Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

*As the sun sets over the Sea of Swords, maximus finds himself dreaming of the days gone by, the days to come and the memories he tries so hard to leave behind.*

“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” ((Albert Einstein))

It is true that sometimes one must first find peace in and among the ruins of their life. It is only time that separates the distance between what you gain and what you have lost. Now only able to look forward to the future, and ponder what comes next. All of my travels and all of my problems have come to the final decisions. Now that I have up-righted my life what shall I do. Should I wait and see if it is Candlekeep who wishes me back, or do I strive for something more; Something better for my family.
This is something I just can't decide, it has been some time since I spoke to Ulraunt, it seems as if he may not return my message. But time does not allow everything to happen all at one time, and it would be more than I could bare. Maybe I am to old to think of being a soldier, and I should think more along the lines of being just the guard that I have trained a lifetime to be. These are decisions that I cannot take lightly, but over the next few weeks they are decisions that have to be made. I will go where Tyr is most needed and where citizens need protecting.
No offers being made, this is something I must choose for myself.

*As the night falls, Maximus continues to journey for home only stopping to get something in his stomach, a piece of dried meat and a wine skin of water provide the nourishment needed to carry on to home. As he eats he writes in his journal.*

“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles” ((Tim Cahill))

In all my journeys I think it is the friends I have met along the way that make it all worth while. Though don't believe for a second that all those met in the roads are friends or even have good intentions. Some only mean to cause harm while others will go out of there way to help a total stranger. I am sure many in the wake of my travels have thought much the same about me. Sometimes healing or raising a fallen soul and slipping of into the road to avoid a big thank you session. It is really so easy to help people, and even easier to stay and take the gratitude. But is it gratitude or self approval? For me I do it for myself, and I do it so others do not need to suffer anymore than need be. That is what makes me smile, that if you can help one person along your way you have a smile that will carry you all day and most times into the next.
Goodness is something the evil cannot deny, for if they were laying dying and a good soul came and saved them from a death, as much as they might not ever thank for it, deep down they were glad someone helped.

*Closing the journal, Maximus smiles thinking of how far he has come since he doubted himself and betrayed all he knew. Now his path is lit y the torch of Tyr, a crystal clear mind and the blessings of his God. Packing his things away, he picks up and moves on heading back to Beregost and the arms of his waiting Loving Wife.*

Opportunity makes a thief. ((Bacon, Francis,Viscount St Albans))

I saw my old friend Elias Goodmane today, it was a joy to be in his presence again. But as with most things that can bring joy in life it is usually interrupted by someones tragedy. A young Dwarven Monk came along letting us know he and his parties misfortunes while traveling through the Cloakwood. Elias and I followed the man back to his fallen friends, but when we arrived they were no where to be found. So we escorted the young man out.
No it is not so simple, for a young Halfling, seemed like a nice enough fellow introduced himself as Seril, but when he went to shake my hand his sloppiness cost him. I noticed he picked my pocket and meant to do the same to Elias, but neither of us are fools and my experience with such criminals allowed me to catch him. Luckily a Fist Officer named Val was passing and heard the commotion. Realizing we had a thief in our midst, Val came and took charge of the halfling. We escorted him to the jail in Baldur's but the antics of Seril never ceased. He apparently felt he had the opportunity to make some gold off two old men, what he did no realize is that; where he felt opportunity in the kindness shown, he found an opposition far more overwhelming.

*A messenger arrives from Neverwinter, bringing a sealed letter to Maximus. Breaking the seal and reading the letter, the letter is from Neverwinter as it is opened a Silver symbol of the Nine falls from the letter.
"Maximus Angrius,
Your training to become a Neverwinter Nine is complete, we feel you have earned your right to be called a Neverwinter Nine and your name will remain in the scrolls of those to be called to protect Lord Nasher, in the event it were ever needed. You are now a selfless warrior with the power to protect others, use it wisely." The signatures of many adorn the final scribing and a smile crosses Maximus's lips

“A true knight is fuller of bravery in the midst, than in the beginning of danger.” ((Sir Philip Sidney))

It has taken many a very long time training to finally complete it all, now as a Weapons Master and a Loyal Bodyguard of the Neverwinter Nine, I have become truly a guardian of man. Seems my services are being recognized by more than just myself. From my old Friend Nurgle to Father Tenith of the Temple of Tyr, I am looked at as a protector; and advisor. My experience is vast my child as I have trained my whole existence to become what I am. I now know that all of my experiences, failures and victories have plagued me so that I would learn the virtues of a good man. For the first time in my life I know that, is what I have become. My mistakes have strengthened me and taught me a lot. Let my lessons be yours as you grow up. And remember though some may not appreciate the goodness of others. If it was a helping hand they need, you will be the first people will look to; they know who will help and who would rather watch them die, than to help another. Turning away a chance to help another, will only burden you with regret.
*closing the journal, Maximus laces a piece of leather through the symbol and places it around his neck along with his Medallion of Tyr. He kisses it with a smile tucking it under his tunic. Standing he glances to the dawn breaking the night sky, the magnificent colors gleaming of his shining armor as he walks along the beach of the Southern coast, trudging back towards home. He whistle a tune he has heard his wife sing many times, happy that he is alive and that his wife awaits him.

Looking down the road, Maximus sees a Monk of Candlekeep rapidly approaching. Out breathe he calls out Maximus's name. "Maximus, Ulraunt wants to speak with you, someone desecrated your Father's grave and stole his sword. Ulraunt will know more." Bowing to the Monk a look of confusion and anger cross the man's face. Without further words Maximus runs down the trail of the trade way, encountering some strange demons on his way into Candlekeep, meeting Ulraunt inside the gates.

“Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.” ((Blaise Pascal))

Over the last few days I have learned many things, who I really am, who my father was and what our family has stood for and protected for so many years.
"Come with me Maximus and we must hurry time is wasting." Ulraunt was far more cordial than I expected, considering the circumstances the last time they met, but I had done all I could to satisfy the orders of My lord Ulraunt. "Maximus you are once again allowed in this keep and are also once again a Protector of Candlekeep." My eyes lit uop, I had finally redeemed my name and earned my way back to Tyr, but the words of the monk were eating at me. "Ulraunt what of my fathers grave?"
"Maximus what do you know of your father?" I answered as best I knew, my Mother before she passed told me that a Disciple of Bhaal had taken his life.
"Maximus your father was one of the Hammers of the Grimjaw, the elite order of Paladins. Your father was escorting a seeker, but for what we are still uncertain. But now the demons he carried now search for you." Totally confused I tried to sort this all out. I always knew my Father was a Paladin of Tyr, but I never knew him well enough only being a child the last time I saw him head out of Beregost.
"The desecrated his grave Maximus and took his holy sword." I sat controlling the anger that was building inside asking question after question and telling Ulraunt of the encounter with demons and Bhaal Disciples on the way. The Keeper tells me the story as I sit patient listening.
"Maximus?" My mind reaches back to reality as the Keeper tells me I must travel to Beregost and find the real sword held in protection by the Priest of Lathander. Then return to speak to Gorion and he would take me to Neverwinter to speak with an old Seeker of Candlekeep named Smithe. Bowing to My Lord I could not wait to get on my way, I would find out who would desecrate my Fathers grave and I would get the sword back, no matter the cost.
Meeting with Nurgle as I headed out the doors of the Archives, I asked my old friend to come along with me as I searched to find the Sword, my fathers sword. As they travelled he tells his old friend of what he has learned. And Nurgle smiles on Maximus, I told you Maximus one day things would work out." The Guide smiles to his Friend as they head into the southern leg of the road to Beregost. We encountered some demons, some even the likes Nurgle has never seen, and all seemed to be doing there best to prevent us from reaching Beregost, or was there more to it, we weren't sure. Nurgle was sure of one thing. I had made some powerful enemies, powerful enough to summon devils to attack us...

*A young man runs in interupting Maximus's writings in his journal. "Maximus come quick, some people are accusing the Gate Warden of allowing and protecting a drow." Grabbing Maximus's hand he pulls him from the Inn and out into the gardens of Candlekeep where a small crowd is beginning to gather. Maximus grabs the boys shoulder handing him a letter. "Yes young man I have heard about all this. Deliver this to the Elven Council or the Night Hunters." Patting him on the back as the boy runs off, Maximus walks out to see what the crowd is about.*

((More to come, as this was a long event))

*after seeing to the issues Maximus finishes his reports for the guide to give notice of action taken until such times as the Keeper and Guide could review the evidence gathered so far concerning the Gate Warden DeGaulle. Picking up his journal he continues where he left off.

Nurgle was sure of one thing. I had made some powerful enemies, powerful enough to summon devils to attack us...
Indeed I did have some powerful enemies, but why I had not learned yet.
Leaving the creatures lay, we carried on to Beregost. It was hard not to make way for home and to my wife, seems it has been forever since we have seen each other, even though it had only been a bit more than a week.
As we entered town, a Guard of Lathander came running up behind me.
"Go to the Temple Maximus." and he turned and head back to patrol. I looked to Nurgle with a an odd grin, "If I were a jumpy man, all these people jumping out screaming my name would have driven me mad." sharing a brief chuckle Nurgle and I headed to the Temple.
I looked around as we entered and it looked as it always had, but it has been many years since I last entered the Temple of the Morninglord.
"You must be Maximus, I have waited many years to meet you my boy. I knew your Father very well." The old Priest smiles at me offering me a slight nod. His words were comforting, seems my Father had many friends, but a life I don't think my Mother knew all about.

"You know that your Father was one of the Hammers of Grimjaw yes?" he looks upon me waiting for his answer, I nodded and let him know that the Keeper had told me, and had told me of the desecration of his graves. As we spoke I told him of the demons and disciples we happened across on the way here and to the Keep. The story told to me by Ulraunt about my fathers sword being taken from the grave, and this is when his eyes lit up.
The Priest shakes his head and he begins. "Maximus that was not the real sword they took." My eyes must have lit the room as they widened, he realized that in the Letter Ulraunt held for Me from my Father, that that sword was some how the link, passed down from Father to Son.

"I have the sword son, as soon as I heard the troubles I retrieved it from an ancient vault far below his grave. I knew that they would come looking for it, and it was entrusted to me to pass down to you." The Priest smiled happily excusing himself to walk back into a side room, returning with a longsword wrapped in an ancient cloth, the markings of the Hammers of Grimjaw etched into the sparkling darksteel. It's hilt layered in platinum, formed to fit the hands of Maximillion Angrius Paladin of Tyr and my father. As I took the sword from the Priest it seemed to fit perfectly, it's weight balanced. Bowing to the Priest, I thanked him for keeping his promise to my father, and thanked him for returning to me my Name and the Sword, both all I have of my father.
The Priest bid Nurgle and I farewell,gave blessings of Lathander, being sure to remind us that we must hurry time is running out. Nurgle and I looked at each other oddly, then back to the Priest, bowing as we departed.
"Old Friend, will you travel with me to Neverwinter?" I asked of my long time friend he smiled a brow kicking up and he chuckled a bit.
"Of course Maximus, you know that I will." casting a quick enchantment over the two of them, before they step out of Beregost heading back north along the Tradeway.
Approaching the bridge both spot a beast in flames, followed by two archers, the arrows ping off my shield, raising it as I step to protect Nurgle. I could hear him chanting as light burst from his hands, the tracers of a missile storm rains down on the demon spawn. I quickly follow the burst of magic bashing an archer with my shield rolling him to the ground. I hear Nurgle again and as I slash across the chest of the other archer, the precise strike of magic passes by me; knocking the archer to the ground knocking him out.
I look to Nurgle with a quick grin, nodding as I turned, catching the falling demon archer, my fathers sword carving through his neck as it begins to ice, my next blow shattering the body into shards of rapidly melting crystals.
Before I could launch my next attack on the archer I knocked down, Nurgle had already stolen the soul of the demon, he disintegrated into dust. All that was left was the Bhaalspawn, I had never seen one but everything in my heart told me this is what my father faced once before.

"That does not belong to you!" The spawn boomed out as an echo from the lower planes as he pointed to the Angrius Holy Blade. "You will give it to me or I will take it from your corpse!"
I couldn't help but to laugh, for this sword will never leave me. If my Father was killed holding it and Smithe delivered it to the Temple of Lathander then it couldn't be taken from him by one of these abominations; it will not be taken from me.
"Tyr guide my hands!" I shouted out as I barreled into the beast.
Magic burst from Nurgle, spell after spell as I battle this beast of flames. He was strong and each blow seared my bare skin. Finally the cold of my blade, Nurgle's spells and all the blood shed. The beast fell; vanquished to the hells.

Finally reaching the Lions Way, Nurgle and I came across a small group of young adventurers. But they were being attacked by the demon spawn, we ran to their aid, Nurgle blasting them with magic. Young or not, the adventurers battled the demons. When it was over I did my best to heal their wounds, and raised a fallen friend.
"Best you come with us to Candlekeep." Nurgle and I both said to the young-lings; leading them up the path and to the safety of the Keep.

Arriving at the Keep a few familiar faces approached us all. It was an old friend Elohir; long time friend of the Keep and a good friend to me. With him was Faerynn Keeper of the Druid Circle, a new but very good friend. Among the young adventurers was Rose a sweet Tiefling, I know she doesn't think I recognize it since she has no horns, but a sweet young lady she is.
Ryll an eager ambitious young man, reminds me of myself 30 years ago.
Arconis, I later found was a mage of some kind, but one who would summon an Erinyes in Gorion and my presence. But none the less, this was a group that was willing to aid me in my quest to Neverwinter.
We all gathered, checked our gear and headed up to speak to Gorion...

*His wife Dara, walks into the inn, a basket hanging from her arm. "I figured you would be here, I thought I better come see you here Love or you might forget about us." patting her belly, their child so near to birth.
Looking up from his Journal a big smile crosses his lips. "You know I would never do that, how can I stay away from you?" she smiles back opening the basket. I brought dinner, but you have to take time out to eat with me." Winking at Maximus he closes his journal leaving the plume to mark the page.*

After a quiet night in the Inn with Dara, Maximus rises from his bed to see the dawn breaking, the sparkle of a new day shining off the water.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. ((Edmund Burke))

As we head to Gorion a woman walks straight up to me handing me a statue, Maximus I need you to take this to Smithe. You will need to hurry time is running out. Adn as fast as she came she step through the gates and was gone.
"What is the statue about." Most asked and I was curious but unable to answer; as I didn't know. But the statue was dark, vibrating with an evil.
For now that would have to go unanswered; so we would see Smithe and have the answers.
Meeting with Gorion, he looked at the group, "I see you have brought some help Maximus. Good you will need it. Now gather round."
It was just a flash and Gorion, teleported us to a farm just outside if Neverwinter; the home of Seeker Walter Smithe. Arriving we all get oriented into our surroundings when an old man comes out of his house.
"Gorion?" he asked quite surprised to see the man. Gorion replied back and as he started to introduce me, the old Seeker took one look at me and seemed to know me like I were one of his own children.
"Maxmius, you have the look of your father. Is that??" He looks to the sword.
"So it has begun?" he proceeds to tell us the story of the what happend to my father, they were searching for two statues, one of Darkness the other of Light. He told us that when they were found they were separated to make sure that they never came together again.
"What is that?" Gorion asked as Arconis summoned an Erinyes.
"Unsummon that creature!" Gorion yells out but it was to late, the Erinyes had already drawn attention and Golems of Clay rose from the ground.
Faerynn and Elohir sprung into action, rushing into to battle the golems.
I lunged into help them and our group was deep in battle. Finally cutting through the golems we turn back to see Gorion killing the Erinyes.
"Never summon evil beings again." Gorion snapped at Arconis as I too was looking to Arconis; but quickly focused back on the old Seeker.
"Where were we? Oh yes the two statues."
"You mean like this?" I asked as I pulled the Statue of Darkness from my pack.
The Seekers eyes lit up. "Yes that is the one, but please put it on the ground."
As I laid the statue on the ground another assault was rapidly approaching but this time it was no Golems, the disciples had followed us here, bringing there Akabishi winged devils, and more of the Bhaalspawn. First to attack was Ryll and Nurgle, but the group did not delay. Every person was trying their hardest to battle the abominations, little did we know our battle had not truly started yet. But as each fell and we gathered closer battling each beast, we overwhelmed them quickly; but when we returned to the the farm house a disciple was standing with the statue in hand.
"We have it now, you want it bring the sword and come and get it." and she disappeared down a trail that quickly darkened behind her.
Gorion belted out, for me to lay chase, which I was already heading to the trail. Chasing the disciple into the darkness we emerged in a graveyard; but we were not alone. The dead began to rise from their graves, zombies and skeleton of long fallen soldiers now undead warriors control by the disciples of the God of Murder.
A demon spawn steps out, "Give me that sword and I will let you all live. Do it not and you shall all die here." this needed no response from me, I was not giving up the sword; and I could only muster a laugh. The demon produces a blade for each hand and then he signals for the undead to attack. Faerynn took the undead personally and waded thrashing at each he encountered. Nurgle began casting protections on each of us to guard us from their attacks. But each seemed to have to take each we encountered one on one, as their numbers were already greater than ours.
I headed straight for the Disciple, "You took something that don't belong to you!" I screamed out as I launched a furious assault on the demon spawn. Overwhelmed by my attacks he fell quickly and I took back the statue, turning to see that though some of us were wounded, we all weathered another attack. Making haste to get back to Gorion, but we were to late, while we were gone something attacked Gorion and Smithe, his house was in ruins smoking from the magical damage. Gorion lay wounded and Smithe lay with a spear in his chest, gasping for his last breath. As we tended to both, Faerynn healed Gorion and I had to watch the Seeker slip into the afterlife.
As we tried to hash out what happened with question to Gorion, a group of heavily armed Paladin's comes up the road, quite in a hurry shields up as a wall. The Sergent looks to Gorion and then to the body of Smithe.
"You all lower your weapons, you will need to come with us." Faerynn was quite concerned at who these men were, though I was sure the were the Paladins of Tyr from Neverwinter. During my training to become a Neverwinter Nine I had seen their armor and new we were actually in good hands. I introduced myself, the Sergent nodded to me, "You still all need to come with us." was the obvious order of the Paladin; Gorion agreeing that maybe they would have some information. Lowering our weapons we followed the Sergent down the road and into Neverwinter, arriving at the Temple of Tyr.
A large man was standing behind a desk when we arrived on the second floor of the Temple.
"My name is Faust." The man announced as I looked around the room.
The office was adorned with many statues of Paladins, A Golden statue of Tyr and many symbols of the Hammers of Grimjaw and the Hammer of Tyr.
"You must be Maximus son of Maximillion?" Faust asked as he looked to the hilt in the sheath at my side. He begins to tell us the story about the two statues, telling us the a Black Moon will be upon us soon and we must get the statue of Light and out of the ruins before the moon is fully blacked.
He also tell Maximus the whole story about his father and Smithe, what had transpired and how he died. Offering us a place to rest, we bedded down in the office for a short nap.
Faust enters the office again, calling out to each of us but I was already awake, I couldn't sleep, all I could do was think about all that I had learned about my father; all I had learned about who I am. Son of a Paladin, and not just any Paladin but one thought of highly enough by Tyr that he would become one of the elite. One thing for sure, though I could travel a similar path as my Father I knew I could never be a Paladin, however I would be a fighter of Tyr that would have made my father proud, and with his sword at my side, I knew that I would follow as closely as I could.

Gorion walked in with Faust and as we all finally were awake Gorion took us to the entrance of an ancient ruins.

*A knock at the door tears Maximus from his writings. "Maximus you are needed outside. As I walked outside I ran across Sam the Tanner, he was speaking of the incident with Joan DeGaulle and the Night Hunter, trying to explain about a child and that even though it was a drow, the Night Hunter was blatant in his attack inside the gates of the Keep. He heard of the many political reasons as others spoke of why the Keep had not involved the Fist. But we are not political, the Keep does not get involved in political agendas. We are only concerned with preserving the records of humanity, our history and all the knowledge found in Toril. Something I vowed to protect as a young man and now once again find myself in the position to do. But words and opinions are even less my concern. I can only gather the facts to present to Nurgle and Ulraunt.*

*shaking his head he walks back into the Guard Barracks and takes a seat at the desk, setting a stack of notes down concerning Joan DeGaulle and Wythran Tal.

“Expect victory and you make victory.” ((Preston Bradley))

As they head up towards the ruins a Demon steps from the shadows, weapon in hand.
"You will not get by me!" His voice echoed as in a cavern.
Faerynn laughed followed by Elohir, Nurgle and Myself. This is something we have heard for the last two days, each cretin telling us how strong he is and how we won't get by, all of us are nearly hysterical with laughter, enough that the demon is thrown slightly off guard. A perfect opportunity to attack.
Blades begin to sing and magic hums in the air as all of us pummel the demon wasting little time dispatching him. What some may see as young fighters others see as no threat at all; and they would be wrong. As his body fell, we all began to check ourselves as we were covered in blood, fortunately the blood was that of the demons.

As we enter the ruins and walk down a short path; it opens into a large hall with no roof, above us was the moon rapidly eclipsing; there in the middle of the hall stood Garda de Milux, or Jakaya as Faust referred to him. He had the shape of a wraith and a wraith he was, but he was not alone; next to him stood a helmed lord. One Jakaya now braved to tell me was my father. All around noticed the mind control towers but me, I was to enthralled with the idea that my father was alive. All began speaking to me telling me no matter what was said by Jakaya and no matter what was under that hood it was not my father.
It occurred to me father or not, my father knowing now who he was; if that was him it was surely not who he wanted to be and the control towers were just a way to keep it controlled.
"That is not my father, Jakaya! My father was a Paladin not a servant to a fiendish wraith!" though before I could finish the mind control towers started to creak and move coming at all of us, attacking with magic I have never seen.
"The towers Maximus, they are mind control towers, Look Out!" Ryll whispered to me, but it was to late, the combat had begun. All of us spring into action, Ryll jumping in front of me taking a nasty assault from one tower, but as he did we both locked swords into the mechanical tower, breaking chunks of steel from it. The ice of my blade formed crystals on the metal and it shattered like glass. Nurgle had already launched a mass of missles on the other as it moved around the room trying to guard the Helmed Lord as I began to actively seek it. If it was my father then today I would see he rested in peace.
The towers fell and the only battle left, the group allowed me to fight on my own. It was time for the charade to be over. The Helmed Lord and I locked blades, mine crashing into his to the tune of a loud bell crashing. After some time the Lord fell defeated and I stood over him in a triumphant stance, until his helm rolled from his head and beneath it was the face of my father. As I fell to my knees, tears began to roll down my cheeks; and I was totally oblivious that behind me, was Jakaya. But before he could attack me the group sprang into action, a battle raged behind me as I knelt over my wounded but not dead father, holding him in my arms I finally looked up to see the last spell spray from Nurgles hands and heard the blades coming to rest in their sheathes. Jakaya was dead, near his body lay the Statue of Light. Faerynn began to bandage my father up as the others came to help him to his feet.
"The Statue of Light Maximus." Faerynn announced, I moved quickly to grab the statue and looked up to see that we had only moments to get out of the ruins. All started to scream, "Let's go it is almost the Black Moon."
Picking up my Father, supporting him by his arms, we rushed down the corridor, some zombies blocked the way. Rose and Ryll were quick to cut them down open way to the door. As I stepped into the door way I felt a weight be lifted from my back. My pack seemed lighter now; looking up the moon was full blacked out. Busting through the door well all sort of tumbled out. I reached in my pack and the Statues were indeed nothing but dust, we were too late.
A scream came from the Ruins followed by a maniacal laughter, Jakaya was defeated this time, he no longer had the statues to be brought together to bring him back. However he would not remain that way forever, in time I am sure he will find another way. If the path of my father was to be mine, then one day I may face a similar fate, I do have the sword.
Heading back down the path to Gorion, my Father healed a bit more but still in rough shape, his powers now gone, no longer the Paladin he once was; Gorion still knew who he was.
Teleporting us back to the Temple of Tyr and Faust to make our report, Faust was already waiting.
"Maximillion! Your alive." Faust said with surprise as we appeared in room.
Faust and my father spoke for a time, we ran down our report of the happenings in our journey; Faust gave a brief smile to the group offering each a gift of the temple's appreciation. He then patted me on the back, giving me a smile of approval; "You are your fathers son."

Gorion gathered us around him and in a flash we were back in Candlekeep, a small victory for some.
A victory I knew I had to have.
A Victory I will never forget.

*Closing the journal he looks up from the desk, his father out of the infirmary, standing next to his loving wife.
"Seems I am going to be a Grandfather, good thing I am going to retire." Maximillion speaks to his Son, with a jovial nature in his voice. Maximus can only smile while gathering his things.
"How about we go home?" He says with a quick wink to his wife as he walks up wrapping an arm around her waist. The three head through the door, out the gates and down the road of the Lion's Way. In the distance you can here them laughing; the sun shining brightly above them and not a creature disturbed them as they walked happily back to Beregost.

((I would like to thank Exodus for this sweet well organized event. He took a lot of time and made sure we had tons of fun.
I also want to thank Arconis, Elohir, and Faerynn, Rose and Ryll, for coming along adding to the rp helping create a very immersed event.
And No I didn't forget my bro Nurgle.))

*Maximus removes his armor and sits in an easy chair next to a fireplace in the inn, bags under his eyes and his body worn from the last few days. The journey that brought his father back, to the incident in the Keep. The Inn keepers wife brings him a bowl of soup and some fresh baked bread and a bottle of a spring wine. After rapidly eating he brings out the leather journal, tracing the outline of the Griffon emblem of silver on the Coat of Arms of the Angrius family, that adorns the journals cover. Opening it he begins to write.

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” ((Buddha))

There comes a time in every man's life when they must live at peace with themselves, free of the worries of battle and war, that time had come for my father and would one day find me as well. Though my Father would never be the Paladin he once was, he will be remembered in the memories of those who know him. For me it was the start of my memories being again reunited with him. Now comfortable at home being cared for when I am gone by Dara, he waits for the birth of his Grandchild. Me on the other hand my journeys have once again brought me to Guard Candlekeep, I never thought I would stand the position of Gate Warden again, but for now I will do as My Lord Ulraunt ask and help Joan bring the Keep back to it's pentacle of security. My duties are still as they always have been, guard the Guide at all cost, and now the Keep as well.
Dara is nearing her time and I am hoping for a son, someone I may pass down the Angrius blade to. Now a life long dream to pass the legacy down; a legacy that I will teach my son of. The Legacy of a Paladin and a father that spent his life trying to be a paladin, even when he was just a mere fighter in the name of Tyr.
I would name him Maximus Angrius II, a name that he will one day be proud to carry, and hopefully will be all that I could not. But this is what now brings me peace, an inner peace that even the wars to come; will not take from me.

*closing the journal he looks to the fire and listen to the crackling of the burning wood, gliding gently into a deep sleep. The Inn Keepers wife smile and throws a hide over the old fighter, blowing out the lamp burning close by. "Good Night Maximus."*

* The sunsets on yet another day above the Sea of Swords, Maximus leaves his post guarding the Gates of the Keep. It will be a few more days before he reaches his home, and his beautiful Wife. Walking back into the gates and up the stairs to sit at the fountain, pulling the journal from his pack; he begins to write, a smile and aire about him that would leave his problems miles away.

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” ((Unknown Author))

Today was quiet, only the sounds of the wind and the waves crashing against the rocks. Gulls singing songs of their ocean journeys, the serene chanting of the Monks of the Keep. A day so far from the average in that the silence allowed me time to think of you My Love and the gift you bare inside you.
I can't help but to chuckle to myself, that I should be so lucky to have a wife who cares for me so much, and a child soon will bring tears of joy to my eyes at it's very little smile.
My Love I long to see you, I long to be in your arms, see your smile. Though you always understand, only offering me the sincerest of looks and support. My Father says you remind him of my Mother, your generous ways and your loving care. I can only say that, I would still be looking for hope had you not come along. I have so much to tell you, as I have not even had a chance to tell you how I brought my Father back, but I think I shall make time to stay at home with you and tell you all about it.
Until then, it is only my dreams I have of you and our child.

*Pulling an old pipe and pouch from his belt, Maximus fills his pipe, lighting it and taking a long draw from it, blowing the sweet smoke out he watches the sun finally dip below the walls as the twilight fills with millions of sparkles. Standing he heads to the Inn and a peaceful nights sleep.*

*Sitting just outside the infirmary in Candlekeep, Maximus paces impatiently. To soothe his nerves he sits down on a close by barrel and pulls his Journal.*

“A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” ((Oscar Wilde))

My sleep was not the peaceful time I had hoped for, instead it was a nightmare that woke me early and guided me for home.
I can still remember it vividly; as well my Father's sword now seems to be calling me.

*Thinks back to the nightmare*
An ominous figure stands at the edge of what appears to be a castle. He has a wide frame with a long flowing dark red cape behind him. From the back, he has horns coming out of his helmet.
A nimble rogue leaps off a near by tower. The figure continues to stare out to the cloudy terrain, bolts of lightning striking the ground. The rogue begins, "Jakaya has been defeated."
"Just as i thought. What about the Knight?" The figure responds. The rogue shakes his head, "He knows nothing yet." The figure nods. "Good. Continue the plan."
The rogue questions, "What shall we do about the knight of tyr sire?" The figure shakes his head. "nothing. No further need for him. At least, not for now. follow the plan exactly. Now go." The Rogue leaps away into the shadows. "yes sire."
The figure's shoulders shake with light laughter. "The time shall come... When the Gate of Darkness is cast open... All men shall kneel before me... All shall hail me, as their new master! HA HA HA HA!!!"
Waking from this nightmare now has me worried of many things, what could it have meant? Why was I even mentioned in the dream? Who was this figure? And, for the life of me, I cannot put a face to the rogue.
Then arriving home, My Love is in pain. It is time that my child is born.
With little other choice Dara and I made our way to Candlekeep, where Merielle is still in our infirmary taking care of little billy. I know that she will see to Dara and my child. Now, with my child being born and this nightmare; I am left in both joy and worry. The next few hours I must concentrate on Dara, see the birth of my child. See they are cared for and then seek answers to this dream.

*Closing the journal Maximus returns back to his wife in the infirmary.*

*The sun shines on Beregost, a cool breeze blows through the trees in the courtyard and all is calm. Maximus sits lazily on the steps of his house writing in his journal, his son laying beside him on a pallet of soft blankets looking up at the sky.*

“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” ((Brandi Snyder))

The last few nights were rough, my Dreams no longer nightmares but dreams of righteous and divine calling. The Sword of Tyr, My Fathers sword seems to be calling me to it; calling me to Tyr. And after last night I know that the call is one I must listen to. So i will make sure to detail what happened, and maybe one day Son, you will answer his call to.

*smiles watching his new born Son amaze at the sky*

I know I should see Ulraunt, the Keeper of the Tomes as My Lord, but he has helped me to find me again, and in his wisdom, he knew exactly what he was doing. For I did find me and a lifetime that I thought I missed.
So when we heard that a flying creature had entered the Keep and took the Keeper from his Chambers, Nurgle and I knew we had to jump into action. Seems that our first Journey could only be the beginning and now we must go into the wilds in search of him.
As we left Beregost, I was having doubts that I would ever return, any strong enough to take Ulraunt would sure be a match for Nurgle and I, so instead we gathered warriors and Priest along the way, and made haste for Beregost. On arrival a Guard of Lathander offered his help, and he and the others followed us toward Naskel.
A Spear man first approached us as we made our way there, he was asking for our help, and as we arrived he was correct he needed our help. The Giants were making another attempt to reclaim the lands but the force was weak and easily dispatched by our group. Slashing through them and magic flying over our head the giants fell one by one, but they were not easily swayed. Even Frost Giants came to support the hill giants, we knew we must push them back.
Our blades sang and the sounds of the chants of Nurgle were like thunder in the sky, as each giant that fell lead us further up the mountain and finally towards the mines. As we made our way up the path and around to the entrance all of us stopped, seeing the Orog that were beginning to gather at the bridge forming a wall of soldiers all seemingly dead set on destroying us. Battering our way into he Orogs and onto the bridge, the steel of there armor rang with each blow....

Dara comes out the front door, looking down at her son smiling, "He looks quite content." kneeling behind Maximus her arms wrapping around his waist. "How about you come inside Darling and I will make dinner. It is so rare that you are home now, I want to enjoy every minute. Besides your Father is asking for you." Maximus looks back to his Wife and smiles nodding as he closes his journal. Dara takes the baby and asked Maximus to grab the blankets and the stroll into the house.

((more to come))

((Sorry for the delay on this, I am presently merging things together and making a more interesting journal appearance, as well adding the Backstory of Maximus.))