Somehow, one way or another, you were exposed to the power of shadows, that is, negative energy. This energy infused into your being and altered something about you, claiming you for its own with a virtual brand on you. The alteration is noticeable but not all-encompassing in appearance. Instead, it leaves a distinct mark on your existence, and people can probably feel this even just being near you.
Consider how you came in contact with the shadows and how it has affected you. As it is negative energy, it is naturally unnerving at the very least to living things, fey most of all. Did you perhaps take an excursion through the Underdark to Shadowfell, only to return cursed? Perhaps you made a deal with a being of the Plane of Shadows, like the Raven Queen, and thus ended up marked forever. Did your old friends come to shun you upon finding your new appearance? What about your old acquaintances and family? Does this dark taint make you fester dark thoughts as a result? Do you regret your choices, or do you hate others for judging you instead? Do you seek ways to cleanse yourself of this, maybe hide it, or has this merely tempted you into a whole new world of dark arts?
The power of negative energy is opposed by positive energy: existence, light, and life. You may undergo character changes as a result of being shadow touched, though this is not by any means a mandate to become edgy. You could be more somber and comfortable in silence and darkness than near sources of light. Where beings of positive energy are uncomfortable around you, other shadow touched feel a twisted kinship with you. This includes other creatures of shadow like shadar-kai and shades. Even shadow dragons may remark at your special status, though they will likely just mock you before blasting away all the same.
- Skill Proficiencies: Arcana and Stealth
- Tool Proficiencies: Disguise Kit
- Equipment: A set of common clothes, a trinket, and a belt pouch with 5 GP.
Feature: Shadow Aura
You are undeniably set apart from others by the taint on you. Normal people, natural beings, and fey, in particular, are all wary and uneasy near you. This can make it hard for you to tame animals and may augment suspicions against you. However, you enjoy the attention (possibly unwanted) from other shadow beings like shadar-kai, shades, and creatures of the Plane of Shadow. They may see you as less of a threat or even as a possible comrade, thus offering you more opportunities to avoid fighting with them and bargaining.
Suggested Characteristics
Shadow touched beings are still themselves before their unfortunate encounter. Many may have found themselves warped by their experience and the subsequent backlash against them, but they still retain their own memories and personalities. Some are less pessimistic.
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
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1
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I speak softly even when I am mad.
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2
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Jokes other than dark humor often go way over my head.
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3
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I can't help but smile at people suffering sometimes.
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4
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At night, I often lapse into a period of either self-pity or self-loathing.
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5
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Sleep doesn't come easy to me, and I often have nightmares when I finally get to dreamland.
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6
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I always look for things to do, so I'm never idle in body or mind.
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7
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Food is one of the only things that never fails to calm me down.
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8
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I find that getting lost in a good book is as good as any vacation.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
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Cleansed. I want to be free of this curse on me, so I can return to normal. (Neutral)
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2
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Dark Embrace. This is but a taste of the true power I desire and now seek. (Chaotic)
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3
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Vengeance. This taint has made me abhorrent to others. Others will know my pain. (Evil)
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4
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Savior. I was given this power for a reason: To help others. (Good)
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5
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Survival. Like it wasn't hard enough living without this problem. I want to just carry on like nothing's wrong. (Neutral)
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6
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Prophecy. I received ominous warnings from this power that I will adhere to. (Lawful)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
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Everyone I ever knew abandoned me over this curse. I want to hunt them down.
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2
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There is one person who has stuck with me all this time, through thick and thin, and they are my world.
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3
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I want to find others with this affliction so they may help me.
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4
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I don't need anyone! I'm better off alone!
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5
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God, give me a friend. I don't care who...
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6
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Relationships are of the moment, fleeting and ephemeral. I seek those with use as the situation calls for it, nothing more.
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| d7 |
Flaw |
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1
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I unnerve others with my creepy smile and dark humor.
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2
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I unnerve others with my creepy smile and dark humor.
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3
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I cannot empathize with anyone to save my life.
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4
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I focus a lot on things like money over people.
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5
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I love to paint myself as the victim.
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6
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I have no idea when "too far" is too far in anything.
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7
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My own goals take up all my time, so I barely spare any attention to the world around me.
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