Headed to Kirth

3 Mirtul, 1373 afternoon
I have a lot to learn about the dark arts and this is a good thing. I never thought I would need to know about the ways in which the evil clerics do what they do. I know from my training that I need to know my enemy well, but I always thought that was getting a bit to close. Knowing that there is evil and injustice is very different that staring it in the eye. I cannot understand why their vile people want to hurt so many innocent lives. They fill their hearts with hate, anger, and fear and want more. It seems that they can never hate, destroy, torture or kill enough to satisfy there twisted hunger. I feel some how tainted by breathing the same air as they do.

Slyl is gone, and this ur-priest is never going to cooperate without his potion. Before I can get a handle on all that is going on the ur-priest starts casting. I should have wailed on him with the flat of my sword before he finished his words. Instead I warn him. I’ll never make that mistake again. Corim and I are engulfed in blackness, yet again. We both attempt to stop the ur-priest. Corim decides to run him through. While this method tends to stop an opponent from leaving it tends to make them unwilling to talk, since there DEAD. I tried to bring back the ur-priest but it’s too late. I can’t fault Corim but now we have lost a chance to know so much about their plans. One thing for sure the things set into motion are bigger than any one of us and will forever change all who touched by them.

We gather up everyone and form a caravan with a couple of coaches and I lead us to Kirth. Corim and I give some gold to each person to help him or her start a new life. The way is level and the only burden is in my heart. We see the glistening sunlight shine against the snow on the top of the distant Earthspur Mountains. The first pleasant view I witness today. Up ahead is a wagon. I move ahead and catch up to speak to the coachmen. To my surprise it is Gustav Halorel my fathers trusted employee of more years than I can remember. He seems shaken and hurt. He is with Evan a cleric of Selune. He tells me how he almost died and that if it weren’t for Evan he would be dead. I figure anyone who would save a stranger can’t be all that bad, Even if he worships Selune. Gustav tells me that there is trouble at home and that my whole family is moving to Kirth. They argued about sending this shipment, and the Zhentarim are involved. Even with all that has happened I can’t imagine this would harm my family. I feel a change within I cannot explain or understand a weight on my heart that is overwhelming. NOW THIS IS PERSONAL. I check the shipment and know Gustav is unaware that it contains the doom of Kirth. I can’t believe that my family could be strong-armed so completely. I cannot share this with anyone yet. Kelestri will want to destroy the shipment for sure and that will only bring suffering to my family. I must investigate and wait for the right time. I only hope that I can stop this from harming anyone in Kirth.

I know it is a surprise to everyone that I know Gustav and he works for my family. I did not want to brag that my family does well. Kelestri thinks I’m a merchant and I put on the façade of a warrior. She can think whatever she wants. I know the years of study and dedication it takes to be a paladin of Tyr. The years of reading about religion, tactics, history, battles, siege engines, castles, and politics. I can remember the days of marching and the cold nights in the rain and snow. I can even remember a few cadence tunes. A merchant can’t buy his way into the ranks of the worshipers of Tyr.

We arrive in Kirth and the city guard greets us at the gate, or what’s left of it. They charge us 5gp each to enter. It’s outrageous, but there are bigger issues to worry about. Corim and Slyl are having trouble convincing the register to accept their names. I wonder how many they use. It’s none of my business, but I try to smooth things over. We decide split up and to meet at dusk in the temple to Ilmater. I tell Gustav to guard the shipment and wait to deliver it. Pavel, Averiy stay at the temple and deliver their urgent message. Kelestri, Alyona, and Slyl go to find some goods. Leaf, Corim and I go to the tavern that Gustav is to deliver the shipment to. I decide to tell Leaf what’s troubling me and ask for his service in uncovering who wants the shipment. He agrees. I am pleased he is not judgmental about my keeping a secrete. I try to be discrete, but I doubt I will succeed. Leaf is doing some talking too I hope he is doing better than me. Corim is enjoying a drink when all of a sudden a beautiful women approaches. She joins him and I know I am not wanted right now. I she refers to him and herself as a Teifling. I think I heard the name once in passing I think that is a racial reference. I try to find out from the locals about what happened this week in Kirth. The bartender confirms the shipment and asks why I want to know. I tell him that I want to meet up with an old friend. He is suspicious, and I am not gifted as a liar. I am not getting very far with him. Leaf must have found out something by now. I’ll go talk to him and see what he knows.

My working theory about how Kirth may meet its end:
The shipment of Banite blood will be used to affect the town. The Baneites army of mercenaries attacked Kirth. Later a second Baneite army came back pretending to be reinforcements and the town welcomed them with open arms. They will then gain the city’s confidence and corrupt it from within. May Tyr give me insight to see past their deception and fully learn their scheme.

We return to the temple of Ilmater and are greeted with respect. We are introduced and now we can talk. I hope I can speak openly and honestly without anyone questioning my sanity. I probably look paranoid and suspect.

A Day in Manyoak

3 Mirtul, 1373
Slyl and Corim come back from there scouting and begin to explain the situation. Unfortunately for us we are found out and attached by the very people we wanted to surprise. The one in the black robes casts a fear spell and it affects some of us. I rush in and try to stop him from casting again. I think the unhallowed ground I’m on has hurt my ability to fight. I miss my mark two times and take some of the worst hits I can ever remember. Thank Tyr I can rely on Corim and Pavel to keep some of the attacks at bay and even pick up the slack. The tide of battle goes our way. The one in black robes drinks some kind of potion, but I strike him anyway. We capture the one in robes and Slyl restrains him. We continue on to the other areas we haven’t seen. As before Corim, Slyl, and Pavel scout out ahead. We manage to interrupt a ceremony of pain, torture, and sacrifice. I have never seen such a scene, but my training kicks in and I stop myself from thinking about it. I ready my bow and take aim as does Leaf. It appears that Leaf is a most impressive archer. His crossbow is more powerful than I would have expected. If ever there was a shot as perfectly placed I have never seen it. I have gained a new respect for Leaf. I thought he was unfocused and undisciplined. I have misjudged him. I believe the Bainite learned some respect too. Kelestri, Corim, Slyl, and Pavel all do their part.

The alter has a contraption on it with a person in it. There are tubes going to several parts of his body and his blood flows into a vessel. Corim and Slyl are figuring out how to remove him safely. Leaf has become overwhelmed by the scene and begins to shout and take out his anger on the various devices. He sunders parts off of it left and right. Pavel rushes to a cage in the corner and frees the captives. They are children. I gather up one child and help the man on the alter leave. Slyl and Kelestri pick up the ur-priest and carry him up to the town.

Corim, Kelestri, Slyl, decide to interrogate the ur-priest, Golig. Leaf, Pavel, and I go into The Winged Cat and relax. I have ale, Leaf starts to play, and Pavel enters a debate with me on the proper way to handle our enemies. His counsel is very wise. I admire his clarity, but we disagree on some things. After some time I am asked to talk to Golig. I realized that he was not cooperating, so I decide to get things moving. I make an offer to trade his life for his information. I will give him his potion of gaseous form after he has enlightened me on their plans. He agrees and before he tells me much Slyl walks off with the potion. This is going to be a long day.

Animosus Level 3

Male Human Paladin of Tyr LV3 LG Medium Age 17 Born 1356 – Year of the Worm
Init: +5; Senses: Listen +5, Spot +1
Languages: Damaran (Dethek), Common (Thorass), Aglarondan, Dwarven, Elven, Orc
AC 21, Touch 11, Flat-Footed 20
HP 27 (3 HD) Immune: disease
Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +7 Spd 20 ft.
Melee: Great Sword +7 (2D6+3/19-20)
Ranged: Composite Long Bow +5 (1d8/x3) 2o Masterwork Arrows
Combat Gear: Elven Moon Draught (4 Cure light Wounds)
Base Atk +3, Grp +6 Atk Options: normal Invocations Known: n/a
Spell-Like Abilities: Aura of Good, Detect evil, Smite Evil 1/day, Lay on hands 4HP x 3, Divine Grace, Aura of Will 30' rad (armor)
Abilities: Str 12(16), Dex 12, Con 11, Int 16, Wis 13, Cha 18(19) (with armor)
Feats: Improved Init, Weapon Focus (Great Sword), Weapon Focus (Long Bow), Proficiency (Simple Weapons), Proficiency Armor (Heavy, Medium, Light)
Skills: Appraise 4, Balance 1, Bluff 4, Climb 1, Concentration 0, Craft (Armor) 5, Craft (Weapon) 5, Diplomacy 8, Disguise 4, Escape Artist 1, Forgery 3, Gather Information 5, Handle Animal 6, Heal 10, Hide 1, Intimidate 4, Jump 1, Knowledge (Religion) 9, Knowledge (History) 5, Listen 4, Move Silently 1, Profession (Siege Engine) 2, Profession (Herbalist) 2, Ride 6, Search 3, Sense Motive 2, Spot 1, Survival 1, Swim 1, Use Rope 1
Possessions: Plate mail of Strength and Command, Great Sword, Composite Long Bow, 20 Masterwork Arrows, Holy Symbol (Tyr), Cloak, 4 Water Skins.
Backpack: Elven Moon Draught, Clothes, Metal Mirror, Flint & Steel, Broach of the Shield, 2 Torches, Tinder.
Saddlebags: 100' Rope, 2 Torches, Boots, Book, Ink, Quill, Wax, Polishing Cloth.
Belt Pouch: 144 GP, 196 SP, 80 CP, 2 Kings Tears (3,600 GP), 1 Large white/blue diamond (2,000 GP).
Tactics: Avoid a fight if reasonable. When it is not: evaluate the battle situation. Decide if it is suicide and if not have at it.
The time to take counsel of your fears is before you make an important battle decision. That's the time to listen to every fear you can imagine! When you have collected all the facts and fears and made your decision, turn off all your fears and go ahead.
Here is the beginning of philosophy: a recognition of the conflicts between men, a search for their cause, a condemnation of mere opinion, and the discovery of a standard of judgment.

Headed to Manyoak

3 Mirtul, 1373
This morning we purchased some gear and I asked Oolathana for a healing draught. I asked Bromar if he could work on a sword for me and he agreed to create a sword I would be proud to use. I needed many items and many were available. Everyone was set on naming our group and I felt it is not important. Leaf was very keen on a group name. He says our deeds will be known by our group name. I don’t understand how a bunch of funeral directors become and adventuring group. Maybe that’s a good name. I guess we have bonded although I am concerned about not knowing much about the new company I keep. I hope they do only honorable actions. Manyoaks is by far more important. We headed to Manyoaks and before we get there we catch up to a carriage. Kelestri seems to have a problem with it. She just attacked it. Corim is following suit. What is their problem? Why can’t they let everyone know what’s on their minds. I keep finding myself fighting first and asking questions later. This is going to stop SOON. The carriage is filled with three captives and four followers of this cult of Bane. This carriage has many possessions from Manyoaks and an evil blood like substance in jars. Also I find a manuscript dedicated to this cult of Bane. The edicts of the Cult of Bane are described within. I have the group move ahead to Manyoaks. I hope to hear their report when I catch up. I order the three captives to follow me to Manyoaks and using the hoses from the carriage they are taking the belongings back to Manyoaks. They reluctantly agree. I ease their fears by committing to protect them. As I approach the town I enter a battle with some undead guardians. When will these guys learn patience? I can’t see Kelestri, Leaf, and Slyl are at a bridge, Corim is on the other side, and only Tyr knows where this is going. The battle goes unnoticed by any reinforcements. Tyr must be with us although he doesn’t smile on the stupid for long. As we enter Manyoak it becomes obvious that we are too late to save it. Some people managed to hide and survive and there story will need to be told, especially to us. The Bainites are using these orcs to do their bidding. I underestimated the Bainites tactics. They have subtly infiltrated the leadership of Manyoaks. They took all of the able-bodied men and are taking them away to train as solders. They killed and tortured the remaining people, using their blood to create the evil elixir we found in the carriage.

We decided to search the town for any survivors and Banites. There is an eerie silence I cannot feel pleased with. We enter a tavern The Winged Cat. I decided to patrol around the building. Within a few minutes a group of eight orcs start marching their way down the dirt street in front of the tavern. I find a place to hide and prepare my bow for an assault. Just as I am about to let loose my masterwork arrow, the street is covered in darkness. I guess I will need to get used to this tactic. At least Corim is aiming away from me this time. The group is encompassed in darkness. I wait for one to emerge. Corim decides to enter the blackness. I know he sees better than I can, but then a rider on a black steed with a lance charges through the darkness. I hear Corim make a groan. The rider passes through the darkness as if he can ignore it. He sets up for a second charge but then he notices me. I’m next to a building and I know he would be a fool to charge me with his lance. He set his sites on me and I prefer that to Corim. The rider looks to be a Banite and he charges with his sword drawn. He strikes me hard, but I am not shaken. Kelestri, a monk and a paladin of The Golden Cup surround the rider. Kelestri asks me if I want to fight him on my own as a point of honor. I do not even have time to begin to explain to her that a paladin of Tyr has no ego to maintain or special rules of engagement to hinder me. We hit the Bainite hard and down him. The orcs soon follow. The monk and paladin are obviously allies I hope they continue to help us. The last orc is subdued and I have my chance to issue some justice up close and personal. I press my boot on the scum’s throat and demand to know all he can tell us. Everyone seems to be shocked I would press this vile creature with ruthless vigor. They hold me back as if I wanted to kill him before he talks. I guess my comrades need to understand my faith better and me as well. I have to bring this orc a just end, not a quick pleasant end, and not before he tell me all he knows about his masters. Besides, he has taken part in the death and torture of an entire town. Why does he deserve a quick death, humane treatment, or mercy? He tells us where they are operating, and what they are plotting. I decide to let my comrades kill him. I introduce myself to the monk and paladin. They are from the Monastery of the Yellow Rose, in the Earth Spur Mountains to the north east of here. They are an ally to the church of Tyr and are most welcome. Pavel is male human monk about 40 years old. His friend Averiy is a paladin of The Golden Cup. I’m certain that they have many tails to tell, but for now they tell us they are headed to Kurth to deliver an important message about the Bainites we hunt. They are willing to help us while they are in Manyoak, but they want to leave to deliver their message. Kurth looks like the next logical place to go. Since the Bainites have already started to infiltrate the city. With Tyr’s help maybe we can stop their evil scheme.

That vile orc tells me that their base is a large temple in town I ask Slyl, and Corim to scout out ahead quietly. Pavel decides to join them, I assume it’s because he can be quiet too. Kelestri, Leaf and I gather up the horses. I take the Banite’s black steed and lance for my own. I also convince the three we found with the carriage to come with us to the tavern so they can stay with the other survivors we found. After a few minutes Corim calls for us. Hands, animated severed hands, are attacking them. I draw my sword and have at it. They prove to be no more than an annoyance for all of us. We travel deeper into the temple. The very air we encounter is filled leg high with a wispy black presence, yet it has no substance and does not seem to be effected by my holy symbol and faith. We trek on. Corim and Slyl find a secrete door that leads down a wide stairway. At the bottom is an orc that has embraced the necromancy arts. He has three towns’ people on chains attached to his waist. Slyl attacks and a town’s woman attached to this orc takes the brunt of the damage. I attack the orc’s chains and free one of his captives. Everyone else Corim and Slyl do the same and the towns folk are freed and safe. The orc dies a quick death, which is more than he deserves. We check several chambers and find no other orcs. Corim, Slyl, and Pavel move ahead to scout out the chambers down the hall. They discover what appear to be the orc leader and an important cohort. They are talking about some of their plans.