Morgan Sterling

[elysiumfields]

Paladin of Hoar




In 1372 a Paladin of Hoar was sentenced to death by a Magistrate for a crime he didn't commit. This Paladin promptly escaped from Waterdeep to the shores of Cormyr. Today, still wanted by the Waterdeep government, he survives as a soldier of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find him, maybe you can hire... Morgan Sterling.

[elysiumfields]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

"I am a penitent man. That is not to say I have regret or sorrow for what I have done; I am proud of a great many thing. I am penitent for that which has been neglected.

I have arrived in Valkur's Roar, found my Church and set my pennant. Hoar, you know me all too well. You know my innocence and that is enough.

Fate has preordained I travel far from home, so I quest for Retribution's Sting.

No longer shall the oppressed have cause for hopelessness. No more shall those ill judged be cast aside. Like for like and kind for kind the good will be judged as often as the wicked. Impostors shall be cast out and made to feel the full weight of your gloved hand.

I was told that a good man, pure of heart and clear of vision can mete evil with evil and come back from that darkness unchanged. I pray thee Hoar, Exarch of Justice, to be that man."

[elysiumfields]

"I have encountered those of Mulhorand. I see fit to not intercede. I do not see their heart's intent to be that of Anhur and in my own judgement your affairs with the Mulhorand are your own unless you guide me otherwise.

One has even been of merit to your name even if she is unaware of such deed. I see that as a sign to continue to guide them and not convert. Even your enemy can be an ally in unusual times, and these are unusual times.

I pray thee set me on the path to Retribution's Sting and be your Champion in honour of those who stood tall in times past.

Justice. Retribution. Irony. Enable these facets to bolster my wisdom and judgement to serve you well, Hoar."

[elysiumfields]

*Written with a bold, stately hand, this Judgement is kept as a copy and posted in the Temple of Retribution, Talbot's Inn and the Regal griffon Inn*

Judgement #1

On this sixth day of Kythorn, Thirteen and Seventy Five years I pass my first official judgement in Valkur's Roar.

The indolence of fear fueled pride will not be left un-noticed. I know his face, Lord, I know his voice, I know his sword and with haste I will know his name. I know his companion who stands free of this judgement.

For threat of physical violence and for threat of action to my person of a sexual nature, both without proper provocation, I have judged his action and found him wanting in every respect.

I shall hold my tongue and watch my words just as he said. And should he need aid in dire times my tongue will hold fast. Though I am sure his words are that of a feeble coward who needs to hide behind the veil of physical oppression should he ever act these intentions in reality those same deeds shall be re-enacted upon his person in my own time and idiom. Not because I want to, but because where the weak and oppressed cannot, I can.

Vengeance will be Thine.

A Champion of Hoar.

[elysiumfields]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

That I may be better, more fitting servant of the Faith I ask you, Hoar, to bless this armour and shield with your unswerving determination.

If I am worthy in your eyes I pray thee grant your boon to these vestments to protect me from those who would see you fall.

[elysiumfields]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

"I am a penitent man. I strive to mete your vengeance with more energy and verve every day to ensure the people know your house can be trusted. I see few people in the halls and it causes me grief.

In spite of this failing You have seen fit to grant me favour in more than one manner. Sinn is a loyal and brave steed; a perfect standard for others to see. I thank thee, Lord of the Three Thunders, for my celestial charge. The divine boons afforded me by your grace have been dispatched justly to the walking dead, evil and desperate law breakers alike.

Though I have not been sought for services by the locals or fame seeking adventurers I have been ensuring that thugs and bandits get their just desserts and the attrition on orc flesh has been painfully served.

As I was slaughtering Kobold raiders out side of Greatgaunt I chanced upon what I thought to be a woman on my blind side. I apologised to her for my infraction of slaying her target only to find out she was in fact an Elven he. In fairness his effeminate looks and the cut of his armour did him no favours, though my critical eye at that distance did fail me. I took this misunderstanding to be a sign and pray thee that this Elf sees the error of his ways, cuts his hair and chooses an armour that does not afford him the appearance of breasts at a distance.

The people I have been travelling with of late intrigue me. The Anhurite Priestess seeks no quarrel with You and her actions fit your requirements. I shall continue to partake of the aid she provides as a member of her retinue as it unwittingly makes an Anhurite your servant. Poetic, I thought. The Lady Shaessa also affords your humble servant her abilities knowingly. She is aware of my cause and sees fit to court her many favours my way. It is my wish that you see her as an instrument of your vengeance whether she realizes this or not.

Lastly I pray the send me a person of dubious ability. I need someone to go where I cannot, to open avenues I am unable, and gather information that would be kept from your Champion's ear that the repressed may be revenged.

From the Regent to the lowliest of street urchins, none shall be free of your judgement."

[elysiumfields]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

I submit to you, God of Three Thunders, my first tithe of justice paid by those who could not obtain it from conventional law abiding channels.

A child was taken by a sect of Ogres led by an Ettin on the road to Valkur near Great Gaunt. By recruiting adventurers within the stead of Greatgaunt we were able to rescue the child as a team. The child's successful return was paid for in full by the mother to the debt of five copper pieces.

The family would have tithed all they had, but I saw fit to take a token, such is their disposition and way of life. The symbolism of their gratitude is what means most of all.

Despite the success I remain troubled. My mind is comforted with the manner of tithe and sum of tribute. What ails my ease is that a child was taken but not devoured. Ogres and Ettins do not take children and leave flesh on bone. It is not in their character.

I submit concern that a higher authority is claiming children, perhaps all good folk of the realm, for a purpose beyond our current level of understanding. I am determined to seek out this possibility and vanquish with furious vengeance those who perpetrate such a heinous activity to the limit of my wisdom.

I remain your humble and penitent servant and will follow any sign you show me as a beacon to this just end.

[elysiumfields]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

Lord, you know I am a penitent man. I strive each day to bring your justice to those who have none. I have let my guard slip recently. I am sure you have seen it. It has been a long time since I have been seen as anything other than a soldier, outlaw or bastion of hope for those with none and it is well within in my resolve to control this and use restraint.

Forgive my transgression of taking aid from non-believers. Whilst some have need of many gods I need only your favour. I take the boons offered to make me a more useful and humble servant of the Three Thunders.

I bid thee secure my rightful place when the time comes and do your best in my stead knowing my absence is for a just cause. When the time comes those who use and abuse laws and gods as shields for their misdoing will feel your furious anger by the weight of my hand. We both know that an eye for an eye in this case is not nearly enough.

I submit to repair the walls of this house and restore the church to its rightful glory. I am tithing more than required to see this set right.

Deliver me from the necessary evils sometimes required of my charge and aid the cleansing of my soul knowing my deeds are not of personal choice, but an equal and opposite reaction to the freely committed acts of of others.

[elysiumfields]

**Warning: Lewd, but not graphic, content below.**

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

This day, Hoar I am not penitent. I am praying this day to thank you for your confidence that flows through my veins. My lack of fear has enabled my spirit to become free and open in matters political, rhetorical, spiritual, physical and romantic.

In my charge I am thankful that chastity is not a fealty you demand and though I shall likely never marry, nor serious relationship brook, I find comfort and companionship in the arms of womankind be they Human, half or full elf.

I was reminded of a song about a lady of the night I learned before I joined your service I had never forgot but likewise had not sung either. I shall recall those words to you:

I come to see you my lovely,
With gifts from far and away
For I have hit port
And my time is short
And your nethers are full on my mind!

So allow me to woo you my pretty.
I'll court for all that i have!
But I have no time
And this heartfelt rhyme;
It serves to get under your skirts!

Your skin smooth as the purest of marbles.
Your hair like a fall of lake water.
And with nipples like those;
Poking though your clothes
They're making me all hot and bothered!

Your eyes are limpid pools,
Lovely as fresh driven snow.
So can I grab your thighs?
I've much to devise!
And my manhood is ripe and triumphant!

Why thank you most beautiful lady.
This gold it belong just to thee.
For I am all spent!
My back is half bent!
And no man should get that for free!


It is a good day, Lord. A good day reminding me of the times before the darkness.

*Happy to alter or remove content with DM Guidance*

[elysiumfields]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

I am a penitent man. My day has been spent thinking of ways to better serve you, Lord. A visitation by a Lich has left me thinking he is a sign sent by you.

The Lich presented himself as three copies of myself - a clear sign that I must travel further abroad this land and make the presence of your justice known.

Although The Lich is clearly evil I am thinking it can be used to serve you. There is nothing more poetic and fitting than for a merchant of evil to serve you as an instrument of goodness.

I must meditate more on this and pray further for a sign of intent from this being.

I am your penitent servant, Hoar. Your will be done.

[elysiumfields]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that Kyie, Shesh'Ahl and Shaessa heard plainly.*

I am a penitent man, Lord. I fill my days with deeds in your name. See to it that the halfling Daisy is aided in her grief if it is deserved. Also guide my path for the upcoming venture. I have some doubts. Should it be your wish to allay them I bid thee see it be done.

[elysiumfields]

OOC Information

What you can expect from the self confessed red headed bastard step child of the Paladin community:

He will associate with known evil types that he may use them for the purposes of good. There is nothing more poetic and fitting than letting an evil doer think they are doing bad when in fact they are helping the community.

He will use the undead as tool to erradicate evil doers (Bandits, orcs etc) -if- he knows they are engaged pro-actively in evil. He will always see the undead as a perfect weapon against other undead. If he can use a summon, or someone else's summon to help destroy more than three entities it is a fitting and worthwhile endeavour.

He has met the erstwhile Robert Cadalanter III and is currently trying to work out whether it is more profitable to Hoar to keep him animated than not. I think we all know the answer to that already! (I'll find a way to make this happen because it's so much fun interacting with Necro Bob and I want to enjoy myself.)

If anyone has any objection to these concepts send me a pm or let a DM know. Cheers.

I would appreciate that this ooc knowledge not be metagamed, thanks

OOC Information

[elysiumfields]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

Lord, I am a penitent man. Your man. I have been waylaid by plague. A justice served for infractions earned to test my faith. I remain on thine righteous path unswerved, undaunted, renewed.

I return to strength with each passing day. The lost boons you blessed my cause with will be replaced with dogged determination.

Crime will be punished and the downtrodden of Cormyr will once again be championed.

I am returned. I am become vengeance. I am more determined than ever. I will not be stopped.

[elysiumfields]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

I am a penitent man. My devotion grows daily and I feel your presence guiding my hand with ever increasing purpose, Lord. A stroke of fortune has come my way. A follower of Shavarash has become known to me. Our devotion to vengeance, as different as the end games may be, has forged a reserved alliance that I pray you will bless to bloom into a stalwart front line the likes of which have yet to be seen by those who have escaped justice.

[elysiumfields]

Morgan Sterling: The Theme Tune.

[elysiumfields]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

"Lord I am a penitent man. I kneel and praise you and your justice this day. I met a young Priestess of Mystra, Phaedria Brightwater, newly arrived from my home of Waterdeep. I do not think she recognised me, not that it matters, and I did my best to make her feel welcomed.

"After conversation and introduction I took her to Greatgaunt's catacomb and she aided me in inspecting the tombs of the deceased. As expected the restless dead resisted our efforts and we had to fight our way through. She is naive and lacking worldly experience but shows courage and an interest in forging her own path.

"In the catacomb we came across a young woman guarded by a panther. She held no fear of the cursed undead, but was terribly timid, frightened and wary of myself and Lady Brightwater. the girl spoke a language I could not place which was used to converse with her companion. She is clearly an escaped slave or similar captive and I had no intention of pushing the topic nor handing her over to the authorities. We tempered her fear and had her travel with us to ensure her safety.

"She had no name and allowed Lady Brightwater to come up with some suggestions. After considerable discussion on our sacrosanct mission it was decided to call her Coral, and her feline friend Rain. The catacomb was cleared as far as I dared take the women without risking our very lives and I feel that you have been served justly.

I pray thee, Lord of Three Thunders, to grant Coral vengeance."

[elysiumfields]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

"I am proud to be your Champion, Lord.

Bastion has returned to me. I pray thee hear my thanks and praise for this most merciful boon. Together we shall cut a swathe of vengeance through the land, healing the injustice of the people one judgement at a time.

This day I submit to you my indolence. A worthy servant of the Lord of Three Thunders has no time for it.

I felt my trident hum with power once more, Lord. Your favour pays more than tribute and deserves a reckoning on the local lands of Valkur's Roar. I will patrol vigilantly.

I am proud to be your hand, your Champion and voice in this kingdom."

[deadbeatbert]

*A prayer is spoken in clear, leveled terms that anyone in the Temple of Retribution can hear plainly.*

"I am a penitent man, Lord. Penitent that I had not completed my task sooner. I have returned from my pilgrimage for truth made whole and able once more. With the knowledge you gave me I was able to bring justice to my family's killer and clear my name in the process. Waterdeep is one man cleaner for hanging at the gallows of justice. Were your will done I would have seen him bereft one eye then burned alive, resurrected and burned again that he experienced what me and mine did at his hand. In memory's stead I shall content myself that your hand was leveled outside of my jurisdiction.

Upon my journey back I caught the rank allure of death. A crypt local to my parish has been corrupted and I cleansed it of the undead. I shall spend more time there to fetter loose the roots of evil that cause the dead to flee their tombs. I shall consult with Rafir on further action."