![[TarquinBelmontPathfinder-v2.webp]] # Sir Tarquin Belmont _Human Knight | [[Cult of Zariel]] | Deceased_ ## Summary Corrupted [[Hellriders|Hellrider]] who escaped [[Elturel]] before its fall with orders to hunt descendants of oath-bound knights. He murdered [[Jorik Thornwick]], was exposed by the party, and was killed by [[Rick]] after interrogation. His body burned with infernal flames as his soul went to [[Zariel]]'s service, promising to see them again "for her glory." %% ## Now _Deceased — killed by [[Rick]], his soul claimed by [[Zariel]]. Being remade as a devil in [[Avernus]]; the party may face him again, transformed._ ## Appearance Bald, his head deeply wrinkled from decades under the [[Companion]], with weathered hands that never stopped checking his equipment. Clipped, authoritative speech; stood rigidly straight even while dying. ## Personality A true believer, not an opportunist — his corruption came from trauma and ideological seduction. He saw [[Zariel]] as the only leader willing to do what was necessary against demonic evil, dismissed civilian concerns as weakness, and believed killing oath-bound refugees was mercy. Died confident he was righteous. ## Quote _"Millhaven burned while we waited for orders. Zariel's army would have been there in hours, not days."_ ## Connections **[[Rick]]** — killed him after interrogation; the target of his final promise. **[[Jorik Thornwick]]** — murdered by him. **[[Aetan Morrow]]** — mentor who drew him into [[Zariel]]'s philosophy. ## Background **The Fall:** Joined the [[Hellriders]] during the Oblivion War as an idealist from Millhaven. He fought valiantly, but [[Hellrider]] reinforcements arrived three days too late to save his hometown, and everyone he knew was slaughtered while he fought demons elsewhere. **The Corruption:** Mentor [[Aetan Morrow]] approached him at his most vulnerable and gradually introduced [[Zariel]]'s philosophy — a former angel who understood that defeating evil required harsh necessities. His trauma became fuel for fanaticism. **The Mission:** He posed as a protector, then eliminated targets during staged attacks. The list [[Char]] found named [[Docktor]], [[Reya Mantlemorn]], and [[Jorik Thornwick]]. **The End:** Exposed by the party, interrogated, and tortured, he deliberately provoked [[Rick]] into killing him rather than betray more information. His body burned and his soul was claimed by [[Zariel]]. ## Stats **Base:** Knight (MM p.347), modified. - Ferocious Surge: turn a hit into a critical (recharges on a short rest). - Infernal Tactics: swap initiative with allies. - Soul Claimed: on death, body burns and soul goes directly to [[Zariel]]. %%