D&D Campaign Journal

Mario Nade

Mario Nade Race: Halfling | Class: Paladin (formerly Warlock)

A halfling who walked a dark path before finding redemption, Mario Nade’s journey has taken him from warlock pact to holy oath. Once a follower of Uk’otoa (the great leviathan sealed beneath the seas), he has since renounced that dark pact and sworn himself as a paladin of Avandra, the Changebringer — goddess of freedom, travel, and second chances.

His transformation from warlock to paladin represents a dramatic shift in power source and purpose, trading eldritch gifts for divine righteousness.

Divine Protection

Mario’s paladin aura proved vital during the cloaker battle in Session 71. His Aura of Protection grants all allies within range a +5 bonus to saving throws — combined with other buffs, this reached +7, allowing the entire party to resist the cloakers’ frightening screeches.

He also demonstrated Rebuke the Violent, reflecting damage back on creatures that harm his allies.

Ultimate Sacrifice

In Session 73’s battle against Seltar the Beholder, Mario went unconscious multiple times, brought back repeatedly by his allies’ healing magic. When Wendelin rode the dying Beholder 90 feet into the air and delivered the killing blow, both she and Seltar’s corpse began to fall.

Umal attempted to cast Fly to save Wendelin, but Mario — bloodied, exhausted, barely conscious — made a different choice. He used Aura of the Guardian, his reaction ability that allows him to magically take damage meant for an ally within 10 feet.

He absorbed all 33 points of falling damage, taking it upon himself so Umal wouldn’t be harmed. Mario dropped unconscious in a crater of golden holy light, having literally thrown his body between his friend and death. It was a moment of pure heroism, embodying everything a paladin of Avandra should be.

During the battle, Mario also used Protection from Poison to cure Wendelin after she’d been struck by one of Seltar’s Enervation Rays, allowing her to be healed again.

Notable Abilities