Fantasy

The Many Faces of Sauron: Understanding the Dark Lord’s Ten Forms in Middle-Earth

The Many Faces of Sauron: Understanding the Dark Lord’s Ten Forms in Middle-earth
J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and its related works present Sauron as one of the most complex and multifaceted villains in fantasy literature. Unlike many one-dimensional dark lords, Sauron’s ability to change form and deceive his enemies allowed him to remain a looming threat for thousands of years. His various manifestations were not just disguises but strategic choices, each serving a specific purpose in his ultimate goal: absolute domination over Middle-earth.

From his origins as a Maia to his final incarnation as the ever-watchful Eye, Sauron’s journey through these ten forms showcases his adaptability, cunning, and relentless ambition. This article explores each of his forms in detail, shedding light on how he evolved from a benevolent spirit into the ultimate personification of evil in Middle-earth.

Mairon the Admirable – The Innocence of Power
Before he became Sauron, the Dark Lord was known as Mairon, meaning “the Admirable.” In his earliest days, he was a Maia—one of the lesser Ainur—imbued with great wisdom, skill, and power. Mairon was not inherently evil; in fact, he was one of the most gifted spirits, particularly in craftsmanship and order.

Unlike Morgoth (formerly Melkor), the first and greatest Dark Lord, Mairon did not initially seek destruction. Instead, he was drawn to the idea of perfection, structure, and control. He admired power and efficiency, preferring order over chaos. This very desire made him susceptible to corruption, as Morgoth’s promises of greater authority and mastery over the world lured him away from the service of the Valar.

As Mairon fell under Morgoth’s influence, his noble aspirations were twisted into a hunger for domination. He abandoned his old name, taking on a new one: Sauron, meaning “the Abhorred” in Quenya. From this point on, he would cease to be a mere servant of order and become a master of tyranny.

Lieutenant of Morgoth – The Shadow Emerges
During the First Age, Sauron became the most trusted and powerful lieutenant of Morgoth. He took on a fearsome form, one befitting his new role as the commander of dark armies. Though he was not yet the Dark Lord of Middle-earth, he was a formidable force, wielding both physical strength and an unmatched intellect.

Sauron’s role in this era was akin to a dark strategist. He oversaw fortresses, devised plans, and led vast hordes of orcs and other monstrous beings. His most infamous stronghold was Angband, the seat of Morgoth’s power. Here, Sauron’s cruelty and mastery of sorcery flourished, and he began experiments in shape-shifting that would define his transformations in the future.

Despite his power, Sauron was ultimately forced into hiding after Morgoth was overthrown and exiled from the world at the end of the First Age. This would not be the last time he would need to retreat and rebuild in the shadows.

The Werewolf of Tol-in-Gaurhoth – The Beast Within
One of Sauron’s most terrifying forms was that of a werewolf, which he took on during his time as the master of Tol-in-Gaurhoth (The Isle of Werewolves). This fortress was a place of nightmares, filled with dreadful creatures under his control.

It was in this form that he confronted Lúthien Tinúviel and Huan, the Hound of Valinor. Huan, a legendary wolfhound, was fated to defeat the greatest werewolf of all time. Despite Sauron’s immense power, he could not overcome Huan and was ultimately forced to flee, abandoning his stronghold. This defeat foreshadowed his growing tendency to rely more on deception and manipulation rather than brute force.

The Serpent – The Symbol of Deception
Sauron was not just a warrior or a warlord—he was a deceiver. At times, he chose to take on the form of a serpent, a creature that symbolized cunning and treachery.

Though not much is written about this form, it likely represents his ability to manipulate others through words rather than combat. The serpent form may have been used to tempt and corrupt men, elves, and even the Maiar themselves.

The Vampire – A Dark Escape
After his defeat at Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Sauron was left weakened. He needed a form that could allow him to escape unnoticed. Thus, he transformed into a vampire-like creature, shrinking himself into a shadowy, winged figure and fleeing into the night.

This form showcases Sauron’s adaptability—when he could not fight, he would flee, only to return stronger. Unlike Morgoth, who was brought down by his arrogance, Sauron knew when to retreat. This trait made him far more dangerous in the long run.

Annatar, the Lord of Gifts – The Master of Lies
Perhaps Sauron’s most infamous transformation was into Annatar, the Lord of Gifts. In this form, he appeared as a beautiful and wise being, seemingly benevolent and full of knowledge.

It was as Annatar that he infiltrated the Elven societies, particularly those of Celebrimbor and the smiths of Eregion. Under the guise of a teacher, he guided them in crafting the Rings of Power, subtly weaving his influence into their designs.

However, his true intentions were revealed when he secretly forged the One Ring, ensuring his dominance over all other Ring-bearers. This treachery led to the destruction of Eregion and the eventual decline of Elven power in Middle-earth.

The Dark Lord of Mordor – The Rise to Power
With the fall of Númenor, Sauron lost his ability to take fair forms. No longer could he deceive with beauty and charm—he now had to rule through fear and brute force.

In this new era, he adopted the form of a towering, armored warlord, leading his armies from the volcanic land of Mordor. With the One Ring in his possession, he became nearly invincible.

His dominion was absolute—until Isildur, the heir of Elendil,cut the Ring from his hand, stripping him of his physical form. This marked the beginning of his long, slow return.

The Eye of Sauron – The Watchful Tyrant
By the time of The Lord of the Rings, Sauron no longer had a physical body. He existed as a great, lidless eye, wreathed in flame, watching tirelessly from the tower of Barad-dûr.

Though this form was symbolic, it represented his omnipresence. Every corner of Middle-eHarth felt his gaze. Though he lacked a corporeal form, his power was still immense—until the One Ring was destroyed, finally breaking his spirit.

The Necromancer – The Shadow Returns
Before his resurgence as the Dark Lord of Mordor, Sauron spent centuries regaining his strength in Dol Guldur. Under the name the Necromancer, he operated in secrecy, avoiding detection by the free peoples of Middle-earth.

This phase of his existence is explored in The Hobbit, where Gandalf investigates Dol Guldur and realizes that the Necromancer is, in fact, Sauron.

Halbrand – The Modern Reinvention
In Amazon’s The Rings of Power, Sauron is reimagined as Halbrand, a mortal guise he uses to interact with humans and elves alike. While not part of Tolkien’s original lore, this portrayal aligns with his deceptive nature.

Sauron’s ability to take different forms is a testament to his cunning and resilience. Unlike Morgoth, he was willing to adapt, retreat, and deceive, making him one of the most formidable villains in fantasy history. His many incarnations reflect his strategic mind and relentless pursuit of domination—making him an enduring and terrifying presence in the world of Middle-earth.

JPS Nagi
February 6, 2025

Further readings/ bibliography of Sauron’s Ten Forms in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium (Amazon affiliate links)

Is Modern Fantasy Dumbing Us Down?

Fantasy as a genre has long captivated readers with its limitless potential to transport us to magical realms, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and challenge the boundaries of our imagination. My personal journey with fantasy began in the early 2000s, but my love for fantastical storytelling predates that by years. I grew up enthralled by 1001 Arabian Nights as translated by Richard F. Burton, The Adventures of Amir Hamza, and the countless fantastical tales from the Indian subcontinent that were passed down through generations. These stories were rich with cultural nuance, grand adventures, and moral depth.

When I finally picked up The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, it felt like stepping into a different literary league altogether. Tolkien’s prose was poetic, layered, and masterfully crafted. I remember thinking that his writing was as good—if not better—than literary greats like Charles Dickens and John Steinbeck. From there, I dove headfirst into the worlds of Robert Jordan, Ursula K. Le Guin, Robert Heinlein, George R.R. Martin, Steven Erikson, Brent Weeks, and my personal favorite, Brandon Sanderson. Each of these authors offered something unique: intricate world-building, morally complex characters, and narratives that often left me questioning my own perspectives on life, morality, and human nature.

But over the past few years, my enthusiasm for modern fantasy has waned. While I’ve explored works by newer authors like Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Samantha Shannon, and others featured in book subscription services like Illumicrate, I’ve been left increasingly disappointed. This brings me to a pressing question: Is the current wave of fantasy literature dumbing us down? And perhaps more alarmingly, is this shift making us less discerning readers?

The Decline in Writing Quality
Let’s start with the writing itself. One of the most glaring issues I’ve noticed with many of today’s popular fantasy novels is the decline in the quality of prose. Many modern authors seem to write with a style that feels geared toward teenagers—basic sentence structures, an over-reliance on clichés, and an almost juvenile attempt to sound “edgy” through the use of expletives or modern slang.

Take Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series, for instance. The premise—a school for dragon riders—holds incredible potential. Dragons have long been a staple of fantasy, and when done right, they can elevate a story to iconic status (A Song of Ice and Fire, anyone?). But in Empyrean, the writing feels rushed and lacks depth. The romance is forced, the dialogue feels stilted, and the emotional stakes are rarely convincing. The relationship dynamics are predictable to the point of absurdity: a brooding, handsome anti-hero who, despite all odds, the protagonist falls for. It’s formulaic, and worse, it’s dull.

Contrast this with Brandon Sanderson’s earlier works like Elantris or Brent Weeks’s Night Angel trilogy. While both authors had room to grow in their writing styles, they brought something fresh to the table: unique worlds, gripping plots, and characters you couldn’t help but root for. Even their early flaws were forgivable because their stories had heart and ambition. Over time, their writing evolved. Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive and Weeks’s Lightbringer series showcase just how much they refined their craft. Many of today’s authors don’t seem interested in this kind of growth, and it shows.

The Problem with Recycled Stories
Another major issue plaguing modern fantasy is the lack of originality. Yes, most stories can indeed be categorized into a handful of archetypes. Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey has been a blueprint for countless narratives, and fantasy is no stranger to recurring motifs like the chosen one, the epic quest, or the battle against a dark force. But there’s a difference between drawing inspiration from timeless archetypes and outright recycling old ideas.

Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series, for example, feels like a rehash of Harry Potter but with dragons instead of wands and schools of magic. Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree offers impressive world-building but stumbles with its pacing and story. The 850-page tome spends so much time setting up its world that by the time the big conflict arrives, it feels rushed and underwhelming. It’s a textbook example of style over substance.

Then there’s Tahereh Maafi’s This Woven Kingdom. While the Persian-inspired setting adds a refreshing twist, the story’s pacing and narrative cohesion leave much to be desired. The book feels like a missed opportunity—full of potential but bogged down by uneven execution.

The Role of Readers in This Equation
As disappointing as some of these books are, we also need to ask ourselves: Why are these stories becoming bestsellers? Why are books like Empyrean making it onto the New York Times bestseller list while more ambitious, well-written novels struggle to find a wide audience?

One possible explanation is the shifting priorities of readers. Studies show that fewer teenagers are reading books today, with social media taking up much of their time. This means that a significant portion of the readership for YA and YA-adjacent fantasy consists of adults looking for light, escapist reads. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that—sometimes we all need a break from heavy, complex narratives. But when these types of books dominate the bestseller lists, it raises questions about the collective appetite for challenging, thought-provoking literature.

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram also play a role in shaping trends. Books with aesthetically pleasing covers or simple, trope-heavy plots that are easy to explain in short videos often get more attention than books with nuanced characters and intricate plots. The result? A market that rewards mediocrity and discourages risk-taking.

The Path Forward
So, what can we do about it? First, we need to hold authors and publishers accountable. Readers should demand better stories—ones that challenge us, inspire us, and push the boundaries of what fantasy can achieve. We should celebrate authors who take risks, who spend years honing their craft, and who refuse to settle for “good enough.”

Second, as readers, we need to broaden our horizons. Don’t just read what’s trending on TikTok or what’s on the bestseller list. Seek out lesser-known authors, revisit the classics, and explore genres outside your comfort zone. A good book should leave you richer for having read it.

Closing Thoughts
As my dad always said, “There is no better friend than a book.” But I don’t want friends who make me dumber. Fantasy has the power to ignite our imaginations, challenge our beliefs, and transport us to worlds beyond our wildest dreams. Let’s make sure it continues to do so by demanding stories that are worth our time and attention. Because at the end of the day, a good story is not just an escape—it’s an invitation to grow, to learn, and to see the world in a new light. Let’s not settle for less.

JPS Nagi
January 26, 2025

Is “Kalki 2898 AD” a Game Changer for Indian Cinema?

First of all, let me address the fact that I love Pan-Indian Movies and thoroughly enjoyed Kalki 2898 AD. The film’s release has sparked a lively debate: Is it a game changer for Indian cinema?

The discussion reminds me of the transformative impact of Bahubali (1), which marked a significant shift towards Pan-India movies. With each new release, there’s a surge of excitement with phrases like “India’s answer to Hollywood,” “Indian cinema on the global stage,” and “transformative for the Indian film industry” being thrown around.

India boasts a rich history and mythology, providing a wealth of stories to tell. However, the question remains: “Is the world ready to embrace these narratives?” In my view, the answer is not straightforward, and we face several challenges:

  1. Domestic vs. International Appeal: Indian films primarily cater to a domestic audience of 1.3 billion, with international appeal being a secondary consideration. This focus often results in films that may not resonate with global audiences.
  2. Song and Dance Sequences: While beloved by Indian audiences, the ubiquitous song and dance sequences can be off-putting to international viewers. These elements are often seen as interruptions to the storyline. For instance, the dreamy sequence at the Complex in Kalki 2898 AD felt like a diversion designed to showcase some skin rather than advance the plot.
  3. Writing Quality: There is a pressing need for stronger writing talent. Language barriers and cultural nuances impact how jokes and narratives translate across regions. As someone who does not understand or speak Telugu, Tamil, or Malayalam, I hoped that Prabhas’s jokes in the first half of Kalki 2898 AD were better in the original Telugu. In Hindi, they were disappointing. India is full of talented writers; we need to tap into this potential to enhance our storytelling.
  4. Originality and Copyright Issues: Concerns persist about copyright issues, with instances of scenes resembling those from Hollywood films. This can detract from original storytelling. There is a cartoon circulating in WhatsApp groups suggesting that Kalki 2898 AD copies elements from Star Wars, Dune, Mad Max, Transformers, Avengers, and The Matrix. The first comment my American friends made was, “Are those light sabers from Star Wars?” or “Wasn’t the Shambala sequence a copy of Zion from The Matrix?” We must find our unique way of depicting our stories.
  5. Music Composition: Music in films also faces scrutiny for originality and global appeal. While Indian music has a unique charm, it needs to evolve to meet global tastes without losing its essence.

While films like Kalki 2898 AD create spikes of interest and contribute positively to the Indian film industry, they fall short of being true game changers. They highlight the potential and creativity within Indian cinema but do not fundamentally alter the landscape of global cinema.

In conclusion, while Kalki 2898 AD is a step in the right direction and a testament to the potential of Indian cinema, it is not yet the definitive game changer. The journey towards global cinematic dominance requires addressing these challenges and consistently delivering content that resonates universally while retaining our unique cultural essence.

JPS Nagi
July 2024

Leadership Lessons from Dungeons & Dragons

During my upbringing in India, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) or role-playing games were unfamiliar to me. However, over the past five years, I have had the pleasure of immersing myself in this captivating game. In this blog, I am sharing some valuable leadership insights gleaned from my experiences with D&D.

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game that has captivated the hearts and minds of players for decades. While it’s known for its storytelling and epic battles, D&D also offers valuable insights into leadership. Surprisingly, the lessons learned in the imaginary realms of dungeons and dragons can be applied to real-world leadership situations. Let’s explore some of these leadership lessons from the world of D&D.

  • Collaboration and Teamwork:
    D&D is a team-based game where players form parties to achieve common goals. Leadership in D&D often means bringing together a diverse group of characters with unique abilities and personalities. Similarly, in the real world, effective leaders know how to foster collaboration and teamwork among their team members, recognizing that diverse strengths and perspectives can lead to success.
  • Adaptability:
    In D&D, dungeon masters create dynamic and ever-changing scenarios, forcing players to adapt and make quick decisions. Leaders must also be adaptable, especially in today’s fast-paced world, where unexpected challenges are common. Being able to pivot, adjust strategies, and make informed decisions on the fly is a valuable trait.
  • Decision-Making:
    D&D players face numerous decisions throughout their quests, some of which can have far-reaching consequences. Leaders are often tasked with making critical decisions that impact their teams and organizations. D&D teaches the importance of considering various options, gathering information, and making well-informed choices.
  • Communication:
    Effective communication is vital in D&D. Players need to convey their intentions, share information, and work together seamlessly. Leaders must also be skilled communicators, conveying their vision, goals, and expectations clearly to their teams. Moreover, active listening and fostering an open dialogue are essential leadership traits.
  • Problem Solving:
    D&D adventures are rife with puzzles, challenges, and obstacles. Players must think creatively and use their resources to overcome these hurdles. Leaders often encounter complex problems in the workplace. Learning from D&D, they can encourage innovative thinking, resourcefulness, and a willingness to tackle challenges head-on.
  • Empowerment:
    D&D empowers players to take ownership of their characters and decisions. Likewise, successful leaders empower their teams, granting them autonomy and trust to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. Empowered team members tend to be more motivated and engaged.
  • Resilience:
    In D&D, characters face setbacks, injuries, and defeats, yet they press on. Leaders, too, must display resilience in the face of adversity. It’s essential to bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures, and maintain a positive outlook.
  • Vision and Strategy:
    Dungeon masters in D&D create grand narratives and worlds for players to explore. Leaders also need a clear vision and strategy to guide their teams and organizations. A compelling vision can inspire and align team members toward a common purpose.

Dungeons & Dragons is not just a game; it’s a source of valuable leadership lessons. From teamwork and adaptability to decision-making and resilience, the principles learned in the world of D&D can be applied to leadership in any setting. Aspiring leaders and seasoned professionals alike can draw inspiration from the adventures of their favorite characters, both in fantasy realms and the real world. So, roll the dice and embark on your own leadership quest!

JPS Nagi
November 30, 2023

Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power – Reading Recommendation

With the release of the Amazon Prime show “The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power” many people are looking to return to, or start reading, the books that started it all. Of course, the main books are The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Silmarillion. Then there are others like the Unfinished Tales. For those who wish to dig deeper into the core of the Middle Earth lore, you have the 12-volume The History of the Middle Earth and the new The Nature of the Middle Earth.

If you are familiar with the material, I have seen a reference guide put together to get you up and running quickly. Below is the list of essential reading to understand the Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power story.

Please do note that the showrunners have rights to limited material from the Tolkien Estate, and the histories (from The Lord of the Rings appendices) do not always tell a story. In order to tell a cohesive story, there are some original characters introduced, timeline compressions, and other adjustments made for the medium of television. In my opinion, I am glad I am living in an age where an attempt is made to bring the world to this medium to bring new people to the journey through the Middle-Earth.

Without further adieu, here is your reading list,

The Lord of the Rings:

  • Volume 1, Book 1, Chapter 2: “The Shadow of the Past“
  • Volume 1, Book 2, Chapter 2: “The Council of Elrond“
  • Volume 2, Book 4, Chapter 5: “The Window on the West“
  • Appendix A, “The Númenorean Kings“
  • Appendix A, “Durin’s Folk“
  • Appendix B, “The Second Age“
  • Appendix D, “The Calendars“
  • Appendix F I, “Of Men“

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien:

  • Letter 131
  • Letter 144
  • Letter 154
  • Letter 181
  • Letter 211
  • Letter 227

The Silmarillion:

  • Part 4: “Akallabêth: The Downfall of Númenor“
  • Part 5: “Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age“

Unfinished Tales:

  • Part 2, “The Second Age“
    • II “Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner’s Wife“
    • III “The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor“
    • IV “The Historv of Galadriel and Celeborn“
  • Part 4,
    • I “The Drúedain“
    • II “The Istari“
    • III ‘The Palantíri‘

The History of Middle-Earth:

  • Volume 5: The Lost Road
    • Part 1 The Fall of Numenor.
  • Volume 9: Sauron Defeated
    • Part 2 The Notion Club Paners
    • Appendix on Adûnaic, the language of Númenor
  • Volume 10: Morgoth’s Ring
    • Part 4, Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth
  • Volume 12: The Peoples of Middle-earth
    • Part 1, Ch. 5. The History of the Akallabêth”
    • Part 4 Ch. XVII Tal-Elmar

The Nature of Middle-earth:

  • Part 1, Chapter XVII
  • Part 3
    Many chapters touch on Second Age, directly or indirectly in part 3

There are few things as rewarding as losing yourself in a great book series. With its expansive worldbuilding and complex characters, Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of those series. If you’re planning on binge-watching the television adaptation or are just looking for background material to expand your knowledge of the lore of the Middle-Earth, you can’t go wrong with the above list.

Happy reading! And Happy Watching.

Update:

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fall of Númenor: And Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-earth book by Brian Sibley & Alan Lee was released on November 15, 2022. You can get it from the link above.
In this book, editor Brian Sibley has assembled a single-volume chronicling the history of the Second Age of Middle-earth. It is told in the words of Tolkien from above mentioned as well as other published texts, includes new illustrations in watercolor and pencil by Alan Lee.
Brian Sibley has also added extensive footnotes and commentary throughout the book.
This is the one book to rule them for the Second Age History of Middle-Earth.

JPS Nagi
Sept. 6, 2022/ Updated Nov. 20, 2022

Dust Jacket Covers for Book Collectors

Book collecting is another hobby of mine. Over the years, I have seemed books that are printed on acid-free paper, with archival quality inks. This helps the paper to retain its color (not turn yellow) and the ink from not fading.

The other challenge is that the hardcovers books often come with dust jacket covers. Often while shelving these dust jacket covers get damaged, or frayed as you pull the books in and out of the shelves. The edges where the dust jacket turns are most susceptible to the kinks that can damage the look of the book. If exposed to a library with windows, the spines can show signs of fading (that also means that these are printed with non-archival quality inks).

As a collector of books, I like to protect the dust jackets of my hardcover books. When someone visits our home, they always comment that it must be a lot of work to do so. So I made a quick tutorial on how I take care of these books using mylar covers. To avoid spine fading, you can also check to see if there are any UV protective covers (but that is a whole another cost point you have to consider).

Take a look at the tutorial video below.

Also, check the links below for the supplies and books featured in the video. Your purchases helps this channel. I hope you find it useful.

Brodart Just-a-Fold III Archival Book Jacket Covers
Bone folder featured in the video is “8 Inch Real Bone Folder VENCINK”
Featured Books: The Hobbit & The Lord Of The Rings Boxed Set
Music by Michael Kobrin on Pixabay

JPS Nagi
May 16, 2021

The Mortuary

I was never exposed to Dungeons & Dragons while growing up in India. During my later years, as I came to know about it, I have always been fascinated by the game that plays in the theatre of your mind. My friends at work set up an introductory D&D session for me. Another friend suggested a new campaign “Waterdeep: Dragon Heist” which I am having too much fun playing. My character in the campaign is Neldor, an Elf Druid. The story presented here, “The Mortuary”, is not the beginning but somewhere in the middle of the campaign, where our heroes have brought a Cleric, Loren,  with them who knows how to speak with the recently deceased. This is the version of the story, and how it played in my mind and the dialogs are how I imagined them.

The Mortuary

The torso of the gnome corpse stood upright taking in a deep breath, as Loren Allspark finished her incantation. “You have 5 questions. Make them simple”, she said while turning around to face the group. The group had already determined from the appearance that the gnome was Drakhaal, the spy who was hired to tail Renéer, by his father.

The eeriness of the blank dead eyes of the gnome and charred skin was making everyone uncomfortable. Blue nodded to Tig’rod indicating to go ahead and ask the questions the group had decided. Tig’rod took a step forward while everyone stayed back. Loren was the only one who seemed comfortable. She gave Tig’rod an encouraging smile.

“Hello Drakhaal, my name is Tig’rod. I wanted to know how did you die?”, Tig’rod asked in a shivering voice.

Drakhaal’s blank eyes seemed to look in Tig’rod’s direction, and in a hollow breathy voice, he replies. “I was … coming to deliver … the stone to folks … at the Thunder Ale Tavern. Then I saw an orange glow, there was fire, heat and then I guess … I guess … I died”.

Ersi, Roh’gar, and Neldor were looking at Drakhaal with wide eyes. They knew about the spell. The spell granted the semblance of life and intelligence to a corpse of your choice within the range of the spell, allowing it to answer the questions you pose. The corpse must still have a mouth and can’t be undead. The spell was only effective on the corpses that had died in the last ten days. Until the spell ends, you can ask the corpse up to five questions. The corpse knows only what it knew in life. The answers are usually brief, cryptic, sometimes repetitive. Seeing the spell in action was unsettling for everyone.

Loren nodded at Tig’rod indicating that he should continue.

“Where did you get the stone, Drakhaal?”, Tig’rod asked his next question.

“I … I stole the stone … from the lair …”, he took another breath, “the layer of the beholder … Xanathar … in the sewers”, Drakhaal continued in his breathy voice.

Neldor’s eyes widened to know that the Xanathar, the head of the Xanathatr’s guild is a beholder. He had not even considered that. Beholders found mostly in the Underdark, are large, orb-shaped beings with ten eyestalks and one central eye, each contains powerful magic. They are powerful and intelligent creatures and are among the greatest threats to the world. Neldor’s elf ears started twitching. Roh’gar put his scaly Dragonborn hand on his shoulder. Neldor looks at Roh’gar who tilts his head towards the gnome. Tig’rod was getting ready with his next question, and his hand was slowly moving towards his whiskey flask around his hip. Blue slaps his hand and indicates him to ask the next question they had decided.

“Do you know who killed you, Drakhaal?”, Tig’rod voice was quivering now.

Drakhaal’s eyes never blinked and in his breathy voice, he started talking again. “No, I do not. I … I saw the fire and then … then I died”.

Loren rolled her eyes, as if Tig’rod had wasted one of the questions. With everyone so quiet, she was the only one who seemed to think, this was not uncanny. Tig’rod continued, “Can you tell us if Xanathar or Zantarum were involved in your death?”

“I think … Xanathar must have me tailed … when he realized … realized the stone was stolen. I heard”, Drakhaal took another breath, “I heard … Xanathar blamed … Zantarum for the robbery. But … but … Zantarum came to know … that it was me… so they started tailing me too … black cloaks … three folks in black cloaks … were from Zantarum… I saw their tattoos. And then … and then … I died”.

Loren winked at Tig’rod, glad that this question got some answers. “The last question”, she said to Tig’rod.

“You had two pouches, we found only one. Did the other pouch with the stone in it; where is it?”

“Yes … yes … the stone of Golorr” Drakhaal seemed to be running out of time and started to struggle to answer. “Just before I died … one of the black cloaks … took the pouch … and then … and … then … I … died”. With these words, the air seemed to leave Drakhaal’s body, his eyelids shut, and the animated torso lost any sign of life and slammed against the table.

Everyone was looking at the dead gnome. Loren voice startled everyone, “This spell doesn’t return the creature’s soul to its body, only its animating spirit. The corpse can’t learn new information, doesn’t comprehend anything that has happened since it died, and can’t speculate about future events. So ask the questions accordingly. And yes, remember, the corpse is under no compulsion to offer a truthful answer if you are hostile to it or it recognizes you as an enemy”.

Tig’rod face contorted as if he was about to throw up. He took a flask from his hip and took a big sip of his whiskey. That seemed to calm him a bit. Loren notices everyone still looking at the burnt corpse. “He is dead now. Who do we want to talk to next?”

“I can’t, you do it this time. Blue?”, Tig’rod looked at Blue.

“A beholder? Xanathar is a beholder?”, Neldor was muttering.

“Yes. And let’s not discuss this here. Remember where we are. We need to finish what we came here for”, Roh’gar said in his groveling voice. And a small whiff of smoke escaped his nostrils. Neldor composed himself, nodded and looked at Blue.

“Looks like the stone is with the Zantarum. Two out of the three black-cloaked figured are here dead. The third one must have escaped with the stone”, Blue said, thinking out loud.

“We need to find out where was the stone to be taken by Zantarums”, Roh’gar made a point. “We must talk to the dead Zantarum guys”.

“Would they know if we are from Zantarum”, Ersi asks Loren.

“Well, they will know, but they may or may not tell the truth. Keep the questions simple”, she replied, checking the back of her hand, looking bored.

“Okay Blue, it’s time to disguise yourself in the illusion spell. The black cloak and with the tattoo of Zantarum – the flying snakes”, Roh’gar said. “We need to find out where they would have taken the stone”. 

Blue’s eyes sparkle, and he looks at Loren and nods to her to do her spell. Loren starts her incantation under her breath, while Blue starts his illusion spell. As Loren’s spell ends, the Zantarum corpse gets animated, takes a deep breath and turns its head towards the group. Only the white of the eyes is visible, which makes Tig’rod to take another sip from his flask. This time even Ersi takes a step away from the animated corpse.

“I am from Zantarum. We sent three of you to get the stone for us. We haven’t heard from any of you. Where was the stone to be taken?”, Blue asks while making sure the tattoo of the flying snakes is visible as his illusion to the corpse.

“The stone, eh”, this guy’s voice is screechy, like small stones grinding against the metal sheet. “The stone was supposed to be taken back to Gralhund Villa, right after we get it.”

“Did you hire the Nimblewright automaton to help you obtain the stone?”, Blue asks his second question.

“Nimblewright? No, I do not know about any automaton”, everyone flinched at his voice.

“None of you made it to the Gralhund Villa with the delivery. Not sure how many people are supposed to be at the Villa. Do you know?”

“There should be ten or maybe fifteen people there. We were following orders to take the stone and deliver it there”.

“Did you know the gnome Drakhaal and what was the stone?”

“No, we were just following orders. We were asked to take the artifact and deliver it to the Villa”.

“Who gave you the orders?”, Blue shoots his last question.

“We were following Urstul Floxin, he was with us when we were tailing the gnome”. And with that, the corpse lost the air and his torso slammed on the metal table, making a loud clang! sound.

“Well, that was informative” Blue exclaims.

“Yes, very interesting”, Ersi said and seemed to be glad that the interrogation was quick.

“Yeah, it looks like the stone was …” Tigrod said, while raising the flask towards his mouth. Before he could say anything else, Roh’gar jumped in, “Let us not discuss the matters here. We are here for information. Let’s get it and get out”. This time there was a small spark along with the smoke that escaped his nostrils. Everybody got quiet.

Blue nodded to Loren, who smiled, winked at Blue and started her incantation. The third corpse torso stood up, took a deep breath inside turned it’s head slowly towards the group. The upper right side of his face was burned where the red veins were showing. The mouth and jaw were still intact.

“I am from Zantarum. How did you all die? Did the gnome kill you?”

“No. We cornered the gnome, and then, there was fire and I died”, the Zantarum man had a deep throaty voice.

“I am here to find out the whereabouts of the stone you were supposed to deliver to the Gralhund Villa. Where is it?”, Blue asked continuing his illusion.

“We were with Urstul. He pickpocketed the pouch from the gnome. Then there was a fire and I died.”

Blue pretended to be annoyed, “That’s why I am here, man. Urstul did not show up at the Villa. If he escaped, where would he go, if not the Villa?”

“Urstul and we were supposed to take the stone and go straight to the Villa. We died, but I saw him escape the fire with the pouch. If he is not at the Gralhund Villa, he must have gone to the safehouse twenty-three B”.

Blue looked back at the group, and several heads nodded, edging him to continue.

“Did you know what was in the pouch and what was it for?” Loren raised her four fingers at Blue indicating that this would be the fourth question.

“It was a stone of some sort. It was supposed to make us rich beyond our wildest imagination. That’s all I know”, the corpse was slowing down and his voice was fading. Tig’rod was already looking away from the corpse.

“What did the stone look like?” Blue asked his last question.

“It was dark stone … greyish … the size of my palm. And there were …” the voice started to fade, “blue lines were going across it.”

As the torso of the last corpse fell on the table, Blue ended his illusion. Before anyone could say anything, Roh’gar jumped in “Time to go, everyone”. Tig’rod walked in front of everyone, taking another swig from his flask.

The group walked out of the mortuary, through the corridors of the old constabulary station. As they walked past the reception desk, they thanked the older constable whom Renéer had contacted for access to the corpses.

As the group stepped in the daylight, everyone felt like they have come back to the land of the living. Tig’rod handed Loren the twenty-five gold Dragons for her services and donation to her temple. Loren thanked him, “Thank you for your donation. If you ever need any more help, you know where to find me”. With that, she left. Everyone in the group exchanged looks, and with the new knowledge about the Xanathar, Zantarum, and the stone of Golorr, the group starts walking towards the ThunderAle Tavern.

JPS Nagi
April 20, 2020

Prologue

I was never exposed to Dungeons & Dragons while growing up in India. During my later years, as I came to know about it, I have always been fascinated by the game that plays in your mind. After a few discussions during lunch and expressing my curiosity, one of my friends at work decided to set up an introductory D&D session for me. He even created my playable character for me after talking to me and we met after work.
That was last September and I loved it. At present, I am playing in two campaigns. I tend to take very detailed notes and so I decided to write one of the incidents that happened a month back in one of my campaigns. Although it is not the beginning, I am calling it “Prologue” (that may change later).

I do not claim that the story is mine, but it is how it played in my mind. The dialogs are how I heard them and the scenery is how I saw it. It is my retelling of how it went down. I hope my interest stays and I bring more stories like this.

I give you … Prologue …

Prologue

Grommish looks at everyone and speaks in his guttural voice, “I am going to approach the house. You guys should hang back. I do not want to scare the parents”.

Everyone nods except Yolanda, who seems to be annoyed. She grimaces at the suggestion and looks at Grommish, “I will come with you. Last time we talked to them, I was there”.

“Fine. But no threats this time. And I will do the talking”. Grommish stares at Yolanda with his piercing orc eyes. “Are we in agreement, Yolanda?”

She shrugs and gives a slight nod. Grommish starts walking towards the house and Yolanda follows him.

The rest of their company hangs back from the farmer’s home. The golden glow of the dusk sky gives a strange shade to the already harvested fields. It is a small and humble home made of raw clay bricks that give the house its shade. There are small colored decorations on the house in a darker hue along with some handprints around the outer wall. An old door made from oak wood adorns the house. The roof seems to need a new thatch and a small lantern is hanging on the side of the front of the door. A small paddy field extends around the house on the right and transforms into a vegetable garden behind it.

Carna feels a strange eeriness in the air, now that they were closer to the town.

“The town is aptly named Hopeless Fancy. The air is evil. I feel the hope is being drained out of me”, Carna says looking at the rest of them. Everyone seems to agree. Kalyn nods but keeps looking around, scouting the area.

“Would you give it a rest, my dear man. This is a poor farmer’s home”, Carna says.

“Hey, I can’t help it. This is what I do best” replies Kalyn with a smirk on his face.

Everyone turns their head towards the house, as they hear Grommish knock on the door in a friendly manner. A middle-aged woman opens the door. She is wearing simple lighter colored clothes which have seen some seasons. They can’t hear what they are talking from this distance, but it seems that the orc and the halfling are known to the woman. She seems friendly to them.

“Let’s get closer, I can’t hear a thing from here”, Verok suggests. Everyone starts to move a bit closer to the house. The woman looks at the motion beyond Grommish, her eyes widen as they settle on the Dragonborn.

Grommish notices her gaze. “It’s fine Ms. Clairidge, they are my friends. They are with me”, they hear Grommish telling the woman, as they get closer. “That is Verok, and yes he is a Drgonborn”.

The woman looks back at Grommish and sadness seems to creep back in her eyes.

“As I was saying Ms. Clairidge, Yolanda and I are still investigating the disappearance of your son. We caught Mad-Eye the hermit but it seems it was a false lead”. Krowley notices that Yolanda looks bored of all this talk and her hand slides along with her bow. The woman dabs her eye with the edge of her shawl and nods.

“Ms. Clairidge, I have a favor to ask. I know it is painful for you to recall, but I do wish if you could tell us one more time how did your son disappear”, Grommish requests in the friendliest way possible.

“Well, as I told you before”, her voice quivers, “after the day’s work, my husband and my son came back in the house for supper. They both looked tired from tilling the fields and getting ready for the next harvest season. The supper was a quiet affair, and after supper, my son went to bed. And the next morning, he was gone. Gone like the others”.

“Are there any other ways to get out of your house, besides this door?”. The woman shakes her head.

“Any windows in your son’s room where he could use to get out?”. She again shakes her head.

“And the door creaks! How did your son get out of the house without you or your husband knowing, Ms. Clairidge”. Everyone is looking at the woman waiting for her response. Even Yolanda was looking from Grommish to the woman.

Ms. Clairidge’s voice gets agitates a little bit, “What are you trying to say? Our son was kidnapped … kidnapped by that hermit, Mad-Eye … or whatever his name is. My poor son, I wonder where he is, and if he is still …”. She could not finish the sentence and started sobbing.

Grommish looks at her patiently. After a few moments, she composes herself “As I said, he was taken, just like the other children”.

“Ms. Clairidge, who are you afraid of?”. The woman’s face jerks up and she looks at Grommish. “Because you and I both know what you are telling us is not true. I caught up with Mad-Eye and he has not taken your son or any other child. Yes, I know, he was around your home when your son was kidnapped. He told me that he saw two figures walking away from your home that evening. It was a little darker so he did not see who it was. But he said one figure matched the height of your son”, Grommish’s tone was serious now. “Who are you afraid of, Ms. Clairidge? I implore you to please tell me what exactly happened. We need to know, so we can save your son, and other children who have been taken”.

“And this time, please tell us the truth”.

The woman’s eyes tear up and she starts sobbing. Grommish looks at Yolanda who still seemed indifferent and restless. He looks back at the woman who stops crying, takes a deep sigh and in quivering voice tells what happened.

“As I said, my husband and our son came back from the day’s work. After supper, my son went to his room. My husband and I were talking about how much we will be able to save from this harvest when we heard a knock on our door. My husband, David, was the one who answered the door. I was trying to see who was at the door, but my husband was blocking my view. All I could see was someone who was wearing a dark robe. Then my husband called my son. I stood up and walked up to the door. As our son came out of his room, my husband asked him to accompany the man. I tried stepping forward and asking him who is at the door, and why was he asking our son to go with him. But my husband blocked my path with his arm and closed the door behind our son. He stopped me from opening the door behind my son and told me later that it was the Dark Druid who threatened the life of our son. He also said that the druid told him that our son’s life will be spared if he comes with us. That’s all I know”.

Clairidge then drops on her knees, buries her face in her hands and started crying, “My son. Gone. Gone like the others. My poor son”.

Grommish kneels next to her and puts his hand on the woman’s shoulders.

“Don’t worry Ms. Clairidge, we will find your son. I am sorry that you had to relive this again. I do not think it was the Dark Druid who took your son. Dark Druids do not exist anymore, for a few thousand years now”. Ms. Clairidge looks up inquisitively at Grommish.

“You do not think it was the Dark Druid who took my son?”, she asks Grommish.

“No, I do not think so. I think someone is posing as a Dark Druid and I need to find out why. We will try our best to find your son and other children who have been taken. Thank you for telling us the truth. Now we know exactly what happened and can do the right investigation”.

“If it is alright with you, we would like to speak to your husband, David, and ask him if he can give us any clue to who could be the person who was posing as the Dark Druid”, Grommish says standing up.

The woman stops crying and nods. She stands up and points towards the field in the southwest direction beyond where the rest of the party is standing. “David is still working in the fields”.

Everyone turns to look behind at a solitary figure working on the other side of the field. He seemed to be trying to stay oblivious to them all, slowly moving away. As he notices everyone looking in his direction, he stands up.

“Hello there”, Carna calls. David drops the sickle and the scythe from his hands and starts running away from the house. Ms. Clairidge eyes widen in surprise and then she sees everyone running behind David.

JPS Nagi
March 15, 2020

Marvel Civil War II (2016-2017)

Marvel launched the second Civil War within Marvel Universe last year. The lines were drawn and the sides chosen. And the fight began with Captain Marvel and Iron Man on opposite sides this time. I went through the comics in the main series and all the in between fillers. So here is the list for Marvel’s Civil War II.

Civil War II is a 2016–2017 Marvel Comics crossover storyline built around originally seven, extended to eight and now a nine part series (if you consider The Oath 001) limited series. It ran through almost all other titles published by Marvel. The tagline for the series is, “Choose your Side “

And as usual, here is just a list.
Click here to get a printable check list and reading order.

DC’s Convergence (2015)

DC-ConvergenceAnother comic book event that happened in 2015 was DC Comics’ Convergence.

Convergence spins out of the final issues of the weekly series, Earth 2: World’s End and The New 52: Futures End. The story involves Brainiac collecting cities and inhabitants from various timelines that have ended, trapping them in domes on a planet outside of time and space and opening them up to see what happens.

The comics ran for 8 weeks and we got them all. We had to create a good reading order so that we can follow the story along beyond the main event. Some websites provide reading order, with lot of details about plotlines, ratings and how well does it fit in the timeline. I just want a list.

So I decided to create one myself. I spent many hours making this list, and decided this may be useful for others who are in the same boat as us.

I addition to the reading order, I also wanted to know,
– Main Event.
– On going comic book series along with the number (for example, Green Arrow # 002).

Click here to get a printable check list and reading order.