Dharma
A human paladin from a far-off land. Does not speak common, but worships a god symbolized by a owl grasping the sun within its claws.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Born in the country of Morvol in the northern continent of Immithar, Dharma was a hunter of great renown. He had felled all manner of beasts, for his own glory and for that of his country, but soon he turned to hunting a different type of prey.
The half-elf ruler of Morvol, Ultaor, was not shy about his love for the finer things of life, and didn't exactly like to pay for it. That is to say: the slave trade was not only alive and well in Morvol, but that any and all were threatened by it if you questioned Ultaor.
Dharma had managed to keep his head down and be an asset to Ultaor, bringing him fine pelts and exotic talons, teeth, and claws. But one night, just as dawn was breaking, Dharma had a vision of the sun as a bird of immolation, sweeping towards him with all intent to burn him for his lack of care for fellow man.
He took on the mantle of the Great Owl, Belbrokk, and spent the last five years hunting Ultaor's men and slavemasters in the forests of Morvol, freeing those he could.
His actions have led to uprisings from the freed slaves (who have nothing more to lose) and the Morvol (who could at any moment lose everything, rebellion or not).
Ultaor has put a price out on Dharma's head that would be worth as much as a small kingdom. It's now about more than the money - it's the principle of Dharma's defiance.
Social
Religious Views
Dharma worships Belbrokk, a chaotic good deity of freedom, wind and fire.
In Immithar, Belbrokk is not portrayed in a humanoid form, but as a large owl (sometimes wreathed, cloaked, or made of flames).
It is said that Belbrokk stole the sun from the creator god, Numenreth, in order to give the freedom of day to the people of Immithar. Perhaps that is why he has been locked away in endless sleep, with only his dreams to influence the realms.
Ultaor claims to have been the one to clip the Great Owl's wings, but there is no way to verify this.
Dharma is a paladin who has sworn the Oath of the Eagle. As such, he believes the following things:
- Freedom Above All: None can reach the heights that the eagle does when they are chained to the ground. Fight slavery and imprisonment wherever you can, and oppose those tyrants who would restrict the freedoms of their people.
- Shine as a Symbol: You are an example to others; just as you once gazed up to the skies and saw the soaring eagle above you, so too will others look up to you and see your deeds and triumphs. Always remember that you exemplify not only the tenets of your Oath, but all those of your order. Give those who look upon you something to aspire to.
- Be a Relentless Hunter: Do not flag in your pursuit of your enemies. When you drive off slavers and tyrants, give them no chance to escape; pursue, and bring them down. The enemies of your order cannot be allowed to flee from the justice of your grasp.
- Soar to the Greatest Heights: Always strive to achieve great things. Reach for the skies in all things, and never be satisfied with your deeds. There is always more to be done, and every triumph you complete elevates both you and the other members of your faith.
Immen, Celestial
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