Flagellant

Clad in chains enscribed with the name of her patron, a dwarven woman stands before a horde of mauraders. As her allies are sent blow after blow towards them she stands tall, wounds intended for them piling upon her body.

The orc-cheiftan looks on as the group of adventurers carry their companion towards them. They let go of the sickly, frail human and he collapses to the ground. Slowly, the adventurer struggles to their knees and, reaching out the scarred flesh of his hand, watches as the orc tribe erupts in a flurry of flame.

As the cries of war echo around the battlefield, as swords clash a strange, robe-clad figure steps through the chaos. A wayward arrow pierces the chest of the figure and in an instant the battle halts as black, soulless eyes pierce through the combatants with an unmatched, silent ferocity.

Beyond the bounds of any religion, Flagellants worship pain and the power given by it. Beyond the sacrfices made by common warriors, they weild their bodies as tools to heighten their fervor and fanatasism; tapping into it to fuel their power.

Willing Sacrifice Even the most common of men know the value of pain. The rush of addrenaline can give the solider one final chance at victory, or imbue one with a sudden surge of previously untapped strength. To a select few the raw emotion felt from their suffering fuels a devotion as strong as a Cleric to their deity, or a Warlock to their patron; allowing them to perform feats of supernatural power. Beneath every Flagellant is a source of their unyeilding dedication. To many it is a devotion to a god or other powerful creature that drives them down the path of self-sacrifice. For others it is a sense of duty to protect a country, or ideology. Only through such fanatasism can these people push their bodies to such extremes, and with it gain the power that comes from it.

Dedication Beyond Pain Those who are willing to sacrifice their own bodies, be it in the name of a deity or even the mere pursuit of the power hidden within pain, are drawn strongly to the life of an adventurer. While there are many churches or cults who's teachings involve self-flagellation, it is only their most zealous members who break their bodies willingly enough to grant themselves such power; it is these people who are sent as envoys, guardians, or warriors for their idol. Such a ferverous willingness to put their bodies on the line for their cause makes invaluable members of an adventuring party. Fevering passion is the key to the Flagellant way of life; with the constraints of their body not hindering their efforts towards achieving their end goal. To a Flagellant, most folk appear cowardly and unfaithful. The fear of pain and suffering leading to poor companions. Only when around of those who too establish themselves as willing to take sacrifices does a Flagellant truly consider themselves among good company; for to them sacrifice is both a way of life and a means of survival.

Creating a Flagellant When creating a flagellant character, the most important question to answer is what drives your character to commit such significant acts of self-sacrifice. Do they swear loyalty to a kingdom? Or are they loyal followers of a deity or powerful magical creature? Work with your DM to see what kingdoms exist, as well as what kind of powerful creature or deities are present in their world. Once you have decided what drives your flagellant, consider the relationship they have with it. Are they an outsider from their church? Part of a small cult worshiping a sorcerous lich? What sent them on their adventuring quest: Were they sent by their kingdom to eradicate a threat to the nation? Or were they commanded by their patron to aqquire a sacred artifact? Quick Build You can make a flagellant quickly by following these suggestions. First, Constitution should be your highest ability score, followed by Charisma. Second, choose the acolyte background.