The Ring of Winter is an ancient artifact of immense power that shields both itself and its wearer from divination magic and scrying sensors. The ring grants immortality to its possessor, preventing aging entirely. However, the artifact is known to dominate and control those who wear it, making it extremely dangerous in the wrong hands.
Current Bearer
The ring is currently possessed by Artus Cimber, a former Harper agent who has wielded it for over a century. Artus won the ring long ago and has used its immortality-granting properties to wait for the return of his wife, Alisanda, a bara (immortal defender) of the lost city of Mezro. Without the ring, Artus would resume aging as a normal human, which motivates his refusal to part with it despite the dangers it presents.
Artus is justifiably concerned that the ring would dominate any other owner, making him extremely reluctant to relinquish it. He currently roams Chult, visiting the ruins of Mezro periodically and searching for Orolunga to consult with a guardian naga about reuniting with his displaced city and wife.
Those Who Seek It
Multiple factions are actively hunting for the Ring of Winter, though Artus’s possession of the artifact makes him impossible to locate through magical means:
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Frost Giants: Twenty frost giants led by Drufi sailed from the Sea of Moving Ice aboard the longship Hvalspyd. They search on behalf of Jarl Storvald, who believes the ring can freeze the world and bring about an “Age of Everlasting Ice.” The giants are split into five search parties combing the jungle, despite hating Chult’s tropical climate.
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Harpers: Former colleagues of Artus, Harper spies search Port Nyanzaru and the surrounding jungle ostensibly to protect the ring from falling into evil hands, though their exact intentions upon finding it remain unclear.
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Zhentarim: The Black Network has assembled teams to locate Artus and wrest the ring from him, seeing it as a source of wealth and power.
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Xandala: A half-elf who claims to be Artus’s daughter (see side quest “Find Artus Cimber”) seeks the ring for her own purposes, though she conceals this motivation from others.
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Red Wizards of Thay: Valindra Shadowmantle and her forces won’t pass up an opportunity to take the ring by force if they encounter Artus.
Strategic Importance
The Ring of Winter represents both a powerful magical artifact and a potential threat. Its anti-divination properties make conventional searches futile, forcing all hunters to rely on physical tracking and investigation. The ring’s power to grant immortality and potentially control weather makes it a prize worth any cost to those who seek it, ensuring that Artus will face continued pursuit as long as he possesses it.