The Antipaladin of Pride

Gadran knelt on the stone of the causeway, blood running from beneath his armor. His handsome face was cut, one eye swollen shut. His holy symbol had been scorched from his shield, and smashed from his armor. His breath was ragged, and as he swayed, his head bowed, he prayed. Above him, his opponent removed her helm. She case it aside, and looked down at him. Her face was full and lush, beautiful in the way that a sword could be beautiful. There was pity in her expression, but no mercy.

"The hammer of the gods," she said, speaking Gadran's title with contempt. "The shield of the realm. A warrior the likes of which is only seen once a generation, and this is what you fall to?" Valoran put the tip of her sullied blade beneath Gadran's chin and tilted his head up. She looked at him for a long, silent moment. "That is the problem with you, and with all the others like you, Gadran. All that power, but the only thing you know how to do with it is kneel."

She didn't wait for his response. There was nothing he could have said that would have surprised her, and she'd had enough of platitudes and empty writ to last her an eternity. She slid her blade forward, and walked past the Godhammer as he choked to death on his own blood.

All that potential, gone down to dust.

If You're Going Through Hell, Walk Like You Own The Place

Pride goeth before a fall, or so the saying goes, and if there is one flaw that's likely to lead to a paladin's fall from grace this is the one. Because when everyone tells you that you are righteous, that you do only good, and that you are the right hand of justice, it becomes very easy to equate your own wants and desires with what is right. While some paladins can step back to examine their own actions, spending time in contemplation in order to hold onto a humble perspective, others can't.

Those others often become antipaladins of pride.

So, you're approaching me? That's not wise.

An antipaladin of pride is an evil warrior who believes wholly and completely in their own powers. They take what they want, feeling themselves entitled to it. They may take foolish (or seemingly foolish) risks, such as fighting with their face exposed, giving their opponents advantages just to show how outmatched they are, or choosing to step in to personally make an example of their enemies rather than letting others fight for them.

However, an antipaladin of pride didn't get where they are without being cunning, vicious, and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their ends. While they may come across as a narcissist (as many of them no doubt are), these antipaladins are willing to go to horrifying lengths to salve their egos, and to justify their pride. There is no weapon too dire, no god too blasphemous, and no deed too dark if it means they can, indeed, prove that they were right all along.

When One is Guided by Pride

When putting together an antipaladin of pride, it's important to follow one of the key pieces of advice in 5 Tips For Playing Better Evil Characters and ask what their motivation is, and how it ties into their pride. Are they out to conquer a kingdom because their counsel was ignored, leading to a lost war, or a revolt? Do they feel the gods turned a deaf ear to the suffering of others, putting all these petty rules into place, so they become judge, jury, and executioner, walking a darker path and proclaiming themselves above the gods? Are they killing their former brothers in arms, showing that they were always the strongest among their old order, and they should have been placed in rulership over them?

Swear your oaths anew, and when you rise you will be stronger than you ever imagined.

The thing to remember is that, while satisfying one's ego should always be a key part of an antipaladin of pride's modus operandi, they can be very complicated individuals within that framework. In fact, many of them may see themselves as obligated to look over those they deem as their people, because who else will do it? In some instances this may lead to crazed despots who demand the public sing their praises, but it could also lead to intensely loyal nation stations who view the antipaladin as a benevolent dictator despite their wars and the summoned demons who guard their black palace. The antipaladin protects them, and for that the people will worship them.

It's also important to make sure you know how your antipaladin of pride will fit into a group, and how they work within a party (whether they're good or evil, as the Tyrant with their LE alignment can often work with those of a varied background). In this situation, don't bring a character who flies off the handle and demands a duel to the death whenever someone criticizes them. Instead, it might be a better idea to bring someone who can act as the party's face, and who may think of the others as their minions (though it would be rude to call them such). Perhaps they will only put forth a minimal effort unless they deem a threat worth their attention, or they will lord their unique capabilities over the others, such as an antipaladin's immunity to the effects of disease, using their ability to spread a contagion to cripple a city and all its inhabitants as proof they are the most powerful among their companions.

These characters may come across a little arch, and slightly operatic, but those are things you should lean into if you really want to have fun with them. Whether you're going for a Darth Vader or Dr. Doom vibe, just remember, you didn't fall... you dove, just to show you could.

Lastly, if you're looking for some wicked inspiration, check out my most recent release 100 Cults to Encounter, as well as the recent Electrum seller 100 Random Bandits to Meet where you'll meat cannibalistic killers, as well as legendary bandit captains like the possessed Darkskull!

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That's all for this installment of Unusual Character Concepts. Hopefully this one gave you something to chew over, whether you're a player, or a dungeon master.

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