The Shadowbound Mercenary is someone who has walked a dark path, forging alliances with infernal or otherworldly beings to gain power in exchange for servitude. Whether driven by desperation, ambition, or a desire for freedom, those who take on the mantle of a Shadowbound Mercenary carry the weight of a dangerous pact. Their skills have been honed in secret places—shadowed alleys, battlefields at dusk, and in the service of powerful and mysterious patrons.
These mercenaries blend martial prowess with a touch of the arcane, often possessing knowledge of forbidden magic or abilities granted to them by their dark benefactors. They use their talents for coin, revenge, or personal gain, though they are ever watchful for opportunities to break or renegotiate their bonds. A Shadowbound Mercenary's reputation is one of efficiency, discretion, and a willingness to take on the jobs that others fear.
As a Shadowbound Mercenary, you are not just a hired sword—you are a weapon of your patron's making, bound by chains both seen and unseen, and driven by your own ambitions.
- Skill Proficiencies: As a Shadowbound Mercenary, you have learned the skills needed to survive both in the shadows and in the open world of dangerous deals and dark powers. You gain proficiency in Stealth and Arcana.
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Stealth: Your experience as a mercenary who works under the cover of darkness has taught you how to move without being seen or heard, allowing you to slip into restricted places and evade threats with ease.
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Arcana: Your dealings with otherworldly patrons have given you insights into the realms of forbidden magic and infernal lore. This proficiency helps you understand magical phenomena, recognize supernatural symbols, and identify otherworldly entities.
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- Tool Proficiencies: As a Shadowbound Mercenary, you gain proficiency with Thieves' Tools.
- Thieves' Tools: Your experience as a mercenary operating in the shadows has taught you how to bypass locks and disarm traps, skills that are invaluable for infiltration and evading the many obstacles that come with working for powerful patrons.
- Languages: You gain proficiency in Infernal.
- Infernal: As part of your pact with your infernal patron, you have learned the language of devils. This proficiency allows you to understand and communicate with other infernal beings, as well as read forbidden texts and decipher dark symbols related to devilish contracts and lore.
- Equipment: You start with the following equipment:
- A set of dark common clothes, including a hooded cloak, perfect for staying inconspicuous and blending into the shadows.
- Thieves’ Tools, essential for a life of stealth and breaking into secure areas.
- A small pouch containing 15 gold pieces, earned from your previous mercenary contracts.
- A token from your infernal patron, such as a small iron chain or a coin marked with an infernal rune, which serves as a reminder of your pact and connection to your patron.
The Infernal Connections table represents the unique type of connection that the Shadowbound Mercenary has with their infernal patron. Each connection grants specific knowledge, abilities, or favors that the mercenary can call upon, reflecting the various aspects of their pact. Roll on this table to determine the specific nature of your infernal ally or resource, adding depth to your character's backstory and special abilities.
| d4 | Infernal Connections |
|---|---|
| 1 | Whispering Chain Cultist: You have a contact within a cult that reveres your infernal patron. They may provide you with information, shelter, or assistance when called upon, though their help often comes with a price. |
| 2 | Infernal Knowledge Broker: You have a connection to someone who trades in forbidden knowledge. They can provide you with leads on arcane artifacts, lost rituals, or hidden supernatural secrets. |
| 3 | Shadow Network Agent: You are part of a loose network of spies and informants who operate under the influence of dark patrons. You can rely on them for information about underworld dealings, magical threats, or safe passage through dangerous regions. |
| 4 | Unsettling Presence: Your patron has gifted you with an aura that unnerves people. When interacting with someone vulnerable to fear, you have an easier time convincing or intimidating them, though this could also draw unwanted attention. |
Whispers of the Chain: Your infernal patron grants you insights and knowledge from the shadows. Once per day, you can consult your patron to gain valuable information about something involving the Shadowfell, demons, or supernatural entities. This consultation comes in the form of cryptic whispers and visions, which may not always be entirely clear but will provide you with an advantage on tasks related to dark magic, otherworldly creatures, or forbidden lore.
Additionally, your connection to your patron gives you an eerie presence, making you particularly skilled at recognizing signs of infernal or supernatural influence. When investigating or interacting with infernal or otherworldly beings, you have advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks to discern their intentions or detect deception.
Spell List
As a Shadowbound Mercenary, your connection to your infernal patron grants you access to dark and forbidden magics. The spells provided by this background reflect the eerie knowledge and powers bestowed upon you by your infernal ally. These spells allow you to manipulate shadows, intimidate your foes, and interact with the supernatural in ways that others cannot.
| Spell Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Cantrip | thaumaturgy |
| 1st | cause fear |
| 2nd | darkness |
The spells granted by the Shadowbound Mercenary background are focused on enhancing your connection to the shadows and your infernal patron, as well as providing utility to suit your mercenary life. These spells are available to you based on your pact and training, and are always considered known spells without requiring them to be prepared:
- Cantrip: Thaumaturgy - The minor wonder-working of your infernal patron allows you to create harmless but intimidating effects, perfect for unsettling foes or manipulating your environment.
- 1st Level: Cause Fear - You can instill terror in the hearts of those who oppose you, reflecting your dark connection and the whispers of your patron.
- 2nd Level: Darkness - You can call forth a magical darkness, blinding everyone within it except for you, thanks to your Devil's Sight.
These spells represent both practical and fearsome aspects of your pact and grant you an advantage when operating in dangerous and uncertain environments.
Suggested Characteristics
Shadowbound Mercenaries have traits shaped by their connection with an infernal patron and their dark, solitary work. These characteristics reflect the sacrifices they have made, the power they wield, and the danger of their chosen path. Use these suggested traits to inspire your roleplaying and bring out the unique, unsettling nature of your character.
Personality Traits:
- I remain calm and collected in any situation, which unnerves those around me.
- I enjoy watching people squirm when I subtly reveal my knowledge of their secrets.
- I have a dark sense of humor, finding amusement in the macabre and dangerous.
Ideals:
- Freedom: I sold my soul for power, and I refuse to let anyone else control me. (Chaotic)
- Power: My patron’s gifts are a means to an end—my own supremacy. (Neutral)
- Revenge: I will use the power I’ve gained to take vengeance on those who wronged me. (Evil)
Bonds:
- My infernal patron granted me power, and I intend to use it until I have leverage to make my own terms.
- I care deeply for a friend or family member who does not know about my dark pact. I do everything to protect them from my past.
- The chains that bind me to my patron are also the ones that motivate me—I won’t let them drag anyone else down.
Flaws:
- I enjoy manipulating others far too much; I love seeing how far I can push people.
- My loyalty is fleeting—if a better opportunity presents itself, I’ll take it.
- I often think I can handle situations alone, leading me to bite off more than I can chew.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I remain calm and composed in any situation, which unnerves those around me. |
| 2 | I enjoy watching people squirm when I subtly reveal my knowledge of their secrets. |
| 3 | I have a dark sense of humor, finding amusement in the macabre and dangerous. |
| 4 | I’m used to keeping secrets, and I rarely share personal information. |
| 5 | My confidence sometimes comes across as arrogance, but I know my abilities. |
| 6 | I prefer to work in silence, speaking only when necessary. |
| 7 | The whispers of my patron sometimes slip into my speech, making my words unsettling. |
| 8 | I have a soft spot for the underdog, despite my dark nature. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom: I sold my soul for power, and I refuse to let anyone else control me. (Chaotic) |
| 2 | Power: My patron’s gifts are a means to an end—my own supremacy. (Neutral) |
| 3 | Revenge: I will use the power I’ve gained to take vengeance on those who wronged me. (Evil) |
| 4 | Knowledge: The more I understand about the arcane and forbidden, the more powerful I become. (Neutral) |
| 5 | Survival: In a harsh world, I do whatever it takes to keep myself alive. (Any) |
| 6 | Respect: I want others to see that my pact has made me more than just another sellsword. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My infernal patron granted me power, and I intend to use it until I have leverage to make my own terms. |
| 2 | I care deeply for a friend or family member who does not know about my dark pact. I do everything to protect them from my past. |
| 3 | I owe a debt to someone who helped me escape a dangerous situation. One day, I will repay them. |
| 4 | My dark powers are the only thing that keeps me from feeling powerless again. |
| 5 | I keep a memento of the life I had before I forged my pact—a reminder of what I sacrificed. |
| 6 | I’ve made a pact, but I have my own secret goal: to break free from the chains binding me. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I enjoy manipulating others far too much; I love seeing how far I can push people. |
| 2 | My loyalty is fleeting—if a better opportunity presents itself, I’ll take it. |
| 3 | I often think I can handle situations alone, leading me to bite off more than I can chew. |
| 4 | The whispers from my patron sometimes cloud my judgment, making me reckless. |
| 5 | I am haunted by nightmares of the day I made my pact and often wake up in a cold sweat. |
| 6 | My desire for power sometimes blinds me to the consequences of my actions. |
Contacts
As a Shadowbound Mercenary, your lifestyle and patronage often bring you into contact with individuals who operate in the darker corners of society. Your network is comprised of informants, underworld figures, and other mercenaries who respect your skills or fear your connection to infernal forces. You may also have contacts tied to your patron—cultists, warlocks, or supernatural entities who can provide assistance or information, albeit for a price.
These contacts can help you find work, provide crucial information, or serve as allies in times of need, but their aid is rarely without risk or expectation of favors in return.
| d3 | Contact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Whispering Chain Cultist: You know a member of a cult devoted to your infernal patron. They can provide information or resources in exchange for favors, though their assistance often comes with dangerous strings attached. |
| 2 | Infernal Knowledge Broke: You have a contact who deals in dark and forbidden information. They are a useful source of arcane knowledge or leads to powerful artifacts, but their information always comes at a steep price. |
| 3 | Shadow Network Agent: You have an ally within a secretive network of spies and informants who serve infernal patrons. They can help you gather information about underworld dealings, threats, or secrets related to dark magic, though relying on them may attr |
| d2 | Non-contact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Azazel’s Mark: Your patron has left a permanent mark on you, visible as a tattoo or symbol. This mark is a sign to other infernal entities that you belong to a higher power. Sometimes, it acts as an invitation for those who also deal in dark powers to off |
| 2 | Infernal Rumors: You have access to a network of infernal whispers—rumors and secrets shared by supernatural entities. Occasionally, you can gather useful information this way, though it may come fragmented and cryptic, requiring interpretation. |
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