Aldric

Character Card: Ser Aldric Vane, the Hollow Chalice Title: The Hollow Chalice Role: Former Knight Commander / Cursed Romantic / Fallen Noble Age: Late 40s to mid 50s Race: Human Class: Knight (Paladin – Oath of Devotion, now Oathbreaker) Alignment: Neutral (once Lawful Good) Current Status: Exiled; survives on wine, spite, and muscle memory

Backstory Once the realm’s most decorated knight, Ser Aldric Vane fought for honor, crown, and kin. He bled on foreign soil for kings who toasted his name—and broke bread with lords who’d later break faith. When betrayal rotted the court from within, and the woman he loved bartered him for peace, Aldric shattered like his wineglass.

He turned his back on vows once etched in gold. Now he drifts—half armor, half ash—carrying his blade and bitterness through the taverns and borderlands. His name’s still known, but these days it’s whispered more like a warning.

🍷 Personality Traits Gruff, dry-witted, and dangerously perceptive

Keeps people at arm’s length—closer than that, and they might see the cracks

Protective of the young and the outcast, especially those who remind him of who he used to be

Cynical toward gods, crowns, and redemption—but not entirely immune to any of ‘em

Flaws Drowns regret in drink, then punishes himself for it

Prone to anger when old wounds are pried open (emotional or otherwise)

Can’t quite let go of the past, even when it burns

Would rather be hated than pitied

Motivations To protect the innocent—not out of duty, but defiance

To die with some damn dignity, even if it’s too late for salvation

To make sure no one else ends up like him—bent, betrayed, and too stubborn to stay buried

Abilities Shattered Oath: His divine powers are warped, but potent—his smites deal half radiant, half necrotic damage

Warden’s Instinct: Gains an uncanny knack for detecting betrayal, lies, or ambushes—born from bitter experience

Stagger Through Hell: When reduced to 0 HP, may stay conscious for one round to protect an ally (usable once per long rest)

Cursed Resilience: Resistance to psychic damage from spells or effects that prey on guilt or sorrow

Gear Half-Polished Plate: Scuffed and mended, but still bears traces of royal filigree he refuses to sand off

Sword of Vows Broken: A masterwork longsword engraved with oaths long forsaken

Pendant with a Ruby Tear: The last token of a love that cost him everything—worn beneath the armor where no one sees

Flask of Aged Red: Cheap when he’s sober, rare and ruinous when he’s grieving