![[ArtusCimberPic.png]] # Artus Cimber _Human Immortal Harper | [[Cindersworn]] | [[Gauntlgrym]]_ ## Summary An immortal historian and legendary [[Harpers|Harper]] recently freed from the [[Ring of Winter]]'s corruption after centuries as its bearer. Co-founded the [[Cindersworn]] with [[Darius Duskdancer]] to combat the [[Red Wizards]], helping save [[Neverwinter]] by encasing [[Maegera]] in ice. Years ago helped rescue young [[Petra]] from [[Acererak]]'s [[Tomb of Horrors]]. At the [[Dread Ring]], corrupted by the Ring and seeking revenge for [[Darius Duskdancer|Darius]]'s death, he nearly killed [[Nathaly Kormallis]] before [[Petra]] lifted the Ring from his finger and claimed it. He recognized [[Petra]] when she shouted her siblings' names—including his—during the battle with [[Valindra Shadowmantle]]. %% ## At a Glance Handsome features frozen in time by centuries of the Ring's magic. Medium build with weathered hands that speak of countless adventures. Eyes hold the weight of centuries, shifting between scholarly intensity and haunted longing. Habitually turns his gloved hand where the Ring once sat. First time in centuries without the Ring's influence—experiencing both withdrawal and clarity. Torn between relief at freedom, terror that without it he'll never find [[Alisanda Rayburton|Alisanda]], and deep concern for [[Petra]]'s fate as the new bearer. ## Personality Cautious with strangers, passionate about knowledge preservation. Measured, scholarly tone that breaks into urgent intensity on matters of the heart. Traces tattoos of departed animal companions when lost in thought. Mention of [[Alisanda Rayburton|Alisanda]] or the Ring can break his composure completely. ## Quote _"Knowledge preserved is power maintained—but some artifacts demand too high a price for the gifts they offer."_ ## Background **The Ring:** Born in [[Arabel]], [[Cormyr]]. Joined the [[Harpers]] under Sir [[Hydel Pontifax]]. Discovered the [[Ring of Winter]] in [[Chult]] and met [[Alisanda Rayburton]], an immortal bara of [[Mezro]]. Their love seemed eternal until the Spellplague swept [[Alisanda Rayburton|Alisanda]] and [[Mezro]] away. He fully embraced the Ring's power, halting his aging to search for her across centuries. **The Cindersworn:** With [[Darius Duskdancer]], formed the [[Cindersworn]] to combat [[Red Wizards|Red Wizard]] threats. Their greatest triumph: encasing [[Maegera]] in ice beneath [[Mount Hotenow]], saving countless lives but scarring [[Neverwinter]]. The Ring's corruption eventually fractured the fellowship. **The Rescue:** Joined the [[Heroes of Waterdeep]] to rescue young [[Petra]] from [[Acererak]]'s [[Tomb of Horrors]], forging a connection with the child. **The Corruption:** At the [[Dread Ring]], fell under the Ring's corruption while seeking revenge for [[Darius Duskdancer|Darius]]'s death. [[Sister Garaele]] realized the killer slaughtering Red Wizards with an icy blade was [[Artus Cimber|Artus]]. [[Petra]] lifted the Ring from his finger, freeing him—and claiming it for herself. ## Stats **Archmage** (MM 342) with cold/ice themed spells. Add legendary actions if solo encounter. **DM Notes:** - **Critical Secret:** The party doesn't know [[Petra]] has the [[Ring of Winter]] - **Potential Hooks:** May seek party's help finding [[Alisanda Rayburton|Alisanda]] or monitoring [[Petra]]'s Ring use - **Knowledge:** Possesses centuries of accumulated lore about artifacts, [[Chult]], and [[Red Wizards]] %%