Vel validus cado - Sir Jonas Rokranon

[rokranon]

Mid 1346 DR

The next few weeks proved to be mostly quiet for Jonas, something he enjoyed as he began to explore a relationship with Telissa. He made it a point to take her to different places for her to pray and see the sunrise, including the top of Istari tower, the top of the wall around the city, the Cloudpeaks (including Mount Speartop), and the cliffs at Gullykin. Unfortunately, being with Jonas made Telissa a target very quickly, and Jonas was forced to kill Randall Armstrong when the mercenary tried to kidnap her and subsequently attacked Jonas outside of Candlekeep. His relationship seemed to make relations strained with Most Radiant of Lathander Kelddath Ormlyr, who essentially accused Jonas of trying to convert Telisssa and charged her with tutoring Trent in the ways of Lathander: something Jonas felt was a lost cause.

A few new friends were made, including Saer Ramas Ankhalab and Leonia Nightsong, though most of Jonas' time started to be monopolized by acquaintances and people he barely knew who all wanted something from him as a paladin and noble of Baldur's Gate. A good portion of the time he was so overwhelmed being pulled one way or another that he had no idea who needed help with what anymore. Despite this, he still managed to battle evils, mainly by spending time with the elves of Doron Amar. One such instance involved battling with several of them, as well as Ramas and Fangorn in Beregost against some denizens of the lower planes controlled by the old wytch from the Cloakwood caves. The hag wanted to make a deal to keep adventurers out of the caves, but Jonas refused and essentially blew his warhorn in her face to rally a charge against her and her summons.

Jonas was present when the town of Gullykin was finally rid of the black worg threat that had been plaguing it for weeks. The huge worg ended up being a greater barghest, which led a massive assault of canine type creatures against the poor hin - but were ultimately repelled by the elves of Doron Amar, Jonas, his squire Madison, and a bard whose name Jonas never caught. Siomir led Jonas, Rith'alaria, Volo, and Cassia against the barghest while the remaining Doron Amar force and humans defended Gullykin from onslaught. In the end it was a victory, with Rith'alaria delivering the final mighty blow against the creature, though many brave hin defenders fell in the battle.

Unfortunately, there would be little time to enjoy these victories as new threats began to creep back up. Though Selis Vhaire returned to the Coast, much to the delight of Jonas, a group of vigilantes calling themselves the Obsidian Soul surfaced and the Bhaalists proved that they were not completely defeated in the siege. Meri found herself a target once again, and Jonas' duty to her became a priority.

[rokranon]

Mid 1346 DR

Meri proved not to be the only target. Within days, Jonas, Elias, and Ivaris were set upon by a large group of shades and told to surrender Meri by a spectral Bhaalist. Obviously they refused, and more shades and some death knights were set upon them. Though victorious, the message to the trio was clear: the Bhaalists were not gone. Meri had problems of her own, as one of the leaders of the Obsidian Soul was caught and proved to be none other than one of her closest friends. She also continued to receive threats from her hin Bhaalist nemesis.

Jonas' relationship with his dear old friend Selis seemed to deteriorate quickly. The paladin subconsciously avoided the bard in order to hide the feelings he had always had for her, but did not actually consciously realize he was doing it, and so grew confused and angry at her growing confused and angry toward him. Matters were only made worse by the fact that Telissa had been gone for weeks visiting her family up north, and had been due gone only a week. One day, Meri disappeared, with only a note from Tessian to Jonas telling where they were - going on a trip to the south to keep Meri safe. Irate, Jonas spent the better part of the day being irritable toward everyone he met, and even got drunk. Later in the evening, however, he decided to tell Selis how he felt after Meri decided to come back. Guilty, he still make the decision to remain with Telissa.

The next few days were a tumult of emotions for Jonas that came to a breaking point on a day in which he and Meri were walking back to the city from a visit with Elias, Joan, and Selah in Gullykin. As Jonas and Meri approached Leonia for a chat south of the city, several persons jumped out of the shadows and proceeded to quickly take Jonas down, then Meri, then Leonia. As it was right next to the Trade Way, the bodies were found quickly. Jonas' own was beheaded and burning, Meri's was respectfully laying next to the road, and Leonia's was mostly left alone. Aethor, Zach, and Colt carried the bodies to temples for resurrections. Jonas was difficult for Brother Marcus to call back, and Meri finally was able to get his spirit to return by uttering Selis' name. The decision had been made. Jonas spent a little time at the temple recovering, but then went to the White Mask to see Selis. Unfortunately, he left a lot of worried people wondering where he had gone off to.

The next day, Siomir and Rith'alaria came looking for him, and after harsh words on both sides, Siomir and Rith'alaria left angry, Jonas left numb, and Selis was left at the theater both furious and devastated. Jonas wandered around the palace district, afraid. Fear. Paladins should not feel fear. This could only mean one thing: Torm had withdrawn his gifts from Jonas. He had fallen.

[rokranon]

Mid 1346 DR

Very little detail is known of Jonas' next several weeks on the Coast. It is known that he and Selis spent several weeks together as a couple. The paladin spent much more of his time these days in palace court, as is expected of a noble of the city. However, the whirlwind courtship with Selis, which proved to be a constant on-again, off-again chaotic relationship, eventually fell apart after the burning of the White Mask theater in the Palace district. Rumored to have sworn off romance for now, Jonas threw himself into his duty with the Radiant Heart and Baldur's Gate. He regained his paladin gifts though the help and guidance of his oath brother Valerius and oath sister Meri (as well as a rumored smack to the back of the head by the Doron Amar councilor Wthyran).

This work proved to be a good distraction, as Jonas had prior proposed to the Dukes a joint venture that would leave the Radiant Heart to defend the city against the threat of the Fields of the Dead to the north. He purchased a house on the edge of the farmlands, but oddly didn't move in, and instead oversaw renovations to the place while still speaking of building a small stronghold of his own for the Radiant Heart and himself. With several new recruits in the Order, Jonas found himself very busy with training when he wasn't at court. The new initiates were promising but very green. Alliances started to be made so that some of the threatening evils reaching the ears of the paladin Order could be confronted.

Despite his sadness of another failed romantic relationship (especially since it was Selis), Jonas couldn't help but be affected by the happiness of Meri. He attended her wedding - though only just barely making it in time - and was even asked by Tessian to be the best man. This surprised Jonas, as the paladin had recently punched Tessian for his inadvertent behavior toward Meri. It was a great honor though, and Jonas was very much relieved at the large honor guard the Fist provided so that the day and event proved to be a beautiful ordeal.

[rokranon]

Mid 1346 DR

While Meri and Tessian were on their honeymoon, Jonas revealed that the house he had bought seemingly for himself was actually a joint venture with the Council of Four to provide Meri with a real orphanage for the children. He and Sister Juna took care of the place while Meri finished her Plea; though Meri did inadvertently spoil a bit of the surprise when she came into the city looking for her paints one night. The realization only served to bring her joy, however, and the remainder of her Plea was relatively peaceful. The paladin's own daughter, Inara, started to come to visit him at the orphanage while he was on duty, and his ex-wife Alistaria was seen helping out as well at both Mercy as well as the Sancturary.

Jonas continued his work within the city, but did make it a point to adventure whenever he could. This took the form of a few different excursions with his new fire genasi friend Nari, and also an outing to tackle the great white wyrm residing in the Cloudpeaks with Meri, Leonia, several Radiant Heart members (including Aethor, Briel, and Celoras), and a few other adventurers who joined along the way. The assault proved rather disastrous with nearly everyone dying, and the group went back down the mountain disappointed in not slaying the wyrm but also pleased that thanks to good teamwork they all ended up living to see another day. Ramas came upon them toward the foot of the mountain, and he proved exactly why he is the Greatest Swordsman on the Coast when he joined them in marching back up the mountain and taking down the beast.

A good sized group of prominent citizens of the Coast were asked to dine with Duke Eltan and Sir Justin Crownsilver, and Jonas was among those invited. Also attending the dinner were Valqis, Valerius, Daaf, Grunga, Siomir, Rith'alaria, Joan, Dajala, Ivaris, Meri, and Geirard. Although the content of dinner conversation is unknown, it is known that Jonas and Meri seemed to be at odds about something and then that the occasion was cut short by an attack of Sammaster the Mad at the merchant camp just south of the bridge of the Chionthar. Most of the dinner party rushed to the aid of the city, joining Shorn, Francis, Emrys, Thiago, Aethor, Tomar, and many other adventurers. After fighting against several dracoliches and a pit fiend, the adventurers went about laying the dead to rest and taking rest themselves. Jonas was seen little in the days after this event, except one occasion of visiting the orphanage and speaking to Geirard a bit. It seems his injuries were more severe than he let on. Then he was reported to have journeyed south as his elder daughter, Doriah, had fallen ill.

[rokranon]

Mid 1346 DR

Doriah's illness turned out not to be major, and upon his return from Athkatla, it was only a matter of days before Jonas was off traveling once again. This time it was to Waterdeep, in order to help the sick mother of his squire, Nari. Though they were too late to help the genasi woman, the group that had gone north, including Randallona, Gareut, Valerius, and Auriel, decided to stay several days to enjoy the City of Splendors. This proved an excellent time for Jonas to catch up with his two oldest friends, as well as get to know the others better, but before long everyone returned to Baldur's Gate.

The aasimar paladin immersed himself in his work at this point, spending most of his days overseeing low justice trials. The rest of his time was spent helping lead the Radiant Heart as well as helping at the Triadic churches and Meri's orphanage. He was drawn out of his busy seclusion, however, when Uriel of the druidic circle came to him for aid on a personal matter as well as with Galen. Jonas proceeded to gather trusted allies, namely Meri and Auriel, to assess Galen's condition. Things turned out worse than expected however, when it became apparent that a being from the Plane of Shadow was dominating the elven druid. Jonas, Uriel, Meri, Auriel, and officer Grunga of the Fist managed to banish the evil force from Galen, and afterward tried to help Galen come to terms with the murders he'd committed while influenced.

It was fortunate Jonas was out and about more at this time, as Auriel called upon him for aid. A rarity, Jonas did not hesitate to join her and Valerius in a mission given to the elven priestess by her brethren of Sehanine Moonbow.

[rokranon]

Late 1346 DR

The end of Marpenoth brought a surge in the number of undead abominations on the Sword Coast, and Jonas spent a good deal of his time when not in court out in the Fields of the Dead trying to keep them at bay. Two major skirmishes occurred in other places though, as a major assault happened at the merchant camp just south of the River Chionthar as well as at Candlekeep. A huge number of adventurers were involved in the merchant camp battle, but it was the event at Candlekeep that worried Jonas most. He, Valerius, Darren, Auriel, and Rith'alaria fought all the way through the Great Library's catacombs and discovered a shard of the Soulkeep gem.

The beginning of Uktar proved little better, as a self-proclaimed Red Wizard earned himself a hanging and nearly caused a riot among a number of adventurers. Many of these adventurers disliked Jonas' stance on the matter, but with an ex-wife and oath sister both having been slaves of the Red Wizards, he did not waiver. Alistaria was very frightened by the knowledge that a Red Wizard was so close to Baldur's Gate, and this only strengthened his resolve, leading the paladin to making a public statement on the matter.

The Red Wizard was overshadowed however by a series of exploding wagons along the Trade Way near the city. The fires caused by these explosions burned up many crops that had managed to survive the torrential rains the Coast had been experiencing.

[rokranon]

Late 1346 DR

Many notices of an illegal bounty on the lives of Jonas, Meri, and Captain Rocshanks appeared around Baldur's Gate within weeks of the above events. This led to a temporary lock-down of Mercy Orphanage while the Flaming Fist's First Company went about warding the place. Jonas and Alistaria had been growing closer together again, so she, Inara, and Jonas all stayed at the Orphanage with Meri and Tessian for safety. Jonas helped oversee some training maneuvers by employing Dimsdale Bonecleaver to inspect some siege equipment, and used his skills in diplomacy to acquire supplies for the Fist as well as securing safe storage locations for food shipments in preparation for the recently poor harvest season. The aasimar continued to speak in favor of the Flaming Fist, who, due to the ongoing misbehavior of a fraction of the adventuring population, were escalating their punishments and being presented by 'mistreated' adventurers as evil and unjust.

When some old trade agreements came into question between the cities of the Lords' Alliance, the paladin was chosen to go oversee the renegotiation of the old pacts. The Council of Four had another reason for sending him, however, as news of Zhentarim actions around the Gate needed to be reported to the allies of the north. He let Alistaria and Inara, as well as Meri, Valerius, Auriel, Aethor, and Siomir know before leaving, and then quietly journeyed north to Silverymoon and the arranged meeting with Lady Alustriel Silverhand. This trip kept Jonas away from the Sword Coast for over a month, and by the second tenday he longed to return home. Nevertheless, Lady Alustriel was impressed with the paladin and bade him to deliver a message to Neverwinter in her stead. Jonas was thus flown to Neverwinter by dirigible, and subsequently kept his word to Alustriel.

[rokranon]

Early 1347 DR

Jonas' stay in Neverwinter and Waterdeep turned out longer than he'd planned, but it gave Jonas and Ali ample time to work on their relationship. Ultimately, the paladin aasimar, Alistaria, and Inara finally made it back to Baldur's Gate. Jonas was greeted primarily with word of darkness and despair as relayed by Tomar, who bore the brunt of the Radiant Heart's duties alone in Jonas' absence, and of course Meri. Only a day after the Rokranons set foot off the ship, Jonas and Alistaria were reintroduced to heavy combat by some demonic assassins attacking on the Trade Way outside the newly constructed Friendly Arms Inn. The fighting brought back savage memories for the paladin, as at this very sight he had once fought the minions of Bhaal with Meri and so many others at his side. A rude welcome, especially considering the rigors of battle put tremendous strain on his already damaged left hand.

Meri, with help from Alistaria and a young woman by the name of Esarosa, finally managed to talk Jonas into healing his cursed hand, which by now was spreading up his arm and on the verge of causing major damage. While Meri was able to remove the curse and repair most of the damage, only a Miracle spell could cure all, which Jonas resolutely refused. Instead he retrained himself in the use of a shield, and made due as best he could.

Jonas began to try to guide Rith'alaria more upon his return, a process that he knew would take some time, for the young elf had much anger to work through. Reuniting with old friends gladdened the paladin, but one such reunion proved to be very negative. Upon hearing that Bentley Mirrorshade was being very tolerant to Red Wizards at his new inn, Jonas set out with Meri to confront the gnome who had done so much to help both paladin and Saint alike in the past. The encounter resulted in the realization that Bentley wasn't Bentley at all, but a doppleganger, and the impostor escaped before he could be apprehended. The search was on for the real Bentley. . .

[rokranon]

Early 1347 DR

A large group gathered at Candlekeep in order to scry for the missing gnome. Valerius, Vauk, and Cassia worked the magics as Valqis, Lucavern, Siomir, Meri, Alistaria, and Jonas stood by; watching, listening, and waiting. It appeared through the divination that the Red Wizards were indeed involved, and Bentley had little time. As such, it was decided to move, and quickly. Outside of Candlekeep, Valerius teleported the group, minus Alistaria, to the location seen through the scrying mirror. The entire thing turned out to be an ambush, as the tiefling wizard's magic was deflected and a small army of kobolds assaulted the party throughout the tunnels. Sio's tracking skills lead the way. Though the fighting was heavy, the group made it to a central chamber, guarded by half dragons. In this chamber they found gnomish footprints, and a note left from Bentley, stitched into the sheet of the bed he had been chained to. Disappointed but resolved, the party returned to Candlekeep to recuperate, noticing the absence of any Red Wizards, but plenty of dragon bloods.

The next day, the group of companions, few a few additions of Alistaria and Auriel, ventured into the Crystal Frost Keep in the Cloudpeak mountains of Amn. The kobolds and half dragons again seemed to be expecting them, as the fighting was grievous. Frost giants joined the fray, further outnumbering the small band of people trying to rescue Bentley. Ultimately encountering a young white dragon, the battered and bloody group prevailed, though only just. They managed to find Bentley and Siomir and Jonas sundered the cage to release him, but his wife was still missing. Though the group returned to Candlekeep once again via a magical artifact of Valqis'. Though their mission was complete, many hearts still weighed heavy at the thought of Gellana Mirrorshade still being held captive somewhere by this draconic cult.

("The Friendly Arm Inn Incident")

Meanwhile, Jonas' other duties with the Radiant Heart could not be ignored. The time had come for Tomar and Madison to join the ranks of the Order in full. The quest to knighthood was decided when the temple of Helm called upon the Radiant Heart for aid. A Helmite paladin, one of their elite knights by the name of Jaric Highguard, had just been discovered to have fallen. It was imperative to retrieve the pommel of the man's holy sword, as it contained the soul of another former knight. Although Tomar and Madison succeeded in retrieving the pommel, they apparently blacked out in the process, and ever since felt weakened - as if a part of themselves was missing. It turned out after a discussion with Brother Marcus of Ilmater that this was indeed the case: a portion of both knights' soul was gone. Charraj of the Weave Masters was consulted, and he told them that not only could the soul fragment be used to spy upon them, but it could be used to influence them as well. With this dire warning, it became all the more imperative to seek their missing soul pieces. Auriel was called upon to help with the location, as her mystic relationship with her goddess Sehanine provided her with potent divination skills. With her help scrying, Charraj was able to see just enough to get an idea of where to teleport to, and plans were made to set out as soon as he was ready focusing. However, Madison was overcome with the urgings of dark energies being plied against her missing soul fragment, and attacked Auriel. Though she was subdued, the paladin had a difficult time recovering. Time was of the essence.

A brighter note during these dark times was the renewal of feelings between Jonas and Alistaria. This was cemented by the beginnings of plans for their remarriage, and the determination that nothing would stand between them again. Inara in particular was ecstatic that they would all be a family again.

More dark tiding surfaced, however, in the form of Kelorin, Jonas' twin. Though the two had not seen each other since their titanic struggle near Daggerford the previous year, the warlock/sorcerer nevertheless kept his presence known through his mental gift counterpart to Jonas' own. However, instead of just focusing on Jonas, Kelorin branched out to those the paladin was bonded to, including Meri, Auriel, and Alistaria. Relations and nerves began to strain between friends and family. . .

[rokranon]

Early 1347 DR

Jonas received a message from clan Ironfaar that his old friend from the Bhaalist siege, Korgoth, had fallen ill. Korgoth had become clan chief in the intervening months, and was not believed to be poisoned by orcs. Even more troublesome, the orcs were likely in league with a demon. The Radiant Heart was called upon for aid, and Jonas granted the request without hesitation. Jonas, Tomar, and Taric joined Meri, Siomir, Bob Westland, Godren Stoneoath, and Gullygan, Maki, and Nich Raivo of clan Ironfaar on a voyage by sea on the Sea Sprite captained by Deudermont. The volcanic island the party traveled to was swarming with orcs, as almost immediately after disembarking from the ship in small cove with a cave were the party attacked. Gaining ground was very slow going, but the group managed it well for a time, until their wards began to give way, and the orcs became intermingled with scores of tanar'ri - those demonic denizens of Abyss. On and on the fighting went, taking hours, and exhausting the adventurers. When faced with what seemed insurmountable odds, Jonas told everyone to pray, no matter to whom they believed in. They needed help. Miraculously, help was quick to answer. A flight of angels arrived to aid the party to clear out the remaining demons on the island, but urged the party on. Their task was not yet done - a sanctum of sorts still stood between Korgoth's cure and them. So the group went through a portal, and into the very depths of Darkness.

The sanctum was utter chaos. Scores and scores of demons poured forth from at least three Abyssal rifts, with an abnormally large balor commanding the enemy forces. The group of adventurers were scattered by the constant barrage of enemies; with some of them trying to keep the huge balor busy while others went after the rifts. The angels tried to keep the swarming mass of demons at bay in the mean time. Ultimately, the portals were collapsed, and the demons vanquished. The angels thanked the mortal adventurers for their assistance, but warned that the gods may not always be there to answer such a plea for aid. The group was returned to Baldur's Gate, with the knowledge that Korgoth would make a full recovery with the demon leader destroyed.

A few days later, it was time to reclaim Tomar and Madison's missing soul fragments. Charraj successfully teleported himself, Tomar, Madison, Thiago, Jonas, Alistaria, Catam, Auriel, and Valerius into the strange chamber the smaller group had seen in the scrying basin. They were greeted by a goblin servant, who immediately went and warned his master. The necromancer, who turned out to be a drow, was standing before the soul gem encasing the fragments of the two paladins' souls, and guarded by a single balor. After some bandying of words, a fight ensued, with the balor and necromancer being joined in the fight by drow dread knights. More undead drow appeared and began to overwhelm the group after the balor fell, so Tomar and Madison were told to get the gem and break it. The sheer forces of the energies within the gem ignited upon the destruction of the gem and killed everyone present except Tomar and Madison, including the undead army. The two paladin worked to revive the others, but Auriel was missing. Valerius grew rather frantic at this, but found her in a pool of brackish water. She turned out to be alright, but Valerius immediately teleported her and himself away, leaving the rest to fend for themselves. Charraj made time for indignation, despite the sounds of the enemy massing nearby warning everyone to get out of there. Charraj managed to focus his arcane talents just in time to return the remaining party to the temple of Torm. Everyone turned out well, Charraj with a new-found confidence in himself, and Tomar and Madison were whole once again.

These victories were marred by the continued interference of Kelorin. The warlock/sorcerer managed to torment little Inara, and nearly broke Alistaria as she strove to fend him off with her mind. She was victorious, but the stress weakened her. Sick of all the fighting and wanting to focus on healing others, she decided to take a vow of nonviolence.

[rokranon]

Early 1347 DR

Auriel called upon the aid of Jonas, Alistaria, Meri, and Valerius when she was approached by fellow worshippers of Sehanine Moonbow to rescue several missing church members, including the high priestess Myralia. Using some intelligence gathered from the elves, Valerius managed to teleport the group to suspected location of those missing. Upon arrival the party found several missing persons, but the high priestess had been taken elsewhere. Valerius and Meri guarded this group and tended to the wounded as the remaining friends pressed on. They found themselves in a castle guarded by rather organized orcs, and even a shrine to Gruumsh. Fighting their way through the castle hallways, Auriel and her allies ended up in a ritual chamber of some sort with a drider, two enormous shadow creatures, and the high priestess on an altar with an avariel elf chained nearby. One shadow escaped in the resulting battle, but the other shadow and drider were defeated. However, upon inspection of Myralia Jonas discovered she was in the catatonic state of one who is soul-less: they were too late. Jonas, Alistaria, and Auriel brought these two elves back to the others, and all were brought back to outside Candlekeep. There, the members of Sehanine's church were distraught to learn of Myralia's condition, but even more distraught to discover a powerful elven artifact she carried was missing. The group of elves journeyed to Doron Amar at Auriel's suggestion to rest and plan the next move.

Kelorin continued to be a thorn in the side, and then some. Angered by the taunting of Siomir, Jonas' twin brutally beat Merielle in retaliation. He seemed to realize his grave mistake in showing himself after this though, as his mental attacks on Jonas and his closest friends lifted considerably. The small circle of friends could only guess that Kelorin had chosen to build up his strength in preparation for the next confrontation.

With the leadership of the Weave Masters in disarray, Jonas was asked around this time to resume his former position on the guild's council. He took the opportunity to suggest a number of reforms in order to get the once-respected mage guild back in line with the teachings of Mystra, enlisting the aid and knowledge of paladin Trent Blake.

[rokranon]

Early 1347 DR

Another scrying at Candlekeep. This time a group gathered to search for persons of the past of the young poet, Scarlett. Charraj, having learned the spell since the ordeal with Tomar and Madison, performed the spell. Also present were Trent, Rith'alaria, Joan, and Jake. Scarlett got a few answers, and many more questions from the scenes in the mirror. A being that could not be identified as either devil or demon seemed to have both her former employer Anders and mother in either the Hells or the Abyss, or possibly even a pocket plane somewhere. The paladin tried to shield Scarlett from as much of it as possible, for the savage scenes in the mirror were ghastly to watch even for one immune to fear - as proved by nearly everyone being forced to turn away at one point or another. The horrific sounds and images were still fresh in the minds of those gathered when Trent and Jonas set off immediately for the temple of Lathander in Beregost to pray for intercession on the behalf of Scarlett's doomed mother. It would require a hefty price though: a perfect diamond.

A Cormyrian noble by the name of Sir Lazarus Bizantine arrived in the Gate with a bounty on Beatrix the Bloody, or B as Jonas had been introduced to her. B had adopted a young human girl named Shiera and wanted to make a better life for herself. Meri had agreed to help redeem the woman, but neither she nor Jonas knew how badly Cormyr wanted B back - nor how badly behaved the young girl had turned out to be. The meeting with Sir Bizantine went well enough as a plan was suggested that would prevent the death sentence, though only a few days later Shiera went missing after an attack near Candlekeep by a force of extremely powerful and well-trained ogres. Jonas and Ali joined Meri in searching for the girl, but Jonas was held up by another matter. By the time he, Thedran, Tomar, and Kaltyra had caught up, B and Meri had fallen and Ali and Shiera were barely standing. The entire group went back to Baldur's Gate, where B and Shiera were to stay at the Ilmater Sanctuary for the time being, well away from the children in the orphanage.

Kelorin's silence was too good to last. He made his presence known once again by throwing nearly everything he had mentally at Alistaria. It very nearly worked, too. Ali was training with Jake and Sativa when Kelorin chose to strike. He used everything at his disposal to make Jonas seem unfaithful to Ali, with everyone from Auriel to Meri. Jonas could tell something was wrong when the empathic bond shut down, and in his near frantic state relied heavily upon Meri to find Ali. When they did, seeing them together broke what was left of Ali's good faith. She turned on them both, and even went so far as to destroy her wedding dress. A very clueless Jonas was uncharacteristically lost at this point, and it fell to Meri to say the right thing, at the right time. Her simple words snapped Ali out of her strange state, and relationships were repaired. Kelorin, however, was irate. He vowed revenge upon Merielle for thwarting his nearly completed plan.

These recent hardships proved Ali was ready to continue in her priestess training, and so became a Novice in the church. With this and their pending wedding, the euphoria around Jonas and Alistaria was nearly palpable.

[rokranon]

Early 1347 DR

The wedding day arrived, and it was a grand event. Almost all of Jonas and Alistaria's dearest friends were able to attend the ceremony at the temple of Tyr, or else come to the reception at the Helm and Cloak. Valerius kept an eye on Inara by Jonas' side. Auriel stood with Ali. Meri herself performed the ceremony, with high priests Eldric Sulnar of Tyr and Celwig Olwen of Torm assisting. Harwin and Doriah were able to make it from the south. Siomir and Joan. Leonia and Ramas made it from Mulhorand. Madison and Tomar. Bentley Mirrorshade. Thedran of First Company. Aethor traveled from Cormyr. Sativa. Aearion. Taric. Cassia. Lanaya (wedding crasher). Sisters Juna and Addy. Even Dukes Eltan and Entar Silvershield were able to drop by and wish the couple well at the reception. Rith'alaria made it to the reception, and Tyressen and Siveyn. All throughout, smiles hardly left Jonas and Alistaria's faces.

The bliss would be short lived. After only a few days getaway in Beregost, Alistaria received word from her old monastery to meet her once again on the Coast south of Candlekeep for more information on her possible sister in Thay. When Ali ventured to the spot by the lighthouse, however, she was confronted by a disguised Kelorin. The battle that ensued was brief but bloody. Alistaria ended up on the ground, but the outlaw Randal's timely arrival saved her. Together she and Randal taunted Kelorin a bit, and he taunted them back. It ended in another fight, in which Ali was badly burned and Kelorin lost his arm to Randy's blade. The warlock escaped, however, with some sort of magical ring. Jonas happened upon Randy and Ali at this point, and blamed Randy for Ali's condition, preparing to fight. Ali managed to talk him down though, and the Ilmateri was taken back to Baldur's Gate so that Meri could heal her properly.

The healing process was slow, but aided by the wonderful discovery that little Inara was more blessed than they knew. Tyressen used a wand to enlarge the already enormous Tomar, scaring the little girl terribly. As she cowered in a corner, she called upon a prayer and channeled divine energy into a Shield of Faith. Although unable to duplicate the result again, the knowledge that their daughter was able to channel at such a young age brought much joy to the Rokranon family.

[rokranon]

Early 1347 DR

Many odd reports of increased activity of necromancers and Banites reached Jonas' ears in the coming weeks, but one front of evil was oddly quiet: Kelorin. This was soon to change, but Jonas and his friends enjoyed the peace while it lasted. . .

The situation with B go worse, and worse. Another dinner with the Cormyrean noble Sir Bizantine was disastrous as Jonas and Meri struggled to keep to their original plan despite numerous new revelations. The problem was, they no longer felt they should be supporting B in light of all her crimes, but persevered for the child, Shiera. After that dinner though, and a few talks with his fellow paladins, Jonas finally withdrew his support and protection in favor of justice. But a new problem arose in the form of the child disappearing: it seemed she was tricked into leaving the orphanage. Now she must be found. . .

Doron Amar's construction was finally completed, or at least mostly so. Jonas enjoyed the celebration with his elven friends, and found some solace in the huge statue constructed to the Triune goddess. The aspect of Sehanine Moonbow was a comfort, probably due to his past battles with Shar and his longtime friendship with Auriel. . .

The outlaw, Gareut, was brought to Jonas by the alleged pirates own friends because of his increasing bloodlust over a dagger that had been brought to Jonas. The pirate, cursed dagger, and a threatening letter written by Gareut to Jonas were all taken to the Flaming Fist. Within a tenday, the dagger was destroyed, and the pirate hanged. A few people complained to Jonas that he was not doing enough to help Gareut, to which he countered that even before the cursed dagger, the man was a self-proclaimed pirate - why would a paladin want to support a pirate. . .

Along with Rith'alaria, Tomar, and Alistaria, Jonas helped a man by the name of Arthur carry a dead elf with very odd, seemingly shadow-cursed wounds to Baldur's Gate to be healed. The priest on duty at the temple of Tyr had never seen such strange wounds, but managed, with many vials of holy water and a diamond procured by Arthur, to remove the taint and resurrect the fallen adventuring elf. This would not be the only attack like this, however. . .

Kelorin's silence broke with increasingly desperate pleas and threats. The warlock/sorcerer resorted to trying to make a deal with Jonas, which Jonas kept refusing unless Kelorin would hand himself over to face justice as well. Finally, Kelorin used a young girl to lure Alistaria off by herself. He then used the spell Trap the Soul on both the girl and Alistaria. Jonas knew something was wrong immediately through the empathic bond, and Kelorin began trying to trade Ali's soul for Jonas'. Jonas refused to swear allegiance to Kelorin's demonic master, however, and Kelorin tossed the onyx soul gem through a portal to another plane, cutting off the empathic bond and depressing and disorienting Jonas.

His friends rose to the occasion to help the confused paladin. Tomar, Rith'alaria, Siomir, Ramas, Leonia, Meri, and River all gathered with Charraj to scry for the stone. . .until it was realized that they could have just used Wish or Miracle to get the stone back. Too late though, as the group watched the scrying mirror as a clawed hand picked up the gem in a barren, blasted landscape. Meri began to channel divine energy and pray immediately, calling upon a Miracle to bring the gem back. However, the spell ended up taking the group to the gem, instead of it coming to them. The party found themselves on one of the many layers of the Abyss, and were set upon by hordes of tanar'ri almost immediately.

Battling through the hordes was a difficult fight, but the group was focused and pushed on. Ultimately they came to a much larger balor, who, after exchanging verbal taunts, was felled. An even larger one appeared after that though, and he had the missing soul gem. The tanar'ri called Kelorin to his side, as none of this was part of the plan, and ascertained that Kelorin was trying to betray him. The ensuing fight saw Jonas and Tomar go after Kelorin while the rest of the party fought the very tough balor. Both fell, but they could hear more hordes gathering. . .Meri was hard pressed to ask for another Miracle to get them back before they were overrun, but she managed, and the exhausted party found themselves back on the Prime, complete with the soul gem and Kelorin's pouch. Alistaria was released, and soon after another small gem was found that contained the soul of the girl, who was released as well. With all seeming right, Ali soon discovered something new about herself. . .

[rokranon]

Early 1347 DR

The discovery was that Alistaria, since being released from the soul gem, could now feel the mind of her unborn child. After sharing this discovery with Jonas, they surmised that the unborn boy, who Ali could 'feel' mentally as if through Jonas' bond, must share his father's empathic gift. This resulted in even more security and protection for the Rokranon family.

While Ali was recovering, Jonas attended the wedding of Randy and Marjolaine. This joyous event, which included the gender curse placed on Randall to be lifted, turned to one of despair as Marjolaine's father, Victor, could not stand his daughter marrying one such as Randall, and tried to kill the man known as 'the Beast'. Marjolaine threw herself in front of the dark invocation, resulting in the loss of her life. Randall could do nothing but mourn as Victor and his summoned tanar'ri allies were dispatched. At the point of Jonas' sword, Victor admitted to learning his dark arts from none other than Kelorin. Kelorin's revenge upon Randall for slicing off his arm and saving Alistaria only weeks before was to corrupt Marjolaine's father to get at Marjolaine herself. Showing no remorse for what he'd done, Victor was executed on the spot by Jonas.

Rumors of a new Bhaalist threat became real as Jonas and Ali happened to come across some of these servants of the Lord of Murder outside the city. Along with Tomar and Meri, they saw the Bhaalists hanged by a local Fist patrol. Once again Jonas found bleeding heart adventurers complaining about the unfair treatment and lack of justice. Jonas did not waste his time trying to instruct this time: some people see only what they wish to see. If they were ignorant of what the Lord of Murder stands for and did not wish to learn, so be it. More allies were rooted out and suffered the same fate as the first three.

With the Bhaalists hanged and Kelorin dead, Jonas and Ali decided to finally have the honeymoon they were denied after their marriage due to Kelorin's threats. At the suggestion of Arivain, they ventured to the Moonshaes for some much deserved rest. During this time they left little Inara in the protective care of the elves of Doron Amar, providing the imaginative little girl the opportunity to decorate with an abundance of paints.

Jonas was recalled early in order to help with the situation of Rhys' murder of a man on the Trade Way, but this was solved in short order despite some differing opinions among the Radiant Heart as to what should be done. Jonas' ruling was not seen favorably by Tomar, but at least Madison was able to understand.

Alistaria and Jonas began to take a much more active role in trying to provide better opportunities for the children at Mercy Orphanage. Jonas found young David to be easy to place, as his interest in metal working could make a good life in smithing. A worshiper in the church of Gond took in the lad, promising to make him an apprentice. Michael followed and helped Jonas whenever he could, and Larissa was taken on a tour of the Triadic temples.

One would think that after twenty years of nightmares forced by Kelorin, Jonas would have found rest at long last, but his sleeping habits seemed to become worse than ever after the death of his twin. With sunken eyes and pallid complexion, the paladin of Torm continued about his business for the city of Baldur's Gate, while trying to see his stronghold constructed.