Elminster Aural

The Sage of Shadowdale. Chosen of Mystra. Guardian of the Weave.
 

Overview

Elminster Aural, more properly known as Elminster Aumar, is one of the most powerful and enduring wizards in the history of Faerûn. Born in 212 DR in the fallen kingdom of Athalantar, he rose from tragedy to become a Chosen of Mystra, goddess of magic. For over a thousand years, he has worked to protect the integrity of the Weave.
  Though most often appearing as a grey-bearded sage in simple robes adorned with stars and sigils, Elminster is anything but humble in power or wisdom. His influence can be traced across centuries of magical and political events.
 

Early Life and Mystra’s Chosen

After witnessing the destruction of his homeland, Elminster turned away from vengeance and the sword, embracing arcane study under the watch of Mystra herself. His trials were many, including a time spent transformed into a woman named Elmara to learn the deeper balance of the Weave.
  By the early 300s DR, Elminster had already become a master mage. During this time, he travelled with a remarkable group: Josidiah Starym of Myth Drannor, Bryton Taysith the Netherese sorcerer, and Adzerak Azurael, a necromancer who vowed too use his power for good, their goal to recover lost relics and tomes from the early days of Faerûn, was only briefly recorded in scattered fragments. Their journey is mostly forgotten, save for the odd etching or scribbled name in a ruin too old to stand straight.
 

The War Wizards and Cormyr

Though never a formal member, Elminster has long been linked to the War Wizards of Cormyr. He advised on their founding, challenged their growth, and occasionally intervened when magical disaster loomed. His guidance was not always welcome, but it was rarely wrong.
  Through his daughter Laspeera, a senior War Wizard of great discipline, Elminster’s influence continues to echo in Cormyrean arcane policy. Another daughter, Filfaeril Obarskyr, served as Queen of Cormyr and consort to King Azoun IV. These bloodlines are not publicly acknowledged, but in certain noble circles, the knowledge is quietly preserved.
 

Legacy and the Line of Daughters

Elminster is known to have fathered several daughters. The best-known are Narnra Shalace, Laspeera of the War Wizards, and Filfaeril Obarskyr. He has never taken a wife, but his relationships with powerful and brilliant women are well-documented, most notably his long-standing bond with Mystra.
  That relationship changed during the Time of Troubles when Mystra was slain and her divine mantle passed to the mortal sorceress Midnight. Elminster remained a Chosen, but the nature of that calling was altered forever.
 

In the Current Age

By 1489 DR, Elminster remains alive and active, though less publicly involved in the affairs of nations. He resides in Shadowdale, appearing now and then in distant corners of Faerûn to correct arcane imbalances or offer cryptic warnings. Clerics of Mystra view him with reverence. Archmages speak his name with either respect or envy. Those who would misuse magic regard him with fear.
  To most, he is a relic of another age. To a few, he is the hand of the goddess made flesh.
 

Rumours and Fragments

  A ruined etching found in a manor near Arabel shows four figures: a halfling, a sun elf, and two wizards. One of them is clearly Elminster. Laspeera’s personal study in Suzail contains old correspondence, some signed only with a star and an E. A travelling merchant once swore Elminster appeared beside his campfire and whispered, “She is safe. Let her choose.”

“The Weave cannot be controlled. It must be served.” – Elminster Aumar