Rurik, the Obsidian Paladin

### Description:

Rurik, known as the Obsidian Paladin, is a formidable half-elf with a presence that commands attention. His features carry the weight of a troubled past, with scars etched into his face and a gaze filled with both determination and vengeance. His once-paladin attire is now tainted, featuring dark and obsidian-tinged armor that symbolizes his corrupted path.

### Background and Origin:

Rurik's upbringing was far from ordinary. Raised deep in the mountains by his father, he and his brother Bjorn were personally trained in vastly different disciplines. Rurik was molded into a paladin, honing his divine power and dedicating himself to the path of righteousness. Bjorn, on the other hand, was trained as a rogue, mastering the art of stealth and cunning.

Tragedy struck when their father was killed, and a fateful mission led to Bjorn's death in front of Rurik. Enraged and consumed by grief, Rurik sought revenge, but he was not yet strong enough to exact it. Fleeing from his past, he found refuge with Liz and was welcomed into the Five Pillars of Chaos.

### Powers and Abilities:

1. Mimicry of Faith (Evolved): Rurik's Mimicry of Faith has evolved to a more potent state. Not only can he replicate abilities he has witnessed, but he can now also corrupt and twist them to serve his chaotic purpose. For example, he might copy a healing spell and use it to drain the life force of his enemies instead.
2. Corrupted Divine Abilities: Rurik's divine powers have been tainted by his association with the Five Pillars of Chaos. These corrupted abilities include:
	* Smite of Shadows: His smite attacks are infused with darkness, causing not only physical damage but also emotional torment, inducing fear and despair in his enemies.
	* Dark Aegis: Rurik can summon an obsidian shield that not only blocks attacks but also reflects a portion of the damage back to the attacker.
	* Soul Reaver: This ability allows Rurik to drain the life force of his foes upon striking them, healing his wounds in the process.
3. Shadowstep (Enhanced): Rurik's mastery over shadow has grown, enabling him to teleport instantaneously to distant shadows and strike from unexpected angles. This makes him an even more elusive and unpredictable adversary.
4. Shadowfell Magic (Expanded): Rurik's connection to the Shadowfell has deepened, granting him access to a wider array of dark abilities, including:
	* Umbral Tendrils: He can summon shadowy tendrils to immobilize and constrict his enemies.
	* Cursed Shadows: Rurik can cast debilitating curses that weaken his foes' physical and mental abilities.
	* Shadow Veil: He can manipulate shadows to create an area of near-complete darkness, obscuring his presence and making him difficult to target.

### Nightmare Mount:

Rurik's mount is a nightmarish creature from the depths of the Shadowfell. This monstrous steed, aptly named "Shadowmare," is a spectral nightmare with burning, crimson eyes and a smoky, shadowy mane. Shadowmare has the ability to traverse between the material plane and the Shadowfell, providing Rurik with unparalleled mobility and the element of surprise.

Shadowmare also possesses the following abilities:

* Shadow Stride: Shadowmare can phase in and out of the Shadowfell, allowing Rurik to move swiftly across great distances.
* Nightmare's Fear: The mere presence of Shadowmare strikes terror into the hearts of Rurik's enemies, causing fear and unease.

### Mission of Revenge:

Rurik's primary motivation within the Five Pillars of Chaos is to exact revenge upon those responsible for his brother's death. His pursuit of vengeance has led him to become the Obsidian Paladin, a figure of darkness and chaos with the singular purpose of avenging Bjorn's death.

### Weaknesses:

1. Obsession: Rurik's overwhelming desire for revenge can cloud his judgment and lead him into risky situations.
2. Moral Ambiguity: His alignment has shifted to chaotic neutral, blurring the lines of right and wrong. This moral ambiguity can create conflicts within the group.
3. Haunted Past: The traumatic events of his past continue to haunt Rurik, making him susceptible to manipulation by those who exploit his desire for vengeance.

### Legacy:

Rurik, the Obsidian Paladin, adds a complex and morally ambiguous character to the Five Pillars of Chaos. His journey from a paladin of light to a vengeful figure of darkness brings a compelling narrative to your Dungeons and Dragons 5e campaign in the world of Chromosh, as he seeks to balance his quest for revenge with his role in the cabal of dark magic practitioners.