The Talons of Justice

TALONS OF JUSTICE
The Talons of Justice are an order of silver dragons dedicated to Xymor (Bahamut) and the Ptarian Code, a set of values That governs their actions and world vision. They must be even more watchful now, for the dragon rage is clouding their normally noble and good-intentioned minds.

History
Paladins hold themselves to a higher standard than other people. When those paladins happen to be dragons, they must be even more vigilant, for while they have great power to do good, they also have an incredible potential for destruction.

ORIGINS OF THE TALONS
The Ptarian code was originally an oath sworn by those who served the King of Justice, but it came to be adapted as a code for gold and silver dragons. The Talons swear to it as their knightly oath, following it quite strictly. These dragon knights traditionally served the King of Justice, performing important missions and upholding the virtues of their code.
Most recently, the leader of the Talons was Havarlan (LG female wyrm silver dragon paladin 7), until she perished fi ghting the minions of Sammaster in the climactic battle to end the Rage of Dragons.

THE TALONS TODAY
The current leader of the Talons is Azhaq. Ashamed of his inability to protect his brethren, he has vowed to reform the Talons and steer it through the aftermath of the Dracorage. Larendrammagar, also called “Nexus” (LG male great wyrm gold dragon sorcerer 10), and Tamarand (LG male great wyrm gold dragon) are not offi cial members, but frequently work in concert with the Talons. A number of half-silver dragons (as well as a few half-golds) are beginning to join the Talons, a development spearheaded by Innerdain Justdark.
The Talons hope to locate a rogue silver dragon paladin name Arendelonthos (LG male young silver dragon paladin 7). Arendelonthos was lost during the rage, having gone on a mission to round up other dragons for Nexus’s sleep spell, but never returned. Arendelonthos has actually gone rogue from the organization. He has not turned evil, but the chaos and destruction committed by dragons during the rage has soured him against the Talons.

Reputation and Interactions
Most NPCs in the world are unaware of the existence of the Talons of Justice. Dragons are inherently secretive, and this is a stoic and powerful lot. Other good forces that know of them tend to respect them, though less lawful sorts feel that the Talons have exceedingly elitist attitude. Evil groups that know of them, such as the church of Tiamat, heap unrestrained scorn on the group, and seek to subvert and sabotage its efforts whenever possible.
Most first-time meetings with Talons are extremely cordial. Unless they have a reason to mistrust a group or individual (or that group or individual is evil), the Talons make every effort to be polite and helpful.

FOES OF THE TALONS
The Talons of Tiamat, and other servants of the dark queen, are sworn enemies of the Talons of Justice. Both seek to undermine the plans of the other, though the Tiamatans frequently use more devious and underhanded methods.

ALLIES OF THE TALONS
The Talons have numerous allies, including other good aligned dragons, Harpers, the chosen of Mystra, and other forces of good in Faerûn. The high road taken by the order might be too strict for some of these groups, but they often fi nd that their goals coincide.

Membership
All members of the Talons of Justice are either full or halfdragons. Most are silver, though there are some half-gold members. The Talons watch potentials for a long time before inviting them to join the organization. All members are paladins, though many have levels in the platinum knight prestige class. The Talons look for dragon paladins with strong loyalty and vision.
Previously, when members were inducted, they were assigned to an experienced mentor who guided them in their pursuit of justice and honor. The Talons were structured in a rigid hierarchy with the high-knight at the top, followed by the lords, knights, trustees, and initiates. Due to the Dracorage, the structure of the Talons has been shaken up.
Characters joining the Talons have a unique opportunity to influence the organization’s direction in coming decades. The organization can be a major weapon for the forces of good, but it needs new blood to continue its efforts.


The Ptarian Code
A Talon of Justice must follow the Ptarian Code, an ancient code of dragons with a strong emphasis on the honor and teachings of Xymor, lord of all good dragons. Knights are expected to be pure of heart and deed, and to aid each other and the “small folk” that live throughout Faerûn.
They must seek out and try to convert the forces of evil, using violence only as a last resort. They pay homage to the Balancer (Lendys), Her Mercy (Tamara), and the Justicemaker (Xymor).
The Code:
Justice and Good above all.
Honor and Fealty to the King.
Honor and Respect to Righteous Innocence.
Honor and Duty to the Balancer, to Her Mercy, and to the Justicemaker.
Honor and Protection to the Lesser Races.
Honor and Correction to the Enemies of Justice and Good.
Honor and Forbearance for Oneself