Cromis' Journal

[Killington]

Tarsakh 28

I receieved a note from Sister Adolina, left behind by Sveta Asperan's squire, Eleanor. She wrote of a meeting with Griselda, the witch hunting the plague spitters. Along with others, Eleanor met the witch north of the Gate some days past and hunted for the spiders, unsuccessfully. She asked me to join her again today and, I did. Many joined us, the Sunite, Ameris, Eldarian, and others. Together, we followed the witch to a barrow far north of the Fields of the Dead, and there did slay another plague spitter. Griselda summoned a glamor, to show us the likeness of Magmire and her staff of a thousand plagues. A high Talonite priestess, I believe, involved with the plague that recently wracked the Gate.

I met with Telia and Ameris this evening. I cooked cakes with Eleanor but did not have my fill, I was not hungry. They seem not to trust me, but I suppose I cannot blame them, truly. I have made mistakes in the Sword Coast, though they seem unwilling to acknowledge the mistakes of others involved, focusing on mine own rather than the Grandmaster's. Ameris is a good man, and I hope to earn his trust once more. Telia I do not know. She has changed, I believe. She is no longer the Telia that tortured Cecilia, Cara, and Ameris, but she need do more than that. She may be different, but she needs still work to balance her crimes. Repentance is a matter of actions, as well as learning. I can only hope she will do what must be done.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Tarsakh 29

I came across Eleanor, Corvus, and a mage named Fiera in the far south of Nashkel this morn. They were hunting for giants, I offered them my blessing and left for the Gate. Assuran grants me swift travel. After a short hunt of the trolls in the North, I returned to the Friendly Arm Inn and found Talisen meeting with the idiot mage I now know to be named Tyranthrax. He claimed to know much of the witch Magmire and her kin. We spoke on it for some time, but did not share anything I did not already know. The imbecile Zeno approached us at our seats. He proposed an idea to us of some book of elements, a treasure worth following him for. I declined as forcefully I could without arousing the interest of the guards. The arrogance and idiocy of the Talossans ever amazes me. To devote oneself to destruction without direction and discriminate targets, it is the work of a madman beyond reproach. That Zeno can hold a sword by the right end and resist the urge to pierce himself is beyond my knowing.

I spoke with Telia and Ameris again, however briefly. They were busy, a meeting of some sort, and I did not press the issue. Squire Eleanor's words did resonate with me, that I must earn trust once lost. I have overlooked this, supposed my own holy right without given them cause to believe me, and I will not overlook it again.

It has been some time since I gave the diviner Aeili Azenci the knife from the scene of the Butcher's slaughter. I sent for her as I write this, and will see her soon. I have been taught to expect little from her, as her last scrying resulted only in the destruction of the item I provided. I can only

The writing seems different, more a scrawl afterwards, a man with a shaking hand having written it.

Aeili told much. She saw a horrid scene, a one-eyed man slaughtering and cannibalizing his victims. He was in a building, the type she could not say, the sound of the sea was in the air. Laughter, too, and blood everywhere. The tower near the sea is recalled to memory. I must speak to Talisen, and Gwydion of it. This is a call for a return to DaggerFord.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Tarsakh 30

I met again with Brother Ameris. We spoke of Arkaine once more. According to Ameris, the reporter Dave Counterpunch wrote a scathing report on Arkaine and his Paladin colleagues. The troublesome man claims only half my words, publishing my disdain of the Grandmaster exclusively, and omitting my admission of blame to our conflict. An actor named Alison interrupted our discussion. I do not like the manner of that one, but Ameris seems fond of her. She left, after an annoying introduction, and we continued our words. Ameris seems to finally believe that my oath to the Watcher was earnest, and we have returned to friendlycordial terms. I am glad of this, he is a great ally to have, and a good man that I would not have dislike me. I spoke later with Talisen, I shared the findings given by Aeili, and he told me of an exchange between Arakes, Warren - a hedge wizard - and Valiant. The mad one captured an elf lass, by the name of Sylcylae, and also possesses a great Talonite artifact. He will be dealt with.

I spoke later this evening with Gwydion and Talisen both. Gwydion was distraught by Teris' antics, and believed him a laughingstock among the Hunters. He seems, severe, and dislikes the bandying japes of the Silverleafs. I can only hope he will not take their jokes to heart. He shared his results after studying the tome he found in the Pactmaker's home. The book is made of flesh, and written in blood and ash. It describes rituals, horrid spells for the binding of daemons and devils. Worse, it contains traps - flawed ritual instructions designed to entrap the soul of the user. The book is rare, and possessing one of the few will delay the works of the devil that spreads these evils, but the death or binding of that devil will be more permanent. I would much prefer that option. Gwydion needs find some magical components to summon and bind the devil, but I have little doubt in his abilities.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 1

I came upon Sparrow in the plaza of the Elfsong. She did not seem talkative, as usual, and I instead spoke with Reine and Eleanor, Squires to the Watchknight Sveta. She does hate me, I think. Sveta. The reason I do not know, it seems a new damage has been done to our relation, likely she believes the same lie that Ameris did - that I lied to Helm when I spoke that I accepted fault for Arkaine's death, and regretted the deaths of his squires. I need speak with her soon, for she tries actively to keep me from her squires. Reasonable, considering her misinformed opinion of me.

Eleanor wished to spar, the three of us - her, I, and Reine, walked to the tourney ground. I visited Blunt on the way to collect my practice gear. I taught her some new tricks, particularly with regard to fighting with a spear or poleweapon, and other manoeuvres of swordsmanship. She is learning well, and has improved drastically since our last training session. Among those watching the 'show' was Corvus, a druid. He claimed knowledge of a taint to the north. The Squires and I followed his lead to the Northern High Moor, and found another plague spitter - the vicious undead spiders crafted by the Talonite orders. I summoned Ivan for aid, and it was slain as it attacked us.

After a teleportation to the Gate, Gwydion offered his help with tracking the location of the Broodmother. His maths are beyond my capability. Later I spoke in depth with Squire Eleanor. She is wise beyond her years, and her grandmother taught her well, but she does have many misconceptions and false notions. However, it should be noted that she is of the Triad, and servants of Tyr are far wiser than the Ilmateri and Lathanderites on matters of Justice. She expressed a wish to speak again, I foresee cooperation between us.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 2

Talisen and I met with Eldarian this day. We offered him our pages of the Talonite tomes, a gesture of good faith, but he had already seen them. This did surprise me, Cara seems to have shared them with him already while she worked on them. We exchanged words, the situation in Beregost is more fragile than I realized. We will be needed soon.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 3

Another day, and another meeting. This time with the Head Watchknight Sveta Asperan. She shared many misconceptions about my faith, although to her credit she was not convinced by Dave Counterpunch's edition of my tale. She has been more angry at me of late, and this meeting was to address those unspoken problems. I suspect that we two share more in common than either of us realized, but she is still angered by my meetings with her Squire.

Later, I spoke again with Eleanor. She is learning well, and managed to convince the foolish Erza to share the Radiant Heart's Talonite tomes with the others. I hope that this will start a pattern of Erza gaining some measure of wisdom.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 3

Eleanor and I walked to the Friendly Arm Inn. We met with Talisen, Arakes, and Warren. A man exited the Inn's courtyard then. A Lordling of Elturel named Aaron. He claimed that his brother slew his father, and asked for our help in bringing vengeance to him. We agreed tentatively, under a number of provisions. He accompanied us as we made our way through the Cloakwood to find the brother, Lem. We came upon a bridge, where we found Lem's band of house guard demanding a toll for passage. We asked of his past, but he gave only death, and we returned it.

Disturbing was what we found in the carnage. the body of an old man in armour on a pike. The symbol of the Doombringer painted on his breastplate. There was a child hiding in the camp. Charles - the page to the Lord of Elturel and father of Aaron's father, Sid. Charles explained in his way that Lem gave Aaron and Sid what they deserved. How I wish that they had spoken with us of this rather than presented arms and assassins. I beseeched my lord for resurrection of Lem, but he was content where he rests. I buried him, then.

Lem is a lesson. A stark reminder, to follow the line of the Doombringer's teachings and not pursue evil for evil's own sake for that was is seductive and leads only to one's downfall. It led to Lem's downfall this day. I will not forget him.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 4

Today marks the raid on the Serpent's temple. This has been Talisen's planning, and I only hope that he has done it well, it is one of his first missions made by only his devising. I was with Squire Eleanor when the time came and asked her if she wished to accompany. She did, and joined us in arms against the Yuan-ti. It was strange, the place seemed deserted. I was annoyed at Talisen's lack of planning, what was meant to be a raid on a camp of Yuan-ti soldiers turned to an expedition into the temple hallways. I will need to speak with Talisen to remind him of the necessity for order in battle. Such distractions are rarely survived.

We continued down the corridors for some way, empty save for the occasional serpent. We came upon the large chamber where the Hydra's lair and found nothing. The entire hall of the temple was empty. As we came to the end of a corridor, it was then that they decided to return. How I shall lecture Talisen for that. A queen leading a troupe of archers. Easy enough prey, but we were far outnumbered. The queen offered words at first, and opened a portal where another one - the one that ordered my assassination attempt - spoke through the gate. She congratulated the queen on her success, and ordered her death, along with ours. It was a long pitched battle, but we slew the archers, fighting side by side with the deposed queen. When the last serpent fell, she turned her blades on us and commanded we slay a rival for her that she may gain favour. Again in that position, it seemed.

She gave us access through a portal in the wall to the Boareskyre. We saw a horrid sight, Yuan-ti slaying merchants and bandits alike, fighting at the walls of Soubar. A massacre, it was. Another long battle as we cut down serpentkind. The battle for the merchants' hill was fierce, and we nearly fell in dueling the rival queen, but we prevailed. Afterwards, before I transported us back to the Gate, I reanimated the queen. It was punishment for her attempt on my soul during the soul. She cast a spell to reduce my very being to nothing, and leave a husk of entropic chaos behind. As a man who tries to slay you is slain, so the queen is tried to destroy me was destroyed. A fitting punishment that fits the crime. I believe Squire Eleanor did not see it that way, but she is still in training, and will realize the necessity of the act in time.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

---

Mirtul 5

I met Talisen and Arakes in the Blushing Mermaid this night. Talisen brought Cara with him for aid. The prey this night was Talonites. Talisen had news of strange sights in the sewers beneath the Harbour. Rats that walk as men, but do not as lycanthropes. Giant rats aside them, and sights stranger still. I sent a Sending for Squire Eleanor to accompany us this night as well, and to my eternal chagrin her mentor Sveta Asperan forced her way in to join us.

We entered the sewers at the entrance where I was ambushed a tenday past. Talisen reasoned that they would be nearest to that entrance, a fair guess. We explored the sewers tentatively and with great caution. Before too long, we found a corpse. It was strange, the flesh gone entirely but it had not been there long enough, and the traditional signs of corruption were absent. No maggots, but the stench was redoubled and more. We followed further in, and were beset upon by a horde of small rats, and a larger one that walked on it's back feet as a man would.

We retraced their movements and followed the direction they came from. We found a sprawling labyrinth of tunnels beneath the city, filled with mutated rats as large as and larger than horses, with eyes and heads in bizarre multiples, changing with the whim of the beast, it seemed. We pressed forth for near an age, it seemed, until I fell. I knew nothing more, only blackness, until the dark gave way to the peace of the Chionthar. Talisen, Eleanor, and Cara had brought us out, somehow. The Fist must know of this. I am glad that Sveta was brought, in the end. Her testimony will be taken far more seriously than mine alone.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 6

I sent for Eleanor again. I feel that she has grown colder since my reanimation of the Yuan-ti Queen. It was shocking, perhaps, for one who has lived a life without the harsher realities of justice. To put an orc to the sword is one matter, to condemn it eternally requires far greater conviction. She was preoccupied, however. Conversing with Telia and her mentor Sveta in her home. She invited me to visit and share my words, and I did. I told the Lady Watchknight of the assault upon Soubar and the Boareskyr encampments by the Yuan-ti two days past. The Undead are not the only threat in the North, though I would be among those who admit it to be the greatest. Still the army that slithers in the Serpent Hills should not be ignored. The Yuan-ti possess formidable portals, and the will to use them and their armies to reclaim the land they feel has been stolen from them by humankind. We discussed the possibilities of combating the scalykind, one that will be most difficult. However, not impossible. The creatures are rallied under many banners, many Queens. All united under the grand Matriarch. If she were to fall, or other Queens given cause to rebel, then the threat will be diminished, else defeated. This I can hope for. I will speak to Talisen.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 7

A strange sight appeared before me as I strode down the avenue past Maltz' shop. Sveta's Squire Eleanor storming down the road, obviously enraged. I asked after her and was met with a yell, she was expecting someone to have followed her. Most likely her mentor. I offered to spar with her, such exertions lighten the load on one's shoulders greatly. She agreed, but before we left Bandit joined us and told Eleanor of his plan with the Songstone - though at the time I knew nothing of it. He left then to do something involving it, refusing my blessings. We went then to the tourney ground and we sparred. I placed down targets for her to destroy first, I destroyed one myself by calling fire from the heavens, and then we dueled. She fought valiantly, she has been well-taught, but I defeated her. I do believe she benefited from that, the opportunity to let her anger out in a setting that not harm another.

Disturbingly, we were watched in our spar by a strange helmeted figure in a dark robe. He asked for the Songstone Eleanor carried, and threatened to slay her and raise her again as an undead. By conversation's end he simply left. Eleanor told me of the gem - a crystal empowered to enchant weapons with a thundering capacity. A dangerous tool in the hands of the liches of the North. Eldarian and Bandit were summoned, and I transported us to Beregost to lock the gem away. Reader Laitae was present, and demonstrated her typical foolishness after listening in on my conversation with Eleanor - and mishearing my explicit instructions. She thinks me a 'sociopath' now, one without emotion. She is quite wrong.

I led Eleanor to the Risen Phoenix and spoke with her of her discontentments. She is dealing with much, but the sparring has helped and I would continue to do so with her. It seems that Sveta may not be the one to mentor this Squire, they disagree often and on everything. My own mentor did with me, but only on the facts, not the philosophies. Sveta seems to have irreconcilable differences with her Squire. I shall make a note of this and speak with her soon.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 8

I spoke with Eleanor briefly this day. I offered her the possibility of a Squireship with the miss Cecilia Lafayette. She was not familiar with her, but I would certainly vouch for the young squire should the two meet. Cecilia is a knight of the Triad, and though she barely surpasses Eleanor in years she had a wisdom and experience beyond her age. She would be more suitable than either I or Dame Sveta Asperan, I believe.

But I can say no more. All I can say has already been said. The decision is for Eleanor to make, and I cannot steal that freedom from her, nor will I permit another to do so.

What she will do, to remain with the Lady Watchknight or to leave for the mentoring of another more suited to her liking, I do not know. I will only see.

Defiance

All around us death
surrounds as with bated breath
we hold fast to life
Myrkul's scythe
Bhaal's knife
A threat at every turn
without hope of return
at any misstep
Beshaba's grin, Tymora's scowl
Bring ruin and most foul
fates at witching hour

In meeting one's doom
forming one's pose for the tomb
you meet it with smile
laughing all the while
As family and friend
meet end in Myrkul's pile
but the laughter gives way
when fate is realized
and those who have died
Look up from the hells
To those who still bare
teeth and ring bells
of war against shade
and cry 'not this day!'

And they may yet live
for a time they survive
but as night falls day gives
None stay alive
and they join those below
they rot together, no difference is made
between willing victim and champion slay'd

Such thoughts dampen hope
evil thoughts wrecking mind
That no matter the kind
of actions partook
your fate is still written
in Myrkul's black book

Inescapable, Inevitable

Such thoughts dampen hope,
but still we press on
For after all
Such thoughts may be wrong.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 9

Squire Eleanor sent for me to fight the spiders in the North. I made the trek but arrived as the hunt was over. Apparently the Sunite was to host a meeting at the Order of the Radiant Heart Chapterhouse. I was loathe to enter that place. The throne of Arkaine - great armoured fool that he is. I feared that I walked into a courtroom to face execution at their notions of justice. Instead, I walked into an inquisition, a barrage of false accusations leveled at me by the knights of various Orders. They claimed me to be a spy for the Zhentarim, a notion so laughable I could not contain my reaction to it. They spent near an age on this, while the Phoenix Company sat there happily. If ever distrust and trust were misplaced it was then.

I offered my information of the Spitters, the Rats, everything I had. They still treat me with disrespect and hatred. I do hope that Eleanor's sayings on trust are correct. With time, the incident of Arkaine's timely death will pass.

Eleanor is now my squire now, of sorts. A student, at the least, for she remains Sveta's squire, but I will be there to teach her. I am glad of this.

I need speak with Cara as well, she has some findings on the rats - she did experiments to learn of their nature. I searched for her in the Gate's cemetery but she was absent, preoccupied with some other business. I will see her soon.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 10

Cara divulged her findings to me. The rats we faced in the undertunnels were the progeny of those maggot-ridden rats that spread the plague in it's first onslaught through the Gate. This is disturbing, to know for certain that it is related. She spoke also of a vision granted her by her lord, Jergal. A herd of deer hunted by a beast of shadow, slaying with voracious abandon. At the vision's end, a scene of a broken horn. Ivan informed us it was the symbol of Gargauth, a devil god served by dark cultists. The news disturbed me, and her even more - the point that she kicked a bench from the spectator grounds at the tourney field in frustration. She said that she may have been mistakenly aiding a foe. A Gargauthan I would assume, given the rage from the revelation. She will tell more when she can, but need first gather her wits, in her words.

We made for DaggerFord in the evening. Hoar grants me great travel in the blink of an eye. We met a hunter there, nameless but for his profession. He told us of the location Aeili divined - the tower by the sea. We began our march this night. We were assailed by a group from the tower. The Geiland Spire of is inhabited by prisoners. They led a mutiny two years past and claimed it for their own. They tortured a woman there on the road. We put an end to their game, and gave her mercy.

We will arrive at the Spire within a day's march.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

---

Mirtul 11

We reached the Spire's grounds this day. A wretched sight, as one from the plane of Shadow transposed onto this Prime. The smell of death and the absence of colour save the red of blood spilt. We walked to the gate and Talisen made his efforts to open it to no avail. We know it's location now, and I can bring us there in more easily another day. The time for Vengeance comes near.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 11

Eleanor has had a vision. A strange girl wielding a hammer, slaying orcs and giants and other monsters. She alone sees her, though I could see the footprints and carnage left behind. The Squire has an amulet as well, found on the roadside days past. It glows with a subtle magic when she sees the ghostly figure. We were at the Friendly Arm Inn when it manifested. We followed its passage and were led to the Orc cave in the Woods of Sharp Teeth. There, it led us to a pair of Eye Tyrants in the subterranean lair. Where they came from, I cannot fathom, but Eleanor described the girl as nodding with approval. What the figure is I cannot guess, an angel of the Triad, or a ghost with some connection to the amulet and my student. Perhaps.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis

[Killington]

Mirtul 12

I went to speak with the Lady Watchknight Sveta Asperan. We met outside the Gate in the farmlands but moved our conversation to her residence within the walls. Sveta formally offered her condoning my mentoring of her squire - given the precedence afforded her Squireship with the Helmite. I accepted. Eleanor needs the position of Knighthood to aid her family, and I will not take it from her.

I debated with Sveta on where the line between Justice and Vigilantism falls. On one side, mere civil disobedience and riots, and the other, taking Justice where the lawgivers will not grant it passage. We seem to disagree on where these lines fall. She left soon after the meal that Eleanor prepared for the three of us, and I spoke with the Squire afterwards.

Reine interrupted our discussion by entering the house. She came bearing the Talonite tome Tyranthrax had discovered, and news of the Lathanderites. Vicar Neschera had been slain and raised as an undead. A horrid crime that need be avenged. Brother Ameris and Commander Eldarian were able to restore her, but only barely, and were gravely wounded in the attempt.

I teleported Eleanor and myself to Beregost and walked to the Song of the Morning Temple. Berea was sitting in the pews when we entered, she did not know where Neschera was, and Eldarian and Ameris were asleep. Well earned rest. I will speak to them soon. Berea knew something of the ritual. She feared that there were greater consequences than the physical damage done. Spiritual ramifications. They were granted some measure of insanity from the ordeal, one that I reassured her will likely dissipate with time. If it is worse, vengeance on the one who gave the curse may lift it.

Squire Eleanor thinks me unhappy. A fair assessment, but I am content, truly, with what I have chosen for my life. She does try hard to bring a better life to me, and I am grateful to her for that effort but it is in vain. She made me think of Cylla again with her words, as ever my thoughts drift to her memory. But I have given my life to Assuran, to the work of bringing his vengeance where others cannot. This is not a life that does well to seeing the beauty of flowers and gardens. I do tasks others do not for fear of dirtying hands, I tred where Paladins do not dare, and do what must be done.

- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis