Arkandy Seru, Paladin (Sacred Shield / Warrior of the Holy Light / Divine Defender)

[Shadowstarr]

Arkandy Seru

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In the years leading up to the Fourth Mendevian Crusade, the steward of the Threshold, the bottlemost level of Heaven, grew concerned with the ongoings of Golarion. The Lord of the Wall, Arqueros, was tasked with the first layer of defense of Heaven. In that role, he kept aware of the status of Golarion's Worldwound. Heaven itself could be at risk if the invasion progresses into the world at large and Golarion is conquered. Aequeros determined that a small force of "advisors" be sent to help train the next force of crusaders who's forces were is pitiful shape after the Third Crusade devolved into ferreting out demonic corruption with morally crushing witchhunts.

One such "advisor" was the aasimar Arken. Arken held rank among Aequeros forces as a training officer which made her a good fit for her new directive. Upon leaving The Threshold in the year 3685, she arrived at the city of Mendev. She quickly found a place among the Church of Iomedae forces. There she trained and drilled the next generation of officers who would in turn impart their knowledge and discipline to the recruits.

Status and rank among the Crusaders meant little to Arken. She mingled among troops and officers alike. With things running to her satisfaction in Mendev, in 2688, she would move on to Kenabres to instill a similar training program with Crusaders there as she did in Mendev. Arken carried a reputation from Mendev and was quickly brought into Kenabre's crusaders and got to work. While her program impacted the quality of the recruits coming up there was another unexpected result.

Arken was pregnant. The father could have been several people. Arken had no familiar commitments or social constraints and many lovers. She gave the matter little thought and set herself to preparing for the coming child. Arken maintained her duties into the next year before acquiring a small house within the city. Her son was born on the 28th of Pharast and was named Arkandy Seru. Being born on Golarion, Arken felt he should have a surname per the local tradition. The new happy family would not have peace for long.

In 3692 Khorramzadeh, the Storm King, and his forces assaulted Kenabres, The siege was powerful enough to damage Kenabre's Wardstone. Only the intervention of the Dragon Terendelev was able to drive him back ushering in the Fourth Crusade. Arken raised Arkandy in their quiet house, educating him with their ancestral language, Celestial, as well as regaled him with stories of the previous Crusades, news of the ongoing Crusade, and the Splendor of Heaven. She taught him the discipline of a proper soldier.

In 4700 the happy family was destroyed. Arken returned home from a hard day's work drilling replacement Crusaders, to find her door broken, the nursemaid she hired was murdered and her eleven-year-old son, Arkandy, was gone. A note pinned to the wall with a cultist dagger gave her instructions to come alone to a specific mausoleum in a cemetery within the old city. Once inside Arken found a tunnel leading to the ruined undercity and eventually to a Cultist sanctum. Arken was ruthless in her rage she slew guards and cultists fight her way through the hideout. She would make her way to a ritual chamber where Arkandy was passed out on a stone slab his face and body had been marked with tattoos as part of the ritual being performed. His blood was being drained and collected. Arken screamed in rage as she pressed her attack, to be stopped by a cultist with a dagger to her son's throat.

The standoff was broken with the arrival of a smiling demon, he introduced himself and offered Arken a bargain. Her life for his, she would come with the demon willing, and young Arkandy would survive and be returned to the surface of Kenabres. With little choice, she agreed. Arken placed her crusader cross around her son's neck and kissed him goodbye. The demon kept his word and the boy was returned. He was found clinging to life by one of Arken's subordinates and taken to the Church of Iomedae.

Over time Arkandy was nursed back to good health. He was adopted by a colleague of his mother and was raised within the Crusade. In 4707, the Fourth Crusade ended. Arkandy now eighteen, officially joined the Iomedaen Crusaders. He would occasionally be tormented by nightmares. Seeing the torment his mother endured. He was haunted by the possibility she was alive being abused still.

He received the rites and became blessed with Paladinhood within the Mendevian Crusade. His faith in Arqueros was respected among his peers. Arkandy spent the next few years in martial training, specializing in the heavy shield. He drilled, trained, and prayed to be prepared for the next attack, the next Crusade.

As a Kenabres "local" that would make perfect sense for him to be at or around the Honeyed Blackmoor Café on 15 Arodus 4713AR.

 

Appearance:

At only 24 years old, Arkandy is considered quite young for his kind, a race known for its longevity that can span up to 160 years. Despite his relative youth, Arkandy carries an air of wisdom and otherworldly grace that sets him apart.

Arkandy's most striking feature is his long, flowing white hair, which cascades down his back and is often tied into a topknot adorned with intricate braids that trail down from the temples of his head. His piercing golden irises seem to glow with an inner light, reflecting his celestial heritage. He still carries the scars from the cultist ritual in the form of elegant facial tattoos flowing down from his eyes, adding a touch of mystique to his visage.

Standing tall for an Aasimar, Arkandy possesses a well-muscled and imposing physique, a testament to both his celestial lineage and a life spent honing his physical prowess. His attire consists of lamellar leather-style armor, providing both protection and flexibility. The dark hues of the armor blend seamlessly with his radiant features, creating an enigmatic and commanding presence.

In battle, Arkandy relies on a single weapon, a meticulously maintained round heavy steel shield. The shield is not only a formidable defensive tool but also serves as a symbol of Arkandy's commitment to protection and justice. Its surface is adorned with celestial motifs, further reinforcing his divine connection.

 

Personality:

• Zealous Devotion: Above all else, this Arkandy radiates an unwavering fervor in their faith and mission. His commitment to their divine calling is unyielding, and he views his role as a crusader with utmost seriousness. He firmly believe in the righteousness of the cause and will stop at nothing to see it fulfilled.

• Noble Conviction: Raised in a military environment, Arkandy has been instilled with a strong sense of honor, duty, and discipline. He adheres strictly to a code of conduct and holds himself to the highest moral standards. His actions are guided by principles of justice and righteousness, and he is willing to make sacrifices in pursuit of these ideals.

• Soldier's Discipline: Trained from a young age to be a soldier, Arkandy is highly disciplined and organized. He approaches challenges with a strategic mindset, carefully planning his actions and considering the potential consequences. His rigorous work ethic has honed his combat skills, making him a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

• Unshakable Resolve: No obstacle is too daunting for Arkandy, as he possesses an indomitable spirit and an unwavering resolve. He wants to face adversity with courage and determination, refusing to back down in the face of danger or adversity. His faith serves as a source of strength, providing him with the fortitude to overcome even the most formidable foes.

• Compassionate Protector: Despite a militant upbringing, Arkandy has a compassionate heart and a deep-seated desire to protect the innocent. He is quick to lend aid to those in need and will go to great lengths to ensure the safety and well-being of others. His sense of empathy and compassion serves as a counterbalance to their zealous nature, reminding him of the importance of mercy and forgiveness.

• Divine Guidance: As an Aasimar, Arkandy is blessed with celestial heritage, and he views his divine lineage as both a privilege and a responsibility. He believes themselves to be chosen instruments of their deity's will, and he strives to embody the virtues and values of their divine patron in all aspects of their life.

• Inflexible Idealism: While his unwavering commitment to the cause is admirable, Arkandy's zealous nature can sometimes lead him to be overly rigid in their beliefs. Arkandy may struggle with shades of gray in moral dilemmas, often seeing the world in black-and-white terms. However, as he matures and gains more experience, he may learn to temper his idealism with wisdom and compassion.

• Overall, Arkandy is a formidable warrior driven by a deep sense of purpose and unwavering devotion to their cause. Though his path may be fraught with challenges, His faith and determination will see them through even the darkest of times.

 

Role:

Arkandy is built to be a team player. He would initially be a frontline tank, keeping the opposition positioned to allow any flankers and ranged party members to press their abilities. The early game will be dangerous for him until better gear and a level or two will toughen him up. Ideally, he will not be a damage soaker and more of an avoidance tank. The Sacred Shield and Divine Defender archetypes will allow him to buff the party defenses and take hits and damage off them.

Deeper into the game I may multiclass into Brawler (Shield champion) to further his combat flexibility and effectiveness. This would offer some combat controller options using maneuvers at range. His damage output scales nicely.

 

 

 

Map Token

Character Generation

Ability Scores: 20 point buy

Strength: 14 (+2 Racial) = 16

Dexterity: 14

Constitution: 12

Intelligence: 12

Wisdom: 11

Charisma: 14 (+2 racial)=16

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Race: Aasimar (Angel-Blooded Aasimar)

Alternate Racial Traits: None

Gender: Male

Age: 24

Height: 6'

Weight: 200 lb

Class: Paladin (Sacred Shield / Warrior of the Holy Light / Divine Defender)

Favored Class: Paladin

Favored Class Bonus: Skill Point +1

Traits: Reactionary, Giant Dodger; Campaign Trait: Exposed to Awfulness

Drawbacks: Pride

Skill Ranks: 2 + Int mod + Skilled + Fav Class Bonus = 4

Skills Trained: Acrobatics [1 Rank], Diplomacy [1 Rank], Perception [1 Rank], Sense Motive [ 1 Rank].

Background Skill Ranks: 2

Skills Trained: Profession (Soldier) [1 Rank], Lore (The Crusades) [1 Rank].

Feats: Weapon Focus (Close Weapons).

Bonus Languages: None.

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Hit Points: Max (d10) + Con mod  = 11

Equipment

Combat Gear:

potion of cure light wounds,

weapon blanch (cold iron)[APG];

Other Gear:

lamellar (leather) armor[UC],

shield spikes heavy steel shield,

cestus[APG],

backpack,

bandolier[UE],

bedroll,

crusader's cross,

flint and steel,

hemp rope (50 ft.),

mess kit[UE],

soap,

torch (10),

trail rations (5),

waterskin,

wooden holy symbol of Arqueros,

24 gp, 3 sp

 

Arqueros, Lord of the Wall

The Golden Bulwark

Source Inner Sea Gods pg. 322
Pathfinder Wiki Arqueros

Details

Alignment LG
Pantheon Empyreal Lords
Areas of Concern Bodyguards, protection, watchfulness
Domains Good, Law, Protection, War
Subdomains Archon (Good), Archon (Law), Cooperation, Defense, Fortifications, Tactics
* Requires the Acolyte of Apocrypha trait.
Favored Weapon Longspear
Symbol Gauntlet and briars
Sacred Animal(s) Golden eagle
Sacred Color(s) Gold, purple

Obedience

Pray while holding a heavy shield over your head for an hour. Gain a +4 sacred bonus on Strength checks and Strength-based skill checks.

Boons - Celestial Obedience

 Mystery Cultist

Source Chronicle of the Righteous pg. 6
1: Divine Defense (Sp) shield of faith 3/day, shield other 2/day, or magic vestment 1/day
2: Greaves of Gold (Su) You gain a +10 sacred bonus to your CMD when an opponent attempts to bull rush you. You may always attempt attacks of opportunity when a creature attempts to bull rush you, even if your opponent has the Improved Bull Rush feat or a similar ability. In addition, you may attempt an attack of opportunity whenever a charging opponent enters a space you threaten.
3: Living Aurum (Sp) You can cast iron body once per day. Instead of iron, though, your body is transformed into living gold. In addition, you gain SR equal to 11 + your HD against spells cast by evil creatures while under the effect of this spell-like ability.

Paladin Code

The paladins of Arqueros are defense-oriented generals and bodyguards of virtuous public figures and honorable clients. Their tenets include the following affirmations.

• I will never abandon an innocent in need of protection.
• The role of guardian is a sacred one. I will never neglect my duties when I agree to guard or protect others, even if they seem unworthy of my protection.
• A guardian is only as effective as his weapons and armor. I will maintain mine in peak condition at all times, repairing and cleaning them as consistently as possible without neglecting my charge.

 

Edited April 4 by Shadowstarr (see edit history)

[Shadowstarr]

Arkandy Seru - Aasimar Paladin 1 (work in progress!)

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HP: 11/11 | AC: 18 | Speed: 30ft | Hero: 1/3 |

Initiative +4 | Perception: + 1 | Fort: +3 | Ref: +2 | Will: +2

LoH: 0/0 |

ConsumablesGeneral:
-5x Trail Rations

Potions/Alchemical:
-1x cure light wounds
-1x weapon blanch (cold iron)
Use/day items | Abilities--------------------
Special Abilities
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Bastion of Good (10 ft, 1/day) (Su) One foe does ½ dam to allies in the aura, full to self, +3 deflect to AC.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only).
Detect Evil (At will) (Sp)
Energy Resistance, Acid (5) .
Energy Resistance, Cold (5)
Energy Resistance, Electricity (5). | SkillsAdventuring Skills
Acrobatics: -1
Bluff: +3
Climb: -1
*Diplomacy: +7
Disable Device: --
Disguise: +3
Escape Artist: -2
Fly: -2
*Heal: +2
Intimidate: +3
Knowledge (Local) +1
Knowledge (Planes) +3
*Knowledge (Religion) +1
Perception: +1
*Ride: -2
*Sense Motive: +4
*Spellcraft: +1
Stealth: -2
Survival: 0
Swim: -1
Use Magic Device: +3

Background Skills
Appraise: +1
*Handle Animal: +3
*Lore (The Crusades): +5
*Profession (Soldier): +4 | Conditions: None

 

 

 

 

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Arkandy surveys the scene before him as the bar patrons go from shouting to shoving and ultimately weapons clashing, "That escalated quickly." he says pragmatically.

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OOC/Actions Other: Free: Swift: Move: Standard: Full Round: Other: Right Hand: Heavy Steel Shield Left Hand: Cestius

Notes -

Gear Hide this

 

Edited April 4 by Shadowstarr (see edit history)

[Shadowstarr]

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[iantruesilver]

• Racial skill modifiers not recorded
• BAB should be +1
• Trait/Drawback list do not match between here and character sheet. Each side is missing one thing.

The rest looks like it should be fine.

[Shadowstarr]

7 hours ago, iantruesilver said:

• Racial skill modifiers not recorded
• BAB should be +1
• Trait/Drawback list do not match between here and character sheet. Each side is missing one thing.

The rest looks like it should be fine.

Should be fixed. I know it is rather long and heavy on specific details, but is the Background story ok?