Urban Vigilante (5e Background)

Urban Vigilante

The Avengers - Iron Man by Daniel Kamarudin

You have witnessed the worst of what your home's criminal element has to offer and have decided to take the law into your own hands. Are you a nobleman dismayed at the suffering of the lower classes and frustrated that your money alone cannot save them? A street child that witnessed the murder of his family and swore revenge? A lone crusader against a corrupt system? Even a former criminal seeking redemption? Regardless of your traumatic inspiration you now seek justice outside the confines of the law; will you become a symbol of hope for the downtrodden? Or will you become a cautionary tale to strike fear into the cowardly and superstitious criminals of your world?

Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Stealth

Tool Proficiencies: Disguise Kit, Climber's Kit

Languages: Any One

Equipment: A mask, hood or other method of concealing your identity; a climber's kit; a set of clothes fitting your station and 15gp.

d6	Origin Story
1	Death in the Family. A family member or loved one was murdered in a crime. You swore that no one would ever have to go through something like this again.
2	A Philanthropist of a Different Sort. You were born into privilege but even with all your money you couldn't stop the injustices in your city against those who were weak. So you took an unorthodox approach.
3	By the Goddess. You were commanded by divinity to enact justice in the streets. Every criminal put away is an offering to your god.
4	Because I'm a Madman. You are insane. Maybe you think you are a being from a different plane? Maybe you think that being bitten by a glowing rodent has given you the powers of a mouse? Maybe you charge thugs with nothing but your fists and some tights? Regardless, you'd have to be crazy to do this job.
5	Redemption. You used to be bad but now you're good, which is good for the city and bad for your former colleagues.
6	Friendly Neighborhood Hero.- You're just sick of being mugged every day. Someone should clean this place up and the city guard won't do it.

City Activity

You can spend a few hours each night surveying the city. From your observations and investigations you can study the locations of key city guard locations like jails, armories, center, and barracks. You can also spend time studying the patrols and rotations of the guard patrols all around the city. Alternatively, you can spend your time fighting and studying the local crime groups. You spend time observing the major bases and hideaways of local crime groups and learn where the criminal activity is most rampant. You can listen in to conversations or use interrogation to learn about any major organized crime groups, who or what they may be competing with, and their relationship with the local population. Prolonged and more in-depth investigations can revel corruption in the guard, or major actions soon to be a undertaken by the criminals, like heists, assassinations, and gang wars. The Dm can choose what you learn from your investigations each night.

Alternate Feature: Secret Identity

When you put on your mask you fully adopt your crimefighting persona. While wearing the mask people recognize you (or whoever is wearing your mask) as your vigilante alias.

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I am always calm, no matter what the situation. I never let my emotions control me.
2	I am without fear; no matter the risks apparent in a situation, I do what is needed.
3	I cannot resist an opportunity to mock my opponent with a quip or joke, even during combat.
4	I feel great empathy towards the plight of all living things.
5	My civilian identity is my true mask and behaves in the opposite manner to that of my masked alter-ego.
6	I have seen the corruption in the upper echelons of society, only the poor are truly trustworthy and deserving of saving.
7	I cannot resist the urge to show off how superior I am in my crime-fighting capabilities; I feel the need to explain how I have brilliantly solved a mystery or leave my mark at a crime scene so that everyone knows I have saved the day.
8	I face problems head on, there is no time to lose in life or death situations.

d6	Ideal
1	Greater Good. I will lay down my life in defense of others, whether they be innocent or criminals. (Good)
2	One Rule. I have a code of conduct I follow to the letter. Otherwise I'd be no better than those I put away. (Lawful)
3	Maverick. The system is broken, I am justice. (Chaotic)
4	Avenger. I will end anyone who gets in the way of my vengeance. (Evil)
5	Daredevil. I do it for the thrill and infamy. If I can do some good while I'm at it, good for me I guess. (Neutral)
6	Not in My City. This city needs a bit of a clean up, and I'm the guy to do it (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I made an oath over the graves of my family to see justice done.
2	I have a group of adoring fans that follow my crimefighting acts with interest.
3	I am in a crime fighting organization with other vigilantes in the area.
4	I cannot give up my dual identity until my nemesis is brought to justice.
5	I have a long time friend that supports my crime fighting and double life.
6	I have a mentor that taught me the ropes. I'm still in contact with him.

d6	Flaw
1	My partner fell fighting evil alongside me; I am reluctant to fight alongside others now.
2	There is only the mission. I don't care about anything unimportant that would be a distraction, like a having a social life or sleeping or eating.
3	I am a tad overzealous when doling out punishment.
4	I have been doing this a long time, all others should follow my lead.
5	I will sacrifice anyone and anything to achieve my goal.
6	I trust no-one, I never reveal my true plan until it is absolutely necessary, and even then, only the parts of it I must.

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