Xerxes Kaalahdiil

> "Even the wicked need to be reminded that fear is double-edged sword." - **Xerxes**
>
>

Xerxes Kaalahdiil is a Black Dragonborn adventurer, and new member of the Otha's Rest Adventurer's Guild. Formerly a soldier of Fort Adaar, the 35-year old Dragonborn seeks to understand and unlock the potential of the sacred role passed down by his Patron, Marrukh, the Grimm. The Grimm is an ancient psychopomp-warrior of the Dragonborn, all but forgotten by the annals of their history. Whilst a little oblivious when it comes to social queues, and not particularly bright, he is a fierce and direct combatant; using a combination of his halberd, pact magic, and a healthy dose of fear to strike back against those who commit themselves to the forces of evil. He is noted to have a unique hobby in trinket-making; and he enjoys making them for those he would call his friends.

## Biography

### **Early Years**

Growing up in Fort Adaar, Xerxes was just like any other soldier, called to action when the Fort needed it of him -- though a little overly stiff and stoic, and not the brightest man either. His lack of awareness got him caught one day, as his troop was ambushed on a patrol headed to The Pit, and captured by the steadily growing Kobold army. Forced to work in the mines alongside his fellow soldiers in cramped, coal-filled conditions, Xerxes watched as each of the men he called allies slowly succumbed to the poor conditions. It was only when he made a daring escape did he find himself lost deeper into the mines, bleeding out and choking upon coal-smoke. He stumbled into the forgotten chamber of a nearby crypt. Atop a raised stone coffin lay two gauntlets made of bone; and the words "Here lies Marrukh the Grimm, may his deeds be immortal as this stone." A Champion of his people, perhaps lost to the ages? Xerxes had certainly never heard of The Grimm before. It seems Marrukh's deeds were not as immortal as they had hoped.

But as he crouched over the coffin to read, his lifeblood seeped into the bone-like gauntlets, a shade of Marrukh appeared, and offered Xerxes the ability to survive his injuries, and more, in exchange for his devoted service to the role of The Grimm -- a title that had been all but lost for centuries. And so it was that Xerxes Kaalahdiil, with no other choice, found himself irrevocably bound to the role of The Grimm, a psychopomp warrior sworn in servitude to uphold the honourable ways of the Dragonborn, to guide lost and wayward souls to departure, and to strike fear into the evil and depraved, bringing them to justice. This power was granted to Marrukh by the previous champion; the title is passed from one to the next. His end would be delayed, so he could help others find theirs. Dark energy seeped through the coffin, mixing with his blood, the souls of Xerxes' lost comrades, and the thick coal-tinged air; moments later, The Grimm had its newest Champion.

Despite his newfound power and lease on life, Xerxes has found himself struggling to adapt to his new role. The power the Grimm holds is ancient, but has been dormant for far too long, and so requires great dedication to reach its true potential. He worries that he is not ready for this role, that he cannot live up to his Patron's expectations. Not that he would tell you that, though.

Regardless of his misgivings about his ability to faithfully execute the role of The Grimm, he headed to where he could train, and where he could do the most good; The Adventurer's Guild of Otha's Rest in AOR 554.

### **Joining The Adventurer's Guild**

Xerxes' early forays into adventuring has produced some varied (and chaotic) experiences. He has made attempts at making friends, particularly finding kinship in Hralden; despite the intellectual bridge between them. He has a great respect for those who prove themselves effective in their roles; Star Watcher and Hilda are two such individuals. Despite his deferrement to those with greater intelligence or experience than himself, he is often quick to ask questions about their methods, morality, and reasoning. His strong sense of honour, morality, natural intimidation and his general lack of mental faculties can lead to occasional tensions with fellow Guild Members.

## Pact Magic of The Grimm

### Form of Dread

The Grimm is an ancient title, passed from one champion to the next; though it died with a Dragonborn named Marrukh. They adopt the role of both warrior and psychopomp; delivering succour to lost and restless souls, and sending evil ones to the grave. This undead magic manifests itself primarily in the Form of Dread, which consistently appears to remove the scales of the Dragonborn and leave a nightmarish draconic skeleton in its place; as well as granting additional resistances. Whilst this throughline was present throughout its history, each Grimm had a unique signature to their Form of Dread.

For Xerxes, when he discovered the tomb of Marrukh, the souls of his lost comrades and the coal-smoke of The Pit mixed with the ancient magics, forging Xerxes' pact and granting him his own Form of Dread; a skeletal dragonborn that seeped coal-smoke, embers and even open flame from openings in his body.

### Spellcasting Focus

The Undying energy of The Grimm lay within two bone-like gauntlets, which bind the wearer to the Pact, and to the role of The Grimm. On the palms of these gauntlets are two special crystals. The main-hand holds an amethyst, through which, after focus and a full-binding into the role, creates a bone-like Pact Weapon of the wielder's choice, known as The Verdict; and the offhand holds an onyx stone, through which Undead magic is cast.

### Spells

#### Cantrips

* Eldritch Blast
* Booming Blade

#### 1st Level

* Bane
* Hex
* Armour of Agathys

### Eldritch Invocations

* Eldritch Mind
* Improved Pact Weapon

### Fighter Abilities

* Great Weapon Fighting
* Second Wind

## Mission Log

* Meteor-Rites of Passage (29/06/2023)
* The Black Horse Courier (10/07/2023)
* The Plunge for Knowledge I: Into the Unknown (12/07/2023)
* Be a Good Ol' Chap-el (17/07/2023)
* Caverns and Taverns (20/07/2023)
* Water Palava (24/07/2023)