The Dragon Bastard
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[an old forgotten poster is pinned up carefully, the bounty on fall display]
Knights of Aster, I have grave news. The attached poster was created by King Gondegals faithful servants and stands. This man admits to being the leader of the Ghosts of Cormyr who have stolen so many Free Peoples lives. Sir Matrim Kingsley has asked for Lord Jastyne Vaylans hand in marriage, pledging to end the wars of Arabel and bring peace on the land.
This follows suit with a profecy I have been told by our proven friend and ally, the Great Druid Nanthleenee. She says that Ser Kingsley commands a force of nature called the Majesty in the Mist. This being takes the form of a young girl and has said thus; "A land needs a King, and a King needs a land."
This Ser Kingsley has a bloodline that can be traced far back to the Obarskyr dynasty. Though I was hoping our esteemed order, with our vast connections, could prove this.
As you can see, the below states he is wanted for the use of NECROMANCY. Can this person, this shadow who has taken so many Free Peoples lives, be our salvation to ending the war?
Dawnknight Myrkyr,
Long have I wished to kneel and pledge myself before a sovreign. A person worthy of my blade, my trials, that I would do great deeds for and one day give my life protecting. However as the days grow long, and Lathanders rays shine wisdom down upon me, I am struck with the thought that these are a boys dreams, and a man ought know better. I ask you, Dawnkinght Myrkyr, would you trust him with your life? Perhaps more importantly... Would you trust him with your peoples lives?
Dawnknight Appleberry
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A marriage proposal is certainly a new horizion. And from a old "enemy". Many a war ended and alliance made with a marriage.
I trust little of the propaganda that was issued after the revolution. Remember we of Lathander were cast aside for the Heresy of the True Sun which then became the Vigilant Sun.
Know that Gondegal was a fool. Misguided. Paranoid. Completely unworthy of the respect the many fine people of the North rendered unto him. He nearly led this land to ruin freeing the people from the "Tyranny" of Cormyr. He replaced a distant ruler and group of greedy nobles who failed to understand the free spirit of the People of Arabel with corruption and incompetence.
I love my city and my fellow Arabellans and would see them governed well and compassionately. The Dawn is a time for Hope, Renewal and brings Light to places of darkness. We have warred for long. First against each other. Now against hordes driven by a wicked still unknown force, spreading corruption and death. And this war will only grow should the Misrim cur gain support.
Kinglsy may well be of the Obarskyr blood. Bastards are hardly rare among common and noble alike.
You must decide what you feel is best. Ask yourself, do you wish to be a hero that serves the people or be hero that serves his own own ego? Make your decision and face the rising sun.
Myrkyr
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additional information soon to follow,
A dear friend of mine was kind enough to divulge information to me. This information was offered freely as a friend speaking to a friend, and asked to remain anonymous as there is no effidence to support the following;
Senior Retainer Osco Appleblossom, Senior Retainer Aric Polk, and Retainer Octavia of the Misrim estate were overheard discussing Islyn Misrim and Obyn Misrim, inquiring amongst themselves if they have had word from either master.
This leads me to believe that the retainers of House Misrim actively work against Arabels interests for profit, and indicates Islyn and Obyn both continue to work together.
I add this here, as I am intending to divulge this information to Sir Matrim Kingsley in order to gauge his reaction. I will know if he is the peoples King depending on how he takes this first step forward.
-Dawnknight Appleberry
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It is in the interest of the Church of Lathander to have a Stable, well governed and competent government.
Obyn Misrim and Matrim Kingsley both offer this. Both have plentiful sins upon their hands- but both promise to lead Arabel well and justly.
Obyn, for his reputation and sins, are all well known- he is hungry for power, ambitious, and sees morals as roadblocks on his path. However, if he can be convinced to accept Lathander as his patron god, a compromise isn't distasteful by the clergy- though the Order of Aster may say otherwise.
Matrim Kingsley treats lives cheaply and has on more than one occasion involved innocents in his campaign against Gondegal, calling them casualties of war, no doubt- but beyond this, we know little of the man. From what we learned in Cormyr, he was considered a wild, rambunctious commander given his post as leader of the Monster Slaying Regiment due to his temper and hot-headedness. He is an expert in slaying dangerous, large beasts and his campaign against Gondegal proves his asset as a guerilla commander. He has led men, slain men, and is a proven leader. We do not know what he plans after becoming married to Jastyne- we assume reunification with Cormyr, but the main-Branch of the Obarskyr family may view this with disdain, as they haven't signalled to our church their approval, but rather, surprise and silence...
Bishop
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The Order of Aster, indeed, says otherwise.
Dawnknight Myrkyr
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With respect Bishop,
Obyn Misrim and his White Horde of animals has slain as many men in half a year than this Sir Matrim Kingsley has in the last ten.
I have opened private talks with the Crimson Guard and the Great Druid.
The Great Druid, Nanthleenee, is attempting to reach out to this Sir Kingsley so that we might meet him again. I refuse to excuse his crimes however every man deserves a fair say. His noble blood will infuriate Cormyr, of that much I am certain, legitimizing a challenger for Cormyrs throne cannot end well for him. Be that as it may, Kingsley could have fled to Sembia, or some other backwater, instead he approaches us.
Though I must say, the timing of this is - King Gondegal was murdered recently. It may be this was his plan all along. If that is true, what sort of people would we be to reward a murderer?
I am preparing three questions for Sir Matrim Kingsley. These questions will reveal his honesty and integrity, but most of all his willingness to keep the people, and land, safe. A quality paramount to any King.
-Dawnknight Nicholas Alwin Appleberry.
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I am told that a document will be presented to the council and House Vaylan to consider as terms of the arranged marriage.
Bishop
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Seeing as I will soon be on the council, I will be happy to hear it.
-Dawnknight Alwin
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Something rather strange has happened.
The clay pot that contains an ancient relic of Amaunator, one which I found in the Gnoll Pass impaled upon a stone dais was pulled forth, it is - or was, a sword of the old Sun. The inscription upon the stone dais reads "Look to the Sun at Dawn."
After pulling forth the sword, it shattered into a dozen pieces that glowed with magical power. I stored them in a clay jar to preserve them with the ornamented hilt which was missing a gem at the pommel.
I've had lengthy discussions with the Elves of Arabel, and the Council of Twelve, wishing to rebuild this weapon not just for Lathander, but for the People we wish to champion. Arabel has long been in a state of chaos, and I wished to bring forth some level of stability. It is this weapon I would do so with, I would use it as a Kingmaker, and find someone worthy to lead Arabel from the brink of annihilation to a New Dawn.
Obviously most of my peers thought this the ramblings of a madman.
However, after carrying this blade, speaking to it of good works and noble deeds... It has come to life.
The blade, still yet unforged, began to glow red-hot when I met with Lady Krestal Vaylan and Sir Matrim Kingsley, the Dragon Bastard. As they grew closer, the blade shined a beautiful radiant light brighter as that of the sun.
I asked each to touch the hilt of the blade, and each did, it shined, yet no more beautiful - until, Sir Matrim Kingsley passed the blade to Lady Krestel Vaylan, and their fingers touched..
There was an explosion of beautiful light, and the blade dropped.
I quickly scooped it up, thanked them for their aid, and left without question.
We -must- reforge this blade. We must help it find its master, or in this case, Masters, Sovreigns who would lead Arabel back into the Light.
-Sir Nicholas, Dawnknight of Eveningstar
