Red Wizard

"A bald girl with sharp features, wearing a red cape and her skin covered with tattoos, is laying her hands on a rotting corpse. She murmurs a quiet chant and the tattoos sparkle of red and yellow flames. The rotten flesh bumps and the dead body slowly starts to reassemble. The once-upon-a-ma sits down and bends the head towards the young wizard."

As a Red Wizard, you are part of Thay's ruling class. You carry a noble title, which you have gained from your family, through a marriage, or you have been recruited due to your talent in arcane arts. Most of you are actual wizards… but you may not possess any arcane skills, just bearing the title. You could also be a sorcerer having the title, but you know that most of you are hunted down for use in magical experiments. How can you be in a royal family? What have you bargained?

Your family, or enclave, is known for a specific skill. They can be alchemists, magical experimenters, merchants, slavers, artisans, necromancers or demonologists. Which one’s yours? You talk to demons or you prefer to stroll with the dead? Or you’re interested in something more earthly, like dealing or slavery?

Does your family, or enclave, have a good reputation among Thayan people? Or are they last descendants of the slain Zulkirs, hunted by the ruling faction of Thay? Or do they ignore politics and just try to survive?

You are more likely of Mulan, who the most Red Wizards usually are. You also may follow their old traditions of wearing tattoos and shaving heads. But, instead of being Mulan, you can also be of Rashemi origin, a lot less stricts with traditions. Which is your relationship with your origin? Do you respect the traditions or you consider them silly?

How does it work for you being Red Wizard, the most feared group of Faerûn? Do you have a magical talent, or did you only inherit the title? What is your relationship with your enclave? You’re born among them or you’ve been chosen? And can you live in the nation with the biggest population of undead?

 

 

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among Arcana, History, Investigation, or Religion

Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools

Languages: Choose one among from Thayan or Mulhorandi (Currently Abyssal or Infernal)

Equipment: A red robe, a set of common clothes, arcane focus (tattoo), envelope, and a purse containing 10 gp

Suggested Characteristics

All Red Wizards in Faerûn are viewed with suspicion and fear and, outside Thay, they’re often hunted and killed on sight. When they leave their country, Red Wizards go through great pain to hide their true identity. They have a tendency being evil. Those who’re, though, are still hard-pressed to prove themselves outside of Thay.

In addition to personality traits suggested for Inheritor, Noble, or Sage, here are options for Red Wizard.

d8	Personality Trait
1	It is no problem for me to use other creatures to achieve my goals.
2	Most of my friends are undead.
3	I have a strong connection to the spell school of my choice, and I don't approve others.
4	When speaking with others, I like to refer them to some lowly creatures, like monkeys.
5	I have witnessed the destruction caused by demons. I enjoyed it.
6	Undeath is the greatest of all blessings.
7	I have unique speaking style, such as using the same tone, or muttering to myself.
8	Showing emotions is a sign of weakness.

d6	Ideal
1	Tradition. We should preserve what previous generations have built. (Lawful)
2	Power. I will raise the greatest army ever, dead or alive. (Evil)
3	Destiny. My place is among the gods and above. (Evil)
4	Knowledge. The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing. (Any)
5	Wealth. I must gather all the gold, for I like shiny things. (Neutral)
6	Magic. Everything is tied to magic, and only I can wield it. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I will do anything to restore the former power of my nation.
2	Council of Zulkirs is the only way to maintain stability.
3	My enclave recovered ancient tomes of forbidden lore.
4	I have made a deal with a demon.
5	I shall utterly destroy all my enemies.
6	I will become the greatest magician ever.

d6	Flaw
1	I only respect those who have mastered the use of arcane arts.
2	I cannot resist taking risks if there's magical item involved.
3	Our traditions are law, and should be followed by everyone.
4	I'd never risk my life over someone else.
5	I explode if somebody interrupts my thinking.
6	There is no question I am the smartest person alive.