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

*Seth sits down and begins to write a letter to his exwife Elaine*

Hello, I hope this letter finds you, Seth Jr, and I would assume your now Husband, well. I pray my letters have found our son. But this letter is for you and your husband.

I have found myself in a bit of a situation, I should start from the beginning.

A while back, a small child came knocking on our keep door franticly asking for help. Her parents and wagon were under attack by bandits. We hurridly gathered our knights and went to help, but unfortunately were to late. The Child, Sarah, was all alone now in the world with no family. And our keep is no place for a child , nor is around the Friendly Arms Inn, for that matter. So we took her to the Orphanage within the Radiants Hearts complex. There I knew she would be safe.

I have been visiting her on a weekly basis, but she grows restless, and often ventures outside the orphange grounds. In fact she has made her way twice, to our keep. An amazing accomplishment for a child. But last night we found out how she was able to travel so far. It was due to her guardian angel, the spirit of her Father. Seems he cannot rest until she has once again a family to call her own.

My request is this, would you and your husband consider meeting with her, to see if she might be a fit with your family. I would consider this a Huge favor to me. I would of course pay your passage from Neverwinter to Bauder's gate, and back again. regardless of your decision.

Sincerely
Seth

PS. Please give my love to our son, he is in my thoughts.

Yesterday I received word back from Elaine, my exwife. She confirmed her interest in meeting with Sarah. I thought she would be interested. When we were first married and talking as a newly wed couple does. We spoke of how big a family we wished for. She definately wanted a daughter, as did I. And of course a son, which we were fortunate to have with Seth Jr.

So I sent her enough gold to pay for a two way passage for Her, her husband, and our son Seth Jr. to come to Baulders Gate. So that Sarah and Elaine might meet one another.

I then visited Sarah to tell her the good news. Sarah seemed to be quite please, at the prospect of meeting with Elaine, my son and her new husband.

My Ex Elaine and her now husband arrived to visit with Sarah at the orphange. They must have been impressed, they adopted her straight away. So now they are all on their way back to Neverwinter. Unfortunately they didnt bring our son Seth Jr with them , my disappointment holds no bounds with this decision. But I understand it. It was a long trip, and they have planted roots in Neverwinter now. Still, doesn't make it any easier for me.

Perhaps this explains my depression I feel as of late. I have gone to great lengths to hide my feelings, and so far feel I am successful in doing so. So lately I travel alone, once finished with the mounds of reports I go thru daily.Elvina is busy with being commander, I dont want to burden her with this, she has enough on her plate with the rigorous duties of Commander.

Lately I've been thinking on a trip into the Sea of Sand. To the Netherese Ruins Laitae told us about the other night. In search of Sunstone. Apparantly, the way I understand it , is that a weapon made of this sunstone would make a powerful weapon against Nighthaunts. If we do ever have to go into the Shadow plane.

And lets face it, at this point in time, my gifts and abilities are no longer needed here. The wars are over, and we are in a relative time of peace. Other than the occasional followers of evil intent. So it may be the right time to take a trip to the ruins in search of this sunstone.

I will contemplate more on all this before coming to a decision.

*He sets down his writing quill, gets up from his desk, and walks up to the roof to stare out into the night sky towards the North, Standing alone and in silence*

Sometimes it is troubling being a Knight, you must do things that are not popular with the immediate crowds. Even though it is for the greater good.

Last Night, after finishing up my reports, I went to the FAI, where I had left Sir Uriel earlier. I was in search for him so we could stand guard. As the Radiant heart implied that we were not guarding our own backyard against criminal Mischief to the Dukes! This I disagree with, as I often spend time there and travel far to the South to Nahkel. And, I might add without incident! Now in the Radiant Heart's own front yard We have quelled small armies of undead ourselves during our requested patrol routes. Requested by the Dukes themselves.

But I am getting off point of my report.

Last Night I was in search for Sir Uriel, as I didnt see him in front of the Friendly Arms Inn. I asked a few in front of the Inn if they had seen him. They said Yes he had just gone chasing after a man named Pain into the Cloakwood. I Immediately blessed myself with Haste and began to run after them.

Mr Pain had been caught earlier that day by Sir Uriel and Lady Laura and brought before the Dukes by their own decree, a warrant for his arrest. To answer for his crimes angainst the Realms by keeping a necromncer's ring for himself. The said Ring was actively being sought after by a powerful Liche, and putting all goodly people of the region at risk. Pain refused of even being himself, let alone even knowing of said Ring. So the Dukes threw him into a cell overnight for questioning. So for him to be out of his cell, he must have escaped. So now Mr Pain was a fugitive from the law.

Before I even got into the woods I saw Mr Pain come running towards me from the Cloakwoods followed by Sir Uriel in hot Persuit. I moved in front of his path and Demanded he Stop! At which time I overheard him exclaim "Dammit". He knew he was caught. But rather than stop he did a quick 180 and ran back into the wood dodging Sir Uriel's attempt to grasp him along the way. We followed in persuit.

Upon entering the Cloakwood I saw a large group of people there, apparantly readying themselves for battle. Then I saw why, There was what looked liked a large portal there that a small army of undead began to pour out of. I immediately cast a mass heal blessing upon all the undead and laid them to rest. Then Uriel and myself returned our attention to Mr Pain who was trying again to escape. Sir Uriel demanded, as well as myself, that he surrender or face the concequences. He refused. We did the same again, and he refused. Then several people surrounding us began to take up for him. Even that Orc named Katyra was taking up for him. I told her to be silent as I would not trust a word coming from her mouth. As we found out earlier that day, her claims of having Diplomatic immunity from the Dukes themselves were a complete falsehoods.

A man took it upon himself to stand inbetween us and Mr Pain, I later come to find out, this man's name was Mr Za'thar I believe. I demanded that he remove himself from between us and Mr Pain who now you could see a smirk growing across his face. He said he would not until he spoike his piece. I agreed to hear him out. I could see immediately this man was one who would try twist things without disagreeing. In fact several of his points were just that! A twisting of words to try to sway us from arresting this Mr Pain. Sir Uriel and Myself saw thru his deceptions, And I informed the crowd many times that Mr Pain was a fugitive from Duchal Law, and was suppose to be in prison.

We then again turned our attention back to Mr Pain, Sir Uriel again demanded he give himself up, and he refused by just sittin upon the ground defiant. I guess he didnt think with all these people standing around we would not use force. Oh how wrong he was, we had no choice, By Duchal decree, we have been given the reponsibility to uphold the Law in and around these lands that they themselves called the "Wild West". Even today we were told that we were to be "Judge, Jury, and executioner" By the Dukes. to keep the Roads safe for trade. Today only confirmed the last time we were asked to meet with them in which they told us the same.

This is a task we did not ask for and did not want, but it is for the greater good!

Sir Uriel struck Mr Pain down, then the accusations started to fly amongst the crowd! Calling us murderers and such. Which cannot be farther from the truth, I tried to explain this, And that this man was a fugitive, but it fell on deaf ears to some. We then slowly made our way back to the keep, keeping a close eye out for retailiation, but none occured.

Sometimes doing the right thing, and what is ask of you for the Greater Good IS the most difficult thing. And the most unpopular thing. This is why we as knights must be vigilant with our faith in our gods, and vilgilant with our faith in the code.

Signed,
Seth Siger
Knight General

Something has been sticking in my kraw for days now.I can't seem to dismiss it out of my mind, and I am constantly thinking about it. I met one of the lil ones the other day , I think his name was Mr Earl Stoutfellow, or something like that. As we were talking, or should I say his asking me question after question, barely giving me time to answer one before asking me another. But he made a point to me that is undeniable. A boy needs his father.

So I have been asking myself. Is it fair my son should suffer because of my choices? Or because of his mother's choices? And I cant escape the conclusion, No. Does my commitment to the Silver Rose and to the Greater Good over shadow my responsibility as a father? Should I refrain from my responsibilities here to honor my responsibilities a father has to his son? And what of Elvina? We have grown close over the last several months. Is it fair to her? All questions I wrack my thoughts over constantly.

Perhaps it is time for me to reassess my priorities as a knight, a father, and yes even in life. I will further contemplate these questions until I am confortable with the answers I arrive at.

I have read thru, studied, and searched thru the Code for guidance, but to no avail. After hearing Bazu's background as evil as he is, it touched my heart.So I spoke with Sir Uriel on the subject, seeking his guidance. Looking to understand the decisions he's made in his life regarding this, as he is a father himself. But I hesitated at talking with Elvina on the subject. Although my decision would affect her greatly, or at least I hope it would, she has so much on her plate on a daily basis. But we did finally speak on the subject and as hesistant as she was to give her opinion. I think I can decifer it from our conversation.

But a decision has bee.........

*Seth hears a knock on the door, lays down his quill to answer it*

Apparantly my time here, is coming to a close.

Perhaps it is time for me to move on.

I wonder what Neverwinter is like this time of year?

Or perhaps a trip to the Netherese ruins in the Sea of Sand.

I have but two more missions to complete, then I travel to Neverwinter to visit with my son and lil Sarah for a week. Not quite sure how long my total time to travel there and back will be, but after I visit for a week I shall return here to my duties. Upon my return I plan to discuss with Elvina and Uriel the future. In my opinion we need to start looking to and giving out, up and coming knights more responsibilities. So when it does become time for them to step up to our positions they are ready. I am sure Elvina and Uriel will see the wisdom in this.

Surprisingly enough, the subject of our replacements came up in a conversation with Elvina the other night. She was in total agreement with me. So we are presently informing the two individuals we feel have earned the right for promotion to Knight General, and plan to start their training immediately or in the very near future. As with all things, change is inevitable, and is a must for any order to flourish and grow.

I still plan on my trip, but with the current activities and the before mentioned decision it may be delayed for a short time.

Now to other things......

I fear we may be a catalyst for a resuming war against Amn. We met with Doron Amar, along with the Radiant Heart and plans were made. Although I feel to mention or commit to paper anything about the plans would be irresponsible. So it will just have to suffice for me to give my own personal feelings on said plans. Even though we have benn ordered by the Dukes to come up with these plans. I feel it is wrong to persue them personally. But as a General of the Silver Rose I often must do what I disagree with, or find distasteful. I fear we will be hung out to dry by the Dukes again. Which they have done to us numerous times. It is what I expect of them now at this point. To the Dukes its not "the buck stops here", its " the buck gets passed off here".

I will say this, I WILL NOT allow the Silver Rose to be the Butt of their blame if these plans go bad.

Example...The battle of Triel, we were sent by the Dukes with a promise of backup reinforcements, which never arrived. Then after a bloody mess they tried to accuse us for their Failure. It is what I expect from them now. Their own greed, cowardess, and lack of wisdom will catch up with them someday. I wonder If, when it does, will anyone come to their aid? If they persue their present path of self importance, they may just find themselves standin there alone staring into the wisdomless abyss of their history.

Things went well enough with the said plans in my before mentioned entry. We cleared the Pirates from their stronghold in Roaringshores, And without much loss of life.

I still await word from Cyrus's progress in scribing the book I had given him concerning the Netherese ruins. I'm sure he is doing the best he can with it. But I should soon return it to its rightful owner. Besides I grow restless with anticipation with what it may tell us of the Netherene, if thats what you would call them. I had heard of a special stone they knew of, called Sunstone. It was used to make weapons and armor. it was especially useful against otherworldly foe, especially NightHaunts. This is why I plan to persue finding these ruins.

Which would be especially useful now. The threat of Bhaalist has come to ours and the Friendly Arms Inn's front doorstep. And from what we gather, if this isnt precluded from happeneing, they may suceed in summoning forth an Avatar of the God of Murder. This, must not be allowed to transpire. We busy ourselves with preparations in the keep. Gathering food, healing supplies, and weaponry. Preparing for war. I know my comrades feel as I do. I will defend our home down to the last stone of our keep, even at the expense of my life. Our defences are being beefed up, and protective wards of the keep refreshed.

Perhaps if I survive this ordeal , then I will take that vacation and go in search of these Netherese Ruins, and maybe even take El along with me. If she is so inclined. We could use some "us" time, alone.

Well it seems the activities of the Bhaalists have ceased for the time being. Or is this the calm before the storm? Hard to tell. I cant imagine this much effort on their part only to give up before the conclusion. Did they see the Futileness, and folly of their ways? I sorely doubt it. Ignorance of the evil holds no bounds. So we will wait to see. If the calm continues, I will set out for the Sea of Sand. Besides Between Elvina , Sir Uriel, Sir Aaron, and Lady Gina, they have things well in hand. My role now is more of clerk than anything.

*Seth looks at his last statement and laughs*

An adventure for pleasure may be just what I need. I only wish Elvina would be able to find the time to join me in this adventure. Although this adventure could have a significant find, if so, it would benefit the order immeasureably.

Many things have happened since my last entry. My son has joined the order and is flourishing as a Squire. He has many things to learn, mostly about being with people. But now that Sir John is mentoring him, I have great confidence in his progress, including his speech. Which is getting somewhat better.

We have a new commander, Sir Aaron, which he is gonna take some getting use to. Lady Elvina has stepped aside into her new position, Senior Counselor (along with about a hundred other titles I spect) *Seth laughs reading back* and each well deserved. Aaron seems to be bright and is young, but shows promise. Just wish I would see him more. He is gone doing this or that quite often, perhaps I should suggest we have messengers to carry messages for him, so he doesnt have to travel to the city so often. It might free up some of his time.

Elvina and myself are getting along famously, especially now that some of the pressures of leadership have been shifted to Aaron. But as I know Elvina, she never passes off responsibilities she can do herself. Gonna be a long road for her to get use to her new position.

Now then, I will make note of Gullykin. A once great friend of the Silver Rose. We have risen many times to her defence. I say this because of the mayors latest treachery against the Silver Rose , myself, and especially Lady Elvina. He has intentionally spoken lies and falsehoods about us. Accusing Lady Elvina and Myself of lying and theft. And we were escorted by threat of arms from Gullykin. And later threatened to forever banish us from their gates. Since, Lady Elvina has smoothed things over with Gullykin,against my advice, but I can see her point about the greater good. With that said, I will never set foot in Gullykin again myself. Not until the mayor gives a formal apology to Elvina, the Silver Rose and myself. Which I know that Pompous A.....*Seth refrains from writing the next word* will never do. Greed has taken hold of the mayor, and the poor peoples of Gullykin will have to pay the price for it.

I will offer my aid to the peoples of gullykin, when direly needed, just not ever from within its borders again. But when I say the peoples of Gullykin I do not include the mayor, he is no better than a Zhent in my mind now. Hopefully the day will come when the people of Gullykin will see the Mayor for what he truely is , and replace him.

Now as far as around our keep, and our order. We have returned to our original mission. To protect and serve the Goodly peoples of the lands. Have to admit it was hard to adjust back. The Dukes contributed to the convolution of our mission. They have tried and tried to bend our mission to what pleases themselves. But since they have withdrawn their support to their own request of us guarding the tradeway, and as in their own words, making us Law enforcement of the tradeway. We will now offer the suggestion,"its not our job"! Although we will still continue to offer protection for those in need.

I am not gonna get started with the Dukes in my journal today, I might be here for weeks if I did! Besides would do no good, they are what they are and always will be.

Well back to my duties, I will try to stay more current in the future.

Seth

I awaken to find myself in my own bed within the order. As I sit up, I still feel the weakness and pain from the battle with the Talosians. I search my memory for what happened, and the last thing I remember is a knife to my throat by a Vampire and casting Sunbeam. I am not quite sure how I got here, but am glad to be in one piece. Then my thoughts turn to the hostage farmers dying because of my refusal to hand over the artifacts. A profound sadness wells deep inside me, and then I remember....Elvina....was she alright? Did she survive? I ran to her room and knocked, each second seemingly like hours awaiting for her answer to the door. Then as I hear the doorknob turn, my heart feels a relief as no other. When I see her face we cannot restrain ourselves from embracing each other.

As we talked my mind again returned to the fallen farmers that we allowed to die thru our refusal to bend to the Talosians demands. And Although the code we follow will not allow us to succumb to such demands, it does not tell me how to deal with the guilt, I now feel by the refusal.

But for now, I must ready myself for the trip to Nashkel and another meeting with the Helmites.

*With that he closes his journal leaving it on his desk, and Travels with Elvina to Nashkel*

Funny, how fickle and judgemental those are whom we try to protect.

First, back when Sir Uriel was active with us, we were too heavy handed. Too quick to judge, too quick to serve justice, but it was then, that The Duchal court gave us dictates to uphold the law within the lands where the Fist no longer roamed. But, without support to accept those who would break such laws as prisoners.

But that was then, and this is now. The Dukes no longer wish nor assign us such duties. I spect they realise the limits to their reach. Which is more than fine with us. It is not within our responsibilities to be Law Enforcement. Nor should it be. We serve the peoples of the Lands , not self appointed rulers of any lands. While we do lend our support to the Duchal palace in times of need, as friends. It is done, in the name of the greater Good of the people, not the Dukes.

But now, as we look toward our true intent as an Order. There are those who would scrutinize, critisize, and even ostrisize us for our efforts. Without any support. Even those in which we have helped many times in the past , now ask, "what have you done for us lately?" The very ones that use to talk of how we were too heavy handed, now say we dont do enough.

Thru Duchal Dictate, The Order of the Silver Rose is not Law Enforcement. Thru our Code, we are to defend and protect the Greater Good, and the innocent people of the lands. Nothing more and Nothing Less. Thru our choice, we defend our Allies, and would take up arms by their side, when asked. Thru our Values, we follow the Virtues of our code, in which we live by.

*Seth reads thru the reports preparing for the upcoming War council meeting. He picks up a copy of a recent scouting report. Upon reading the report his jaw drops and turns pale as a depressing forlorn expression comes across his face. He then quickly shuffles thru the stacks of papers, finding his recent report of resources, and begins to jot down some numbers and adds them up. He then looks at the scouting report again in disbelief. And says aloud to himself*

“Three hundred and Thirty able soldiers against a Legion of undead? How has it come to this? May the Gods give us strength for the coming days.”

*He then leans back in his chair in desperation and depression.*

“I must remain strong, I've not the luxury of fear.”