View source for Talons of Veylan

== Talons of Veylan ==
'''The Talons of Veylan''' are a militant subfaction of the [[Emerald Enclave]], founded by a circle of druids and rangers who revere the legacy of [[Veylan Duskbane]]—a legendary dragon hunter of ancient times. Veylan believed that the greatest threat to the balance of nature came not from civilization, but from the unchecked destruction wrought by evil dragons and those who seek to enslave nature through arcane corruption.

=== Overview ===
Following Veylan's path, the Talons dedicate themselves to hunting draconic threats and stamping out aberrations that seek to twist the natural order. While the broader Enclave seeks harmony and balance, the Talons believe in action through force. They are not merciless but see no place in the world for creatures that exist solely to destroy, such as chromatic dragons, cults of undeath, and abyssal fiends.

Their training grounds are hidden across the Sword Coast in deep forest sanctuaries and ancient ruins. They are known for wearing cloaks woven from shed scales and feathers, and their oaths are sworn under moonlit skies or the roar of waterfalls.

Members of this order believe that all evil chromatic dragons are abominations that disrupt the natural balance and must be destroyed. They follow in Veylan's footsteps, dedicating themselves to hunting wyrms. The Emerald Enclave has a ranking system: Talon Initiate is the 2nd level rank. Like other Enclave orders, members are not selected but rather find their true order naturally when the path resonates with them. When asked what his order calls themselves, Veylan jokingly suggested 'The Branch Managers,' though Keyleth disagreed with the name.

=== Beliefs ===
* Nature must be protected.
* Evil dragons corrupt the balance.
* Strength must answer corruption.

=== Methods ===
* Dragon hunting, relic preservation, sacred rites.

=== Desired Outcome ===
Destroy the [[Cult of the Dragon]] and purge evil dragonkind.

=== Renown System ===
'''Gaining Renown:'''
* Slay a chromatic dragon or draconic servant (e.g., dragonspawn, cultist, or wyvern).
* Protect a sacred natural site from desecration.
* Discover and preserve ancient draconic relics related to dragon slaying.
* Mentor a younger ranger, druid, or beast-friend in the ways of the wild.
* Intervene when magic or industry threatens a primal landscape.
* Oppose arcane forces that twist nature, such as necromancers or warlocks of the Abyss.

'''Losing Renown:'''
* Spare a dragon or cultist known to have destroyed lives or lands.
* Allow desecration of a natural site without protest or retribution.
* Cooperate with forces that abuse the wild for personal gain.
* Ignore a call for aid from a wild community or beast in need.
* Use unnatural magic or tools that poison or pollute the land.

=== Ranks ===
'''Rank 1 – Wyrmwatcher'''

You are an initiate in Veylan's cause. You will be assigned to observe dragon activity, scout ruined sites, and deliver reports to elders. Other members withhold judgment, watching to see if you show true purpose.

'''Rank 2 – Talon Initiate'''

You have spilled draconic blood and earned your cloak. You may be entrusted with leading small hunts, maintaining a hidden sanctuary, or escorting relics. Elder rangers and druids offer their knowledge freely.

'''Rank 3 – Scaled Bane'''

You are respected and feared in equal measure. You may be asked to judge others for their devotion, root out traitors, or lead expeditions into dangerous wilds. You have full access to Veylan's records and rituals.

'''Rank 4 – Verdant Hunter'''

You command teams and sanctuaries. You may reshape policies in your region, oversee trials of passage, or serve as a spiritual guide. Druids defer to your judgment in matters of corrupted beasts and unnatural predators.

'''Rank 5 – Veylan's Wrath'''

You are the heir of Veylan's legacy. When you walk, storms follow. Your presence alone stirs the wilds. You may speak with ancient spirits of the forest and rally nature's wrath against those who threaten the world.

=== Notable Members ===
* [[Veylan Duskbane]] – Founder of the order (deceased, spirit form)
* [[Sylwen Moondrift]] – High-ranking member who has hunted the [[Ashen Covenant]] for 50 years
* [[Keyleth]] – Talon Initiate (2nd rank), inducted by Veylan's spirit in Session 38

=== Campaign Involvement ===
[[Keyleth]]'s pixie swarm heard the call of [[Veylan Duskbane]]'s spirit, leading the party to his tomb. This indicated that Keyleth was a natural fit for the Talons of Veylan. After helping slay Vaartox the Red, Veylan bestowed upon Keyleth the rank of Talon Initiate and taught her the secrets of damage resistance through her dragon hunt.

=== Appearances ===
* [[Session 37 - The Swarm is Summoned]]
* [[Session 38 - Now We Have a Hoard]]

[[Category:Factions]] [[Category:Rise of Tiamat]] [[Category:Emerald Enclave]]