Meloku, the Barren Fist
Male human paladin (warrior of the holy light, undead scourge, divine defender) (Tian) 1
N Medium humanoid
Init -2; Senses Perception +3
-=DEFENSE=- AC 16, touch 8, flat-footed 16 (dex -2, armor +6, shield +2)
HP 11 (1d10+1); Current = 11 Fort +3, Ref -2, Will +4
Meloku has lived a life in service of Irori - spending countless hours seeking ever deeper mastery of the human self. He had nearly achieved the pinnacle of self-perfection and was slated to become Irori's herald on this plane.
Irori, though, was not satisfied with Meloku's progress. You seek to reach me, and this I applaud. But your ambition has led you down a path that I have cleared of obstacles and you follow a trail that I have blazed. If you would still seek to be by my side - you must give up the studies you have completed and seek perfection anew.
Meloku agreed to Irori's terms, he stood unblinking as Irori layed his hand on him. Irori's touch was gentle as that of a loving parent, then - just for a moment - Irori unleashed his ki upon Meloku. It penetrated Meloku's body and sealed his spine, rendering Meloku paralysed and sealing much of his ability; a wound that no power but Irori's would be able to overcome.
For months Meloku recuperated, cared for in a monastery dedicated to Irori. Where his body deteriorated from lack of physical exertion, his mind and spirit grew by leaps and bounds. After a year Irori appeared to Meloku in a dream, guiding him to seek out the wisdom of the ancients far away in the west. Irori's instructions led Meloku to Osirion where he studied the ancient mysteries of the civilizations gone before - and discovered the reason Irori had led him here: ancient hieroglyphics that detail the power of the spirit over flesh. Where the original intention was to allow a spirit to recover mastery of dead flesh - exemplified by the mummies so common in Osirion - the same theories could be molded to apply to living flesh. It took years still for Meloku to fully grasp and master the basic teachings, but then - fully 10 years after his encounter with Irori - Meloku emerged unsteadily from an ancient pyramid, facing the morning sun in the east, for the first time in a decade he stood on his own two legs.
Now Meloku makes his way to the River Kingdoms; eager to find his feet again as a servant to Irori.
Notes:
Some of the background foreshadows distant abilities that Meloku will acquire when he gains sufficient experience. One of these is the guiding dreams of Irori that Meloku will eventually receive (his monk levels will cover the ki mystic archetype).
Likewise the archetype "undead scourge" comes from his superior understanding of the nature of what animates and bestows unlife to the restless dead.
Meloku, the Barren Fist: Personality
Meloku is a man driven to great deeds by his devotion to his god, Irori. He must, by nature of his affliction, rely heavily on his force of presence and spirit to accomplish the tasks before him. He carries himself with absolute conviction and his presence can at times be palpable. In combat he relies on the force of his spirit (dazzling display) to sap the will to fight from enemies, hoping to defeat them before blood need be spilled.
Meloku is a paladin and monk of Irori, with emphasis on knowledge. He feels compelled to harbour knowledge of all forms - sometimes to protect knowledge from corrupting hands, but sometimes to protect innocents from corrupting knowledge.
