- Baelnorn
Infobox D&D creature
name=Baelnorn
alignment=Lawful Good (mainly)
type=Undead
subtype=
source=
first=
mythical=
based=
wizards_image_URL=http://poolofradiance.com/downloads/dloads/baelnornlg.jpgA baelnorn is a fictional undead creature, usually a
spellcaster , in the "Dungeons & Dragons "fantasy role-playing game .Baelnorns are described as elves who sought undeath to serve their families, communities, or other purposes (usually to see a wrong righted or to achieve a certain magical discovery or deed). They are lich-like creatures that appear as impressive-looking elves with shriveled skin and glowing white eyes.Most of their appearances in modules, setting books, games, novels and the like are related to the old lords of
Cormanthor /Myth Drannor , a fictional location in theForgotten Realms campaign setting.Ecology
Baelnorns are created through a powerful arcane or divine necromantic ritual. Typically, elven characters choosing to pursue a duty which would extend beyond death voluntarily go through the process. The process is described as similar to that of a lich, but does not result in the fear oriented abilities attributed to liches. The ritual permits the character to retain all of its memories, personality, and abilities. In addition, the process alters a character's abilities, conferring many of the powers seen in other types of undead monsters, including paralyzing touches and summoning other, lesser forms of undead. In the Forgotten Realms setting, Gold, or Sun, elves are the most likely to pursue this goal, but first must find the approval of various groups, sometimes including the
Seldarine .Alignment
To become a baelnorn (instead of a lich), a character must be of a non-evil alignment (usually Lawful Good). However, a baelnorn may become evil after the ritual, as seen in the character Tordynnar Rhaevaern, detailed in the supplement "Lords of Darkness".
Baelnorns in D&D novels
Baelnorn characters usually appear in the role of champions, guardians, and protectors. In the novel "Elminster in Hell",
Elminster consults with a number of baelnorns beneath the ruins ofMyth Drannor . In the "Pool of Radiance" novel and game, the protector baelnorn Miroden Silverblade is kidnapped by a cult. The Forgotten Realms novels "The Siege" and "The Lost Library of Cormanthyr" both include guardian baelnorn characters. The character Tordynnar Rhaevaern is detailed in the supplement "Lords of Darkness" as a baelnorn archmage who has become evil and shows hatred for humans.References
Official Material
* " [http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/2/fr_downloads/tsr1165.zip Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves] " (zip)
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rl/20060712a Realmslore: Safeholds (Part Three)]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rl/20040728a Realmslore: Storm Silverhand's Quieter Days, Part Four]Books and Novels
* [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0786918365/ Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting]
* [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0786936541/ Lost Empires of Faerûn]
* [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0786927593/ Faiths and Pantheons]
* [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0786907355/ Lost Library of Cormanthyr]
* [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0786927461/ Elminster in Hell]
* [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0786918322/ Monsters of Faerûn]
* [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0786916389/ Sea Devil's Eye]
* [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0786919892/ Lords of Darkness]
* [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0786913878/ Pool of Radiance]
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