You were forged in the crucible or the Izovian Empire's most brutal training grounds, Ranshorn. You were not a typical solider trained in the open with many others alike, you were separated, broken down just to be rebuilt in the perfect image of the Empire. There you were shaped into a holy weapon of obedience, discipline and divine fire. As an Exemplar of the Throne, your duty is absolute. Crush heresy, uphold the imperial doctrine and embody the might of the Emperor.
You have done unspeakable things that haunt your subconscious no matter where you are. Your past will always be etched into your mind and body. You carry the mark of the Empire, and with this the burden of your deeds and the question: were you the evil one?
- Feat: Savage Attacker
- Skill Proficiencies: Athletics and Intimidation
- Tool Proficiencies: Smith's Tool or Calligrapher's Supplies
- Languages: One language of your choice, preferably a standard one.
- Equipment: An Imperial training insignia, a emblem of the Empire (which you may have defaced, hidden or disposed of), Shortbow, 20 Arrows, a set of common clothes, a vial of holy water and a pouch containing 35gp.
You were branded by the Izovian military for your rank. This mark still lingers, physically, magically or psychologically.
| d8 | Mark of the Empire |
|---|---|
| 1 | Burned Sigil: A glowing rune, branded into your back or chest, flares faintly when in proximity to other Imperial agents or relics. Attempts to remove it cause intense pain. |
| 2 | Ember Veins: Your veins faintly glow red when you're angry or casting divine magic. Some call it beautiful, others call it a curse. |
| 3 | Oathsteel Piercing: A shard of tempered metal was embedded in your body during graduation. It anchors your soul to your training - sometimes literally. |
| 4 | Voice of Command: Your voice was altered to carry authority. You gain advantage on Intimidation checks against former or current Empire Soldiers, but they will know who you are. |
| 5 | Ashmark Tattoo: A ritual tattoo made with ash from a "cleansed" rebel village marks your forearm or neck. it cannot be removed and identifies you as a veteran of war crimes. |
| 6 | Soul-Bound Chain: A tiny, invisible chain links your soul to the Empire's essence. Detect Magic reveals if faintly. If you're ever captured by the Empire, it can be used to control or track you. |
| 7 | Paladin's Brand: A small, circular scar over your heart. it was burned with holy fire. When you lie or go against your oath to the Empire, it pulses with heat. |
| 8 | Imperial Echo: Sometimes you hear the voice of your former commanding officer whispering commands in your mind - especially during battle. You're not sure if it's magic.. or trauma. |
Your training under the Empire marks you unmistakably, either physically (tattooed, sigils, ritual scars) or magically (an aura only recognized by other paladins) that never goes away. You are recognized as a paladin of the Izovian Empire in any city or military post under its control. Those loyal to the Empire may offer you shelter, food or supplies since you are a symbol of hope, or maybe even fear.
When in the vicinity of military bases, you can request access to minor facilities (barracks, records, restricted areas) by showing proof of your rank, though this may bring attention to you and bring up unwanted questions.
Suggested Characteristics
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I still recite the Empire's creeds in my sleep. |
| 2 | Discipline and routine give me comfort. |
| 3 | I am slow to trust because everyone has a hidden agenda. |
| 4 | I observe people like a drillmaster assessing a recruit, looking for their worth. |
| 5 | I keep my gear clean, no blood or smudges in sight. |
| 6 | I am haunted by the screams of those I was told were "dangerous." |
| 7 | I mock authority loudly, to hide how much I still crave it. |
| 8 | I feel safest in my armor, even in bed. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Redemption. I left to atone; the Empire cannot be cleansed with fire alone. (Good) |
| 2 | Power. I want the strength I was promised, but for my own ends. (Neutral) |
| 3 | Revenge. The Empire turned me into a weapon. Now I turn that weapon on them. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Loyalty. I still believe in the Empire and will continue to follow in its path. (Lawful) |
| 5 | Justice. I protect the innocent, even when the law says they are guilty. (Good) |
| 6 | Control. I was shaped into a blade. A blade must be wielded. (Evil) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I still carry the oathblade I was given on graduation day. |
| 2 | I failed to protect a fellow initiate and they died because I disobeyed orders. |
| 3 | Someone I saved from execution sends me secret letters of thanks. |
| 4 | My mentor turned on the Empire. I don't know if they were brave or mad. |
| 5 | I am being hunted by the Empire's forces for desertion. |
| 6 | There is a member or Capitan of the Exemplar I still love or care for, but they remain loyal to the Empire. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I crave violence and have to constantly suppress it. |
| 2 | I distrust religious figures, no matter their faith. |
| 3 | I love/miss the clarity and purpose the Empire gives/gave me. |
| 4 | I refuse to back down, even when I know I'm wrong. |
| 5 | I am beyond redemption, so I stop others from trying. |
| 6 | I speak and act like I am still in command. |
Everything is the same, but one day, you broke.
Maybe you witnessed something that shattered your faith. Maybe the fire inside you dimmed and doubt crept in or maybe it was just fear. Whatever reason, you deserted your post - an unthinkable betrayal in the eyes of the Empire. Now you live as a fugitive, hiding from those you once trained beside, running from your past and from what still burns inside you.
Some call you a coward, others might call you free. The Empire calls you a traitor.
You are a known deserter of the Izovian Empire's order by those within the militia. You've learned how to hide your identity, change your appearance and navigate the underbelly of society. You can find shelter among those who oppose the Empire - rebels, exiles, outlaws and maybe even sympathetic clergy - though they may not trust you fully. You have an easier time hiding, due to your group being mostly kept a secret to the everyday people of the Empire.
You also instinctually recognize other former Imperial soldiers who are running. You can offer guess to who's running, who's lying and those who still hear the Empire's order in their head. However, the mark of your training is still there. Imperial agents may recognize your bearing if you aren't care.
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