The Before Times

Recent History

The Time of Troubles

The Time of Troubles was precipitated by an attempt by the gods Bane and Myrkul to steal the Tablets of Fate from the overdeity Ao. Angry at the gods for their habitual pursuit of power and negligence toward their mortal faithful, Lord Ao relegated every god (except for the guardian god Helm, who was selected to protect the gates to the heavens) to walk among their followers on Toril. This included the gods of pantheons far removed from Faerûn, such as the Kara-Turan pantheon and Maztican pantheon.

Arcane magic (a force channeled from the Weave by wizards and sorcerers) ceased to be regulated by its steward, Mystra, and became dangerously unpredictable. Furthermore, the characteristically immortal and aloof deities were now vulnerable (though still devastatingly powerful) and dwelling among the civilizations of Faerûn.