of Cormanthyr and the humans of the Dalelands. More specifically, the monument celebrated their alliance that grew out of the agreement known as the Dales Compact. It also marked the beginning of the use of Dale reckoning calendar, which gained widespread use throughout Faerûn.[4] It was located just south of Myth Drannor within the forest of Cormanthor, at the junction between Rauthauvyr's Road and the Moonsea Ride,[5][6] about halfway between Blackfeather Bridge and Hillsfar.[1]
Description[]
This dark, glossy-gray monolith stood 20' (6 m) tall[1] and was covered in Elven runes that specified the terms of the treaty known as the Dales Compact.[7] It was magically enchanted in such a way that any attempts to deface, or vandalize its surface rapidly repaired.[1]
History[]
Located deep within the forest of Cormanthor, the Standing Stone was originally, after its construction, not accessible by humans. However, when Raythauvyr of Sembia demanded a road be built through the region, under threat of war, it was routed to pass within viewing distance of the monument. This gesture was meant to exemplify the lack of need for violence required from the allies of elves to achieve what they so desired.[7]
In the 900s DR, the region around the Standing Stone succumbed to more frequent and vicious attacks by the bandit-lord Galath, led from a nearby overlook. He and his forces were thwarted by a group of mages assembled from merchants of the nearby, rapidly growing nation of Sembia.[8]
In the 1360s DR, a glowing, floating scroll appeared at the Standing Stone. It read: "List of humble folk in Archendale" but was otherwise blank. This passive-aggressive note was put up in response to a 25-gp "bounty" set up by the captains of the Archenriders for information or other means to embarrass or humiliate Elminster of Shadowdale.[9]
On Flamerule 21 1374 DR, the fey'ri of House Dlardrageth destroyed the Standing Stone after a decisive battle against the army of Hillsfar.[2]
It was rebuilt just over 50 years later by the people of Ashabenford, the then-permanent home of the Dales Council, after reaffirming the Dales Compact with the restored city of Myth Drannor.[3]
Appendix[]
Trivia[]
- Finder Wyvernspur wrote a beautiful song, written in common to a famous elven tune about the Standing Stones and the pact made between the dalesmen and the elves. The song, along with other Finder's works, was stricken from the minds of people as a punishment given to him by the Harpers. Eventually, the song found its way back into bards' and performers' repertoires in 1357 DR when Alias taught the song to Han, a bard from Shadowdale, and Olive Ruskettle, her adventuring companion "bard".[10]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Richard Baker (1993). The Dalelands. (TSR, Inc), p. 55. ISBN 978-1560766674.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Brian R. James, Ed Greenwood (September 2007). The Grand History of the Realms. Edited by Kim Mohan, Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 156. ISBN 978-0-7869-4731-7.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 108. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
- ↑ Richard Baker (1993). The Dalelands. (TSR, Inc), p. 4. ISBN 978-1560766674.
- ↑ Richard Baker (1993). The Dalelands (Map). (TSR, Inc). ISBN 978-1560766674.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (January 1996). Volo's Guide to the Dalelands. (TSR, Inc), p. 7. ISBN 0-7869-0406-2.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 124. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (January 1996). Volo's Guide to the Dalelands. (TSR, Inc), p. 190. ISBN 0-7869-0406-2.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (January 1996). Volo's Guide to the Dalelands. (TSR, Inc), p. 13. ISBN 0-7869-0406-2.
- ↑ Jeff Grubb, Kate Novak (October 1988). Azure Bonds. (TSR, Inc.), chap. 13, p. 156. ISBN 0-88038-612-6.