The Order of the Silver Rose rp

[flipside43]

Uriel leaves a note to inform all Knights and Squires of the successful joint patrol between the Radiant Heart and the Silver Rose to clear the Crypt by Lake Wang. In the note Uriel encourages each of them to continue cooperation with the Radiant Heart on an individual basis until further organized activities can be established.

[LISA100595]

"BOB" the construct recieves orders from Elvina the commander to guard the FAI from bloodspill :

[sweetlikesplenda]

http://www.bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=38636

A runner is dispatched to Beregost carrying two parcels.

[flipside43]

*Uriel leaves a note for Valiant at the Keep*

Squire Valiant,

As you continue to work on your task for the Lady Commander I would like you to keep in mind the oaths which the Knights take, as it will give you perspective. The oaths are passed along in a sacred tradition from High Cleric Barriltar Bhandraddon.

Do you swear fealty to the innocent people of the lands, in defense of the realm; to protect the people with both honour and due diligence; to usurp upon injustice wherever it might darken and sully this fair land; and to uphold the laws of this fair land wherever possible?

Do you swear allegiance to the Order of The Silver Rose; to defend it's standard against usurpation and desecration; to uphold the Code of Honour the Order reveres; to support and stand up for your brothers in arms and to be worthy of their faith; until your last breath, while your body and your spirit are united?

Also I will encourage you to review the Paladin Code of Conduct, as it is more strict than the standard Code for the general assembly of Knight.

THE CODE OF PALADINS

“No Paladin defies the code, for no Paladin can exist without the code. It is the heart and mind of a Paladin. It is a guide toward Goodness. It is the cornerstone of a Paladin’s life. A Paladin does not follow the code. A Paladin IS the code.”

Honor: A Paladin’s honor is bound with a Paladin’s duty and means everything. Help those who need help, provided that help does not promote evil ends. Punish those that harm or threaten innocents. An honorable Paladin can follow his instincts about what is right and wrong. A Paladin must always show mercy and refuse to inflict undue suffering even to his worst enemy. A Paladin will die before compromising these principles or abandoning duty.

Honesty: A Paladin always tells the truth as he knows it. He may choose to remain silent, but will never intentionally mislead or misguide anyone, even enemies. A Paladin’s promises will always be kept. No Paladin will cheat or use poison. A Paladin must also share knowledge. A Paladin is just and fair, acting always with honor.

Valor: A Paladin will face the greatest of dangers to fulfill a promise or his duty. A Paladin will never yield or flee unless faced with the following circumstances; greatly outnumbered, greatly overpowered, or receiving a direct order from a commander. A Paladin may also retreat if the life of another is at stake. A Paladin must show his courage and never hesitate to defend the rights of others. A Paladin will stand up always for the principles he believes in.

Humility: A Paladin will never boast or behave with arrogance. A Paladin must never speak highly of himself. A Paladin speaks favorably of good gods and all good fraternities. A Paladin will use no vulgarities in his speech.

Courtesy: A Paladin conducts himself in a chivalrous manner. Courtesy is more than just etiquitte for a Paladin. Accept others; be patient and understanding, be considerate and respectful. Show self control and take care not to offend others. A Paladin's words are well spoken.

Selflessness: A Paladin never seeks excess wealth for himself, but strives to help sick and poor. A Paladin will cover the retreat of allies and friends in battle, even if it means he has to die. A Paladin will never hesitate to sacrifice his life to save others. A Paladin is generous; offering to share knowledge, offering help; demonstrating by example, placing the need of others above his own.

Chastity: A Paladin is loyal and pure. A Paladin avoids even the appearance of impropriety. A Paladin will have no carnal knowledge of a woman he is not married to, nor act, in romance, in a manner that would bring shame to any woman, himself, or the Paladin brotherhood. A Paladin will not possess or consume any illicit drug, including alcohol.

Industry: A Paladin is productive at all times; leisure is time wasted. A Paladin works hard until the work is complete. When not working a Paladin studies, exercises, or practices various skills.

Fealty: A Paladin must pledge fealty to a good church. Then this fealty is an obligation to obey all the patron’s edicts and laws, promote ideals, defend what is holy, avenge those under protection, and guard the patron or his or her ideals with one’s life. A Paladin is duty bound to his god, to good people, and to himself in that order.

Faith: Above all else, a Paladin has true Faith in himself, in this Code, and in his patron God. Faith is the foundation of the Brotherhood.

With all of this in mind, I would encourage you to continue to meditate in the Code and continue in your task for Lady Elvina. When you feel you are ready, seek me out for your first task from me. You will undergo some combat training at the Keep to see what your capabilities are. This including live combat so please be prepared.

Uriel Honorblade
Paladin of Torm
Knight General

[Hitman Hard]

Valiant stood, reading over the letter in hand. His back screamed with the endless pains of being thrown off a wyvern cliff and his lungs dancing with an ice cold pain. But He would not break and he would not waver from duty. He closed the Keep door behind him, stared at the letter as the rain pattered down and was jogging down the trade-way in search of Uriel Honourblade well before the letter hovered to the floor.

[DM Asgorath]

A messenger reaches the keep of the Order of the Silver Rose and leaves a letter to the commander. The letter bears the seal of Amn.

//you guys have a pm

[Eilef Padpalm]

Memoir of Squire Miriana D'Luth Geistbane. Occurrence in Sharpteeth Woods, Orc Cavern alongside Sir Aaron Lyonaler, Knight General.

While having myself posted as an additional guard at the Order's Keep, Sir Aaron had approached me. Recalling an earlier conversation during my initiation as a squire, Sir Aaron decided it was a good idea to see to it that I was not as poor in armed combat as I had professed. His idea was a cleansing of a cavern, one full of Orcs. Hearing word that the Flaming fist had a bounty on the Orc Chief, the Knight General and I first made a trek to Baldur's Gate and visited the Flaming Fist Mercenary Headquarters. While the Captain of the mercenaries was a brash and vulgar man and his cigar smoke, intolerable, I knew his actions were just and for the betterment of others. Upon agreeing to the Captain's terms, Sir Aaron and I made our way to the docks and boarded a ferry to a shore just to the south of Candlekeep.

While ashore, the Knight General and I headed on our way to Sharpteeth Woods. While there were few encounters on the path, I knew there was more to come, once inside. As we approached the mouth of the cavern, we could see a smoke slowly flow from the shadows within the cave. I steadied myself, gripped my blade, said a prayer to the Maimed God and asked for his guidance and protection.

Once inside, the stench was unbearable. For the first few minutes, most of my effort was spent on merely staying focused and acclimating myself to the rancid smell, permeating this dark, dank hole in the side of a mountain. While the first room was empty, spare a set of table and chairs (more than likely, spoils from their various raids... but I digress) the following rooms and tunnels would not be so uneventful. Upon approaching a door, the Knight General and I could hear orken language being spouted without subterfuge. I took one last heavy breath, steeled my senses and charged into the fray.

Knowing that attempting to take mercy upon these brutes would simply yield them time to recover and attempt to attack again, I struck them down. With every Orc slain I could see in my mind, one less soul in their merciless clench. I could see prosperity and peace, in spite of being in the throes of combat, riddled with bloodshed. Despite being simple, bloodthirsty brutes with naught more than killing and plunder on their minds, there were a few with knowledge of the arcane arts. Noticing that this could be an issue if left to fester, I charged passed their spear-wielding guards and closed the distance between me and their magi, giving myself many openings to exploit whilst they concentrated on their incantations. My first encounter may have left me mildly bloodied and bruised, but thanks to Sir Aaron's devotion and healing arts, I was kept intact and did not fall. Through this first encounter, I learned not to underestimate my foe and to be prepared for their relentless assault.

Room after room after room, their numbers seemed endless. One such room, the source of the creeping fog that was gliding along the floor, held a small detachment of Orcs, one of which that was... different. His eyes were glowing with an eerie darkness that seemed to swallow the light in front of him. His hands more clawlike, his head decorated with infernal markings and spikes. The Knight General and I both knew that this Orc was planetouched and demonic, thus dispatched him without remorse. In an attempt to prevent further spreading of the demonic fog, Sir Aaron attempted to consecrate the room. But even with his pure heart and righteous cause, his blessings meant little to the rooms power. We decided it was best if we move on.

Upon rounding a corner, I encountered who brutes who seemed larger than the rest. Never in my years had I dealt with such underhanded tactics. One would occupy me in combat, swinging at my head or even simply at my shield while the other would use his spear in attempts to ruin my footing. Sadly and embarrassingly, he did succeed a few times. With my ego taking a majority of the damage from their dirty techniques, they were dispatched without much issue. I learned that day that many who fight for unjust causes tend to use unjust and immoral strategies in combat. I recognized them from there on and made sure to avoid getting distracted and losing my balance.

Right at the moment when I thought the caverns would go on endlessly, we approached an inclined shaft leading to a door. The Knight General nodded his head, signaling me to go on. Saying one last prayer to my beloved Tyr, I moved forward, passing through the door and seeing him: the Orc Chieftain himself. Sir Aaron informed me that his interference would be limited in this encounter. He wanted to see how well I could handle myself against such a potent adversary, bestowing upon me one last blessing and standing aside.

Without hesitation and without fear, I charged in, calling to Tyr for power and guidance so I may extend His justice to this fiend and end his ransacking ways... even if only for a small amount of time. The Chieftain was no pushover and frothed with a rage that made the rest of his brethren seem like idle sheep. Though in his rage, I found openings and utilized them. His balance was off, his swings wide and predictable and his follow through almost amateur. It was as though he was so lost in anger, rage and hatred that he forgot his own life was on the line.

After the dust had settled, the Chieftain laid fallen. Thinking my task was complete I turned to the Knight General with expectation and relief in my eyes. Upon facing him I saw he had his hand extended and in his grasp... a burlap bag. At that moment I remembered that the Flaming Fist Captain required proof of the slain Orc commander. My reverie soon fell into disgust as I cleaved the Orc in two and sacked his intact head for transportation. Never have I done such a thing in my life, but I realize it will probably not be the last time...

As we were on our way out, we met very little, if any, resistance. The death cry of their Chieftain seemed to be more than enough to stymie their furor and break their spirits. While this victory may seem minor to those who have slain fiends from the deepest of pits, I know that it is still a victory worth celebrating. Peasants and children are safer. Merchants have one less woe to fear in their travels and nearby cities will have one less group to pillage their hard-earned goods.

Signed,
Miriana Geistbane, Beloved of the Maimed God, Squire in honorable service to the Order of the Silver Rose

//I was told this should also go here. *blush*

[Eilef Padpalm]

Memoire of Miriana D'luth Geistbane. An excursion into the depths beyond the Cloakwood alongside Sir Aaron Lyonaler, Knight General of the Order.

Today, while managing my wares at the Friendly Arm, I was suddenly surprised by Sir Aaron who was also in attendance. Much to my dismay and shock, I did not realize here was there until acknowledging me... I must remember to work on my awareness. An up and coming Squire, with aspirations to become a Knight, should not be caught off guard. After lamenting my various market troubles, Sir Aaron asked me if I had been keeping up with my training. Much to his dismay, and my embarrassment, I had not. My duties to my Temple are still of importance to me, though I must try harder to make sure to hone my martial prowess.

Upon departing the Inn's merchant courtyard, Sir Aaron had decided my equipment might not be suitable for future excursions and recommended I improve upon myself. How is a Squire to defend others and be an avatar of justice with naught but powerless steel and iron? I must remember to not only improve my skills and understanding, but my wares as well. I feel that some of what I use may have reached its limit in usefulness. I fear I may also need to learn to be more trade savvy, in an effort to avoid causing the local merchants smile to spread further and my coin pouch to suffer more...

Cloakwood was the same as it always was when I would patrol it in my spare time. Lizard men, their shaman and their leaders infesting the wood. Fey kin defending their wooded hovels with bloodthirst and furor, and a deep, darkened cavern with even darker denizens. I tried to explain to Sir Aaron that the Wood was not a place where I could find a challenge and further my learning. He merely cracked a smirk and ordered me to follow.

The Knight General had shown me paths I had never seen before. Slowly but surely the sky darkened as the trees grew larger, and the fog more dense. As we travelled, the presence of the Lizardmen seemed to taper off in lieu of more ferocious creatures. Spiders that seemed to appear out of thin air. Dryads whose eyes seemed hollow and dark, as if their very soul was absent from their body. I was aiming to the best of my ability, my swings were true and accurate, but I made little connection and found myself on the receiving end more often than not. Were it not for Sir Aaron's guidance and boons, I doubt I would be alive to I have learned a thing.

As we traveled, we started to make our way down a steep inclined path. At the end of this path as a well hidden cavern entrance. We entered this cavern and... sadly, much of the pathing we took inside is lost on me. I find it difficult to recall when and where we turned corners and which direction we went. As I rounded one corner, I spotted what I thought was a massive helmed man. I learned very quickly that the horns upon its head were no helm, but a part of its own head. Sir Aaron gave me a confident, reassuring nod, placing his hand on my shoulder. In spite of his silence, I knew what he was telling me, so I readied myself for a melee with this creature.

The beasts strength was... immense. It knew what it was doing, I was not its first foe. As we exchanged blows, it seemed more and more that it was anticipating my actions. I had never experienced a foe with such a canny memory. I knew that I had to undertake some unorthodox maneuvers and catch the beast off guard. My wild flourishes and awkwardly swung strikes were just enough to keep the brute off of his edge and I was able to fell it. Nearly exhausted and injured, I looked to Sir Aaron for critique and further guidance, but it seemed he was a bit busy... laughing at my animated display. Gesturing for me to continue on, I figured it best to learn from this experience on my own, lest I renew the Knight Generals humorous memory.

With my newly acquired expertise, the following brutes fell with much, much less flair and I was left in far better condition between encounters. After rounding a few more corners, we approached a mildly decorated gate, guarding a statue and a door. Both the gate and door possessed no locks, so Sir Aaron and I were free to continue. While a part of me suspected forgetfulness on the part of the beastly inhabitants, the reality was, they feared no intruders. They welcomed less than capable warriors to their deaths. Passed the door behind the gate, we entered an area that seemed... developed. Doorways, decorative arches, dining areas. Were it not for the cobwebs and remains of fallen, one would think this place suitable for everyday habitation.

The rooms within all seemed to repeat themselves, as if we were walking in a circle... under my guidance, we were. Upon realizing, or upon finally deciding to intervene as I fruitlessly walked us around, Sir Aaron took the lead and, once again, asked that I follow. Despite my being the one following, Sir Aaron did not intervene with my melee's unless it was deemed absolutely necessary. After all, how was I to learn by simply observing the Knight General. After a few minutes of various rooms, twists, turns and doorways, Sir Aaron held up a hand, signaling me to halt my movement.

After looking me over one time, assessing my talents and potency, Sir Aaron deemed my power to be too insufficient to deal with the foes residing in the next room. Once again taking the lead, he ordered me to cover him from any approaching guards while he managed the leader of these beasts. He warned me that I should take more care to protect myself, as he will be occupied with the leader of the horned creatures and may not be able to reach me in time if my wounds become too great. With renewed anxiety, I readied myself for a true test. A test more difficult than anything I had experienced yet. While the Knight General kept the mighty beast leader engaged, I awaited any foe who would attempt to flank him. Much to my relief, there were very few: a small animate construct, resembling a spider and a Minotaur guard. After what seemed like naught but a moment, the assault had ended... the horned beasts and their ilk were slain.

The trek out of the accursed cavern was a long, uneventful one. With time on my side, I took it upon myself to memorize our chosen path, should I take it upon myself to test my mettle alone in the future.

The excursion had more to it, but I will recount these experiences at a later date.

Signed,
Miriana Geistbane, Beloved of the Maimed God, Squire in honorable service to the Order of the Silver Rose.

[Eilef Padpalm]

Memoir of Miriana D'Luth Geistbane. An excursion into the depths beyond the Cloakwood alongside Sir Aaron Lyonaler, Knight General of the Order, continued.

Upon exiting the forsaken Minotaur cavern, the fog upon my mind had lifted. With clarity returning to me once, I was all set and prepared to return to the Friendly Arm Inn, but Sir Aaron had a different agenda. The Knight General, with a gleam of pride in his eye, told me of one other cavern he wanted to survey. While a bout of disappointment had started to develop, I brushed off those unnecessary feelings in preparation for further training. Sir Aaron spoke of a cavern full of Hags and their puppet thralls and chose this as our next destination. At a loss as to what exactly a Hag was, I continued forward, dutifully following the Knight General.

I had been in various caverns before and was accustomed to their stenches, but this one was different... The Hags cavern wreaked of blood and other scents most foul. The odor of not simply death, but one of filth and decay. Great evil took place in this pit, and we were to see to its end. Upon breaching the cavern entrance, we arrived into an unfinished hall. Lining the walls of this hall were claw marks, streaks of caked blood, bolts and arrows from adventurers long passed, and decorative wreaths of bones and skulls. It was an outrage, never had I seen such disgusting ritual decor in my life. The denizens of this cavern were going to face Justice by my hands. Such acts of physical blasphemy could not be afforded to continue.

Sir Aaron immediately took notice of my distaste and desire for righting these foul wrongs and prompted me to take point. Without a second thought I stepped ahead and draw my blade. Today I was going to live up to my proclamations of a 'Beloved of Tyr' and see to it that his Maimed hand reaches far into this cavern and purges it of its cursed presence. After rounding a few uneventful corners, we could begin to hear their demonic cackling growing louder and louder. Having no idea what to expect, I readied myself for anything, with my blade held low and my shield held high. It was then that I had spotted one of these Hags. Never a more corrupt look had I seen. Their limbs were that of vultures, while their head held the visage of a twisted looking crone.

Leaping into the fray, I pinned one of the malevolent creatures to the cavern wall with my shield, the embedded spikes pinning its limbs in place. With my free hand, I impaled the creature, its death-cry alerting our presence to others. Prying my shield from the stone wall, I regained my balance and stance, ready for anything else that would be coming to the slain Hags aid. It was then, at the end of the stone hallway that a figure appeared and it looked anything but friendly. Upon passing through some torchlight, I could see the creatures face and its cursed look. Its eyes were as black as obsidian and hollow, its jaw hung limp and lifeless, its stride was stiff but stable. I could hear Sir Aaron call out for me to be careful, telling me that these empty husks are naught but puppets controlled by the Hags. A sickening excuse for a marionette these Hags were.

In spite of their condition, these thralls fought ferociously. Their blows were savage, relentless and seemingly unending. Their skin was as tough as cured dragonhide, my blows doing little more than causing the puppet to recoil briefly in spite of the keen edge I maintained. After beating the thrall into what started to seem like submission, a mystic furor overtook it. The creatures eyes began to glow red, its muscles growing in size right before my very eyes. With one swing of its jagged blade, I was sent staggering back, my defenses pierced and myself left vulnerable... and it knew. Were it not for Sir Aaron's intervention, I fear I would instead be writing this from a cot in the Temple's triage, or worse, at a banquet hall in the heavens. I do not fear my end, but I have much to accomplish in the Maimed God's name, and thus have no time for death.

This blighted cavern taught me that I was not ready yet. i still had much to learn...

Signed,
Miriana Geistbane, Beloved of the Maimed God, Squire in honorable service to the Order of the Silver Rose.

[Eilef Padpalm]

Memoir of Squire Miriana D'Luth Geistbane. Recollection of a Dream.

There I was, knelt down upon a desecrated and tortured land. My hands, trembling with fatigue as I gasped for air, choking on what I would later find out to be my own blood. Surveying the area, I could see the bodies of comrades in arms, mercenaries, friends and members of my very own Order.

It was then that he approached me, looking down upon me in a fit of rage, tears streaming down his cheeks. He clenched his teeth as he spoke, berating me for my actions and blaming me for all of the heartless chaos I see before my eyes.

"What did I do?!" I attempted to ask, but no words would come out, my mouth merely going through the motions.

Questioning me and yelling again, he demands to know how I could so such a thing. Whether by injury or sheer inability, I could not respond, no matter how hard I tried. Looking closer, the redness of blood fading from my view, I could see him. It was one of my valued and honorable Knight Generals. I begged for an answer, pleaded to know what had happened, but again, no words could be produced.

I attempted to stand, trying hard to get closer to the Knight General, hoping he might be able to hear me if I could close merely a foot in distance. As I stepped up to one knee, my arms felt tense. I looked to either side and to my horror, I was bound to the ground by golden chains, seeming to made of naught but light.

The Knight General drew his weapon, its Divine Glow warming the skin on my neck where he had lain it. It was at that moment that I realized what was to happen. With one wide and mighty swing, he assaulted me, aimed to rend my head from its proper place upon my shoulders. As the blade approached, time seemed to slow down. I knew I hadn't long to live. It was then, with my final moment, I lifted my head up right, looking the Knight General in the eyes and smiled, saying nothing more than "Forgive me, sir."

It was then that all of the rage within me fizzled out. All of the doubts I harbored within had been dispelled. With one fatal swing of his blessed weapon, my life was forfeit...

It is at that moment that I awaken with my nerves on end and tears falling from my eyes.

"Was that really me?"
"Could I really do such a thing?"
"Was this a premonition of things to come or merely the fancies of a lost soul attempting to torment me?"

I have been missing sleep since that dream. Maimed God help me, I don't want to experience it again...

Signed,
Miriana Geistbane, Beloved of the Maimed God, Squire in honorable service to the Order of the Silver Rose.

[Eilef Padpalm]

Memoir of Squire Miriana D'Luth Geistbane. Patrolling in the Field of the Dead alongside Sir Uriel Honorblade, Sir Aaron Lyonaler and Lady Cecilia Lafayette.

Today's patrol had to have been the most rewarding one yet. Squaring off against the walking dead, having the watchful, judgmental eye of two Knight-Generals and having of all this done under the darkest sky with the heaviest of downpoured rain. None of that mattered to me because I was alongside a friend.

Lady Cecilia was a beacon and bastion of light in a field full of twisted darkness. While she and I were together, out in that cursed field, I felt as though we could take on anything with ease. Her faith in the Maimed God rivaled my own in both purity and potency. When fighting together, it didn't take long for our pace, stances and timing to become almost completely synchronous.

Our patrol was not without it's mishaps. We had planned on venturing into a small crypt in an effort to purify it, only to find out that it's door had been sealed. Upon this discovery, Sir Aaron had made a mild sleight of mind and lost concentration, causing his wards upon Lady Cecilia and I to falter. As the Lady and I looked at one another, we knew we were more vulnerable now, but neither of us showed a bit of fear.

I have never had a sibling before and have had very few friends in my life. Due to my affiliation with the Temple of Tyr, most of the other orphans would hurl youthful insults and avoid me altogether. It is odd how I personally know not what a sister is, though I openly call her one. I can only hope that this is what a familial peer feels like.

Signed,
Miriana Geistbane, Beloved of the Maimed God, Squire in honorable service to the Order of the Silver Rose.

[sweetlikesplenda]

*After discussing additional measures for increasing security at the Keep, Aaron pens a message for Sir John"

Sir John

Sir Uriel has informed me that you have taken on the task of looking into the security of the Keep. With the timeline closing in on us, if the Keep is to be attacked the enemy will place eyes on us, searching for weaknesses. Knowledge will be a great strength to the enemy. I would like to avoid the enemy learning our guard shifts and finding a pattern in it. I would like you to work with the Knights stationed as guards. The security shifts will be mixed up, never repeating. Unfortunately, there may be some sleepless nights for the knights on duty, as hours will need to be increased at some times and decreased at others to maintain a patternless approach to security. At all times Knights should be stationed at the appointed positions. I will leave the details of the security schedule to your discretion. Your service in this is greatly appreciated.

Aaron Lyonaler
Knight General

[sweetlikesplenda]

*Written in the to-the-point and disciplined militaristic manner common to Aaron*

Squire Progress report

Squire: Miriana
Mission type: Service, non-combat
Location: Ulgoth's Beard, Orphanage, Silver Rose Keep
Mission: Food gathering
Purpose of Mission: Assist the Orphanage, as well as the food stores of the Keep

Mission Notes: Squire Miriana was tasked with traveling to Ulgoth's Beard to acquire fish to be presented to the Orphanage next to the Radiant Heart Chapter House. This in an effort to support the less fortunate, increase her humility, serve the people of Baldur's Gate, and to aid in collecting food for the Silver Rose Keep, should it fall under attack.

Once an amble amount of fish are caught, Squire Miriana is to prepare the fish and deliver it to the Orphanage. Should she collect enough fish, the rest are to be brought to Rand. This, in an effort to save from eating other food stuffs that Lady Missy is bringing into the Keep.

Once this is complete, I would like Squire Miriana to submit a discourse on how service and humility play a role in a Knight's duty.

Aaron Lyonaler
Tactician of The Red Knight
Knight General

[LISA100595]

*Lady Elvina reviews the patrol logs, reports and letters before once again teleporting to the Palace in Balur's Gate to try and procure and Audience with the Dukes.*

[Eilef Padpalm]

Memoir of Squire Miriana D'Luth Geistbane. Procurement of provisions for the Orphanage.

Today was my first non-combat assignment. I was to head to a small, nearby port city to... fish for food for the orphanage. It was a bit of a relief to find myself without a blade in hand for once, though the tool I had replaced it with was... unfamiliar to me, for I have never been fishing before...

The trek to the port town of Ulgoth's Beard was, as expected, uneventful and quick. Having some experience with the route, I knew that all I had to do was keep to the shoreline and I would encounter very few adversaries. Sometimes, remembering your childhood mischief can be a boon in saving one time, effort and from complications.

Upon arrival at the town, I quickly realized... I had no idea where to go. The only logical idea was to go to where the fish are, thus I headed for the shoreline in town. I met a fisherman near a shack named Bob. He wasn't much for conversation, but he was a savant when it came to fishing. This was great for me, because, again, I had no idea what to do. Bob then handed me a 'fishing rod' and some containers. I asked what was within the containers, and he merely smiled stating 'you'll see, lass'.

I headed down to the beach, rod and containers in hand, and stared out at the water for a few minutes. While losing myself in thought, a man had approached and greeted me. He was a kind man and a devout of Lathander. After a moment of awkwardness, I finally summoned up the gall to ask Sir Thomas of Lathander for assistance. Before I could finish my sentence, he was already placing his fishing rod aside and walking towards me to give me a lesson in fishing.

Sir Thomas explained to me what the rod was for and what was in the containers. He told me of what exactly I needed to do if I were to catch these fish. Sir Thomas told me of how to bait the hook properly and game me a visual explanation of casting. While a majority of his teachings had set in well enough, I still found myself at folly... casting the bait, line... and rod into the water...

With naught but a smile, Sir Thomas waded into the water and retrieved my rod. His selflessness and humility were highly commendable and appreciated. With the simple advice of 'keep a firm grip', I repeated that folly no more.

Minutes turned into hours as I became more and more disheartened with my lack of fish. Sir Thomas, noticing my failing confidence, was kind enough to lend me his lucky fishing hat. While I doubted the powers of luck it was alleged to possess, it... helped. I had caught a fish within minutes, then another and another.

After a rousing bout of fishing, I had caught many fish and a few other oddities. While the task seemed simple and mundane, I knew it had to be done as it was for a great cause: feeding the children of the Farmlands orphanage and renewing our own food stocks. It was my duty to perform such a service and, due to my own history with the orphanage, my pleasure as well. No dutiful service is too small and all have importance. I must remember this.

I may partake in more fishing in the future. It was relaxing and gave me much time to think. Both about my own past as well as where I may be heading in the future. I hope to see Sir Thomas on the beach as well. Hopefully he has more to teach me too.

Signed,
Miriana Geistbane, Beloved of the Maimed God, Squire in honorable service to the Order of the Silver Rose.