The death knight is a racial variant of the revenant: a PC race originally presented in DRAGON MAGAZINE 376, and later

reprinted in the HEROES OF SHADOW supplement. The death knight presented here has the same attributes as the revenant, with the listed exceptions. Players can still choose revenant feats for a death knight PC, although many are rendered ineffective due to benefit replacements.

DEATH KNIGHT
Death knights are mighty warriors who have sought immortality through diabolic ritual, binding their souls to coldest steel. Their bodies have become frigid undead husks, unravelling rapidly until all thats left is bare bones, yet their minds are as lucid as they were in life. Though some come to regret their dreadful decision, most death knights revel in the dark, rising up to become great warlords of the dead. Those who dont are often overcome by melancholy, wandering the lands as hollow men.

In certain rare instances, death knights can be created outside of ritual. When a great hero dies with victory just outside their grasp, or unrequited love in their heart, the gods can sometimes choose send them back as undeathly champions. These poor souls often become obsessed with destiny, long pursuing what was lost, even though it may be gone forever. Life comes to lose meaning in time, and they become monsters wracked by grief and spite. For those taking their first steps along this dark path, such creatures stand as grim testament of what might come should they fail.

for it is as much a part of you as your own bones. Live by a dreadful code: Death knights live by dark codes of honour and ritual. These tenets were laid down when you were made, or developed over time to add meaning to your existence. Theres no punishment for breaking them, though most abide by them religiously. Each death knights code is different: one might concern rules of honour, while another binds them to superstitious habit. Perhaps you can never strike an unarmed opponent, or refuse to cross a line of salt on the ground? Have fun coming up with esoteric rules, and then see if you can live by them. Little to laugh about: Most death knights live dark, melancholic lives, or are obsessed with gaining power. Your sacrifice sent your mind into a dark zenith that would drive most mortals mad in a heartbeat, and now you gaze at the world through a veil of horror. Humour probably doesnt come so easily to you now.

DEATH KNIGHT BENEFITS

Bladebound: You gain the deaths blessing feat (DRAGON MAGAZINE 376), but in turn you must choose a weapon for your soul to be incarcerated in. If this weapon ever leaves your side you gain vulnerable 10 (radiant) until it is returned. Unholy Flames: You gain the unholy flames power. This benefit replaces the dark reaping power. Unholy Flames
Death Knight Racial Power The cold fire of death blooms from your bones to strike down your enemies. Encounter Necrotic Immediate Reaction Close burst 2 Trigger: You are bloodied by an enemy attack. Target: All enemies in burst. Attack: Constitution, Dexterity or Charisma versus Reflex. You gain a +2 bonus to the attack roll. Level 11+: The bonus increases to +4 Level 21+: The bonus increase to +6 Hit: 1d8 + Constitution modifier necrotic damage. Effect: Undead creatures in the burst (including yourself) take no damage, and are instead healed the same amount.

PLAYING A DEATH KNIGHT

No Death Knight is the same, but many share similar themes. Use the following as a guide for playing your own deathless champion: Bound to the blade: Death knights have an affinity to the weapon they wielded in life. Your steel is imbued with necrotic energy, making it part of your own dread life force. Some speculate that the souls you slew in life turned you back from death, so your bond with your blade may go deeper than mere ritual. Respect - even fear - your own blade,

Unstoppable Might: When you drop to 0 hit points or fewer and are subjected to the dying condition, you can choose to gain vulnerable 5 (all) instead of falling unconscious. You make death saving throws as normal, and if you fail one, you fall unconscious and lose the vulnerability. This benefit replaces unnatural vitality.