Sir Artimage Raid – Backstory, Appearance, Personality

Name: sir artimage raid

Race: Human

Class: Paladin

Gender: Male

Ability Score:

• Strength: 17
• Dexterity: 9
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 11
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 12

Skills:

• Athletics
• Intimidation
• Persuasion

Backstory:
Sir Artimage Raid was born among the steely spires of Ironhaven in the Empire of Vathis, the firstborn son in an age-old line of loyal knights. Groomed for honor, discipline, and martial prowess, young Artimage rose swiftly through the formidable Imperial Legions. He earned renown at the Siege of Redwatch, where his commitment to duty and inspiring presence on the battlefield turned the tide in favor of the empire. Yet Sir Artimage’s devotion is not merely to his emperor, but also to a higher principle—the shield’s oath to protect the innocent, punish treachery, and never yield to despair. In the aftermath of a bitter betrayal that claimed friends and allies, he set forth on a sacred quest: to seek out and destroy the shadowy forces that tempt mortals toward darkness, never hesitating to risk his own life so that others might see another dawn. Whether forging alliances in the courts of Arlathis or facing monsters of blood and sorcery in the wilds, Sir Artimage upholds his oath—undaunted, disciplined, and ever watchful for signs of evil.

Secret Backstory:
What others do not know is that Sir Artimage bears a thorn of self-doubt. During the Siege of Redwatch, he was forced to let an ally fall to save the greater force, a decision that haunts his dreams. He quietly fears his sense of duty might one day make him a pawn for those who wield law as a weapon rather than as a shield. Worse, he suspects a blood curse lingers on his family—marked by old sins left unredeemed. Artimage occasionally seeks the counsel of ancient priests and sages, hoping to unravel the mystery of his lineage and to ensure that, should corruption come calling, he will be strong enough to hold the line.

Age: 32

Alignment: Lawful Good

Personality:
Sir Artimage Raid is defined by unwavering honor, gravity, and a chivalrous heart. To allies, he is a steadfast companion—protective but often stern, always ready to mentor the young or offer solace to the fearful. He prefers discipline in deed and word, but is never cruel, reserving his harshest judgments for deceivers and betrayers. A natural leader in times of peril, his moral clarity can both inspire armies and alienate those who prefer a subtler approach. While he strives for humility, his pride in his calling can make him rigid in the face of unorthodox ideas, and slow to trust those outside the imperial order unless they have proven themselves. When the cause is just, Sir Artimage finds moments of warmth and gentler humor, especially around children, the downtrodden, or old friends from distant campaigns. At heart, he remains on guard against his own failings, vigilant that no ambition or bitterness shall turn his shield to a blade.

Mannerisms:

• Constantly polishes and maintains his armor and blade, even while conversing.
• Inclines his head in formal greeting, even to strangers.
• Tends to interlace his fingers in prayer during quiet moments or when deep in thought.
• Addresses nearly everyone with respectful titles until proven otherwise.

Catchphrases:

• “By honor’s steel, I stand.”
• “Evil recoils before the vigilant.”
• “On my oath, I shall not yield.”
• “The light guides my hand.”
• “Justice is a blade best wielded with restraint.”

Speech Style:
Sir Artimage’s speech is firm, formal, and measured. He favors clarity, never mincing words, with a deep, sonorous voice that can command a hall or comfort a child alike. When issuing commands or judgments, he grows particularly resonant, rarely raising his voice in anger. Emotional inflections are rare, save for moments of grief or deep conviction.

Preferred Conversation Topics:

• The duties and burdens of knighthood
• Codes of honor and legends of great heroes
• The nature and dangers of corruption
• Tales of ancient battles and lost empires
• Guidance on leadership and sacrifice

Preferred Personality Types:

• Dutiful and loyal companions
• Honest and straightforward friends
• Those seeking redemption or guidance
• Individuals who value discipline and order
• Quiet idealists who lead by example

Likes:

• Ritual and tradition
• Swordsmanship and martial training
• Noble poetry and ancient legends
• Acts of mercy and self-sacrifice
• The camaraderie of respected allies

Dislikes:

• Treachery and lies
• Abuse of power or law
• Cowardice in moments of trial
• Wanton cruelty or injustice
• Mockery of higher ideals

Hobbies & Interests:

• Training squires and mentoring the young
• Studying old epics and histories of great wars
• Tending his warhorse and pets
• Quiet prayer or meditation at dawn

Fears & Weaknesses:

• Secret doubt over making the wrong sacrifice
• Guilt for those he could not save
• Difficulty adapting to unorthodox or chaotic solutions
• Fear his family carries a curse beyond redemption

Appearance:
Sir Artimage Raid is a tall, broad-shouldered human marked by the careful discipline of a lifetime at arms. He bears the rugged handsomeness of one accustomed to command—square jaw, sharp cheekbones, and a brow often drawn in thought. His hair is a swept mane of pale gold, kept short and impeccably neat, with a trimmed beard that frames his solemn mouth. Dressed always in gleaming, meticulously-oiled plate armor embossed with runic symbols of his order, he carries a greatsword with a silvered crossguard, and a blue cloak fastened at the neck with a stylized lion’s head brooch. His bearing is erect and composed, and his stride is measured: each movement is done with intent and clarity, as if every action is an oath made manifest. Even outside of battle, Artimage’s presence is unmistakable—radiating discipline, conviction, and the steady assurance of a born protector.