Blackguard: The Aldorian Menace

== Chapter One: The Blackguard ==
Blackguards, also referred to as Antipaladins, are the quintessential champions of evil in Aldoria. They lead armies of dread forces such as undead, fiends, and other extra-planar beings, often in the name of the more malevolent deities. The most commonly known being of worship currently located on the Material Plane is a Death Drinker demon sent to manage the Blackguard's forces from one of the layers of hell. This Death Drinker was sent to the Material Plane on behalf of the Deity Shar. Their main fortress which has stood for hundreds of years is located on a massive island adjacent to Aldoria. In the center from a distance it's noted to have an extremely tall tower-like structure which is estimated to have at least 100 floors. Ships and trade routes avoid going near this island as hundreds of ships and traders have gone missing over the years that venture near. Taking back this island would take a massive force and military effort. Such an endeavor would leave Aldoria in a dire situation regarding population numbers especially due to the existence of the Elderbloom Plague. The Aldorian Government and the Blackguard forces remain in a perpetual stalemate to this very day.
=== Culture ===
These individuals have the reputation as some of the most reviled villains. They are just as equally feared as they were despised by the free folk of the Realms. They act as killers, lead as commanders, and even serve as agents for more forces that are even more malignant than they. Please note that once a force seeks the aid of the Blackguard force, most often they seem to either join their ranks eventually or vanish without a trace. Only a few have done business and walked away without a ruined life awaiting them.
They accomplish their goals by any means necessary, whether through subterfuge, dark magic, anarchic destruction, or overwhelming force. Their supplies are bolstered from pillaging villages and cities, or plundering ships in Aldorian waters. They are known to set up temporary fortresses using the old ruins around Aldoria, while they attempt to extract any hidden magics or relics held within.
Generals within the Blackguard are either Drow or Human as only they can ride Black Unicorns. These creatures will allow no other being to sit upon them.
=== Abilities ===
Blackguards possess distinct auras of evil and despair, carrying blessings bestowed upon them by the forces of evil. They were particularly adept at instilling fear in their foes. They are quite adept at readily uncovering good beings, and can smite them in battle. The power of this smite is proportional to how long they have reveled in evil. They are also capable of controlling or turning away weaker Undead.
=== Members ===
Among those individuals that venture down the road of the Blackguard are many who forewent more altruistic paths. It is not uncommon for fallen paladins and disgraced rangers to seek out a new life as one of these black knights. Due to their proficiency with shadow magic, Blackguards were often found in the service of the deity Shar.
== Chapter Two: Black Unicorns ==
Black unicorns are unicorns who have been corrupted with the blood of demons and other fiends. They are known to live in layers of hell or are created on the Material Plane by Blackguards.
Black unicorns have coal-black fur and silky manes. Their eyes can be glossy black or burning red. Their distinctive spiral horns are long and chased with silver. Unlike normal unicorns, they have sharp teeth of a carnivore.
=== Behavior ===
Black unicorns are crazed, hateful creatures that live for violence. They delight in causing pain and suffering and prefer eating their meals alive. Black unicorns are normally solitary, but they can also be found in small family units. They are unnatural carnivores that prefer to live in the forests or plains. They are not territorial and wander from place to place, often invisibly.
Black unicorns are created by evil wizards in hell, where they are kept as pets and as mounts in elite cavalry units. However, black unicorns only allow themselves to be ridden by Drow or Human females of evil morality. They particularly enjoy serving Blackguards.
=== Abilities ===
Black unicorns, like their more peaceful kin, have multiple magical abilities. Like all unicorns, they can not be magically charmed or held and are immune to poison and death spells. They continually radiate silence in a 15 ft (4.6 meter) radius around them. Three times per day, they can turn invisible, not including their rider, or radiate darkness for 15 feet (4.6 meters) around them. Once per day, they can teleport themselves and their riders a few miles without risk, but can only teleport while in darkness or shadow.
Black unicorns are highly intelligent and can learn to speak Common. Because of this, it is rumored that evil wizards are trying to teach them to cast spells with only verbal components.
Additionally, black unicorns can see up to 300 feet (91 meters) in complete darkness and even magical darkness. However, they dislike light.
The horn of a black unicorn is poisonous; anyone struck by it risks being paralyzed for as long as three days before dying of heart failure. The horn can be used to make an extremely potent and fast-acting poison that can kill or paralyze the victim.
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