Sigil: City of Doors

Basic Information
Name: Corwyn Lux
Aliases: Envoy of Heironeus
Gender: Man
Race: Human
Age: 37
Profession: Envoy and Paladin of Heironeus
Languages: Common, Orc

Physical Information
Height: 6'5''
Weight: 230lbs
Body build: In fit condition, he is well built, though far from ideal.
Skin type: Rough skin, damaged both by weather and regular combat.
Hair style: Not most tended to, however regularly cut and kept in control.
Scars: Numerous scars, he carries scars almost everywhere in his body. Some older and greater than others, while the others only small and puny.
Tattoos: Tattoo of a armored hand clutching lightning bolt on his back.
Colouring:
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Dark blue
Skin: Tan

Mental Information
Alignment: Lawful Good
Philosophy: (Code of Conduct)

Authority - Uphold the laws of the land. You are not exempt from any just laws because you are divinely appointed. Piety - Show faith and belief in your divine lord and do right by him. Honor - Always fight with honor and duty; "Do not strike an enemy whom yields or through underhanded methods" Virtue - As a beacon of example, you should always uphold your virtue and righteousness, as a burning torch for others to follow. Never yield to evil. Purity - Act as a rolemodel, stray not into momentary lust and temptations. If love is true, then the marriage is pure. Truth - Thou shall never utter lies or mislead others, for they are the tool of evil. Hospitality - Provide shelter, food and healing for those in need. But only to ends to bring others back on their feet, for you are not to live lives of others. Judgement - Even after all these, you are divinely appointed distributor of justice. (* *) In corrupt land with corrupt laws, you have divine right to declare inquisition under banner of Heironeus. In such case the laws of Heironeus shall overrule the laws of land, and be the exempt of the tenets of Authority. [/li]

Deity/Beliefs: Heironeus.
Personality:
Calm - A rational man whom remains calm in face of most situations. Though one should not misjudge this into passive personality.
Lecturing/Arguing - He has a tendecy to lecture where he sees fit, of the ways of life and philosophies.
Pious - Mostly he strives towards the good of people, whether his actions reveal it or not.
Stubborn - Of his religion he is stubborn, and refuses to accompany with powers that his religion shuns.
Devotee - Religion runs strong on him, and there is little he would not do in name of Heironeus.

Additional Information
Gear: A gold-tinted armor which he wears almost always in public, on the exterior all his religious symbols are hidden, even the signet ring holds no Heironeus symbol. On his hips is a bag and sheath for a single sword. A large gold tinted cloak on his back. When in hostile territory, he holds a full head helmet on him.
Jewelry: Necklace of Heironeus symbol. Envoy of Heironeus signet ring.
Habbits/hobbies: Chess, as a follower of god of war, the strategy games intrigues him much.
General Health: Prime condition at the current state, though not exceptionally so.
Favorite Drink: Ale. Though his favorite, he is not seen drinking such.
Weaknesses:
- A primer, this drives him to be at disadvantage when viewing the moralities of multiverse, or the diversity of beings and being tolerant towards those that are considered foes and villains of all that is good at his home.
- In past he has strayed in path which is less than acceptable for those of the faith of Heironeus.
- The many failures on his duty in past. For it is not always possible to succeed. Though shows only little regret as a whole, guilt is hard to shrug off from a mortal mind.
- Code of Conduct: For it shall not always act in ones benefit.

Corwyn sat down on his chamber, looking on the parchment ahead him. Considering for long time until he reached down to the quill waiting on the oak writing desk. Slowly he pressed the tip of the quill to the paper and started to scribe in slow and elegant curves his report.

[i]Salutations Bishop Garwail, It has been long due for me to write for you. Great many things have occurred during my brief stay in the city of Sigil. I have done my best to familiarize myself to the many Factions and powers, as well as to the customs and laws. They are... difficult to comprehend and follow sometimes, but I have faith to the good people of Sigil overcoming the many challenges. In time of need, the people will find their courage, valor and honor. [url=http://z13.invisionfree.com/nwn2planescape/index.php?showtopic=4171]During my stay many things have occurred. Gwynnithe, a benefactor of peculiar nature in house of Sensbanes, offered food to the poor, however in the crowd was a more dominating voice that rallied the hungry civilians into a full out riot. I came too late for diplomacy, but my Heironeus grace I was allowed to assist to solve the situation without violence.[/url] [url=http://z13.invisionfree.com/nwn2planescape/index.php?showtopic=4467]Then later I funded with the church granted gold to begin education in the Hive Ward, slums of the Sigil. Many offers to assist has come, but also a veiled threat from a local terrorist. I have made many precautions to ensure the safety of children, we will just have to wait until we see whether this 'Phoenix' carries with his destructive and vile path.[/url] Lastly, there has been planned a rescue attempt to Earth Genasi Granite within the depths of Abyss. I have been asked by Gwynnithe of the Sensbanes to assist, on the travel there is coming quite some crowd, though most I do not know. I will act as tactical adviser and join the actual event. Though I believe my place will be in the distraction squad. Politics between the Anarchists and several other factions is difficult, but I feel there is at least one good man within their Faction. I pray that he'll succeed on his goal, or the Sigil will surely suffer greatly. I trust the Anarchist actions at large are non-wanted by majority of public as they make enemies out of everyone rather than trying to really change the system. That is all for now. May Heironeus guide our paths, - Corwyn Lux Envoy of Heironeus[/i] [/li]

A lone prayer

Much like every night before this, Corwyn went down to his knees, looking at the large symbol of a hand clutching a lightning bolt, he murmured a brief prayer. Though he did not expect his deity to reply, he shed his concerns to the empty room for clarity.

[i]"My lord, The Invincible... you test me greatly in my short stay, each day the choices comes harder and less obvious to see right from wrong. I... don't know whether you wish to remind me that I need others, or if I am required to make firmer choices myself. I do not seek the answers, for this is my lesson to learn and serve. However I wish for your guidance to a right path... I have met many new people in Sigil, but I see great cruelty many are willing to do to achieve their goals. It is difficult to standfast in this tide of darkness, I have seen where emotions can corrupt a man to do the unthinkable, yet I emphasize their loss... I cannot let them continue on their path, yet I am not allowed to interfere and there is no experience quite like it in my collection. Soon I will have to make a choice, choice which has no simple right or wrong, but a choice which is coated with a little of both. Heironeus, please bring peace of mind to Fargul and save hi-..."[/i] [/li]

He halted to consider... looked up at the holy symbol of Heironeus and inclined his head.

[i]"I believe I know what I need to do now..."[/i] [/li]

The Deal

The fist slammed in the wall. A frustrated expression from Corwyn, not one that was seen often. "It's not over yet" he reminded himself however. The temporal deal had involved that Corwyn is not to make any effort to investigate Hildmors business until the matters involving Pale Night, Gwynnithe and the Eladrin was solved, in return Hildmor wouldn't make a move against him. Granted he was no fool and had left the notation that he would ignore nothing incurring before his eyes, all this in exchange for Lucullus.

Not only had Neli, but also Manon tried to bargain to make sure that he wouldn't fall for the duty, but the indefinitely from Manon did not suit him "I will never make that deal... first the Abyss, then Hildmor." he thought.

So many people seemed to hate him, but in turn many people seemed to have genuine care for his well being. However for now... he let his fist unclutch "Remain calm and measure the situation. Emotions are hindrance to better judgement." he then quoted in his mind the popular analect of Heironeus teachings "Never die easy; strive always for a valorous end."

This seemed to give him ease of mind for the time, then looked outside. Almost evening... he started to prepare for the theater... story continues here

Seven years earlier...

The thick black smoke rose from the pile of charred corpses, yet another merchant caravan put down on their false belief of safety. The group of eight men sat around the merchants campfire, finishing the meal their victims had made for them with loud laughters and a merry tuned song that was crudely sang by them all, old traditional drinking song. The silks and fine wines, crates of gold and silver was quickly split between the group. Soon one of them rose up, a fuzzy bearded and long dirty haired man spoke to them all.

"My brothers! We've bled together for many months and seasons!" that caught a rowdy cheer from the crowd and the drinking horns were slammed together making the booze spill to the ground, another man a seven foot tall ginger haired barbarian spoke in thick accent "An' ye're tha greatest warrior who has ever lived! Besides me!" which only got laughter along the men, including the first man who listened his lieutenant with a grin "There is still one place left to conquer! We have fought men, we have fought giants and we have slayed even mayors... but we have still not yet made sure even the gods respect our might!"

This caught a more hesitant cheer as the men looked each other. The leader spoke unhesitantly "There is a temple of Rao, with the riches there, we can live rest of our lives like noblemen, like kings! Who's with me?" looking at the others, short hesitation, but the lieutenant spoke almost immediately "Aye! 'Nuff haverin'! Tha sooner we we dae 'tis, tha sooner we be seein' tha bonnie wummin drookit until we get scunnered of 'em an toss 'em ta scullery! Bloody braw I tell ye!" this got a roaring cheer within the group, soon they went to rest and the lieutenant went to the leader alone...

"Ye're shure o' 'tis Corwyn?" the leader looked at his lieutenant with quirked brow. "What? You're afraid or something Derrus?" that got a snicker outta the larger man "Shut yer geggie! I'm tha first ta skelp an' shoogle tha screwball mingin' moose, but ye keek... 'tis willnae be ignored by tha big powers." Corwyn snickered in turn. "We'll be long gone before they come..." now he abruptly got closer to Derrus "And don't ever question my authority again... or I'll kill you." Derrus grinned at that, not quite put off by the threat, it was a common game between the two and they had mutual understanding that one day they'd fight it out.

...
Couple
...
Days
...
Passed
...
By
...

A chappel made of white marble stood tall, high priest Michus was performing the daily prayers to Rao in the main chamber. However a sudden loud agonized scream interrupted his daily prayers and he looked towards the wooden gate that was the main entrance to the temple. The wood complained a bit and cracked as a couple thud sounds ensued... then silence. Michus looked at the novices that had also came to the mainhall to see what the ruckus was "Get to the safety, hide." he stated and walked towards the entrance, he only managed to take a couple steps when the gate slammed hard open and eight figures stepped in.

Michus looked at the crowd and chanted in enchanted tone that got the group halt, all but one. "This is house of Rao, how dare you enter in such manner?!" the longsword wielding Corwyn looked at the highpriest... then at the seven companion of his "What the hell are you waiting for?! Go get 'em... he's mine." then as his minions scuffle to the other parts of the temple, finding minimum resistance, screams echoing as the hiding defenseless people were found. Those whom resisted were cut down, those whom surrendered were taken as prisoners.

Corwyn now looked at the priest whom apparently had dared to face him "Like I give a shait about your pathethic god, let us see if you can do more than talk loud" he charged at the priest wielding his sword with both hands with apparent intents to slice him down ruthlessly in single strike. Michus had no intents to surrender without fight, a quick prayer and a barrier of blades rose up in between the two forcing Corwyn to divert his movement. "Shait... for a god of peace and loving, you've got pretty deadly methods!" Michus frowned "I have no time to go easy on you while children of Rao suffer from your insolence" he started to chant another prayer.

Corwyn knew he had to do something quick, huffed heated air and did what most sane would NOT do, rushed through the swirling blades a couple cuts getting through his armor but still easily capable of maintaining his momentum to produce a swing to end the priests spell. The move surprised Michus causing his spell to fail as the blade sank deep on him "Lord... *cack* ... hear your servants need..." he chanted a quick spell while Corwyn walked around him as if he was a vulture waiting for his prey to die before dinner. Soon the the wound was indeed healed, but pain in his back told him that he was in defense now...

Drops of blood ran down Corwyns chest and ribs in slow, but steady pace as he continued to torment the holy man. cutting each time and forcing him to tend to his wounds, only to cut him again. Aiming at ankles, wrists, back and everywhere not directly lethal. "Where is your god now?" the relentless pain and humiliation tested Michus faith, but he persisted "Even if I fall... one day, you will pay for your crimes..." Michus knew, he had failed, his robe getting torn with the slices and holes, his flesh cut at each test... spells interrupted with the kicks. But why didn't Corwyn kill him he wondered... it would not be difficult.

Eventually rest of the gang brought together the novices and worshippers of Rao that had been in the temple that fateful time to the mainhall. Screaming and begging for mercy. Corwyn finally pulled the priest up from the floor "Look... nothing, happens. We're the gods now... if you abandon Rao and worship me, I'll let you live." appalled Michus looked up at Corwyn "You're mad... I'll never do as you say! Kill me if you have to and I will join Raos side in the afterlife!" a diabolical laughter ensued from Corwyn "You've strong faith... lets see that break..." he looked at his men and the prisoners "Kill them. One by one, and I'll ask him the question each time." his men looked at each other, hesitating, one of them opened their mouth "Um.. I ain't sure tha's a good idea, we could ange-" thud a dagger had flown to his throat and then there was one less of them, even if it was his own man. "Anyone else have objections!?"

...
There were no further objections, they started to kill the women and men one by
...
one
...
Each time asking if the priest was ready to abandon his faith to save the people
...
He begged for mercy, but refused to abandon his faith.
...
Only more died, when the last one fell down. Michus collapsed to the ground, tears filling his eyes and looking up at the ceiling. "Why Rao?"
...
A sword fell down and the priest was dead.
...

"Well he was boring... stubborn, but boring." a pendant had dropped form Michus robes and he leaned down on it, studying the silver pendant. "Go get all the treasure here, we'll burn the corpses soon and share the treasures. And live like kings!" he proclaimed, though looked down at the pendant. A wry grin as he mumbled to himself "Trophy of when I defeated the gods." then places the pendant on his neck, as the lock was closed when it was in his neck. A weird sensation ran through his body, forcing him to stumble as if he was about to fall unconscious, but it passed soon... another feeling fell down. Guilt. Something he had never felt before... looks down at his blooded hands, the corpses after the slaughter.

Corwyn voiced out his disbelief at the atrocity in entirely new light "What have I done?" his lower lip trembling slightly, a stripe of tears running down his cheeks. However his expression got more firm. "Your deaths will be avenged..." he now proclaimed in even tone. "Come out you vile monsters! Surrender, and you will receive fair trial before the gods!" he shouted and his men came out hearing the familiar sound, but looked quizzically. "Drop your weapons and surrender! This is your last chance."

"Ye double crossin' us mim-moothed shilpit?! Or just some slimey toothie slim took yer brain!?" said Derrus at Corwyn in surprised tone "I have sinned, and for that I will pay for my crimes, but you will also have to pay. Surrender!" the reaction wasn't much other than laughter out of Derrus, his men now giving a concerned looks at each other "It is the will of Rao to bring vengeance upon us!" one of them proclaimed. "Shut yer geggies ye numpties... 'tis bloody braw." he draw a claymore from his back, almost twice the size as Corwyns sword " 'Tis a sord, an' its bigger than yers! I'll turn ye ta floor shiftar! What do ye think of tha' Mr. Goodie-tone, basket face, slipper-wieldin', clype-dreep-bachle, gether-upin'-blate-maw, bleatherin', gomeril, Jessie, oaf-lookin', scooner, nyaff, plookie, shan, milk-drinkin', soy-faced shilpit, mim-moothed, snivelin', worm-eyed, hotten-blaugh, vile-stoochie, cally-breek-tattie?" the large barbarian taunted with his twenty second curse.

"I am sorry for what I have to do..." Corwyn said simply in turn and charged at the larger man. He was damaged and the weaker than Derrus, but they still stood equal, rest of the men watched as they circled around each other. "It's good time ta run now! I promise ye pain without end!" Then swinged his large blade that was blocked, but the sheer strength of the blow caused Corwyn to receive a slight cut despite succesful block and he grunted, quickly recovering " 'Tis is just tha beginning of tha pain I will cause ye!" Corwyn took a deep breath, calmed down and measured the situation "Seein' as Imma sportsman, I'll give ye time ta recuperate." Derrus grinned.

Corwyn charged again, jumped back from the swing of the claymore, only to rush quick in before Derrus got his blade back and delivered a wide wound at Derrus in a precise swing. He grunted but fight wasn't done yet, instead he used his fist to punch Corwyn in the face and breaking his nose, giving dizzy sensation. "Ye've got a lot of a pip for a weedle, laddie" taunted Derrus while still approaching and now tried to swing his claymore at fast pace from side to side, up to down. Corwyn was put to defensive position as he had to back off and deflect the strikes rather than fully block them, thunk, his back hit the wall. Damn it.. thought Corwyn and instead he dodged down to the floor to evade the wide swing of claymore and took the opportunity to toss his sword at Derrus feet.

The blade cut deep on Derrus right leg and forced him down on his knees with loud groan. Corwyn didn't hesitate for a moment as he rushed to kick the taller man in the face while he was less defended. Derrus fell on the floor and his claymore dropped to the ground. Corwyn sat on his chest and drew his last dagger and pushed int on Derrus throat. "*groan* Dae it... What're ye bideing fer?" he grunted. Corwyn looked at Derrus then pulled his dagger. Instead he punched Derrus face to put him unconscious "You're under arrest..." now he finally got time to look around where rest of the men were... most of the loot had been taken whilst they were fighting, and they had fled in fear of gods vengeance.

Corwyn and the prisoned Derrus were found later by group of Rao and Heironeus paladins... Corwyn was offered a choice after his story was heard, and he chose redemption.