Vel validus cado - Sir Jonas Rokranon

[rokranon]

Paladin of Torm, Knight of the Order of the Radiant Heart
"Darkness only takes over when all light is vanquished. Fight for honor, fight for life."


Artwork by: http://angevere.deviantart.com/


Artwork: 'Richard Rahl...but not' by superchickenn123 @ deviantart.com / Coloring by LeslieMS

Full Name: Jonas Thoruil Rokranon
Aliases: Sir Rokranon, Sir Jonas, Platinum, The Purple Phoenix, The Purple Paladin, Jonas "Rush 'Em" Rokranon, Jo Jo
Date of Birth: 16th Nightal, 1310 DR - Year of Storms
Place of Birth: Athkatla, Amn
Spouse: Katherine Selis Vhaire

Appearance
Gender: Male
Race: Aasimar
Age: 41
Height: 6ft 3in (190.5cm)
Weight: 220lbs (99.8kg)
Eyes: Pale Lavender
Hair: Silvery-black; Chin-length, swept back behind the ears
Facial Hair: Well-trimmed beard, also silvery-black.
Handedness: Right
Posture: Tends to be formal and straight; confident. Standing straight and rigid seems to be comfortable to him. Generally keeps both arms folded behind back, as if holding out of the way. Head held high, chin up.
Hygiene: Well-groomed and neat, unless he's been in combat.
Scent: Typically smells of nutmeg, regardless of what he is wearing. However, chainmail has its own particular metallic scent, and his tunic and cloak smell of clean linen (if he hasn't been in battle).

Notable Items Visible:

• ♦ Gleaming chain mail (a gift from the Ironfaar dwarves) with a blatantly purple tunic. This outfit is actually glamoured full plate.
  ♦ Heavy white hooded cloak bearing his family blazon on the back.
  ♦ Upon his back is strapped the simple but exquisitely crafted holy great sword, Torm's Truth (given by one of Torm's avatars), kept in a finely tooled baldric. The blade is the cool blue of cold iron. The pommel is large and spade-shaped, the hilt wrapped in black leather, and the crossguard wide and flat.
  ♦ At his belt is a gold and silver wrought minotaur champion horn, the Horn of Valor (a gift from Duke Eltan).
  ♦ A mithral signet ring is worn on the right hand of House Rokranon's phoenix rising from flame.
  ♦ Around his neck is a mithral holy symbol of Torm along with smaller medallions denoting Ilmater, Tyr, Helm, Lathander, Mystra, Sehanine Moonbow, and Milil.

Physical Description:
From a distance, his silver hair gives the illusion of an old man. Jonas is forty years of age, but due to his celestial heritage his facial features appear as a man eight to ten years younger. At one point he had a number of hideous scars, but those have since been healed completely. Jonas has a strong jaw and prominent brow. He has two tattoos: a phoenix on his right arm and the emblem of the Order of the Radiant Heart on his left wrist. The Aasimar is tall and muscular, but it is an athletic build and not bulky.

Jonas has faint laugh lines around his eyes and mouth. While the man tends to have a hawk-like gaze that can, depending on the individual, feel like being examined internally, anyone who looks into his eyes can see the life and light in them. Here is a man who as experienced true happiness. But there is also a depth of pain that he makes no effort to hide. Here is a man who has looked into the worst horrors imaginable, and yet still remains on his path.

When not wearing armor, his casual attire tends toward white shirts and dark pants with vests of varying color (usually purple, black, or dark red). Occasionally he substitutes a fine purple cloak for his white hooded one. His boots are always at least slightly worn as the paladin refuses to wear new boots (much to the dismay of some of his more refined friends).

His voice is pleasant, soft, and warm. However, there is a slight gritty edge to it. When he raises his voice, it rings out sharply like a warhorn being blown. The man's accent is middle-class Athkatlan.


Personality Profile
General Health: Generally good due to his immunity to fear and disease. With the healing of his old scars, his disabilities have faded away.
Alignment: Lawful Good
Deity/Beliefs: Torm, The True, The Loyal Fury
Philosophy: Service leads to salvation. Protection is the greatest service one can provide.
Profession: Paladin of Torm; Knight of the Order of the Radiant Heart; Former Noble of Baldur's Gate (Renounced); Former Captain of the Weave Master Guardians (Retired, Full Honors)
Base Class & Proposed Development: Paladin (30)
Habits:
He tends to rub his forehead when frustrated, and paces often when in thought. The heavy clank-clank-clank of his greaves can be distracting. His alcoholic favorite beverage is Icewine. In recent years he has developed a strong liking for coffee.
Hobbies:
Jonas enjoys reading and moon watching, as well as just being outdoors in general. He loves fine arts, and has donated heavily to theaters, painters, sculptors, and bards. Jonas loves horses, and will go out of his way to greet and brush an exceptionally fine looking warhorse. This "peasant" behavior has earned scorn from other nobles at times. His current warhorse is a black gelding courser, "Keegan."
Languages: Common, Chondathan, Elven, Celestial
Weapon of Choice: Greatsword (wielded one-handed or two) - Torm's Truth

Personality Description:
Jonas' speech depends up on the situation. In public he is formal and polite. He is respectful toward both king and peasant alike. In private, he adopts a more playful and light-hearted tone. The man has a paternal/big-brotherly quality that comes out when dealing with people younger than he which he has taken a liking to.

He knows his hawk-like gaze can be unsettling, and is not timid about using it to his advantage. Since growing the beard, Jonas sometimes strokes it when in thought. This is always done with his right hand, as one of his old wounds had disabled his left hand and he is still unused to having its use returned.

He is a student of many faiths, not all of them human. While revering Torm, Ilmater, and Tyr are logical, he also greatly respects Helm, Lathander, Mystra, and (oddly, if you don't know him) the elven goddess Sehanine Moonbow. He has lately paid homage to Milil due to the influence of his wife. Jonas has been known to pray to any and all of them for guidance, although as a Triadic Knight he champions The Loyal Fury, Ilmater and Tyr.

The paladin is an easy target for good-natured ridicule, as he takes it in stride and rarely reacts negatively to mockery. He does not, however, tolerate such against his friends and family. Jonas is known to be very forgiving and tolerant. His best friend is a tiefling, after all. The man is a strong proponent of redemption in general, but is intolerant in particular of Red Wizards, Bhaalists, Banites, Sharrans, and the Cult of the Dragon due to a long history of conflict with each organization.

Jonas is notoriously quick to act, which is deceptive. He actually thinks actions through carefully, but once an enemy has been decided to be irredeemably evil and combat is inevitable, he dives into the fray with an almost reckless zeal. His nickname "Rush 'Em Rokranon" is an affectionate homage to this.

His greatest passion is reserved for his family and friends. Jonas has a large and gregarious family, and has adopted some of his best friends (Valerius, Auriel Elenviel, and Merielle Silene) who were orphans or cast out of their families into the Rokranon fold. This is a result from being adopted himself into a family of nearly a dozen siblings. He has four children of his own (Inara, Kat, Eldaenir, and Tobias), two adopted from a previous marriage (Harwin and Doriah), and has adopted three more from Mercy Orphanage (Michael, Larissa, and Elaine).

His relationships with women have not always been so positive, but those days are now behind him. Jonas has married the love of his life, Selis Vhaire, and for her has done what he would not do in his past failed relationships: devote equal time with his family as he does to his career.


Associations
Organizations and Societies:

• ♦ Paladin of Torm, of the Triad
  ♦ Knight (former Knight-Commander) of the Baldur's Gate chapter of the Order of the Radiant Heart
  ♦ Former Nobleman of Baldur's Gate
  ♦ Former Weave Master Guardian Captain

Allies:

• ♦ Triadic Churches (Tyr, Ilmater, Torm)
  ♦ Song of the Morning (Church of Lathander, Beregost)
  ♦ The Elves of Doron Amar
  ♦ The Order of the Silver Rose
  ♦ Keepers of the Elder Circle
  ♦ Count Vartan Thrynnar (County Alonmarch, Tethyr)
  ♦ Count Rikos Dughol (County Hazamarch, Tethyr)

Students/Squires:

• ♦ Dallenthal Wyndsoul, Ranger and Nobleman
  ♦ Madison Littlefair, Paladin of Torm
  ♦ Katarina, Paladin of Tyr
  ♦ Briel Aseph, Paladin of Tyr
  ♦ Telissa Carshald, Paladin of Lathander
  ♦ Nari Chizuru, Favored Soul of Kossuth
  ♦ Lance Renslin, Paladin of Lathander (with Aethor)
  ♦ Erza Aldren, Paladin / Priestess of Sune

Misc Facts

• ♦ He has served as an ambassador for Baldur's Gate to Neverwinter, Silverymoon, and Waterdeep in the past.
  ♦ Jonas is a close personal friend of the NPCs Bentley Mirrorshade, Duke Eltan, and Kelddath Ormlyr of Lathander, as well as the clergy of Triadic Churches in the Gate.
  ♦ Jonas is considered an elf-friend of Doron Amar, as well as a protector of Gullykin and Beregost.
  ♦Jonas renounced his title of noble prior to leaving Baldur's Gate due to the decision of the Dukes to allow a Thayan enclave. His very personal dealings with Red Wizards are the root of this. Of the four Dukes, all have forgiven him since (he visited six months after leaving and sought forgiveness for his harsh words), but only Eltan and Belt remained cordial. Entar and Liia remain distant. Entar swore that Jonas could never again regain his title. Jonas didn't particularly care, as Entar had just called him a "Tethyrian spy."

Artwork: 'Sir Jonas Rokranon' by Dajala Silverleaf


(Courtesy of Ol' Kel)

[rokranon]

Jonas commissioned the minstrel Selis Vhaire to write this after telling her the story of his family. She gave him a copy, and he scribed it to his journal. It has since become widely published up and down the Sword Coast.

The Rokranon Ballad
by Selis Vhaire

Listen, my dears, as I tell you the story
of a family so noble and fair.
To the south of Amn they obtained their glory
as paladins who protected and cared.

The Rokranon line was a generous lot;
their coin flowed freely to those in need.
But their generosity soon put them in a spot
where they could not continue their good deeds.

So they packed their things and moved everyone
within Athkatla’s beautiful, dangerous gardens.
There they did what had to be done
and worked as hired guards and wardens.

The family again soon flourished – why wouldn’t they?
Their honor and integrity could not be denied.
But ‘twas these very same qualities that one fateful day
caught the attention of a dragon’s greedy eyes.

It demanded the family’s hard-earned gold
and the daughters still innocent and pure.
The family, outraged, condemned an action so bold;
a battle would be fought, of that they were sure.

Fylokkipyron – the dragon – ravaged the family’s estates.
The fighting was gruesome and grim.
But the family was not alone in their attempt to abate
the dragon’s cruel and heartless whim.

Two other families joined the fray
and lent their aid to the attack.
The Sinistrads and Kerbachards, without delay,
fought to drive the dragon back.

Now the allies three fought tooth and nail
but death claimed many a Rokranon son.
The patriarch thought they’d not prevail
for he’d lost all his heirs but one.

Morus, in his grief, used the dark arts
in order to reclaim his fallen line.
“Necromancy,” came the whisper in those parts
as the undead warriors defied the divine.

Harwin, the last son, cried out a heartfelt rally
and the battle raged until it was finally done.
And in the end, it was the allies
who stood victorious – they’d won!

The dragon was defeated now;
the undead sent back to rest.
And young Harwin asked his father how
he could have failed such an important test.

“My father!” he cried. “How could you deny
the will of the gods when faced with such strife?”
But Morus refused to answer with a “why.”
Instead he cursed his son before taking his own life.

Years then passed, and Harwin found a wife;
the happy couple had many a son.
But little by little, the end of his life
came to all but one.

Now every generation experiences the loss;
it happens exactly the same.
Morus’ betrayal came at such a high cost
for all those who still bear his name.

And so now, my dears, I will end this tale
of the family so noble and fair.
Let their plight be a lesson learned well
of what happens when you give in to despair.

[rokranon]

History

The Rokranon Ballad tells the tale of the once noble house of Rokranon and when the estate was set upon by a red dragon, Fylokkipyron, and Harwin I rallied after his father (Morus) fell into darkness by resorting to necromancy to keep the fight going. Harwin I was cursed by his father with his dying breath, an act meant to kill the line out in and revenge himself upon his traitorous son. The curse did not fall upon Harwin's twin sister (yes, twins run in the family), Doriah I, however. It was she who was loved by the celestial, a justice archon. While the Rokranon family whittled down over the years to the half-elf Aranathon, Doriah's progeny did fair enough, but were by no means especially fertile.

A descendant of Doriah, the human Helmite warrior Brandon Aldren eventually fell in love with Wilenna, a priestess of, of all things, Talona, and the result were Jonas and Kelorin. The couple's rather forbidden love ended up getting them killed, but not before they had fled to the outskirts of Athkatla in Amn. By chance, or fate, it was there that Aranathon found and adopted the two boys into his small family of himself and the already adopted shield dwarf Korr.

The twins were raised with a variety of skills taught to them by the half-elf, many of which Jonas doesn't let on that he knows anything about most of the time (such as farming crops). Over time Aranathon became fairly successful in a small shipping business after he retired from his life as a ranger, and with Korr's help discovered a mithral mine in the south slopes of the Cloudpeaks. Jonas had developed a heavy Athkatlan accent, one that took years for him to cultivate out of his 'normal' speech once the family had begun to prosper. To this day, every once in awhile, he will slip into his more informal upbringing, especially among friends.

Kelorin and Jonas were not born 'evil' and 'good'. They were much alike for years, the exception being their eye color. Kelorin was always a bit of a bully, and sometimes mean, but not inherently evil. Jonas, however, always seemed to have that identifiable something that draws people to him; a trait that Kelorin utterly lacked. While Kelorin was not so base as to begrudge Jonas the attention, the attentions of one person in particular did garner hard feelings: Melian.

Melian fell for Jonas, hard. He wasn't particularly partial to her, which only angered Kelorin more when he wanted the girl and Jonas didn't, but she wouldn't have Kelorin. It was at this point that he made a pact, but not the pact of a warlock. He made a deal with a group of Banites operating in Athkatla to shield him should his actions bring him to harm, and in return he would train under them. The Banites were all too eager to employ the aasimar son of an emerging merchant. Kelorin was unhappy with this life, however, as he was not evil at heart and a string of petty crimes eventually depressed him so much that he revealed himself to Melian in a moment of weakness. She was appalled by his revelation, and renewed her previous sentiments that she wouldn't have him. Rage took Kelorin at this point, and that is when he assault Melian. Harwin II and Doriah II are the result of this encounter. Kelorin hated himself for it, but hated Jonas even more: for it was Jonas who stepped up and took Melian in to protect her from the derision and pity of a cruel city, and adopted Kelorin's own children as his own. Jonas began his life with Melian (who always feared him somewhat, because of his resemblance to Kelorin) and the two did grow to love each other properly, but still lacked that spark that Jonas and Alistaria have now.

Kelorin went off on his own to be haunted by his own demons. Demons that became all too real when he was approached by one in polymorphed form, who offered the pact that made Kelorin become a warlock. Kelorin was tricked, but was also selfish, and in a moment of weakness sealed his fate. He has hated himself ever since. The price of his substantial power? The promise to deliver Jonas' soul.

Kelorin resorted to murdering Melian (his ever-growing hatred overriding his once love for the woman) to taunt Jonas into falling, making him easier prey. Fall Jonas did, but he made the effort to atone for it by serving the church. It was then that he felt the paladin's call.

Kelorin spent years honing his skills and dabbling in various dark practices as Jonas worked as a paladin. The twelve intervening years between Melian's death/Jonas' call and Jonas traveling to Baldur's Gate are not overly remarkable. Jonas did good deeds but nothing particularly distinguishing, aside from aiding a copper dragon with a few fellow knights once (the dragon was slain, but told the knights to make use of his scales - the resulting armor Jonas has since given away to someone more needing).

Jonas wrote the following in his personal journal about one experience shortly after becoming a paladin.

[rokranon]

Chronicles on the Sword Coast

Early 1345 DR

Jonas arrived in Baldur's gate from Amn with three of his adopted siblings: Korr, Terradoc, and Elkor. They quickly settled into a modest estate in the palace district, and Korr and Jonas especially took to the adventuring lifestyle. Jonas was slow to make friends at first, as at that time the merchant camp was sparely populated and he met only a few people on the roads. His own narrow minded attitudes did not help matters.

The first event that occurred to begin Jonas' change in thoughts was a skirmish with the lizardfolk. He was with a group of four or five, one of which was the wizard Angeal. Several lizardfolk patrols encountered the party and attempted conversation, but some members of the party were far too bloodthirsty and attacked quickly each time. Finally with the third patrol there came a tentative truce. Though the rest of the party wanted to cut the lizardmen down, Angeal and Jonas tried a diplomatic solution. In the end, the lizardfolk agreed to stop attacking travelers if the party would speak on their behalf. Jonas agreed to write to the Dukes himself, and did so. Unfortunately in the mean time, bloodthirsty adventurers began attacking the now unhostile lizardmen. The lizardmen roared in outrage at the blatant disregard for the recent truce, and have been hostile to travelers in their lands ever since.

This was the catalyst that got Jonas thinking. The world was no longer black and white to him, and the path to becoming a truly good paladin had begun.

[rokranon]

Early 1345 DR

Jonas's next few weeks in Baldur's Gate were quiet. He petitioned to join the church of Torm, but did not hear much back from them. By now another brother had joined the quartet, Eddard. Eddard's first adventure proved disastrous, but in the long run extremely important to the Rokranon family. Eddard had inadvertently gotten a couple killed - Eurion and Auriel Elenviel. In response to this, Jonas swore a life debt to the pair - to always protect them and stand with them. Korr for the most part took this upon himself, though when his feelings for Auriel started to cloud issues and he nearly got himself killed, it was Jonas who had to step up and lead the Rokranon family as well as carry out the protection he had sworn.

Eurion and Jonas grew to be friends quickly. With Auriel it was slower, but in time they grew to trust one another enough to call the other a friend. This friendship was put to the test many times, as Jonas was still quite opinionated and still saw much in black and white. Auriel's personality is rather detached while Jonas is one to wear his heart on his sleeve. Despite some rocky times, by the time Auriel and Eurion disappeared, there were few Jonas trusted more than the Elenviels. That trust would be put to the test soon enough...

[rokranon]

Early 1345 DR

The next few weeks were some of the darkest times in Jonas' life. The Elenviels returned from their mysterious disappearance, but were garbed all in black and seemed very cold and distant. Jonas assumed they had been cursed somehow and took it upon himself to help them. In the process, he was turned to darkness. Shadow took him, and hate became the dominant force of his will. His new friend, Valerius of Candlekeep, was able to discover that the Elenviels were in fact some sort of shadow simulacra, and Jonas had been infected with the negative energies of Shadow taint. Valerius, along with the minstrel Selis Vhaere, were able to get Jonas to the temple of Torm and have the taint removed before any permanent harm could be done.

Also around this time, Jonas was present at the campfire when a balor appeared and called itself to be "Jonas' Wrath" and proceeded to attack a tiefling. Jonas had been hearing a voice in his head prior to this commanding him to strike down the tiefling lawyer because he had been mocking Torm. Jonas refused three times, and then the balor appeared. Some people believed Jonas had actually summoned the tanar'ri, but most knew better, for the creatures of the Abyss are rarely truthful.

The paladin encountered the workings of Sammaster the Mad around this time, though he did not know it. A horde of undead and some baatezu were invading the lands around the temple of Bhaal. He helped put a stop to the incursion.

The Eleventh Hour and Jonas became intertwined when he helped Sylvia Ducet once after an attack on her. After hearing about the negative reputation of the guild, Jonas tried to distance himself, not wanting to be involved. He helped again a few weeks later, however, when a man was injured and taken there.

The brightest spot in this time came when Jonas met his future wife, Alistaria. She had only recently arrived to the city, and he showed her around a bit. A very young monk of Ilmater, she was very empathetic with him when she heard the Rokranon Ballad, and just what it meant to the paladin's life.

Times would not get any easier in Jonas' life, for his fall from Torm's grace was not far off.

[rokranon]

Early 1345 DR

As a friend of Valerius, Jonas was often present when the tiefling mage was trying to organize an intelligence organization based around the arcane. It was during this time that the two encountered and befriended a drow outcast by the name of Liryth. Liryth had stolen her family's prized spider and escaped to the surface to take her chances there. Sensing no evil intent about her, the two friends agreed to protect her, which proved difficult as the Fist closed in due to numerous reports of the drow being in the area Ultimately Liryth was captured and imprisoned, as was Valerius after he turned himself in for helping her escape a Fist patrol. Both were exiled from the city by Duke Eltan.

Jonas tried to protect Liryth on several occasions, and failed to take her in despite knowing the laws against drow on the surface. During her imprisonment, Liryth began to display her drow heritage, and Jonas grew discouraged at helping her in the first place. He lost his faith in Torm for a time, and thus lost his paladin abilities. Jecht, a Talassian, beat him soundly during this period, as Jonas nearly collapsed from the exertion of just trying to swing his sword at the Stormlord. After a week of illness, Alistaria came to him, very frightened about something from her past, and the two began to fall in love. Jonas swore to protect her, and Alistaria helped the fallen paladin find Ilmater, who gladly accepted the compassionate Jonas into his service.

Auriel returned during this time and Jonas was overjoyed to have his friend back, despite the heartbreaking news that Eurion had not survived the Plane of Shadow.

Shortly after Jonas turned to Ilmater, Beregost was overrun by hordes of heavily armored war bands. After a few days the army withdrew to the valley south of Beregost, and enclosed themselves with a negative energy field which killed anyone who touched it. After about a week, undead poured out of the valley and attacked Beregost again. Jonas helped to lead the defensive, and when met by a lich offering huge sums of gold to any adventurer who would turn back, Jonas scoffed and vowed to press forward. Those souls who were good of heart joined him, though his friend Berel Greenwillow did not - for Berel's wife Elivani was missing and Berel was succumbing to darkness. It was up to Jonas to lead the remaining defenders into the valley. Several people lost their lives that day, but the group succeeded in stopping the ritual the liches of the Twisted Rune were performing.

("Armored War Bands")

Jonas gained some notoriety from this, and started to become more actively involved in the fight against evil in the region. Darker times were on the horizon, however as very soon the forces of darkness would begin to target his friends to get at him...

[rokranon]

Mid 1345 DR

The next few months of Jonas' life were some of the hardest he ever had to face. He was constantly put to the test in combat by the likes of the githyanki, illithids, the hordes of Sammaster the mad, and the results of the Ramset plague as controlled by the drow shade, Onyxium.

Shortly after Auriel returned from the plane of shadow, she was turned into a vampire. Jonas had a hard time doing what was necessary to destroy her, for he felt his dear friend was still in there somewhere. In the end, a large group of people got Auriel to the temple of Ilmater where Sister Abby Winters was able to restore Auriel with some assistance. The process of how to reverse the vampirism would be vital in the times to come.

Within a few weeks, Jonas received word that his adoptive father had passed away, and then that his children were missing because they had tried to venture north from Amn on foot through the Cloudpeaks. There was a rockslide, and they had not been heard from since. The Rokranons on the Amn side had all search to no avail. Alistaria tried to brighten Jonas' mood with the information that she was pregnant with his child.

Their happiness was short lived, as a necromancer sought revenge against Jonas by striking at Alistaria. She was turned into a vampire, and the baby lost with her. Jonas turned Alistaria back himself, easily the hardest thing he has ever had to do.

The following is what Jonas has to say about this from his journal.

[rokranon]

Mid 1345 DR

Not long after Jonas turned Alistaria back from the undead, his friends Anie D'lyn and Berel Greenwillow were also turned into vampires by the necromancer. The paladin led a huge force against the evil mage, and was successful in turning his friends back to the living.

Jonas was present in an expedition to the Eighth Hell, Cania, when an avatar of Torm approached Berel in order to save his wife, Elivani. Jonas and the others fought bravely, and brought Elivani's soul stone back to the temple of Torm. It was soon learned that the soul stone belonged to a man by the name of Ujio, and Elivani somehow returned on her own...

By this time, Jonas' friend Valerius had become Guide of Candlekeep, and Jonas spent a great deal of time there. The paladin of Torm was well known by now, and his counsel sought on a great many things. He was offered a position with the Candlekeep Guard, but turned it down in favor of joining the Weave Masters as a Guardian to the Exarch Elias Goodman, whom Jonas had befriended in the previous months. While spending so much time at Candlekeep, Jonas and Alistaria received help from a priestess of Hanali Celani, the Winsome Rose. This priestess led them through a ritual of fertility, and the two were very excited.

The attacks from the drow shade Onyxium continued, as did the attacks from Sammaster the mad. Jonas continued to fight, protecting Alistaria as best he could. His new duties with the Weave Masters grew as he became known within the guild and his free time soon became quite nonexistent. Jonas' new friends the Wyndsouls became valuable allies by now, especially against Onyxium.

Sammaster led a larger offensive than most against Candlekeep one evening, and Jonas led the defense alongside Arivain and Te'alis, among many others including Kemi. It was during this great battled that the famous words "Let's rush 'em" were uttered by Arivain, and Rokranon led the charge into the amassed undead horde, his sword singing almost as loudly as the bard.

The paladin continued to stay at Candlekeep for a brief time after this, and during that time Torm apparently felt it was time for Jonas to return to his service as Jonas was approached by the church. To this day, he will say very little about the entire experience, however.

("Atonement")

The Herald of Darkness, or Shadow Singer as he is also known, began abducting and mentally torturing women around this time. Many of Jonas' friends were taken by the Sharran, including Anie, River, a young elf Jonas considers to be like a daughter, Aeili, a priestess of Mystra, and Auriel, his friend and sister. Little did Jonas know that the Shadow Singer would have enormous indirect impacts on his life very soon...

During this time Baldur's Gate came under attack from a massive force of Thayan wizards using a horde of goblinoid, orc, and giant minions in their vanguard. The battle before the walls of the city was led by none other than Duke Eltan himself. This would be the first time that Jonas and Eltan stood side-by-side in battle, and it forged a friendship between the two that would last for years to come. By the end even chromatic dragons joined the fray on the side of the wizards, and truly this odd assortment of enemies did not make sense fighting together. Jonas was persuaded that the attack was orchestrated by the Herald of Darkness.

("Siege of Baldur's Gate")

[rokranon]

Mid 1345 DR

The next few weeks were among the darkest of Jonas' entire life. The psychological damage done to Auriel by the Shadow Singer was far worse than anyone realized, causing her to become very susceptible to the coercions of the Sharrans and the Shadow Weave. By the time Jonas realized what was happening, Auriel was so far gone that she was considered completely lost by Valerius, Arivain, and the rest. Jonas, however, could not accept that she was gone and strove to redeem her.

In the process, the paladin ended up turning his back on nearly everyone else important in his life. The time and energy he devoted worried many and hurt others, most importantly his wife Alistaria. His final gambit required the assistance of Valerius and Arivain to get Auriel to Istari tower so that Jonas could attempt to reason with her. The end result was Jonas' death, as although he had made a connection with Auriel, the grip of the Shadow Weave is incredibly strong. "You know you will have to kill me to keep me from helping you, my sister," Jonas wheezed out as he lay bloody and beaten on the ground. "Then die," was the verbal response of Auriel as she brought one of her maces down onto his head.

A large number of people apprehended Auriel as a result, and it was only by the level head of Arivain and his timely intervention that both bodies were taken to the temple of Torm. Here, a group of clerics serving the light, led by Aeili, prayed to the Triad and other gods of Light to restore both Jonas' life and Auriel's sanity. After grueling hours it worked, but Auriel's mental state was left weakened despite her return to the Light.

Few trusted Auriel after this, angering and embittering Jonas. He turned inward, and ultimately lost his way. Luckily, he had the wisdom to see this in himself, and made a request to the Radiant Heart in Athkatla to send him away from Baldur's Gate. They complied, requiring the paladin to head north in search of Kelorin Darkstone, the renegade aasimar warlock who had been terrorizing the area. Jonas wished heartfelt farewells to his closest friends, including but not limited to Valerius, Arivain, Elias, Aileen, and Auriel. He then, with his wife and daughter at his side, left the city of Baldur's Gate, not knowing if he would ever return.

The following is Jonas' account of Auriel's fall and rise.

[rokranon]

Late 1345 DR

With the initial help of Ramu Sinistrad, a family friend of house Rokranon, Jonas ventured to Waterdeep from Baldur's Gate in search of the warlock. From here, four members of the Order of the Radiant Heart joined him on his quest. The next several months were spent roaming the northern parts of the Western Heartlands following stories and rumors of the atrocities of Darkstone. During his travels Jonas and fellow members of the Radiant Heart had a few minor skirmishes with the Zhentarim forces of Llorkh, but as their force was so small the overall effect was negligible.

The small force of Order members also encountered and slew a Thayan Red Wizard en route west on the Black Road on the eastern slopes of the Graypeak mountains. Jonas wondered what Avon would think, but pressed on in the search for the warlock. He considered trying to stop by Evereska to visit Arivain and River, but came to the conclusion that the elves of the ancient stronghold would be extremely unlikely to allow him entrance and put it out of his mind.

At long last, after nearly a year of following rumor and shadow, Jonas and his small group of Order members encountered Kelorin Darkstone on the River Delimbiyr outside of Daggerford. The warlock brought his full might of eldritch magic, devil form shapechanging, and natural melee skill to bear. The end result was a bloodbath despite the few participants: two of the four Order members Jonas had with him were slain, and Jonas himself lost most of the hearing in his left ear, broke his left arm, and lost his right leg (which required immediate Regenerate assistance from the group's priest). Darkstone was no better, as while in his devil form the aasimar lost one of his wings and had an arm severed at the elbow due to Jonas' blade. At this point the warlock lost focus and returned to his aasimar form, only to be stabbed in the gut by Sir Raymond Grayson of Waterdeep, the only remaining paladin of the group still standing.

Kelorin Darkstone used his remaining strength to open a portal to another plane, and with no way to follow and his force decimated, Jonas was forced to return to Waterdeep unsuccessful. By now the long absence from his wife Alistaria had taken it's toll, and although dedicated to the bonds of marriage, the reality was that Jonas' first duty was to Torm. Alistaria in her wisdom realized this, and the two parted mostly amicably. The Order of the Radiant Heart and Church of Torm were displeased because this just proved the age old belief that paladins should not marry, but were at least satisfied that neither had been unfaithful to the other and the reasons for separation were the higher calling of duty that Jonas could not ignore to give Alistaria the attention she deserved and wanted. The two retain their love for each other and get along quite well, and of course they share the joys their daughter Inara brings to their lives.

Now healed and once again alone, Jonas decided to return to Baldur's Gate, as the evil that has ever besieged that place was certain to have not abated in his long absence. By morning, Jonas was on a ship home.

Jonas' account of what happened in the fight with Kelorin follows.

[rokranon]

Early 1346 DR

Upon returning to Baldur's Gate, Jonas set to work reforming old ties and making new ones. He quickly met all the new Radiant Heart knights and Weave Master recruits, but was dismayed to discover his old nemesis, Noric Patteel, was also a member of the Weavers. In time Jonas came to learn that Noric wished to repent and had joined the Weavers in an attempt to do some good. While still obviously upset, Jonas accepted this and was actually upset when Noric took his own life as, what he felt, was the only real way to make amends for past atrocities.

The Coast was not faring well against the forces of Darkness. The drow were seen on the surface constantly; both the Banites and Bhaalists very active, and some other organizations seeing evil corrupt them from within. Jonas was most upset to discover the state of the Ilmateri; as with the Bhaalists murdering innocents to get to the child Sister Merielle wards, the Sanctuary was beset by a rioting crowd night and day. The paladin tried to speak to the crowd, but his words seemed to affect few and so he started helping Sister Abby however he could.

His first experience with the Banites since his skirmishes with the Zhentarim during his year up north came shortly after he met Dajala, one of the newest Weave Master recruits. Jonas was at Candlekeep when a man ran up to report that Dajala had been kidnapped and dragged toward the Banite temple in the Wood of Sharp Teeth. Jonas, Auriel, Nela, Kulyeh, and Azareil immediately set off to rescue her. The small group found her on the Trade Way; eyes feral and spitting up black blood. Some onlookers tried to stop Jonas and the others from helping Dajala to the Ilmater Sanctuary, but Jonas was persistent and ignored them. He had a duty to protect Dajala, and that meant not allowing her to wander around in her obviously affected state. It took the combined efforts of Brother Marcus of Ilmater, Kulyeh, and Jonas to flood Dajala's body with enough positive energy to counteract all the negative force her captors had infused in her. In the end, however, they were successful and Dajala made a recovery - obviously troubled by the event.

Jonas had a brush with some assassins shortly after when he was alone in the Cloakwood. The men had drawn images of his likeness and unholy symbols of the Lord of Murder on their persons. One spoke from the shadows to Jonas, trying to persuade him to bring the child Merielle protects, but Jonas refused, and promised that even if she fell, he and others would stand in her place. He was confident, however, that Merielle would not fall.

By now Jonas had made quite a few new friends, and was back in touch with several old ones including Arivain, Valerius, and Auriel. He began to realize that he had feelings for Auriel, but this would be resolved in short order.

[rokranon]

Early 1346 DR

It was not long before Jonas once again encountered a nemesis of old: Sammaster the lich. The paladin was traveling with this new Weave Master friends Roxy and Andy when they encountered a black dragon that seemed to have flown out of the Cloakwood. The battle was tough, but they prevailed despite being unprepared for such a fight. The trio's victory soon turned sour as the dragon was raised as a dracolich, and far more powerful than it had been in life. More adventurers arrived and took up arms, and the dracolich fell. Now very tired, Roxy, Andy, and Jonas looked forward to be a bit of relaxation, but the dracolich rose again! Five grueling, grievous battles were waged against the dracolich as it rose over and over again.
At Jonas' command, several of the adventurers went looking about for the necromancer behind the dracolich, and found Sammaster. Meaningless words were exchanged, and ultimately the lich was felled - but as the phylactery has yet been found, not finished.

The Bhaalists continued to strike again and again, and before long talk of an assault began. Jonas reestablished ties with Maximus of Tyr, and strengthened them with Merielle of Ilmater. He continued to form and shore up alliances where he could, knowing that the battle to come would be something akin to war.

Unfortunately, Jonas' sacrifice in helping redeem Auriel from the darkness the previous year caught up to him by this point. Jonas had touched the Shadow Weave through Auriel inadvertently and so was subjected to the madness that affects those who touch Shar's weave without her favor. His strong will kept the madness at bay for many months, but as he grew closer to his friend Auriel again, the madness began to show. Not quite himself, he declared his feelings for her and they fought several times, the end result being the apparent sundering of their friendship. Now mad with grief as well as addled in the mind, Jonas started fighting a constant battle for control of his senses.

[rokranon]

Early 1346 DR

The wards of Doron Amar were incomplete, so Dajala took a group of people south in search of a certain type of sand. Jonas joined them, and upon reaching the destination of the Vault of the Dead, the buildup of insanity in his mind finally overwhelmed him. He became belligerent and cruel, attacking Siomir physically and was indifferent to the deaths of several party members. In the times of clarity, he finally realized what was wrong with him. He would need the taint and madness removed, but it would require the same divine focus that had been used to cure Auriel the previous year: the piece of one of Selûne's Tears. But Auriel had it...and she had left after their fighting... Jonas began a relationship with Mariona during this time, but it was unknowingly tainted by the madness in his mind: the empathic bond didn't form correctly, causing Mariona to feel far too much of what Jonas was feeling.

The paladin's friends did all they could. Dajala and Roxy cast as many mental wards as they could, and Sister Abby and Meri removed his fatigue and cast their own wards whenever he asked or they saw him. Several times Jonas lost control and displayed bitterness and hatred. He verbally and physically abused several people. Torm would withdraw his gifts during these times so that Jonas couldn't use them to harm others. Mariona continued to be supportive, but the bond was too much at times.

Ultimately, Auriel returned, and with her, Jonas' worst bout of mental instability. Dajala teleported both of them and several other people as close as she could to Candlekeep, and Meri was already there. Mariona was unconscious from time to time to protect her from Jonas' thoughts. Both she and Jonas were taken to the Candlekeep infirmary, and there Merielle and Auriel worked to remove the curse of insanity imposed on Jonas for his inadvertent touch of the Shar's weave. Recovery would be slow, but for the first time in over a year, Jonas was himself again.

While healing, Jonas came to be aware that the elves of Doron Amar had lost their homes due to a strong orc counterattack against them. He attended one of their meetings, and pledged two-hundred thousand coin to help them rebuild. Many of these elves were his friends, but he also felt that they were on the right track now to becoming a powerful faction in the service of the Light.

More Bhaalist troubles occured, and Jonas was one of many to combat the threat. A shade brought many forces to bear against a group of adventurers, as well as verbal taunts, but after following the darkness the group came to realize the fighting had just been a rouse to keep them busy while the Bhaalists used human sacrifices for their dark magics. Once at the temple of Bhaal, some cultists and their minions were slain, and Jonas closed a rift they had formed by smiting the gem the Bhaalists had used to open it. Unfortunately, the adventurers, who included Crassus, Andy, Shorn, and many others, were only able to save two victims: a mother and her child.

Not long after, Jonas was called before the Council of Four. The Dukes charged him with commanding an assembling army with the purpose of sieging the fortress of the temple of Bhaal. Very soon, the war would begin in earnest.

[rokranon]

Mid 1346 DR

The war camp construction began only days after Jonas' meeting with the Dukes. He was escorting Meri to Candlekeep around this time with Selah Shartess and Marco Van Besta of the N.T.E. when they were approached by Darrien Fangtear, the supposed leader of the Banites. Jonas had no idea who it was at first, but when Meri informed him the paladin moved quickly to apprehend Darrien. Darrien, however, called upon the might of the Black Hand and summoned not only a lich, but several death knights as well to attack Meri, Jonas, Selah, Marco and now Wendal who had just arrived. The fighting was grievous, and the group had a very hard time with the lich. After it fell, a large group of assassins tried to kill the small adventuring group. Some of them barely able to stand, including Jonas, who seemed worst off, they now listened as Darrien rambled on in a monologue which actually went on so long that Jonas was able to regain his strength and mount an attack with Siomir, who had just walked up. Darrien was tied up and they started to carry him back to the new siege camp, but gates were opened and balors poured out in another attempt to keep Darrien from being taken. The balors were defeated, but Jonas entered the camp half dead and totally exhausted, the troops there expecting him to take control.

Jonas was overwhelmed by the leadership role he was thrust in, especially at first, making several mistakes in those first few days. Luckily, Meri (who was just as overwhelmed) was there to share the responsibility with him, and the two relied on each other a great deal, building a strong friendship on the foundation that was already there from the previous months of working against the Bhaalists. Both of them persevered, however, and managed to keep the troops together through the days and days of sieging the evil temple and against many attacks on the allied defenses.

When all was said and done, the threat eliminated, Jonas returned as ordered to the Council of Four to report. They elevated him to nobility status on the spot and told him a house would be constructed for him in due time. The news traveled quickly, and Jonas found himself more famous than he had ever been, both a blessing and a curse. It seemed he could barely walk one hundred yards some days before being stopped. Meri fared no better, as she was canonized as a living Saint; and both seemed to be who the people looked toward to settle problems both big and small.

Jonas' relationship with Mariona did not out last the siege, as the damaged empathic bond only made Mariona's reactions worse during the entire siege since she was feeling too much of Jonas' stress at having to lead the army. She ended up causing a scene and getting arrested; Jonas subsequently broke up with her to blocked the bond as best he could so that she could have a chance away from him to get herself back together under Siomir's watchful eye.

By now Jonas had fully stepped into a leadership position of the Radiant Heart now, and recruiting was going well. The church of Helm utilized the Order for a mission of secrecy and in the end it was completed successfully, though a more troubling issue of a demonologist was uncovered. News of a demon cult arose, and there was discussion of helping clear out the Nashkel mines as well as making the road through the Fields of the Dead safer. The knights had a great deal to do now, and served their duties willingly.

The paladin took on an ambassadorial role after the siege, arranging meetings between both the Dukes as well as the Merchant's League for Doron Amar. He also helped with manual labor and researching spells for the wards of the elf village. Now an 'elf friend' due to his large donation and services rendered, Jonas was invited to attend any meeting and started to do so in order to watch out for the corruption that had plagued Doron Amar in the past.

Through all of this, Jonas never forgot about Auriel. However, through the brutally honest words of Valerius, Siomir, Meri, and a few others, he was finally, after years, convinced to admit defeat and pursue someone more compatible. They were all supportive of the idea of himself and Telissa Carshald of Lathander. . .

The following is a recounting of the siege and events leading up to it as told by Merielle and Jonas.

She walked into the inn, and stopped to speak with the innkeeper. Pleasantries were exchanged as Winthrop handed her a tea tray. She smiled and thanked him as he pointed her to the group seated on the couches in the common room. The others had arrived before her, and it was chance that had lead her to Candlekeep to speak with the Gatewarden, and the paladin she was told she could find there.

She smiled as she stepped across the room. Despite her small stature, the woman’s presence hadn’t gone unnoticed as she neared the couches. The tiny red-haired woman offered the group a warm smile as she balanced the tea tray on one hand, and hugged the considerably larger knight, clad in purple. Merielle then set the tea tray down and smiled brightly to the bardess seated near where she stood.

A second hug was offered to the exotic beauty who got up from the couch to greet the Ilmatari. Friendly greetings were passed. A kind smile was also given to the Elf seated on the couch next to the woman. The lovely woman, wearing the robes of Candlekeep resumed her seat. The woman clad in gray poured one cup of tea and offered it to the tall Aasimar.

‘Hello, Everyone.’

She spoke softly.

‘Hello, dear sister.’

She nodded politely to the others, who stood to greet her. The first of the two strangers bowed slightly.

‘Greetings, m'lady.’

She smiled slightly and nodded respectfully.

‘No need to bow, sir. I am hardly nobility.’

‘nuqneH... Hello. How are you?’

Valqis’ voice carried its usual, almost musical tone. Merielle’s green eyes shone as she answered the tanned woman.

‘Planning weddings. Among other things…’

She smiled to Jonas, and the spry Elven man, seated comfortably and sipping his wine. He grinned at her now.

‘Are we keeping you too busy, Saint?’

‘Never, Aearion, my dear.’

‘Saint…? Well, looks like I've certainly bumped into the right people too hear this story from.’

The second stranger spoke.

‘Aye.. the timing is immaculate I must say.’

She arched a brow at the pair that had introduced themselves as Aronmyr and Ricros. Aearion took the liberty of formally introducing the Ilmatari.

‘Merielle, the Living Saint of Ilmater. Thought everyone knew…’

‘Not everyone, I do hope…’

She smiled a bit and took her seat. She did her best to quell nerves, smiling pleasantly at the others as Jonas began to speak.

‘These two gentlemen were asking about the siege. . .’

‘Indeed?’

‘If you wouldn't mind speaking a bit on the events leading up to when I joined you in the war?’

‘The story itself.’

‘The whole story?’

‘I have heard only rumors and whispers in taverns.’

‘The war Story is Simple… ’

Valqis’ accent was readily apparent as she spoke.

‘It is their Story.’

She motioned to Merielle and Jonas. Merielle shook her head.

‘You were there too. It isn't just our tale…’

The Aasimar sighed faintly and began, before an old argument could progress further.

‘Where the Friendly Arm Inn now stands was once a temple devoted to the Lord of Murder. The Bhaalists began to harass the Ilmatari in Baldur's Gate.’

He gestured to Merielle.

‘At the time… there were four of us, not resident to the area. There were four who remained in the temple, and worked there. Less than a dozen in total.’

The others in the common room of the Candlekeep Inn fall silent as the two begin a tale that has been spoken of before. There are many versions from friend and foe alike… no pair of eyes sees the events the same… As the sun settled on the horizon, and drinks were passed around… the tale would unfold. People would come and go, listening to what they could. The brother and sister would tell their version of the events to those who were willing to listen.

‘Not sure what initially started it all really… only that when they started, we weren't some grand bastion of faith. Hardly a number to be threatening.’

She pauses a moment to gather her thoughts and take a sip of tea.

‘Two priestesses went missing early on. One was never found… but safe to say, she rests with Ilmater. The second was found in the Bhaalist temple…’

She frowns deeply.

‘They wanted the Ilmatari to leave.’

‘To leave the city?’

‘The region.’

Came the answer to the question.

‘Though all there were, here … was a handful of novices and initiates, the few seasoned ones in the temple… Most who had been here before I arrived were traveling abroad. It was rather perplexing, the hostility we faced, but in our hearts we felt it wrong to leave.’

‘This is the part I still don't understand… why Ilmatari? I mean… No offense… but I could understand Tormites or the like… Why Ilmater?’

‘We still don't know for certain, to this day.’

‘Do you think they just thought you an easy target for a show of strength?’

‘Perhaps…The only answer I ever got, was that Hope was an emotion they could not afford among the people.’

‘Personally I think the Lord of Murder had some foresight in the matter, and warned his followers.’

‘I had never considered such…’

‘What makes you think that, Sir?‘

‘You'll soon find out.’

He nodded to Merielle to continue, and stood to pace the room. Subtle evidence of the closeness the two share, body language and the like, would begin to make itself apparent.

‘There were many battles. Minor ones, by comparison… but still hard fought and not easily won. There were times we were forced to flee and regroup. Our number was further dwindled as the only other besides myself, and those who run the temple, was sent to Damara for her safety and training.’

Her expression shifted as her thoughts ran over the events. Her own agitation seeming to lend itself to the paladin, who seemed unsettled. At the same time, he seemed to offer a calming note to the woman as she spoke.

‘They continued to pressure us to leave. Randomly killing people for show… I mended what I could… And … was told to remain. So we stayed. Our duties continued, we offered shelter to those who needed it, food and healing and such. We would be called fools…’

She sighs faintly.

‘You where brave to stay in the face of such adversity.’

‘There is little bravery in duty. One does as one should, as needs must. I am far from brave.’

‘I think many would disagree, but as you will. I see modesty is one of your qualities.’

Jonas stopped his pacing to smile faintly at Merielle, and grinned at Ricros.

‘Don't compliment her, she doesn't understand how to take it.’

The paladin winked at the healer, who indeed looked a bit flustered by the compliment.

‘I see.’

Ricros smiled kindly.

‘Yes well… if I deserved such… that would be different.’

Various expressions of disagreement circulated the room. Merielle took a sip of tea, opting to keep the subject off of herself and resumed the tale.

‘There were two children that had come to stay with us. A girl about nine… and a boy… not quite eight perhaps. Dianne and William. They became very dear to us at the temple. Precious things… Perhaps it was the plan all along… or perhaps it was in response to my defiance…’

Her eyes became unfocussed, a myriad of emotions evident on her face. Jonas looked to his sister, his own expression radiating comfort and strength. She drained the contents of her teacup before continuing.

‘Billy was marked to be the vessel for Bhaal. They wished to … make him into a physical avatar of the Lord of Murder. You can imagine… the implications… that carried.’

Even as her face contorted to a glare at her teacup, Jonas had moved to refill it. She drained the scalding liquid with a speed, those who know her are accustomed to, the steam barely having time to rise from the edge of the cup. Wordlessly, the cup is filled again, and she nodded in thanks. She takes a smaller sip before continuing.

‘I was sworn to Ilmater, in prayer at first… to protect Billy… and prevent the Bhaalists from succeeding.’

She drew from her neck, a simple pewter locket. Opening it carefully, she offered it to the man, revealing two carefully drawn portraits of the children. He smiled as he regarded the pictures.

‘Such beautiful children.’

‘As dear as if they were my own.’

Her expression darkened as she placed the locket back round her neck. For a long moment she is silent. Jonas’ pacing had resumed.

‘They tricked him into running away… and in that time tricked him into killing… which was an important step in the ritual, but not the only.’

‘Even the most pure hearted children can easily be led astray…’

She winced slightly and her words came slowly.

‘Perhaps only because he was not lead rightly to begin with. A misstep… in my wish to protect him from the burden he carried. In not knowing what was truly at risk…’

‘You cannot blame yourself for other's actions.’

She did little more than nod slowly and glance about the inn. The teacup is emptied, and then forgotten. She no longer looked at those she told the story to. She stared into some distant point, and the story continued.

‘When we got him back… We spent a lot of time here… researching ways to undo… what was done. While we were here… The Bhaalists--’

She paused and swallowed. Her eyes shone faintly with unshed tears. Jonas had stopped his pacing, and stood staring out the window with a ferocious glare.

‘They took Dianne from the Ilmatari temple in Baldur's Gate. Meant to trade one for the other. By then…. I had stood at Ilmater's feet and sworn to protect Billy, no matter the cost. To keep him from the Bhaalists above all else…’

Jonas stiffened slightly. The room remained quiet.

‘I could no sooner choose between them as I could surrender. The choice… effectually was already made. I had sworn…’

There is a long silence.

‘Two weeks later… After she had been taken… Ilmater… Spoke to me directly a third time… And she was with him. My comfort… is that she waits for my tasks to be done.’

The weight of words settled heavy on all in the room. Merielle continued. Her voice soft and thick with emotion.

‘There were many battles. People would die… Not all could be saved. I would be called everything from a fanatic, to a falsehood… Insane to Blasphemous. Allies would come and go and shift, and for a while… there was scarce a dozen willing to stand, and only one who was Ilmatari.’

The telling shifted between nobleman and saint effortlessly. It was not simply because it was a tale they were infinitely familiar with, but because the two were so close.

‘This reached a head when the Bhaalists began murdering innocents.’

‘They would kill children, innocent people and lay the blame at my feet…‘

‘Saying they would stop if Billy were given to them. This was when I returned to the Coast.’

‘They didn't understand what was at stake… thought it would pass if we handed over the child…’

‘Large crowds were rioting at the temple of Ilmater every day.’

‘We guarded him from Bhaalists and mercenaries alike… Desperate measures were taken… I was banished… from most places. My own temple included.’

‘They turned on you?’

‘They did not understand why my own child lived… as theirs died. There were some … among the Ilmatari… who believed my visions false… my oaths misguided.’

‘The best people can be short sighted and selfish when things become hard.’

‘And they got to me before I ever met Meri.’

Jonas and Merielle regarded each other.

‘I almost stood against you for a time there.’

‘Odd to think there was a time when we were wary of one another…’

‘But never again.’

‘Indeed… but once… I feared, you, brother. Greatly. For by then I had gone so far as to commit treason to uphold my duty, when faced with the choice between treason and failure… Allies had turned away and forced me to seek help where I could find them. My allies were thieves and murderers and … ones such as Emrys.’

‘Before he…’

Aearion regarded her with a raised brow, and Jonas nodded looking serious.

‘I truly thought… we would fail once. It was Emrys and Ian that wouldn't let me give up. Emrys had been at my side from the moment the troubles started months before. This was before he turned away… yes.’

‘And so it was when finally I met Meri myself. Although wary at first, within the span of a tenday I had become convinced of her conviction, and at least somewhat understood what was at stake. The Bhaalists sent assassins after me, in the Cloakwood. I was warned to give Merielle to them, and the Coast would be saved. I responded by telling them Meri would never give in, and even if she fell, myself and others would take up her cause.’

The tale shifted between the two, each seamlessly seemed to fill in the blanks the other lacked.

‘When no other tactic got them what they sought… Bhaal had allies among Bane and Myrkul… and possibly other places. There was a night… when I was unguarded…’

Though she hadn’t been looking at the man she called brother… She offered him a reassuring glance even as his jaw clenched. Something unspoken passed between the pair. He began to pace again, and she continued to speak.

‘A man we thought was an ally revealed himself to be the high priest in the Banite temple… and a Wizard who came later. The details of that night… are mostly a blur. I was beaten… and the wizard did something… Which I didn't understand until later…. allowed them to teleport me from here… despite the wards on this place.’

She set aside the empty teacup, pausing thoughtfully before she continued.

‘Some days later… I remember little of that day, truly. Save this…’

She gestured to the scar that ran the side of her face.

‘…and… the outset, bits and pieces. I found myself… whisked of the couch where you now sit…’

She waved to the couch as she spoke. The man shifted uncomfortably as the tale continued.

‘…and into the Bhaalist Sanctum. In scant more than a blink. We still don't understand how they did it… what exact workings of magic they used… but it had something to do with the mark the wizard had placed days before.’

She shifts only slightly, and tries to reassure the man that the couch is safe. After a bit of a pause for such, she resumes, eyes closed as she spoke softly.

‘They thought to torment me into surrender. And … nearly succeeded. Nothing… is stronger than faith. When my own faith and strength failed me… Ilmater's faith in me… sustained me until I was rescued.’

‘Her rescue was a catalyst. Things began to move quickly.’

‘It was then people began to realize that perhaps we needed help.’

‘Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt but who rescued you?’

‘There were so many… Perhaps everyone I had known thus far… and some I did not… I was… weak then… the memories unclear.’

‘I am grateful to whoever they are, maybe things would have gone differently otherwise.’

‘While Meri recovered, Sister Abby Winters and myself managed to quiet the rioting, with the help of a foolish Bhaalist priest who flat out admitted that their plans were about to reach fruition and everyone was playing into their hands.’

Merielle nodded as Jonas continued.

‘The Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate called me before them then, and informed me of an army of Triadic knights marching to the Coast, and their plans to have the Flaming Fist assist in the destruction of the temple.’

‘Our purple-eyed friend here, can be very persuasive.’

‘Merielle wished venture to the city to see to some things at the temple, as she was now welcome back.’

Siomir quietly entered the room, for now content to listen. Slight nods were exchanged as Jonas continued to speak.

‘As we escorted her back, the priest who had betrayed her showed himself.’

Jonas regarded Siomir with a serious nod.

‘Siomir here was one of the ones who was helping escort. The Banite gloated, and used the powers of his god against us. The battle was grievous, as he called upon undead abominations to bring us down. It was not quite enough to stop us though, and Siomir brought him down and tied him up. We started to head back to the city with the Banite, and came upon a war camp being constructed.’

‘I am told… that by then… Angels were appearing in temples of the Triad bidding them to come here and prepare for war.’

‘The Grand Dukes bid Meri and I command the growing army, with the aid of a Tyrran paladin by the name of Maximus. Maximus however, was still up north, gaining aid from Neverwinter, so it was up to Meri and I to organize and lead the mixed forces of Triadic knights, Fist soldiers, and adventurers.’

‘That was trying… Healers are not meant to lead wars.’

Merielle murmured softly.

‘And adventurers can be unruly at the best of times.’

‘Seriously unruly.’

Siomir quipped wryly. Jonas smiled at Meri and spoke.

‘But you were our heart. We rallied to -you-, Meri.’

She shook her head at him. Her argument was not given foothold as the conversation continued.

‘Many factions joined our cause too. Doron Amar pledged support. Clan Ironfaar. The Weave Masters. The druidic and ranger circle. Candlekeep could not openly, but many joined up on their own.’

‘I am glad to hear you finally received the support you needed and deserved.’

‘At first, there was some sort of magical barrier around the temple's walls. When I first ordered our catapults fired, we could not breach it. Our camp's walls were attacked sporadically.’

‘Frequently.’

Merielle interjected with a light frown.

‘More so when the mercenaries got impatient.’

‘Luckily I could rely on people like Siomir to take charge at the gates.’

‘Were all the Bhaalist forces holed up in the temple?’

‘The temple… was more of a fortress of sorts.’

‘Aye, they mostly stayed holed up. However, they frequently tried to get supply trains in from the nearby Wood of Sharp Teeth.’

‘Not to mention firing engines of their own on occasion.’

Siomir broke his silence a bit again.

‘Aye, which were in their courtyard. I had to order small groups to infiltrate their walls to take out the engines at times.’

‘A wise move, Sir’

‘However, the inner keep was impossible to breach during this time. Unfortunately adventurers wanted to be brave, and would storm the fortress themselves.’

Jonas looked to Aearion who had mostly listened quietly. His expression changing as the story was told, and now he regarded Jonas with an innocent look.

‘This is why my opinion of adventurers in general got soured. We lost so many. . .’

Merielle nodded. Jonas was silent for a moment.

‘Gates to the Abyss would open. Undead battalions would be created. And the whole time, we sent barrages at them until our siege teams could barely move from exhaustion. We had scouts constantly patrolling the perimeter of the fortress. Our volunteers not only worked to repel invaders, and manned the catapults, but also put out fires caused by incoming siege weapons.’

Jonas glanced briefly at Merielle as he spoke.

‘One night. . . many nights into the siege, a planar rift formed within our very camp. An angel appeared, a messenger of the Crying God himself. Nearly all who gazed upon him fell to our knees. He bid me guard the planar portal, and Meri to join him.’

The telling shifted from brother to sister with barely a nod.

'I had visions before… thought they were dreams. Always right before the need would be dire. Constant was his gentle voice in my thoughts and prayers… The visions had come three times before, when the situations were darkest to me… but this… was different. I knew I stood in his presence. There was no question of waking or dreaming. I was offered a moment of calm, as before… Dianne was there.‘

She smiled lightly before her expression hardened.

‘But one does not stand at the feet of the gods for amusement. I was given instruction… on what to do if Bhaal's servants managed to get Billy to the temple. On what to do if there was no other way to succeed. We had hoped that by the end of this… We were… hoping for the best…’

Her words trailed off as her composure slipped. Jonas spoke without so much as a misstep.

‘She came back out of the planar portal with that halo.’

He gestured to the light above her head.

‘I was bid to return… Ready to face my duty. A moment of renewal and a guiding light. The Hand of Ilmater at my back … this time… was not figurative… but very literal. The light has been mine to carry since he placed his hand on my shoulder.’

‘Meri took to my command pavilion to rest, leaving me in charge for a time. She needed time to contemplate. By now our siege engines were breaking left and right from the strain.’

‘We hoped for the best… but I had been cautioned to prepare for … less than the best.’

‘Those knowledgeable in the arcane, primarily from Doron Amar, but also Foggy McGee of the Weave Masters, warded the catapults with spells to lessen the strain, and mages shifted into golem forms to give the siege teams rest.’

As Jonas spoke, he looked at Siomir.

‘During an especially rough bombardment on both sides, an assassin snuck into our midst, trying to target me. His people were instrumental in keeping me alive.’

‘His people?‘

‘The elves of Doron Amar.’

Jonas finally introduced Siomir formally.

‘Siomir Danneren, Councilor of Doron Amar, and one of my oldest friends.’

For a moment, the tale paused for a lighthearted moment between the two Elves, and another introduction. Then Jonas continued.

‘Meri. . .disappeared on us. . . She left the camp. . .’

‘During this time, the length of the siege... Billy remained at Candlekeep. There was an attempt to capture him while our attention was divided.’

She concentrates a moment on the light that seems to be a part of her. Slowly it dims until it is non-existent.

‘Rather than take a large group… I moved him in secret, only taking two others to guard me. I didn’t speak of what was afoot because I feared Bhaal’s servants learning my plan. We meant to move him to another location that I had been assured was safer.’

‘When I was told she left under the cover of invisibility, I was forced to mercilessly drive our siege teams to redouble the bombardment of the fortress.’

Merielle nods sadly at Jonas’ words.

‘With aid of magic we were able to move him… it took time still to cover the distance between the keep and the city. I returned as soon as he was safe…’

She blinked a few times, releasing the effort that held the light in check. Slowly it resumed its intangible brightness above her.

‘I didn't know… that the same wizard had been involved in this … attempted capture… the one who was instrumental in my own… When I was taken from here…’

Her voice breaks, and Jonas offers a reassuring smile before he continues in her stead.

‘I kept up bombardment through the night, and ceased at dawn. When the dust settled, there were gaping holes in their walls. Finally, dawn came the final day. . .but shortly after the midday meal I received a runner from the city. The Flaming Fist Headquarters had been broken into, and Billy taken. We were out of time. . .’

Merielle’s eyes darken from emerald green to a shade of green very near black as Jonas continued to speak.

‘I ordered one last round of bombardment to soften up their courtyard defenses, and we charged. To our detriment. No sooner had I blown my war horn, a gift from Duke Eltan a few nights before, than a battle group of giants blindsided us as we left the camp.’

The Aasimar sighed heavily. The Saint frowned deeply. The measure of loss etched in each face.

‘I lost many brave Fist soldiers in that fight. . .but we had to press on. Many fell. The fighting was heavy all the way to the gates of the fortress, and into the courtyard. They had some of the most skilled archers I've ever seen on their battlements; horrible undead things.‘

‘Bhaal's Eyes… they were called… The priests were quite proud of them.’

‘We broke into the keep, and were greeted by one of Bhaal's servants. We were only allowed so many to enter. Bentley Mirrorshade was with us, and volunteered to guard our backs as we continued forward. Meri and I each chose those to go with us.’

Jonas nodded to Siomir.

‘He went, of course.’

‘Have to keep your back safe, of course. Tends to sprout knives when I'm not around.’

Jonas bowed at Siomir and the pair smiled only slightly.

‘T'is a talent, I know.’

‘May have something to do with the Rokranon Motto…’

The smiles dared to spread a bit wider at the lighter note the conversation took for the moment.

‘Rokranon motto?’

‘Let’s Rush ’em! … it’s… another story.’

The paladin continued.

‘I left most of our host at the courtyard that had not remained in the war camp, and we entered.’

Jonas and Merielle seemed to visibly brace themselves for the next part of the story. Each exchanged a long look as Jonas spoke. His voice carried the gravity of the topic.

‘Siomir. Korgoth of Ironfaar. Foggy McGee of the Weave Masters. Volomirror of the Elder Circle. Valqis of Candlekeep, whom you met. Sette, a friend of Meri's. Ian, also of Candlekeep Emrys, of Candlekeep at the time. Merielle and myself. We fought our way through the temple as our allies fought forces that attacked from the flanks outside. Ultimately we reached a room with a large portal, with Bhaal's messenger inviting us in. . .Bhaal's sanctum.’

Jonas looked between Merielle and Siomir. Merielle cringed as he spoke. There was something barely checked that flickered in Siomir’s eyes as he nodded. The pause that spanned the silence was heavy with thought and emotion.

‘We were. . .outnumbered. His most powerful servants were there with him, and there in the middle, his life force being drained, was Billy. Billy's life was almost spent, we were out of time… utterly.’

Once again, the story shifted back and forth. When one could no longer speak… the other took up words.

‘Bhaal had only to consume his soul… Commanded his servants to slay us. Ilmater had given me the means…’

‘I blew my war horn to charge, and nine of us held out just long enough for Meri to speak what she had to speak to stop the Lord of Murder. but his servants destroyed us, even as Meri succeeded in her task.’

‘I barely spoke as needs must before I fell… were it not for the others…’

‘Billy soul was released to Ilmater, thwarting the Lord of Murder. I awoke by Meri's hand…’

‘It was Billy's request… that we be… drawn from death… Once on my feet… I saw… to the others and then…’

‘We all stood by, and let Meri say goodbye to Billy's spirit. . .’

Both were silent for a moment. Jonas took a steadying breath. When Merielle spoke again, her voice was barely audible.

‘He… understood. He waits… With Dianne. . .’

‘But we could not. The sanctum was coming down around us. We ten escaped back through the portal, and into the temple, which was also collapsing. We barely made it out in time, returning to our army.’

‘There were so many to tend…‘

‘Which we saw to.’

‘Some… Like Emrys…Did not understand… Thought we failed because Billy did not live.’

‘Some lost their way, seeing Billy taken like that, yes.’

‘While we all would have liked to see him live… In the very least we were only meant to save his soul from Bhaal.’

‘Others of us have endured on. Meri was deemed a living saint by her church. I was granted title.’

‘Justly I would say.’

‘I knighted Billy post mortem, as a true knight of Torm.’

‘I still… have his sword.’

‘And Bentley, who fed us during the siege and fought with us on that last day, holding the keep, now has his inn.’

‘And what became of any surviving Bhaalists?’

‘We kill them. Whenever and wherever we find them.’

‘If I see a Bhaalist… They die a Merciful Death.’

‘I have not met any in my travels, but I guess they are few and far between now and the ones who do remain would not admit it on fear of death.’

‘The cult of Bhaal was never popular on the Coast. It is considerably… less so now.’

‘The names of many who fought with us are posted at the Friendly Arm Inn. Even that list leaves off so many.’

‘We would need an army of statues.’

‘I saw the memorial I think, but did not know the story behind it. Maybe I will visit it again and reflect.’

‘Banites are no better. They stood with the Bhaalists.’

‘Mhmm… another whose followers are good as cutting objects.’

‘They give way, one by one, as the Darkness gives way to the Light.’

‘I am glad I have heard this story first hand, but at the same time sorry I made you all relive such painful events.’

‘Memories are precious. Blessing or bane.’

‘Any pain was much less than it could have been, if we'd all failed.’

Siomir spoke levelly.

‘I would say I wish I was there but I know that is foolish despite the just notion.’

It was quiet for a moment.

‘This story has gave me much to think about. Not only about the events that took place, but also what path I will let my own life take.'

Jonas nodded solemnly to Ricros. Merielle smiled lightly.

‘I must sleep, I need too reflect on all of this. Thank you again, and if you ever need any help I offer whatever small services I can.’

He bowed and the others who remained sought rest similarly.

‘May Mercy keep you. Be well.’

‘May the Loyal Fury keep you true.’

As the rest, familiar faces and not so familiar faces, left to seek their own paths… Hours after the tale had begun, Healer and Knight… Saint and Noble… Brother and Sister… Left the inn, quiet and thoughtful, the pair made their way back to the city they both called home.