Disclaimer: Before someone flips their lid at the very concept, I had sent a few PMs to a DM about the Morninglord and Ezrite factions, and asked about the possibility of creating a Barovian Paladin. I was told that it wasn't out of the question, and that she would like to see a character bio. I've already sent the following bio, but I'd like to get comments, suggestions, insertions, deletions, and smart remarks from the community, to polish my character concept a bit. Note, that the character is also supposed to be a non-traditional paladin, in that he isn't the stern, knightly character that most paladins tend to be. A Paladin could easily use a whip or morningstar, wear leather armor, and be called Simon Belmont, for instance. Also, as for character motivation, I tried to avoid the typical, undead killed his entire family and he seeks justice, schtick.
Here is the biography of my Barovian Paladin concept that you requested. Sorry, it’s *a lot* longer than I had intended. I have a bulleted, Cliff’s Notes version of the general character concept at the bottom, for convenience.
Viktor
Level 2 Paladin of Ezra
Barovian Male; Age: 29
(Subject to minor change, possibly)
Str: 13, Dex: 14, Con: 10, Int: 13, Wis: 14, Cha: 14
Skills: Concentration (4), Discipline (4), Lore (4), Persuade (4)
Feats: Luck of Heroes, Point Blank Shot
Viktor was blessed with a rather fortunate childhood; his father was a fairly prosperous Vallaki brewer who was able to ensure that his son had never wanted for much, and was able to finance Viktor’s many hobbies. Viktor was especially fond of books, particularly romanticized stories of dashing, heroic figures committing noble deeds, slaying monsters, and rescuing beautiful women. Perhaps it was Viktor’s readings that had brought discontent to his life; he was quite prone to daydreaming, and was never satisfied with the mundane.
Viktor had always taken to bards; their wild stories, love of song, and general flair for the dramatic had always resonated well with him. Indeed, at one point, Viktor had thought of taking up the life of a bard, writing tales which would allow him to live vicariously through the extraordinary feats of fictional heroes. He had even managed to convince his father to purchase a lute, when he had brought up his new (among many) ambition. While Viktor was able to learn how to play the instrument, perhaps his method of artistry was too logical and rigid; he was never able to perform on a more emotional, and inspiring, level that many bards were able to do. Frustrated, Viktor finally gave up the prospect of becoming a travelling entertainer.
Viktor had thought about joining the Vallaki Garda, becoming a hunter, or perhaps even becoming a mercenary, among many other things; anything to avoid the boring prospect of taking up his father’s profession. It seemed that Viktor would be resigned to his fate, until he met an Anchorite of Ezra. While Viktor was not receptive to the Anchorite’s message at first, he had a natural curiosity, and just had to know what occurred behind the closed doors of the Ezrite temple during their services.
Initially, he had difficulty putting much stock into the Ezrite faith, but at the same time he had felt drawn to it for some unknown reason. Listening to the Anchorite about the noble sacrifice of Ezra, and her role as the Guardian in the Mists, he became very receptive to listening to the other aspects of the faith. Ezra, despite being a woman, embodied the virtue and heroism that Viktor longed for in himself. Viktor began to think that he too, could be a Guardian of the Mists after a fashion. Perhaps the theology of the Ezrites was appealing to the point that Viktor had tricked himself into believing, desperate to be something that he was not. Perhaps in his fervent desires to escape the mundane, his self-delusion became so complete, that he no longer held any doubts about the Ezrite faith. Or, perhaps there was a void inside of Viktor, which had been filled by the guiding hand of Ezra. Whatever the truth may be, over the years, Viktor had developed the feeling that to be one of the faithful of Ezra was his destiny, and that all of his past failures were simply the road that had led him to his eventual destiny. Indeed, he has yet to abandon his current undertaking, unlike many of his previous endeavors. For the first time in his life, Viktor had felt that he had found his purpose in life. Sometimes, he can feel a presence, as though he were not alone, his only explanation being that Ezra herself must be watching over him from the Mists.
(to be continued…it’s getting a bit long and I have some notes and questions)
NOTES:
-How should a Paladin of Ezra act? For instance, the Paladin archetype is typically based off of the medieval Catholic knight, and the ideals associated with that. Other than the tenets, I have read nothing that really limits and Ezrite Paladin’s conduct. (I’m specifically thinking of things like drinking, cursing, chastity, gambling, etc…not that I intend to cyber or curse in-game, or anything like that. I’m just wondering if the traditional “sins” are viewed as such by the Ezrite faith. I suppose I feel, depending upon the tenets of various faiths, that just because one is a LG holy paladin, it doesn’t mean that he can’t hope to be married one day, curse if a brick falls on his head, enjoy a drink with his friends, make friendly wagers, etc.
*He is not a knight-like character. He prefers to fight with crossbow and (eventually) silver longsword. With the idea of being an undead hunter at some point, if asked his profession, he would likely say, “Viktor, undead hunter and faithful of Ezra”…or something like that. At his current level, he wouldn’t say that of course.
*More of the “lone hero” type, than a Templar stationed to defend the Ezrite churches. Perhaps he’s on errantry of a sort?
*Has an affinity for bards (unless they are witches). Despite often disagreeing with their philosophies, he enjoys a friendly debate, and their dramatic personalities.
*Enjoys collecting fine wines and spirits. Considers himself as a connessieur of sorts.
*Arrogant, not in the sense that he looks down on others, but that he tries to hard to be better than others.
*While he is good and noble, he also enjoys being the center of attention, and receiving praise for his deeds. He is aware of this flaw, and through prayer, asks himself whether he is always serving Ezra, or rather, himself.
*Doesn’t trust outlanders for the most part, but differentiates between outlanders who are the faithful of Ezra, and those who are not. He has learned to unflinchingly respect the outlanders who are Ezrites.
*Doesn’t trust wielders of arcane magic, and for now, would not associate with them. Does not fear good-aligned divine magic, as he has witnessed such things from the Ezrite clergy.
*Does not trust equipment that is obviously magical, but would keep such things to give to church officials so that they can determine whether or not such things are influenced by evil sorcery.
*Very dramatic in his words and mannerisms. Often demonstrates over the top bravado, which sometimes borders on self-aggrandizement.
*Has a well-developed sense of humor, which is disarming to those who would expect a lecture on theology. Also, his companions would likely be comforted by his presence due in part to this.
*Does not attempt to overtly convert people, although he would gladly help those who approach them. Part of this is due to the fact that he believes that the Anchorites are better suited for this, the other part is that he is somewhat fatalistic; he believes that those who are meant to be the faithful of Ezra will become such when the time is right. Also, he believes his role in spreading the faith is to draw people in by being a remarkable example of the Ezrite faith.
*Not a womanizer, but if he were to save a “damsel in distress”, and he were to flirt with such a woman, what’s the harm?
*The aspect of the faith which he embodies the most, would be as a guardian against the Legions of the Night.
*While he would destroy all undead mercilessly, if possible, he would attempt to cure those afflicted with lycanthropy (assuming he has such knowledge in the future…and that the cure for lycanthropy is supported in-game).
*Feels especially bound to Barovians, of which he is one, and hopes to defend them against the creatures that would harm them.
*Is still not at ease with the night, but his faith and the weight of responsibility to combat evil acts as a source of strength.
*Sometimes would rather be in a cozy inn, sharing jokes and stories over a cup of wine, than hunting the Legions of the Night; however, he realizes it is his duty to act as a guardian, and that he must sacrifice as Ezra had before him. Sometimes he wonders if he will truly be up to the task when his moment of self-sacrifice, which he feels is inevitable, is upon him.
*I’m wondering if a non-knightly paladin character concept would be forbidden to use flintlocks.