The Invincible Mudraking

[Hitman Hard]

(a player-encouraged RP thread, based off this precursor thread:http://www.bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=45589)

The Invincible Mudraking

Confidants of Vengeance,The Defaming Campaign, Diminishment of Law and The Festering Rage...

Prologue: The Study of Absolving

The sun flashed sweat-jarring beams from a blistering, magnificent albeit mysterious fire despite it's long-survived existence, and the thrashing unstunned winds weaved and tugged hard against the white-armored reporter's mighty bulk, cold and ruthlessly bitter.

The environment was playing in his favor now, he was ready to knock down the energy barriers garrisoning the holy and righteous so that they may see the folly of their backwards philosophies. He would be telling the facts, and naming the names... writing in the point-terrorizing literature that would awaken the stimuli and rage of a-many Helmite, Tyrran and Torm sanctimonius book thumpers with a terrible, unshakeable speed...

The aspiration filled his void, the sacrilegious taint of raw-black ambition ran through his veins, and presented him with purposeful, powerful opportunites that could not be ignored. Someone else would burn, and he'd be satiated...

He had picked his target, and had been observing for an expanse of time now. A gaggle of Armored Flaming Fist soldiers were patrolling with feverish tedium to stop any potential disturbances, they did their duty divorced of any romanticized majesty or piety. Their expressions were harsh, merciless, and completely dutiful admixtured with a profound sense of world weariness and bravado. They remained eerily silent, as if their thoughts were steeped in the nothingness of mud.

Their eyes twinkled imperiously as Dave took another momentous, powerful step closer on the rutted surface of the Duke sovereignty road...

But their might and bulwark of vigilance, and apendages towards one of the Gods of Fury; Tempus... would not stop the oncoming invincibility of the well-deserved mudraking, and the allies rallying behind that infallible, revolution-inspiring banner of domineering Vengeance.

An orc with a discolored-looking neck wanders by and sniffs before departing.
Dave walks up in revered state. "Arkaine Half-Orken?...Wow, it is a phenomenal honor and privilege to meet you. I am flabbergasted, really. My name is Dave Counterpunch."
He extends his hand towards the Paladin, with a warm smile.
The bald and extravagantly-garbed Gon Lau looks at the armed person and an unarmed person.
Arkaine bellows in benediction and bows his head and clasps his holy symbol in a devout fashion.

Gon Lau points to the weapon and then to the unarmed man.
Dave:"That was a hearty welcoming, my thanks. I feel quite small in your highly-esteemed presence.But but... I was wondering I could ask you some questions."
Arkaine turns to regard Gon Lau.
He bellows in benediction and bows his head and clasps his holy symbol in a devout fashion.
Dave's gaze is set on Arkaine as he intoned politely.
Gon Lau'a frown is visible on his face.
Dave: "Regarding the Hoarite guild."
"Hrgnn. What do you ask of me?"

Dave clears his throat. "I just want to get your side of the story. Wouldn't the hoarites have a similar mind-set and goals to the Radiant Heart Auxilary?"
Arkaine whips his head around and narrows his eyes at Dave. "Hrgnn."
Dave pulls out a feather pen and some parchment.
Arkaine growls."Who are you?"
"I am reporter for The Herald."
Gon Lau frowns at the lack of control.

"I want to expose any injustices, and seek out the honesty behind this and perhaps put a stop to future confrontations between you and this guild."
Arkaine growls again."You're a liar."
Gon Lau starts to step forward.
Dave inquired, "What started this conflict?" Remaining servantly calm and affable, a smile still etched on his vivacious expression.
Arkaine growls again. "Begone from me."

The reporter held a fervor-laced, earnest expression,"Is there someone else more helpful I can talk to? Have a good day sir!"
Gon Lau watches the paladin storm off.
Dave exclaimed, "We can talk again soon! Well now. I will find him again some other time..."

[Hitman Hard]

Chapter 1: I Doth Foresee A Prosperous Pretense In Thine Clasp

Arkaine stands, with his large gauntleted hands clasped behind his back. As he stares out at the Fields of the Dead and the undead menaces to the north. Dave watches every exquisite detail in the shadowy twilight nearby, in impunity, as the two speak upon the Radiant Heart's balcony.This line of work took patience listening to mainly babbling of irrelevancy, but it was worth it damn it.
“Hrgnn. You have heard of Valiant the Mad?"
Henrick listens quietly, taking in the information. “No..."
“The oathbreaker. . . the traitor and Zhentarim sword?"

Henrik shrugs.
“He uses dishonourable tricks and unholy theatricalities in battle."
“I spotted Braum among their number, and went to them after you had issued your challenge. I tried asking them why they did not go to the arena, yet they were not interested in that. Seems they wanted my blood for their.. Master. The two cowled ones were prattling on about it..Then, as I edged back toward the farmlands, a cowled and mustachio'd man did rush me from the shadows and battle was met. We fought for a time, yet he proved.. tricky. I was badly beaten.. only to be spared once more by this Braum."
“Hrgn. . . I am sorry. For your battle wounds.What you speak of is not honourable battle. Tis cowardly and evil.”
Henrik continued, “He cursed you for a coward and tried heaping the blame for my plight upon your head. I saw through his lies, however. He gave me this...” He hands Arkaine a large coin.

Arkaine holds the Zhentarim Crown in one large leather gaunteted palm and his face contorts. “ I will have it melted down. . .”
“Perhaps.. we could use it as evidence against this Braum.”
He hands the coin back to Henrick. “Hold onto this afoul thing if you must. I will not suffer it on my person. . . !The villain with a mustache can only be Valiant the Mad. . ."
Henrick nods and takes the coin back, looking at it with a dark expression.
Arkaine grunts again; his voice a hoarse bellow. “I would ask something of you!"

Henrick Webber: “I did not get his name. We spoke with our blades. “
Arkaine HalfOrken: “Tell all that you have brought to me to the Flaming Fist Mercenary Brigade. That coin; and its association with the Valiant the Traitor may finally have him expunged from the Duchy of Baldur's Gate!”
“ It was Braum who handed me the coin."
“Tis wrought of Dark Hold."
“Aye. They are all bound to each other it would appear to me.Their loyalty to Bane and Dark Hold."
Henrick Webber’s face twists visibly at the mention of Bane. “It would seem so...”

-----

He takes some careful steps towards Henrick, his expression docile, his gaze vibrant and alive with a rising, chaotic energy.
“Greetings sir, I hope I am not disturbing your peaceful worshipping."
Henrick turns from the statue. “Hmmm? Not at all.” He smiles. “All are welcome here.. within reason."
“That is a statue of great admiration there. I'm sure it draws in crowds alone. Excellent. I don't intend on using up much of your precious time. I come today with several curiosities on my mind; it is pertaining to my job as a reporter for The Herald."
“It is finely made. The Herald?"
“Well, it has been producing columns for three months roughly. I could not help but notice you are affiliated with the Radiant Heart Order, or are a mere associate?" His tone is punctual although direct.
“Rumors spread quickly here..."He quirks a curious brow. “I am a newly ordained Squire of the Order, as of today in fact."

Dave grins in amusement of the faintest variety. “I assure you i don't have any hyper-intelligent mammals stalking your steps, and congratulations!"
Henrick flushes faintly. “My thanks.. he says awkwardly. I trust you know my name then... but who are you Sir?"
Dave: “Right, I appear to have lost a fiber of my manners. My name is Dave. To be more precise, I am wondersome relating to the righteous and important duties carried out by the current Grandmaster; Arkaine HalfOrken." Dave’s hands are clapsed behind his back, as if he were a public servant.
Henrick stiffens a little. “Excuse me, Father.” Stepping away now from the priest, he continues.

Dave follows Henrick, respectfully bowing his head towards Watcher Martin Valdore.
“ I believe he is currently in the Chapterhouse should you wish to ask him himself.”
“He hasn't been cordially receptive to my inquiries for reasons beyond my ascertaining knowledge. Which I found tremendously confusing since I had just met him briefly yesterday.”
“I know him little, or his reasons. I will not speak on his behalf. Is there anything lse you wish to know?”
“Well, I am also looking for others who have a general understanding of him. I had some questions planned, sure.”
“Do you know anything about the Grandmaster's disputes with a local Hoarite Guild; Led by Tegeus and Talisen?"

Henrick pauses a moment, pensive, before answering. “I know some. It is said these Hoarites operate outside of the law of the Duchy. They reside in Roaringshore and gather cut-throats and brigands to their cause. Naturally this would be an issue with the Grandmaster. They have been reported murdering those they deem guilty, taking justice and vengeance into their own hands.”

“Word on the street is Tegeus has slain him twice somehow, and I had been vexed because I thought their philosophies although different still held similar enough concepts to not come to blows with heinous villainy at large.”
“Can you please offer me any specific murders they have committed in the name of vengeance?"

A brightly-clad knight-looking fellow entered the temple and puts his arm to his chest and bows at the shrine. “Thank you great Watcher, for guiding me to where I can protect those that are weak and help those in need."

Henrick takes a deep breath. “You are not wrong in that. There are greater evils at large, and it saddens me to waste energy on petty disputes. I am not privy to that specific information, yet am certain it has been passed on in earnest.”
“Indeed, I would think it'd be petty somewhat as well.” He purses his lips before moving onto the next question. “Are you privileged enough to be educated on Sir Arkaine's public relation affinities entailing the Dukes, and other organizations and holy orders of prestige?”

Henrick shakes his head, tensing somewhat at the question.

"The ceiling in here is high, why do they make it so high?" Dave chuckles at his odd query before inquiring, “How many times have you witnessed Sir Arkaine resort to violence?”
“Personally, I have seen him issue one challenge to honourable battle. He nods curtly. What is the meaning of these questions?"
“I have heard from many sources, some wishing to remain anonymous they've experienced violence perpetrated from his mace so I am rather desiring to get to the heart of the matter. And was the challenge met on a field of valor?”

“The challenge was not met. A group of men, some masked, stalked away into the local wilderness while taunting him. I believe they were attempting to draw him out where they could ambush him. He did not take the bait, and waited instead at the arena where the duel was to take place."

Dave: “If you haven't seen him be aggressive needlessly, have you sighted him casting threats towards anyone, and under what motivation?" He centered an assessing backwards glance around the temple before turning to Henrick with an illy-described visage.The journalist squints down at some media-papers he would be tweaking with a feather pen, experimentally.

Henrick: “The conflict with the masked men I had mentioned. He was certain of one of their identities, and naturally wary of the masked hooligans. Words were exchanged. Things grew tense. His motivations were quite clear: To rid the Gate of known villains. I trust he meant well, though I do not know much more of the situation.”

“I see. What redeeming qualties does Sir Arkaine have?He certainly got them out of there then." He smiles.
Henrick “I've only met the man a few times, yet his intensity is apparent. He is wholly committed to the people of Baldur's Gate, to their protection. I also sense great resolve within him. Also, he has humility, and is able to apologize”

“Mind informing me what he felt necessary to apologize and be humble about? He is also a half-orc, which I am sure is a great role-model to combat others of the ethnicity painting a negative connotation."
Henrick Webber: he chuckles a littleThe first time we met, he had confused me with an outlaw from Roaringshore, you see. pausing
“In all that pristine white regalia! That is quite the shock.” He laughed along. “Sounds like a fascinating tale, really."
“Needless to say, my reaction was somewhat.. flustered. We managed to clear things up before either of our honor was overly slighted, if you catch my meaning. He then took a knee and humbly asked my forgiveness. I could do nothing but give it. He admitted being at fault.

“I still am a bit boggled here... what convinced him you were an outlaw?"
“My appearance, perhaps. I'm not really sure."
“I suppose wearing a hood could be construed as shadily-dressed. But anyways. And the less honorable, selfish personality traits would be? I am thinking it may be over-vigilance, as one.”

Henrick crosses his arms. “I will not besmirch the man's name. He conducted himself in a respectable manner, given the situation."
“Of course, you appear loyal through and through. My purpose here is purely objective. I am afraid I have expended myself of questions.Thank you for your time, however."
“Hmm. You are welcome. I will be reading the next ..column of this .. Herald. I trust you will not twist my words?”
“Not at all. I will write exactly what you said." He pauses a moment. “Oh! Here's my card if you ever need to contact me; the media can be a form of justice." Dave offered him his business card.

Henrick hesitates a moment, then reaches out and takes the card.
“It would make my day to unravel all these rumor-mongers as false.” He grins ecstatic as he accepts it.
“Helm watch over you.”

Although Dave had not received the information he'd wanted, it did not break his drive to remain persistent in his campaign. The sloganeering undeniably gained momentum, as others excitingly rushed to prove themselves worthy to join the amalgamation of a legally untouchable project, no, a politically-embroiled conspiracy, that was not meagrely-orchestrated in the least. The pain would be unthinkable, highly accurate, and those who tried to impede would find themselves in a similar ill-fated predicament. The power and dominion of the media will be acknowledged, and before it's over... nothing can be refuted. Burning holes into civilization whenever and whereever the availability for advancement and societal change insisted.

Dave spluttered with laughter upon departing the Temple of Helm, his entire boby was shaking with mirth, his introspective thought reverberated sadistically through the cavernous calculations of his mind... I haven't had this much fun in months"

...In the harsh orange glow outbreaking across the street and illuminating the media juggernaut's features bluntly; the city appeared not dead. Not neglected to rot, beautiful, for once. And his devotion to the artistry was all that mattered...as it was the apparatus for avenging the wounds that had been dealt to him in first blood.

He smirked widely. The only way you can beat me... is through darkness, egad.

[Hitman Hard]

Chapter 2: The Hypocrisybane Prophetic Clarion of Regime-Changing Terror Only Gets Worse...

Squelch, squerch, swish. That was the music of his movement. In the mud. How fitting, really. The sun streaked down in crimson points, his eyes scanned it in a half-aware diversion before grimacing, as if he scrutinized and judged the hells out of the most vile hole. Reaching his desired locale, he stared aheads at the severe-looking Gates of the Radiant Heart Chapterhouse. He cared only for the intended poisonous, dissecting affect... like an immortal arachnid slowly chomping away at a defenseless victim's lifeforce as it inevitably manifested a soul-deep despair... like a vampire that feeds.

He felt the chill wind's creeping, captivating divine whistle communicating to him, personally.The whispers of confidence mushrooming through his chaotic, hell-bent mind; encapsulating to a beautiful modulation... Continue your investigation, with each effort you grow closer to your goal, this is not in vain, this is for you. The repertoire of your aptitudes can devise a crippling siege, the rising servants of debauchery are beguiled by your surreal call to supremacy... to a war already on the verge of victory.

That’s right, back-water Orc... hide behind your walls of illusory illustriousness. The doom-reporter plastered an raptorial smile onto his pale-as-snow face, and waited. He could wait all day before these oh-so-shiny worthies. Man-at-Arms standing vigilant for a rat in a sh**house.
A woman arrived beside him, her cowl hid her features, but not her air of curiosity. He knew her, but she didn’t know him...
“This place interesting?"

Dave blows a shrill-pitched war-horn towards the Chapterhouse. “Come out and stop hiding!!"
She was persistent. He appreciated it. “Who are you calling for?"
Another man shadowed her steps, willingly. He wore the finest-looking silken material, maybe a noble. Maybe another to serve his cause. He spoke in a similar tone of discernment. “What torment of horns is this?"
Dave spoke towards the Gates. “Why won't you face me to participate in a fair and balanced news medium? Have thee something to hide in thine quarters?Just a news watchman seeking the truth."
“Is this fellow cracked?" The man inquired in half-concern.
She glances at Dave and chuckles softly

Dave grins. “Crazy enough to ensure the news is told rightly, I bet he possesses a Bane Blade to distort his true nature!"
“Which servant of the Heart has your interest?" She intoned.
The man pursee his lips and frowns, his hand idly stroking his beard in thought.
“Arkaine HalfOrken; Grandmaster of the most Noble Order of accountability-holding Radiant Heart."
“I have heard tell of the beast of the Heart."
She chimed in. “Ah, yes. A name well travelled."
“But never met the fellow."

Dave blew into the booming, menacing, sonic-strengthened volume of the clarion. “He might be too busy staying in his comfortable, hospitable mullet-centric rooms!"
“He is indeed an orc, but I don't begrudge him for that.” He shrugs, and laughs chaotically.
“Seems you will be disappointed today. I suggest making a scene which cannot be ignored." She said, glancing at the guards.
The man offered, “Kill a few guardsmen or somesuch.”
“Afire often does the trick, too. Burn the place.”
“A good idea, I am sure there are other opportunities and channels to seek a better point-impacting strategy. There are many others following this fast-moving union to educate the masses." He blows hard into the Clarion, vengefully. Come out and answer for your harrasments to the fair people of the Baldurian Nation!”
“Maeve, let us...good luck."
The pair departed.

“Arkaine HalfOrken!Would you mind gracing me with some questions, it would be most fruitful for your future endeavorments.” Dave called towards the large bulk of a paladin.

Arkaine narrows his eyes at the man; his nose twisted in a snarl; and he bellows. “Who are you?Once more; out with it!"
“I like the color red... it's quite moving and provoking one. I am Dave Counterpunch; a reporter for The Herald. Our battle station is located in the Shelf of Many Books."
“Hrgn? A reporter? What is that?"
“It is someone who tells the news, so that the disenfranchised and hard-working citizens can enjoy a good read to be informed on various menaces, undead and living alike!"

Arkaine looms closer over the man; his bullish neck craning forward as he inspects him.
“Woah, I know I have some enticing cologne be-decked on my aristocratic-looking armor, but there is no need for intimidation. I take this as you are willing, ready, and able to answer some much-appreciated questions..."
Arkaine leans his head in over Valiant's shoulder and his badly sun-burned nose sniffs the air as wears a deep frown on his face."There is something not right with you. . ."
“Umm, thank you?Do you always employ such forthcoming honesty... this is a good sign towards the interview."He grins ecstatic. His tone is shrill, his ambience only having a faint after-bite of despair*

Arkaine reclines his head and neck and stares at the man.
“So... I shall begin then!"
“Hrgnn. . . The Herald? The herald of what?"
“The Herald is the name of the paper... we herald news, quite simplistic concept.The owner has left to Waterdeep. His name is Jon."
“Hrgnn? Rumour mongering is it?! On my honour as a Paladin of Helm I shalt have none of it!
“Wait, no! I am just trying to get your side of the story so you can defend yourself."

Arkaine growls. “Helm is my shield! I am clad in the armour of faith!"
“May you describe your initial interaction with the hoarite guild based in cut-throat notorious Roaringshore. According to your newly-ordained squire; Henrik.There is nothing to hide, if you are as you enthusiastically claim.If anything... we can draw attention towards their clandestine schemes of vigilante justice if they are as terrible as Henrik told me.”
“. . . I will not banter rumour mongering with you! Beware of servants of evil! Especially those who ambush you in the wilds!"

Dave blows a clarion. “Chicken-chicken, Arkaine! Why won't you spend a few minutes of interviewing with a legitimate news reporter! You know answering one question will condemn thee?"
He looks back at Dave. “The only words you should heed is Duchal law and the doctrines and edicts of honour and righteousness!"
Dave blows hard into doom-encompassing, high-pitched, high-powered, sonic-like clarion; it echos like a cruel ghost throughout farmlands. “Be it known; this Grandmaster is afraid to inform the public about other menaces of EVIL!”
“A Paladin must never rumour monger; tis beneath him. Tis not worthy of the Ethos and Code of Chivalry!”

“So you only have rumormongering in regard to these hoarites... or real substantial intel that could be used against these so-called maligned harbingers!"He blows into the horn again, relentlessly. “Chicken-chicken, Arkaine!"
Arkaine shakes his head. “I have sent scribed parchment of the servants of evil you speak of to the Dukes of Baldur's Gate."
Arkaine growls now. “I am a Paladin of Helm. I do not answer to you. Farewell."
“So only the Dukes are privvy to this prestige-worthy information not the common folk!?”

-----

Dave found the White Mask Theatre, it was quite crowded. And performances were taking place in grand, reveling excitement. But he had to concentrate, he was just a professional learnid in blending into an environment he was tipping for his own job.He could be who-the-bloody-ever.

...no time existed for watching acting when he had the means to make spectacular progress; considering Cara had "introduced" him to Talisen for the very "first" time.

“I am most earnest to figure out more about why you and sir Arakine have not gotten along so swell..."Dave turns, making eye-contact with Cromis as Talisen eyed Cromis.
“I don't think anyone has to do an interview to understand to understand why someone doesn't like Arkaine."

Tegeus stares darkly at Valiant and Talisen for a moment, then turns back to watch the stage.
“I saw him unloading crates in beregost, he had a minor breach of growling towards a man named, Zeno."
“But I figured there had to be some pretense of why fighting ensued between you and him?"
“You mean a pleasant conversation, in Arkaine term.Should've seen his interaction with the Fist a few days ago.He seemed about to die of shock when I explained how he had effectively served the Zhentarim for years..."
“What happened with that?” His tone is evidently eager.

Telia looks at the audience as she continues to walk among them, “Found yourself a path upon the ground,You ran into the night; you can't be found." She pauses suddenly and beats the drum. "This is your heart!Can you feel it?Can you feel it?"
Talisen whispered, “He wanted them to arrest Xavier for being in the farmlands.” He watches Telia, only half-interested. “Little did he know that Xavier was here on official business, and had a meeting with members of the Fist.Arkaine argued and threatened the Fist for a while, until a large group of them came and escorted Xavier to safety, leaving Arkaine yelling up at their walls

Telia sang, “Pumps through your veins,Can you feel it?"
Dave responded, “That seems classless."
“It's classic Arkaine. You've never met him?”
“I met him the other day it was not refreshing nor pleasant."
“A few months back he murdered a group of sailors for paying homage to Umberlee. Of course, nevermind the fact that Baldur's Gate has one of the largest temples to the Bitch Queen on the Coast..."

“How had he been aiding the zhents for years, as you mentioned?"
Telia would smile, then walk back towards the front of the stage, “What a year and what a night,What terrifying final sights."
“It goes for the entire Radiant Heart, really. It was more an insult than anything, but there's some truth in it. Eliphas, there leader, was Dark Lord of the Zhentarim.Arkaine obediently served him for years without suspicion

Telia slaps the drum once she reaches the front of the stage, "Put out your beating heart...!"
Talisen: “Played right into their hands, all the while."
Telia pauses and raises one hand up as she sings in a clear, strong voice. “The night was all you had..! You ran into the night from all you had."
Dave whispered back, his concentration waning due to the performance. “Arkaine literally killed the umberleans just for worshiping a faith, devoid of any law-breaking or heinous crimes?"

Telia then gestures ahead at the path made of the carpet before her, “Found yourself a path upon the ground.You ran into the night; you can't be found…!"
Talisen: “Well, he might tell you otherwise but that's the gist of it, I suppose... it takes only the slightest thing, the slightest hint of 'evil' to send Arkaine over the edge. And when Arkaine goes over the edge, he is devoid of reason, a murderous brute."

Telia begins to vigorously beat the drum. “This is your heart!Can you feel it?Can you feel it?"
Dave said aloud, forgetting himself, forgetting his disguise... “Shar's blight." He then spoke silently. “Hmm... can you offer me any other examples of sir Arakine needlessly slaughtering innocents under the guise of Helmite-styled justice?"
“There was a bit about piracy in there, too... but he has a record of attacking people for worshiping deities he dislikes, but who's worship is not illegal."
“That could be in violation of the paladin's ethos..."
“What does your guild do for the coast, in terms of justicemaking? Thank you for being cooperative, he would not answer one -question-"

Applauding. Meaningless sound to Dave.
Talisen: “Arkaine... well, there's a long record of his misdeeds. I don't think you would have trouble finding evidence of them. Numerous murders and assaults. I've heard of him cutting down Kossuthites and the like in the past..."
“Do you have names of these Kossuth proponents, and the Umberlean ones?"
Talisen points at Awn across the room.” See the half-elf over there? Her name's Awn. She could tell you all kinds of things about Arkaine."
Dave looks to Awn, a shine in his face*
Awn sets a wine bottle down on the floor and offers Viktor a full glass.

Dave then nods to Talisen, dutifully. “And I don't suppose you would feel comfortable divulging about your guild's priorites? I think it would help in building your case against them, and mine."
“I follow Hoar. If you're interested in what we believe, there's a good volume on it available from the Shelf of Many Books."


Dave whispered after a thoughtful moment. “I may be will duck my head into there... since I work there.That book might be interesting to read, I am not that religious."
I think it should answer many of your questions.
“Awn doesn't like Arkaine?”
“No. She's had more than one run in with him, and he attempted to murder one of her close friends."
“He had quite the quarrel with the church if Sharess in the past."
“She looks rather occupied, maybe I can harass her affter the play.”
“It's odd to see her here like that. She's normally in the front row and much drunker."
“He was violent towards worshipers of the god of sensual fulfillment, really? They are quite harmless to society..."
“He was convinced there leader was a murderous cultist, or some such."
“Under what evidence?!"
“That... would be something you would have to ask Awn about. It's been a long time and I haven't kept track of it all, but as I recall it was pretty circumstantial. In Arkaine's world, his word is evidence enough for all things. I remember he wrote a report of his accusations against her and handed it off to the Fist. Arkaine was also somewhat responsible for the fall of Triel
“ I will certainly take the intiative to speak with her about this paladin-imposing madman.... How so?”

“He refused to let the people of Triel have access to the cure to their plague, because doing so would have involved working with the Zhentarim, who controlled that town."
“I had family in Triel... so it hits a nerve a bit..."
“So... he spent weeks arguing with them and trying to make war, until finally a horde of orcs came and destroyed the entire town, massacring its inhabitants."
“If he and the others had compromised, the town might have been spared. But rather they were stubborn and looking for their own glory, and doomed everyone there because of it. Arkaine was one of the principals who drove that."

“Anyone who can tell me about Arkaine foiling Triel's survival more?"
“I could tell you quite a bit, but it's probably best not to go all into it here. Uh... there might be more, I'm not sure. It depends. The Radiant Heart won't acknowledge any fault in the matter, but I was there... it's pure denial."
“ I mean other who may testify about his principals destroying Triel..."
“I can think of a few. But I can't divulge names unless they are willing"
“Then if you could get back to me, I'd appreciate it, Talisen."
“Anything to spread the truth about Arkaine's doings.”

It was clear as a mirrorbright day Talisen craved vengeance, and Dave could fill that fire to the summit. He had more business to pursue, and contacts to intercept so that he may fully rake into his prey's consciousness and devour it whole for the epic crime. The Invincible Mudraking.

[Hitman Hard]

Chapter 3: Have You Read The Polls Lately, Grandmaster?

Once, a dark man was compelled by crimson art with a quill scrawling across a shadowy hegemony’s parchment-- soul energy enervated when the quill touched the sheets-- while he grew stronger.

Just when the over-reaching slandering appeared to dissipate... the disaster-striking comets propelled downwards unswervingly in sheets of vengeance; nothing could be unwrought. Grinding any nay-sayer’s soul-stuffs into bits and pieces if daring step out of line.

The looks of dissent were more frequent on the streets, the crowds screamed their rebellion as the dread-enthusiast reporter stoked the fiery rage against the Grandmaster’s hypocrisies, and his murder against a poor pacifist named Ink. It’s sudden pervading nature battered him like thousands of icicle-hard, blood magic suffused homunculi; the leeching propaganda was just there; waiting for him around every gawping shadow.

(...the media juggernaut had marked him, inevitably, because he was too calculated; because of how he hates righteous things with an aura of pride; he wants him obscured to mud because his greed is unsatisfied. His desire shines like the scales of a long-lived dracolich’s accruements; and he’d turned crooked ever since; the masses can’t pry their eyes from the affect, as I tell you this.)

They carried out the righteous man’s orders, but it was reluctant; overly forced to a degree of asphyxiation. No compliments or respect were acknowledged despite his credentials.

Nevertheless, the Grandmaster said his practiced lines to them, and stressed the concepts of vigilance. And of not blurring the lines between enforcer and protector...

The page was a memory of the past and the oncoming indictment; a moving memory; a story of something that had happened before and would happen again.A royal table and knights slowly retreating from it.The knights stared at him with disbelieving tragedy in their eyes. The half-orc didn’t understand where he went wrong.

The reporter lost himself in his work, the words sounded like a innocuous, beautiful harmony to him, if he studied and hashed over the archives til Lathander’s Light flickered out many times... who was there to tell him no. To -stop- that.

(His own paradise had been robbed from him; some endings will never be right.)

Once, a dark man was compelled by death.

Knights did not take up steel, the heavy weight burdening them was too much and subsequently a shunning against their master happened in the disorder. It is far worse on the nerves of the cursed righteous. The reporter coerced them in his logic, his penmanship burned across the countryside; leaving deep frowns and despair. Eventually, the grand knight gave up, and pigged among the filth, and the puncher didn’t have to lift a finger.

He sent the paladin plummeting down to the void, watched him gnash in the depth of the flames with his bullish neck twisting like rusted metal stretching upwards behind the reporter.The grand one’s face; frowning, frowning.

And the prideful doomreporter would not reach solace of his own til he freed the death-throes of all the holy, as it was taint in it’s own right.

And he said, “So be it.”

----

Some of the city still appeared calcified and skeletal from the plague's pitiless onslaught, throwing shadows lining the perimeter of The Helm and Cloak; holding secrets true and false for him to exploit new calculations. The rain's sheets thumping down was remniscent of succubi abuse; the vividness of concubines reveling in the celebratory imperative of lashing that cat-of-nine-tails formed...

A formally-styled note delivered via chamberlain sat exposed atop the crackling, state-of-the-art fireplace. Precisely-written and spurring Dave to read the words soon as possible.

Dave Counterpunch.

I would welcome giving you an interview, although I am unsure of the nature of your inquiry. I will of course do my best to answer your questions.

Regards,
Brother Ameris

A cruel smile with not a modicum of humanity formed on the catalyst's face before tossing the note into the festering fire.

Poor-poor Grandmaster. What was it the Ilmateri always said to those in their times of trouble? Oh yes, endure.

[Hitman Hard]

Chapter 4: Please... No More

Dave entered the Ilmateri temple and offered a cordial smile to Mogrant.
Mogrant seems to be writing a letter and looks up to Dave. “Hello, Dave, nice to see you."
“That looks like an important letter, let me have a look."
Mogrant smiles and seem not to understand the joke. “It is just a letter to the SCCE to thank them for their efforts. At least we should sent them a short reply to show our gratitude I thought."
Ameris Santraeger steps into the temple, dripping wet from the rain, and enthused; “Brother!Well met."
Mogrand sits there writing a letter. “Greetings, Brother. Glad to see you.” A smile.
Dave smiles to Ameris. “Hello, Ameris. Pleasure as always."
“Let me offer congratulations again for all your fine work." Ameris smiles to Dave, bowing.
First time you ever done that...
“Are you here for the interview?"
“Yes, I am. Appears to be rightly timed, your appearance."
Mogrant interjected, “Oh, I just did what I thought would be the right thing. You have to thank Erza, Arkaine and Cheryl Mae Castillo, Brother. I am writing letters to those now and will sent you greetings if you allow so."
“Please do so Brother. Tell them how pleased we all are to have the support of such righteous, noble and efficient people. Can I get you some tea, Dave?"

“A hopsitable cup of steaming tea would be nice, yes."
“And you, Brother?” He sets the kettle on.
Dave makes a slight creak on the wooden floor as he sat down comfortably enough at a bench.
Ameris places a steaming mug of tea before Dave, holding another in his own hand.
“So, where would you like to do this?"
Dave pulls out some media-parchment and sets it delicately on the table, overlooking it a moment like an academic student, before grinning appreciatively at the tea. “Whereever you would be most wanting to do it.”His tone is shrill-sounding, lifting the tea to consume some sips, and nods absently.
“Alright, we can do it here. Let me just get my things."
Mogrant makes effort to move to the left-most bench side.
Ameris returns with a logbook and writing implements. Setting the logbook on the table,and his tea, after taking a sip. “So. How shall we start?"
What the hells is this... I don’t think I like that.
Dave eyes the logbook before saying lightly. “Are you going to be asking me questions, instead? “Well, let's begin then.When you were a squire for the Radiant Heart; how long were you serving there? Figure start with something primitive."
A polite smile from Ameris, “I was not a squire."
“Sorry then."
“We had not had the reorganisation from Athkatla then. And I was not asked to be an aspirant, rather sworn as a Brother immediately after being vouched for by the temple and others. I was not a paladin, so, it was handled differently."

“So, you have a very impressive background. Interesting."
Ameris jots down something - in fact the question he was asked, and a couple of words summarising his own answer. He looks up. “You don't mind if I take my own record, I assume?"
“Not at all, the public shall read it anyways. I was informed today you are infact a harper agent by Terri. And presumed you may know more about the Hoarite guild ambushing sir Arkaine in collaboration with a Zhent...."
He couldn't have read my thoughts, no, just being paranoid.
Ameris writes down the question. A pause.
Dave’s expression casts into a formal serious one now, but he does not frown. “Telia told me Arkaine was tricked, and ambushed; subsequently killed. Can you verify these claims?"
“I have heard the same, indeed. A crime.”
“I find that odd hoarites would be working with zhents...
“Well, it is a sad story. A woman lies behind it, you see."
Aren't they always the saddest, cliche part of any damn story?
“A lady with a silver tongue, I think she tricked the Hoarites into thinking she was a damsel in distress."
Dave thinks a moment. “Desrah?"
“That would be the lady." He jots down a few words, continues. “She's not a damsel in distress. She associates with Bhaalists and assassins."
“She was attacked by Arkaine the hoarites claimed... because she is the leader of the Dragonwing crew, and their friendship with the hoarites is quite noticeable, and both groups have fought sir Arkaine."

Ameris scribbles something down.
Time to act flabbergasted beyond belief. And quickly. “This is exceptionally revealing.” Dave raises his eyebrows, then looks down in consternation at his media-papers before asking the next question with ease. “How regular did the Radiant Heart speak in a collective, and would you say sir Arkaine listens to advice?"
“I suppose my concern was that Tegeus, the priest who attacked Arkaine, has been here helping with the plague. And then I find out he lured paladins to be attacked for the words of a woman who, well, as I say. He calls those who venerating the taking of life, brother.”
“Perhaps, these differences can be resolved before it is too late, shame when someone works wrongly under false pretense."
“I am a man who has much forgiveness in his heart, these days. I am sure if Tegeus sees his error he will know he has been misled. I'd even see the same for Desrah if she truly repented this attempt to wield others as blades rather than owning her sin.Anyway. You asked a question about the Radiant Heart?"
“Indeed."
“Well, brothers trust each other, that is part of it. it is why the betrayal of Eliphas Valkarian and Beric Engel cut so deep. Its not for me to speak of what lies behind oaths. Yet know that although we had a chain of command, all voices were heard. Of course my commander was Eliphas Valkarian, not the current Grandmaster. I served with the Grandmaster as Brother. And he listened to counsel, and I took heart from his rhetoric."
“I see. But sir Arkaine held a somewhat pivotal position, yes? Did Sir Arkaine exemplify a hands-on approach in terms of attending fundamental meetings and seeking conferences with other high-ranking figures?"
“Not then. He was the senior paladin, but beneath the Prelates.In the field I would serve under him but in counsel we were a brotherhood."
“Alright. So what was the current-day Grandmaster tasked with back then?"
“He was the Brother Paragon. Senior paladin. He led the host when Prelates weren’t present.
“So, did he have a squire or squires to watch over and give guidance to any time?"
His brow furrows. “Let me think."He jots a few words down.
Dave would wait patiently, taking the time to look over his own notes.
“We all mentored aspirants. It is the way the order recruited back then. A pause. I wonder though, why do you ask these questions of me? Is the Grandmaster too busy?"
Mogrant signs off his writings and attempts to store his utilities used for it back in the shelf.
“I have tried repeated times to come into contact with him, and when I do, he refuses to answer a single question for reason beyond my understanding. I will not go into the detail of his reaction.Unless you really want to know!” A slight laugh.
“I see. Well, I might?I was not aware this interview would be about the Grandmaster."
Mogrant finishes the clearance, walks to the door and nods to you while talking in a low voice to not disturb. “Will be back soon."
“Very well, Brother."
Mogrant opens the door to go outside, rays of sun clawing into the interior.
“He employed a somewhat taunting attitude towards me, he loomed over me and got very close in my personal area. It was perplexing, to say the least. Then, proceeded to ask who I am. And eventually, called me a rumor monger."
“I see. You had more questions?"
“But yes, I would be interested to know of any squires he gave guidance to, and if it could be described as efficient and helpful?” I have some left, yes. He smiled, his punctual tone remaining.
“I was not party to his mentorship of his squires. He was always very helpful to me.Oh, out of curiosity... off-subject kind of. What squires did Eliphas oversee and instruct in matters of ethos and duty?"
“Mm. Katarina of Tyr, Cecilia Lafayette."
“And may you elaborate on their reasons for no longer being affiliated with the Order?"
“Well, I think it better you speak with them on specifics."
“I am surprised his betrayal hadn't received any coverage despite it being old, in nature. Indeed, is there any means that I could contact them?"
“Katarina is guarding a distant monastery. It must be said her efforts against the lich Bazu are a matter of record. She was heroic in that regard.But as she risked her life and soul to see an end to the lich by showing him what he had become. It took its toll. She remains with the Order but does not serve with this chapter, is all."
How utterly boorish.
“Sounds like a captivating tale, nevertheless. And quite selfless.You are implying reaching her is impossible, I guess."
“I suspect it would be, yes.You could try and write to her. I could provide details."
“It would be appreciated, of course. I don't see any liches around lately."
Jyohan enters and exhanges some coin for a loaf of bread and cheese.
Ameris sips from his tea.
“But yes... the other squire in question, may you educate me upon her reasoning for departing.And it looks like he only had female squires... must of been a womanizer!"
Jyohan approaches the table and stops, bread and cheese in hand. "May I?"
Ameris looks up at Jyohan. “Ah, of course!"
“Hello sir.You came to witness the interview of the century it would seem."
Jyohan takes a seat and breaks the bread, offering a half to Dave. "I'm sorry?"
“I am being interviewed for The Herald."
Dave takes the bread half. “Thanks.” He eats from it, gingerly. “He is being tortured."Grins, and wipes his mouth.
Ameris writes down a brief summary of the previous exchange in his logbook."Eliphas Valkarian betrayed Cecilia, and was responsible for her death, and mine. He was responsible for her torture, as well."

Dave frowns at the news.
“And more, he was responsible for wounding her heart, and tainting the order and its teachings.I was not a member of the Order when she departed."

Dave held the frown.“How horrible. I can't fathom how someone could build a relationship for an extent of time just to crush it."
Considering my own experiences, I do. I really really do... How could she just disappear without a warning nor an explanation? Months and months of spending every waking hour devoted to each other. We‘d been lovers and the last time I saw her I was consumed in bitterness; threatening to end it all, and she exuded the audacity to merely say; we just share the same road... I swear to Bane finding that sorcerous ring she wanted all along was a downright bad omen. I had conveyed my love, and each time the response had been: love is a lie, only hate endures.
“I know how much that traitor harmed her."

Daves shakes his head in righteousness now. “I see." Contemplates.
“Much evil rests on his head. He could have saved Triel. He could have saved Cecilia.”
“Well, I would still like her contact information as well anyways.”
Jyohan pinches off a generous piece of cheese and offers it to Ameris, listening to Dave.
I don't know why... but this prat is already getting on my last grating nerves...
Ameris is frowning at the memories, but offers a smile to Jyoan and shakes his head. “No thankyou, sir."
“How did he stop Triel from being saved-- damned I am going off the interview questions pre-planned, successfully. Let's get back on track. Scratch that question."
“He was Dreadlord of Darkhold. He could have ordered his men to let the cure in. He was Prelate of the Radiant Heart, the Ranking Member on the field. He controlled both sides.Yet let a standoff carry on until finally an agreement was reached. Too late. I mean, its not just evil..."
Jyohan spoke, “What exactly is the herald?" Chewing his bloody cheese.
Ameris continued on about the Dreadlord, insulting him. “Its incompetent.He lost an asset for the Zhentarim."
“I heard from a hoarite; Talisen... that sir Arkaine would not enable the healing and curing supplies to Triel, and teh red wizard Kahanak said Arkaine had to have the concept bashed into his head? What about this information?"
Ameris: “Then Talisen is mistaken. Arkaine was not in command. And indeed obeyed Eliphas' orders not to engage. Both before the disaster, and after.
“Didn't mean to ignore! The Herald is a newspaper."
Ameris he turns to Jyohan, an apologetic smile.
“Sorry, I get, ah..Many people died that day. It gets me heated up."
Jyohan looks between them. “Something wrong, brothers?" He pauses from eating.
“We bring good reads to the hard-working and disenfranchised for an exquisitely-cheapened price-range. Alot of these questions further on...Are dealing with sir Arkaine's character."
Dave looks down at the media-papers before resuming. “Any cases of over-vigilance in the Grandmaster's behavior you may be can harken back to?"
“You wish me to speak to the Grandmaster's character?"
“Well, if there is nothing to hide why not?"
Jyohan continues to watch Dave, his eyes not wavering, chewing.
“I would prefer you asked the man himself, in honesty. Or at least gained his permission to talk to me. His many brave deeds against Evil are of course a matter of record."
“I have tried, twice.. no three times."
"Have you tried praying?"
“No." Dave says bluntly and frowns.
"I see."
“But I am looking at that alternative more and more.” Laughs.
“Arkaine is a paladin of Helm and a resolute defender of this city against evil. His deeds, as I said, are a matter of record. He has slain champions of evil, and demons and devils alike. But these deeds are known." He would incline his head to Mogrant.
“Have you ever had disagreements with how sir Arkaine manges duty and religious codes within the order?" His tone is objective-seeming, setting his gaze on Ameris afterwards.
“Well, no. Such was not his role while I served the Order."
“How frequently have you seen sir Arkaine engage in fighting and bloodshed, and is it pervasive?"
“Several times. We have fought beside each other several times against a range of enemies."
“When you fought these enemies...Was it done without asking questions first, or was it persistently within probably cause? Sorry, mispoke."
"Probable." Jyohan corrects.
“Usually they were running at us with swords raised ranting about sacrificing us to demons. Or on the back of worgs.Then they werent running.Or were undead. Or were actually demons."
Dave nods imperceptively.
“The Grandmaster is a mighty warrior. Often my role was merely keeping him standing.”
“Has he threatened anyone before, and under what motivation?"
“Hm. I remember he threatened the Zhentarim after Triel.And Eliphas held him back. I did too. I misread...the situation.We should have brought them to battle.” Ameris shakes his head. “There had been so much death, though. I think too much. “
“Right. Well, you can't always perceive the worst. Can you name his definitively positive and negative characteristics for me?" Dave clears throat, squinting down at his mediapapers.
Ameris frowns slightly. “Positive, he is Tethyrian. Negative, he is Tethyrian."
Dave laughs at the remark, responding: "You shouldn't be so specific.”
“We are a bold people. But we can push ourselves hard."
“Over-working would be his most negative quality then, marvelous."
Telia enters.
Jyohan and Ameris stand.
Dave gathers his fastidiously organized media-papers in smooth progress.

“Strangely... I have reached the ending of my interrogation.” Dave said lightly, with a degree of trivialism.
Telia steps inside and smiles at those around then table and offers Sister Adolina a smile as well.
Dave smiles at Telia in turn.
Ameris smiles to Telia, a bow.
Telia waves a hand, “Sit down, no need to... Especially not you!” She squints her eyes at Ameris as he bows.
“Forgive me, I was just about to enthuse about my homeland, it brings out the knight in me!"
Jyohan nods to Telia and sits, while everyone else remains standing.
“Have you met?” Ameris gestures to Jyohan.
“Well, I could listen to the homeland enthusing sure!" Dave said loudly.
Telia she rolls her eyes at Ameris and then turns her head to look at Jyohan, “I do not think we have. I am Telia Navra.” She smiles pleasantly. “Are you a follower of the Broken God or just visiting...?"
“I think my enthusing can wait for another day, Dave. If you are happy with what we have discussed?"
Jyohan looks woman over.
It was terrible, every word you said was sugar-coating for what a great paladin he is, and it sickens me.
Dave said in his shrill tone, “I am considerably although if you may grant me the contact information of Cecilia and Katarina I would be most grateful.”
“Perhaps best you give me the letters you wish to write and I will forward them. If they travel under my seal, delivery is more assured.”
Dave smiled for a final segment, and vacated the temple of mercy. Katarina was always softer for a paladin, she might of not enjoyed Arkaine's harsh, numb-headed methods, and Cecilia... well she had straight-up left the Radiant Heart shortly after Arkaine became Grandmaster. So, she could definitely be useful.

A jolt ran through him, nearly imploding with adrenaline, at this high-born lady being the masterpiece to his investigation. With effort, he contained his rising energies, and moved gradually through the city with vampire strength. He would suck Arkaine dry before it was all over, and leave a depleted husk of a paragon in the after-math; in the after-dark. Still, he had not yet realized the complete portfolio of his talents; following the stratagem of no propsect for escape and enlarging the shadow of doom to what could only be described as slow death was the construct... no, the landmine upon which he would he build the festering rage.

Dave spoke with the bartender at the Helm and Cloak, ordered a highcoin drink, he had to speak with him first before entering his private quarters, not like a vampire who waits by the unsuspecting prey's window to be allowed within but out of practicality. To know everything.

His black velvet right-hand delicately curled around the doorknob, and he twisted it just as softly. His eyes scanned the room, sensing the absence of life currents surging through it besides his own, and the thousands of details decorating the quarters.

He set some cow meat on the range, and the smell of it soon pervaded the windowless, shadow-enveloped room. Dave took savoring bites soon as it was half-cooked, half-bleeding. Before long, his eyes betokened more life-energy, as prophetic insights melded an invincible presence within his chaotic mind...

[Hitman Hard]

Chapter 5: The Die Is Cast; Media Era Rising

4 days before

Dave travails into the harsh morning light. Soon as he exits the city, he sights Lusca feet away, drumming an undulating beat, and religious-centric man proclaims, “Pay tribute to the Water Queen...to bring a storm of cleansing to this city.... Pay tribute to the Water Queen...before it is too late...."He half-sings in spoken word. Lusca grins, wildly.
Dave returns the grin, customarily. “Still saying the same brain-damaged lines over and over?”
“When the Queen is not given tribute...she manifests her will upon all....”
“The Baldurian Nation is relatively free in religious worshiping, perhaps you should learn this lesson.”
“Blasphemous fool! Let your lack of belief be how you find your quick end.”

Lusca drums an undulating beat. “The Water Queen's House receives those that pay tribute...those that pay tribute are protected!"He continues to preach as he speaks.
“Another question that springs to my mind is... well, it is an observation; you should be behind bars for treasonous, slanderous violations against the sovereignty of the Ducal.”
“And yet...I am not! I represent a force that all must obey....” His drumming continues.
“If I offer you even a single tradebar, rest assured it shall bear an unremovable curse.”
“The Gate is within the Queen's domain...and that is the truth of it."
A gnome strolls up the road. "What is this?"
Valiant: “He is whipped by the Bitch Queen, apparently."
Chambordin Baldinus: "What did you call me?"
“Him.” Dave gesticulated towards Lusca.
Lusca: “The Water Queen's House receives those that pay tribute...those that pay tribute are protected! “

Chambordini: "I have no time for this, I have an appointment you see." The gnome departs.

“What constitutes as tribute?”
“To humble one's self before her power, her domain. And...coin...." Lusca calls out during his drumming. Lusca grins, wildly.
Dave looked up at the sky before his gaze stuck back on Lusca. “So, this is what I have learned.
The tribute to Umberlee.... is at an all-time low. Therefore you are beating this drum, lamely.With no followers to be seen...”
“You both a fool and blind! The House, her temple..soars with the faithful!”
“ No sort of support can be seen... tell me have you re-lived many incarnations of similar great avoidance?"
“And...when those speak blasphemous words against the Queen...her might manifests!"
“...manifested in what form?"
“Storm...rain...lightning....furious winds....it is glorious!"
“Sounds like you are just fishing for some sensational atrocity that will never come."
“When you have faith, as I do...it will be so!"
Lusca takes his preaching into the Gate proper.“The Water Queen's House receives those that pay tribute...those that pay tribute are protected!”

----
10 days before

“Oh, hi there sir." She had her back pack open and selling off various scrolls and small items.
“I don't believe we've been acquainted rightly. My name is Dave, Awn."
She turns to face him and closes her pack, business done. “Hi Dave! How are you?"
“Your friend Talisen told me you would be the one to seek out. I am quite good."
“Talisen? When did you last see him? There's something I need to talk to him about."
“At the White Mask Theatre, figure the easiest place to come across him would be Roaringshores... or so it is rumormongered."
“Ah, then I suppose I'll be seeing him err long. Something you wanted to see me about, Dave?"
“Good friends stay in contact persistently indeed... Most definitely, I had inquirings surrounding Arkaine HalfOrken."
“Oh. Him? What do you want to know about him?" She looks back over her shoulder/
“Well, I heard you and him had some run-ins that weren't so pleasant?”
“Well yeah. You can say that. He tried to toss me out of this inn once."
“A small little thing like you? For what purpose..."
“I tried to get an apology from him for what he did to my friend.” Turns to face Dave; looking at him in full earnesty.

Dave angles his head towards her, in half-concern, half-curiosity before scratching underneath his ponytail. “Gosh this list of misdeeds goes on and on... Mind telling me what he did to your friend, and how comes he didn't apologize?"
“What list? Have you seen the list on the Chapter House of his titles?"
“No. I thought it was just Grandmaster."
“Ha, well. Maybe we should head inside. It's a tale I think I'd like to have a drink on hand for."
“Sure thing. The treat is on me... since your information is important."
Awnrette points to a booth “You buying then?"
“Of course."
“I'll be right here.”
“I hope you like elder root ale then...” He sits down and sets her drink by her.
Awnrette Looks at the ale and sniffs. Finally with a shrug she takes a drink. “It's not bad."
“Yes an aged and springy flavor...” He reads the label.
“So you want to hear about that orc-blood pig Arkaine?"
“An ale is an ale right.. And doesn't smell like a skunk. Orc-blood pig... this is already seeming to start off as factual. Chuckles. Yes. I beg it."
“Well. Let me start with who my friend is. Or was rather...” Sighs a heavy breath. “Her name was Ink, a little shou lass, about my size with hair jet as onyx.” Awnrette smirks, then continues. “I was never one for ladies, I have quite a few guy friends... but there was something special about her that I really liked. She had charisma."

He drinks from his ale, a hearty swig, then listens with a deep fascination to the words.
“Also she taught me the ways of Sharess and Bastet." She takes a deep gulp of ale. “Mm."
“The dark-haired ones are quite attractive indeed. I am familiar somewhat with Sharess.. but not Bastet. Oh well."
“Anyway she became a dear friend of mine and I looked after her on the coast and had adventurers with her. Even gave her a ring like this.” She shows him a ring.
“So an advisor and teacher.. someone you had vested admiration into.” His eyes drop to the ring, examining it carefully.
“She wasn't very well off so I helped her with her stuff. Oddly enough she only fought with a stick because she was what she called a "pacifist" and would only knock peoples clocks."
“You are adept in shadow-stepping then. A sentimental gift for sure."
Awnrette nods. “They are somewhat rare pieces... The third I've owned, actually.Then on that fateful day she was witness to one of Arkaine's temper tantrums. He had a suspected necromancer cornered. He was convinced that this necromancer was about to unleash some kind of deadly spell upon him... I believe, and he was in the process of raising that great mace of his to smash him like a bug. Present was Merek and like I said my dear friend Ink."
Dave listens earnestly, his gaze almost egging her on to continue. “I see. That seems like a climatic day...."
She nods and takes a break to drink some of the ale before her.

Dave remarked passively, “ I have heard others equate him with being a hulking primitive, and if I think I know where this is going well... it would not be an inaccuracy.” He frowns scholarly, gestures like a lawyer as he speaks, and drinks along.
“So what happened next was pure tragedy. My friend Ink was so convinced in doing no harm to those who haven't stuck first and all, she's a "pacifist" but she couldn't stand back from what Arkaine was about to render. My friend Ink took out her blunt striking stick and was using words more than her stick, though she was striking Arkaine, to try to deter his rage and unrelenting mace beatings. The necromancer was good and dead I heard at that point.”
“Whom was Arkaine unleashing his rage and unrelenting mace beatings upon at this juncture?"
“So Arkaine turns and my poor friend Ink, only a waif gets swatted by the heavy mace..."
“ Ink was a very disciplined person. I don't think she would have imagined this paragon of justice would turn to kill the next thing near without word so quickly. Without word or warning."
Dave is watching her over the rim of his glass in undisguised bewilderment. “He actually killed her?"

Awnrette nods. “I believe at that point another man stepped in on Ink's behalf and got similar treatment."
“Do you know his name, or can you give a description of his appearance... might not be so difficult given the unfair trauma of the day."
Awn shakes her head. “I wasn't there and I only have the account of Merek.”
“And you have never seen Ink ever since?"
“Not quite. She was put on trial where she told me she wasn't allowed to even speak. And the presiding justice only heeded Arkaine's words. She was sentenced as aiding a necromancer... and you know what that means, right?"
“Preposterous. Despicable even. That is boggling such is allowable in a court of law."
“Well necromancy is punishable by death... so is aiding."
“And are you a member of the Dragonwing crew?"
“Yeah. He did the same thing to my captain but with a whole lot less pretense."
“Talisen mentioned her to me; Desrah."
“And he also didn't bother taking her to court. He poured acid all over her body."
“Could of sworn there was something within Helmite dogma forbidding such a practice..."
“Can you start from the beginning please, so I can have a cohesive compilation of the account."
“Her body and others in my crew. Said they were pirates...” She lets that hang in the air. “And worshipers of Umberlee.” She drains the rest of her drink.

“Which is to say he had no real cause.Yes... actually.” She slides her empty drink forward. “Mind filling that?"
Dave chuckles. “Sure, I am boorish overly serious company so it is the least i can do."
“Thanks Dave."
Dave races to fill it.
“Thank you. “
Dave slides drink by her. “No problem. An unparched throat is a crime eh.."
Awnrette drinks the foam off the mug with a relishing sigh. “Alright. So I should say I know two other people who got attacked without provocation by Arkaine."
He looks down at his barely-touched ale, and picks it up for a few sips.
“My Captain and members of the crew and a man I met recently.Andoman. I'm not really sure of the name Andoman. Ando-something."
“If you could summarize the attacks against the captain and members of the crew it'd be marvelous, and then Andoman... unless you can't adequately."
“It is really quite funny how similar Andoman's account is with what happened."


“Hmm, serial killers often follow a pattern."
“Again I wasn't there when it happened. We all heard about the actual facts when Arkaine's then... probationer... squire or something told us about it. Erza.That's her name."
“I had already been trying to pursue interview with Erza already. Guess I had an intuitive track there..."
“Why are you asking? Are you some kind of monster hunter?"
Dave chuckled somewhat before pausing, weighing the answer in his head. “Right, I had forgotten to mention my motives. I am a reporter for The Herald.”
“Did you mention that? The Herald sounds familiar."
“I didn't think I did. Don't even know why I put emphasis on the words...” He laughs. “Yes, I agree."
“Where have I heard it?...” Tilts her head and chuckles. “What do you agree with?"
“He won't answer any of my questions, and I told him he should stop hiding."
“And if you ask him for an apology he just gets mad and threatens you! Like I was saying."
“Said I should obey the ethos of the paladin code, like everyone should live their lives like him. He got right in my face... towered over me just as you say."

Awnrette nods and takes tankard to face once more. “Well! I keep meeting people who want something to be done. It makes me hopeful."
“It is highly uplifting.” Smiles widely, gesturing about like a magistrate. “Perhaps, I could have luck with Desrah?"
“Perhaps. She doesn't remember the details... sadly. She was victim to that mace."
“You save me time then.The list is long for some reason... I had thought I was peering into the depths of a Candlekeep archive on Netherese history..."
“If you ever bring him in I would like to hear an apology for what he did to Ink."
“Bringing him in? Wouldn't that be a glorious, wondrous surprise... but I am under the impression I have a shadow of possibility having him stripped of his title, at least... Who knows? I will try. But. Is there anything else you feel you have left out?”
“Uh. No. Unless you want to hear about how he likes Cormyr for some reason.”
“Why does he like Cormyr.” He sticks out his tongue.
“Well I grew up in Cormyr. He said he thought the people there were "just" or some such. Just self-indulgent paladin talk I got when I was asking Arkaine about the Radiant Heart and their practices when I first met him. Said I need some kind of noble account to be a squire.Said Cormyrians are good for that. Bah...” She chuckles.
Dave smiles lightly.
Awn takes up her ale and looks across to Dave. “I think he's pretty blind about reality."
“He is quite delusional to be thinking he is obeying a code. I had my intention starting out... Oh damn I forgot my thought."
Awn drinks deeply and smiles to Valiant. “That's fine.I feel like it's my lucky day to tell someone who works for the city about this. Without comeuppance. A complaint or so. Mere voice. But just the same a common one."
“You just pulled a big word on a city sort...” Laughs. “This will allow me many more leads to chase down, certainly."
“I used to work for a man named Myhun. Old retired Fist commander."
“Interesting. You have a diverse skill-set maybe."
“He was always chasing after people who he thought were up to no good. But when I asked for something to be done about Arkaine he didn't do much. It was very disappointing."
“No pressure though, right!? Perhaps he didn't want to tarnish his image for going after a knight..."
“Aye. Something about knights and their fancy pantsy-ness."

“There was a bunch of commotion outside fist headquarters other day..."
“Have you read the list of titles Arkaine posted outside his Chapter House? What commotion?
“Sadly, I was kicked out before I could investigate. I swear the press should be given credentials or some form of badge... So we can pass through places easier, at least."
“I find the Fist to be rather rude.” She wrinkles her nose.
“I haven't read the list of titles."
She frowns and finishes the rest of her second drink, wipes her mouth with a hand. “Oh! You really should. It's quite something."

“I am curious though.Well, I will. Thinking about how long I blew a clarion horn out there... It's blasphemy I haven't." He chuckles.
“It's posted right by the door across from the gate. Sadly the gate never opens for me to go in there and write on it."
“Know anything about other squires that have worked for him in the past?...."
“Uh..." She thinks. “I might have some notes on that..."
“Wow, you really don't like him. Not that there is anything wrong with that."

She digs through her pack beside her and pulls out a book and opens it to the front and flips through, offers a smile while looking through. “James White..."
“James White... hmm, sounds like a paladin's name to me."
“I don't have anything else. Old stuff. Over a year ago.”
“Know why he left?”
“Left? Who?”
“James White."
Awnrette puts her book away.
“I don't know. He probably still works there but only in the chapel house.”
“Myhun wanted me to ask around about the Radiant Heart for some reason. I think I left some notes with him.”
“So, he was finding something fishy about it.. maybe because that Eliphas was found out as a Zhentarim Lord. Traitorous the place is... well historically”
“Ah, perhaps. I don't really know much about that. I was gone to sea when those things happened. Anyway Myhun finally took his retirement. I haven't seen him for ages."
Dave takes on grim cast, and drinks before belching uproariously. “Excuse me."
“Of course."
“Gone to sea... well glad you found your way back.” A slight smirk. “I think I am going to dip out at this interval. Thank you for your time, Awn."
“Alright. If you need help let me know."
Dave smiles appreciatively. “I will.”

----
3 days before

Agronak takes a seat.
Agronak asks, “We make them drow slaves, boss?"
Valiant’s eyes were lidded shut, blood pooling down his forehead from the open-handed blow, he slept like a baby before awakening abruptly to Dah dumping chilly water via waterskin on his face, then Awn‘s.
Awnrette coughs and sputters at the water. “Bwhuuh?"
“Dark elf say he want pretty human...not so much ugly pinkskin man."
Valiant glares frostily.
“Or we’s make example for other pinkskin..mabey takes ears?"
Awnrette blinks looking around*. “What the--” Goes silent; seeing them looming.
“Damnation....” The words slip from Valiant’s dry throat.
“You’s shut up!!!! Or we’s eat you(s)!!”

Grey orc with white face-painting spoke, “Take head!” He points at Valiant. “He was to help Kogan, and he attacked..."
“What you’s think boss?"
Dah moves to the door; blade drawn.
“Ah, I'm not very good eating. Much too slim."
“Yous pretty human, make good drow slave." Agronak said.
Valiant shakes his head, eyes scanning the room with taut expression, clinking sounds once and awhile. A strange rune on Dah’s arm glows.

Valiant: “A dezake... gimb hobeto ghhagog."
Dah raised the blade, walking to Valiant. Ready to remove his head.
Awn ducks her head.
Valiant said in negotiation, “Duzun gahh ro agh duzun dira inoiz ikusi ka berriro!"
Dah pauses, screams in his own mind; NIL!!
Awnrette mutters a word to activate her shadow cloak, then starts moving the bed in a labored attempt, as the ropes were resolutely-tied over her arms, and connected fiercely to the bed.
“Yous kill him dah!"
Dah sniffs; Agronak sniffs.
Valiant tries with all his might to push the bed over, in the encircling clot of darkness.
Dah lifts the blade high over Valiant.
Agronak roared, “Enoughs!!!!"
Dah stops; looking at Agronak.
The bed makes springy elevating and descending noises on it's axis, then subsides. A drawn out moment of just sweat,fear, and bed-feathers floating.

Valiant attempts to snake out of the bonds, suddenly.
Dah tries to keep aim on the neck, as he moves.
Agronak looks a bit uneasy. Valiant’s expression darkens, contorts, seems edgy.
As Dah’s blade falls it misses Valiant’s neck, cutting a long wound into his arm.

Valiant’s shoulders sagged, he howls in agony, and blood droplets spatter Dah, the mudstained sheets, and the cavern's walls. The bed re-started it’s mad see-sawing gallop on it’s metallic axis.Valiant grates his teeth from the newly arrived whistling of pain zipping through his body.

Agronak turns, and looks at the white face-painted orc returning. White face-painted orc began to speak in guttural accent. “Gahh zion thar! izan azkarra info informatika, edo an'g den hhagr jartzeko duzun."
The rune glows on Dah’s arm, as he raises the blade again.

Valiant attempts to wrest free of the ropes, again.
White face-painted orc jumps forward to hold Valiant down, as Dah aims for his neck one more. Valiant’s gauntleted hands squeeze into furious balls as he is held down, then his eyes rolling upwards at the raised axe, in despair. Dah swings too low and cuts a deep gash into Boss’s thigh, instead.
White face-painted orc’s eyeballs grew wide as saucers, “Argh! Damned wench!"
Valiant's rigid mask of despair dissolves; a grin of hope in replacement.
Awnrette struggles helplessly with the bonds.
Dah’s rune glow with a fiery light, and he lifts the axe once more.

Awnrette shrieks extremely loud; no one could mistake the magical discord channeled towards the orcs.
Agronak cast a powerful form of necromantic magic on Awn; her complexion paling and her body withering to too weak of a condition to survive.

Agronak then crushes her fragile skull with his boot. In horrifying sequence, Dah’s axe comes humming down with force towards Valiant’s Neck. The axe-head embedding itself into Valiant’s neck, successfully.
Agronak said, “Finish it. Such a waste. She make good slave"
Dah’s ears bleed from the cursing sound’s after-effects.

Valiant makes terrible throaty sounds, half-alive, with an axe cleaving into his neck, his eyes dance crazily; ebbing in and out in a life-draining pain.
White face-painted orc turns away as the tension ceases, the half elf dead and Valiant gurgling on the ground.
“A dezake marrazteko hannonkauk u den grhahamhahg...." Valiant manages pleadingly, with a hint of firmness.
“Cut offs his ear, Dah. Lets the fool go. We keep ear as trophy." Agronak instructed.

Rune glows once more as Dah pulls out a small blade. He walks over and slices off Valiant’s ear, it disgustingly falls to the dirt-sooted floor among the blood.
Agronak: “throw dis body in big water.”
Dah heals Valiant’s neck.
Valiant’s gaze advances and darts between them, then the door.
“Goes you weak pinkskins." Agronak cuts the ropes.

Valiant cast one final look at Awn’s grisly remains, trades looks at the orcs severely; trying to show respect and fear but not too much fear, then totters away thankfully. White face-painted orc shoves him as he walks past. “Do not betray us again!”

Valiant’s legs burned with an aching fury, his head lolled grotesquely sideways as if it would roll off his shoulders straight into the shore’s muck at another push. He put a gauntleted hand to his neck, in ordinance with preventing blood leakage.

In a shocked daze, he turned in the cavern, looking back at the orcs’ gruesome glory once more before the dark man stepped forwards into the sanctuary-seeming landscape of sunlight sharpened to a spell-radiating mastery.

He swiped blood hindering his vision; tottered towards a tree, leaned against it, and stared pale-faced, mouth open, at the speck of an enduringly-built boat in the yawing distance.

His belly convulsed and trembled in mutiny, next moment vomiting everywhere, then went to a discrete area to disguise himself. Good-natured laughs came slowly, slowly wafting somewhere past the slope.

His thoughts harvested coldly back to the half-orc... it gave him strength to carry on.

What’s wrong, HalfOrken? Your murder sprees have come to a complete halt... too frightened to have your simpleton violence stalked by the likes of a humble, media-caring reporter? Why would I not do this? And I have precise answers for all three.

Your Chapterhouse... would be the epitome of unhappy memories, something tells me you remember the happy ones more. That’s where I come in as fixer to change those memories, it is amazingly exhilarating, to see someone else see my way.


-----
Dave limped like a drunkard through the streets of Baldur’s Gate, approaching the Helm and Cloak, he was held up by a gangly-looking fellow with auburn hair. He frowned immensely.
“What happened to you?"
Dave waves his hand dismissively, his expression scrunching, “I was hit by a caravan; wasn’t paying attention."
“Good gods, man."
“No big deal, I’m fine."
“Do you need help?"
“No-no, I hath facilitate my coming steps to thine ostentatious quarters without complication. I think the caravan maestros are onto new goods and targets to promote contentious proportionality. I can only articulate the cruddy inconvenience as crazy bad luck passed on through a god-cursed bloodline.” Dave pointed off in the distance at the road mentioned. “Thank you for your kind inquiry, even things in a 13 league radius are invulnerable now."
The stranger nodded; his brows furrowed, “Be safe.”

He entered his orderly put together inn-room, then frowned. Still rattled from the torture, Daves’ nerves could be mistaken for a weary reporter just trying to make his deadline, he told himself in assurance.

His gaze cut across the room, quickly.

An atypical coat rack, a lavishly-designed wooden dresser, flanked by a grand wine cabinet, a well-tended bed, animate objects and appliances one would find normal enough for a mysteriously high-coin reporter.

He suppressed a sigh boiling up, ignored the burning sensation courageously askewing his thoughts to madness before his eyes sparked into a sobering sense of collected concentration.

Dave picked up the conspicuous document resting on the brilliantly polished dresser, and turned it over in his hands. He scrutinized the seal carefully, then wiped a trickle of sweat from his face with his fancily-tailored sleeve, broke the crimson wax, unfolded the parchment and started reading the perfectly-written penmanship.

He blinked at it, frowned harder, thirty long winter-time seconds passed; every organic thing in the realm seeming to coil, stop, and countdown from ten. Slowly, a deep smile of gratitude, with a profound aura of amazement materializing upon him. Dave slammed his fist on the dresser, savagely.

“Yeah, dodge the veracious truth within THIS letter, bully-monger!”

He clutched the letter to his chest, and finally set the letter down on that dresser.

...his face still a wide-mouthed mask of immodest joy, Dave blew out the candlelight and collapsed head first onto the polished wood floor...

[Hitman Hard]

Chapter 6: You Had Warnings About Eliphas the Deceiver, Grandmaster...

Cecilia offers a smile to the man, she dips forward into a graceful half-bow."Cecilia Lafayette, Sire. A pleasure."
Dave smiles at her, offering an accommodating bow, and ignoring Kahanak fully.His eyes flashed with amazement. “I have been looking for you! Wow, it's like two eggs in one basket, right here."
“"Oh, indeed?" Mild amusement gleams in her blue eyes, appraising the man before her. Posture remaining polite and formal, she offers an accepting nod. "Dave. . . Counterpunch, was it? I do not believe we have met."
Kahanak secretly wished Valiant was on this side of the fence.
“We have not, I have tried to expend many raw materials, over-reaching contacts, and some of the more affable demi-gods to locate you. It has been an unmitigated hassle, but glad it has come to pass. “
"My apologies for the struggle in such. It begs me to ask, however. . . how may I be of assistance?"
“I am one of those pain-inducing, expository reporters.Well, if you could answer some questions I'd be magnificently grateful. “
"Ah! A warrior who's preferred weapon is the quill. Admirable." She inclines her head. "Great power rests at your fingertips, you know."Rather, I am quite sure you are already aware."
He gestures powerfully. “Yes, but only lesser folks will so brazenly spark the flame. That sounds complimentary, thank you. I am still relatively newish to the newspaper, but it has been fun, trying out these new experiences. I take it you are not rebellious to the idea of an interview then..."
"It is so." She offers, subtly smoothing the mildly worn surface of her traveling leather."You seek to question me? Interesting, though rude of me to object. Shall we commence here, or would you prefer to talk elsewhere?"

Kahanak looks to Cecilia, pursing his lips as she suggest going away. his eyes drifts to Terri a moment, to return onto Valiant and Ceci.
“You know, some decisions are tricky. Where ever you feel most comfortable.”

Cecilia’s blue eyes momentarily weave in Terri's direction, a glance between she and Kahanak before returning to the silver-haired figure before her and gestures to the outdoor seating of the Elfsong.

Dave nods his agreement and moves towards the seats.
The woman seats herself, leg one over the other with the straight-back of perfect posture.
"Would you object to libations, Sire?" She queries, gesturing toward Joy with a smile.
“ I will copycat your drink.” He laughs then sets media-parchment on the table precisely and smoothly.
"How very kind of you." She dips her head graciously. "A wine if you would, preferably something with smokey undertones."

Dave takes a sip, meeting Cecilia's eye, then leans forwards, in a fervoring gesture. “Alright, so we shall begin.

She too, lifts a glass once offered, a soft murmur through parted lips.
“Did sir Arkaine exemplify an involved approach regarding attending prestige-focused meetigns and seeking conference with other high-ranking figures?” *His eyes flicker upwards at the casting momentarily before retaining a punctual, shrilly tone.

With a nod of satisfaction, she finally lifts the glass to her lips and wets them with the richly dark liquid. Her brows loft ever so slightly with Valiant's headfirst dive, yet she takes the time to savor the wine before her as she considers.
"You certainly do not wait anytime, David. It would appear none would even have time to aim a first blow to give you a chance to counter it as per your name." She laughs lightly, taking another sip of the draught from the glass before mulling over his questions.

He picks up his glass, it dangles in his hand, as he views Ivan, then the sky. She peers over her houlder, offering Ivan a warm smile. Ivan then moves over to sit down on the bench

"Ah, where were we. . . Ah. Arkaine, yes." She nods a few times, brushing a few strands of golden hair behind a pointed ear as she partakes of the glass once more. “Whilst I was serving in the Order of the Radiant Heart, Sir Arkaine was not the Grandmaster as he is today. You asked if he sought out higher ups in his decision making, correct?"
“Yes, I wanted to know about this specifically.” His tone is prompt albeit light. “Indeed, he was the senior knight though. I would speculate he had some say and swing in certain affairs...”

She taps the glass to her lips thoughtfully for a moment, swirling the maroon liquid in the beats that followed. “Arkaine was very opinionated in his stances, you are quite correct. He would offer them, brazenly so at times, but Eliphas always had the final say."

His expression is captivated on the news at hand, then paused with his mouth half open, (not certain if she had answered the question fully) before speaking. “Was there cases where Eliphas was not present and sr Arkaine took reins...if so did he adequately organize meetings for the Order, and would you espouse sir Arkaine listened to advice?"
Ckal raises his mug again. “To Ivan!"
Ivan shrugs, just taking another drink.
Ckal takes in a deep breath after another good swig. “I love the smell of rain on city stone."

Her blue eyes dance over the man before her, appraising his expression and tone. Golden brows lofting ever so slightly, she sipped. "When Eliphas was not present, I acted on his behalf as his Squire." She pauses momentarily before continuing. "Most of the organisation of meetings, and other tasks, especially public relations, were handled by myself on initiative."
Dave replied in turn, “That doesn't appear to be a conventional approach, interesting nonetheless."
"Arkaine was rarely around, save for when something were planned or drew his interest."
“What were his reasons for being absent?"
"I could not say. He was likely crusading, or attending to matters elsewhere."
Dave is gazing carelessly at the stairs, then back to Cecilia, he would level his gaze neutrally.
“May you describe sir Arkaine's relationships with his squires and various Radiant Heart members; did they receive encouraging attention and enough guidance?"
"Arkaine had no squire during my year of service. . . ." She pauses, tilting her head as she pondered some thought. "Aside from myself, there was only one other squire. Ronin Marcus, of Helm."
“Something gives me a general idea me from your first statement, but still feel it needs to be questioned." He wraps his black-velet gloved hands around his glass, aimlessly tapping his finger-tips along it's edge afterwards, an afterthought on his face.
"I was under the tutalage of the Grandmaster, after Beric disappeared that is. Ronin was under the wing of Brother Ameris Santrager. I do not quite recall whom he was squired to after Ameris left the Order, it may have been Arkaine but I could not offer that information with confidence. He did not remain within the Order, however, as you may know."

“So pooling from my memory, you were saying sir Arkaine was squiring you for a time frame. How would you describe these interactions and lessons? *He smiles widely, asking in highpitched tone*
"Oh no no, prior to being squired by Eliphas, I was under tutulage by a man who named himself Beric Engel. That lasted a month, however, until he disappeared."
Then tipping his head back, sipping from the drink, and wiping his mouth, his hair waving a bit in the wind. “Oh, my mistake. Ameris mentioned he was also a betrayer." Slight grim look. "Indeed. Both mentors I had whilst in the Order were Zhentarim infiltrators." She inclines her head slightly to that statement, a slightly longer draught taken from her glass."The Order was purged however. Cleansed of it's taint. At least taint which was sourced by the hand of vile gods."
“Yet you seem uncorrupted by these infiltrators clouding and tainting the Order's principalities, and your philosophy, at least in my eyes you seem friendly and approachable."
"You would expect otherwise?" She queries, lofting a brow with hints of her own curiosity to his reply.
He gestured one hand portentously through the air. “Of course not! I tend to trust people first despite showcasing a plethora of questions."He grins. “Anyways..."
“Her lips quirk with a slightly amused smile, swirling the crimson liquid before her."
“We have broached a few facets of sir Arkaine's capabilities in his Order, however, have you ever had any disagreements with sir Arkaine, inconsequential or serious?"

"In the interest of full disclosure, Arkaine and I have clashed a few times in the past. Indeed." She nods slowly. "Both within and after I left the Order."

“ Do you mind sharing with me the causes of such arguements, and what was argued over?” Cleared his throat soundly. “Clearly you do, since you said disclosure."He smiled encouragingly.The woman allows herself a small laugh at that before returning to a solemn tone once more. "It ranged from minor disagreements of ideals and philosophies during meetings, to the much more terse topic of paladin virtues. . . My decision to leave the Order was based on these things, and others."
"It remains dear to me, however. It has to chance to become something great once more, as was the intention with the purging. A phoenix was expected to rise from the ashes. . . I am saddened to hear that is not the case, however. I hate to pry, well half way do, half way don't.” He chuckles. “Can you give a solid instance of a clash of idealistic values between you and the Grandmaster? So, you are definitely not satisfied with the route the Order has gone down then."


"I am, for lack of a better word. . . disappointed." She offers, her fair brow pinching ever so slightly as she lifted the glass to her lips once more. Her gaze drifted, but for a moment, to the stars which glistened overhead.
He swallowed liquid from his drink, gesticulating to waitress Joy for two more casually, with a thankful, modest smile. He then looks back at Cecilia, waiting to see if she would offer more. "Arkaine and I seem to clash on these major points, or have done so in the past; humility, observation and method of action among other things."
“A phoenix rising from flame, that sounds like a logo, or a saying like the one I regularly read, the courage of one can change many, something along those lines of terminology."
Dave writes what she says down, squinting, the penknife scrawling across the media-parchment, dextrous and fast.
"It is metaphorical, of course. A philosophy. With the Order shattered and crumbled at the exposure of Eliphas, it had reached it's lowest point. Yet sometimes it takes being reduced to complete ash for things to change."
“That is so true, constructive criticism, and defeat can be overcome, if one decides to see."
"A forest burnt brings about new life, a building demolished to make way for something new, a phoenix sacrificing to be reborn. It is important to understand that none are perfect, and it's only by realising these imperfections can they be fixed. The Order can become something great again, under the right conditions."
“What conditions do you think sir Arkaine was holding back on?"
"Ah, forgive me. I get rather carried away." She offers with a small smile, shaking her head. "Where were we?"
“It's alright. You are successfully creating new questions for me.” His attention growing greater with every passing minute. “I can get back to what I had initially asked, or we can do that now."
"Arkaine remains with his head and heart stuck in the past, and is set in his old ways. He remains shut off to the idea that the newer generation have things to offer. In face, on numerous occassions has referred to me as a petulant child, worthy of only seeking his presence in fifty years when, and I quote, when you have done half as much good as I have in less than ten.To answer your question on what Arkaine was holding back. . ."
Dave remains silent, listening.
"The Order is a faction which, although boasts brotherhood and unity, remains cold and rigid under an iron fist. Perhaps this has worked in the past, but a fist only shatters. . . it cannot be offered in aid."

"The manor has become less of a home then the stables in the courtyard, a pecking order which looked down on and overruled those whom had not been in service as long as others or who were deemed incompetent when compared to the unshaken leaders at it's foundation. Perhaps that is. . . harsh. And Arkaine has done many good deeds for the Coast, and the Order. These remain, however, in the past. He is a hero of a war passed."
Dave nodded slowly.” I see, so people who have the ability to improve the Order are being discredited, and not taken in as a confidant of worthiness."
A soft sigh creeps forth from her rosen lips, as if considering whether or not further words should be offered. "How should I put this. . ." She muses quietly, mostly to herself.
Dave Appears rather patient, grins warmly, then glances down at his papers furtively. “Well, whatever you think would be best, you have done a great job so far."
"Arkaine claims the youth lack experience, and while this is true. . . if I seed is never given a nutured chance to grow, it will wither and die or will grow awkwardly and twisted. One should always be open-minded to the ideas and suggestions of youth as his is where new perspectives are offered, and fresh insights can be viewed with an appraising eye. Being a leader requires flexibility, dexterity over brute strength. At least in my opinion. It does not mean compromising morals or ideals, but it means being willing to take on advice and work as a unit."
“Alright, so he is resolutely stubborn in hearing advice and council of others, especially younger ones. I couldn't pinpoint his age, personally."
“Ameris informed you left the Order due to Eliphas' betrayal, I understand if this is a painful subject to wade but is this the only reason behind your choice?After all, it is why Sir Rokranon implimented the leadership of three prelates over one overruling grandmaster. Perhaps I should ask around if three prelates are still being enacted there.” He intoned firmly.
"Ah. I should have known this would come up eventually." She smiles faintly, a slender digit tapping on her glass. “Oh, it isn't." She responded to the prelate question, specifically.
“You save me time then.”
"It is a concept I think would be beneficial to the Order, with the right parties involved and not simply those who would pander to the desires of one person. As for my resignation from the Order. . . There are a few reasons, and I do hope you will bear with me as I lay them out for you. I should note, however, that I speak in no way to discredit or publically shame the current Grandmaster, not do I hold any resentment against him."

He goes back to recording what is written, then, looks up as she says publically shame. “I can bear with you, we can be overbearing together.I like interviews, one can focus on the interviewee, and not expose my lame personality, it's a marvelous scapegoating exercise.” He says lightly, then goes back to being silent for the time being.
"Arkaine was given information pertaining Eliphas' treachery and infiltration many weeks, even months before he was exposed. He did nothing with the information. It wasn't until I was able to uncover it myself with the aid of others, and expose it, did he claim to have known of it."

His brow wriggled in astonishment.
"Additionally, once Eliphas was exposed for the traitor he was, the Order was left leaderless. I took it upon myself to handle public relations at this time, as we awaited the dawning of a new era. With the gauntlet stolen, Arkaine voting himself leader and then not leaving his chambers for a month when action was needed. . . the Order crumbled. It had been purged, but the spark was seemingly never lit for it's renewal." Her brows creased, fingers pulling along the length of her jaw. Indeed her expression is one of grim disappointment.

“Can you explain the voting process, if the gauntlet is still lost, and the people who voted for and against him. if you'd be so kind. Then, we will move onto him staying on vacation in the Order Chambers”. Dave didn't realize he was standing, “Oops, got excited there."
"The voting process was one in which a new grandmaster to first be nominated. A pool, if you will. Candidates worthy of such. From the nominations, votes were cast at a knighting ceremony. Arkaine and I were both nominated for the position of Grandmaster.With one vote each from the two senior knights, it was left to a tie. Arkaine had a vote, also. Humbly choosing to ignore the voting process and cast it on himself."
“ I see."A slight frown forming as he gestures purposefully. “By ignoring the voting process, do you mean everyone else voted for someone beside themselves?"
"Admittedly, I was young in comparison. Freshly knighted after the exposure after the grandmaster, yet Arkaine's reasons for voting against me were rather. . . how do I put this. . . poignant. Indeed. It rather defeats the purpose of a vote if everyone voted for themselves. We are judged by others, after all. Sometimes they see things we do not. My nomination actually went to Sir Lance of Lathander, though he was not present and has not been in a long while. I did not have a vote, however, as I was not a senior knight."
“Indeed, how else is objectivity accomplished, I am super curious on his poignant reason for voting against you... right you just foresaw my question. Sounds like leadership qualities to me.” He grins a bit. “Surely, it couldn't of just been too young, as the forefront of it..." He writes what was said down, and pops his back left then right in the stool.

"It was not so much voting against me as it were voting for himself over me, which I do not fault him for. He certainly had more experience under his belt and accomplished a great many things, even if those things are now several years old."
“You think we can re-schedule the very few questions I have left, at a later time, Cecilia?"
"Sir Ferragus and Sir Arkaine did both speak against my nomination under under the notion that rising from Squire to Grandmaster was simply unheard of and that to be an effective Grandmaster one needs the experience to do so. They both nominated and voted for each other, which left a tie. Thus Arkaine changed his vote for himself once the Chancellor said it being allowed, though somewhat unheard of itself.Ah, of course. My apologies. My brother knows all too well how much I can speak at length."
Endelyon spends some time reading the bulletin board idly, tilting her head a bit curiously over the fence for a moment.

Dave offers his hand out. “Thank you so much. It's been a momentous honor. I am surprised it was allowed, and wonder if such has happened before in the history of the chapterhouse..."
She reaches out for the hand, grasping it in both of hers for a firm shake and a dip of her head.
“I would love to continue, I really really would. But I just remembered something. “

Elly looks at Sparrow with a slight smile.
"It's quite alright, David."
Sparrow watches Endelyon.
“Thank you for your time, also. I hope I did not bore you with tales of time past."
Elly seems to be pretty shamelessly eavesdropping on Dave and Cecilia.
“Alright, some other time to finish this. Bye. And I was interested the whole time."
Cecilia stands, pushing herself up and smoothing out her travel leathers.
Elly glances back toward the alegarden finally.

“I am surprised at the intensity at which you answered my questions, not many interviewees have done the same.
"Honesty above all else. Better to speak and be heard, then say nothing and be spoken for." She offers with a small smile.
“So you better letter Dave!” He points both index fingers at her, laughs, then leaves.

The Paragon of Chaos departed from Baldur's Gate, so he could attend to maintaining, strengthening, and organizing the political footholds he had snaked himself into. He imagined Arkaine's face; a clenched fist, as he ruthlessly continued to poise the righteous's rage towards the righteous.

Nobody will believe a word the Grandmaster said. Too much empirical mud and sleepless nights to handle. Only chaos and disastrous strife plunging atop the Chapterhouse like a precisely-targeted bomb, and the Grandmaster would feel the full weight of his adversary upon him.

[Hitman Hard]

Chapter 7: Education

You know, when you devote yourself to propoganda. It is designed to cherry pick the bad from the good, but no matter where I went. Everyone had something derogatory to say about Arkaine HalfOrken.

Edward, a local merchant around the Friendly Arm Inn said, "I hear he makes an arse of himself every chance he gets, and that he's a real arrogant fellow. I also hear he brought a bunch of his lackies to the inn once, claiming he was the authority around here. And started attacking people for little to no reason. Just on the suspicion of them being zhentarim."

Tegeus commented, "He has slain countless Orc raiders and undead beasts... I witnessed him bearing arm against a flaming shadow just south of here. Beyond that, he does little good that doesn't satisfy his own bloodlust. Look for a lass named Erza and Ink. Their testimonies were damning in my investigation."

A woman named Faye shared, "I might put in, the last dealings I had with the Radiant Heart was the acceptance of drow sympathizers. The name is familiar. Perhaps the one that tried to recruit me to their cause, of course this was before it came to light they did not serve justice, rather than favortism of their own."

...favortism, unsatiated bloodlust, lawlessness outside the Friendly Arm Inn? Something told me I had to get back to the East Gate District to educate the Grandmaster on his own sanctimonious dogma.

" Are you familiar with Helmite dogma? It am about to read it aloud outside the Radiant Heart Chapterhouse... Would you care to accompany me?"

Gasten replied, " I try to avoid religion its a plague."

"It am trying to strike home a point, sir."

"I guess I can watch."

Dave runs to intercept Ivan, " Sir! Would you like to read this Helmite dogma with us outside the Radiant Heat Chapterhouse?" Dave shows a document.

"Well, no, I don't want to do that."

"Sir!" Dave intercepts Revenark Stonehold. He shows a document. "Would you like to read Helmite dogma with me outside the Radiant Heart Chapterhouse?"

"Why? Ye joining the Radiant Heart?"

"To bring awareness to the Grandmaster of Helm's principles."

"Hmm I be guessing ye be having a disagreement with the lad then?"

Adam glances at the man. "What is it?"

"Would you like to read Helmite dogma with me outside the Radiant Heart Chapterhouse?"

Adam looks at the man oddly. "Why would I want to do that. That sounds like a waste of time?"

"To bring awareness to the Grandmaster of Helmite principles. I think it is worth it."

"They are pretty much aware, I think."

"Would you say all of them, or just some?"

Dave scopes out the area and continues.

"Soooo what be ye issue with the Radiant Heart?" Revenark again.

"I don't have an issue sir, I wish to bring the principles of Helm to the Grandmaster's attention. Oh a new person."

"It be what ye saying, but I'd be thinking he'd have to know it. Unless I am missing something."

"Sir, would you like to come with me to read the dogma of Helm aloud outside thenRadiant Heart Chapterhouse?" Dave shows him a document.

"Did you know Arkaine knew about Eliphas the Deceiver being a mole within their Order, and didn't' tell anyone the information?"

Yand responded, " Sure, let me get some basic supplies first."

"I find that hard to believe," Revenark now.

" I will be right here, excellent. The information came directly from Cecilia Lafayette."

[Hitman Hard]

This is probably the greatest project I ever did on bgtscc... and it is why Valiant is enemy no. 1 on the radiant heart guild page.