Entry Date: Month of the Hammer, 22nd Day – Eldertide Calendar
A figure clad in chainmail armor adorned with the symbol of Torm approached the Manor, his steps heavy with purpose. “Greetings, warrior,” I called out, noting the warhammer and shield he bore. “What name do you carry, and what quest brings you to our doorstep?”
He paused, his gaze resolute. “I am Hrukka Valorbane, a paladin sworn to Torm. I seek Old Nan’s wisdom to guide me on my path of vengeance and justice for my fallen tribe.”
Intrigued, I inquired, “And how did you come to learn of our secluded haven?”
“Guided by the light of Torm and the call of my oath, I was led here,” he replied, his voice filled with a righteous determination.
“Very well, Hrukka Valorbane. Let us proceed inside, where the warmth of the hearth and the promise of counsel await,” I said, eager to learn more about the paladin’s quest for justice.
Logbook Entry: Hrukka Valorbane – A Quest for Vengeance
Race: Half-Orc
Observations: Hrukka’s half-orc heritage is evident in his sturdy build and the natural resilience he possesses. His devotion to Torm shines through in every aspect of his demeanor.
Class: Paladin (Oath of Vengeance)
Evidence of Paladinhood: The symbol of Torm on his armor, his warhammer and shield, and the holy aura that surrounds him all indicate his commitment to the paladin’s path. His mention of an oath of vengeance and divine abilities further solidify his identity as a paladin.
Abilities:
Strength: Hrukka’s physical prowess is formidable, a reflection of his half-orc heritage and paladin training.
Charisma: His presence commands respect, and his conviction in his oath is unwavering.
Constitution: The trials he has faced have honed his endurance, allowing him to withstand the challenges that lie ahead.
Wisdom & Intelligence: While his focus is on his martial and divine abilities, his wisdom and intelligence guide him in his pursuit of justice.
Description:
Background: Hrukka Valorbane’s origins lie in a tribe nestled amidst the rugged terrain of the Spine of the World Mountains. Unlike his kin, who valued physical strength and prowess above all, Hrukka was blessed with divine abilities that set him on a different path. His powers to sense evil, heal the wounded, and smite foes with divine energy were seen as a gift from the gods, marking him as a chosen warrior among his people.
Despite his revered status, Hrukka felt a growing sense of disconnection from his tribal life. He yearned for a society where he could use his gifts for a greater purpose, to protect and serve others in a world beyond the mountains. This longing led him to leave his tribe and journey to Neverwinter, where he joined the city guard. In Neverwinter, Hrukka found his calling, using his divine powers to uphold justice and becoming a respected member of the guard. He married and started a family, finding happiness and fulfillment in his new life.
However, Hrukka’s peaceful existence was shattered when he received news of a brutal attack on his tribe by frost giants. Overwhelmed by grief and a burning desire for justice, Hrukka sought guidance from the gods. In a moment of deep prayer and reflection, Torm, the God of Courage and Self-Sacrifice, appeared to Hrukka in a divine vision. Torm acknowledged Hrukka’s righteous anger and blessed him with the strength to seek vengeance for his fallen tribe. It was in this profound encounter that Hrukka made his Oath of Vengeance, dedicating himself to Torm’s service and vowing to bring justice to those who had wronged his people.
With Torm’s blessing, Hrukka set out on a quest to confront the frost giants and fulfill his oath. His heart was heavy with the weight of his mission, but he was resolute in his commitment to uphold the principles of justice and righteousness as a paladin of Torm.
Personality: Hrukka is a warrior of deep conviction, driven by a sense of justice and a duty to protect the innocent. His loyalty to Torm and his oath of vengeance guide his every action.
Alignment: Lawful Good – Hrukka’s commitment to upholding justice and his devotion to Torm define his moral compass.
Appearance: Hrukka is a towering figure, with the strength of a half-orc and the bearing of a paladin. His armor is a testament to his faith, and his eyes burn with a determination to fulfill his oath.
Equipment:
A suit of chainmail armor adorned with the symbol of Torm.
A warhammer and shield, both finely crafted and bearing the marks of his devotion.
A holy symbol of Torm, a constant reminder of his oath and the source of his divine power.
His Quest:
Guided by Torm’s divine mandate, Hrukka embarked on a quest to confront the frost giants and bring them to justice for their heinous acts. His journey led him to Old Nan’s Manor, where he sought wisdom on how to balance his desire for vengeance with his paladin duties.
Old Nan, recognizing the weight of Hrukka’s burden, advised him that true justice is tempered with mercy and compassion. She counseled him to focus on protecting those who cannot defend themselves and to remember that vengeance alone does not define a paladin’s purpose. With this guidance, Hrukka resolved to bring the frost giants to justice while also ensuring the safety and well-being of his family and others in need.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Hrukka set forth from Old Nan’s Manor, determined to fulfill his oath to Torm and to embody the ideals of a true paladin of justice.
Observing Hrukka Valorbane, I am reminded of the unwavering strength of conviction and the power of an oath sworn in the name of justice. His story is one of a paladin’s duty to protect the innocent and to seek retribution for the wronged. In his quest, I see the embodiment of Torm’s ideals – courage, righteousness, and the relentless pursuit of justice. May his time at the Manor provide him with the clarity and resolve needed to fulfill his sacred vow.
Strength was the path laid before me, but it was not the one I chose. In the darkest moments of captivity, when others saw only a half-orc with muscles to break chains, I found power in the mind’s quiet resolve. It was not the force of my fists, but the persistence of my curiosity and the hunger for knowledge that set me free. Magic became my tool, wisdom my weapon. Now, I stand among these ancient tomes, a guardian of forgotten lore, proof that true strength lies not in what we are born with, but in what we dare to become.”