The Blade of Duality background introduces characters who are the living embodiment of the struggle between opposing forces—light and darkness, war and peace, life and death. Born with a divine connection to Ares, the god of war, and bound by a deathly curse, individuals with this background navigate a complex path fraught with internal conflict and moral ambiguity.
As the offspring of a deity and a mortal, you possess innate martial prowess and a relentless spirit. However, a profound event—such as accepting the mantle of a death knight to serve a greater purpose—has intertwined your fate with darker powers. This duality grants you unique abilities that draw from both your divine heritage and the shadows that threaten to consume you.
The Blade of Duality background is for those who seek to explore themes of balance, redemption, and the nuanced spectrum between good and evil. Your journey is one of mastering the turbulent forces within, turning potential curses into unparalleled strengths, and forging your own destiny amid the clashing realms of war and death.
- Who It's For: Players interested in characters with complex moral landscapes and internal struggles between opposing forces.
- Themes: Duality, redemption, internal conflict, mastery over one's nature, the balance between light and darkness.
- Role-Playing Opportunities: Rich narrative potential for character development, challenging choices, and profound interactions with both allies and adversaries.
- Skill Proficiencies: You gain proficiency in the Insight and Intimidation skills.
- Tool Proficiencies: You gain proficiency with Smith's Tools.
- Languages:
Celestial (language of the divine, reflecting his godly heritage)
Abyssal (language of dark forces, reflecting his death knight connection) - Equipment: You begin your journey with the following equipment:
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A set of scale mail engraved with symbols of both war and death, representing your dual heritage. The armor bears markings of Ares and is accented with dark motifs symbolizing your connection to the realm of death.
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A halberd or greatsword, your choice, which has been your trusted companion since your early training. This weapon is intricately designed, reflecting both your divine lineage and the shadows you command.
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Pendant of Ares: A pendant bearing the symbol of Ares, signifying your divine lineage.
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A set of common clothes suitable for travel, including a hooded cloak that allows you to blend into both civilized and shadowy environments
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A journal filled with reflections on war and death, containing your thoughts, strategies, and notes on your internal struggle.
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A pouch containing 15 gp, resources gathered from your past endeavors or provided by those who support your quest.
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| 1 | Eyes of Contrasting Hues: One eye glows faintly, while the other appears shadowed or darker in color. |
| 2 | Shifting Aura: Your presence alternates between warm and inviting to cold and unsettling, depending on your emotions. |
| 3 | Warrior's Mark: A birthmark or scar shaped like a weapon that seems to change or become more prominent at times. |
| 4 | Whispering Shadows: Faint whispers occasionally emanate from around you, just at the edge of hearing. |
| 5 | Light and Shadow Tattoos: Tattoos or markings depicting both celestial and dark imagery cover parts of your body. |
| 6 | Echoing Footsteps: Your footsteps sometimes sound heavier or lighter, as if accompanied by another presence. |
| 7 | Flickering Shadow: Your shadow occasionally moves independently or doesn't match your actions precisely. |
| 8 | Spectral Glimpses: Others sometimes catch fleeting glimpses of spectral warriors or shadows near you. |
| d8 | Shadow's Embrace |
|---|---|
| 1 | Eyes of Contrasting Hues: One eye glows faintly, while the other appears shadowed or darker in color. |
| 2 | Shifting Aura: Your presence alternates between warm and inviting to cold and unsettling, depending on your emotions. |
| 3 | Warrior's Mark: A birthmark or scar shaped like a weapon that seems to change or become more prominent at times. |
| 4 | Whispering Shadows: Faint whispers occasionally emanate from around you, just at the edge of hearing. |
| 5 | Light and Shadow Tattoos: Tattoos or markings depicting both celestial and dark imagery cover parts of your body. |
| 6 | Echoing Footsteps: Your footsteps sometimes sound heavier or lighter, as if accompanied by another presence. |
| 7 | Flickering Shadow: Your shadow occasionally moves independently or doesn't match your actions precisely. |
| 8 | Spectral Glimpses: Others sometimes catch fleeting glimpses of spectral warriors or shadows near you. |
Your internal struggle between light and darkness creates a palpable aura that affects those around you.
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Dual Presence: People sense both the noble and shadowed aspects of your being. This duality allows you to influence others in unique ways.
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Inspiring Light: You can use your aura to bolster your allies. As an action, you can choose a number of creatures up to your Charisma modifier (minimum of one) within 30 feet who can see you. They gain advantage on their next saving throw against being frightened or charmed within the next hour.
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Intimidating Darkness: Alternatively, you can channel the darker aspect of your aura to instill fear. As an action, you can force one creature within 30 feet who can see you to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier). On a failed save, the creature is frightened of you until the end of your next turn.
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Once per Rest: You can use this feature (Inspiring Light or Intimidating Darkness) once, and regain the ability to do so after a short or long rest.
Spell List
Your unique heritage grants you access to spells that embody the themes of duality, allowing you to draw upon both radiant and shadow energies. These spells enhance your versatility in confronting a variety of challenges.
| Spell Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| 1st | inflict wounds, protection from evil and good |
| 2nd | shadow blade, spiritual weapon |
| 3rd | animate dead, spirit guardians |
| 4th | guardian of faith, shadow of moil |
| 5th | circle of power, danse macabre |
| Character Level | Spells |
|---|
| 1st | Protection from Evil and Good, Inflict Wounds |
| 3rd | Shadow Blade, Spiritual Weapon |
| 5th | Spirit Guardians, Animate Dead |
| 7th | Shadow of Moil, Guardian of Faith |
| 9th | Danse Macabre, Circle of Power |
Suggested Characteristics
Characters with the Blade of Duality background are shaped by their constant internal battle between opposing forces. Their personalities reflect the complexities of balancing light and darkness, often resulting in profound insights or conflicting behaviors. Use the following tables to develop traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws that resonate with your character's journey.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | "I find solace in the heat of battle where choices are clear." |
| 2 | "I am reserved, pondering the dual nature of all things." |
| 3 | "I often speak in metaphors of light and shadow." |
| 4 | "My mood shifts unpredictably, reflecting my inner turmoil." |
| 5 | "I have a dark sense of humor, finding levity in grim situations." |
| 6 | "I strive to bring out the best in others, even as I struggle myself." |
| 7 | "I keep my emotions tightly controlled to prevent them from overtaking me." |
| 8 | "I am fiercely protective of those who accept me, willing to face any danger for them." |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Balance: "True strength comes from embracing both light and darkness." (Neutral) |
| 2 | Redemption: "I will use my cursed gifts to atone for past deeds." (Good) |
| 3 | Power: "Mastery over my dual nature will make me unstoppable." (Lawful) |
| 4 | Freedom: "I must forge my own path, unbound by destiny." (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Destiny: "I am meant to be a bridge between worlds." (Any) |
| 6 | Vengeance: "Those who curse others with darkness deserve no mercy." (Evil) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | "I seek to understand the origins of my curse and heritage." |
| 2 | "An order of warriors accepted me; I owe them everything." |
| 3 | "I will destroy those who exploit war and death for evil ends." |
| 4 | "A loved one was lost due to my inner darkness; I must prevent it from happening again." |
| 5 | "An ancient prophecy speaks of me; I must discover its meaning." |
| 6 | "I protect a sacred relic that balances light and darkness." |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | "I am tempted by the power of darkness and struggle to resist it." |
| 2 | "My need for conflict can endanger myself and others." |
| 3 | "I distrust those who are purely good or purely evil." |
| 4 | "I keep secrets from allies, fearing their judgment." |
| 5 | "I sometimes act without considering the moral implications." |
| 6 | "I am haunted by nightmares that blur reality." |
Contacts
Your journey has led you to form connections on both sides of the moral spectrum.
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Allies in the Light: Clerics, paladins, and champions of good who recognize your efforts to use your powers for noble causes. They may offer guidance, support, or resources.
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Denizens of Shadow: Necromancers, warlocks, or others who delve into dark arts. Some may seek to exploit your abilities, while others understand your plight and offer unique insights.
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Balance Seekers: Druids, monks, or scholars who strive for equilibrium in all things. They may aid you in understanding your dual nature and controlling your powers.
| d6 | Contact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sir Alaric Thorne - Paladin Commander of the Radiant Order Relationship: Mentor and ally. Description: Sir Alaric recognized your struggle between light and darkness and took you under his wing. He believes in your potential to harness your dual nature fo |
| 2 | Morwenna Blackthorn - Shadowmage of the Umbral Guild Relationship: Informant and uneasy ally. Description: Morwenna is a practitioner of shadow magic who understands the allure and dangers of darkness. While her motives are often ambiguous, she has aided |
| 3 | Elias the Sage - Scholar of Ancient Lore Relationship: Advisor. Description: An elderly scholar who specializes in myths and legends, including those about demigods and curses. Elias helps you research your divine heritage and the origins of your curse, o |
| 4 | Captain Seraphine Vale - Leader of the Mercenary Company "Iron Wings" Relationship: Former comrade. Description: You fought alongside Seraphine in past conflicts. She respects your combat prowess but is wary of your darker abilities. She could provide mil |
| 5 | High Priest Lucien Varro - Cleric of the Temple of Light Relationship: Skeptical observer. Description: Lucien is cautious of your deathly powers but acknowledges your efforts to fight evil. He could be a valuable ally if you earn his trust or a hindrance |
| 6 | Shadeclaw - Mysterious Entity from the Shadow Realm Relationship: Antagonist or dark influencer. Description: A shadowy figure who seeks to exploit your dual nature for its own purposes. Shadeclaw might offer power or knowledge at a steep cost, representi |
| d3 | Non-contact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Allies in the Light: Clerics, paladins, and champions of good who recognize your efforts to use your powers for noble causes. They may offer guidance, support, or resources. |
| 2 | Denizens of Shadow: Necromancers, warlocks, or others who delve into dark arts. Some may seek to exploit your abilities, while others understand your plight and offer unique insights. |
| 3 | Balance Seekers: Druids, monks, or scholars who strive for equilibrium in all things. They may aid you in understanding your dual nature and controlling your powers. |
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