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

*A young woman with hair the color of blood, golden skin and steel grey eyes has asked question about the Radiant Heart and Tyr around Baldur's Gate. She left her name to one of the guards at the keep*

// A little delayed. Catching up on posts//

Whirlwind wrote: ↑Thu Sep 01, 2022 6:28 pm

A fine and proud white horse would be presented as a gift to the garrison of the Order of Radiant Heart by a strange looking, handsome man of lean, blue countenance.

The stallion would initially bear the look of a superior bred Cormyte riding horse, though a one with more prominent, intelligent eyes, raised tail carriage and longer, shaggier mane.

Before departure and a reluctant, sad farewell shared between himself and the horse, the blue skinned figure in an equally dark blue long coat would speak in a curiously breathy voice, imparting the following, final words to the guards who'd have met him outside:


"His name is Dreamer... Your Lord Aaron will know of his worth... Malakai of the Winds sends his regards."

Upon returning to the Keep, Lord Lyonaler enters the gates and dismounts his Elven bred steed, Rook. Leading Rook by the reigns, the two enter the stables. Within a Page is brushing down Dreamer. Aaron hands off Rook to another Page, and approaches Dreamer. He places his hand under the Horse's muzzle and gently shifts his head to one side, then the other. Patting Dreamer a few times, he offers a soft smile, as he is told of Malakai's gift.

Uncharacteristically, he tells the page caring for the horse, "Stable Dreamer alongside Rook." The Page, knowing the habit of stabling Rook alone, mostly due to the pride Rook has in his own upbringing and how Aaron had never asked to stable another horse with his, begins to question the decision, then stops short and simply nods his understanding.

On the night of the 8th of Marpenoth, an unconscious, grey tiefling woman clad in black is carried into the Radiant Heart Chapterhouse. Passersby remark in hushed conversations upon the woman having been a bloodied mess, brought into the outer city by a man and a woman from the northern regions.

The next day, the Gray Tiefling woman and the Grand KNight are seen exiting the Keep. The woman astride a tall, silver maned warhorse who was lead by the reigns by Aaron. The two walked out, then south along the Trade Way. They eventually stopped in Beregost, where the two entered William's Well.

Later, The Grand Knight ws seen returning to the Keep alone riding upon Rook himself this time.

The remaining of the twenty-five Radiant Heart soldiers stationed in Doron Amar for the past weeks began their precision out of the Village. Stationed to fire the large lances meant to take a dragon out of flight, they were successful in killing one of the Green Dragons in the battle for Doron Amar. The battlement where the ballista were stationed held the rear of the Village, and when it was hit, the soldiers were among the first to take the brunt. Seven fell in the battle. Their fate confused in these chaotic times.

Placing the fallen upon wagons, their swords placed upon their chests with hands crossed over it, the Grand Knight lead the soldiers out at a slow march. The Knight at the lead would show obvious signs of dismay. A feeling of guilt perhaps that he could not guarantee the lives of all of his soldiers in the battle.

The company continues out of the forest and into the Greenfields near Greenest. A stop is conducted at Radiant Crossing, where new horses are procured and a rest is held. The following day they are seen once more upon their honoured funeral march, taking roads towards the city. Upon their arrival, the remaining soldiers and the wagons bearing the fallen reach the gates of the Keep. There they enter solemnly, the gates closing behind.

Seven coffins are prepared near the honoured cemetery. Seven Radiant Heart cloaks draped over them, one upon each. The Grand Knight stood in front of the entire garrison. Two lines of soldiers, Squires, and Knights, each saluting as one by one, the seven coffins are born between the lines. Upon reaching the dug grave site, the coffins are lowered slowly in to each. A Priest of the Triad from the Order began to speak the words to send the fallen off to their rest. Quiet, but for the words of the Priest seemed almost palpable . The ceremony went on, until all seven had received their last rites.

The Grand Knight stood, quiet through the entirety of the ceremony. He remained quiet through the days just after the battle in Doron Amar. He would remain quiet and more shut off even then usual for the next coming days.

After the ceremony completed, he would begin preparing the swords of the fallen soldiers. Preparations were made to personally make visits to the families of the fallen, and return to them the swords of the lost soldiers.

The Grand Knight of the Order of the Radiant Heart has spent much of his time within the walls of the city of late. The Knight has travelled all the various districts in efforts to be among his soldiers and their families. Visits to administer to the sick members of his Knights and soldiers families. Celebrating the births of children, bringing celebratory gifts and offering blessings upon the children. He mourns and prays with those who have lost. Comforting and being an ear to those in need. The Grand Knight is taking an even greater effort to be among his people and be a part of their lives.

Recruitment for the Order goes out through the area of the city. The fallen in recent conflicts such as the ToT and the battle for Doron Amar, have recovered and with the renewal of faith in the Gods, even more approach to join the Order.

The marshalling yard within the Keep's walls hosts lines of new recruits, standing at attention as the Grand Knight walks through the ranks performing inspection. Small notes on preparedness or on missing items on the recruit's person, he also makes inquiries on their well being, family, or a light joke to ease tensions. The Order finds itself busy for a time with training and other exercises.

Members of the Order of the Radiant Heart assembled in the Temple of Helm in Nashkel, alongside the allies brought together to aid the citizens. The Order members split between the northern and southern armies amassing to assault the threat from the Temple of Auril.

In a quiet moment the Grand Knight pens a missive to be sent from his posting in Crimmor to Athkatla. A request to the Prelates within the High Hall, asking for additional reinforcements to aid in the coming battles.

On 10 Flamerule, members of House Marshall entered the Radiant Heart Keep and met with Lord Lyonaler. At their departure, it would seem any that noticed that the groups will be working together on something.

The night before the march towards the Temple...Within the tent camp of Crimmor, the sounds of preparations ring out loudly. The faces of the soldiers assembled ranging from hopeful, to determined, to worry for the outcome of the coming battle. The Baldurian Nobleman and Grand Knight of the Baldur's Gate's Chapter of the Order, walked the camp. A nod is offered to passing soldiers and an encouraging word offered to those surrounding camp fires. He arrived at the tents set up for the Knights of the Order of the Radiant Heart battalion. A large tent is set up in the center of the sleeping tents for his men and women. As the Grand Knight approaches, a Knight lifts the tent flap as he enters.

Within are the assembled Knights. Some finishing a meal, some ensuring their weapons and gear are in pristine condition, others having a quiet word with one another before the battle. A call of "Ten-hut!" goes out as the Grand Knight enters. The Knights all come to attention, standing and each placing their right fist over their left breast. The salute is returned, along with "At ease". The Knights quickly return to their seats, their focus upon Aaron.

Ocean blue eyes look over the assembled Knights, men and women he did not know before their arrival in the camp. But, they were brothers and sisters in the Order, in faith, in goal. Prelate Wessalen had placed the lives of these people into his hands, a great responsibility. The Grand Knight felt that responsibility, even if it did not show. Any loss of life under his command struck him like a blow. he would do all possible to ensure as many of these Knights would return to their homes.

"Brothers and sisters, thank you for your dedication to the Order and to your home country and countrymen. You know that I am not of Amn, but I wish you all to be certain, we answer the call to aid when it comes. As you do so answer now." His tone appreciative, an admiration for their willingness to be here. "We soon meet the enemy in the field. We soon march to engage those who would hold an entire town hostage. Those who would deal in underhanded means, those who would deal with monsters and enemies of humanity. They are those who believe that only the strong must survive. that others have no right to life if they do not fit what their Ice Demoness deems deserving of life. Those who would hide the very sun if it were their choice."

A soft release of air is followed b a deep breath. "We march soon to assault the tower. We move together. We remain a unit. Some in this camp fight for their names to be recalled. Some for coin. But," *he pauses for just a moment* "We are here, fighting for each other. We all wish to return home. Show your abilities and let us all return!" The sound of banging of metal gauntlets against metal gauntlets is heard, pats on the back of neighboring Knights to each other.

"Listen to your orders. If you find yourselves lost or separated from the battalion, look for my helm" *He holds his red colored feathered helm* "And return to us. honor your god. Honor the Order in battle. Honor your families. Honor yourselves! Fight for your countrymen and women, for they need you now. They need you at your best. That.." *A moments pause as ocean blue eyes look over the men and women before him* "That, 'best' is what we will show to our enemies. And it will be the last thing they see in this life!" *He raises his fist as he finishes* A cheer goes out from the tent that is heard throughout the encampment.