Champion of Strength and Darkness

The Champions of Strength and Darkness were a normal part of Orrish Fighting Forces and Tactics, these were feared throughout the new heartlands from about CY 7300 to 7600. They were also a core of the massive Orrish army that sweep into the Fallen East, claiming it as The Dark Lands. For a while, these terrorized the central and southern heartlands mainly. Led by “knights” of the Unholy Trio, these long range raiders were composed of the best warriors of the goblins and led by a single Ork of surpassing viciousness and strength. Every now and then, these appear in the south heartlands and Dark Lands, but they are rarely seen any more.

Organized: The thing that differentiated these raiders was that they were highly organized and could easily stand up 1:1 to most soldiers of the realms, and even better as long as the champion was alive and with them. There were attendants to the champion – goblin champions in their own right, and fueled with the fervor of the dark gods favored champion. They often had a rank of goblins that wore the banners upon their backs on poles – as was the custom in the fallen east. These ‘bannerlings’, while common in their physical attributes, were often overcome with frenzy in their service. Their banners provided morale to the entire group, and they often ignored the first blow that may take them down – so strong was their belief in the champion’s favor by the dark gods. There was also often a couple of goblins who had made minor pacts with the dark gods, to aid in countering mystical threats and assist in making proper sacrifices of victims the group caught.

Favored: The champions were known to attract some of the more unique individuals in the dark lands – their favor providing a safe haven for those powerful humans cursed and shunned due to corruption. These would fight with them.

Sun-Bane Protections: The champions wielded magic that could protect them from the sun bane for a few brief moments. They raided remote settlements deep in the lands of light in the daytime, spreading terror and violence. It is believed that these elite units simply were not feasible to keep up for the Orrish, they took training and time. The violent competition to be part of their composition is also thought to be a detriment.

Single Authority: There were never priests among these groups – the elite champions would be competing with command for the group, so they were eventually removed from the raiding bands. These bands were never used against the Lich Lords. The main goblin contingent was anywhere from 20 to 40, rarely above 50 for the most powerful champions.

Evil’s Aid: Sacrificing one of their anointed minions, they could call forth infernal servants for a short time. The hounds of hell were most common.

i20™ Character Details

Although venerating the whole Church of Darkness, their primary focus is as a Paladin of Sunstealer. These are typically orks.

  • @2nd typically Great Weapon Style w/Maul (2d6; 9/14/24 base) – blessed by Sun Stealer at higher levels
  • @3rd aura of strength (finesse weapon adjustments negated – must use strength) 20′ radius
  • +2 shield of shadows (faith)
  • 1/2 any light source in 10′; Ma href=”https://dnd5e.wikidot.com/spell:control-flames”>control flames 120′ (douse only) as a bonus action
  • Smite is a darkness smite + force damage (save or -2 strength)

    • = Proficiency Bonus in uses – “War Run”: as bonus action – double move, reckless attacks, opportunity attacks get Disadvantage

  • Any killed with it rise as Shadow in his service
  • Shadow can sacrifice itself for protection from daylight!

iCore iCore™ Character Details