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Training Day
Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2021 10:20 am
by mastajabba
The Reaching Woods
1 Kythorn 1357
The Warden and I made our way north into the Gnoll infested Reaching Woods. Just the two of us Radiant Scouts working on my set skill set. Warden took lead and I provided support from closer than I am used to. But with her pointers I was able to deliver arrows to more devastating and vital areas.
Working with scouts alone is different than our usual Radiant Heart patrols. Without a Knight with Tower Shield to draw the blunt of aggression. We found ourself much like lighting bugs. We would appear attack and quickly slip out of sight.
We communicated with hand gestures learned with the new skill set. We made a lethal combination. Quickly turning foes into a pile of gore and fur. I still have much to learn and more training to finish but I am finally becoming as lethal as the Warden. I started tap into my heritage and lace my arrows with arcane essence making each of my arrows a deadlier missile.
I am confident now that I am stepping up to my role as Archer and Scout for this prestigious order. Soon the enemies of all that is just and good will have to take notice that the eye and hand of a just man will always deliver arrows into their vile arse...
Melancholy
Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2021 10:23 am
by mastajabba
Barracks Order of the Radiant Heart, North East Archery Tower and lookout
1 Kythorn 1357
Today someone kissed me, for the first time in decades and all my mind can think of is a woman half a world away in Comyr. A woman who doesn't even remember me.
Platoon
Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2021 11:05 am
by mastajabba
I had a lot of time to reflect. I been working with Warden Boots into some sort of Reverie-Meditation to aid with my impulsiveness. Tonight I spent hours thou to me it seemed moments reflecting inward. Tonight’s thoughts brought me to my current brothers and sisters in arms at the Order. Thou unlike the Warden, this reverie leaves me exhausted. But here are some note worthy things I thought of...
Grand Knight Lord Aaron Lyonaler, the Rock, our corner stone. Our moral anchor. I have served under good leaders and under bad ones. Lord Lyonaler is probably the best example of the Comyrian dedication I have ever seen. A man of absolute resolve in a compromising world. A man who believes in the good that can be brought about. No wonder his Goddess favors him so much. Yet Lord Lyonaler is very much a Bloke’s Bloke. He understands that a man’s past doesn’t doom him and always seems to prefer to give others the chance to redeem themselves. It’s that optimism that we can be better than we where. His constant strive for being a better person that inspires me.
Warden Vanira “Boots” who knows elfy name, ye know I don’t I even know the Warden’s last name. The Warden is probably the most complex being I have met in my life. She is dangerous, weird, quirky, honest and more important she is the Den Mother of the Order. And we are all her Cubs. When Warden Boots began to scout me as Talent for the Order I thought honestly this Elfy Lass wants some of this Masculine Comyrian BeefPie. But I have learned that the Warden shares one quality with the Grand Knight. She sees us as the best version of us that we can be. Not the version we are. Thou to me defense, I am absolutely spot on.
Warden Boots is protective to a fault and in extended campaigns it wears on her. She seems to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders at time. Walking that razor’s edge between darkness and light. A scout by trade but a Whisper Mistress by application. I assume long years and many lost loved ones have forged her into who she is. I can understand that, loosing my team to the ravages of age left a gaping wound on me heart. But she is my mentor and I would be as bold and cocky to say a friend. I would follow this woman to the gates of the abyss and back. Hell I even elfy danced with her. And I bloody hate elfy dances.
Squire Elle (Nae call me Elle) Avery, a new recruit a tiny lass with bright eyes and the most intelligent eyes I have ever seen. In the short time I had the honor and privilege to know this lass. I seen go from a timid lil thing to a ever confident cleric in the Order of the Radiant Heart. Avery is witty and can make most situations better with some quick quip. I am sure that as time goes on Avery will be a important cog of our lean mean fighting machine.
Patrol
Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2021 12:09 pm
by mastajabba
Order of the Radiant Heart Charterhouse
3 Kythorn 1357
I gather my patrol pack and I check my quiver as I step outside the cool well lit interior of the Charterhouse. The patrolling Paladin nods, not sure if he’s either jealous wishing he could take a long patrol out of the courtyard. Or is he glad his patrol keep him close to home. I light my pipe, enjoying one last smoke before I head out on this patrol making my way to the Horse Pen. I pat Rocinante as I dig out odds and ends out of the saddle bag. I store some of the items I won’t need in patrol and I pack an extra bundle of arrows. A small fletching kit to repair arrows. And an extra sling for my bow.
Once I have enjoyed my pipe I dump out the ash and stow it. I step on the ashes to make sure that it’s put out. Don’t want to be that bloody ranger that starts a fire. I think the Warden is at the Grand Knight’s desk working on the steady endless wave of reports. I left a note with a map where o marked my overall patrol route. In case I go missing they know where to search for me.
Lone Ranger
Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2021 10:05 pm
by mastajabba
Its been a long patrol, even with all the extra training I been doing with the Warden and the extra “positive physical behavioral adjustment” that the Warden and the Grand Knight have added to my already rather lengthy assignments and tasks back at the Charter House. I think either the Warden wants me to be able to shoot short spears out me Longbow or perhaps I might be a wee bit too cheeky for my own good.
I could use a nice tall mug of Mead and maybe a few puffs of my pipe. But I’m out on patrols, I can’t have my senses duller or worst smell like a bloody Smokey tavern. Telling half the world that Comyr’s Finest, the Emerald Archer is in their back yard peeking.
Soon I’ll be back home, my new home Baldur’s Gate.
Green Cloaks and Red Arrows
Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:06 pm
by mastajabba
I have been stretching far my patrol routes. I start at the Charter House and make my way north, outside under Mielikki’s grace I move swiftly like a summer breeze. Concealed in nature traversing terrain with no difficulty.
My advanced training in Comyr in Wilderness Stalking has made me a far more effective scout. Along the way I make a point to Cull the numbers of the inhuman godless humanoid monsters that plague the Sword Coast, Gnoll, Bugbear, Goblin. Along the way I sometimes find the bleach hearted brigand or two whose greed has corrupted their hearts. Turning them as black and vile as any monster you may encounter in any crypt. These two are dispatched swiftly. Justice at the edge of a razor tipped arrow. I continue then west north of the Woods of Sharp Teeth keeping the River Chionthar to my right and the eternally restless fields of my left. Making my way through the den of Sin and decadence that it’s Soubar, not fast enough I find myself at Forrest of Wyrms then continue on to the Reaching woods.
After a break at the Eldath Shrine. Topping off my canteens in the cool refreshing fountain. I slip back heading down towards the trails toward Triel and Greenest. Then walk through the woods of sharp teeth into Beregost then a quick glance into the Cloakwood and back north to the charter house.
Out of the Shadows
Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2021 11:33 pm
by mastajabba
Today’s patrols have been good. Getting out there and meeting people allowing those to see the Half Human face and a rather handsome one at that, of the Grand and Honorable Order of the Radiant Heart. Even thou my patrol routes now take on average a 3rd longer. I can say that meeting people and when possible helping on the day to day problems is as rewarding as when we Radiant Hearts along with our good allies in the City of Baldur’s Gate and the Sword Coast stand shoulder to shoulder to face what ever vile threat has its sights set upon the good people of Baldur’s Gate.
I walk along the tradeway the main life line of Commerce whom my father described as the life line of civilization. I caught up with Malakai Stormwind the nimble caravan master of the Rocky Creek Trading company. I am happy that after some quiet time at Mielikki’s shrine I was able to help Alexander Holgart a Knight on the path of Torm. It’s good to see people of unwavering morals in a city of such open moral flexibility. Thou the developments on the Red Skull Gnoll Pack are horrifying. I have to catch up with Emmanuel and Ashling, lucky for me the Arcdruid and his wife also have a soft spot for the Lewd Lyre. And hey how about that I can go have some pints and continue this investigation.
There is a lot of rumors of Banites north on the move. As wells as Zhentarim forces moving on the far shore of the Boareskyr bridge. Now it’s the time for men and women of strong moral standing. To stand vigilant and unwavering. I need to continue patrolling and being out there a presence on the world.
The long road
Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2021 12:45 pm
by mastajabba
The road is long, stretching like a giant serpent across the east coast. From Baldur’s Gate going north to the edge of the oppressive lands of the Zhentarim then west along the Reaching Woods down to Greenfield and Greenest. Where the road leads into the Heart or Amn and the Cloud Peaks. As I pass people, I nod and greet them with a Tally Ho! Those who would prey onto others. Such as Brigands and monstrous humanoid creatures I put to the justice of the Longbow.
I see many new faces on the Tradeway. New adventures rushing off to meet the exiting call of Adventure, Glory and riches. Sometimes I pause by roadside campfire and enjoy my pipe while people recant their latest exploits. Sometimes just what sort of unfortunate events lead them onto this road. After a brief rest either I excuse myself or they leave before I head on down the road. Soon my steps carry me back to the Charter House. Take care of my equipment, bathe and eat before settling down to write down important aspects for the Warden.
Then continue my Radiant Scout Training. See what tasks the Warden left for me.
On Neutrality…
Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2021 3:30 pm
by mastajabba
As I stood our usual vigil by the Watch Tower in the Eastern Farmlands. I saw the loner known as Sette. I known her from an incident at the Forrest of Wyrms. She sat down and after a few silent moments made small talk, we got on the Topic of neutrality something I admit to be a bit of a sore point to myself.
I consider myself a good man. A good man does what he knows it’s just and right not just when it’s easy but specially when it’s hard. It is the burden of the righteous and just man to always hold the line. In this current days where you see Elves who openly dislike halforcs but are good friends with Red Wizards of Thay. You see elementals who openly consort with the vile treacherous Drow. Everyone’s moral line swings and sways more than reeds in the breeze.
I always find neutrality to be the stance of those who want a convenient excuse not to get involved. Every situation is met with a dozen questions and a natural hesitation to action. Hesitation is all that evil needs to thrive. This tolerance of wickedness is why so many horrible people flock to the Sword Coast.
I have more respect for a Dread Master who is open about whom he is. Than someone who spends their time placating what ever faction they are currently with. I know evil hearts can be redeemed. I seen it and I am seeing it now with by Brother in Battle Hightower. My own Mentor and Warden has risen from the darkness and become a beacon of light, hope and protection. These people who unlike me had horrible upbringings and experienced such trauma yet have found their way back towards the light. They draw such admiration from me.
One day with my efforts. Others will not have to suffer such histories that lead people dark paths. One day I will shoot arrows into the black hearts that skulk around the Sword Coast. Bringing light into the darkness and hope where there is none.
Strength in numbers
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 12:06 pm
by mastajabba
When I began my training in the Purple Dragons of Comyr, our Sargent at Arms gave us all a small Rod of wood. He then grabbed a club and asked us all to defeat him with our rods. Some of the more scrappiest of the recruits went in fast and hard. Hoping to gain momentum and advantage but the Sargent at Arms’ club easily broke and shattered the thin rods we had been given. After defeating all of us and making us run extra laps around the complex. That made us miss dinner and we had to settle for scraps of bread and water
The Next day we meet again at the Courtyard. Still sore and bruised from where the Sargent at Arms club had fount meaty muscle parts of our limbs and sides. This day there was another barrel full of thin rods and he stiff on the opposite end of the courtyard waiting to deliver another beating to these scouts who where thinking like pikemen than Royal Scouts recruits. We took a few seconds and saw that a rod itself was not strong enough to withstand a hit from the club. But if we bundled the rods we would have enough mass to not only withstand a blow from the Club but we had enough length on the rods to have a reach advantage on the club. So we then began to unlace our soft leather moccasin styled boots and used the leather cord to secure bundles of sticks together. Not to large to become unwieldy and cumbersome. But strong enough to withstand a blow from the club and enough weight to deliver a decent blow to move the Sargent at Arms off the dirt pile…
I see this type of problem here in the Sword Coast. Seems everyone is always trying to find that path that will lead them to be a power house in combat. Yet life isn’t jousting tournaments nor Melee tournaments. In the real world problems are complex. And you need to approach things in a deliberate manner.
I am not a Knight, nor do I want to be. I am a Scout with the Radiant Heart. I am a part of a team. I know my arrows deliver support to my brothers & sisters in the Order. I know that I will be their eyes and ears to warn them of upcoming danger. I am not a hero, I am a Soldier in a Radiant Heart Regiment here in Baldur’s Gate. It is my honor to do my best for my Grand Knight, The Captains and the Warden above me. And for my fellow members of the Order besides me and our loyal allies.
Red Handed
Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2021 9:42 am
by mastajabba
Remember when in school when you where with your mates shooting the breeze and being a cheeky and yer tutor is standing right behind you. Well yeah that happened today…
So I was out and about. Winning the hearts and minds of the good folks of the sword coast. When I spotted a tent set up right by the Ol’ Charterhouse. I’m thinking oi must be the Bloody Thayians peddling their exploitive wares. So I was relieved when it wasn’t that Bald Hag but instead that Ginger with the curly long locks Aly Leonhart. She’s now selling scrolls and other Devine odds and ends…
So being the. Neighborly bloke I am, I swing by to say hello. Me curiosity got the best of me and I made a tiny inquisition as if she had any scrolls that would shrink things… you know like say a 200 pound rock belonging to a Ser Sean. You know how ‘em Wizard say hypothetically …
When I got this cold chill down me spine. I mean like someone walked over my grave. Then the most subtle hint of lilacs…
I was fracked… caught red handed… or as we say in the Comyrian Purple Dragons. Caught with me breeches down holding me wiener. Tho I should know better. I mean she be me mentor, She be the mistress of whispers. So sure enough I have to cut this story short. Me arms are sore from carrying that bloody rock around the courtyard all afternoon.
Deployed
Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2021 5:47 pm
by mastajabba
Bundles of arrows where laid on a medium sized tarp that doubles as a field tent. These where then rolled up and strapped to Rocinante, My trusty Ol’ Comyrian Light Warhorse. It’s load balanced with fletching supplies and camping supplies. I packed a small pouch of me favorite smoke for when the smoking lamp was lit and smoking was permitted. A small vice goes a long way for troop morale. And with Captain Norton at the Helm of this operation. I can expect a no frills infantry camp.
I checked my enchanted quiver, it’s many talismans and luck trinkets and then my favorite longbows. Several for unstrung for different applications. The short sword and field knife got a good sharpening from the Radiant Heart Master of the Forge. Making sure the last line of defense was up to task. Given that if the Archer is pulling out the old Oh Shyte Stick. Things are as they say in the Infantry, it’s a Cluster Frack…
Soon I will have to meet with the Warden or the Grand Knight. Which hopefully means getting orders to support Flaming Fist Operations at the Fort. Thou I am thinking the Grand Knight, Warden Boots will try to shield us from most of the Danger, taking the most risk to herself as it’s her nature. A quality I respect in a commander but at the same time. I am ready. I want to make a difference in the Sword Coast. I am a soldier.
I hope I can run into the Lovely Miss Aly, I need some scrolls for this upcoming battles. That and it’s always good to see a pretty girl before heading out with the troops for an undetermined extent of time.
I mean she ain’t no Miss Petunia, but then again no one is. I wonder what she would think seeing me heading out to camp again. That Ol’ Blaquehawke cocky step as i once again head off to war…
Revelations and questions
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2021 4:35 pm
by mastajabba
I need a drink…
I sit at the edge of my cot. My hand shaking my mind racing. It’s summer and it’s hot. The morning’s cool air tainted by an oppressive amount of humidity. There are beads of sweat already at my temples. When I get the shakes means I am needing a stiff drink.
McGrath… that’s the lads name. Comyrian, tall with hair like her. He carries my old bow. Son of Petunia… but is it my Petunia? And if it is … is it my boy? Last time I saw Petunia back in 1355 when I mustered out the Purple Dragon’s she didn’t even recognize me. Now I have this kid here with an arm like a ballista. I can see that he holds some resentment. I mean. I wasn’t there. Is that why Petunia kept him away? I was too busy chasing the enemies of Comyr across the Eveningstar Region. Would I had given up all that ? Is that what Petunia did?
My mind is racing, “at least I was there to raise you”. He said when the Fire Giant General’s sword fell me. I didn’t know… but do I tell him? Petunia is human and not long for this world. Do I want my only son to hold that against her? For the rest of her short life. Or his Half elven life?
My flask is empty … and my hand is trembling.
Keep Calm and Carry On, Nigel you are a Comyrian. First things first. The mission, then finding out why Petunia kept us a secret from each other. Then I will figure out what to do about Junior…
Those left behind
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2021 1:34 pm
by mastajabba
It was the weekly sending. From the great weave of Mystra; Mother the elven Wizard & Arcane Archer Orpheas Mae Blaquehawke message made it’s way from the heart of Comyr, Eveningstar to the Sword Coast. Most weeks this message was just mundane conversations. The musings and events of the life of an Elven Wizardress in Comyr and the stories. My ‘sending’back of all the good work and shenanigans that my new family in the Radiant Heart had been up to.
But unlike other weeks My reply was short and to the Point. “I need you to come get me“. I wouldn't need advanced divinations to imagine the look on Mother’s face. That eternal elven face would get the slightest of crease on her brow as worry would creep into her Golden Eyes. Her lips set to a thin line as she starts to prepare her spells.
I reached into a small draw string pouch around my neck. In it I carry an elven engagement ring. And a wooden rune. Marked with Mother’s sigil on one side and father’s Blaquehawke family crest on the other side. The gleam of the sapphire on the platinum band catches my eye. I have never been one to keep gems. But this one I have kept for far too long. An anchor to time and place long lost.
I take the rune and set it down. I close the pouch the ring left forgotten buried under other pressing matters. Soon out near the Sallyport of the most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart’s Charter house. A flash of light bright as a hundred starts and quicker than a heart beat. The light disputes as fast as it came and there standing admits the sea scented breeze of the Sword Coast, Mother Stood. “ Rabbit…” she said and my heart was filled with joy. I took her hand and as I clasped her hand in mine. A bright flash of light and that tingly queasy feeling you get when some Wizards rips you from one place and hurls you into the other…
Then again just as quick as the light came. It receded and the Salty Sea air was gone. Replaced by the cool river breeze. I was in Comyr again.
Hard Truths and Concequences
Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2021 11:52 am
by mastajabba
Once in Comyr the Radiant Scout stepped out the Archmage’s home and out into the Comyrian sun once again. The streets of Eveningstar where busy as between river traffic and merchants along the road filled the city with wares, goods and skilled labor. He had a plain green cloak but he kept his signature Bycrocket Cap. Now with it’s purple feather an ode to his service to the Purple Dragons. His steps carried him through familiar streets that now seemed foreign. Not much had changed in the physical aspect of the city but at the same time everyone else had. So it felt less like home and more like a painting of something he used to know. He didn’t have a connection to Eveningstar as he once had.
He arrived at the home again. The same home where a few years ago Petunia the love of his life had looked him dead in his eyes without even the slightest hint of recognition. He took a deep breath as again he neared the door. Just as he was about to reach the door. He stopped, the scout training he had been doing with Warden Boots kicked in. He was being watched. He then straightened his cloak and cap making himself seem nervous trying to work up the nerve as his keen halfelven eyes searched about him.
Then there is was the slightest movement in the wooden shutters from near the kitchen. He stood there as his half elven ear picked up the steady gait of someone with hard soled boots trying to slowly and quietly move across a well used creaky wooden floor. Soon the sound of latches moving and doors unlocking. The person who came out wasn’t Petunia, but another man. Clean faced, slightly almond shaped eyes, his ear hidden beneath blonde hair. His expression stern. Wizard by his build, the slight scent of the odd spell component clung to his functional and somewhat embellished robes.
“Let’s take a walk, Blaquehawke…”
He said as he stepped out, blocking the way in and shutting the door behind him. He knew who I was, which was more than Petunia…