Order of the Radiant Heart Role-Play

[rokranon]

Over the last few days, rumors began to spread of red dragons in the countryside around Amn. Commoners speak of secret dragons walking in human form, causing them to cheat on their wives and steal their neighbor's livestock. The Flaming Fist has yet to apprehend such a beast, if they even exist.

Furthering the rumors, local merchants in Baldur's Gate have started loudly decrying that this foul menace will take well-armed champions. Supplies of fire resistance items and potions are beginning to sell out, even as local merchants increase their prices. The merchants have stated that shortages are expected.

A group of street peddlers were quickly arrested for selling "dragon slaying elixirs" made from common ingredients.

A common farmer was heard saying at the Elfsong Tavern, "The nobility hasn't made a squeak about this and the Fist can't catch 'em. We're all going to be dragon food!"

In an effort to help ease the minds of the populace, Sir Jonas Rokranon walks the streets of Baldur's Gate, speaking to citizens about this new possible threat. He retains his normal calm, confident demeanor no matter what the reactions are on the subject from the various city-folk.

"One red dragon has already been eliminated. Rest assured, the city is doing everything it can to keep you and your loved ones safe. If it comes down to a fight, the well-armed champions that the merchants down in the Wide speak of are already looking into this. We have several adventuring allies who have been speaking to authorities on dragons. The Flaming Fist stand ever-ready against threats. You are all aware of their reputation for getting the job done.

These rumors about the livestock and men cheating on their wives are simply that: rumors. You all know the dangers of believing too much into rumor and hear-say. We had much of it with the Bhaalists, and the Thayans before them. I know it is difficult, but strive to keep reason at the forefront of your minds.

We will try to deal with this threat without bloodshed. But rest assured, if it comes to a fight, our Grand Dukes will do everything in their power to see you protected.

Have faith that the gods of the Light will see us through this."

[Seronic]

A note is posted outside the Temple of Torm.

"To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Lance Renslin. Once arriving in the city, I heard whispers of an order of Paladins. I hail from the city of Peltarch in the lands of Narfell, where I did what I could to aid the city and those in the surrounding regions. However, I felt at one point that it was time I moved on, and throughout the years I have travelled to find myself here, in the city of Baldur's Gate. I seek to join the order to continue as I have done in the past: aid those in need. I am a Paladin of the Morninglord, Lathander. Currently I reside at the Elf Song Tavern in room B-3. If you wish to contact me, please do so by leaving a letter there.

Sincerely,

Lance Renslin"

[rokranon]

Jonas sends a response to the suggested room at the Elfsong. The note is rolled up and sealed with wax and a phoenix signet.

[rokranon]

Waking up fairly early the morning after returning late at night on horseback from Doron Amar, Jonas travels over to the Temple of Torm in order to speak to High Priest Celwig Olwyn. The knight enters the temple, going through his customary kneeling and prayer ritual in front of the shrine itself, before finding the High Priest and bowing to the church leader.

"High Priest Olwyn, I have need of you to send a message at your earlier convenience. . ."

[rokranon]

After receiving the portrait from Charraj and passing it on to his oath-brother, and having what can only be described as a very stressful tenday, Jonas sits down at his desk in the temple of Torm to write.

[Rask]

Renec writes a letter to Jonas, it arrives in the morning, sealed with the Phoenix Signet.

Dear Brother,

I have some good news to move on to you finally, amongst all the bad of late. A friend of us both has recently made her way back to the area, the Lady Aerin Silverwave, a former member of the Order of the Radiant Heart, and devotee of The Vigilant One. I happened across her near the Friendly Arm Inn barely a night after out fight against the Banites. She has expressed interest in taking up her position again amongst the order, and once again resuming her training and her lawful fight against evil here on the Coast. We can use every ally we can get in these troubled times.

Signed,
~ Renec

[rokranon]

With the faintest pop of air displacement, a hooded and cloaked man in white and another in gray appear out of thin air just south of Wyrm's Crossing, the heavily fortified bridge over the River Chionthar. They walk together over the bridge and into Baldur's Gate through the East Gate, where the two men shake hands and the shorter of the two in gray goes off down a side street.

The man in white pulls back his hood, revealing him to be Sir Jonas Rokranon, not seen in the area since the day after the assault upon the Banite temple in the Wood of Sharp Teeth. The silver-haired man moves through the city with his usual intense, hawk-like gaze scrutinizing the surroundings. Determination seems to practically radiate from the knight as he makes his way to the temple of Torm, and heads inside.

Inside, Jonas says his customary devotion to the Loyal Fury, speaks quickly with High Priest Celwig Olywn on fairly trivial matters, and then heads to his desk where he is met with a small mountain of notes, letters, and reports.

[Jaden]

Dear Sir Jonas Rokrannon,
I was wondering if you have a job for one such as I. I have began to accept the fist, still hate em though. My farm had burnt down two days ago and now I need a job

Sincerely,
Jonathon Mitchell Roland

P.S. I decided this letter was important enough to use my whole name.

[rokranon]

Jonas just sort of stares at the short note from John Roland, not quite sure how to take it. Accepting the Fist but still hating them does not seem to improve the situation in the mind of the veteran knight. He decides to show it to his fellow members of the Radiant Heart for consideration.

[Aethor Siger]

The letter to Jonas eventually makes it under the scrutinizing gaze of Aethor's eyes. He carefully reads over each and every sentence and does so multiples times. A cloud of bewilderment looms over the man and he looks back at Jonas.

"What is this....I don't even....what?"

He shakes his head a few times.

"I'm not one to turn down someone in need.... If he really wants a job, I suggest having him help Devon keep things together. On one stipulation though... ONE anti-fist remark and he's out."

He scratches the back of his head, holding the letter in this other hand.

"Have you shown this to Thiago yet?"

[rokranon]

Jonas coughs a little bit and clutches at his chest, then runs a hand across his face as he looks about the room. Finally he shakes his head and looks back at Aethor.

"I haven't heard Thiago's thoughts on it yet, no. The fact remains that John is a fallen paladin who still admits to hating the Fist even though there has never been any real evidence that it was the Fist who murdered his family. I would want to see some serious improvement in his conduct before I let him do anything associated with the Order."

[ttavila]

The name John Roland echoes in the Halls of The Temple of Torm. A middle aged paladin approach Aethor and Jonas while they discuss. He walks dressed in his silver chain, when he approaches fellow brothers he removes the silver hood that covers his head. He takes the letter in his hands with the approval of the others and reads it attention.

“His hate against the Fist made him fall from grace… and he still could not take it from his heart... Unwise... I will rejoice the day when John Roland let this felling away and recover grace. But while he still feeds such feelings for the Fist and the blessings of the Gods do not fall upon him, there is no place or job we can offer him in our Most Noble Order. We must, yet, do not deny a hand to someone who attempts to work honestly and request our help. We can try to find some other job with another organization for him. Those are my thoughts at least…”

[rokranon]

With raspy breaths, Jonas patiently hears out Thiago. He then nods.

"We're in agreement then. We wish him no ill will, but the Radiant Heart is still not the best place for him. I'm more than willing to try to help him find a better way to utilize his skills."

[rokranon]

With reports of increasing activity in the Fields of the Dead to the northeast of Baldur's Gate, Sir Jonas Rokranon strongly urges all members of the Radiant Heart to redouble their efforts in that area to keep the abominations at bay, and keep safe the city. Word is that he continues to strive to get a fort built for the paladin order to help the Flaming Fist guard the city from northern threats.

[FearBeforeTheFlames]

A notice is left with a priest within the Temple of Torm. The parchment is a rich vellum, rolled and sealed with a wax mark.