Faction Arbiter

"In the shadows, I find the truth. In secrets, I find my strength."
— Kaelen Veyr, Operative of the Midnight Veil

Description

The Faction Arbiter is a master of subterfuge, deception, and infiltration, operating in the shadows to gather intelligence and manipulate events. Whether serving a government, secret organization, or personal agenda, you are adept at blending into any environment, adopting new identities, and exploiting human behavior. Your life is one of moral ambiguity, secrecy, and constant vigilance.

Agents thrive in intrigue and danger, wielding information as their most potent weapon. With wits and cunning, you navigate the fine line between loyalty and betrayal, ensuring your missions are accomplished, even at great personal risk.

Attribute Bonuses:

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

Trinkets Table

Roll a d8 or choose one:

d8	Trinket
1	A small locket containing a hidden compartment.
2	A ring that conceals a tiny lockpick inside.
3	A scrap of parchment with a coded message you’ve yet to decipher.
4	A mask used during covert missions.
5	A coin with an unfamiliar emblem etched on its surface.
6	A small glass vial containing an unknown substance.
7	A journal filled with encrypted notes from past missions.
8	A key to a safehouse you can no longer locate.

Using the Faction Agent Background

This background is ideal for Rogues, Bards, or Rangers who thrive in intrigue, deception, and high-stakes missions. Spies excel in campaigns centered on espionage, political intrigue, and uncovering hidden truths. Whether infiltrating secure locations, manipulating events from the shadows, or navigating moral complexities, Spies bring a unique mix of cunning and adaptability to any adventure.

Skill Proficiencies:

• Deception: To craft believable lies and maintain false identities.
• Stealth: To remain undetected during covert operations.

Tool Proficiencies:

• Disguise Kit: For altering your appearance and creating false personas.
• Thieves’ Tools: To bypass locks, traps, or secure areas.

Languages:

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

Equipment: You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your class and background:

• A set of dark, nondescript clothing ideal for blending into shadows.
• A rapier or dagger (your choice) for close encounters.
• A disguise kit for altering your appearance and mannerisms.
• A set of thieves' tools for bypassing locks and traps.
• A notebook for recording important information and contacts.
• A small pouch containing 10 gold pieces.

Suggested Characteristics

d2	Personality Trait
1	I often change my appearance or mannerisms based on the situation, embodying the roles I play.
2	I carry several different disguises and props that help me blend into various environments.

d2	Ideal
1	Loyalty: While I serve my masters, I believe in loyalty to those who earn it, regardless of their station. (Neutral)
2	Knowledge: Information is power, and I strive to collect it for my own purposes. (Chaotic)

d2	Bond
1	I owe a great debt to someone who saved my life during a mission, and I will do anything to repay them.
2	I have a mentor who taught me the ways of espionage, and I aspire to surpass them one day.

d2	Flaw
1	I can be overly paranoid, constantly second-guessing the motives of others, even allies.
2	I have a tendency to lie to protect myself, even when it isn’t necessary, which can lead to trust issues.

Contacts

Faction Arbiter Contacts

Your life as a Faction Arbiter has forged connections across the spectrum of society:

• A handler who assigns missions and provides resources.
• A rival operative who both admires and competes with you.
• A double agent who feeds you information, but whose loyalty is uncertain.
• A merchant who specializes in smuggling rare items or intelligence.