Page 1 of 3
Cromis' Journal
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:56 am
by Killington
Paladin's Folly
The Paladin's code
narrow minded and
unworthy, its abode
is the songs and tales
of knights, by whose hand
evil dragons are slain,
but this land is real,
where only cruelties reign
and knights of the code
falter or perish,
while peoples suffer
they cling like children
in iron costumes to
the code, they'd rather
the failure of goals
than failing ideals,
as Faerûn falls around
they lament its passing
but yield not their hand
in the failure of Man
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 11:25 am
by Killington
The script is written in Mulhorandi lettering, and the Chessentan words. It is scribed with a shaky hand, though it is obvious that the author took pains to be clear and legible.
1337 DR
29 Uktar
Investigating missing foresters in Adder Swamp, 7 gone. Lizard lions likely culprit.
3 Nightal
Found dead man, matches description of missing victim, 10 miles east of Adder River. Mauled badly. Matches bites of lizard lion. Will return come morning. Investigation over.
4 Nightal
Attacked by zombie lizard lion in night. Turned and destroyed. Tracks lead deeper into Adder Swamp. Investigation continues.
6 Nightal
Beshaba spares me, snow cover makes easy tracking.
7 Nightal
Found necromancer tower in Adder Swamp. Culprit experimented on humans, lizard lions and other animals.Commanded undead to slay him. Undead minions destroyed. Reclaimed wealth to distribute to victims kin. Investigation over.
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 10:45 am
by Killington
1350 DR
Nightal 9
A young sister of the faith asked me of the nature of justice. I explained that justice has a duality that is ever important. Retribution, vengeance, punishment, revenge, all words used by many to describe the violent aspect of the Law, and it is a truth, aye, that evildoers who harm others must be harmed in kind. Yet it is often forgotten that vengeance is but one face of the two-sided coin that is justice. The other, as all should know, is reward, care, aid, reinforcement, call it what you will, as long as you do not forget it. The coin of justice must be well balanced, else it will fail. Just as the Tyrant must be struck down and given a fitting punishment, the man who does good must be rewarded, for while evil comes to those who do evil, so good comes to those who do good. This is the nature of justice, the proliferation and mirroring of one's actions upon oneself. Greater than any mortal law, it is the Law of the universe, scribed in the fabric of the heavens and written in the blood of the hellbound souls, that Justice Comes To All.
Many forget this simple truth. Indeed, I have seen many fall from a path of good works and enforcement of Law to a dark path indistinguishable from that of a Sharran save for the symbol around their neck. Our path, that of a Doombringer, Justicar, Lord of Thunderous Vengeance - call it what you will for actions speak louder than words - it is a hard path to follow. It is a path with two roads, which both must be walked. The first, that of Vengeance. Ugly, vicious and bloody, yet beautiful in its simplicity and irony. Seductive, is the path of Vengeance, and it is all too easy to fall to its temptation, to leave the line of the Doombringer and seek only the line of blood and fire. This is the fate of so many. Every grief-maddened father who slays an innocent in the name of revenge has fallen into this path of Vengeance, has lost sight of the Law and the meaning of justice. False vigilantes who slay orckin and elves for racial prejudices, a rebel who kills a peasant to slay a king, all have forgotten where they are, and where they are going.
The other path is that of Care, a peaceable and quiet one, yet no less dangerous in its own way. Every Hospitaller and priest who gives only Care for the fallen but keeps from them their Vengeance has lost themselves on this path. By virtue of Man's violence, this is a less common path, but no less deadly. While those lost in Vengeance destroy the world while they try to save it, those lost in Care ignore the villains who cause pain, instead choosing to merely alleviate it. It is commendable, but foolish nonetheless.
The only way to bring true justice, to spread his Law, is to walk the line of his teachings, to walk both paths, to Care for the fallen and give them their Vengeance. This is the nature of justice, that Justice Comes To All.
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 12:49 am
by Killington
1350 DR
Nightal 13
There was today an incident in Amnian lands near the blue daemon territories. A sister of the Faith and I encountered a Dwarf while hunting the local terrors. He fought well, and was a fitting, if temporary, ally. Some time later the Tyrran Redhorn arrived with Magus Noela and others, and accused the Dwarf of attempted murder and violence. Stories of both parties were listened to and carefully considered. The Dwarf insulted the Magus, who replied in kind, and when he assaulted her the Tyrran intervened, nearly costing her her life, and the Magus was injured. The Dwarf admitted his actions, though he saw no wrong doing in his deeds. His crime was explained and his punishment decided. The word of the Doombringer was shown to him then, rendering him useless, at which opportunity he was run through in retribution for his evils.
Afterward, the Tyrran whom he nearly slew asked me of the world, and the application of law in a time and place where so many disobey. I replied that there is only one Law; Good begets Good and Evil begets Evil, this is the Law of Justice, and Justice Comes To All.
Many flee this truth, as the Dwarf did, and it is our duty to chase them down, and bring them their just reward.
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 12:35 pm
by Killington
Karanoks' Irony
In Luthcheq 'tis thought
that all wizards plot
so as Entropy commands
all wizards be damned
arcane lore is taken
by the burning demand
but when the wall's shaken
by Cimbar's mages
the Karanoks shiver
wishing for pages
of lore in their quivers
finding only ashes
the Karanoks teach
he who gives lashes
Justice is in reach
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 10:18 am
by Killington
Healer's Caution
A priest garbed in white
striding through the night
bearing only prayer
he sought a Faerûn fair
as onwards he strode
he saw a man on the road
wearing a black hood
clutching his chest he stood
and begged aid of the priest
who agreed to hear at least
the man was injured,
and as the priest heard
the tale of a fight
he tried as he might
to heal the poor man
who then shook his hand
and let the priest rest
with a sword through his chest,
he took the priest's gold
and left, smiling cold
as a priest garbed in red
lay on a stony bed
bearing only prayer
he left Faerûn there
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 10:49 pm
by Killington
Hope for Justice
The darkness of life
opposed by light
terrors strewing strife
herald the night,
but who yet remains
for those who need aid
when night comes for all
sparing none the blade
as city-states fall,
crowns change their wearers,
the commoners suffer
Kings and Lords profit
walls keep hold of folk
the stone mason's yoke,
as armies strip the land
while justice is a farce
King rule with a searing brand
disguised with a ring
servants of Bhaal,
falsely named King
with corruption and fools
who yet remains
for those who need saving
when those who speak out
are declared mad, raving
fools and naive,
perhaps this is so, and
there is no reprieve
yet still I hold hope
that justice will come
a savage end to
savage reigns when
King murders King, with a
blade of terror tempered
in the blood of men
so I ask yet again
who yet remains?
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 11:51 am
by Killington
Inevitable
A lich fleeing death
a thief who by a breath
evades law, similar,
though one more familiar,
both men hide in vain
one day, liches are slain
thieves suffer some way
vengeance for their trade
they both flee that which,
both the thief and the lich,
cannot hope to escape
'tis no simple jape
that while lawful mortals
have reach far too small
Justice has no such flaws
Beshaba and Hoar
unbound by such laws
bring vengeance to all
no matter how small
no matter how far
you flee from the law
the solid stability
of the inevitability
that the guilty men fall,
for Justice comes to all
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 2:00 pm
by Killington
Retaliation
What difference is there
between the vile slayer
killing for its own sake
and those in his wake
bearing tears of the fallen,
their vengeance ungiven?
Such questions are simple
though commonly found,
in the Morninglord's temple,
the rite of renewal bound
the adherents to forgive,
to live and let live,
but such simple notions
dumbed simplications
ideals over the real,
for while they preach
what the pacifists teach
War rages on, and
men ravage land
to live and let live
is to die and forgive
while all you hold dear
is taken by fear
cold vengeance ignored
as the mighty lord
takes from the commons,
but their many problems;
the pacifists flaw,
solved by one Law,
saved by Justice,
retaliation, service
for those who would preach
as the pacifists teach
they reap the rewards
yet condemn the Lord
of Three Thunders,
who returns stolen plunders
slays pirates and tyrants,
Vengeance must survive,
lest evil thrive
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2014 2:42 pm
by Killington
1350 DR
Nightal 21
My hunt began at dawn, I prepared myself in Nashkel, and planned to leave for the nearby foothills and bring vengeance to the giants that prowl there. Before I left, I encountered a mage - Gwydion, was his name - crouched invisibily amid some rocks near the Harrow's campfire. When pressed for conversation, he claimed to be hiding from a large man that had attacked him in the foothills. At that time, fellow Hunter ValSarii Silverleaf came upon the scene, accompanied by Vollendrung, an Orken Helmite. Gwydion fled, and I greeted the newcomers. ValSarii told a curious tale of their exploits in the foothills, she said that the two of them were fighting the giants alongside a mage named Gwydion. In the heat of battle, Gwydion disappeared and was replaced with a Devil, which began to hack and claw at the giants. At that point, Vollendrung acted as any superstitious man would and attacked the Devil, who fought back. At some point in the melee, Gwydion escaped, and Vollendrung and ValSarii continued their hunt for giants for some time. Vollendrung expressed a wish to report Gwydion to a lawful authority that he may be punished as a weaver of forbidden magicks. At this, I asked him a simple question; who had Gwydion harmed?" It seemed to me that the only thing Gwydion had done was assume a form more suited for hand-to-claw combat than his own - and defend himself when Vollendrung attacked him. Vollendrung explained that he had broken a law, that he had used forbidden magicks. In response, I told him a tale of a mad city in my homeland, where even the most benign wizards, elves, and dwarves are all burned alive as punishment for using forbidden magicks. This city is a lawful, thoroughly unjust place, as is the rule of Amnian law, it would seem, if they would punish Gwydion without him having committed an offense against any person. A prolonged discussion ensued, in which neither party gained any ground. Vollendrung was steadfast in his assertions that Gwydion must be punished as the unjust law proclaimed, and I, determined in my questions asking who he had harmed - questions which Vollendrung could not answer. After this long debate, the Helmite gave up and turned to leave. I stopped him, telling him that I could not let him leave if he intended to report Gwydion. We were about to come to blows, then, but ValSarii intervened, suggesting that we have Gwydion's perspective before a decision is made. The Orc and I agreed. I sent word on the wind to Gwydion to meet us north of Nashkel, and we set up camp on the tradeway there.
Nightal 22
Gwydion arrived late in the evening. When he came upon our campsite, he was very angry that Vollendrung was present. We explained that we only wished to talk, to have his side of the tale, that we may better learn of the outcome that must be had. His recounting of the story was much like that spun by ValSarii, and painted a picture of an idiot Helmite who attacked a friend, mistaking him for a foe. He also revealed that he had no malice in casting his transformation, and only wished to aid his comrades in battle. Despite this new testimony, Vollendrung declared that he still wished to bring word of his forbidden magicks to the authorities in Nashkel. Once more, we were on the edge of fighting then and there, but Gwydion held up a hand, stopping us. He said that he respects the law, that he was guilty of breaking it, and that he would allow Vollendrung to report him. I was perplexed, to say the least. He claimed that the law gives structure to a society, and is beneficial to all. I agreed, but interjected that unjust laws must be struck down. There, he disagreed, asserting that it must be supported that it can heal. I am dismayed at his decision to allow the proliferation of unjustice in the world, but it is his wish, and I would not act against it in this matter. ValSarii and I took down the campsite and ventured south, in hunt of more giants.
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 11:23 am
by Killington
Authorities
The power of Nobility
fleeting social frailties
as a General's might
relies on recruits
the common folk's fright
lend credence to Dukes
both commanders of mind;
halls upon halls lined
with loyal swords
exerting ordered will
as a noble lord
commands cities to act
on the one quaint fact,
that those other men,
branded by his banner,
commanded in his manner
lend might to his cause,
but why do they serve?
Why look past his flaws,
do they not have the nerve
to examine his thoughts,
see what rots in his mind,
vile thoughts made real
given strength by their steel,
no they do not
for fifty score more
serve the vile lord
loyalty assumed, for
to act is to be doomed,
the power of Kings,
stealing men's wings
to soar on their minds
as others die behind
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 11:53 pm
by Killington
1351 DR
Alturiak 6
I encountered the Ffolk merchant Gwydion outside the Friendly Arm Inn at midday after speaking with the Sunite and a pair of Dwarves. I exchanged words with him cordially, and purchased a circlet from the mage. As we spoke and traded gold for good, I noted that he was. . . distraught. Distracted.
He paced and sighed wearily, clearly his mind was elsewhere. My mind went first to the Helmite Vollendrung, who had threatened the mage with death by means of a lawful execution. He denied this, and, with great trepidation and hesitance, revealed the cause of his concern.
Northlander raiders - a redundant term - from his homeland, the Moonshae Isles, in service to the Bloody god of Murder. By his words, they brought death to his family and many innocents beside them. I know not how he learned of their arrival, but I see no reason to doubt his tale. I saw only earnest pain in his eyes.
By his description, they are a band of rugged outlaws, preying on merchants and peasantry with little regard for their suffering. I intend to search for any leads I can, the Roaringshore may hold those with knowledge of such "pirates of the land", in his words.
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 10:31 pm
by Killington
1351 DR
Alturiak 11
Sheriff of Beregost,
A young lass reported a terrible sight outside the walls of your fine city. There were five dead bodies strewn upon the road and nearby hillock. Two goblins were among that number, and three men. The goblins and two of the men were upon the road. They bore wounds as that of a great cleaving blade, and a great deal of blood was spilled upon the stones in a pattern, spelling the word BUTCHER. The third man was nearby on the grass, his blood did not appear to be part of the pattern, though it was smeared greatly and perhaps intentionally. His wounds did not match the others, being from a stab. I believe from my examination that a dagger was used. If this is indeed the work of the Butcher, as I believe it is, it is a first for him to target goblins as well. I do not know if they were intended victims or simply an obstacle during his criminal activities, time will tell.
With regard to the bodies, I do not recognize the individuals, though locals may identify them. The two men amongst the bloodied path were simple peasants, by their garb, and the other was a merchant with Amnian dress. The goblins possessed a brand of the staff and skull upon their barbaric clothing. I have seen that symbol on those goblins that haunt the road north of Beregost, but I am not knowledgeable enough to determine the tribe that owns this device. One of them had a copper bracelet as well, in the shape of a rat. The other was missing it, though had an impression on the skin implying the previous presence of such a bangle. I expect that a local more familiar with this area would be able to determine more about their origins.
The crime likely took place some where north of here, the goblins do not lair south of this town, and the merchant was likely journeying to the gate when the goblins interfered with the murder, or so is my estimation. I have sent a messenger to contact one who is known as Robin, a local ranger of the area so far as I understand, and I hope to form an expedition with this one to learn more of the scene at which the crime took place.
Cordially,
- Tegeus Cromis
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2015 12:36 am
by Killington
Tarsakh 26
The Talonite den was raided tonight. As I write this, my hands shake with the disease I found as I expunged the filth from that house. The thunder of Justice's righteous victory over the Plaguemother's spawn was great this night. The door was locked, the windows barred, but planks of wood did not stop us. We entered a building hastily abandoned, filled with rubble and debris, the detritus of the vile squatters within that unhealthy abode. Slowly we progressed, taking caution with every step, leading spear before shield before man around each corner and through each door. We found little, at first. Signs of hasty retreat, surely, and a vast library we had not the time to catalogue. A ladder led to an attic, and there was found a horrid scene. Eight bodies, flayed, burnt, tortured in all manners conceivable. A book at the far end of the room, detailing Talonite rites and rituals. There was nothing of further interest there, beyond the condemnation of those in this cult. Behind one such shelf of many books, there was a hidden passageway, down a tunnel. We followed it, and another aside it, and came upon a wretched sight. The shrine of Talona awaited us there, though its profanity was not well-matched for the force of Justice as my axe split asunder the altar and the consecration of holy water bared the stones, stripping away their ill intent and plague-ridden auras. Beneath the altar was a grate to the sewers, we followed and there found our quarry. The Talonites fled, but we bore them down and gave them steel in return for their cries of sickening worship. A great chase through the sewers ensued, but they could not escape us. One last, a leader, a mage as well, commanded them to fight to the death and they did, and threw a book into the sewage. That meager attempt did not deter us. The book is locked, I cannot open it. Talisen will see to it that Cara and Alika study it more thoroughly than I can.
- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis
Re: Cromis' Journal - Memoirs and Musings
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2015 12:42 am
by Killington
Tarsakh 27
I sent for Ameris again. He was, busy. Fighting, I believe, by the sound of his voice. Strained and painful, breathless. Sparring, perhaps, else I know not of his whereabouts and actions... His words in the message were of not returning this eve... An inn, or a tavern with Telia, I would guess. There is much unsaid between the two of us. I seem to have earned his ire once more. How I did this, I again do not know. The will of he and his lover seems as capricious as the eastwind, well intended but ever swaying and never with good cause. I have spoken with the lass since the meeting at the Order of the Silver Rose, where I was spurned under the false accusation of being a Zhent. She has seen reason, I believe, to some extent, and I was able to explain myself. Ameris, however, I have not seen for some time. Should Beshaba look elsewhere, perhaps I will see him soon.
- Lord of Thunderous Vengeance Tegeus Cromis