Order of the Radiant Heart Role-Play

[ttavila]

Thiago the Second is working with a great devotion to the orders given by Aethor. He has been many time in the Fields of The Dead patrolling the borders alongside the members of the Fist. With his increasing divine powers the undead abominations offers no danger to him or the officers. By his behavior he looks like a helmite, but he is known as a paladin of Tyr. When asked why such devotion he justify smiling saying that “…these are troubled times, everyone must do his part and not just try to be hero every time. Justice is prize that worth more than fame and glory…”

[rokranon]

A very haggard looking Jonas leads Valerius and Rith'alaria back to Baldur's Gate from the direction of Candlekeep. It had been quite a long day for the paladin of Torm and many of his friends. The morning had been like any other as Jonas went about the life of a noble, but as he left the city in the afternoon events took a turn for the worse. Together with Aethor, Trent Blake, Officer Grunga of the Fist, John Roland, Scarlett, Joonie, and a number of other adventurers, Jonas helped fend off an assault of more undead as the current plague of abominations continued to sweep across the Sword Coast. The fighting culminated in an epic battle with a dracolich and several demiliches, and at the end of the ordeal a large number had fallen. Though the adventurers were raised, as is the norm for these types of souls, one brave Fist soldier would not answer the call, and it cast a very sobering mood over the otherwise victory.

Later that night, Sir Rokranon was trying to enjoy an evening among friends and acquaintances at Candlekeep when screaming broke out from the Great Library. Valerius quickly rallied the forces available and he and Jonas led Auriel, Darren, Scarlett, Tymoran, and Rith'alaria into the castle. Though at first they found only death and a host of zombies, before long the group of adventurers managed to find and save a small number of Candlekeep monks. From here the party journeyed deep into the catacombs of Candlekeep, battling more and more dangerous undead all along the way. What they ultimately found in the depths is unknown, but by the time the group returned to the surface they all looked confused and shaken, even Rith'alaria who seemed downright frightened out of her wits. After helping with the dead and murmuring a number of prayers to Torm and the rest of the Triad, Jonas ultimately began the trip to Mercy Orphanage with his two friends, the bearers of bad news and seekers of answers.

[TomarGoodmannen]

The daily routine of Tomar Goodmannen:

Each morning, Tomar awakens at the campsite outside of Baldur's Gate. He has a simple tent, a thin bedroll, and only the most basic camping essentials. He awakens, and says a prayer to Tyr at dawn each day before engaging in stretching and physical excercise lasting an hour. He varies his routine, working on calisthetics such as pushups and lifting stones to build strength one day, and perhaps running to build endurance the next. Once he has excercised, Tomar prepares himself a modest breakfast, usually consisting of staple of bread and small amount of deer jerky. Once he has eaten, Tomar goes to the river to wash up, purifying his body so to better allow his soul to remain purified. He uses soap (a rarity even in a sophisticated place by Baldur's Gate), and washes thoroughly to rid himself of anything unpleasant. Once he has bathed, he dons his armor for the day, inspecting each piece of armor to ensure his maintainence the night before was sufficient to keep the plate armor in immaculate condition. Once he is clad in his armor, and his longsword is strapped to his side, Tomar heads into Baldur's Gate to the temple of Tyr. Tomar's duties at the temple vary daily. Some days he's required to translate celestial texts and scribe them in common or elvish. Other days he studies the scriptures of Tyr. Other days he's allowed to study things of martial interest to better assist his skill in weaponry and his combat techniques. He also studies law, both local, and regional to better allow him to understand the rule of law as stated in the doctrine of Tyr. His daily duties at the temple usually last him until noon or just past then. He eats lunch with the monks at the temple of Tyr. He engages in acts of charity frequently, donating coin and food to the orphanage and temples of the Triad (Torm, Tyr and Ilmater). He enjoys his time among the children of the orphanage, regaleing the children with stories of Paladins of legend such as Gram the Mouse, or teaching them basic sword techniques with the wooden practice swords he brings them. He never speaks of his own deeds to the children, even when prompted to by them. He believes his own acts to be minor and unworthy of attention compared to the legends of heroes who have come before. Frequently, Tomar patrols the tradeway, looking to do acts of good assisting travellers through his healing touch, or protecting waylaid travellers from the various villains and bandits of the coast. When he does adventure, Tomar prefers the company of like minded individuals, prefering even-tempered, good-natured, charitable companions. When Tomar's day ends, he returns to camp, where he removes his arms and armor and inspects them, maintaining them with fanatical dedication. He prepares himself an evening meal and eats quietly, reflecting on the day's events before saying an evening prayer to Tyr and climbing into his bedroll to sleep with a clean conscience and prepare for the trials of another day.

[TomarGoodmannen]

Tomar Goodmannen's report regarding the battle of Beregost:

I first heard the rumors of the orc army marching on Beregost from the Wood Of Sharp Teeth when I was in the Troll Claw hills beyond the fields of the dead. I was in the Troll Claw hills with Nathaniel Collins, Cleo and Calamar adventuring when Cleo fell. With Cleo's recovery being a priority, I headed to Candlekeep first to have her revived at the temple of Oghma before joining up with the main force set to retake Beregost from the orcs just North Beregost. At nightfall, we met up with the main force, which was headed by notable adventurers, including Ivaris Alomane. We fought our way into Beregost, through what was certainly hundreds of orcs, seeking to battle our way to their leaders. The destruction which had taken place inside the town was horrific: dead bodies everywhere, buildings destroyed and in flame. We finally reached the orc leadership just South of Feldepost's Inn. The orcs we faced there were the largest and most powerful orc-kin I have certainly ever encountered, many more times powerful than the demon-touched or the orc chieftans that originate in the wood of Sharp Teeth. Indeed, they were black orcs, such as can be encountered in the Naskel mines on occasion. Their leader seemed to be the very image of Grumnish himself. Large, nearly impervious to our mightiest blows, and capable of great devestation. Of every image, statues, sculture, or writing of Grumnish I had ever seen, this orc seemed to be his exact copy, which makes me wonder if perhaps he was an avatar summoned by dark forces to lead this warband of orcs? I was able to do damage to him, thanks to the ancient and knightly properties of my blade, though he soon turned his attention to me and struck me a grievious blow. When I came to, I was in the collapsed remains of a building, and the battle was over. Thankfully, the adventurers were able to defeat the orc leader, and the remaining orcs broke and fled for the Wood Of Sharp Teeth with the loss of their commander. Beregost lost many good people, though the town seems no lessened, despite the losses. I hope I did the Order a service and helped out the greater good through my actions, though falling in combat and awaking under such confusing circumstances make me wonder if perhaps I could have done things differently.

Tomar Goodmannen
Squire of the Order Of The Radiant Heart
Paladin Errant in the service of Tyr

[ThatPirateGuy]

A scroll of fine parchment arrives at the temple of Torm, sealed with Valkur's emblem. The letterhead bears the paired masks of the White Mask Theater. Once unrolled, the lyrics to a song are written in an ornate script.

I stand here before you,
A shy and modest man.
A simple song I sing to you,
As Chivalry demands;
But I find the place uncommon,
Before a crowd to sing,
And I am a simple
Soldier of the King.

There are some among my siblings
Who tell a wondrous tale
Of brave deeds and maidens
And heroes where they fell.
Their stories are beguiling,
And wisdom from them springs;
And I am a simple
Soldier of the King

Others of my siblings,
Their voices fill the night;
Dancing tunes and fancy,
Their songs of pure delight!
But though my song is quiet
By words are no less bright;
From my Heart, eternal springs
The love I bear the Light!

-Gregor Capstan

/// This is not an original work, and the actual author is unknown, I just adapted a couple lines to suit the Radiant Heart.

[rokranon]

The day after the public hanging of a Red Wizard, Jonas woke up early, still appalled at the ignorance of some of the adventurers from the previous day, and worn out from the attacks on the Gate. The paladin decided to act. He didn't want the sympathy of some misguided adventurers to spread among the populace. The past must not be forgotten. Utilizing his natural charisma and skill in diplomacy, he walked among the people, speaking the following.

"I wish to remind you of a very dark day, people of Baldur's Gate! Only two years ago, my friends, our fair city suffered from vile treachery. An enclave of Red Wizards was set up north of Beregost to do 'trade', but our own Weave Masters uncovered one of their plots against glorious Baldur's Gate. When gold owed was ultimately not paid to the Thayans, they marched upon the city with several thousand slaves, backed by skilled Thayan Knights, the powerful wizards, and several war golems averaging at least forty feet tall. We must not forget this attack, people of Baldur's Gate. We must not forget the reason why aiding Red Wizards is treason. It was an army sent to punish us, and exemplifies their own greed and lust for power.

Brave adventurers and a host of Flaming Fist soldiers pushed back the army, only to be assailed well south of the city by an abomination the Sword Coast has yet to see the likes of since. An undead dragon larger than a palace, the recently slain Cinderanithalaxis, flew into battle with the Red Wizard Arnoth upon his back. This same dragon had terrorized the Coast, and was reportedly slain by the Red Wizards, but the truth is they raised it for their own nefarious purposes. Words cannot describe the horror of that battle, but know citizens that the accursed beast was destroyed, and the enclave struck down. The toll on our brave Fist forces was high, and many adventurers were also lost. Sir Crownsilver and Exarch Goodmane were present at this battle, and can attest to the truth of my words.

The evil of the Red Wizards must not be forgotten! They are slavers bent on conquest and power. If you do not believe me, ask Saint Merielle of Ilmater. Ask her what she suffered at the hands of the Thayans.

Red Wizards are not some poor, misunderstood souls, fair people. They -choose- their path in life. I heard people yell at the execution, where was Tyr's justice? By ridding Faerûn of one of these servants of evil, it has been done."

[devildog30]

Twas nearly highsun, and the Flaming Fist commander was still assessing the damages the crafty fire starting had wrought the night before, when his ears perked up to the familiar voice of his old friend, Sir Jonas Rokranon.

Standing there along with a cadre of his best troops, Justin Crownsilver listened to the noble paladin's words, his own mind drifted back to the events that surrounded the days after that great battle.

***Flashback***
The helmed armored knight strode pass the gruff stone-faced guards and entered the ducal palace, his iron shod boots upon polished tiled floor could be heard by the representatives of the three quarrelsome nations, Neverwinter, Waterdeep, and Amn. The three emissaries looked up from their bickering long enough to watch the departing warrior turn down a narrow lit corridor that housed private chambers for the likes of visiting dignitaries and their ilk. After much heated debate, twas agreed ownership of certain trade routes and other such trivial matters could wait. For outside the cheers and shouts could still be heard long into the night. The citizens of Baldur’s Gate from low born commoner to sharp-nose noble had gathered to feast and give thanks to the brave heroic adventurers that had defeated the Red Wizard’s enclave from attacking the city. All save one, Justin Crownsilver, Purple Dragon Highknight and Royal Emissary to the Dragon Throne of Cormyr. He refused to have any part in such celebrations, twas the way of the Sword Coast if truth be told. Trade one threat for another until they're stacked upon ye like a deck of cards.

Upon entering his suite Justin was glad to have doff his helm, dabbing at his brow he placed the full faced helmet on yon table, and with his hands clasped behind his back he paced the length of the room before speaking out loud. “Gods-hrasting those stlarning bastards.” Removing his gauntlets he pitched them aside and retrieved a small purple gem from one of the small pouches located on his belt. “Lord Vangerdahast. Hear me.” The highknight said softly into the gem. The gem shimmered in his hand thus releasing a soft eerie purple glow. “Pray pardon thy bluntness I know not what wards have been set in placed, so I shall make this short. I know you been made awares of the events that occurred here this day. The mighty Thunderspells’s, eyes and ears stretch fall beyond the realm of the Purple Dragon. He said with a smirk. “So know you already the Red Wizard’s arrogance is without measure. Strain their wits hard did they on a battle strategy better suited for rampaging orcs? Though the dracolich was frightening enough upon first glance, my enchanted sword and bow helped smote the fell creature’s ruin down upon The Lion’s Way easy enough. Nay I’m contacting you on the matter we discussed thrice a ten day for better part of this pass season. Ye were right they have grown far too bold and by doing so, have brought much death and destruction to these lands.”


“Left with no other choice, seek out now those who harp I must. Their agents hide in plain site within the Gate. I must ask of thee for an audience with those meddlers of realm affairs.” Justin said with a rather long exasperated sigh. “I--.” he stopped in mid-sentence for he heard laughter coming from the hallway outside his room. “Naed, someone approaches I must end this now!” He cursed into the gem before placing the enchanted stone back into his pouch. Masked as nothing more then a simple glow stone, the magical properties of such gems only allowed for one way communication “A gift if you will, should you ever need to speak to me directly lad.” The Royal Magician had instructed the brash dragon knight before Justin had departed Cormyr once more to return to Baldur’s Gate , for he was to act as royal emissary for the king. This was agreed upon when he was bestowed knighthood. No, if Crownsilver truly deemed to hear what say Vangerdahast on these matters. He would have to track down his very own Wizard of War. He knew he would find yon lady chasing drunkard that Vangerdahast had saddled him with at the Elfsong tavern. By the Dragon! He thought he cared not how deep the rutting war wizard was in his cups or what lowcoin lass’s company he now keeps. For crown business waits for no man. Gathering up his helm off the table he listened at the door for more laughter. When he heard none, he exited his private chambers closing the door behind him.
******************************************************

Snapping out of his reverie Justin sighed inwardly for so much time had passed, and he had yet to find any Harper agents to aid him.

Shintalok Firtag's execution was meant to send a message to the servants of Thay and all that choose to support their vile schemes. However, Justin knew more would come. Thanks be to Amn's greed, the Red Wizards had been allowed to establish a foot hold on the Coast Way once more.

Dark times indeed.

[LeslieMS]

[She listens quietly as Jonas speaks, watching the crowds as he speaks. Her own thoughts in turmoil after recent events. When he is done speaking she looks to Jonas.]

My brother, if I may speak, not to detract from your words, but to add to them?

[She waits patiently...]

[rokranon]

The aasimar paladin quirks a brow, then smiles at his oath sister.

"Yes, of course. Ladies and gentleman, Sister Meri has something she wishes to add."

[LeslieMS]

[She looks out at the others. She then steps forward, though she remains close to Jonas' side.]

I will try not to be long winded, but this must be said. Ilmater teaches mercy to even the least deserved. He does not teach that we welcome wolves among the sheep, and watch as the beasts feast on the helpless.

[She holds up above her head, a locket inside which are pictures of a pair of children. Her scarred hands are ungloved, and the sleeve of her robe falls away from her arm, exposing Thayan slave brands on her forearm.]

I owe the scars on my hands to Thayans. Being a slave to the Red Wizards for a year has left a lasting impression. Before you go thinking my opinion is biased... I would like to point out that the boy in this locket... Might still be with us after the Bhaalist Siege had it not been for the aid of at least one Thayan in spiriting the child away from us as we sought to keep him safe.

They are led by cruel and corrupt sorts who thirst only for power. A power they do not hesitate to obtain on the backs and blood of innocence. They will not show you any Mercy if they are allowed foothold to spread their corruption.

They do not show mercy to children, to women... those they keep as slaves inside their Enclaves. Oh yes. A front of trade... profit... inside the Enclaves you will see what they wish you to see so that they may continue their cruelties unhindered.

Do not give them leave to do so. Without our kindness or allowance of such... They cannot do so. If we turn a blind eye to them, we condemn ourselves to cruel fates at the hands ones who would trade the soul of a boy to the Lord of Murder... Knowing it would condemn more than the Coast to a bloody fate... For Power.

We have seen time and again that they have only their own agendas in mind. By all that is Mercy do not turn blind eyes to the teeth and claw of the wolves that seek to wander among the sheep... The wolves will not hesitate to turn on the people when the flock is no more.

[She sighs, praying her words... and the words of others do not fall on deaf ears and closed hearts. She looks to Jonas before returning to her duties.]

[vetinari]

*listens to Sir Jonas and Merielle speak. She thinks a few long moments and then says out loud for anyone nearby to hear her*

"I don't see this any different from people wanting to kill Tieflings, orcs, and half-orcs for no other reason that they are what they are. I mean, sure, 95% of the time they are right. But its that 5% who are innocent that makes us want to at least TRY to prove they have Evil intent before you give them the drop."

"Besides, if we're at war with Thay, fine. If not, then I'm sure killing their citizens will provoke one."

[devildog30]

After hearing Alison's speech, Justin snarled a curse. Eyes flaming, he clenches his fist and stormed over so that he stood before the presumptuous little troublemaker, his icy blue eyes bore into hers. "Idiot chit of a lass, the cow dung being spewed from ye mouth near reaches my eyeballs!" He growled.

"Know ye nothing but spreading falsehoods with that barbed tongue of yours in hopes of finding a sympathetic ear. Well you hath come to the wrong place if that be your goal. Look around, look into the faces of the poor folk that loss loved ones, when Thay attacked this city just two winters ago. Go on look hrast you! Tell them, that they should embrace the Red Wizards once again!"

[LeslieMS]

[Meri blinks at Justin... and glances at Jonas a moment... Looking to Alison. She starts to speak but thinks better of it. Murmuring about the truth of the laws to Jonas... and observing patiently.]

[Kaden Asen]

*speaking quietly from the side, a now hooded Trent Blake adds*

Thavian wizards are not vile, they are human men whom practice the art just as any other man. We shouldn't attack on sight, nor should we grow angered at the mention of their name.

However the guild known as The Red Wizards, -is- Vile. Not by a nature of birth but by choice. They are no different than banite, sharran, or any other enemy of innocent people. If you wish proof, I'd invite you to enter one of the conclaves, I -have- and what I saw within rivaled what I have seen within lothite sacrificial chambers. So if you wish to defend them so be it, you are either a fool, or a intentional liar whom seeks to aid in their gaining a foot hold so the children of this city may suffer at their hands.

*After adding his part he turns quietly to make his way through the crowd*

[devildog30]

Still seething with rage the burly Flaming Fist commander holds up a admonishing finger before Alison can speak. "Not a word, saucy lass," he said quickly in the tone of voice that meant he would brook no defiance.

"Need I even remind you that tolerance is still treason? Twould do ye well to remember that, if you'd like to keep your head a while longer. Now leave this city at once before I brand thee an outlaw for trying to incite unrest and have ye banished henceforth from this city." Justin wags a imperious finger at Ailson, and adds, "This converse is at an end." He barks, then whirls around and stamps away to rejoin his men.