The Paladin Who Can’t Lie — But Carries a Shield That Does
Character Type: NPC
Build Type: Balanced (Combat Utility + Roleplay)
Build Role: Tank / Support
Mike's Thoughts from the Barstool
Now this one’s a walking paradox, lad. Sir Ralan of the Silent Vow. A knight so honest he makes clerics look shady — but strapped to his arm is a shield that couldn’t tell the truth if it were carved into it. I’ve watched that thing fake wounds, shimmer with illusionary dents, and once — I swear by Brunlin’s missing eyebrow — it faked a death blow so real even the lich stopped fighting.
And Sir Ralan? He just stood there, calm as stone, swearin’ on his honor that justice would prevail — while the shield screamed metaphysical lies with every clash. A man of truth guarded by a liar’s tongue. Ain’t that poetic?
He’s no glory hound. Doesn’t roar charges or quote ancient prophecies. He just shows up, survives what’d kill most milk drinkers, and protects the party like it’s sacred law. Makes him a damn good NPC for any table that’s short a moral compass — or needs a wall that can smirk back at the dragon.
Honesty Ain’t Weakness — It’s a Weapon
👉 Mike’s Tavern is where ya find the contradictions that work: lawful meat shields with cursed gear, truth-tellers with lying steel. If ya want a fighter who makes yer players rethink trust, build from the Player Builds & NPCs rack or snag the lying shield itself from the Tavern Armory.
Build Overview: Sir Ralan, Shieldbearer of the Silent Vow
Background & Class
Race: Human (broad-shouldered, middle-aged, eyes like hammered steel)
Background: Ex-Inquisitor turned wandering protector
Class: Paladin (Oath of Devotion or equivalent Lawful archetype)
Alignment: Lawful Good — and I mean lawful, like “won’t jaywalk in a firestorm” lawful
AC: Tower-worthy, especially with his enchanted, lying shield
Stat Flavor & Role
HP: Durable. Very hard to down without serious coordination.
STR & CON: Prioritized. He holds the line so others don’t bleed.
Key Feature – Absolute Honesty: Ralan took a vow that prevents him from lying — magically enforced. If he even tries, he takes radiant damage.
Social Quirk: He must speak plainly, even if it offends or demoralizes the party. Uses phrases like “This mission will likely fail, but I am sworn to see it through.”
How the Shield That Lies Works With Him
Pair Sir Ralan with A Shield That Lies — And Why It’s Still Worth It, and you’ve got the perfect contradiction made manifest. While Ralan’s mouth speaks only truth, the shield deceives every attacker — projecting false wounds, fake openings, even ghostly echoes of failed hits.
The result? Ralan draws aggro like a glowing lantern in a goblin cave, tanks damage with theatrical flair, and never once compromises his vow. The shield exaggerates every hit, manipulates battle momentum, and tricks even the smartest enemy into overextending.
Perfect for a boss fight’s ally, moral compass NPC, or a party’s reluctant protector.
Roleplay Hooks
Takes time to speak to hurting patrons in quiet taverns, even from enemies.
Burns a candle each dawn for enemies he’s slain in self-defense.
Collects the last lie told by every bandit he defeats, etched into scrolls he never reads.
Refuses to act as judge or executioner, only protector.
Let Honor Be Loud — and Shields Lie in Silence
👉 Mike’s Tavern don’t just build beefy blocks of hit points — we craft legends with contradictions. Add Ralan to yer next war arc, moral dilemma, or siege defense. Grab the shield, grab a tankard, and check the rest of our NPCs here. If yer players still don’t trust him — they’re smarter than they look. Talk to me if you want a second build for backup.
FAQ
Q: Is this NPC too morally strict for a chaotic party?
A: Maybe. But that’s the fun. Conflict ain’t bad — just give him a reason to stay.
Q: Can the shield’s illusions be spotted or dispelled?
A: Aye, with effort. True seeing or sharp enough minds might pierce it. But by then, the damage is already done.
