**Back Story**

From the Journal of Akrynn Stormwind, Paladin of Torm

Was it all for nothing? Is my soul doomed? Will all that I was, all that I've become, all that I will ever be, end up consumed in the flames of the nine hells? Will that golden child, touched by the light of the Heavens, fallen into darkness, redeem himself and prove his worth?

The good natured human family I was born to knew there was more to me. Early on, they saw the signs. Healing small scratches on friends or creating light on a moonless night...they figured I had a natural knack for magic. In time, I knew my true nature.

I am Aasimar.

Growing older led me to thoughts of righteousness. Maybe my abilities would serve this world best in the defense of my homeland. I joined the army of Cormyr when I came of age.

Our defense against Netheril and their vassal Sembia brought the horror of war to my eyes. In it's death and chaos, the warm loving light within me grew to a raging fire. The healing touch, the forgiving of wrongs, and the joy of laughter wouldn't save my people from the slaughter. Stopping the invaders would.

Every brother and sister in arms I saw slain before me grew that fire within me. Every family I saw cut down changed that loving devotion to anger. The hate made me fierce in battle. Cormyr would not fall to these invaders.

Galen Seb came to our encampment one day. The War Wizard of Cormyr was a welcome sight. Countless enemies had fallen at his hand. A natural leader and battle commander, he led many legions to the front. Rumor is...he's never lost a battle.

One hundred soldiers were to report to Sir Holum, the commander of our Legion and a member of the Purple Knights. I immediately volunteered. The briefing took place just outside Sir Holum's tent. We were surprised when Galen walked up to us and told us of this mission.

One hundred were to split from the main group and liberate a small village named Greenhome on the border of Sembia. A number of Sembians were using this town as a staging area for incursions into Cormyr. A few Netherese mages were reportedly seen in town.

The two days ride to Greenhome was trouble free. Galen led the march and explained how this mission was personal for him. He was born and raised in Greenhome.

His words were not just inspiring. They rallied us like never before and fueled my anger into a thirst for vengeance. No Sembian dog would pillage another Cormyrean town.

We couldn't believe what we saw.

Greenhome was no more. They burned every villager and left their charred remains in a circle around the village. Galen wept, as did we all. Then he spoke and inspired us into a frenzy that turned to hate.

The attack was over.  Eighty two of my brothers lost. Over 300 of the invaders lie dead at our feet. Our victory was costly, and our survivors  gathered in the town square, bringing nine prisoners.

While most of our squad sat there, exhausted and tending to wounds, Galen walked up with hate in his eyes.

The battle was over but his anger wasn't. I recognized it because I felt the same hate in my heart. To the shock of the troops, Galen ordered the immediate execution of all nine prisoners. The soldiers stared at each other. This was not the way of good. This was not the way of Cormyr.

My hate compelled me forward. I slowly drove my sword into each and every heart, one by one.

The look of horror on the faces of my brothers still haunts me to this day. My light had gone out. In shame, I left the army. 

My soul changed that day. I am different. It's a cold feeling. A sorrow lingers in my soul. I sought peace in the faith of Torm. Maybe an oath to a God of good and law will redeem me. 

Now the war is over and I journey alone. I will seek out wrongs and right them in the name of Torm and all that is good. Maybe I can still prove my worth.