Blackguard

The Blackguard is the visceral image of the quintessential Black Knight. Once a holy warrior, the corrupted paladin has fully surrendered to the temptations of darkness and corruption. Every choice they make is in service to the darker power they have bound themselves to. Usually this oath is sworn to an evil god, but sometimes another great force for evil powerful enough to rival even a divine being, such as an ancient Dragon or mighty Balor. Such contracts are not terminated easily, and they are often formed by a villain who has fallen so far from grace that even they realize no other paths remain for them.

Blackguard I

Their once holy abilities now forever twisted into vile mockeries of their original purpose, the Blackguard travels further down the pit of hatred and misery. The villains can now deal vile damage, evil in pure form, in any attack they so choose. This seething animosity from within also extends without, and alters the Blackguard’s unholy aura, turning it into an Aura of Agony that harms all who approach. Lastly, corruption attracts yet more corruption, and the Blackguard gains a Hellspawn familiar to serve as a slave.

Prerequisites

Features

♦ Vile Weapon
When you deal damage with a weapon, you may choose to deal Vile damage, instead of the weapon's normal damage type.
♦ Bind Hellspawn
You gain a familiar from the Hellspawn list. This ability functions as Bind Hellish Familiar but has no component or energy cost. Additionally, the Familiar is cannot be unbound from you, except upon your death (not even with the Unbind Familiar ritual).
♦ Aura of Agony
You gain the Aura of Agony ability.
Aura of Agony
Blackguard Class Feature [Aura]
Cast Action [CT 1, REC 3]
Cost: 3 Resolve
Duration: 10 Rounds or until dismissed, dispelled, or disrupted.
Upkeep: Free Action, spend 3 Resolve to increase the duration by 10 Rounds.
Effect: For the duration of this prayer, while within your Savior's Aura, creatures (other than you) are subject to Pain (1).
Master Augment, Greater Agony
[Blackguard II, Stacking]
Stacking [Blackguard II & III]: This augment may be applied twice and is limited by your tier in the Blackguard talent.
Effect: Increase the level of Pain by 1.

Blackguard II

The Blackguard’s Unholy Smite can now exploit weakness, dealing extra damage when a target is undefended. This manipulation of darker forces also allows a supernatural deflection with the blade, deflecting spells targeting the villain. Lastly, the Aura of Agony grows fiercer, increasing the pain others feel in the Blackguard’s Presence.

Prerequisites

  • Divine Rank 6
  • Cost: 2 Destiny Points

Features

♦ Deadly Advantage
When you Smite a target on which you have Advantage for an attack, increase the damage dealt by your Smite by your Divine Rank.
♦ Deflect Magic
You gain the Deflect Magic ability
Deflect Magic
Blackguard Class Feature
Prerequisites: Blackguard II
Interruptive Action
Cost: 4 Stamina
Trigger: Your Reflex defense is targeted with a Magical Attack (that targets you and not an area).
Effect: You attempt to deflect the magic with your weapon. Make an Opposed Attack Roll (your Weapon Attack vs triggering Magic Attack), to attempt to Deflect the triggering attack.

Blackguard III

The Blackguard’s connection with evil grows to profane levels. Any evil powers the Blackguard chooses to wield are forever enhanced by their own malevolent will. It is this same will that allows them to shackle those who would deny them their indulgences with vile chains that subjugate the victim. The Aura of Agony now roils with dark strength, causing all but the most stalwart of individuals to fall to their knees before the Blackguard.

Prerequisites

  • Divine Rank 7
  • Cost: 2 Destiny Points

Features

♦ Master of Evil
When you cast a Prayer with the Evil keyword, treat your Divine Rank as 1 rank higher for the purposes of utilizing augments.
♦ Chains of Subjugation
You gain the Chains of Subjugation ability.
Chains of Subjugation
Blackguard Class Feature [Uninterruptible]
Prerequisites: Blackguard III
Cast Action [CT 7, REC 4]
Cost: 3 Resolve and 1 Resolve Burn
Effect: Enchanted chains wrap around your foe, allowing you to exert your will over them. Make an attack:
Range: 100ft
Target: One creature within range
Attack: Devotion vs. Will
Hit: The target is Dominated [SE, ST 4d10 vs CHA]. After the target saves, it is Restrained [SE, ST 4d10 vs CHA].