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After finding the secret door under the stairs, the two heroes descended into Demetri's laboratory. They rushed onward to the far end, past the labyrinth of failed experiments, and found, in a hovel formed from unused equipment and broken machines, Demetri. A most bizarre scene played before them, as a giant, see-through container (appearing to be glass) was assaulted by electrical waves of energy while other devices around the container whirred and sparked. Something was inside the container. It appeared to be a miniature storm cloud, spinning at rapid speed - and it was growing.
"Demetri!" Berafin shouted as he charged the Wizard with his sword.
"Berafin, look out!" Aldrea's shout was followed by a cacophony of clattering metal and draconic roar, as a Blue Dragon burst through a wall of scrap to Berafin's right, cutting him off from the Wizard.
A gruesome two-on-two battle followed, as Berafin and Aldrea were assailed by tooth, nail, and spell by the dragon and his Wizard master. in the end, though, it was Berafin who slew the dragon, and as the static-charged smoke cleared, he beheld Aldrea, sword in hand, impaling Demetri through his robed chest.
"My creation...my...progeny..."
The wizard fell, dead, arm outstretched, as if to comfort the growing cloud of spinning storms, which, Berafin realized with a jolt in his stomach, had begun to leak out of the container. Even as he watched, the writhing mass slipped from its prison and rested in space before them. It had no eyes, but behind the whirling splotches of crimson, Berafin was sure it was watching them.
"Ready?" Aldrea had cleaned off her blade and was standing at the ready. Her limbs shook from fatigue and blood yet dribbled down her left arm, but a tired, albeit excited grin lit her face as she looked to Berafin, waiting for him to join her in this final challenge.
Yet, something caused him to pause. He looked back at the strange creature. It floated in place, a gravelly, rushing sound filling the empty chamber.
Berafin lowered his sword and turned to Aldrea. "It's not attacking us."
Aldrea's grin faltered for a moment. "What? Berafin, it's evil, just look."
Berafin concentrated his sight, and, sure enough, beheld an aura of malice surrounding the creature. He looked back at Aldrea, more sure than ever of his belief. "It...hasn't done anything wrong."
Now Aldrea frowned at him, her blade lowering slightly. "It's evil, Berafin! Created by an evil man!"
Berafin shook his head. "The Baron Roran is evil, but we don't come to his home and slay him without trial or cause."
Aldrea looked as if Berafin had betrayed her. "This thing is unchecked, and isn't bound by laws or government like Baron Roran, and there's no telling what it might be capable of if we let it live! Now help me, or watch!"
But Berafin's body moved automatically - reflexes honed over a decade of combat, protections, and negotiations. With a step, turn, and flourish, Berafin stood between Aldrea and the creature, sword trained on his partner, stopping her advance almost before she had begun to move.
After a minute of booming silence, Aldrea sheathed her blade. "I'll have to tell Barclay of this. Berafin, they'll strip you of your title and I'll return in force, and you won't be protected."
Without another word, Aldrea turned on the spot and left the laboratory. True to her word, she returned in just over a week, with no less than four additional Paladins by her side. In that time, Berafin managed to communicate with the creature. It's aura remained that of evil, and conversations with it indeed showed it's proclivity for carnage and hate, but it never left the lab from which it was born, nor did it attempt to harm Berafin, or show any signs of conspiracy to do so.
He explained this to the group of Paladins who now stood, shoulder-to-shoulder, weapons drawn. The creature hovered next to him, silently watching.
Aldrea pointed her sword at him. "Berafin, this is your one chance to stand aside and let us put that creature down." Berafin stood his ground, drawing his own blade in silence.
The battle that followed was over quickly. Though Berafin discovered all too late that he had, at some point after his last confrontation with Aldrea, fallen from grace, the creature needed little help. In a gut-wrenching display of carnage, the quasi-solid storm cloud pinned one of the Paladins to the floor, where their blood, tears, and life essence were drained from them, staining the floor with gore, while several other tentacles of sharp, cloud-like thorns lashed out at the other Paladins. One by one, the attacking paladins were slain, the floor and walls coated in blood, bile, and mucus.
After the last paladin's insides sprayed through the air, the creature let out a horrifying screech, reveling in its kills, and, as far as Berafin could tell, dancing over its slain victims. Paralyzed with shock at what he had witnessed, he waited in silence for the creature to turn its terrible tentacles on him, but it never did.
The next day, the creature left the lab, and Berafin followed it, compelled to be responsible for anything it might do. After several years, though, the creature never did anything worse than defend itself. When it did, though, the scene that played was always one of utmost terror, and it was clear that the creature enjoyed killing its attackers in the most horrifying way possible.
On several more occasions, the Welltower Paladins caught their trail and tried to put an end to the creature, and always, it would wait patiently as Berafin tried to explain that the creature has still done nothing but defend itself, and warn them that if they proceeded, it would surely kill them. Berafin has long accepted his fall from grace, and no longer believes the Paladins' way is right (at least those of the Welltower Paladins).
His class levels have been replaced by levels of Sensate Fighter, and his alignment is now True Neutral. He has all but lost faith in "what is right", having seen no happy ending in his pursuit of responsibility for his decision. In fact, witnessing so many graphic deaths has managed to slightly unhinge him, though he does still dream of one day finding the answer to his quest; the closure to his decision; confirmation that what he did was right - for in the meantime, he simply follows the creature on its meandering travels to nowhere, for he doesn't know what else to do with his life.
I became inspired for an NPC concept, which was a paladin who defended a guiltless albeit evil creature from harm by other paladins. This Paladin fell in his actions to defend the evil creature (no, let's not start a Should the Paladin Fall discussion, thanks), and has become said creature's companion.
My original desire for this thread was to get ideas for how a NE creature could behave in a way that made it obviously evil, and yet commit no crimes, or otherwise make itself a target to other paladins, aside from the fact that it's evil, while also being able to get along with another paladin.
Well, I was so inspired by this concept, that I thought I'd write a little narrative to set the scene. That narrative wound up being far longer than necessary, and I ended up finding the answers to my own questions as I wrote it. And so, there's really no purpose to this thread before it's even been posted.
I really enjoyed writing the narrative, though, so I feel compelled to post it anyway, in the hopes that others will at least find enjoyment in reading it, and maybe even still put in their two copper about how else this scenario could have played out that could make for an even more interesting story, while keeping the same NPC concept. If any GM's enjoy it enough, feel free to steal it wholesale :)
This was a fun read! The way you set it did make me wonder if Berafin had been charmed or compelled in some way. It would be nice if Aldrea had some way of finding out, at least when she returns.
Does Berafin ever converse with this nameless horror?
This was a fun read! The way you set it did make me wonder if Berafin had been charmed or compelled in some way. It would be nice if Aldrea had some way of finding out, at least when she returns.
Does Berafin ever converse with this nameless horror?
Glad you enjoyed it! He does converse with it to an extent (though it's not much for conversation), and doesn't get much more than stuff like "I love the smell of gore in the morning; the sound of evisceration is music to my ears" - stuff that certainly sounds bad, but still nothing that would get a normal person more than stern looks and a wide berth in normal society. However, this, coupled with the fact that it Detects as Evil is what would lead a cursory glance to believe that it must be destroyed (Aldrea's conclusion), but having committed no crimes, and showing no real evidence as to planning to commit any like-minded actions, Berafin believes that it doesn't deserve to be slaughtered. Unfortunately, Aldrea was killed by it, not wanting to believe Berafin's case. The complete and utter removal of Berafin's friends is a large part of his current attitude and convicitons (or lack thereof).
I don't see why Berafin fell from grace.
A paladin must be of lawful good alignment and loses all class features except proficiencies if she ever willingly commits an evil act.
Additionally, a paladin's code requires that she respect legitimate authority, act with honor (not lying, not cheating, not using poison, and so forth), help those in need (provided they do not use the help for evil or chaotic ends), and punish those who harm or threaten innocents.
Trying to stop his fellow Paladins would still be part of his code.
Did his choice to change his Alingment make him fall.
I could still see him staying Lawful Good, and trying to persuade the creature to Chang it's Alignment.
I too enjoyed the read.
I don't see why Berafin fell from grace.
A paladin must be of lawful good alignment and loses all class features except proficiencies if she ever willingly commits an evil act.
Additionally, a paladin's code requires that she respect legitimate authority, act with honor (not lying, not cheating, not using poison, and so forth), help those in need (provided they do not use the help for evil or chaotic ends), and punish those who harm or threaten innocents.
Trying to stop his fellow Paladins would still be part of his code.
Did his choice to change his Alingment make him fall.
I could still see him staying Lawful Good, and trying to persuade the creature to Chang it's Alignment.I too enjoyed the read.
Glad you enjoyed it!
As I said, I don't want this to turn into a "Should the Paladin Fall" discussion. I'll try to answer your question without prompting one...As we all likely know, there are many different interpretations as to how/why a Paladin should fall, and for the purpose of this backstory, I think many would agree that Berafin got a bit shafted with why he fell. The initial fall happened when Berafin knowingly severed his allegiance with the Welltower Paladins, while in the same act, intending to fight another Paladin to the death to help an evil creature (intentions aren't brought up enough when it comes to Paladin codes, imo). It sealed the deal when he assisted in the deaths of more Paladins to protect the evil creature. Though it was in self defense, it sure didn't look good on his soul's resume. Berafin would have discussed the merits of a more wholesome alignment with the creature, but the creature wouldn't have shown any interest, and Berafin would have respected the creature's free will, and not pushed the subject.
Had Berafin been a PC, and this scenario been in an actual game, I'm sure a great deal would agree that the PC was in dangerous territory (as far as falling goes), but would ultimately be OK as long as he continued to uphold his code, and should the GM have actually interpreted this as a recipe for falling, he would have warned the PC that his actions would result in such and why.
dotforwhenican
I really enjoyed writing the narrative, though, so I feel compelled to post it anyway, in the hopes that others will at least find enjoyment in reading it, and maybe even still put in their two copper about how else this scenario could have played out that could make for an even more interesting story, while keeping the same NPC concept.
The way you set it did make me wonder if Berafin had been charmed or compelled in some way. It would be nice if Aldrea had some way of finding out, at least when she returns.
Having not gotten a response... I'll repeat my comment. The more I think about it, it disturbs me that no one ever checked to see if this thing could be an agent of Berafin's change of allegiance.
Additional questions:
What would happen if Berafin succeeded in getting NO ONE to attack it? It drains life essence -- would it starve to death? Or rather, to avoid starving, turn to initiating attacks? That would, of course, make it truly evil. Otherwise... is the GM wrong in classing it as NE, rather than N?
Assuming that it doesn't need to feed on life essence to live, can Berafin convince it to settle down somewhere? Somewhere isolated, where the locals could grow tolerant of their new neighbor? Or at least get it to tell him which way it's going, so he can get ahead of it and warn the locals of what's headed their way? Because if not, society has a problem with this thing. Not just a bunch of Stupid Good paladins, but the various town militias and so on in its path. (In addition, I'd think that would actually set its alignment at CE, wouldn't it?)
Still, I love the image of the burnt-out-paladin / fighter who is bitterly formulating a new code of ethics... Thanks!
Enjoyed the read, well done.
As you said in your last reply; intent is not brought up enough. Honestly this creature could be almost any evil alignment. It enjoys the carnage and death, but understands it can't just go out and be the aggressor so it intentionally puts itself in situations where it would be "forced" to defend itself, then revels in the slaughter. At least that is how I see it.
This creature is insidious and manipulative. Since it really has no communication in the story, we are left wondering; is it doing it with thoughtful intent or just by its own nature?
In fact, because the creature is so vague, it is almost as if it is not actually a creature, but and idea or thought. (My high school self who hated English class because of the constant analysis is screaming in my head to stop typing, but let's ignore him, he was an idiot.) I mean, we can consider the creature a small evil urge that latched onto our poor hero who instead of acknowledging it for what it was and squashing it, as his friend wished to, he secluded himself with only it for company. As he spent time contemplating upon it, it slowly gained influence over him.
When his friends and order returned to slay the creature, he allowed it to devour them, claiming that it was only defending itself. Instead of realizing his mistake, he saw the pain, suffering, and carnage this thing wrought and continued to deny its nature. So much so that he FOLLOWS it around and has come to the conclusion that the Paladin Order he used to belong to, who still have their divine power granted by either a god of Good or the very essence of Good I might add, are in the wrong.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmond Burke
I mean seriously, this is as an Anti-Paladin of an act as possible (not the class, just the idea of being in opposition to).
This former Paladin allowed for great evil to triumph because of his inaction, and as a result fell. Is the former paladin evil? I am not sure, at the beginning when he first fell, no; at the point the story ends, maybe.
I can do this all day it seems so kudos for a story well done, and also for being completely honest in your title.
Yeah, you did answer your own question and yes you did, and continue to, waste my time.
Not complaining.
Thanks for the thoughts, I set it up so that even though Berafin wasn't wrong in wanting to protect the creature, neither were the other Paladins in wanting to kill it, and I'm glad to see someone grabbed hold of that dynamic and dissected it a bit. Very spooky, suggesting a greater intelligence in it to the point of pointedly acting on Berafin's nature to "wait and see", or even that it might be a sort of ethic/moral leach.
Having not gotten a response... I'll repeat my comment. The more I think about it, it disturbs me that no one ever checked to see if this thing could be an agent of Berafin's change of allegiance.
Sorry, I'll address it now. Maybe during the 2-on-2 battle with Demetri and the Dragon, Demetri had snuck in some kind of Suggestion spell that would ensure Berafin protects his creation should he not survive. Or else, maybe the creature itself is pulling the strings directly, like Andarion suggested. Neither were what I was initially going for, but those are both cool twists to think about.
What would happen if Berafin succeeded in getting NO ONE to attack it? It drains life essence -- would it starve to death? Or rather, to avoid starving, turn to initiating attacks? That would, of course, make it truly evil. Otherwise... is the GM wrong in classing it as NE, rather than N?
I like to think that at first, Berafin pleaded on hand and knee with anyone who raised a bow or sword to it, knowing that they would not only get themselves brutally killed, but foster further fear and hatred towards it, which would inevitably call more would-be heroes and such to their own dooms. After so long, though, Berafin probably gave up putting in anymore effort than "that's a bad idea; stop". If he DID manage to keep any would-be attackers out of its path, maybe it WOULD turn to actively seeking out violence, or even turn on Berafin himself, if it felt like his usefulness was spent.
Assuming that it doesn't need to feed on life essence to live, can Berafin convince it to settle down somewhere? Somewhere isolated, where the locals could grow tolerant of their new neighbor? Or at least get it to tell him which way it's going, so he can get ahead of it and warn the locals of what's headed their way? Because if not, society has a problem with this thing. Not just a bunch of Stupid Good paladins, but the various town militias and so on in its path. (In addition, I'd think that would actually set its alignment at CE, wouldn't it?)
That's an interesting conclusion to the story, like instead of a haunted mine, or a tribe of trolls, this town warns travelers of "the cloud of death that lives just over the hill with his human companion. They don't bother us much anymore. Whatever you do, don't attack that cloud thing, it'll rip out your spleen faster than you can say 'I told you, so!'"
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Interpreting the creature as a metaphor aside...
I wouldn't have had Berafin fall for trying to stop his fellow paladins killing the creature. This isn't inaction, it's taking a principled stand based on the idea that you shouldn't kill an intelligent creature that hasn't done anything wrong just because it was created evil.
However, I think it's extremely likely he would have fallen since then. Even if the creature isn't somehow provoking people into attacking it so it can "defend itself," self defense doesn't give you the moral or legal right to do anything you want to your attackers. "Killing its attackers in the most horrifying way possible" is evil. At that point he does have the moral right and possibly even the moral responsibility to harm the thing in order to prevent it from exacting disproportionate retribution on its attackers.
Now, it's very believable that he wouldn't want to do so because he gave up so much to defend it in the first place. But after the second time the creature "defends itself," Berafin is probably either fallen for failing to paladin hard enough in preventing it from using disproportionate force, or dead because the creature killed him for preventing it from engaging in "justified retribution."
And once we reach the point at which:
After so long, though, Berafin probably gave up putting in anymore effort than "that's a bad idea; stop".
...he's definitely fallen. At the very least the "evil associates" clause would have done him in.
Because if not, society has a problem with this thing. Not just a bunch of Stupid Good paladins, but the various town militias and so on in its path. (In addition, I'd think that would actually set its alignment at CE, wouldn't it?)
Being opposed to some particular society isn't enough to make something CE - it has to be opposed to the idea of society in general.
Because if not, society has a problem with this thing. Not just a bunch of Stupid Good paladins, but the various town militias and so on in its path. (In addition, I'd think that would actually set its alignment at CE, wouldn't it?)Being opposed to some particular society isn't enough to make something CE - it has to be opposed to the idea of society in general.
I was referring to the fact that in this case, this monster is choosing its path quite chaotically, without even allowing its companion to get ahead of it. Yes it seems to be going north to Sandpoint now, but then it deviates west into the Brinestump, and then heads back south down the Lost Coast Road, and then... His poor companion might have headed post-haste up toward Sandpoint, realized that his bete noir wasn't following, gone digging around in the Brinestump... A little of that, and he'd have to follow it around piteously. At least communicating, "north draws" or something would enable Berafin to warn the Sandpoint Sheriff. It's a bit of neutrality in what is otherwise apparently chaotic purpose.