Shadewalker

"The shadows are my ally, my refuge, and my weapon."
— Lyris Kael, Infiltrator of the Obsidian Veil

Description

Shadewalkers are masters of secrecy and stealth, thriving in darkness to accomplish their missions. Whether as spies, infiltrators, or scouts, you operate unseen to serve powerful factions or pursue personal goals. Skilled in subterfuge and deception, your expertise lies in uncovering hidden truths, manipulating events, and surviving where others dare not tread.

Your path may stem from a desire to protect forbidden knowledge, seek vengeance, or further a higher cause. As a Shadewalker, you excel at navigating hostile environments, infiltrating secure locations, and unraveling the mysteries others fear to confront. You are the unseen hand that shapes the outcome of events.

Attribute Bonuses:

• Two ability scores of your choice increase by +1.

Trinkets Table

Roll a d8 or choose one:

d8	Trinket
1	A crescent-shaped pendant inscribed with a coded phrase.
2	A small vial of liquid that emits a faint glow in the dark.
3	A black coin with an unfamiliar emblem etched on one side.
4	A mask used during a pivotal infiltration mission.
5	A folded piece of parchment containing a cryptic map.
6	A lockpick set hidden within a decorative hairpin.
7	A shard of obsidian that reflects no light.
8	A silver key engraved with an intricate design.

Using the Shadewalker Background

This background is ideal for Rogues, Rangers, or Bards who excel in stealth, deception, and subterfuge. Shadewalkers thrive in campaigns centered on espionage, intrigue, and uncovering hidden truths. Whether infiltrating guarded strongholds, protecting forbidden knowledge, or manipulating events from the shadows, these covert operatives bring a unique blend of cunning and versatility to any adventure.

Skill Proficiencies:

• Stealth: For moving unseen in shadows.
• Insight: To discern truths and uncover hidden motives.

Tool Proficiencies:

• Disguise Kit: To alter your appearance and craft false identities.
• Poisoner’s Kit: For creating or handling lethal substances.

Languages:

• Common
• One additional language, often tied to espionage or regions of operation.

Equipment:

• A set of dark traveling clothes with a hood.
• A finely crafted dagger with a concealed compartment in the hilt.
• A small notebook of coded messages and hidden truths.
• A vial of shadow essence (usable for minor magical effects, like creating dim light in a 5-foot radius for 1 minute).
• A pouch containing 10 gold pieces.

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I am calm and composed, even in the face of danger.
2	I thrive in silence and prefer to let others speak first.
3	I see shadows as my allies and find comfort in the dark.
4	I carefully observe others, noting their weaknesses.
5	I enjoy solving puzzles and decoding mysteries.
6	I am patient and methodical, always waiting for the right moment to act.
7	I maintain an air of mystery, even among allies.
8	I have a sharp tongue and a sarcastic wit.

d6	Ideal
1	Balance: The shadows ensure equilibrium, neither light nor darkness dominates. (Neutral)
2	Justice: I use my skills to uncover the truth and punish the guilty. (Lawful)
3	Freedom: The shadows are my refuge, and no one will control me. (Chaotic)
4	Power: Knowledge gained in secret is the key to true power. (Neutral)
5	Protection: I shield the innocent from the unseen dangers of the world. (Good)
6	Vengeance: The shadows will swallow those who wronged me. (Evil)

d6	Bond
1	My loyalty lies with the organization that trained me, and I will not betray it.
2	I carry a token from a fallen comrade, reminding me of the price of my work.
3	My mission is everything, and I will not let anyone or anything interfere.
4	I am sworn to protect a hidden place or artifact of great importance.
5	I work to undermine a rival faction that threatens the balance I uphold.
6	I seek to atone for a past mistake that cost innocent lives.

d6	Flaw
1	I trust no one, often to my detriment.
2	My obsession with secrecy alienates me from others.
3	I struggle with guilt over the lives I have taken.
4	I often underestimate the cost of my actions on others.
5	My pursuit of hidden truths sometimes blinds me to the present.
6	I fear becoming lost in the shadows I rely upon.

Contacts

Shadewalker Contacts

Your covert operations have forged alliances with shadowy figures and organizations:

• A rogue informant who supplies you with valuable intelligence.
• A handler from your organization who assigns missions and offers support.
• A rival infiltrator who admires your skill but competes against you.
• A scholar of forbidden knowledge who aids you in decoding mysteries.