Mistress of the Night

Circle of Stones

Scattered across Shadowstar lie seven ancient stone circles, identical in construction and shrouded in mystery. Their origins remain unknown, with no historical records detailing their builders or purpose. However, throughout history, scholars, wizards, and seekers of power have uncovered fragments of their true potential.

Arcane Research & The Cataclysm

During the events leading to the Cataclysm, the wizards Daegil and Zargath determined that each of these circles functioned as an intensifier of magical force. When utilized individually, each circle amplifies the potency of spells within certain schools of magic. But when all of the six surrounding stone circles are activated in the correct sequence, these circles form a vast arcane conduit, exponentially increasing the potency of a caster stationed within the central circle at Mount Shadowstar.

In their quest for power, Daegil and Zargath created enchanted rings, charging them with layered incantations, and positioned themselves within the Mount Shadowstar Circle—the epicenter of this arcane network. However, their failed experiment (detailed in Whispers of a Distant Home) precipitated the Cataclysm, forever altering the fate of Shadowstar.

Mistress of the Night & The Shadow Ritual

Centuries after the Cataclysm, the forgotten circles were nearly lost to time—until Priestess Elvira, a devout follower of Shar, uncovered an ancient tome in 412 AC. This text described an alternative use of the standing stones, one that required sacrificial rituals rather than pure arcane mastery.

Realizing they lacked the magical strength of Daegil and Zargath, Elvira’s cult turned to blood magic, believing it would empower them to complete the sevenfold activation. To please Shar and further their goal, they launched a hidden war against Selûne’s followers, massacring priests and defiling temples across Shadowstar.

The sheer scale of the sacrifice pierced the veil between realms, attracting the attention of a force far older and darker—the Dark Powers of Ravenloft. These entities, which had interfered in the Cataclysm and nearly claimed Shadowstar in its aftermath, had waited for the right moment to seize control once more. Much like they once deceived Zargath, they whispered to Elvira and her cult, promising them dominion over Shadowstar should they complete the ritual.

The Final Stand & The Intervention

By 415 AC, the Cult of Shar had successfully activated five of the six outer circles, leaving only the Portjaw and Mount Shadowstar Circles unclaimed. However, the cult was missing one key element—a wizard powerful enough to whisper the final incantation to complete the ritual.

In desperation, they turned to Cyric’s followers, forging a dangerous pact to resurrect Zoltan, the legendary necromancer of Cyrest. If successful, he would wield the final magic needed to open a rift between Shadowstar and Ravenloft, allowing the Dark Powers to consume the realm once and for all.

But before their plan could be completed, two brave adventuring parties worked in secret to disrupt the ritual. Their efforts disrupted the cult’s plans before the final two activations at Portjaw and Mount Shadowstar could be completed.

What really transpired at Mount Shadowstar and Portjaw that night remains unknown. The adventurers vanished without a trace, leaving behind only whispers of their final battle. One thing is certain—Shadowstar will forever be in their debt.

Author’s Note

This story was originally created as the first campaign set in the world of Shadowstar, and was played between 1999-2001.