Information is the lifeblood by which wars are won, battles are waged, and gold is made. You have stumbled upon a secret so great, the world will inexorably change if it were to be discovered by the general public. Whatever life you led before is gone. Now, you live only to make sure that no one discovers the secret you keep, save for those who must know.
Perhaps you are a confidant of someone of high standing, and the only one they trust to know such precious information. Or perhaps you stumbled upon state secrets and were threatened with a fate worse than death, and now you must find a way to live your life without letting the information fall into the wrong hands. Whatever the case, you are in possession of a dangerous secret, and no one else can ever know.
You must become a master of hiding in plain sight, moving amongst the people without arousing suspicion that you may have knowledge of information that could change the world. You must learn to keep your lips sealed, and never speak a word even hinting at the secret you keep. Becoming inebriated is unthinkable; you cannot lose control of your mind or mouth. Everything you do now is for the sake if keeping this secret to yourself, even if the information torments and haunts you...
- Skill Proficiencies: Deception, and one of your choice from Persuasion, Performance, Perception, Insight, Stealth, or Survival
- Languages: Two languages of your choice
- Equipment: A single piece of vellum containing a code word written in invisible ink, a scroll case filled with blank parchment, a set of fine clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
What was the secret you discovered that now rules your life? Roll a d6 or choose from the options in the table below to determine its nature:
| d6 | The Nature of Secrets |
|---|---|
| 1 | I discovered a deep, shameful family secret. Be it my own family or another's, this family secret would not only destroy the relationships of everyone in this family, but also stain the name and reputation of their blood for all time. |
| 2 | I have stumbled across state secrets that cause the political landscape to irrevocably change. Perhaps it's a secret plan for a war, a hidden alliance, or corruption deeper than any conspiracy could have foretold. Either way, I am a wanted person, who holds to potential to create war should I divulge the secret to the wrong (or right) party. |
| 3 | I have come across an arcane secret, a spell so powerful that one could change or destroy the world with its casting. Perhaps it was passed to me by a mentor, or I discovered it in a forgotten ruin. Whatever the source, this spell is far too powerful to exist in the world. |
| 4 | I hold a deeply personal secret. One that involves me and only a few others. Perhaps the others are deceased, and I am the only one who remains. Perhaps our group split out of shame, hoping to forget the secret ever existed. Whatever the case, this secret is a great source of shame and despair to me, and I will do anything to keep it hidden. Ideally, it will die with me. |
| 5 | My secret is that of obsession. It may be mine or another's, but this obsession has the potential to destroy lives, reputations, and families. Perhaps it's addiction, stalking, or a terrible habit. Perhaps it's an obsession with knowledge, forbidden or not. The obsession is all consuming, and it drives the life and purpose of the one who has it, yet they hide it well. I am one of the few who knows. |
| 6 | I have discovered the secret of the truth. A terrible truth exists that would shake the understanding of the world as it currently is. Perhaps it's a truth about history, religion, or current affairs. Perhaps it's the truth behind a succession, behind a war, or behind a treaty. Perhaps it's the truth of an identity, a relation, or a credit. Either way, the secret I know runs counter against what is commonly accepted. There stands the chance that even if I tell the secret to someone, no one will believe me. |
Only a few people know of the secret you keep, and you are familiar with most -- if not all -- of them. During your travels, you will be able to recognize those who are in the know. Depending on the nature of the secret, they can either be a source of safety, or of terrible danger.
Suggested Characteristics
Knowledge of this secret has changed your life. Perhaps it has changed for the better, allowing you to be an insider with foresight to how the future will pan out. Perhaps it haunts you, makes you unable to sleep because of the nightmares that plague your thoughts. Or perhaps it has caused you to be hunted by those who do not trust you, making you live a life on the run.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I'm suspicious of everyone I meet. |
| 2 | I’m haunted by what I've learned. I struggle to pretend that nothing is wrong. |
| 3 | My knowledge has made me reckless. I live as though that secret were common knowledge, even though it is not. |
| 4 | I indulge in various substances to help me keep my mind off the secret, even though it might loosen my lips. |
| 5 | I seek to make the secret known, and I will do anything to make myself heard. |
| 6 | I have been ordered by higher authorities to keep the secret. |
| 7 | I pretend to be cheerful and optimistic to drive away suspicion. |
| 8 | I am being hunted for my knowledge. Staying alive is a struggle every day. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Integrity. I must protect or speak this secret for the greater good, no matter the cost to me. (Good) |
| 2 | Responsibility. I must bear this secret because I have been ordered to. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Discord. I will use this secret to shake up the world. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Destruction. This secret will destroy the world as we know it. I will make it common knowledge in pursuit of that. (Evil) |
| 5 | Independence. This secret isn't worth the trouble. Whatever happens will happen; I will continue to live my life regardless. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Sometimes the best way to deal with a secret is to forget it. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I cannot risk harming the ones I love by letting them know the secret. I will work to keep it from them for their own safety. |
| 2 | The cost of learning this secret was a life. I will never allow another to die for its sake again. |
| 3 | I will cut down anyone who learns this secret, be they friend or foe. |
| 4 | I will never forgive those involved in my learning this secret. They will face my wrath. |
| 5 | Those few who also know this secret are the only ones I can trust. I will stay by their side, no matter what. |
| 6 | I am alone in this knowledge, and I am alone in life. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I don't trust anyone. Not even time can soften my guard. |
| 2 | I am better than others because of the knowledge I possess. |
| 3 | I will do anything to keep this secret. Anything. |
| 4 | I become unreasonable when I feel like someone is getting to close to learning the secret. |
| 5 | I will keep the secret, even if it means everyone else will suffer. |
| 6 | I'm a terrible liar, and everyone can tell. |
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