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Blackguard (Paladin Kit)

The Blackguard epitomizes evil — nothing short of a mortal fiend. The quintessential black knight, this villain carries a reputation of the foulest sort, well deserved. Consorting with demons and devils and serving dark deities, the Blackguard is hated and feared by all. Some call them "antipaladins" due to their completely evil nature.

Alignment requirement

The Blackguard must be evil. Unlike other Paladins, the Blackguard is not subject to the reputation requirement and may sink as low as you like without becoming Fallen.

Advantages

  • May Rebuke Undead as a Paladin of the same level.
  • May use Poison Weapon ability once per day per 5 levels (1 use at 1st level).
  • May use Aura of Despair once per day starting at 2nd level. Effects improve with level:
    • 2nd level: nearby enemies suffer –1 to-hit/damage and –2 AC.
    • 6th level: –2 to-hit/damage and –2 AC.
    • 15th level: –4 to-hit/damage, –4 AC, Fear in enemies of level 8 or below.
    • 20th level: –4 to-hit/damage, –4 AC, Fear in enemies of level 18 or below.
  • May use Absorb Health instead of Lay on Hands — deals 2 points of damage per level to the target and heals the Blackguard the same amount.

Disadvantages

  • Must be evil.
  • May not cast Detect Evil.
  • May not cast Protection from Evil.
  • May not use Lay on Hands ability.

When to pick it

  • A potent evil-aligned front-liner with a debuff aura and a vampiric heal.
  • Pairs naturally with reputation-lowering playstyles.

Source: bgee/original_manuals/baldurs_gate_1_ee_mastering_melee_and_magic.pdf — "Blackguard (Paladin Kit)".