BLACKTHORN'S DOGS
IMG Credit: xSneekz
--[ What is Known ]--
History:
Count Erqhart is the liege lord of a regiment of renowned shock-infantry known as "Blackthorn’s Dogs". Peace was never guaranteed around Erqhart's territory, and after a border skirmish began an old ally showed up to help. Margrave Melekhov Murmann, one of the Marcher Lords to eventually conquer Frostpeak during the Frostpeak Wars, stepped in to assist the Count with the matter as a show of good faith and to honor a political marriage between their houses. Erqhart's skirmish was a success and the noble maintained his land, now owing a favor to Murmann.
The Marcher Lord eventually called upon Erqhart during the later half of the Siege of Frostpeak to repay his debt and help the Marcher Lords finally seize control of the area they’d spent so long in stalemate against. Blackthorn’s Dogs were a sight for sore eyes for the exhausted Bannermen and a brutal nightmare for the northern soldiers. While Erqhart’s regiment assisted in only a part of the Frostpeak Siege, their bloodthirsty onslaught and penchant for success in battle earned many of Blackthorn’s Dogs the title of "Conqueror."
Present:
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Ser Saul "Black Dog" Blackthorn
"The Black Knight"
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## Ser Saul "Black Dog" Blackthorn | [50HP]
Leader of Blackthorn's Dogs; Saul wields the infamous mace & shield he used to conquer with in Frostpeak.
> DEX -1
> STR +3
> Athletics +3
> Fortitude +3
> Belief +1
Equipment:
- Heavy Armor (Valkian Steel)
- Mace
- Small Blade (hidden vambrace)
- Large Shield
Feats:
1. Lineage Weapon
2. Oath of Bravery
3. Oath of Diligence
4. Lucky Coin
5. Death's Dance
6. Shieldbash
7. Shieldmaster
8. {Reckless Attack}
9. {Bastion Stance}
10. {Control}
[Oath of Bravery — Saul Blackthorn]
The Oathkeeper swore to test the mettle of others and to cull the world of weak warriors.
In addition to this he must never back down from challenges or opportunities for others to test their skill against his own.
In situations where the Oathkeeper is outnumbered, his shield block and bash rolls are made with a +1 modifier.
[Oath of Diligence — Saul Blackthorn]
The Oathkeeper swore to protect the Blackthorn Knights and to always uphold their ruthless reputation.
When either are tested or threatened, the Oathkeeper is hastened and can swing his mace with frightening speed.
This weapon no longer triggers quickfooted.
Ser Virgil
"The Conqueror"
Ser Virgil received his title "Conqueror" through his successful contribution to the Blackthorn assaults in Frostpeak. A veteran compared to all of the current Dogs except Saul himself, Virgil is the oldest and wisest among them. Notably he shed his bloodlust and donned a new technique: Patience. Where the others believe "might makes right," Ser Virgil is one to bide his time and strike when the moment is worthy. His efforts were demonstrated most recently against Mulrath when he traveled to the Spire after being ordered to claim Wolvenskar's bounty. Not one to disobey an order, Virgil arrived where he was told to and confronted the lone wolf. Rather than swiftly killing the man and claiming his bounty, the Blackthorn Knight offered to leave him alone if he proved himself worthy. By the end of the fight Mulrath embraced peace in his death and ultimately impressed Ser Virgil, who chose to spare him as a potential pupil.
## Ser Virgil | [30HP]
A veteran of Blackthorn's Dogs; Virgil wields a well-balanced pole-spear.
> DEX +3
> STR +1
> Athletics +2
> Acrobatics +3
> Fortitude +3
> Belief +1
Equipment:
- Light Armor
- Polearm
- Recurve Bow
- Small Blade (hidden vambrace)
Feats:
1. Lineage Weapon
2. LW: Flexible Design -> Finesse Blade
3. Quickfooted
4. Combat Acrobat
5. Dual Striker
6. Death's Dance
7. Lightning Speed
8. {Momentum}
9. {Galestorm Stance}
10. {Control}
Lady Sif
"The Ash Hound"
Not much is known about Blackthorn's individual "Dogs." One, Lady Sif, arrived at the Spire to test the mettle of Bracchus Moontusk (who was mistaken for "Ser Maliketh"). Though Bracchus struck her with a devastating Lacuna attack, Lady Sif proved tenacious as she defeated the Greatling. Once downed, she asked him if he would yield or die. Bracchus chose to choke her. Battering him away with ease at that point, she left him alive and seemed pleased with his choice. She informed him that his new title "Dog" was an honor, not an insult.
## Lady Sif | [30HP]
A Blackthorn Knight wielding a flaming flamberge with a chain attached to its hilt.
> DEX +1
> STR +3
> Athletics +3
> Fortitude +3
> Belief +1
Equipment:
- Heavy Armor (Valkian Steel)
- Greatsword
- Small Blade (hidden vambrace)
Feats:
1. Lineage Weapon
2. LW: Elemental
3. Mutant
4. Rage
5. Piercing Strike
6. Adrenal Rush
7. Second Wind
8. LW: Flexible Design -> Meteor Hammer
9. Steadfast Defender
10. {Control}
Hindrance: Phobia
