Darian Gray

The Grey Paladin

Darian Gray, son of Baldemer, Captain of the Royal Guard and Paladin of Anor, has built a distinguished military career devoted to serving the Aedar. With unwavering commitment and an unshakable sense of duty, he has dedicated his life to upholding justice, defending the innocent, and embodying the ideals of his faith as a steadfast paladin.

Summary

Early Life

Born and raised in the small village of Falkirk, Darian led a life filled with the rhythms of hunting and farming. He took his responsibilities seriously, always striving to make his parents proud. When his father was called to war, Darian was thrust into the role of man of the house, working tirelessly to help his mother keep food on the table. Just before his twelfth birthday, fate dealt a cruel hand. The ongoing war with Newbury, which had plagued Albion for years, finally reached Falkirk. In a single bloody night, the village was engulfed in flames, leaving devastation in its wake. He would not have survived if not for his mother, who urged him to flee. Despite his youth, he endured a grueling journey to the great city of Parid. The next few years were fraught with hardship; Darian was forced to live on the streets, scavenging and fighting for every morsel of food. Yet, amid the struggle, hope began to flicker. Once he came of age, he enlisted in the Imperial Army.
Darian quickly proved himself on the battlefield, earning respect and rising through the ranks to become Captain of the Royal Guard. He fought valiantly in many notable battles during the Great War, gaining the trust of High General Callian Ubiel. However, in the climactic battle of the war, Darian was gravely wounded and left for dead.
By the grace of Anor, he was saved by Lucan, an elven priest who recognized the flicker of hope within him. The next four years were dedicated to training as a paladin under Lucan’s guidance. He mastered powerful abilities like Lay on Hands and Divine Sense, growing both in skill and spirit. When Lucan finally deemed him ready, Darian bid farewell and set off to explore the world.
Traveling the vast lands of Anoria, he sought to make a name for himself by hunting outlaws and aiding those in need. While journeying through northern Albion, he arrived in the town of Graywatch, where fate would again intervene. A band of Uruks attacked the village, and Darian fought bravely to defend it, saving a local girl from the clutches of a massive orc. His heroic actions earned him a reputation among the townsfolk.
However, the reality of the Uruk threat hit hard when he discovered a wagon full of innocent people slaughtered just outside of town. Recognizing that the Uruk scourge must be confronted, Darian faced the tribe’s war chief, Dul, in a final showdown. He emerged victorious, but not without a cost—a deep scar marred his right eye, a lasting reminder of the battle.
Upon his return to Graywatch, the girl he had saved, Leah, tended to his wounds, further solidifying his bond with the town. He made Graywatch his home, a place of solace after years of turmoil.

Lost Mines

After the outbreak of war between Albion and Mardia, Darian felt a deep sense of duty to protect those who could not defend themselves. With much of the Imperial Army deployed to the front lines, he volunteered to travel to the Lucian Colonies, where reports of unrest and suffering were rising. There, he offered his skills as a paladin, providing protection to vulnerable villages and aiding in the rebuilding of communities ravaged by conflict. His efforts not only helped restore hope but also forged new alliances as he worked alongside local leaders to establish a united front against the encroaching chaos. One day, while in a bustling market town, an old friend from his days in the army approached him, urgently seeking assistance in protecting a vital caravan transporting supplies to a besieged city. Recognizing the importance of the mission, Darian readily agreed, knowing that every life he could safeguard mattered in these troubled times.

Formation of the Companions

The day Darian, the Grey Paladin, set out to form his band of heroes, the world seemed as uncertain as the shadowed path before him. He was a man of few words, but his presence spoke louder than any proclamation—his steel, tarnished from years of battle, gleamed with ethereal light as if the very fabric of fate had been woven into his sword. But even a paladin bound by oaths and ancient codes could not walk alone. So, as destiny would have it, Darian began seeking those who could stand by his side.

Ulga was the first. An elven warrior whose rage was matched only by her sense of honor, she had once fought for a village that betrayed her. Her fury had driven her into exile, but when Darian found her on the edge of a war-torn village, her sword was not the only thing that demanded respect. Her eyes held a silent promise—she would fight for those who could not fight for themselves. Darian saw her not as a weapon but as a soul tested by fire, ready to forge something greater.
Thalion came next, a ranger from uncharted lands where the wilds still whispered ancient secrets. He had no love for cities, but when the winds spoke of dark things stirring in the lands beyond the borders, he came to Darian with a silent understanding. The man's silent wisdom balanced the raw fury of Ulga. Where Darian’s sword was heavy with duty, Thalion’s bow was swift as the wind, sharp as a blade. He knew the land, and that knowledge would prove invaluable.
Kiara, the scholar, joined soon after. A woman of words more than deeds, she had once lived among noble courts, writing prophecies and interpreting dreams. But when his visions turned dark—portents of calamity sweeping across the land—she abandoned his station and sought out Darian. Erevan's insight into the arcane was unmatched, but it was her ability to see connections where others saw only chaos that made her indispensable to the group.
Next came the Homeless Man, whose name was unknown to all. He had no past, no future, and no clear reason for joining, except that he appeared one cold morning at the campfire where the others gathered. His tattered clothes and quiet nature masked a hidden strength—something intangible that others could not quite place but that Darian sensed. He had no need for questions or explanations. Sometimes, the strangest of allies became the most important.
Erevan, the youngest, came to them with a heart full of fire and a mind full of questions. A former street thief who had once stolen to survive, he found a new purpose when Darian offered him a chance to make a difference. His nimble fingers and sharp instincts were as valuable as any blade. But it was his unwavering belief that even the darkest past could be redeemed that gave hope to the others when their spirits faltered.
Together, they formed the Companions—not just a fellowship bound by duty but a family forged in the fires of necessity and trust. As they set out on their journey to Keltarei, Darian understood that they were more than just a group of warriors and wanderers—they were a force destined to change the course of the world. And perhaps, just perhaps, to save it.

Adaranths Reckoning

The companions, led by Darian, arrived at Port Airedale on the heels of unrest. The companions were a beacon of hope to those oppressed by the city’s corrupt governor, Felix Wilde. Together with his companions—a cunning rogue named Erevan, a warrior named Ulga, a brilliant Scholar Kiara, and the Ranger Thalion—they uncovered a sinister cult devoted to the dark god Khal' Lorei, their influence stretching deep into Airedale’s governance. In a bloody confrontation, they exposed Wilde’s allegiance to the cult and rallied the city’s downtrodden to overthrow him. The governor fell, and his iron rule shattered, but the cult’s influence extended far beyond Airedale. Following cryptic warnings from a captured cultist, the group set their sights on Elion’s Gate, a city known for its towering spires and ancient history.
At Elion’s Gate, they discovered a dire plot: Adaranth’s cult sought to awaken a long-slumbering elemental titan imprisoned beneath the city. Despite their best efforts, they could not halt the ritual. The ground shook as the titan erupted from the depths, wreaking havoc upon the city. In the chaos, Erevan—ever bold and reckless—challenged Adaranth directly, seeking to buy his friends time to evacuate the innocent.
The rogue’s blades danced in the dim light of the catacombs, but he was no match for the cult leader’s dark magic. Erevan fell, his final breath a whispered prayer to Darian to continue the fight. Grieving but resolute, Darian led the survivors to safety as the titan tore through the city, reducing much of Elion’s Gate to ruins.
The companions had won a pyrrhic victory but at great cost. The cult had been wounded, but Adaranth escaped, and the titan’s rampage was a grim reminder of the stakes they faced. As they stood amidst the smoking ruins, Darian swore on Erevan’s memory that they would see this fight to its end, no matter the price.

Hunt for Adaranth and Adventure into Senrillia

WIP

Marriage to Leandra

Darian never let his hunt for Adaranth diminish his love for Leandra. Through his years of adventure, he sent her letters from every corner of the world, pouring his heart onto parchment and sharing tales of courage and faith. When his quest finally ended, and Adaranth was slain, Darian returned home to fulfill his promise of marriage. Yet, as they exchanged vows, Leandra made her own: never again would they live apart. She pledged to stand by his side, not just as his wife but as his companion, ensuring they faced whatever came together.

Heroes of Aenil summoning of Ezrumos and the assault of Summerwind

By the 410th year of the First Era, Darian had returned home to Graywatch and remained active in the local guard, sharing the knowledge he had gained from his time in the army. Though he often contemplates retirement and settling down, those dreams are quickly overshadowed by the news of Fort Summerwind’s destruction, reigniting the fire of duty within him.

Journey to Baator

Physical Description

Darian stands tall and fit, and his physique is a testament to years of hard work and rigorous training. His dark green eyes, sharp and piercing, are framed by tousled silver hair that adds a touch of uniqueness to his appearance. Though still young, his rugged features bear the marks of battle, lending him an air of both elegance and resilience. A faint scar runs across his cheek, a reminder of his fierce encounters, enhancing the intensity of his gaze and hinting at the warrior within.

Body Features

Darian possesses a fit and able physique, exuding a welcoming presence that draws attention wherever he goes. His sun-kissed skin, typical of Anorians, is marked by numerous battle scars, each telling a story of survival and resilience. On his right bicep, he proudly displays the blue rose of Albion, a vivid emblem that symbolizes his unwavering loyalty to his nation.

Facial Features

Darian has a strikingly defined face of a pretty boy turned masculine. His strong jawline and high cheekbones give him an attractive, chiseled appearance. A scar runs over his right eye, a testament to the battles he has fought, adding an intriguing edge to his otherwise appealing visage. His dark green eyes, framed by tousled silver hair, convey both intensity and warmth, while a hint of stubble lends him a roguish charm. Despite the marks of his experiences, his features retain a captivating allure, drawing others to him with a blend of strength and charisma.

Identifying Characteristics

Most tend to recognize his distinctive look due to his renowned nature and unique hair color.

Unique Abilities

Shieldmaster—Having trained extensively with shields of all sizes, he has become at home with them. He can use them for protection and offense.

Apparel & Accessories

Darian’s civilian attire is practical and functional, featuring a padded blue shirt that offers both comfort and protection. He pairs this with sturdy black pants and a worn brown vest that accentuates his rugged look. At his waist, he carries a finely crafted sword sheathed in a well-worn scabbard, a constant reminder of his warrior spirit. His clothing prioritizes utility and comfortability over extravagance, reflecting his down-to-earth nature and readiness for action.
Darian's armor is a suit of plate mail crafted from dark gray metal with striking blue accents and a golden lining that glimmers in the light. At his waist hangs a simple yet elegant scabbard housing an expertly forged longsword made of Ninque steel. The sword features a blackguard with a reddish hue, and its pommel is adorned with a large, gleaming ruby. On his left arm, he carries a battle-worn Albion shield, which he wields more as a weapon than for defense. Completing his ensemble is a tattered blue cape emblazoned with the imperial rose, flowing behind him as a testament to his heritage.

Mental Trauma

Having lost many loved ones and been thrust into the chaos of war at a young age, Darian bears the weight of deep mental scars. He often experiences recurring nightmares, haunted by visions of the night his home was destroyed and the faces of those he couldn’t save. These vivid dreams leave him restless, shrouded in a sense of guilt and loss that lingers even in waking hours. The shadows of his past sometimes cloud his judgment, making him wary of forming close connections. Despite his resolve to protect others, the trauma manifests in moments of self-doubt and anxiety, reminding him that the echoes of his past are never far behind.

Flaws

Darian's intense hatred for elves and undead creatures has become a consuming force in his life, often blinding him to reason and clouding his judgment. This animosity drives him to impulsive decisions, leading him into reckless confrontations that could endanger himself and those he seeks to protect. His inability to see beyond his hatred sometimes results in misjudging allies or overlooking potential threats, leaving him vulnerable to manipulation.
To cope with the emotional weight of his trauma and the burden of his unreasoning fury, Darian has developed a problematic relationship with alcohol. He often seeks solace at the bottom of a mug, believing that drink can temporarily dull the pain of his past and silence the nightmares that haunt him. However, this reliance on alcohol exacerbates his impulsivity, leading him to make poor choices that further alienate him from those around him. As his drinking intensifies, he risks losing the very connections he longs for, trapped in a cycle of isolation and regret.
Ultimately, his struggles with hatred and alcohol serve as both a weapon and a curse, complicating his path as a paladin dedicated to justice and making his journey toward redemption all the more challenging.

Relationships

Darian Gray

Husband (Important)

Towards Rita Gray

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Rita Gray

Wife (Important)

Towards Darian Gray

5

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Darian Gray, son of Baldemer, Captain of the Royal Guard, and Paladin of Anor. Darian has a distinguished military career and has devoted his life to serving the Aedar as a Paladin.

View Character Profile

Alignment

Lawful Good

Current Status

Defending Graywatch

Current Location

Graywatch

Species

Human

Ethnicity

Anorian

Age

28

Date of Birth

14 of Lurus

Birthplace

Falkirk

Parents

Baldemer Gray

Spouses

Rita Gray (Wife)

Siblings

Current Residence

Graywatch

Gender

Male

Eyes

Green

Hair

Messy silver

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Tanned

Height

6'1

Weight

190

Aligned Organization

Albion

Other Affiliations

• Albion
• Imperial Army

Related Historical Events

• 10388 1E
  The Great War