Journal of Katarina of Tyr

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

Suspisions Confirmed

Within a ten day of returning to The Sword Coast I was involved in a large scale conflict with an army of the undead led by a lich.during the battle there was feeling, a feeling Sir Jonas had taught me to control. it was
The sense there was someone with a blood line that otherworldly, that of a Teifling, those with the blood of demon decent. I could not focus on this during the battle left the hordes amassed against us should take advantage of the distraction. I mustered my training and my will and pushed the feeling aside
Until the battle was won.

Later a small group of ventured into a crypt in search of the phylactery to no avail. Again during this I sensed the presence, there were only 5 of us this time. I noted the description and names of each of my companions and committed it to memory. There was Valiant, Leo, Talisen, myself a man dressed in furs whose name escapes me.

The days a weeks have gone by and I have run into each of them time again, but only with one has the sensation been present with at each meeting. Tonight when a halfing bandit was apprehended my suspicion was confirmed as this individual removed his hood while speaking wi the hin. It was plainly obvious now, the small horns protruding from his scalp. my heart fluttered and my mind raced but outside I remained calm, I spoke in whispers with this one and told him I had suspected. I am unsure if he can sense my bloodline as I can his. If so he has not indicated as such.

This man is a Tiefling and I am torn.

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

Just Laws and Justice

He seems to have a decent heart, and seek justice for those who have been wronged, his medallion of Hoar hangs about his neck, he understands that I must uphold the law, find the truth and met judgement and justice as is dictated by my faith and he tries to not judge me on such. His faith is different, he seeks justice true enough for the wrong done to others, an eye for an eye or poetic justice as it is. This does not conform with the law as written in these lands....the laws in these lands while just are somewhat skewed. The Flaming Fist, do not even patrol the lands anymore, they seem to care not for what happens on the other side of the bridge or that which occurs outside the gates of the city, and yet when a criminal is turned over to them for a crime no matter how petty, the punishment seems to always be the same....death.

This I struggle with internally, how can you put to the gallows a small child who is orphaned sickly and starving for taking a loaf of bread, a wheel of cheese or apple so that they can be fed and feed there siblings? What they are doing is wrong and against the law, this I do not dispute but I do not agree with the punishment for such a small thing considering the circumstances being death. The punishment should befit the crime committed, unfortunately with the state of things with the Dukes and the Flaming Fist this is not the case. Yes the fist are short handed and there is to much land for them to now patrol and enforce the laws, they take the simple path of protecting that which they can and they deal with the crimes in all the same fashion.

My Order is willing to help stabilize the trade ways but we need to be given the power to deliver just rulings and the ability to met fair and just punishments for the crimes committed. Throughh this we can extend the Flaming Fists presence without them having to stretch themselves to far.

I am torn between two worlds, that of the hand of Tyr and that of the Dukes and Flaming Fist.

*Katarina finishes her journal entry, sets down the quill and quietly bows her head and clasps her hands in prayer*

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

I spent a good portion of the day in prayer and study of past cases and reviewing the laws. There were many times though that thoughts of Jodie invaded my thoughts. Was the right thing done? Was her punishment befitting of her crime of desperation? Through my prayers my heart tells me yes. Brother Ameris seems satisfied with the outcome and even the tiefling Talisen seemed satisfied with the decision. Thedran on the other hand, I do not feel he would agree, it is almost as if he is locked in a cycle of dispair, he loaths criminals to the point that if we had not intervened I am sure he would have taken Jodie's life.

I wish I knew how to help him, if only to repay the debt I owe Sir Jonas and Sir Aethor for there kindness, there advice and there mentorship. I miss them dearly.

*the page is marked with a few wet spots where her tears fell*

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

Exhaustion and Justice Served

The day started out beautifully until the threat arrived, I was prompted to take action immediately and began a patrol and to make our presence known to all, to send a message that we would not bow to wishes of this coward who had left the note.

I headed into the Sharpteeth woods and began a patrol. I came across what I late discovered was an old burned out temple to Bane. It was there I ran into a Banite himself, he attacked me and a furious battle took place that ended with the Banite laying at my feet bleeding out from fatal wounds. I quickly bound him and tended to his wounds so that he would not die and escorted him back to Baldurs Gate where he was turned into Flaming Fist with the assistance of Tharic.

Later on I was called to duty again to hunt the one name Fael with Ivan, Leo and dwarf who could turn into a dragon and very skilled eleven woman. Our hunt bore no fruit but we will not give up. This necromancer will be brought to justice and the attacks being committed against the peoples of the sword coast will stop.

Tharic seems like a good man, he could be a great asset to the Order. perhaps I will approach him about it after spending more time with him.

*She attaches a copy of her report made to the Flaming Fist scribe*

AN ARREST IS MADE

*Katarina reports to the scribe of the Flaming Fist on her arrest*

A note was left at the gate of the Order of the Radiant Heart Chapter Stonghold, in that note a threat was made that the Order must disband immediately or people would be killed via torture. I decided to increase my patrol immediately and headed out south along the trade way.

I made my way to the woods of the sharp teeth where there have been frequent attacks by what is reported to be a necromancer. I assumed that the note and the attacks were somehow tied.

I crested the hill that overlooks the cave opening and shouted out a challenge to any Banites to show themself. I received no response except for a few orcs attacking me. I quickly dispatched them and made my way up the hill above the cave opening where I encounter a few more orcs that were quickly dispatched without much incident. As I walked I saw a shape in the distance, it appeared to be an old burned down building.

I slowly approached the building and began a search of the grounds. It was there is discovered some sort of burned lever, a hatch and a pool of blood that had a box in it. I spent some time studying the box in detail while leaving it in place. After my study I was able to conclude that the area and the box were tied to Bane (passed a number of skill checks that let me know this) and that area still posted a dark aura about it. I set about using the blessings of Tyr to cleanse the unholy taint from the area.

As I was doing this a man in red spiked armor with a mask of white and red stripes appeared and told me to step away from the box. I of course told him I could not do that as the area was tainted and I was cleansing it. He pushed me away from the box and began fiddling and examining it, he then walked over to the level and hatch and started messing around with those.

I believe he was trying to perform some sort of sequence or some such to perhaps open the hatch but this is just conjecture. He told me to leave the area as it belonged to bane and I was not welcome. I informed him of who I was and who I was with which was as follows: "I am Katarina of Tyr, Order of the Radiant Heart. I will not leave until this place is cleansed".

He looked at me and asked if I was a Paladin and I told him I indeed was a Paladin of Tyr. He muttered something under his breath and some sort of magical or divine effect occurred but I am not sure what it did and he attacked me with a large two handed sword with wicked edges.

I called upon the divine power of Tyr and brought my blade and shield to the ready and struck at him in hope of smithing him down, the blow struck and did some damage, I then bashed him in the face with the shield knocking him to the ground and swung again, he rolled out of the way and got back to his feet.

I called upon the Tyr again to smite him down and struck a deadly blow that open a large gash across his chest. He quickly called upon some dark power and his form seemed to almost vanish, I could just make out a faint glimmer of an outline but was unsure and so could not swing at him. This outline and I circled each other for a minute or two and I lost sight of it. From off to my side the banite attacked again and I whirled struck hard knowing if I gave him a chance to regroup I could be struck down. The blow landed hard and he fell to the ground defeated.

I quickly bound him as he lay bleeding out and then used a bandage to wrap his wounds and keep him from dying. When he regained consciousness he told me I was making a big mistake in not ending his life. I told him it was not my decision whether he lived or died. I informed him he was under arrest and would be turned over to the Flaming Fist for punishment.

I lead him out of the woods with his hands and feet bound leading him with a rope. As I emerged from the woods I came across Tharic of Torm who offered to escort me and the prisoner back to Baldurs Gate for which I was thankful. Along the way he kept making crude comments in regards to me and being poked or bound and how I enjoyed it.

When we finally arrived at the bridge leading into the gate the Guard there questioned him and asked him if he would renounce Bane to which he responded he would rather die. I was informed to take him to the Captain Norton and hand him over, which I did.

As a note, he was asked if he left the letter at the Order of the Radiant Heart chaper and said that he did which was witnessed by Tharic of Torm.

If there is anything else you would like to know scribe please ask or send word to the Chapter Stronghold and I will come and see you or the Captain right away.

*Leaves a description of the self professed Bane worshipper Kraneth Jreff dressed in red spike armor with the page noting his facial features, approx height weight and eye color*

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

I have been spending a great deal of time of late within the fields of the dead. Usually alone as I do not feel the Order has the man power to keep to many in one place and I wish to do my part. When I have not been there I have been patrolling, keeping an eye on the peoples of the Swordcoast and trying to keep the peace between the various races and factions I encounter.

There is so much hatred and rudeness in people that I am surprised that there have not been more murders. Mistrust is rampant except for between those people who travel together. I do not know why but even seemingly decent folks have a mistrust of Paladins, little Annie for example I do not even know the woman and have only encountered her a few times and on each occasion she has expressed a strong dislike if not outright hatred for me. Perhaps she has been accosted by someone who pretends to be a Paladin or one who has fallen grace. I do not know but I will make it a point to go out of my way to try and understand her and befriend her.

The patrols have been proceeding well until recently in the fields of the dead. I know not what happened not how but Lady Vol found my body within the fields, she carried me back to safety and breathed life back into me. She still seeks a sponsor and to be an aspirant within the Order of the Radiant Heart. I believe I will speak with my brothers and sisters and see how they wish to proceed. She follows Illmater and seeks to do good by her words, I do not see why she would not be admitted but perhaps there is something in her past?

Regardless we have all made mistakes in the past, including me and I am with the Order so I believe that those who have done wrong in the past should atone for there wrongs and be given another chance.

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

The weight of her faith

Today, I beheld something I never though I would ever experience in all my life. Today I held and carried a sacred relic of my faith.

We travelled far and we saw sights I had never seen. We encounted a green dragon, a manticor and many other fantastical beasts on the journey, but none of that compares to what lay at the end of our journey. Upon a mountain top we gathered with the faithful of Tyr. Brother Perlate Borbag, Brother Prelate James, Brother Ameris, Sister Arielle and myself were charged with the safe transport of a relic of Tyr. It was none other than the Hammer of Tyr.

Upon the suggestion of Brother Ameris I bore the responsibility and honour of carrying this back to safety while I myself was protected by my family. Even now my heart swells from this most welcome of burdens, my faith strong and my steps light. For this honour I feel truly blessed.

*she closes her journal and locks it away in a box and puts the box into hiding*

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

Of horny demons

Today Sister Layana called for aid, we were told of a demon horde coming through a portal south of Beregost. Layana, Cynric, Kieran one other and myself mad for the south to investigate and put down this threat while Brother Prelate Eliphas dealt with a sinner.

We arrived at the path leading down to where the wyvern nests were and found an eleven woman who told us where the demons were. We gathered our strength and shared the blessings and enchantments of all and headed into the gorge. We encountered a number of lesser Demond's who seemed to emote a noxious gas that weakened us while we breathed it in.

As we investigated further we came across a gigantic flaming Minotaur who was apparently stalking and chasing after a woman. As the great beast charge we stepped in front and engaged it blocking it's path. We were eventually victorious in brining the beast down, as it form disapaited back to where it came from we noticed a horn remained, it must have been severed in the battle. We do not know why the horn remained and didn't disapait, but I now carry it wrapped in cloth to have it studied so we can determine if any demonic taint remains.

The curious thing is that when the battle was over the woman was no where to be found.

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

The demon has finally been identified, according to Za'than it is called a goristro. Large brutish and as smart as a rock. Apparently they are used a shock troop and for laying siege by Baphomet, whether that is a name of a demon or a type I am not yet sure, what I do know is that I need to consult with a priest of Lathander about the horn that is in my possession. Is it safe to hold? Does a demonic taint remain on it? Can it be cleansed so that it may be fashioned and used as a weapon against demons and other planar creatures in the defense on the free lands?

Even when we faced the great winged demon deep in the bowels of faerun I dared not bring forth the horn until I am better able to understand it.

I must head to Beregost...

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

Lost

My brothers and sister check on me frequently to see how Im doing. I tell them I am well enough but truly I am not. I do not want them to worry about me but I am lost and torn. My faith challenged, my devotion questioned. I have been spending less time at the Chapter House as a result. I have been stand offish to two of my brothers in faith because I am upset with them, not because there views differ from mine but because they seem incapable of seeing both sides of our Lord.

My days are spent within the Temple of Tyr, reviewing case law and the holy doctrine of Tyr. I will not have a fellow brother question my devotion or faith either one on one or in front of another follower.
*the ink ends in a large blob and the page is torn slightly through several layers*

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

I received a letter today at the Temple of Tyr from my brother Ameris. His words have put a smile on my face once again and provided much needed distraction from the current events. He has ever been a loyal and faithful friend and for this I am eternally grateful

[TheOnlyRealG]

Of horny demons

Today Sister Layana called for aid, we were told of a demon horde coming through a portal south of Beregost. Layana, Cynric, Kieran one other and myself mad for the south to investigate and put down this threat while Brother Prelate Eliphas dealt with a sinner.

We arrived at the path leading down to where the wyvern nests were and found an eleven woman who told us where the demons were. We gathered our strength and shared the blessings and enchantments of all and headed into the gorge. We encountered a number of lesser Demond's who seemed to emote a noxious gas that weakened us while we breathed it in.

As we investigated further we came across a gigantic flaming Minotaur who was apparently stalking and chasing after a woman. As the great beast charge we stepped in front and engaged it blocking it's path. We were eventually victorious in brining the beast down, as it form disapaited back to where it came from we noticed a horn remained, it must have been severed in the battle. We do not know why the horn remained and didn't disapait, but I now carry it wrapped in cloth to have it studied so we can determine if any demonic taint remains.

The curious thing is that when the battle was over the woman was no where to be found.

///OOC wise, I'm pretty sure that the woman was the woman who killed Narsida's now dead husband... but I didn't know if that was really her or just her avatar being used, so I didn't say anything.... I'm still wondering if it was...

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

My days of late have been spent alone, patrolling the vast lands that I have sworn to protect, searching for signs of the this new cult that is arising. I stay away from the Friendly Arm Inn as its name is an oxymoron. It is far from a friendly place...chaos has taken over that region and with no jurisdiction or authority to enforce the laws of the dukes the place decends into brawls and contests of power hungry mages and other crazed peoples.

It has been more than a week since I have been to the Chapter house, I am happy for Alexander attaining the position of Prelate and Brother Ameris and myself have been offered positions of responsibility. What they entail I do not know, I will have to speak with the Prelates on this more when I see them.

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

I have spent much of time of late tending to the wounds and caring for my brother Alexander. His physical wounds heal but I worry for his mind and his spirit after the ordeal he has endured.

My caring for my brothers and sister nearly got me in trouble the other day as I told James to go with the others I stood and held back Bazu's forces. My shout out almost as if an order and it is not my place to order a prelate. He thought it was my desire to be a hero, what he doesn't understand is that it goes far beyond that. My feelings for the three....

*the writing just stops at this point*

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

Where do I start?

The past month has been chaotic, my mind a tangled mess of disjointed images, thoughts and fears.

Citizens turned to the caused of bane, Zhentarim in open with no fear of attack, Druids at each others throats, Knightly Orders participating in the slaughter of a woman afflicted with a terrible illness, Scholars killing people who only wish to help those in need...

Love, lost love..my dear husband
Thoughts, words and images that are not my own making their way into my head, I can still smell him...that small sickly boy, the desperation of a father to save the last of the three....her words still echo in my head...is this what happens when one soul takes over the body of another?

The emotions, palpable....the images burned into my mind....she was not vengful or malevolent but still...i was not expecting this.

Now people call me hero....fool would be the better word

[RedDawgRavenWolf]

*a brief entry*

He has lost trust, he feels I have done wrong...likely a risk, as such I have turned over my key until it is deemed I am not a threat.

Now when I need them, I alone.