Path of the Death Knight (UA)
Villainous Options p. 9 (Unearthed Arcana)
Description
Death knights are dastards, deserters, and disgraced champions, undead warriors who march toward perdition to fulfill selfish desires and slake their bloodthirst. A death knight's martial prowess is inextricably tied to their evil nature, but their heinous deeds extend far beyond the battlefield.
Death Knight Journeys: While each death knight is unique, every death knight's descent into villainy begins with a significant and dishonorable act—a deliberate wrongdoing or shameful mistake that marks their disgrace. You can roll on or choose from the Death Knight Journeys table to determine why your character has chosen to walk this path.
Death Knight Journeys:
| 1d6 | You Fell from Grace When You ... |
|---|---|
| 1 | Abandoned your companions in battle. |
| 2 | Betrayed a loved one. |
| 3 | Intentionally harmed an innocent. |
| 4 | Made a pact with a malevolent entity such as a demon lord. |
| 5 | Offended a benevolent god. |
| 6 | Violated a sworn oath. |
Death Knights Across the Multiverse: The death knights of D&D are dramatic figures whose tragic fates result from equally tragic sins. On many worlds, death knights' misdeeds spell doom not just for themselves and their companions but for entire kingdoms. Notable death knights across the multiverse include the following:
Lord Soth, Knight of the Black Rose and ruler of Dargaard Keep on the world of Krynn.
Olanthius, former general of the angel Zariel who became a death knight after Zariel's fall from grace.
Saint Kargoth, favored servant of the demon lord Demogorgon and Greyhawk's first death knight.
While most death knights refuse to atone for the acts that made them, it's possible for a death knight to repent and end their curse. Such was the fate of Lord Vanrak Moonstar of Waterdeep, who repented to Selûne for betraying her in favor of her nemesis, Shar. For more on death knights, see the Monster Manual.
Path of the Death Knight Feats: The following feats represent one path a character can take to become a death knight. To complete the Path of the Death Knight, begin by taking the Death Knight Initiate feat, followed by any other Path of the Death Knight feat you choose. Finally, when you reach level 12 or higher, take the Death Knight Ascension feat.