![[Pasted image 20250413155342.png]] ## What Is an Illrigger? The Illrigger is a martial class created by MCDM that represents an infernal knight empowered by the forces of Hell. In many ways, an Illrigger serves as a dark counterpart to the Paladin. Both are heavily armoured warriors who combine martial skill with supernatural abilities, but where Paladins draw strength from sacred oaths and divine ideals, Illriggers gain power through infernal authority, ambition, and service to Hell's hierarchy. An Illrigger is not simply a warrior with dark magic. They are agents, enforcers, commanders, and champions of an organised infernal system built upon contracts, authority, and obedience. Whether serving Hell willingly or pursuing their own ambitions through infernal power, Illriggers wield abilities designed to dominate the battlefield and punish those who oppose them. --- ## Knights of Infernal Authority Illriggers gain their abilities through connections to powerful infernal forces. Some willingly entered into service. Others inherited ancient obligations, accepted infernal bargains, or embraced Hell's philosophy of power through order and strength. An Illrigger might be: - A fallen knight seeking power - A noble bound to an infernal bloodline - An ambitious conqueror pursuing authority - A military commander inspired by infernal discipline - A contract enforcer serving a devilish master - A warrior who believes strength and order are more important than mercy Not every Illrigger is openly villainous. Some see themselves as protectors, rulers, or necessary evils. What unites them is their connection to infernal power and their willingness to wield it. --- ## Martial Power and Infernal Magic Illriggers combine weapon combat with supernatural abilities. They are primarily martial characters, capable of fighting on the front line alongside Fighters and Paladins, but they also possess a limited selection of magical abilities that enhance their combat effectiveness. Their powers often focus on: - Marking enemies - Punishing targets - Battlefield control - Fear effects - Infernal magic - Tactical positioning Rather than overwhelming enemies with large numbers of spells, Illriggers use magic to support their martial abilities and reinforce their role as relentless hunters and enforcers. --- ## Sinful Brand The defining feature of the Illrigger is **Sinful Brand**. Through infernal power, an Illrigger marks an enemy for punishment. Branded targets become easier to track, punish, and destroy. Many Illrigger abilities interact directly with these brands, allowing the character to focus pressure on important enemies and control the flow of battle. Sinful Brand serves a similar role to features such as a Paladin's Divine Smite or a Ranger's Favored Foe, giving the Illrigger a signature mechanic around identifying and punishing key targets. --- ## Infernal Magic Illriggers possess a limited selection of spells and magical abilities. These often reflect themes associated with devils and infernal power, including: - Commanding others - Creating fear - Darkness and shadow - Fire and destruction - Supernatural resilience - Tactical control Their spellcasting complements their martial abilities rather than replacing them. --- ## The Illrigger's Role in an Adventuring Party Illriggers are frontline combatants with strong offensive and control capabilities. Within a party they often serve as: - Damage dealers - Secondary defenders - Battlefield controllers - Face characters - Leaders - Enforcers Their combination of Charisma, martial skill, and supernatural abilities makes them effective both in combat and social situations. --- ## Damnations At 3rd level, an Illrigger chooses a Damnation that reflects their place within Hell's hierarchy. ### Shadowmaster Shadowmasters specialise in stealth, infiltration, and assassination. They excel at mobility, deception, and eliminating vulnerable targets before those enemies can react. Players who enjoy stealth-focused characters often gravitate toward this option. --- ### Painkiller Painkillers transform suffering into strength. Their abilities reward endurance, aggression, and surviving through situations that would overwhelm most warriors. They are often the toughest and most relentless Illriggers. --- ### Architect of Ruin Architects of Ruin focus on leadership, battlefield control, and tactical superiority. They manipulate the flow of combat, support allies, and break enemy formations through careful positioning and infernal authority. This option appeals to players who enjoy commanding the battlefield. --- ## What It Feels Like to Play an Illrigger Playing an Illrigger means taking control of a fight. You identify important targets, mark them with Sinful Brand, and apply constant pressure until they fall. Your abilities encourage deliberate, focused aggression rather than reckless attacks. Unlike a Paladin, who often represents virtue and protection, an Illrigger's power comes from authority, ambition, and infernal discipline. Whether your character embraces those ideals or struggles against them is entirely up to you. The class rewards players who enjoy martial combat, tactical decision-making, and strong thematic character concepts. --- ## Should You Play an Illrigger? The Illrigger is an excellent choice if you enjoy: - Martial characters with supernatural abilities - Dark fantasy themes - Infernal lore and devilish powers - Tactical combat - Marking and focusing enemies - Charisma-based characters You may prefer another class if you are looking for: - Full spellcasting - Simple mechanics - Traditional heroic archetypes - Characters disconnected from supernatural themes For players who like the idea of commanding infernal power while fighting as a heavily armoured warrior, the Illrigger offers a unique alternative to the Paladin and one of the most distinctive martial classes available.