"In silence, we shape the destiny of the Hegemony."
— Whisperer Kaelen Veyr, Shadow of the Ashen Lord

Description

As a member of the Obsidian Veil, you are a covert operative of the Obsidian Hegemony, tasked with protecting its supremacy through espionage, subterfuge, and shadow magic. Your missions range from infiltrating enemy strongholds to dismantling rival factions, suppressing dissent, and ensuring the dominance of the Ashen Lord’s rule.

Skilled in stealth, manipulation, and lethal precision, you excel at blending into any environment and executing your objectives without leaving a trace. Your loyalty to the Veil and the Hegemony is unshakable, and your actions shape the future of Aetheris from the shadows.

Attribute Bonuses:

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

Trinkets Table

Roll a d8 or choose one:

d8	Trinket
1	A small obsidian figurine of a cloaked figure.
2	A vial of shadowy liquid that absorbs light.
3	A shard of black crystal engraved with the Veil’s emblem.
4	A coded letter with instructions for a past mission.
5	A ring inscribed with a rune of concealment.
6	A journal containing encrypted notes from a former agent.
7	A fragment of an artifact recovered during your missions.
8	A mask worn during critical operations.

Using The Obsidian Veil Background

This background is ideal for Rogues, Warlocks, or Bards who excel in stealth, deception, and shadow magic. Members of the Obsidian Veil thrive in campaigns centered on intrigue, espionage, and political manipulation. Whether dismantling rival factions, protecting the Hegemony’s secrets, or executing the Ashen Lord’s will, Veil operatives bring cunning and precision to every adventure.

 

Skill Proficiencies:

• Stealth: To move unseen during covert missions.
• Investigation: To uncover hidden truths and analyze intelligence.
• Deception: For crafting believable lies and manipulating outcomes.

Tool Proficiencies:

• Disguise Kit: To create false identities and appearances.
• Forgery Kit: To craft convincing documents and credentials.
• Poisoner’s Kit: To create or handle toxins for sabotage or assassination.

Languages:

• Common
• Two additional languages, reflecting the Veil’s need for cultural and political infiltration.

Equipment:

• A set of dark robes or clothing.
• An obsidian dagger (unique magical weapon).
• A forged document with your cover identity.
• A black gemstone symbolizing your loyalty to the Veil.
• A pouch containing 15 gold pieces.

Suggested Characteristics

d4	Personality Trait
1	“I prefer the silence of shadows to the noise of crowds, for in silence, secrets are often found.”
2	“I speak only when necessary—words are tools to be used, never wasted.”
3	“I see the world as a game of shadows, where every move must be calculated and precise.”
4	“I am patient, for every plan takes time to unfold and reach its inevitable conclusion.”

d4	Ideal
1	Loyalty: “My loyalty is to the Obsidian Hegemony and its master, the Ashen Lord. Their will is my command, and their enemies are my enemies.”
2	Secrecy: “The strength of the Obsidian Veil lies in its ability to remain unseen. The less others know of our actions, the more effective we are.”
3	Power: “Power is best wielded from the shadows. To control the flow of information and influence the course of events is the true measure of strength.”
4	Order: “The Hegemony represents the ultimate authority. To uphold the stability and order of the Ashen Lord’s rule, all threats—internal or external—must be removed.”

d4	Bond
1	“I was inducted into the Veil after proving my loyalty and abilities during the Trial of Shadows. I owe everything to the Order and the Ashen Lord.”
2	“There is a rival agent from another faction who once betrayed the Veil. I will track them down and eliminate them to restore my honor.”
3	“The Veil gave me purpose when I was lost. It is my duty to serve, and I will do so without question.”
4	“I have made alliances within the Veil, and my connections run deep. I will protect my fellow agents and ensure their survival.”

d4	Flaw
1	“I often trust only myself, making it difficult to rely on others. This has sometimes led to failed operations.”
2	“I find it hard to let go of control. My tendency to manage everything myself can hinder teamwork and cause delays.”
3	“The weight of my secretive work sometimes leads to paranoia. I can be distrustful of even my closest allies.”
4	“My loyalty to the Hegemony blinds me to other possibilities. I sometimes forget that not all enemies are enemies of the state.”

Contacts

Obsidian Veil Contacts

Your covert work has forged connections within and beyond the Veil:

• A handler who assigns you missions and provides critical resources.
• A rival operative who respects your skill but competes for recognition.
• A smuggler who facilitates your movements across borders.
• A noble who covertly supports the Veil’s agenda.