Caediath
From Valwiki
"You're as good as... Revenant... you are strong."
"You're a fine warrior... Call me sentimental, but I wish we'd met under other circumstances."
- Exchange between Plague and Caediath, Time After Time, Chapter 13, "Unholier Than Thou"
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| Given Name: | Caediath Auriel | |
| Alias: | The Oathkeeper | |
| Title: | Lord Justiciar | |
| Age: | Unknown (Appears 30) | |
| Race: | Half Drow | |
| Eye Colour: | Heterochromatic. Left: Blue/ Right: Green | |
| Hair: | Pale Blonde | |
| Skin tone: | Dusky Brownish Grey | |
| Height: | 6', 1" | |
| Weight: | 216 | |
| Alignment: | LG | |
| Voice By: | Roger Craig Smith | |
| Theme: | The Red Wings | |
| Player: | Vindicaire | |
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| Statistic | Starting Value | Current Value | |
| Melee Capability: | 42 | 47 (+20) | |
| Archery Capability: | 31 | 31 | |
| Gunnery Capability: | 28 | 28 | |
| Faith: | 40 | 70 (+20) | |
| Strength | 37 | 42 | |
| Endurance: | 44 | 49 (+10) | |
| Agility: | 44 | 44 (-10) | |
| Intelligence: | 31 | 31 | |
| Perception: | 34 | 34 | |
| Willpower: | 45 | 65 | |
| Charisma: | 36 | 41 | |
- Done on a scale of 1-100 with 30 being human average.
- Points were added and subtracted to reflect approvals to statistical increases, and being a seasoned soldier and above all, a survivor. The parenthetical numbers (which were not applied) reflect equipment.
"Caediath" is the persona taken on by the Paladin Sil'Fer Telios during the expansion period of the Fervent Watch. It was originally a split personality brought on by a Guardian Spirit in order to allow him to focus entirely on the fight mentally and relay everything. During the scourging that caused many of his friends to die, he stepped away from the carnage and headed to Meridiem seeing that here, he could do no good. The specifics of his adventures in Meridiem are covered here.
The struggles there eventually began to seem pointless. But it started with something as simple as eliminating slavers and stopping them from trafficking in humanoids, and eventually evolved into a conspiracy involving cults, old friends, and old enemies alike.
Contents |
Personality
"You really are unstoppable, Watchman. Let's head back home. She's waiting for you."
-Renault Astaldo, Time After Time, Chapter 24, "In the Garden of the Knight"
Honor
"I have to adhere to the tenets otherwise I'm a killer... just like you."
-Caediath, Time After Time, Chapter 8, "Legacy of Steel"
Caediath puts principle above his own gain and constantly makes it a point to press his existing advantages. He's an adaptable thinker with a flexible set of rules of engagement but also conversely has a lot of inflexible "constants." For example he never harms the old, young or weak unless attacked first. Above all other things, he holds onto his restraint in combat, for without it he is nothing. While he honors truces and duels, he's not above slashing the throat of an enemy when they surrender simply because it would be in his best interest. Caediath is more concerned with doing what is "right" than doing what is "good." Make no mistake, he is a flexible thinker, and does use enemies to his advantage when it's a viable option. In struggles that go multiple ways, he tends to work with the outnumbered enemy and then wipes his erstwhile ally out after the confrontation is over.
Life
"To treasure a life... is that something to laugh at? Everything is twisted... you... this world... all of it."
-Caediath, Time After Time, Chapter 25, "Because it was My Death Knell"
Caediath cherishes only two things: life, and love. Seeing as how it brought his host to mental ruin to the point where he had to adopt a second personality to avoid destroying himself, he sees a great power in it. Unfortunately, it causes too much complicated emotion, which can go from passion to bloodlust when slighted. Life, however, is not something he ever toyed with, especially in his presence. To call him pacifistic is a mistake, when left with no options, he won't hesitate to fight and even kill for a friend or those he wants to protect.
Love
"Where the hell's Renault?! No... he's dead. It's four on one... I propose retreat... get us out of here NOW!"
"No. Continuing the task. The enemy's worn down too. I can do this. We can do this! You will die, even if it doesn't do anything for the thousands of lives you've so carelessly snatched away!"
-An exchange between Sil'Fer and Caediath, Time After Time, Chapter 25, "Because it was My Death Knell"
Caediath is jaded from his time in Meridiem to the point of being known to alternate between a gentlemanly calm and apathetic manner of speaking that puts people off. His new attitude however, has not changed any view on love. It is a powerful emotion that has allowed men to lay waste to warbands, move large objects and surpass human limits. He has a respect for it, and where he once shuns it, he now embraces it as he would an old friend he had not seen in some time.
Fear
"There's just one of them..." The shadows became stifling, but I could still hear them in the distance. They saw Renault, but they couldn't see me. I was too well hidden. As they began to circle around the campfire readying to kill him, I struck, Oathkeeper screaming from the force of impact before four brigands were separated from their waists. No longer was I Sil'Fer Telios, I was Caediath, the Condemner. I was a servant of Orrovan. I was judgement. I took no joy in it, and Oathkeeper was brought in front of me in an at ready stance. "Five of them. Well, you warned them. Are you ready, Watchman?" Renault asked, drawing his Claymore. I nodded without another word, the blood on my form in the orange light of the fire giving me a hellish appearance. They were trembling, and that was just the way I liked it.
-A sample from Time After Time, Chapter 16, "The Pride of a Paladin"
Eight years has done a lot to him. Sil'Fer now inhabiting Oathkeeper, his split personality actually developing sentience and a sense of will. He has become increasingly jaded and condescending, no longer hiding behind the faceless mask of judgement that formerly was used to unleash him. Despite being psychologically superior to the host as a Paladin, Caediath doesn't acknowledge his strengths, or that of any enemy. He merely plays off of perceived weaknesses, in every case he plays on fear. Though he is loathe to admit it, fear plays an important part of his life. He spends every day in mortal terror that he is lacking in Orrovan's eyes, that somebody will kill him, that he had judged somebody wrongly and there would be retribution. His biggest fear is that his patience will not pay off and that his carefully laid plans will fall apart. Above all, he fears the pain of having everybody he loves die. Though it seems that because he fears these things, he fears nothing else.
The Neverending War
His time fighting a war on all fronts, both the enemy, and himself had taken its toll on him. The only thing that seemed to retain was his defiance for authority. In his eyes, that of Orrovan is stark and unequivocal, and the only one he will no longer continue to defy. Despite being a half-drow, his heavy hitting defensive battle style defies all previously established constraints of a deceptively delicate appearing frame. He has become resilient to the point of ridiculousness in terms of mental and physical defenses and has generally proven that he is even at war with the very idea of his heritage, because he has shown differences, nobody wants to listen. He speaks very intimately about himself and the battlefield, for it is where he spends most of his time, a born strategist and more manipulative than he lets on. He is also seen by his men in the Concord as equal parts visionary, passionate demagogue and romanticist.
Family
Mother: Unknown
Father: Unknown
Siblings: Unknown
Brother: Oathkeeper (Speculation, speaks to a spirit within the weapon as if it were kin)
Brother: Arthus Silverwind (Sworn Oath)
Nephew: Levan Telios (Confirmed)
Thoughts on Others
This section is reserved for Caediath's thoughts on the people he comes in contact with.
Friendly
Leonidas Brovell: Don't make me regret taking you in, Brovell.
Arthus Silverwind: You're my brother in arms, and my brother in spirit. You were stupid enough to stand beside me. I owe you that at least.
Indifferent
Raphael Alighieri: Not my problem. Stay out of my way.
Duke Dreadmoore: You're a good antithesis... and a fine warrior... but you're ultimately... just like me.
Matrim Hakor: You abandoned us too... and we were counting on you.
Erika Okibi: ...No.
Anjou Raiheart: I have nothing to say about you. Just stay... far away from me.
Hostile
Kharn: You're just an animal... do you know that?
Kyorlurn Istosuru: You always called me your inferior, and yet here I stand: thriving after all you've said and done to me. I am not your friend, I am not your ally, but I am not your enemy. Know this time that the games are up, and next time we fight... I will kill you.
Posessions
Equipment
When Caediath is normally carrying a lot on his person, he tends to utilize other things. Unless otherwise stated, he's always got these objects.
"I am the sword of retribution... and this... this is the reflection of my nature."
Oathkeeper: Caediath's signature weapon is believed to be an Abyssal Rune Blade. In reality, it is a half-blade with a specialized type of magic the relies on runed talismans with enchantments on them that affect the properties of the blade. Though it does contain a soul, the soul is neither bound, nor unwilling. The weapon shares a sentimental value to the old host and the new soldier, and Caediath perceives others touching the blade as incredibly disrespectful.
Armor of the Oathkeeper: A suit of armor consisting of a breastplate, plated vambraces, a chain shirt underneath and a chain skirt. It is incredibly resilient, and enchanted not to be teleportable.
Necklace of Elemental Resistance: Though technically they're rings, he wears them around his neck. They were to help him resist the elements and were done by Erika Okibi.
Other
"Orrovan protects... but these help, too."
Medical Supplies: Sil'Fer keeps a pouch of herbs, salves, ointments and gauze on him almost at all times.
Sanctus Libri of Orrovan: Chained to his hip when he's in his armor (it's not known what he does when out of armor, since he almost never seems to take it off), the Sanctus Libri is a collection of scriptures, poems, tenets and teachings of Orrovan gathered during his 'pilgrimage' in Meridiem, as well as a recollection of a vision at Last Pointe. On the cover the words "Vos Mos Reddo Censura in hostes Hostium Intus, hostes Hostium Vacuus, quod hostes Hostium Ultra." It offers no special benefits other than not having to struggle to remember the specifics of a ritual because it's always at hand... or on his hip, rather.
Skills
"Gotta be prepared..."
Medical: Sil'Fer gains the ability to set bones for binding to speed up the healing process on top of bandaging minor and major wounds. They are still treated as being broken, but are placed properly so that when the limb does heal it will not be as big of a hindrance. In addition, Sil'Fer can now create medicines to reduce fevers, sterilization agents and can make painkillers and other medicines to fix inflammations. Sil'Fer can also research uncommon diseases and ailments given enough time to study a subject (time varies at RPA discretion) and can develop a cure for the disease if it is in fact curable. (Achieved through RPing, discretion on player's part was made, setting it as subject to RPA re-evaluation before being used again.)
Herbology: Sil'Fer has a knowledge of herbs, flowers and plants above that of a normal person. He is familiar with their anatomy and is able to extract chemicals or ground up plants and herbs to make medications with his Medical skill (See above) as well as having a knowledge of how to make viable offspring between plants. (Achieved through RPing and prior approval, discretion on player's part was made, setting it as subject to RPA re-evaluation before being used again.)
Class Related Abilities
Unique
These features are unique not in the sense that they cannot be taught, but due to Caediath's method of warping his spells to his will. Due to his flexibility in wielding his powers, he has developed many utilities that set him aside from most Paladins. Sacrificing his own energy in order to launch devastating assaults with electrical energy, converting spells and various other things. Above all else Caediath shows that he is not a regular Paladin. Things listed as "Natural" simply mean it's because of his warped psyche or physiology.
Tenacity
Tenacity is one of the greatest assets Caediath has. Where his magic sometimes fails and his blade cannot always do the trick he can stand tall knowing that his will is nigh-on unbreakable and his body can be pushed beyond its normal limits in a heartbeat if needed. Where Caediath naturally lacks resistances to most forms of trauma, he keeps going through sheer grit, at the end of a battle emerging soaked in both the blood of himself and his enemy. All things considered he would not have it any other way.
Jaded [Unique]
[Natural- Fear Immunity]
Effect: Caediath has survived some of the worst things the world has thrown at him, from corruption of royalty, to the very people he swore to protect replacing him with crazed people trying to kill him. Despite all this, he still stands as a testament to him being greater than anything he could have possibly hoped for. To demonstrate his true grit, he has an immunity to normal and extraordinary fear effects. Supernatural and spell fear effects still occur as normal. Discretion is the better part of valor, however, he won't just throw himself recklessly at enemies: he's got a resistance, not stupidity. ((Approved by Chris))
Conditioning [Unique]
[Natural- Defensive Empowerment: potency I, Stamina Empowerment: potency I, Passive]
Effect: Because of a difficult upbringing and constantly fighting for base rights, as well as his own life, Caediath is no longer as fragile or easily worn out as most Half-Elves. His abilities have increased, making him tougher and stronger than his size suggests. His resilience isn't incredible, he can't take point like sturdier races such as the Dwarves and Orcs, but he can dish out and take hits due to an increased muscle mass and increased pain tolerance. ((Approved by Chris))
Teamwork
Teamwork and unity are one of the things that have been stressed in Paladin orders since the founding of the type. Where Caediath doesn't get along with traditionalists he does know that he needs the help of a trusted few. As such, Caediath trained himself in the use of his martial prowess to aid his comrades both offensively and defensively. At the end of the day, if nothing else Caediath knows that he'd rather have a teammate at his back rather than an enemy blade.
Sentinel [Unique]
[Natural- Defensive: potency II, Movement-Dependent, Defensive, Passive]
Effect: Caediath has mastered the art of running for his life, but he's channeled it into something more productive. Most soldiers know that keeping on the move in combat increases survivability, but implimented differently, between footwork and bladework, while not increasing his resiliency has become adept at parries and blocks. By taking a turn (at which point he can do nothing but defend) he is granted two parries per turn. If he doesn't use this additional parry, but still uses his first one he can move up to three feet. This does not mean he gets two counters, nor does it mean he gets a second attack or dodge. ((Approved by Chris))
Fury
The fury abilities consist of rather vicious attacks, many of which require him to utilize the power of his signature weapon, the Oathkeeper. Where his other talents revolved around being ready to take on the world, the fury abilities are just what he plans to do it with. No longer a shield, Caediath is a blazing sword of vengeance aimed directly at the foundation of the House of Troubles.
Orrovanite Substitution [Unique]
[Divine- Conversion]
It's unknown what he did, but the spell seems to have changed.
Cooldown: (+1 Round to existing non-weapon dependent spell)
Duration: Passive
Range: Self
Effect: Caediath took a strange principle and made it even stranger.Three times per (OOC) week he may-by invoking the will of his patron-alter it to utilize Orrovan's favored element or conversely holy energy. When he uses an ability that deals damage, he may specify during channelling if he'll be using the standard type or the modified type. If the spell deals electrical damage he can convert it to holy damage and thus gains the associated benefits (double damage to undead as holy) of the spell. Conversely he may convert a holy attack spell to electrical damage and thus gains the associated benefits (the ability to stun non-undead and non-oozes). A converted ability adds one more round to cooldown to use as another round is spent converting the energy. Weapon dependent abilities cannot be altered in such a way.
Executioner's Glaive [Unique]
[Divine- Electricity: potency II, Offensive]
Caediath brings his blade back and thrusts it forward, a blast of electricity shooting towards the foe.
Cooldown: 3 rounds
Duration: Instant
Range: 20' Line
Effect: The attack is so called the Executioner's Glaive because the blast uses his weapon as a focus. Caediath's body begins to crackle with a few stray arcs of electricity before they eventually find their way to his fingertips and then to his weapon. At which point he points to a target he designated and the ensuing blast flies straight at them. Against targets susceptible to electricity he gains Potency I Armor Penetration, but against targets resistant to electricity (naturally, not enchantments, so leather and such is actually good to have) the damage only becomes Potency I. If the weapon hits any target it can chain to another target within range that is directly behind it. Those dealt damage by it must roll a 10 on a d20 or only be able to take half actions for the next round of combat. ((Approved by Chris))
Judgement Bolt [Unique]
[Divine- Lightning: potency II, Radiant: potency II, Offensive, Projectile]
Caediath's eyes widen and turn a golden hue, arcs of golden lightning crackling across his form. He surges with both purpose and electricity.
Casting Time: 2 turns
Duration: Instant
Range: 30 feet
Effect: Arguably Caediath's most powerful offensive ability. Bestowed upon him for faith in Orrovan, the spell itself is usually used to knock down flying opponents with muscular discord, although he also uses it to gain an edge in combat against superior numbers. Channeling his own life force through his body, he surges with living energy. He may direct this energy against a single target within range. This attack is not without drawbacks, however, as he is utilizing his own life force for the attack. Caediath himself takes potency II unspecified, completely and totally unavoidable damage and immediately must roll a 5 on a d20 (+5 for every casting of the spell within the last IC week) to avoid incapacitation. The attack however is of such desperation that it is possible for him to cast himself unconscious, or even cast himself to death with it. He can, however burn one runic charge on Oathkeeper to forgo the incapacitation roll (but it still counts as a use, so if he burns one rune and casted once, he must still roll a 10) but not the damage, he can still be incapacitated or killed by his own reckless channeling. Such is the indiscriminate nature of Orrovan's judgement. ((Approved by Chris))
Paladin
Lay on Hands
Lay On Hands [Paladin - Tier 1]
[Divine- Healing: Potency I, Touch, Healing]
The warm light from the palm of his hand rejuvenated the just.
Casting Time: N/A
Duration: N/A
Range: Touch
Effect: Caediath offers a prayer to Orrovan, humbly asking that he may be granted the ability to relieve the suffering of an ally. He then places one of their hands over a wound as radiant energy surges outward, instantly closing either a single cut, rip, puncture, or mends the broken bones of a single limb. Can be cast on self. This prayer counts towards the three casts per three day cycle use of all Lay on Hands abilities. ((Approved by Dax))
Soothing Lay On Hands [Paladin - Tier 2]
[Divine- Healing: potency II, Touch, Healing]
The brilliant light erupting from his hand closed the mortal wounds of the soldier.
Casting Time: N/A
Duration: N/A
Range: Touch
Effect: Caediath beckons to Orrovan, humbly asking that their servant may save their ally from otherwise mortal injuries. They then place one of their hands on the body as a bright flash of radiant energy erupts outward, instantly closing either two cuts, rips, punctures, or mends the broken bones of two limbs. Can be cast on self. This prayer counts towards the three casts per three day cycle use of all Lay on Hands abilities. ((Approved by Chris))
Empower Weapon
Empower Weapon [Paladin - Tier 1]
[Divine- Radiant: potency I, Enchantment, Aura, Offensive, Utility]
The pure light from his weapon revealed the path.
Casting Time: N/A
Duration: Channeled
Range: Self - 15/25 Feet
Effect: Caediath offers a prayer to Orrovan, humbly asking for the ability to deliver him from darkness. Oathkeeper then begins to shine with divine light. The light is dim between 16-25 feet, while between 1-15 feet it is bright. Any undead, demons, immortals or extraplanar creatures within 15 feet and directly exposed will experience pain due to the radiant light (potency I), and will continue to feel it for every turn they are within the radius. Caediath can maintain the enchantment indefinitely. ((Approved by Chris))
Converting Empower Weapon [Paladin - Tier 2]
[Divine- Radiant: potency I, Healing: potency I, Offensive, Healing]
Oathkeeper seemed to convert the energies of the unholy, aiding himself.
Casting Time: N/A
Duration: Channeled
Range: Self
Effect: The Paladin utters a small prayer onto its patron God, humbly asking that the strength of the enemy be turned against them. The Paladin's weapon then begins to shimmer with divine power, which would inflict great pain (potency I) on unholy enemies. If the weapon lands a solid blow (causing a noticeable injury) against any undead, demons, immortals or extraplanar creatures, the Paladin may then roll a d20. If the Paladin lands a 16 or greater they are healed (potency I), instantly closing either a single cut, rip, puncture, or mends the broken bones of a single limb. This affect cannot take place again until three rounds after being healed. A Paladin needs a weapon to use this ability. The Paladin can maintain the enchantment indefinitely. ((Approved by Chris))
Holy Shield
Holy Shield [Paladin - Tier 1]
[Divine- Shield: potency II, Enchantment, Defensive]
Caediath ensured that his ally was well guarded.
Casting Time: N/A
Duration: Channeled
Range: Touch
Effect: Caediath offers a prayer to Orrovan, humbly asking that he may protect a trusted friend. He then reaches out and places their hand on one adjacent ally, and that person is then surrounded by a semi-transparent sphere of golden light that protects them from physical or magical damage (potency II). The person within the shield can dodge or block as normal, it is only when they are about to receive damage that the mitigation takes affect. This shield cannot be cast on himself. He cannot use this prayer until three rounds after the shield is first destroyed or removed. This prayer counts towards the three casts per three day cycle use of all Holy Shield abilities.((Approved by Chris))
Repelling Holy Shield [Paladin - Tier 1]
[Divine- Shield: potency III, Enchantment, Defensive]
Caediathensured that his ally was well protected.
Casting Time: N/A
Duration: Channeled
Range: Touch
Effect: Caediath utters a small prayer onto Orrovan, humbly asking that he may protect a trusted friend. He then reaches out and places their hand on one adjacent ally, and that person is then surrounded by a semi-transparent sphere of golden light that protects them from physical or magical damage (potency III). The person within the shield can dodge or block as normal, it is only when they are about to receive damage that the mitigation takes affect. This shield cannot be cast on himself. He also cannot use this prayer until three rounds after the shield is first destroyed or removed. This prayer counts towards the three casts per day (OOC) use of all Holy Shield abilities.((Approved by Chris))
Rituals
Sacred Challenge [Paladin - Tier 1]
[Divine- Taunt: potency II, Ritual]
Caediath drew a line in the sand and waited to see who was brave enough to cross.
Casting Time: 2 Turns
Duration: Channelled
Range: Touch
Effect: The Paladin utters a small prayer onto its patron God for two turns, then drags the tip of their weapon across the ground. The line glows with a supernatural light, and any enemy that crosses it will feel compelled to engage the Paladin, and only the Paladin. Those with strong will power will be able to ignore the compulsion to attack only the Paladin. Multiple enemies can be taunted. The line and challenge last as long as the Paladin wishes it. The ritual can only be cast twice per three day cycle. ((Approved by Chris))
Blessed Water [Paladin - Tier 2]
[Divine- Radiant: potency II, Enchantment, Ritual]
Caediath placed his hand into the murky water, empowering it with the blessings of Orrovan.
Casting Time: 2 Turns
Duration: 3 Days
Range: Touch
Effect: Caediath utters a small prayer Orrovan for two turns, then places their hand either into an open body of water, or onto a container that holds water. The water is then filled with divine energies that remove poison and disease (potency II), and subjects unholy creatures that touch the water to radiant damage (potency II). Radiant damage only affects undead, demons, immortals and extraplanar creatures. The water will remain pure for a three day cycle, but then can become poisoned or diseased again. The radiant damage also fades after one day. The ritual can only be cast three times per three day cycle. ((Approved by Chris))
Combat
Caediath is primarily a melee combatant with a tactical advantage of being left-handed. Since all of his stances are mirrors of the typical 'right way' to use a sword, his movements which are already difficult to read are taken a step further when they're also mirrored. This, coupled with a style that epitomizes 'aggressive defense,' using his blade and body in concert to keep both moving and thus defending himself and on rare occasions, others as well as keep the enemy's weapons busy makes him ideal as a guardian. Ironically, his lone wolf mentality proves to be self-defeating as he is best suited fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with a friend. Despite being a viable fighter on his own with a strong mix of supportive magic and swordplay, as a powerful ranged attack spell when things get desperate, he requires ample support for drawn out engagements.
Strengths
Caediath's strength is his adaptability in combat. He boasts a strong mix of weapon abilities, though he is definitely more adept with the Halfblade than anything else in his arsenal. Caediath's resilience and flexibility with his gear allows him for a large array of strategic options. His willpower is reasonably high, and when his morale is good, he fights longer, harder and better. Against all odds, with his martial prowess and powerful support abilities he can fulfill any niche if the need arises.
Weaknesses
The biggest weakness Caediath has is his lack of expertise. Where he can outmaneuver slow enemies and bowl over faster ones, he hangs in the middle in most areas. Strong but not the strongest, fast but not the fastest. He's the typical jack-of-all-trades, good at everything in a straight fight, but the best at nothing. His biggest strength is his lack of any glaring weaknesses, but he regularly has trouble dealing with people whose skills are more extreme than his if they're allowed to press their advantages.
The way he fights is often compared to a beginner in choice of equipment, a one handed weapon and medium armor. Such a combinations is used as they get the hang of combat because the style lacks the extremes and glaring weaknesses that might trip up a beginner. Whether the style retains its usefulness as the soldier's skill grows depends on how much the they favor versatility as opposed to pure power. Caediath favored versatility.
Background
Due to extensive Ret-Conning and such, parentage was left hidden, most of his youth will be left as unconfirmed speculation. This is in need of serious cleanup so we're starting with early adulthood. Everything else is attributed to everyone including Caediath himself having an atrocious memory.
Early Adulthood
His lineage never came up until he left home. He was prejudiced on all sides, despite being a complete oxymoron. He was reckless and impulsive, but generally well meant in deed. He had no friendly place to call his own, so he tended to stay in Laboo to keep safe. It was there he met a constant enemy, Valin Naoko. They did single combat many times, and eventually it turned into more of a rivalry and eventually a friendship when they stopped their fight to confront Tarkin Glider. Though both barely made it out, when Valin helped Caediath to his feet and the two staggered to a safe haven, they realized that there were very few differences between the two. His adulthood also led him into conflict with the Drow, whose unofficial leader, Kyorlurn Istosuru constantly brought himself into conflict with. Though he admitted that Kyorlurn was his better, he merely asked for his life. Out of some semblance of pity, Kyorlurn granted him this favor.
They still clashed regularly, especially with Ukali Nendar, his rival. Ukali and he clashed in single combat over the span of almost a decade, and their were victories, defeats and stalemates. At one point they even teamed up to combat a mutual enemy, and have also eliminated interlopers. They kept each other alive out of a demented sense of honor and some degree of mutual respect. Existing as a soldier for many armies in his travels, he became an outcast from most of them, eventually becoming possessed while his mind was addled from the constant defeats.
Release
When he awoke and realized his transgressions, the half-drow found himself faced by a certain Paladin and knew immediately that his time on this world had ended. After being offered a chance to realize his destiny (which he believed was a hammer to the skull and his head exploding like a blood melon) he accepted.
The man who would later become Caediath spent what ill gotten wealth he'd acquired to unlearn what he'd learned and gain knowledge that could be used for the betterment of humanity from a Loremaster. From traveling with him, he managed to gain a grasp of linguistics, learned how to leave a good impression as well as efficient travelling methods.
After finishing his studies and learning, he began to focus on his speaking skills. His presence was powerful, and when he had any responsibilities he was commanding. His grasp of impressions began to evolve to etiquette and his public speaking skills improved as well. He was assigned to duty on watching a ball as part of his training. Almost as if testing him a nobleman challenged him to a duel. Once the rules were set, first blood and no dishonorable maneuvers, they sparred. The nobleman ended up using attempted low-blows, off hand punches and grapples. Nobody said anything, not even the victim, who subsequently ended the match by smashing the hilt of Oathkeeper against the nobleman's shoulder.
His victory began to earn him a bit of a reputation as an efficient fighter, and he was later taken under Rahl's wing as a Paladin of Xerxa. Rahl was able to be very lax with martial training and served more as a spiritual guide. It did not come easy, and he came dangerously close to falling several times. He kept being pulled back from the edge before he left, turning his back on Xerxa in favor of Orrovan.
Paladinship
When Rahl disappeared before the plague, he was left alone again. He was taken in by Anjou and began to operate as a loyal squire. Eventually gaining his own reputation causing him to be feared and loathed by members of the Valikorlian military he used to serve. Once he gained full Paladinship, he took in a few strays, and was later reluctantly inducted as a member of the Fervent Watch as Caediath, the Condemner in order to make sure he had more eyes on him. When the plague occurred, many Watchmen either died or went missing, so Caediath ended up going to an abandoned port that he knew like the back of his hand to show them a haven. After the plague which had many startling revelations (being an uncle, for one) he lost touch with who he was and vanished to pursue his own goals.
His intentions later set on defeating Matrim with the intentions of returning Revenant's Endless Wrath to the Reliquary so that the hammer "would never be sullied by the blood of those undeserving to be destroyed by it." In reality, the closest he ever came to falling was when he was willing to take down one of his own to get the information on where Matrim was holed up in order to take the hammer by force, which ended with his being outcasted. After realizing his misdeeds, in shame he went to Meridiem to face off against truly wicked being in an attempt to redeem himself... or die in the process.
Time After Time
After the time in Meridiem, Caediath's exploits were something that tales were made of. His first night involved him defeating slavers, and later that week he took down the entire camp. He later went to Last Pointe after hearing rumors that the slaves were to be brought there for use as vessels for a Necromancer's army. After that incident, he went to Orrovan's Fist, where he encountered a familiar face from the past, as well as his necromancer ally. Both were put to the sword. What started off as a simple pilgrimage became a expurgation on a scale thought unimaginable by a lone man.
Return
His return almost a decade later was called heartbreaking when he saw an old friend and could not bring himself to smile or respond in anything beyond a weary monotone. His chuckles became almost inaudible and everything he said sounded almost soulless. Old enemies are dead, or now new allies, and because of his refusal to accept this, he's taken to self-exile from society, focusing on his redemption in order to earn forgiveness from the Watch and the right to die with a shred of honor. This resolve has left scars on his sanity, however.
Since his return, he's been asked by his old friend Arthus to be his best man. He's also reconciled with Matrim, and has even gone so far as to begin trying to make amends with Erika, who to this day seems to be bothered with his inability to reconcile with himself. He's since reined in his immoral urges and has actually become a better man, so much that he's actually being considered in a pursuit of a relationship with Erika.
Last Night
Caediath intended to have one last night prior to the attack on The Order of Six Virtues, assisting Duke Dreadmoore in a show of goodwill to dedicate to fixing the shambles of his personal life. Among that time he spent most of it with his friends, of course and managed to cement things with Erika before finally retiring for the night. It was the end of one year, start of another.
Other
Quotes
On Humanity
"And they call me a monster."
"They fear what they don't understand and they despise what they fear... but no... I do not hate them. I cannot."
On War
"Mankind exists to war with each other because every man is at war with themselves."
"Peace in politics is a farce. Politicians claim to want it, but wage war in order to attain it."
"Mankind has seen great kingdoms crumble not because of barbarians, but because of politicians waging pointless wars."
"War is necessarily brutal. The more brutally it's done, the faster it's all over."
On Politics
"Politicians write books that weigh about ten kilograms with ultimately a quarter of a gram of useful information, and that's if they snuck in gardening tips."
"In a depraved sense, I envy the Orcs. They do not bother with politics because it simply doesn't matter to them. They cooperate to achieve a goal and believe in things such as honor and pride. Even if they are of lower intelligence we take a system that works and dismiss them in favor of titles to protect the weak."
"As children, we punished word-crafters, now we rally under their banners."
"They enacted a law keeping Paladins from doing their job and went on a witch hunt, common sense and fact means nothing to them."
On Life
"To treasure a life... is that something to laugh at? Everything is twisted... you... this world... all of it."
"Life is a game. What's the point of playing competitively when there's plenty of people who all just want to be on the same team?"
"I must have missed the divine edict saying that life has no value. Damnable Blackguards."
On Death
"Death is not the sunset, it is not the end... it is the fading of the stars because the dawn has come."
"Death and I are one in the same. The only difference is that I make sure I never get cheated when pursuing those I come for."
On Heroism
"Heroes are a relic of an age long since past. The outcomes of conflicts are now settled between monsters and bigger monsters."
"On the side of idealism and cynicism, I fall down on the side of the cynic. I have survived countless struggles that by all rights should have killed me because if I survived as long as I did, nothing could break me."
"Hero is just a pretty word for 'murderous zealot.'"
"Paladinship is a calling, not a profession. Though like all 'professions' that aren't professions, the inept ones are rewarded by state while the good ones are hanged."
Thoughts on Caediath
Yep, I've made a section for you guys to comment on him here.
Trivia
- Like the host, Caediath is left handed. Unlike the host, he finds dual wielding to be pointless.
- The host is the same reason that Oathkeeper remains powerful, currently sustaining runes to grant it power.
- Nobody knows what happened to the 'Mini-Forged' animated doll.
