From the introduction: The annals of the Realms are filled with stories of deadly poisonings and the changes they have wrought to kingdoms and those who dwell within them. Loremasters and sages continue to keep alive the tales of such legendary figures as King Jhaster II of Ammarindar who fell to the poisoned arrows of the orcs of the Blacktusk Horde or the giant chieftain Kormuk of the Lone Mount, slain after partaking of cattle carcasses liberally poisoned by the adventuring band known as the Company of the Stormsword.