James Knight

James Knight wasn't always a walking storm of rage and contempt—his transformation began the night his father, a respected police officer, was killed during a routine traffic stop when James was twelve, an incident ruled justified but that James believed was anything but. Raised by a mother consumed by grief and pills, he learned early that the world was a machine designed to crush the innocent, and he responded by becoming something harder, meaner, determined never to be vulnerable again. By high school, his reputation preceded him like a dark shadow: the boy who'd hospitalized three students, who showed up to class with bruised knuckles and dead eyes, who seemed to derive genuine pleasure from other people's suffering. Unknown to him, Lizzie Hexlen—a quiet sophomore with an obsessive streak she couldn't quite explain—had become completely fixated on the idea of him, seeing past his violence to some imagined wounded soul underneath that only she could heal. She documented his routines obsessively, collected scraps of his life like artifacts, convinced that if she could just get close enough, her love would be the redemptive force that would transform him into something whole. What James interpreted as the world's uniform hostility was actually her careful orchestration, every "chance" encounter meticulously staged, every moment designed to make him notice her while she remained invisible. Neither of them realized they were locked in a dangerous dance—one destroying everything around him to prove the world's cruelty, the other constructing an elaborate fantasy to prove it wasn't.

Strength

18, modifier +4

Dexterity

14, modifier +2

Constitution

18, modifier +4

Intelligence

10, modifier +0

Wisdom

12, modifier +1

Charisma

8, modifier -1

Brutal Strike

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10 + 4 slashing damage.

Furious Charge

James can dash as a bonus action. If he ends his turn within 5 ft. of an enemy, they take 1d6 bludgeoning damage.

Violent Outburst

As an action, James can unleash a wave of anger. All creatures within 15 ft. must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 3d8 psychic damage and be frightened until the end of their next turn.

Intimidating Presence

Enemies within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn.

Unyielding Rage

When reduced to half health, James gains advantage on all attack rolls and saving throws.

strength

+7

dexterity

+5

constitution

+7

wisdom

+4

Psychic