"In darkness, we ensure the light of the Dominion endures."
— Whisperer Kael Dravon, Operative of the Eternal Sovereign

Description

As a member of the Ashen Hand, you serve as a covert agent of the Dominion of Xathrin, tasked with protecting the Eternal Sovereign’s rule through any means necessary. Blending lethal precision with stealth and manipulation, you eliminate threats, gather intelligence, and uphold the Dominion’s stability from the shadows. Your loyalty is unquestionable, your actions often ruthless, but always in service of a greater cause.

Trained in espionage, subterfuge, and assassination, you operate autonomously, executing delicate missions that others cannot handle. Whether dismantling conspiracies or neutralizing dissent, your presence is a whisper in the wind—unseen, unknown, but deeply impactful.

Attribute Bonuses:

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

Trinkets Table

Roll a d8 or choose one:

d8	Trinket
1	A badge engraved with the sigil of the Ashen Hand.
2	A black coin with the Eternal Sovereign’s insignia.
3	A vial of poison crafted during your initiation.
4	A coded letter from a mentor who vanished without a trace.
5	A fragment of an artifact tied to one of your missions.
6	A dagger inscribed with the names of your fallen comrades.
7	A mask worn during a critical operation.
8	A blood-stained token from a rogue agent you eliminated.

Using The Ashen Hand Background

This background is ideal for Rogues, Warlocks, or Fighters who excel in stealth, intrigue, and high-stakes operations. Members of the Ashen Hand thrive in campaigns centered on espionage, political manipulation, and moral ambiguity. Whether protecting the Dominion, dismantling conspiracies, or pursuing personal vengeance, these agents bring a unique blend of cunning and loyalty to any adventure.

Skill Proficiencies:

• Stealth: For moving undetected in dangerous situations.
• Insight: To read hidden motives and detect deceit.
• Investigation: To uncover critical details and analyze evidence.

Tool Proficiencies:

• Disguise Kit: For crafting identities and blending into any environment.
• Poisoner’s Kit: To create lethal or disabling toxins.
• Forgery Kit: To fabricate documents and false credentials.

Languages:

• Common
• Two additional languages, often tied to espionage or the Dominion’s reach.

Equipment:

• A set of fine clothes.
• A concealed weapon (e.g., a dagger or small firearm).
• A forged document bearing your cover identity.
• A trinket symbolizing your loyalty to the Ashen Hand (e.g., a badge or insignia).
• A pouch containing 15 gold pieces.

Suggested Characteristics

d4	Personality Trait
1	“I never trust anyone completely; not even those within the Hand. Everyone has their own agenda.”
2	“I speak little, preferring to observe. The less I say, the less I can be tracked.”
3	“I don’t flinch when making tough decisions. The greater good demands sacrifices.”
4	“Every action has consequences, and I plan for all outcomes before I act.”

d4	Ideal
1	Loyalty: Loyalty to the Dominion is paramount. It is the very foundation of my existence and my duty.
2	Secrecy: The less others know about the Hand and our operations, the safer we all are. I protect our secrets as if they were my own life.
3	Power: Knowledge is power. Those who control information, magic, and subterfuge control the world. I strive to gain more power in order to influence the world around me.
4	Justice: The Sovereign’s will is the law, and the law must be upheld at all costs. Those who oppose the Sovereign are enemies of the Dominion.

d4	Bond
1	“I’ve lost comrades during missions. Their sacrifices are what keep the Dominion strong.”
2	“The Hand has given me purpose, and I would die to protect its interests.”
3	“I have an old score to settle with a rival agent, a traitor who betrayed the Hand. I will find them, no matter where they hide.”
4	“The Eternal Sovereign saved my life once, and I will remain loyal to them until the end of my days.”

d4	Flaw
1	“I keep secrets, even from those I trust. Sometimes it feels like I’m losing myself.”
2	“My work has made me paranoid. I trust no one and suspect everyone’s motives, even my allies.”
3	“I can’t forget the faces of those I’ve eliminated for the greater good. Their memories haunt me.”
4	“I’ve become so focused on my missions that I sometimes neglect my own well-being.”

Contacts

Ashen Hand Contacts

Your covert operations have forged bonds within the Dominion and beyond:

• A handler who assigns missions and provides resources.
• A rival operative who questions your methods but respects your skill.
• A smuggler who aids in transporting sensitive items or people.
• A noble who covertly supports the Ashen Hand and owes you favors.