The trials of Hiro Asano

Word had spread of Aasano's deeds across Pandora and beyond, so no one was surprised when an angelic creature called forth and asked for Asano's presence. Asano called his allies together to see what this divine being wanted, and Milo, Prim and Roger all joined together.

The party met at the encampment that the Knights of Eternal Vigilance, meeting with Commander Konrad, the leader of the paladin order. He was accompanied by a very powerful angelic outsider, however their exact race was beyond the knowledge of the group. Konrad introduced the creature as Zerrial, who had come to meet with Asano. Zerrial tells Asano that his actions in Pandora have caught the attention of Lathander, who has seen greatness within him, The angel was tasked with testing the young paladin with a series of trials, and should he succeed, he would be blessed with the spark of the celestial collective. Zerrial impressed on the importance how much more this would make his role in the world, and asked Asano if he was prepared. Asano stood steadfast in the face of the celestial being, and pledged himself ready. The angel creates a portal, and tells him that he is permitted to bring his allies, however they are to act in advisory roles - the decisions facing him would be his to take. Together, they step into the portal.

The party found themselves in a courthouse in Waterdeep, where a trial is commencing. Zerrial instructs the party they would act as judge, overseeing a murder trial. The trial has already once been completed, but they asked to appeal to the church of Lathander, so Asano is now judging over the trial. The rules that Zerrial puts up is no magic is allowed to discern truth, they have to use their own wit and wisdom. And that they are only able to call each witness once, however they can ask as many questions as they would like. Afterwards, a decision should be rendered by Asano, advised by his friends.

The trial itself was solving the mystery behind a murder, Virelsa Raventree, a young progressive noble was found dead in her home, with only one person present, the accused, Tallis Moonfall who could not remember the night, but had confirmed to be under the effect of an enchantment spell when they found Tallis. During the trial it was discovered that Tallis was Virelsa's secret lover. Both the defense and the prosecution brought forth witnesses, including the investigator who was first on the scene, a political rival of the deceased, a confidant of Virelsa who spoke on the nature of the relationship between Tallis and Virelsa, and lastly a hedge wizard who had ties to Tallis's shady past.

Through some deductive reasoning, greatly timed questions, and enough reasonable doubt, Asano and the group collectively decided together that Tallis was not guilty, and likely set up. While they couldn't specifically identify who it was that did murder Virelsa, that was not their task in that trial. Submitted their answer to Zerrial, the courtroom erupted in both parts cheer and bemoaning. Zerrial lead them back through the portal to continue the trials laid before Asano.

The next trial awaited in the fighting pits within the encampment of the paladin order. Asano was to fight with him in one on one combat. The party came together to sit and look into the pit, as both parties took this spot in the arena. The fight was swift, and Konrad showed why he was the one chosen to lead the Knights of Eternal Vigilance. After Asano fell unconscious, he was quickly revived, the older paladin helping him to his feet with a smile. Konrad said that his task was to remind Asano humility, while there are countless evils he has overcome, there are always something and someone stronger. He reminded Asano to find strength with his faith and friends, and that no matter the outcome, he is now the leader of the Knights of Eternal Vigilance. Konrad will be taking a long needed vacation, but will come should Asano ever need the assistance.

Zerrial approached the group with one last trial, once again opening a bring yellow gate. Together the party walked through the portal, finding themselves in a graveyard within a forest. There, a tied and bound Nihilus was surrounded by the angry spirits of people he'd slain, all yelling for his destruction. Zerrial stood next to Nihilus, stating that he had been made harmless, the infamous necromancer was missing his tongue and hands - currently no threat. However, Zerrial stated he could see into his soul, and stated he wanted to change his ways. And judgement was to fall on Asano to carry out. Should he allow the necromancer to atone, or give the retribution the souls around him clamored for. Asano, unsure if this was the real Nihilus or an illusion for the purpose of his trial, wanting to act in mercy, but was reminded by his friend Prim what all Nihilus has done, and that it was time the dead saw justice. Reluctantly agreeing, he cut down the man before him for his crimes against the havens.

Stoic, but with a smile, Zerrial dismissed the illusion of Nihilus, and asked Asano to stand with him. Zerrial asked for Asano if he wishes to join the celestials in service to The Morning Lord still, in which Asano eagerly agreed. Zerrial reminded him this puts him above the normal station of paladin, and that one day he may be called away from his home and friends. Undeterred Asano stood ready to accept the gift from Zerrial. The graveyard the party stood in began to glow in a bright light, blinding everyone together, but as the light began to fade, the Milo, Prim and Roger were able to see the light was coming from Asano, as the light seem to settle within him. Zerrial opened the gate home back open, and stated this was only Asano's first steps, however warned the paladin that divine forces are now watching. With a new pledge of paladin knights, and the might of the celestial realms now within Asano, the party returned home waiting for the next grand adventure.