You have spent years in silence and observance. You may have been a member of the clergy, sword to noiselessness as a sacrament or sacred rite. Perhaps you were born deaf or mute, or injured in a way that literally left you speechless until you were healed by a charitable church. Or you may have been a captive of cruel masters who imposed absolute quiet and made speaking impossible, until you were freed by or took refuge in a temple. Work with your DM to detail the nature of your Vow of Silence or other reason for a history of not using your voice.
- Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Stealth.
- Tool Proficiencies: Two artisan tools of your choice
- Equipment: Vestments in the form of a clerical collar, a choker adorned with a blue gemstone, or an unlocked slave collar.
A khakkhara (a quarterstaff topped with metal rings) used as a noisemaker, for religious practice, and in self-defense.
A set of common clothes, 10 pieces of chalk, and a pouch containing 20 gp.
Devoutly religious organizations as well as deaf or mute communities recognize your nature and show you respect and even reverence. They will always give you the benefit of the doubt. If you are accused of a crime, nearby churches or temples will support you if a good case can be made for your innocence or the crime is justifiable. Even if such a case cannot be made, they will usually be able to secure extremely light sentencing, although such services might require 'tithing'; repayment by way of community service or the donation of money.
In large cities or prominent areas, you can always find a charitable religious organization that will support you (but only you) at a modest lifestyle.
Spell List
Prerequisite: Spellcasting or Pact Magic class feature
You have reached a deeper understanding of the nature of noise and of quiet, or perhaps you have found divine favor in light of religious observance and sacrifice.
For you, the spells on the Vow of Silence table are added to the spell list of your spellcasting class. (If you are a multiclass character with multiple spell lists, these spells are added to all of them.)
| Spell Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Cantrip | booming blade, thunderclap |
| 1st | absorb elements, illusory script |
| 2nd | kinetic jaunt, mind spike |
| 3rd | catnap, counterspell, hypnotic pattern |
| 5th | mislead, steel wind strike |
Suggested Characteristics
Those who have undergone long periods of silence often have noticeable mannerisms that point toward observation and understanding of others. Working relationships with temples or other religious communities often shaped their bonds and ideals. Unused to overt expression, their flaws may be guarded secrets, or lie in the way they communicate (or fail to do so).
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I'm someone of few words, and when people expect to explain myself, I have no idea where to start. |
| 2 | I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing right. I can't help it—I'm a perfectionist. |
| 3 | I'm rude to people who lack my commitment to hard work and fair play. |
| 4 | I laugh in the face of hardship and when things get tough, I roll up my sleeves and get to work. |
| 5 | I feel compelled to seek out master artisans and hear them speak about their tradecraft and profession. |
| 6 | When I'm stressed or anxious, I calm down by making something or working with my hands. |
| 7 | I always want to know how things work and what makes people tick. |
| 8 | I’ve spent so long practicing in trade that I have little practical experience dealing with people in the outside world. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Truth. The truth is always worth speaking up about. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Expression. For too long, I remained silent, but no longer. I'll speak my mind, consequences be damned! (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Charity. I always work hard to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. (Good) |
| 4 | Master. I don't need to tell anyone my reasons. I don't owe anyone explanations. (Evil) |
| 5 | Discretion. Making a lot of noise only brings negative attention. Better to listen patiently than speak rashly. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Aspiration. I seek to prove that I have fulfilled my vows and come out stronger for it. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | One day I will prove that I am the greatest artisan of them all. |
| 2 | I take on mute or deaf apprentices to teach them craft and trade. |
| 3 | I spent my time in silence fighting my inner demons, but the battle rages on inside me. |
| 4 | No one else is going to have to endure the hardships I've been through. |
| 5 | I owe everything to the fellows that shared my vows. I was forged by the discipline and skill we earned together. I would do anything for them. |
| 6 | The temple where I learned my silent trade is the most important place in the world to me. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I'm suspicious of those who seem to need noise and those who seem uncomfortable in silence. Sometimes that seems like most people. |
| 2 | I'll do anything to avoid drawn out conversation. |
| 3 | I seem impetuous to others when I act immediately instead of having unnecessary discussion. |
| 4 | When I do communicate it's very brusque, and I often come off as disinterested, or even rude. |
| 5 | I am not a person of words, I am a person of action. Unfortunately, this means I often choose force and violence over negotiation and diplomacy. |
| 6 | I learned to be silent so that I could forever keep my deepest secret, a shame that I dare not share. |
As some say, 'my work speaks for itself'. A reputation for quiet stoicism and discipline helps as well. You may never be the loud, outspoken bard, commanding the attention of the crowd and being showered with favors and coin, but hard work has its own rewards. Even materially.
For instance, the rare talent of proficiency in more than one tool set - and the even rarer talents of quiet diligence and dependable work ethic - grant you increased wages when you practice a profession.
Just as rare is an employer who does not chide or yell unnecessarily, and shared in the skills and effort of the working man. This reputation ensures that hirelings are always dependable, inexpensive, and available. Who says good help is hard to find?
When practicing a profession between adventures, you earn 4 gp. Enough for a wealthy lifestyle, whether you live one or not. You may instead choose to live a less expensive lifestyle and save these earnings. For example, you may choose to live at the 'comfortable' lifestyle level and earn 2 gp per day, or you may choose to live at the 'moderate' lifestyle level and earn 3 gp per day. This benefit lasts as long you continue to practice your profession.
In addition, skilled and untrained hirelings are available to you for half price. This benefit lasts as long as all hirelings are treated with respect and paid promptly.
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