The Seven Lost Rings of Mzhentul

The Seven Lost Rings of Mhzentul was a set of powerful magical rings crafted by the wizard Mhzentul in the mid-13th century Dale Reckoning.

Summary

Mhzentul was a legendary wizard and devotee to the god of elemental fire, Kossuth. His knowledge of fire magic was only surpassed by his knowledge of enchanting magic rings. He crafted seven rings, imbuing them with spells he attained at the apex of his power. The secrets of magic and item crafting he wrote down in a tome called Mhzentul's Runes. At the Battle of the River Rising, Mhzentul engaged in battle with the Cult of the Dragon, transforming himself into a pillar of flame before dissipating over the Sea of Fallen Stars. His mountain lair was ransacked but no sign of the rings or the tome was found. 
Rumors and legends about the location of the rings and tome abound. Many claim to have found them, but few stories prove true. It is said that whoever wields all seven rings becomes a master of fire and can engulf the world in flame. The tome, however, is said to be the last repository of the knowledge for creating spell storing rings.

Historical Basis

Historical records from Sembia indicate that the legendary wizard Mhzentul existed as was present at the Battle of the River Rising. Accounts agree that he transformed into a pillar of flame that dissipated over the Sea of Fallen Stars in 1340 DR. Following the battle, there are records of parties finding Mhzentul's mountain retreat, but there are no records of any finding the rings or the tome.
There are some scant references to the tome being in the possession of a half-orc named Uthmang. Later killed by a Red Wizard of Thay, the location of the book is lost for many years. Some rumors suggest a Zhentarim mage took possession of it after killing the red wizard.
In 1355 DR, stories tell of Doust Sulwood and the Knights of Myth Drannor fighting a Zhentarim mage named Whisper somewhere in Cormyr. Legends say that the Knights delivered two rings to the House of the Morning, a temple of Lathandar in Eveningstar. 
The lost rings themselves could store spells but also could cast their own spells. Each was a simple band of silver, covered in dwarven everbright with thin runes carved interictally into the bands of each. 
The Ring of Burning felt warm to the touch and, though its meaning could not be discerned, its engraving seemed to bring leaping flames to mind. It contained Mhzentul's most powerful fire spells. 
The Ring of Coldfire had runic engraving evoking icicles and frost. It is thought that Mhzentul made this ring because he was constantly forgetting to prepare ice spells. 
The Ring of Night resembled feathered wings and had scratched the word or name "Anathas" into this band. Rumors say that the ring of night could be transformed into a creature at its wearer's command. 
The Ring of Scribes's runic engraving was actually discernible, consisting of various characters borrowed from several different written languages. It was said the wearer of this ring was immune to all magical effects caused by runes, glyphs, or symbols, as well as those activated by reading inscriptions and writings. 
The Ring of Stone was engraved with the same rune repeated seven times, thought to mean "stone" or "earth". It was said that the ring could be transformed into a stone guardian at its wearer's command, causing the ring to temporarily vanish.
The Ring of the Tshala was like the ring of burning, the engraving on this ring resembled flames. It was said that the wearer would transform into a tshala, a creature of living flame.
The Ring of Wayfaring's engraving was a simple, winding line. Virtually no information exists about this ring. Its powers are speculated to have something to do with magical transportation.

Variations & Mutation

Some say that when Mhzentul became the pillar of flame, he was seen fingering a lone ring on his finger, gleaning bright in the sunlight. Sages suggest this was the famed Ring of Tshala.

Date of First Recording

1340 DR

Date of Setting

14th Century DR