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Fantasy NPC
Special Character
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Markaius Thallion
Human Paladin
“War is the greatest of proving grounds. It cares for none but the strong. It teaches us to become harder than our fear.”
Appearance: The man removes his helmet as his warhorse paws the ground. He is human and bald except for the topknot of ashen hair he wears. His eyes are carved like slits above his high cheeks and a wine-colored birthmark rests on one side of his forehead. It’s obvious from the sign on his surcoat that he is a paladin of the war-deity Oerd. The thick pommel of a heavy greatsword rises past his shoulder.
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Personality: Markaius feels most alive when he’s pitting himself against a dangerous enemy and demands just as much from his companions that he demands from himself. His devotion to excellence rivals his devotion to Oerd as he strives for perfection. He fights with a mixture of anger and joy.
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Motivation: We do what others cannot because we dare to face more than others are willing. We know ourselves by the tests we overcome. Heaven itself has set the challenge and we must rise to face it.
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Roleplaying Tips: Markaius Thallion is plain-spoken and direct, confident in his judgment. He has a healthy disdain for deception, especially hypocrisy and betrayal. He is brazen and self-assured.
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Background: Markaius Thallion was recruited at a young age when the paladins of Oerd visited his village. All that show talent are taken, but few complete the rigorous training at the Stronghold’s chapter house. Markaius was one of the few, earning his sigil with distinction and sent out to earn the glory of Oerd. He joined The First Line, a band of mercenary adventurers, and has come to lead them.
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Traits: Adventurer, Cunning, Divine, Intelligent, Intimidating, Lawful, Mercenary, Persuasive, Religious, and Strong
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Dark Secret: Before The First Line’s former leader was murdered, Markaius Thallion was romantically involved with the party’s bard. He believes she is the murderer and seeks to bring her to justice.
Plot Hooks
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The First Line has long been a respected and sought-after adventuring group among the nobility and merchant guilds. Markaius Thallion has only increased their reputation and it wouldn’t be surprising if you found them competing for the same contracts or already in the dungeon you’ve come to explore.
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Markaius Thallion took control of The First Line after the party was betrayed by one of their own and their former leader murdered. The betrayer, the party’s former bard, has since formed her own group, mockingly called The Last Word. Markaius and The First Line have dedicated themselves to thwarting The Last Word at every turn and will hold it against you and your party if you’ve ever given them aid.
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Markaius firmly believes that the leader of The Last Word is a murderer but lacks the evidence, and he has hidden the fact that the two were involved from his current fiancée, The First Line’s cleric. He needs someone willing to investigate The Last Word and find the missing pieces to his former leader’s murder.
Connections
Markaius Thallion is a paladin of Oerd and a member of the Stronghold of Oerd.
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Markaius Thallion is the leader of the mercenary band The First Line.
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Markaius Thallion is engaged to The First Line's cleric, Saralie Savrigne.
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Markaius Thallion was romantically involved with Moriah Elsene, the leader of The Last Word.
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Markaius Thallion despises the noble Thacklen Fellcross III and The First Line refuses to participate in his adventuring expeditions.
Bonus Content
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Quick Summary Card - Markaius Thallion, Human Paladin
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Campaign Logger Profile - Markaius Thallion, Human Paladin
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