Ex-Villain (5e Background)
|
This page is of questionable balance. Reason: 5e backgrounds don't interact with the class options. I'm also unsure of this being made for "starting above level 1." The features are also written oddly and just grant potential advantage...
|
|
This page is incomplete and/or lacking flavor. Reason: This is very lacking in fluff for a background. What makes this a justified background from something like a criminal? The idea of an ex-villain is also poorly fleshed out here. This sounds like it is specifically for someone that might have been a powerful BBEG and then suddenly decided to become an adventurer?
|
Ex-Villain[edit]
You were once feared, either by many or a select few but you have changed your ways. Either way, you have realized you were wrong and there are people who have been hurt by you and others that believed in you. Note: this is designed to be for players starting above level 1 unless you have a backstory plan for why you are a level one.
Skill Proficiencies: Two of Acrobatics, Athletics, Deception, Intimidation, Insight, Persuasion, Stealth and Survival plus one given from variation.
Tool Proficiencies: One of Alchemist's Supplies, Calligrapher's Supplies, Forgery Kit, Poisoner's Kit, Thieves' Tools and Tinker's Tools
Languages: Common, plus one other language (+2 for Mastermind)
Equipment: a) Poisoner's Kit, Forgery Kit or Thieves' Tools, b) Disguise Kit c) A pouch containing [starting level]d10 gold, d) another weapon that you have a proficiency bonus in, e) A random item that represents your past.
| d6 | Variations |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Killer: You slayed many, and now, you must stop (+Athletics or Stealth proficiency) |
| 2 | The Chaos Harbinger: You just wanted to see the world burn, but now you are no longer interested in the game of toying with people. (+Intimidation or Deception proficiency) |
| 3 | The Zealot: You believed in a cause for a long time, but no more. (+Religion or History proficiency) |
| 4 | The Mastermind: You were powerful, and even had minions (add one language for the minions and +Persuasion or Performance proficiency) |
| 5 | The Failed: The only reason you are an ex-villain is because you realized you were bad at it. (+Survival and Medicine proficiency) |
| 6 | The Simple Life: You have new, simpler priorities now - family and friends. (Add one artisan tools and one language) |
| 7 | The Mad: You snapped out of whatever madness came over you and are now picking up your life. (+Performance or Intimidation Proficiency) |
Feature: Experience with Evil[edit]
Depending on the archetype you have chosen, you will have advantage on insight checks with enemies similar to what you were. IE: A previous cult leader has insight on other cults, someone driven for revenge understands someone else, etc.
Alternate Feature: Old Allies, New Enemies, New Allies, Old Enemies[edit]
You will have advantage on Persuasion roles of people who know that you are on their side, or are still unaware that you are evil. As well, you have advantage on the first Deception role on foes in the first encounter.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am consumed by guilt every waking moment and my sins are too great to bare. |
| 2 | I was betrayed by the people I trusted. |
| 3 | I was seduced into becoming good by an adventurer. |
| 4 | My plan succeeded but now that it has, I see how much damage I have done. |
| 5 | I was so focused on revenge, I didn't see who I was really hurting. |
| 6 | The cause I spent my life following was wrong this whole time. |
| 7 | I am now a begrudging ally of the heroes that defeated me. |
| 8 | My ideals are the same, but my methods have changed. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Justice. The wicked must amend their crimes. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Altruism. The more good I do, the less evil my impact will be. (Good) |
| 3 | Simplicity. I do not want a reputation, I wish to blend in. (Neutral) |
| 4 | Freedom. Despite my mistakes, I deserve to live how I want (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Change. I must be different than I was. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Love. Those I care about mean everything to me. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | One day I will face justice with a sigh of relief. |
| 2 | I must protect those who followed my path and turn them to good. |
| 3 | I will change the system - just differently. |
| 4 | My family and friends are all that matter to me now. |
| 5 | Many acts of random kindness will eventually erase what I've done. |
| 6 | I don't want to be responsible for anything anymore. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | It would take so little for me to return (Evil) |
| 2 | I want to be left alone (Neutral) |
| 3 | I would do anything to assuade my guilt (Good) |
| 4 | I am too interested in self-preservation to make up for my crimes (Neutral) |
| 5 | I haven't changed my views and I still hold them (Lawful) |
| 6 | If it's not as bad as what I used to do before, that makes it okay (Chaotic) |
Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Backgrounds