Marginalia from the Edge of the Divine- The Memoir of Gale Dekarios

Series Metadata

Creator:
Series Begun:
2025-03-31
Series Updated:
2025-07-07
Description:

In this lyrical and haunting, Gale—once Mystra’s favored Chosen, now a scholar of elven high magic—unspools the tale of his extraordinary life: from his childhood in the alleys and libraries of Waterdeep to the moment he stood on the brink of apotheosis, ready to sacrifice himself for the world.

Written two decades after he found a quiet life in Evereska, Gale reflects on love, ambition, and the unbearable intimacy of magic. He chronicles his early enchantment with the goddess of magic and the seductive ruin of their affair, his missteps with power, and the redemptive weight of fatherhood.

But above all, it is a story of love—the love that saved him from destruction, the mother of his child, the one heart he could never let go. From their battles against the remnants of Netheril to quiet nights beneath Evereskan stars, Gale writes with aching beauty of a love both profound and impossible.

Part elegy, part confession, this is a story of one man’s reckoning with divinity, legacy, and the fragile threads of the heart.

Notes:

This memoir started as clues for players in my D&D players who were tasked with finding Gale’s magical Codex, the Silverweave. The early chapters are thus quite short, as not to take up a long time at the table to read. I’ve changed how I write them now, making a short version for the in game experience and a more Gale friendly, verbose version here. Most Mondays, I’ll put up a new chapter, providing we get to play our game on Sunday afternoons.
Thanks for reading my very first effort at a fan fic. Don’t hesitate to message me if you think I missed something.
I take cannon pretty seriously, so I’m including a bibliography of official D&D sources and novels for specific character and story beats. These notes will be update as I read more each week to prepare for our game.
• Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (3e, 2001)
The foundational book for geography, culture, pantheons, and factions. Core text for grounding Gale’s place in the Realms, especially in Waterdeep.
• Faiths & Pantheons (3e)
One of the best sources on Mystra, her dogma, her avatars, her Chosen, and her role in mortal affairs. Crucial for understanding her relationships with Elminster, Khelben, and Gale by proxy.
• The Magister (2e, FOR10)
Details the hierarchy of magic in the Realms and includes early information about Mystra’s mortal Chosen. Relevant for understanding Gale’s ambitions.
• Lost Empires of Faerûn (3.5e)
Primary reference for Netheril, Karsus, and the magical catastrophe that shaped the modern Weave. Critical to Gale’s arc and obsession with the Orb.
• Crown of Eaerlann (Dungeon #362)
Supplementary lore on elven magic and high magic rituals—used in conceptualizing the Silverweave.
• Champions of Ruin (3.5e)
Offers insight into corrupted magic and fallen heroes, which aligns thematically with Gale’s descent and Karsus lore.
• Elves of Evermeet (2e) and Evermeet: Island of Elves (novel by Elaine Cunningham)
For high elven culture, naming conventions, moonblades, and Silverhand family lore—foundational for Lily and Lirielle’s lineage.

⸻

🧙 Notable Characters and Magic History
• Elminster: The Making of a Mage (Novel by Ed Greenwood)
A rich character portrait of Elminster, whose presence haunts Gale’s narrative. Adds depth to the idea of being watched—and used—by Mystra.
• Blackstaff (Novel by Steven E. Schend)
Key reference for Khelben Arunsun, his history with Mystra, and the weight of magical legacy. Used to shape Khelben’s warning to Gale.
• The Grand History of the Realms
A timeline and lore compendium. Covers the fall of Netheril, the Time of Troubles, and the Second Sundering. This is your go-to for connecting events across editions.
• Netheril: Empire of Magic (2e boxed set)
The most in-depth official source on Netheril, the floating cities, and Karsus himself. Hugely influential on Gale’s obsession.
• Cormanthyr: Empire of Elves (2e)
For the foundation of elven high magic and the tragic echoes of Myth Drannor. Shapes Lily’s magic, family history, and ideals.
• Races of Faerûn (3e)
Offers a deep dive into elven subraces, culture, and social structures, including Evereska and the cultural values Lily upholds.

Stats:
Words:
14,670
Works:
7
Complete:
No
Bookmarks:
15

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