"The stories they tell about me aren’t all true... but they aren’t all lies, either."
In every dark alley and shadowed tavern, your name is whispered with a mixture of fear and fascination. Tales of your deeds—some exaggerated, others terrifyingly accurate—have spread far and wide. To common folk, you're the villain of their bedtime stories, the specter that haunts their quiet lives. But villains are rarely born; they are forged by circumstance, betrayal, or necessity. Whether you embrace the mantle or struggle against it, you are a figure who looms large in the imagination of the common folk.
Was it desperation that drove you to infamy, or ambition? Perhaps you were framed, and now you wear the villain’s mask because the world will never see you as anything else. Whatever the truth, you walk the line between fearsome legend and misunderstood pariah, shaping your own destiny in a world that judges you before knowing your story.
- Equipment: A token of infamy (a wanted poster, a villainous mask, etc.), a set of dark clothes, an artisan’s tool or gaming set you are proficient with, and a pouch containing 10 gp.
Your name (or alias) is known in villages and towns across the region. Whether your deeds were exaggerated or entirely true, people react to you with fear, caution, or grudging respect. When entering a settlement, you can leverage your infamy to intimidate or coerce common folk into providing you with information, shelter, or minor supplies. However, authorities and local heroes may recognize you and treat you as a potential threat.
Suggested Characteristics
| d4 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I constantly assess everyone for weaknesses, physical or emotional. |
| 2 | I deflect blame onto others whenever possible. |
| 3 | I prefer manipulation to direct confrontation. |
| 4 | I have a soft spot for those who remind me of my younger self. |
| d4 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Redemption. Everyone deserves a second chance, even me. (Good) |
| 2 | Power. The strong take what they want; the weak obey. (Evil) |
| 3 | Freedom. Authority only exists to control and oppress. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Legacy. If I’m to be feared, I’ll make it worth remembering. (Any) |
| d4 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | A loved one or family member still believes I can change. |
| 2 | I owe a debt to someone who shielded me from the law. |
| 3 | My criminal enterprise was dismantled, and I want revenge. |
| 4 | The person who framed me for crimes I didn’t commit is still out there. |
| d4 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I can't escape the weight of my past actions. |
| 2 | I overestimate my cunning and strength. |
| 3 | I see betrayal everywhere, even among allies. |
| 4 | I distrust and challenge authority instinctively. |