Condemnation (Forgotten Realms summary

Beginning of the End

In Condemnation by Richard Baker, we are thrust into the tumultuous world of the Forgotten Realms, a land of magic and chaos. The story begins with the aftermath of the brutal attack on the drow city of Menzoberranzan, orchestrated by the deity Lolth. The city is in ruins, and its people are scattered, leaderless and lost. The drow priestesses, who once held power, are now in disarray, with no clear guidance from their missing goddess. The chaos is palpable as the drow struggle to rebuild their lives in the wake of this devastating event.

Amidst this turmoil, a group of powerful drow, including the scheming Matron Quenthel Baenre, her ambitious daughter Danifae, and the enigmatic Pharaun Mizzrym, embark on a perilous quest to discover the fate of their missing goddess. They believe that if they can find Lolth, they can restore order and their former way of life. Their journey takes them through treacherous terrain, filled with deadly creatures and unexpected allies. Along the way, they uncover a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to consume them.

The Unraveling of Truth

As the group delves deeper into their quest, they encounter a variety of beings, including the demon Errtu, who provides them with valuable information about Lolth's disappearance. They also face off against the powerful demon Eltab, who seeks to exploit the chaos caused by Lolth's absence to further his own dark agenda. As the group navigates these dangerous encounters, they begin to realize that Lolth's disappearance may not be as straightforward as they initially thought.

Meanwhile, back in Menzoberranzan, the power vacuum left by Lolth's absence leads to a dangerous struggle for control. Matron Quenthel Baenre, driven by her desire for power, manipulates and betrays those around her, including her own daughter. The city becomes a battleground, with various factions vying for dominance, and the drow society teeters on the brink of collapse.

A Shocking Revelation

As the group continues their journey, they face numerous challenges, including the deadly machinations of Lolth's rival deities, and the treacherous depths of the Underdark. Their quest leads them to the Demonweb Pits, the home of Lolth, where they finally come face to face with the truth. They discover that Lolth did not abandon her followers, but was instead imprisoned by her enemies, leaving the drow at the mercy of her captors.

Armed with this knowledge, the group returns to Menzoberranzan, where they confront the chaos and infighting. They reveal the truth about Lolth's imprisonment and unite the drow in a desperate bid to free their goddess. Their efforts result in a climactic battle against Lolth's captors, with the fate of the drow society hanging in the balance.

The Aftermath

In the aftermath of the battle, the drow emerge victorious, and Lolth is freed from her imprisonment. The city of Menzoberranzan is rebuilt, and order is restored. However, the events of Condemnation have left deep scars on the drow society. The power struggles and betrayals have shattered the once proud and unified people, leaving them fractured and vulnerable.

In conclusion, Condemnation is a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and the lengths to which people will go in the pursuit of their desires. It provides a fascinating insight into the complex society and culture of the drow, and the devastating consequences of their actions. The story sets the stage for further exploration of the Forgotten Realms, and the enduring struggles of its enigmatic inhabitants.