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

Chapter 1

"The years have seldom been kind, seldom been easy but we were not taught to complain or whinge in the face of our trials, like everybody else we took our lot in life and bore it as we could. Growing up has been its own set of simple pleasures, fond memories and harsh lessons."

Looking up from the page before him, Roland rubbed at his eyes some, he had been sitting for a while now trying to put to words his thoughts with some poetic merit as well as punctual accuracy. With a sigh he observed the candlemark, it was getting late and he was to perform his duties once again on the morrow. Setting off to bed he spoke the prayers he had every day for years, to Tyr for wisdom, Lathander for health, and Helm for protection.

He observed his duties now as a judge with distinction and inflexible adherence to the letter of the law, which brought him the admiration of the law abiding, and the scheming scorn of the corrupt. With faith and resolve he faced each day of his duties sure in the right of his station and the service to the people he was meant to protect from chaos and anarchy. For three years now since he rose from a lowly investigator to this prestigious role he did not falter. It would not last in its quiet dignity however..

Chapter Two.

"How did it come to this?" Roland thinks to himself, now sitting in a jail cell damp and dark, not shackled at least but his dignity shattered, his weeping wife whom he turned away from visiting him, the shame of it all, her seeing him brought this low would kill him he knew. "I love you Blossom, but I cannot stand to see myself in your eyes like this.."

Every time the thought came to him in the darkness of the cell, the whole jail tower would ring out with furious shouting of obscenities, promises of retribution and justice served, but to no avail.

The year prior he was brought low by a conniving plot set against him that he did not see coming, being so absorbed in his service to Tyr, blind in one eye same as his former patron was missing one hand..

The position he had would be coveted by many, not least of all for the prestige it brought with it, the respect, the power. To Roland however it was a sacred duty, and one he upheld with unwavering fidelity and adherence. Blind in one eye..

Chapter 3

It has been two years since I found shackles upon my wrists and blame upon my brow. It has been years since I was treated like a prisoner, and more like a trophy catch. Cruel and deliberate my jailors are, they feed me just enough to keep me alive, I grow weaker with every passing tenday. As my body wanes, so does my faith in Tyr and the laws that are supposed to prevent these things from coming to pass...

"...No more laws, no more Tyr, I am abandoned to my fear..No more tears, no more pain, just a account for future years..Hear my plea o lord of Doom, let this not become my Tomb..Find your will to this place, see how far I fell from grace..Grant me the chance to overcome my keeper..I will become your Reaper.."

Such was my prayer for a time still, emboldening and strengthening my will. Even as my body faded, my mind and spirit soared. And then one faithful night my prayers answered, I took upon the vengeful sword.

I slew my jailors cruel and pitiful as they were, my bars no longer a shelter from my view. I stalked the night gaunt and aching, in the darkness allowed no waking. Then I found my way home, once a shelter, now a twisted mockery of what was once my own. I slipped inside past guard once loyal, locked the doors and begun the trial..

Running and shouting ensued, a lack of belief in what pursued. "But it is I whom you threw to rot, returned to see you fall. Once a friend and trusted ally..Tonight my vengeance you have wrought.."

The chase lasted while the moon rose and fell, before long his legs gave way, his futile attempts to kill his past. Hiding behind an executioner's mask..

When the deed was done and all fell silent..In fire and in chaos I departed..Fleeing my once beloved home..Now an outlaw with a new goal..

For the Coast, The Coast I ride, to bring them Hoar's generous Tithe..