Epitaph Died fighting a pirate king who slew his order of knights. Was crit from above, but returned the favor with a crit from his dying breath.

Obituary Hadrian was a quiet, philosophical man (age 24 at death) who was slain by a powerful pirate king. His patron deity (Aruna, deity of water) gave him a second chance at life, with one caveat: "Become a paladin of my order and slay the one who killed you". He accepted. His eye, which was stabbed through in his mortal wound, was replaced by a magical prismarine eye.

Almost a year later, he had become powerful enough to register on the pirate's radar (the player had to leave the party due to scheduling issues, so this was his send-off). He was invited to a duel on the docks. Aruna gave him a temporary boost in power at the cost of his own life energy, and the two fought.

Hadrian, with his powerful buff, was able to overpower the swashbuckler and bring him down to low health without a single hit in return. All was going well until Hadrian used a Thunderous Smite to knock the pirate king into the water. The pirate had come prepared, drinking a potion and teleporting above the paladin. With a drop-kick and a rapier attack, Hadrian was knocked prone, where the grim news awaited: a natural 20, confirmed critical. Hadrian took 102 hit points of damage and was instantly brought to near-unconsciousness. The king crouched down and whispered in his ear, "As I thought. Like the others who came before you, you simply weren't enough. I pity you, really, I do. She chained your life to me, forcing a young man to an untimely demise. Tell Aruna that I send her my regards."

Hadrian, with his dying breath, stabbed his greatsword at the king's exposed chest as he prepared to get up. Natural 20, confirmed crit. Divine smite (5th level from buff). 168 damage, instant kill.

His last words were, "I'm taking you with me."

Rest in peace, Hadrian. May you live on in the waters of heaven.