Duskblade

"The shadows are my cloak, silence my ally, and precision my creed. I am the blade in the dark."
— Serrik Velshain, Operative of the Obsidian Veil

Description

The Duskblade is a shadowy operative of the Obsidian Veil, the covert intelligence agency of the Obsidian Hegemony. Trained in martial combat, shadow magic, and espionage, Duskblades excel as spies, assassins, and enforcers of the Hegemony's will. Their missions are executed with meticulous precision and unwavering loyalty, although some secretly wrestle with the morality of their actions.

The life of a Duskblade is one of secrecy and subterfuge, often blurring the lines between justice and oppression. Their mastery of stealth and deception allows them to infiltrate enemy lines, gather critical intelligence, and eliminate threats to the Hegemony’s agenda. Whether they serve out of loyalty, ambition, or survival, Duskblades are an elite force of unparalleled skill and ruthlessness.

Attribute Bonuses:

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

Using the Duskblade Background

This background is ideal for Rogues, Warlocks, and Fighters who specialize in stealth, deception, and subterfuge. It offers rich roleplaying opportunities tied to loyalty, ambition, and the moral complexity of espionage. Characters with this background can navigate morally ambiguous missions while questioning their allegiance to the Obsidian Veil.

Trinkets Table

Roll a d8 or choose one:

d8	Trinket
1	A shard of obsidian etched with a mysterious rune.
2	A black mask that emanates a faint aura of shadow.
3	A silver ring engraved with the insignia of the Obsidian Veil.
4	A vial of shadow essence that absorbs light.
5	A parchment with coded instructions you cannot decipher.
6	A black feather that always returns to you when lost.
7	A dagger engraved with the initials of a former ally.
8	A black coin that never warms, no matter how long you hold it.

Skill Proficiencies:

• Stealth: For moving unseen through enemy territory.
• Deception: To create and maintain falsehoods and manipulate others.

Tool Proficiencies:

• Thieves’ Tools: For breaking into secure locations.
• Disguise Kit: To craft and maintain false identities.

Languages:

• One language of your choice, often tied to the regions or factions you infiltrate.

Equipment:

• You begin with the following equipment:

  • A set of black leather armor with the insignia of the Obsidian Veil hidden within.
  • An obsidian dagger, perfectly balanced and razor-sharp.
  • A small vial of shadow-infused powder (useful for creating distractions or casting illusions).
  • A cloak of dark fabric designed to blend into shadows.
  • A pouch containing 15 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I never speak more than is necessary; silence is my ally.
2	I carry an air of calm confidence, even when faced with danger.
3	I constantly analyze my surroundings, noting exits and potential threats.
4	I take pride in my work, but I always remain professional.
5	I have a subtle, dark sense of humor that unnerves others.
6	I am deeply loyal to those I trust, though that trust is hard to earn.
7	I prefer to work alone; companions only slow me down.
8	I constantly wrestle with the morality of my actions, though I rarely show it.

d6	Ideal
1	Loyalty: My allegiance to the Obsidian Veil is absolute. (Lawful)
2	Power: Knowledge is power, and I will obtain it at any cost. (Neutral)
3	Balance: I ensure no force—light or dark—gains too much control. (Neutral)
4	Control: Order must be maintained, even through deception. (Lawful)
5	Freedom: I secretly dream of breaking free from the Veil’s grasp. (Chaotic)
6	Vengeance: I wield the shadows to strike at those who wronged me. (Neutral)

d6	Bond
1	I owe everything to the Veil, for they gave me a purpose when I had none.
2	A former mentor within the Veil betrayed me, and I will uncover their motives.
3	I carry a secret that could unravel the Obsidian Hegemony’s power.
4	My loyalty lies with the Shadowmaster, whose trust I will not betray.
5	I have a token from my past life before joining the Veil, reminding me of who I once was.
6	My blade is sworn to protect the secrets of the Veil, no matter the cost.

d6	Flaw
1	I struggle to trust others, even my allies.
2	My loyalty to the Veil blinds me to its darker truths.
3	I sometimes enjoy the act of deception and manipulation too much.
4	My fear of failure drives me to take unnecessary risks.
5	I see weakness as a liability, both in myself and others.
6	I am haunted by the lives I’ve taken in service to the Veil.

Contacts

Duskblade Contacts

Your shadowy career has created ties to other agents, informants, and allies:

• A master spy who trained you and still offers guidance.
• An informant embedded in a rival faction, feeding you critical information.
• A rogue operative who works independently but shares mutual goals.
• A Veil official who oversees your missions and provides support.