Follower of Wiliam Baltimor (5e Background)

Wiliam Baltimor's followers and the Devotee of the Just Shadow

Skill Proficiencies: Religion Persuasion

Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher's Supplies (to record sacred texts and prayers)

Languages: One language of your choice (representing the diverse influences of William’s followers)

Equipment: A holy symbol of William Baltimor (a blackened stone inscribed with the Order’s creed) A set of traveler’s clothes A small journal with your thoughts or prayers to William A pouch containing 10 gp

Specialization

d6	Specialization
1	A paladin-in-training, seeking to take the Oath of the Just Shadow.
2	A chronicler, preserving the history and teachings of William.
3	A scout, uncovering injustices and threats in the name of the Order.
4	A healer, aiding those scarred by darkness while wielding it for protection.
5	A ritualist, performing sacred ceremonies in the Fields of Esseyan.
6	A renegade who turned to William after losing faith in other gods.

Feature:

William’s Personality

William Baltimor is a complex and balanced individual, embodying resilience, relentless justice, and transformative idealism. Deeply shaped by his past, he is both shadow and light, a strategist who believes in honorable action but does not shy away from using darkness to achieve his goals.

He is determined, guided by a strong sense of divine responsibility, and possesses unwavering faith in the power of unity. William is also charismatic, capable of inspiring unshakable loyalty in his followers, while remaining pragmatic and clear-eyed in facing the challenges of his role.

Description of William Baltimor’s Followers

William Baltimor’s followers, known as the Devotees of the Just Shadow, form a unique order blending darkness, justice, and divine destiny. They fervently uphold the ideals embodied by their god, uniting seemingly opposing forces into a transcendent quest.

Core Values

Darkness as a Salvific Force

Followers revere darkness not as a threat but as a tool to triumph over the enemies of good. They believe that darkness enabled William to overcome trials and fulfill his divine duty to save Pelor.

Balanced and Unyielding Justice

Convinced that William was chosen to restore balance among the gods, the Devotees dedicate themselves to inflexible justice, acting as judges and defenders against abuses by both mortals and deities.

Destiny as a Guide

They humbly accept that William was predestined by the god of time to become a deity of justice. For them, destiny is not a constraint but a compass guiding their quest for order.

Respect for Undeath

In memory of William’s undead father, corrupted by Loki, followers honor those trapped between life and death. They seek to purify and release these beings to restore the natural order.

Honor in Competition

Competition is sacred to the Devotees, symbolizing noble and honest struggle in the pursuit of justice. Any form of deceit or betrayal is considered an affront to William’s ideals.

The Paladins of William’s Order

The paladins of William take a unique oath, committing to:

Use the powers of darkness to protect the vulnerable. Stand as a barrier between this world and the next, fighting anything that violates the natural order with honor. Their actions are guided by honor and righteousness, serving their cause with both sword and prayer.

Rituals and Symbols

Places of Worship

Sacred sites of the Devotees are fields strewn with engraved pebbles, each stone marking the completion of a quest or commemorating a fallen soul. These fields, known as Fields of Esseyan, symbolize the passage between shadow and light.

William’s Quotes

Daily prayers resonate with William’s words:

“From darkness, we shall rise. From darkness, we shall fight. Through the union of our gods, we shall overcome. Through the union of our gods, we shall prevail.” These lines inspire unwavering faith and a determination to triumph over adversity.

Spiritual Vision and Society

William’s followers believe in divine harmony, where each god respects their boundaries, with humans as the guardians of this balance. Far from being fanatics, they value enlightened justice and courage in the face of the unknown.

The Order of William Baltimor attracts brave souls willing to embrace darkness to illuminate humanity’s path forward.

Alternate Feature: Poem Analysis

Poem Analysis 1

"From darkness, we shall rise.

From darkness, we shall fight.

Through the union of our gods, we shall overcome.

Through the union of our gods, we shall prevail."

This poem reflects spiritual depth, collective purpose, and a call to transcendence.

Structure and Form

Repetition

The first two lines begin with “From darkness,” and the next two with “Through the union of our gods.” This repetition creates an incantatory rhythm, reinforcing the solemnity of the message and making it memorable. Progression

The poem follows a clear progression:

Rising: Ascending from darkness.

Fighting: Taking active resistance.

Overcoming: Surpassing obstacles through collective faith.

Prevailing: Achieving ultimate triumph.

This gradation gives the poem a narrative structure, symbolizing a transformative journey. Main Themes

Darkness as a Starting Point

Darkness represents not only trials or threats but also a place of origin and potential. It symbolizes challenges to overcome and a source of strength. Divine and Spiritual Unity

"The union of our gods" reflects faith in the collective power of deities and the pursuit of harmony among divine forces. Struggle and Resilience

The poem emphasizes determination to rise and fight, portraying faith as an active, continuous endeavor.

Collective Victory

Triumph depends on collaboration and unity, not just among gods but also among believers. Symbolism

Darkness

Represents both trials and transformation, a challenge to be overcome and a driving force for growth. Union of the Gods

Symbolizes cosmic balance or the unification of opposing forces for a shared purpose. Rising and Fighting

Evokes rebirth and resistance in the face of adversity, underscoring a proactive faith. Inspiring Scope This poem serves as both a call to action and a declaration of faith. It inspires courage and hope, asserting that even in the deepest darkness, it is possible to rise, fight, and triumph through sacred unity.

Poem Analysis 2

"You have fought and defeated many enemies honorably.

You have bled and made others bleed to honor your kin.

Honor is now in vain.

Darkness is our new divine.

From darkness, we shall rise.

From darkness, we shall fight.

Today, I invite you to join the Order of William Baltimor."

This poem is both a solemn proclamation and an invitation to embrace a new spiritual paradigm.

Structure and Form Rhythm

Alternates between long affirmations and solemn repetition, creating a cadence that feels both narrative and incantatory. Proclamatory Clarity

Each idea is presented clearly, with logical progression guiding the listener toward the ultimate invitation to join the Order.

Main Themes

Acknowledgment of Past Actions

“You have fought and defeated many enemies honorably.” Recognizes the glorious past of the audience, highlighting their sacrifices and victories. “You have bled and made others bleed to honor your kin.” Evokes past struggles, marked by pain and bloodshed but grounded in honor. Rejection of Traditional Honor

“Honor is now in vain.”

Marks a turning point, rejecting the previously sacred heritage of honor as ineffective or obsolete. Ascension Through Darkness

“Darkness is our new divine.”

Establishes a new spiritual foundation. Darkness is reinterpreted as divine power and a starting point for transformation.

“From darkness, we shall rise. From darkness, we shall fight.”

Repetition amplifies the idea of a renewed struggle and a new beginning fueled by faith in darkness.

Invitation to Renewal

“Today, I invite you to join the Order of William Baltimor.” Concludes with a call to action and unity, representing a promise of shared purpose and power. Symbolism and Implicit Messages Blood and Sacrifice

Highlights the severity of past struggles and the gravity of the call being made. Darkness as Transformation

Darkness is not chaos but a divine force for renewal and transcendence.

Rejection and Rebirth

Rejecting traditional ideals of honor signifies a rebellion against outdated values and the embrace of a more practical, reality-based ethos. Unity and Change

The invitation reflects a desire to gather and guide followers toward a shared vision.

Inspiring Scope and Rallying Cry

This poem serves as homage, critique, and promise. It honors the past while urging transcendence of old limitations to embrace a new path. By inviting followers to join the Order, it offers an alternative to traditional ideals, suggesting that darkness provides solutions where tradition has failed.

It’s a powerful speech aimed at mobilizing and inspiring those seeking spiritual and moral renewal in a world where old certainties have crumbled.

Suggested Characteristics

d6	Personality Trait
1	I speak in solemn tones, as if reciting a sacred verse.
2	I am fiercely loyal to those who share my faith.
3	I embrace competition and strive to prove myself in all I do.
4	I see trials as divine tests and face them with unyielding determination.
5	I often ponder deeply, seeing shadows where others see light.
6	My sense of justice is unwavering, and I struggle to forgive even minor transgressions.

d6	Ideal
1	All beings must face the consequences of their actions, no matter their power. Justice (Lawful)
2	Only by standing together can we overcome the greatest trials. Unity (Good)
3	Darkness is not to be feared but understood and wielded for growth. Transformation (Neutral)
4	The world must remain in harmony; excess on either side leads to ruin. Balance (Lawful Neutral)
5	From every hardship, we grow stronger. Resilience (Chaotic Good)
6	Only by embracing the darkness within us can we rise above the rest. Power (Neutral Evil)

d6	Bond
1	I owe my life to a paladin of William who saved me from despair.
2	My family has always served the Order, and I am continuing their legacy.
3	A relic tied to William Baltimor’s past guides me on my journey.
4	I strive to honor the memory of someone lost to corruption or injustice.
5	My sacred duty is to protect the Fields of Esseyan at all costs.
6	I am searching for others who have yet to see the truth of William’s teachings.

d6	Flaw
1	I tend to see enemies where there may only be allies.
2	My faith in darkness can make others wary of my intentions.
3	I hold grudges far too long, even when forgiveness is deserved.
4	I am overly critical of those who waver in their convictions.
5	I sometimes doubt my own worthiness to serve William’s cause.
6	I am inflexible, unwilling to compromise once I have decided what is just.

5.00

(2 votes)

---

Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Backgrounds