The Order of the Silver Rose rp

[Menzx]

Tarsakh 17, 1362: Hour 10 morning patrol, after a few days of rest and gear maintenance.
*Report left with Order's Gate guard*
Senior knights, squires at the hall, whom recieves this report,
My next patrol led me traveling through the southern farms from Baulder's Gate, along the road a wary farmer approached me with fear in his eyes. I asked him a few questions and calmed him with a warm smile. The farmer told me the bug bears have been traveling from the Northern Region of Thundar's Ride and raiding his flock, leaving many dead and gone. Showing great concern, I told the poor farmer I would make it my quest to defend the region and travel farther north to the known bug bear encampments. A few hours along the road I found a shrine of Hoar, the doom bringer, deity of revenge. In that moment I was attacked by a hunting group of bugbears. A bugbear caster, A bugbear warrior and a Bugbear scout came brazenly forward to attack me, growling and screeching as they aimed to kill me. The caster brought down lightning from the sky, but a quick prayer to helm and it split around me. I rushed the caster and cut it down swiftly. The Bugbear warrior proved to be more of a monster, slamming its axe into my shield over, and over again. I pushed it back with my great shield and with one thrust into its gullet it went down, all the while arrows shot around me, due to the bugbear missing. Finishing the encounter by advancing slowly upon the scout and bringing down my bastard sword. Their bodies now around me. I cleansed the area with a quick prayer to helm. Heading back to the southern fields and giving the farmer the bugbear necklaces of teeth to report to him my success. The farmer delighted, smiled and cried out. I didn't accept the payment. Letting the farmer know I would always keep the roads safe. Returning back to the Order's Headquarters with my report

-Squire Artixus

[Menzx]

* A note left with the guard outside the order, left with the words "only for the knight commanders eyes" *

knight Commander, I faced a struggle of my soul last night. I thought deep and well of my meeting with what seems to have been one of my biggest challenges. Last evening tarsakh 17, I was asked by a priest, a friend of mine named oofus to escort him to the mistywoods. An area near the dark places of boarskyre. His goal was herbs for healing salves for the poor around Baulder's slums. I tried to dissuade him but he insisted. I couldn't willingly let my friend of the faith go alone. Still recovering from a previous patrol. Making our way to boarskyre was no easy feat nor through it. I, felt the darkness welled in that area... I prayed heavily to helm, this must have been a great blessing for me. A time of faith. When we finally made it to the northlands further north we met a stranger in deep purple, full plate. I was weary as the whole area had bandits and the remnants of death. I was, I don't wish to say scared but I was truly on edge. I felt they were a threat. oofus reaching a few spots to collect was away, as I talked to this Mitheera. She warned me of the woods, but I was too wary of her to listen. She let down her arms and helm and showed me her face. A drow woman. Blade in hand, I took a step forward. One of almost intense hate. I felt I wanted to cut her down. Yet she showed me no ill intent, she didn't pick her blade back up when I walked towards her. I was frozen in place. Remnants of hate and fear rose to meet me, oofus who was too far away to know. I remembered the code; I grit my teeth. Mitheera showed me only sincerity but was it real? I reluctantly showed the same, I put my sword away and showed my face as well. The code says, even if they are true enemies to stand by the code. She didn't attack me or threaten my life. I couldn't strike her down. I relented and the conversation went to peace. I showed respect to the miss, even when my instincts said fear and hate. Helm must have brought me there to steel my discipline. This was urgent and important that this only reaches your eyes. This Squire doesn't know if he did what was asked of him. I have been lost in these thoughts. I have taken to the drink as well... this overwhelming feeling, I stay at this inn and continue to pray. My soul feels stirred.

[Menzx]

Tarsakh 17, 1362; Hour 17 Afternoon Patrol
* Report scroll tied, and left on a table near Commander's Quarters for convenience*

knight Commander, with a short break upon the earlier morn I took a patrol again the verify Sun scale Lizard tribe's behavior near the road west of Soubar. From my position near the road I saw a robed figure, I approached them and befriended, a sorceress named Soren. She was fair and kind in her manners, and it seemed she was new to the area. Wanting to safeguard her travel, I asked the fair miss if I could escort her on her way through. She agreed and I showed her rumored areas of research of sunken swamped ruins, a high point on a ruined watch tower, as well as collecting any herbs along the way. We were attacked by the sunscale Lizard tribe I had been scoping out of late. Defending her with body and shield, but she was strong of mind. She had magnificent power. I asked if she was keen to look for historical items near the fort and she agreed to my further escort. We pushed into the fort and aided Soren in performing the research and learning she wanted that day. After several hours together Soren and I came to a common understanding of each other. The whole while I showed her the utmost respect and honor one would for a lady. We parted at the border on good terms and should she need more aid, I would assist her again.


-Squire Artixus

[Menzx]

Tarsakh 19: Hour 5 *report finely written and neatly nailed onto the Order report board*

Knight Commander and or any in attendance to read report,

With the new Inducted Squire Garrick, me and him did a joint patrol towards Cloakwood itself. After hearing rumors of once safe paths becoming hunting grounds of vampires. Squire Garrick and I, requested aid of a nearby priest to help us cleanse and protect the paths. Summarily he be named Retri. As well as a local hunter named Iccuras. All were given the information and warning that death may be an end. Finding the whereabouts of the vampire hold out, we fought well and cleared out many of the dead. I took many of injury, having to create a path of retreat for allies in attendance. Squire Garrick had blessed aim and did the Order well, covering the fall-back order for superior positioning against the undead. Having accomplished our goal that night, we Order members returned and rested in the barracks.

Details recounted by Garrick, as I showed him the method of writing the report.

-Squire Artixus

-Squire Garrick

[Menzx]

Tarsakh 20: Hour 0 *pinned neatly to the board, it seems artixus has found better ways for viewing as well as his penning, though wax drops appear on some parts of the report. As if he had done it late into the hours*

Knight Commander,

This late patrol, I had Squire Garrick accompany me to patrol the Beregost region, whereupon we met a passerby speaking of the recent danger of Xvarti goblinoids. The goblins had been raiding the roads and attacking any who pass by. Taking this seriously as a threat, we pushed into the region and met heavy resistance. Xvarti shamans in full regalia, Warriors armed for invasion, and finally a great dire beast. We happened to slay the beast and return the region to safer conditions, though for how long? I know not. The Xvarti Shamans are a great danger to the unprepared! They summon vile Dire beasts. It took shield and body to create space for Squire Garrick to hit his targets. A note of warning, the shamans place courses upon your soul that slow and debilitate. I the forefront, had to seek aid from a nearby temple for healing. We returned to the Order and I got us both checked by Mary for any lingering pain and magical sway. Getting the all cleared from her, I returned to my quarters for needed rest.


-Squire Artixus

-Squire Garrick

[Child of the Night]

.

[Menzx]

Tarsakh 21: Late evening *Artixus's handwriting is more refined at this point, as he grasps a better understanding of writing reports*

Knight Commander,
Squire Garrick, my priestly friend Retri, and well met acquaintance, miss Kiki met along the path to nashkel. Miss, Kiki explaining that she heard rumors of trolls and the like of the Uldoon Trail, harming travelers coming from Amn. Another threat that needs investigating. Traveling Ahead to the trail we found dire beasts and feral doglike humanoids, called Flin by locals and various tomes. Clearing the trail, we reached a dark rising tower emanating dark magic that seemed to pierce my very body. We pushed inside the heavy tower doors and met More Flin. EVERY crumbled hall, open space, there were floating balls of what I dictionaried from several tomes as illuminant floating round spheres static in place. The very air stagnant but prickling my skin. With caution, the group took a slow approach searching halls and rooms, finding desecrated tables of research and finally a grand hall with a wall expanding painting of a historic battle. I sketched it with charcoal on parchment. Moving on we encountered a massive Flin, a chieftain. The group valiantly fought the creature, and I shielded the group at the front. It slammed me into the ground, my shield cracking in places. Finally slaying it, I had retained many injuries. Recovering, we continued inward. the feeling of dread ever increasing till we reached a door that reeked of violence and death. We steeled ourselves and I rushed in. Meeting a necromancer of the dark arts, it's power beyond my comprehension. I held strong bellowing prayers to helm. Body and mind held, till I was blasted by necromantic screams from it's vile mouth. I flew into a crumbling broken pillar and smashed through it. Losing consciousness, the rest can be recounted by Squire Garrick, as he had orchestrated my recovery of my dying body. We returned after having pulled out in a desperate escape. I with the help of my friends had made it to the Inn and then to Sister Mary. I told her the shaking feeling's I felt, and she guided me through deep prayer to help heal parts of my soul. We did return, and I recovered slowly. * a sketch of a painting is seen attached at the bottom, not the most artistic. Though not at the exact return of the report its self-*

[Menzx]

Tarsakh 21: Hour 22 preceding to Tarsakh 22: Hour 3 *An urgent scroll meant for the Knight Commander's eyes, sealed with wax*

Knight Commander,

After recovering from my wounds, I had returned outside the Friendly Arm inn, and a great disturbance occurred out front of the settlement gates. A Solaris Cult had arrived, displaying their deities symbol on a cloak. Many reacted in swift disgust towards the worshipper of the Frost maiden. I had naught been quick enough to fully stop the altercations. Ferrick in attendance, Melina, Retri, Garrick, and several others. I had done what I could to Watch and learn all that occurred before reacting. I had reminded garrick discipline be kept, as our order code dictates, even if they be enemies. In my vigil I saw she drew no weapons and made not a move to commit crime. the others not wanting any such friendly interaction with her left. I stayed behind to thoroughly watch their actions. She had told me many of things that only seemed to be laced manipulation. Such as Amn having a helmite temple and allowing casters to be burned and killed, lawless acceptance of death allowed there. I know not the full truth, nor will I pretend to. I cannot speak for my fellow helmites there. I grew up in a different cloister. It made me struggle with some answers. Governance isn't my specialty, but....no. I don't want this to claw into me. I ask for guidance Knight Commander at your soonest reading of this

[Menzx]

*a neatly sealed scroll, its sitting at the typical location for the Commander: outside her quarters on a small beautifully designed table
Knight Commander,
I write this after finally having returned later in the late evening, that my account may reach you unspoiled by rumor or embellishment. What I set to parchment is as true as my senses allowed, though I confess, even now, it strains belief.
On the 23rd of Tarsakh, in the Year of 1362, I rose at the third bell before dawn within the Friendly Arm Inn. My intent was simple and honorable: to depart for Nashkel on an errand concerning armor ore, arranged with a devout Helmite acquaintance. The morning was still, the air carrying that quiet weight that precedes long roads and uncertain turns.
Before my departure, I found myself in brief conversation with a traveler known as Miss Rhea Meowle. Whose demeanor was curious yet agreeable. It was during this exchange that fate, as it often does, intervened without warning. An Amnian noble, Lady Narasida Zakine, overheard mention of my journey. She approached with poise befitting her station and spoke of grave troubles afflicting her trade routes through the Cloud Peaks—banditry, disruption, and worse.
Her request was direct: she sought aid. I judged her cause just, and her bearing sincere. With what I hope was sound judgment, I accepted.

Thus it came to pass that Miss Meowle and I escorted Lady Zakine south along the Trade Way toward Nashkel. The road proved hostile sooner than expected. Several brigands, emboldened perhaps by desperation or folly, attempted to ambush us. They were dealt with swiftly and decisively; none reached the Lady. Though no words were exchanged to stop the bloodshed as I would have wished. At a bridge crossing some miles along, we encountered a lone individual whose manner was... too coincidental. He bore no clear allegiance to the bandits. yet his presence was ill-fitted to the hour and place, as we had just been ambushed. We exchanged few words before parting ways, but I mark this meeting as suspicious and worthy of note.

Upon reaching Nashkel, we pressed onward without delay toward the Lady’s trade routes in the Cloud Peaks. There, the dangers grew in both scale and savagery. Hill giants had taken to the passes, lying in wait for caravans. These creatures we engaged in defensive combat, as they wished to crush us with thrown boulders. I attest, Commander, that Miss Meowle demonstrated strength beyond natural measure—striking with force that would make siege engines seem like simple toys. Giants ran in fear, as Miss Rhea rushed ahead to fight them toe to toe. I stayed behind to protect the noble Lady Zakine.

Further ascent into the mountain brought us to a frost-bound stronghold—a fortress claimed by frost giants and an old Temple to the Frost maiden. The battle that followed is not one I can ever forget. Miss Meowle led our advance, carving a path through the enemy with relentless aggression and bravery. Meanwhile, Lady Zakine revealed powers of a most formidable nature. She bent an owlbear to her will as though it were a trained hound and later summoned a golem of staggering size and might—unlike any construct I have witnessed in all my 23 years of living. Together, we faced the frost giant chieftain, the battle shook the entire cavern as Miss Rhea charged into the great giant. Storms of ice appearing out of thin air, I rushed to shield her flank and block any path to the noblewoman.

I stood strong but had been battered, the frost giant's strength sent shuddering pain throughout my body as I used my shield to block what I could. The great Chieftain went down, making the very frost encrusted floor crack with its weight. Finally with that victory we began the descent. a frost drake that sought to bar our return was monstrous in its own right. It's very shriek made me temporarily go deaf and lose balance from the very shuddering in the air. Miss Rhea unmoved and undeterred with one strike had felled the beast at its neck. Though I will not diminish the truth: without the Lady’s mastery of the arcane and Miss Meowle’s unnatural prowess, I doubt I would have been able to write this letter. The trade route now stands cleared, at least for the present. Lady Zakine expressed her gratitude with due nobility; I wouldn't accept any reward so instead upon returning back from the peaks we celebrated which a few drinks were drank. I had accepted only the lowest amount as not to cause any disrespect or misconduct. Lady Zakine had asked about the Order's code and had told her of what guides us. I explained our code, my beliefs and she then inquired about why I had joined. Which I gave the long story of my beginnings. Upon which Lady Zakine helped me reflect on some moments with wisdom. She then had to leave on errands but asked, that I seek permission in her being received by you for a tour of our humble fort. Though I confess these events have broadened my understanding of the forces that shape our world

Squire Artixus

[Menzx]

Tarsakh 25: Hour 4...... Artixus begins to write on the full rolled out parchment, his hand slightly shaking. He sighs. he starts again, Dear Commander. Stops, and goes to dip his quill but spill all over the parchment. A loud groan, followed by him rolling the parchment to keep most of the spilled ink contained. He isn't sure what to write anymore. What was supposed to be just an early morning follow up request he received from hunters near Nashkel, had turned into what he wants to believe as just a fever dream. "Maybe, I have been striving too hard, staying too long....writing too late". He muses out loud, even uttered it makes more sense to him that being the issues. Instead pulling out a journal he has been using to make sense of his feelings. Using a new filled inkwell, he starts again.
Stating his personal more in-depth account: " What was supposed to be an ask for assistance in the area for flind had turned into a wild chase of the fleeing beasts as me and the hunters found them setting along known roads in wait. I foolishly split up from the main hunters to go after the biggest of the flind, as taking it down would stop future raids for some time. Why did I do that? In a wide field of flowers, I think I saw, maybe it was no dream?" He kept the quill a bit too long in place as inked started to build in that spot. He looked over her thoughts on page. Contemplating if he should even put it down the rest. He sets the quill in the inkwell and rubs his eyes. Tired physically and mentally, he watches the candle flicker and decides he needs a long soak in the Order's great bath.
Grabbing fresh clothes he heads to the baths, the steam slightly above the water. He undresses and sinks into the warm waters. Scrubbing with fantastical made soaps he had bought from an elf outside friendly arm inn. The smell soothing some of his worries. He leans back and rests his head against a towel with his eyes closed, his unsure experience flashing through his mind again. The field of flowers, the being with silver hair and appearing as if from the dark of the night itself. The moon had washed over her it's light a warm blanket against her skin. Her eyes were a pool of stars reflecting compassion and acceptance. Artixus grits his teeth but calms as if feeling the same sensation as that strange moment. he isn't sure of his own memory. Truly she appeared as if cloaked in moonlight, that alone should be just a trick on his eyes.
He splashes warm water over his face as if trying to wash it all away. the sound, a sweet tune, a fluid movement of dance. He wants it to be just a false memory. A fever dream caused by exerting himself too much of late. He remembers her soft voice, compassionate, worrying, hopeful. He slaps the water to re-focus his mind. Getting out and drying himself, donning new clothes he has a hard-set goal. he has to seek an answer; one he is sure might be one he doesn't want. He heads back to Nashkel, to Amn. Finding the Temple of Helm and going into long hours of prayer. Hoping helm gives him answers. One's he keeps asking himself. "why do these things keep happening to me?, why do I have to face these deeper stuck blades of my heart? A name of the moon itself, he recalls from that moment in the moonlight, Alva'Ssun