Category:Blackguard
The blackguard is a prestige class taken by characters who come to embody Evil, true villains who perform many evil deeds in the pursuit of their sinister goals. Like evil clerics, blackguards radiate auras of evil. Blackguards have various special abilities to assist in their vile endeavors, including skill in poison use, a Dark Blessing to resist harm, Sneak Attack, divine spellcasting, and even eventually the ability gain the service of a fiend. Although fighters, evil rangers, barbarians, rogues, and others may be drawn to become blackguards, fallen paladins may find a special draw to become blackguards, receiving special benefits to help compensate for their lost paladin powers[1].
Though objects of fear, blackguards are few in number even in the Land of Mists[2]. Blackguards have a general tendency to earn the attentions of the Dark Powers[3].
The Fallen Paladin and the Blackguard
In the Demiplane of Dread, one need not consciously embody Evil in order to become a blackguard. Several fallen paladins who refuse to believe in their fall from grace nonetheless unconsciously become blackguards. These blackguards in denial do not have the poison use ability of most blackguards, but gain it once they embrace their natures. Elena Faith-hold, the darklord of Nidala, is one such example of a blackguard in denial[3].
Any fallen paladin that has failed a Powers Check will find the road to blackguard in the Land of Mists much easier than in other worlds. The Dark Powers take steps to remove many of the entry requirements to becoming blackguards for fallen paladins. Such individuals need not peacefully meet with evil outsiders to become blackguards[3].
Altered Special Abilities
Blackguards suffer the same restrictions as all mortals. They lack the ability to detect the moral component (Good/Evil axis) of alignment. Usually this ability is replaced with the ability to Detect Law. (Elena Faith-hold's ability to detect evil has been replaced by an ability to detect strong feelings towards her, although she does not know this[3].)
Like their ability to detect alignment, the spellcasting and rebuking/command undead abilities of blackguards also sees the normal alterations that affects all mortal magic[3]. In addition, their fiendish servants are considered dread companions[3].
Blackguard Spell List
Notable Blackguards
- The Black Rose, former darklord of Sithicus[3]
- Elena Faith-hold, darklord of Nidala[3]
- Rodjan Dilisnya[5]
References
- ↑ Dungeon Master's Guide (3.5) p. 181-183
- ↑ Ravenloft Dungeon Master's Guide p. 107
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Ravenloft Dungeon Master's Guide p. 108
- ↑ Ravenloft Player's Handbook p. 118
- ↑ Legacy of the Blood p. 41, 137-139
Subcategories
This category has the following 2 subcategories, out of 2 total.
B
- Blackguard Spell List (2 P)
D
- Dark Paladins (1 P)
Pages in category "Blackguard"
The following 8 pages are in this category, out of 8 total.
