Shadow Manipulator (5e Background)

Shadow Manipulator

Background symbolized via art

Embark on a shadowed odyssey as an Umbraskin Marrowweaver, a fusion of Marrowkin and Shadow Dwellers. Born into the clandestine Umbraskin Marrowweaver Clan, your life unfolds against the backdrop of ancient rituals and veiled traditions. The ritual of Veiled Separation marked your transition to Osseran, revealing your latent powers and the birth of a vengeful spirit. What emotions accompanied this dark rite, and how did it shape your connection with your Umbraskin Marrowweaver companion? Did you yield to the curse willingly, or did defiance guide your path? Now, bearing the title of Shadow Manipulator, your journey begins. What quests and ambitions propel you forward, and what secrets linger in the shadows of your Umbraskin heritage? Unravel the enigma of your past, weave your own destiny, and discover the intricate dance of bone and shadow that defines your existence.

Skill Proficiencies: Deception and Intimidation

Tool Proficiencies: Disguise kit, Thieves’ tools

Languages: Primordial

Equipment: A disguise kit, thieves’ tools, a dark cloak with concealed pockets, a shadow-influenced charm that allows you to discern a person’s true emotions during conversations, and a pouch containing 10 gp.

Lore

Hailing from the secretive Umbraskin Marrowweaver Clan, your skills as a Shadow Manipulator have been honed through ancient rituals and clandestine teachings. This exclusive clan, a mysterious nomadic group, weaves the intricate arts of shadows and deception into their very existence. Born from the union of Marrowkin and Shadow Dwellers, you are a living embodiment of this powerful blend of genetics.

As a member of the Umbraskin Marrowweaver Clan, your adolescent days were marked by a unique and harrowing rite of passage. Paired with a companion Umbraskin Marrowweaver from birth, the bond between you and your partner grew under the watchful eyes of the clan elders. However, a ritual known as the “Veiled Separation” forced you to endure the torment of witnessing your partner’s slow demise, a process meant to unlock latent potential through the crucible of emotional strife.

Surviving this dark ordeal bestowed upon you the title of “Osseran,” signifying an awakened member of the clan. Embracing your Umbraskin Marrowweaver heritage, you embarked on a journey to master the arts of shadow manipulation. The Shadow-Influenced Charm, an heirloom from the Umbraskin Marrowweaver elders, became a constant companion on your quest.

Your Umbral Navigation ability, a product of your unique upbringing, grants you an innate sense of direction in darkness—a skill vital for the Umbraskin Marrowweaver Clan’s nomadic lifestyle. As you traverse the world, your Umbral Trails subtly mark your passage, leaving behind a trace of mystery and shadows.

Feature: Shadow-Influenced Charm

This charm, crafted with shadow essence, enables you to discern a person’s true emotions during conversations. When you focus on the charm, it reveals subtle visual cues, such as faint shadows or reflections, providing insights into the person’s genuine feelings. Additionally, the charm grants you advantage on Insight rolls during conversations, allowing you to better navigate social interactions with heightened awareness.

Alternative Feature: Umbral Navigation

Your connection to the shadows aids you in navigating dimly lit or dark environments. While in areas of low light or darkness, you gain a subtle sense of direction, allowing you to choose paths with greater confidence. This grants you advantage on checks related to navigation and choosing the right path in such environments.

Suggested Characteristics

Roll to determine how you may act to embraced the true characteristics of a Shadow Manipulator Background.

d8	Personality Trait
1	Reserved: You tend to keep your emotions and thoughts to yourself, preferring to observe and analyze situations before acting.
2	Cautious: You approach situations with a careful and calculated mindset, always considering the potential risks and outcomes.
3	Curious: You have an insatiable curiosity, always seeking to uncover hidden truths and secrets.
4	Eccentric: Your behavior is unconventional and unpredictable, often leaving others puzzled by your actions.
5	Mysterious: You prefer to keep an air of mystery around you, revealing only what you deem necessary.
6	Stubborn: Once your mind is set, it’s challenging for others to change your opinions or plans.
7	Loyal: You value loyalty and steadfastness, forming deep connections with those you consider friends or allies.
8	Confident: Your self-assured nature allows you to tackle challenges with determination and poise.

d6	Ideal
1	Freedom. You value personal freedom and despise anything that limits your choices or restricts your actions. (Chaotic)
2	Power. The pursuit of power and influence is your driving force, and you'll do whatever it takes to achieve it. (Evil)
3	Justice. You are committed to ensuring fairness and justice, often taking a stand against wrongdoing. (Lawful)
4	Curiosity. Your insatiable curiosity fuels your desire to learn and understand the world around you. (Neutral)
5	Unity. Building strong connections and fostering unity among people is your ultimate goal. (Good)
6	Anarchy. You thrive in chaos and disorder, finding freedom in the absence of rules. (Chaotic)

d6	Bond
1	Your Umbraskin Marrowweaver companion is unbreakable, and you'd do anything to protect them.
2	The Umbraskin Marrowweaver Clan is your family, and you are fiercely loyal to its traditions and members.
3	You owe a significant debt to someone who once saved your life, and you are determined to repay it.
4	You carry the memory of a lost love, and their absence fuels your actions and decisions.
5	You seek to achieve a personal goal or milestone that defines your existence and purpose.
6	A past betrayal or tragedy drives you to seek revenge against those who wronged you.

d6	Flaw
1	You tend to keep important information to yourself, even when it could benefit others.
2	Your self-assured nature sometimes leads you to underestimate challenges or overlook potential risks.
3	Your impulsiveness often leads to hasty decisions that can have unintended consequences.
4	A thirst for revenge consumes you, and you struggle to let go of grudges.
5	Your pride makes it difficult for you to admit when you're wrong or seek help from others.
6	You are constantly suspicious of others' motives, making it challenging to form genuine connections.

5.00

(one vote)

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