![[JavenFinal.png]] # Javen Tarmikos _Human Paladin | [[Order of the Gilded Eye]] | [[Helm's Hold]]_ ## Summary Iron-willed founder of the [[Order of the Gilded Eye]], dedicated to preemptively striking at hidden evil. Allied with the heroes at [[Thundertree]] against [[Venomfang]] and the abyssal corruption. [[Klauth]]'s breath weapon killed him mid-battle, but [[Garaele]] returned him to life—the near-death experience triggered visions of [[Helm]]'s symbol weeping and innocents among the judged, sparking a profound crisis of faith. Judged [[Reese]] pure of soul using the [[Gilded Eye]] artifact. %% ## At a Glance Late fifties, rugged and scarred, with short graying hair and piercing azure eyes that burn with conviction—or used to. Resplendent plate armor bearing [[Helm]]'s emblem on a golden gauntlet. Moves like a man who's killed before and expects to again. Since [[Thundertree]], something's different. The certainty is cracked. He runs fingers over [[Helm]]'s emblem more often now, and sometimes stares at nothing. ## Personality Uncompromising zealot haunted by past sins, believes harsh action prevents greater evil. The near-death visions shook him—he saw the faces of the judged morphing into innocents, [[Helm]]'s fortress crumbling around a grieving angel. Wrestling with whether his pursuit of preemptive justice has become the evil he sought to prevent. ## Quote _"Under Helm's watchful gaze, we strike at the root of evil before it can take hold."_ ## Background **The Zhentarim Years:** Started in [[Neverwinter]]'s alleys as a [[Black Network]] member. An innocent's death caused by his actions shattered his resolve and drove him to [[Helm]]'s teachings at [[Helm's Hold]]. **The Founding:** During the [[Oblivion War]], he proved his valor but grew disillusioned with reactive justice. A divine encounter with the