Publisher Blurb: Mordenkainen is back with yet more cynical musings on the nature of the cosmos. This time he tackles the factions of Faerûn. In this tome, he describes the capricious nature of the Emerald Enclave, the hypocritical code of the Harpers, the circular reasoning of the Lords' Alliance, the dangerous fanaticism of the Order of the Gauntlet, and the two-faced treachery of the Zhentarim. As well as the truth behind the factions of Faerûn, this guide also includes the following: - 5 New Backgrounds: the Feral Child, the Flawed Clone, the Satirist, the Town Official, and the Willing Sacrifice. - 5 New Magic Items: Chalsembyr's Heart, the Cloak of the High Forest, Determination, Dove's Harp, and Grimjaw. - 5 New NPCs: Elminster Aumar, "Judge" Kazardun, Lady Shadowmoon, Manshoon the Vampire, and Mazzy Fentan.