Here`s an attempt at a powerful Dark Knight build. This character will be
an NPC in my Birthright campaign.

Background: Hruskgar Blackthorn hails from Hjorig, a Rjurik-populated
country on the western borders of Vosgaard. Originally a warrior and skald
(started out as Bard/Bbn) in the service of the Jarl of Hjorig, Hruskgar
Ulldvim (as he was originally known) always harbored a burning interest in
the occult (at level 1, 3 ranks K:arcana, 2 ranks K:religion, 3 ranks
Alchemy, 4 ranks Spellcraft). On a minor hunting trip, Hruskgar encountered
and slew a minor awnshegh, in the process unknowingly becoming a scion of
Azrai`s blood.

Azrai`s derivation subtly increased Hruskgar`s interest in occultism as
well as further corrupting his already evil nature. When Hruskgar killed
another of the Jarl`s lieutenants in a minor dispute, he was banished from
the realm by the Jarl, who feared his growing ability and influence (again,
fueled in part by his divine bloodline).

Hruskgar, through his study of esoteric topics, knew that only with a
divine bloodline could humans use true magic (as a skald, he already knew
minor powers of illusion and divination). However, he still did not know
that he possessed such a bloodline thanks to the act of bloodtheft against
the awnshegh he killed. He travelled south to Khinasi lands, where there
were many repositories of arcane knowledge.

Believing that he had no ability to use true magic, Hruskgar turned to the
study of alchemy and the creation of elixirs and potions. His study and
experimentation led him to increasingly depraved rituals to create his
potions, until the point where his actions were discovered by the locals
and he was chased away from Khinasi lands.

Now wholly committed to the practice of profane rituals, perhaps because of
his dark blood, Hruskgar fled to Anuire, where he found a place to continue
his study.

Now a lieutenant of the Duke Jaison Raenech of Osoerde, Hruskgar Blackthorn
(as he is now known) has expanded his study of occultism to include
religious ritual, under the guidance of the True Church of Vosgaard hidden
in Osoerde. It is unknown whether he possesses his paladin-like powers
through supplication to Belinik and Kriesha or some darker, heretofore
unknown power.

Here`s the build:

Hruskgar Blackthorn
Male Rjurik human
Neutral Evil
Azrai, minor, 16 (Heightened Ability-Charisma, minor; Enhanced Sense, minor)

Brd2/Bbn2/Ftr2/Blackguard3/Master of Shrouds1/Warrior of Darkness10

S 16, D 10, C 14, I 13, W 13, Ch 17

1. Brd1 Bardic Knowledge (occult knowledge), Bardic Music (unholy chants),
Power Attack, Iron Will
2. Bbn1 Rage, +10 speed
3. Bbn2 Cleave, Uncanny Dodge 1
4. Ftr1 Sunder, Cha +1
5. Ftr2 Weapon Focus: Claymore
6. Brd2 Vile Martial Strike: Claymore
7. WoD1 Black Magic Oil (Ensorcelled Flesh)
8. Blk1 Detect Good, Poison Use, Cha +1
9. Blk2 Dark Blessing, Smite Good, Improved Critical: Claymore
10 Blk3 Aura of Despair, Control Undead
11 MoS1 Extra Turning, Death/Evil/Protection domains
12 WoD2 Darkling Weapon, Divine Might, Cha +1
13 WoD3 Black Magic Elixir (Violent Knowledge: Weapon Specialization:
Claymore)
14 WoD4 Black Magic Oil (Rapid Step +10 speed)
15 WoD5 Scarred Flesh, Open Feat
16 WoD6 Violent Knowledge (Open Feat), Wis +1
17 WoD7 Black Magic Oil (Unholy Strike)
18 WoD8 Repellent Flesh, Open Feat
19 WoD9 Black Magic Elixir (Dark Senses: tremorsense)
20 WoD10 Black Magic Oil (Malign Fury), Str +1

Stats at level 20 without stats/items factored in:
BAB +19;
HP 2d6+2d12+16d10+Con;
Saves +16 +7 +13 +Divine Grace and high ability scores;
Skills - a good number of points in a variety of skills. Very well rounded,
actually; this character would do very well in a solo campaign, with minor
tweaking.

What do you think the 3 open feats should go to? I was thinking about
Improved Sunder, Expertise, and maybe something on the Expertise chain, but
I`m not sure. An alternate possibility is to drop the claymore and go with
sword and shield, and pick up some of the shield feats from DotF.
Leadership is also a definite possibility, and Boost Spell Resistance or
Dark Speech.

As far as levels go, I could drop the Master of Shrouds level and 1-2
levels of Warrior of Darkness in favor of Blackguard 4 and 5. That gives
+1d6 SA and fiendish companion.

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