The Blackguards of Maleki

Blackguards are the epitome of evil and slaughter. They often have no real reason for what they do, except that it is their own will or the will of the person subjugating them. Their existence is almost as ancient as that of the paladins, and often they are referred to as "anti-paladins". Maleki created these fighters as an answer to Gorethar's fighting force of holy warriors. Many of his creatures were being slaughtered by the newly empowered dwarves. Maleki would not have it, so he empowered some of his own minions to fight back. The struggle continues to this day.

Blackguards see the world in terms of will. Either they are following their own will, and thus serving Maleki, or they are following the will of someone who has power over them, which may or may not be serving the will of Maleki. In either case, Blackguards believe that it is ultimately up to them to be able to enforce their own will. The exact nature of their will can vary. Some want power beyond all dreams. Some just want destruction.

Blackguards pattern themselves after their good counterparts when it comes to weapons and armor, though in the same way, their exact preferences have been lost. Organizationally, they answer only to Maleki, unless they are roughed up by someone greater than they. Many times, they gain insights into their god's will through clerical intervention, and they have often been used as pawns of Maleki's church for this reason.