Lightkeeper

The Lightkeepers began in the far-off land of Farramore, trading secret messages — through a network of merchants, spies and wandering bards — to undermine authoritarian rule across towns and cities during the First Draken War over a thousand years ago. They were a whisper in the shadows amongst gossiping nobility and criminals alike, individuals of certain skillsets who banded together to become a beacon of light for those who cannot find it themselves. They infiltrated every echelon of society and various factions as spies, feeding information to each other and offering a safe haven to those who require it.

Nowadays, some of the surviving Lightkeepers have spread themselves out across Farramore after the Second Draken War to help those affected by the destruction. But most were active in Dawndarin on the neighboring continent of Mithlade, where they operated under the tyranny of Queen Ophelia Lyonnete and her Court of Darkness as an oath to protect the smallfolk however they could. They slaughtered guards who harrassed the weak, ambushed patrols in the dead of night and spread messages of rebellion amongst the commonfolk.

After her death at the hands of her former court, most Lightkeepers remained in Dawndarin and seceded into the shadows to discreetly continue to help those vulnerable to oppression whilst keeping an eye on its newest rulers, in case of a repeat...

You are one of these Lightkeepers, whether a new recruit trying to prove yourself or a veteran on another mission. Your goals are to spread freedom and inspire hope—or, in time, revolution—in the hearts of the oppressed.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among Insight, Investigation, Deception, Persuasion or Sleight of Hand

Languages: You learn one language and Naush, a language developed by the earliest of Lightkeepers to identify others within the organisation. The language is typically used in songs or catchphrases, with words and phrases thrown in to leave messages or other fellow operatives of possible danger.

Equipment: A set of common clothes, a disguise kit, a gold-plated brooch depicting a torch, and a pouch containing 15 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Lightkeepers are trained in the art of secrecy and innuendo, and are skilled at hiding in plain sight. Their skills in subterfuge and combat lend themselves well to an adventuring lifestyle, and traveling with mercenaries and treasure hunters creates a convenient excuse to journey through lands bent under tyranny.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I idolize a particular hero of my faction, and constantly refer to that person's deeds and example.
2	Give me a drink and a story/gossip and I’ll be your friend.
3	I hate to start fights, but I love to finish them.
4	I've enjoyed fine food, drink, and high society during a long-term mission. Rough living grates on me.
5	I take every effort to be unnoticeable and blend into the crowd. Passersby rarely give me a second look.
6	I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace.
7	I'm almost too confident and never accept that I’m out of my depth.
8	My eloquence and sophistication are tools I use to avoid arousing suspicion myself.

d6	Ideal
1	Revolution. Tyrants must fall, no matter the cost.
2	Compassion. The only way to make a better world is to perform small kindnesses.
3	Justice. A nation built upon just foundations will uphold freedom for all.
4	Obsession. I’ve lived this way for so long that I can’t imagine another way.
5	Self-Determination. People should be free to do as they please, so long as they do not harm others.
6	Vigilance. A free people must be carefully taught, lest they be misled.

d6	Bond
1	I lost someone I care about, but I still see them in guilty visions, recurring dreams, or as a spirit.
2	The first people to be hurt by war among nobility will be the common folk. I need to protect them.
3	I owe much to my vanished mentor. I seek to continue their work even as I search to find them.
4	I will be known as the greatest spy who ever lived.
5	All life is precious to me. I know I can change the world without taking a humanoid life.
6	The elite in their ivory towers don’t understand how we suffer. I intend to show them.

d6	Flaw
1	I’ve never lied once in my life. What? No, I’m not crossing my fingers!
2	I have sticky fingers and tend to swipe little trinkets or coin whenever the opportunity arrives — the money goes towards the cause... usually.
3	Being a spy in wartime is painful. I’ve seen so much suffering, I think I’m losing my mind.
4	I’m a skeptic and don’t believe in the power of rituals, religion, superstition, or spirits.
5	Yeah, that’s my name. Yeah, I’m a Lightkeeper. Who cares about staying undercover?
6	I can’t afford to trust anyone. Not. Anyone.