Followers of Myrkul
A mysterious group operating in the region unknown until now.
The church of Myrkul, also known as the Gray Ones, or (disparagingly) Fingerbones, was the predominant organization dedicated to the worship and veneration of the Lord of the Dead, Myrkul. It was not a popular faith in Faerûn, whose members were often looked upon as secretive, morbid loners, who were obsessed with death and enjoyed seeing fear in others. While that might have been the case in some instances, they were dedicated to the care of the dying and deceased.
Myrkulytes viewed death with profound respect and took great care to help those who were dying feel as comfortable as possible, tending to their last wishes, presiding over funerals, and serving as undertakers and caretakers in cemeteries across the Realms.
As a member of the Cult of the Dragon, Ularan Mortus colluded with evil dragons to plot the downfall of the Sword Coast. He hopes to reanimate the soul of Ebondeath, a legendary black dragon, and petition it to steal a magical artifact from the town of Leilon. The journal provides no name or clues about the nature of this artifact, but it seems vital to the high priest’s invasion plans.
Ularan Mortus sailed over the ocean onboard an undead galleon imbued with the soul of the death knight named Emberlost. The death knight’s homeland, Anauria, once lay in this region, and the high priest fears that Emberlost is becoming obsessed with this bygone realm.
Notable Members: Argus Skeel
Mythology & Lore
Myrkul, also known as the Lord of Bones, the Lord of the Dead and the Reaper, was a god of the dead in the Faerûnian pantheon. He was originally a mortal man, a necromancer named Myrkul Bey al-Kursi, who ascended to godhood alongside Bhaal, the god of murder, and Bane, god of fear, hatred and tyranny. For a time Myrkul's portfolio, and his home, the Bone Castle, were both usurped by the mortal Cyric and later passed on to the ascended Kelemvor. However, as that which is dead can never truly die, Myrkul was worshiped as a god of the dead once more in the 15th century DR.
Myrkul's influence in Faerûn was inspired through the fear of death. He wasn't widely worshiped so much as dreaded, and even blamed for the natural difficulties that accompanied growing old. He had mastered the skill of sparking unease and fear amongst mortals through every action or mere word. His face, the white skull shrouded in a black cowl, was recognized across the Realms as the symbol of fear and death, the paragon of nightmares.
“But I choose the dead, and by doing so I truly win… All things must die—even gods.”
— Myrkul Bey al-Kursi
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