Darkwraith

"The darkness whispers secrets to those who dare to listen. I am its shadow and its sentinel."
— Morwen Duskveil, Keeper of the Shadowed Vale

Description

Darkwraiths are those who have ventured into the shadowy fringes of existence, their very being marked by encounters with the Shadowfell, death, or the entities of darkness. Whether through a pact, a near-death experience, or prolonged exposure to shadowy realms, they have become masters of subtlety, cunning, and survival in the dark. Their connection to the shadows makes them feared and revered in equal measure.

Steeped in mystery, Darkwraiths blend the tangible and the intangible, using their shadow-born gifts to traverse unseen paths, uncover secrets, and strike from the veil of darkness. Their lives are often solitary, marked by the balance they maintain between light and shadow, life and death.

Attribute Bonuses:

• Dexterity (+1) and Wisdom (+1), or Dexterity (+2).

Trinkets Table

Roll a d8 or choose one:

d8	Trinket
1	A shard of black crystal that hums faintly when held.
2	A lantern glowing with eerie green light in darkness.
3	A black feather tied to a memory you cannot fully recall.
4	A fragment of a mirror that reflects only shadows.
5	A coin etched with runes that shift in dim light.
6	A skeletal finger wrapped in shadowy tendrils.
7	A withered flower regaining color in darkness.
8	A black journal with cryptic entries written in Umbral.

Using the Darkwraith Background

This background is ideal for Rogues, Warlocks, Rangers, and other characters who blend stealth, cunning, and a connection to shadowy forces. It offers opportunities for roleplay steeped in mystery, moral complexity, and the balance of light and dark.

Skill Proficiencies: Skill Proficiencies:

• Stealth: For slipping unseen through the shadows.
• Arcana: To unravel the mysteries of shadow magic and dark realms.

Tool Proficiencies: Tool Proficiencies

• One type of artisan’s tools or Thieves’ Tools.

Languages:

• Umbral (a language tied to the Shadowfell)
• One additional language of your choice, often related to the cultures of shadowed or otherworldly beings.

Equipment:

• A dark hooded cloak or mask.
• A vial of shadow essence, a mysterious liquid that seems to absorb light.
• A small trinket from the Shadowfell (see Trinkets table below).
• A dagger with a shadowy shimmer to its blade.
• A pouch containing 10 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	"I am calm, even in the face of death. Darkness holds no fear for me."
2	"I see beauty in the shadows where others see only fear."
3	"I have a dry sense of humor, often bordering on morbid."
4	"I remain quiet and observant, preferring actions over words."
5	"The Shadowfell’s touch lingers on me; I often drift into solemn reflection."
6	"I form bonds slowly, but once formed, they are unbreakable."
7	"I find peace in solitude and quiet places, far from the chaos of life."
8	"I trust shadows more than I trust people."

d6	Ideal
1	Balance: "Light and shadow must remain in harmony; I seek to preserve that balance." (Neutral)
2	Vengeance: "Those who have wronged me or others will know the wrath of the shadows." (Evil)
3	Protection: "I use the power of darkness to shield those who cannot protect themselves." (Good)
4	Ambition: "Darkness is a tool, and I will master it to achieve greatness." (Neutral)
5	Freedom: "No one, not even the forces of death, will control me." (Chaotic)
6	Duty: "I owe my life to the shadow that saved me; I will fulfill its purpose." (Lawful)

d6	Bond
1	"I owe my life to someone who saved me from death’s grasp, and I will protect them at all costs."
2	"The shadows gave me power, and I must repay that gift by serving their will."
3	"My family was taken by the Shadowfell; I will uncover their fate, no matter the cost."
4	"I swore to use my shadowy powers to protect the innocent, even if it means walking a dark path."
5	"A powerful shadowy being spared me once, and I am bound to its service."
6	"I seek the one who brought this curse of darkness upon me, to end their life and free myself."

d6	Flaw
1	"I mistrust everyone, even those I travel with, believing betrayal lurks in every heart."
2	"I find it hard to relate to others, as my experiences have left me detached from the living."
3	"I am reckless in battle, willing to throw myself into danger to achieve my goals."
4	"I am haunted by visions of death and shadow, sometimes losing focus on reality."
5	"I am drawn to the power of darkness, even when it could corrupt or destroy me."
6	"I hold grudges far too long, letting vengeance cloud my judgment."

Contacts

Darkwraith Contacts

Your shadowy path has forged connections with others who walk the line between light and darkness. Examples include:

• A scholar obsessed with the Shadowfell who seeks your knowledge.
• A rogue who shares your knack for subtlety and cunning.
• A cleric who aids you in maintaining balance between shadow and light.
• A mysterious benefactor tied to the Shadowfell.