"We are the whispers of the shadowed sea, the fog that cloaks the coast, the unseen guardians of Draeven’s secrets."
— High Mistwarden Elara Vael
The Mistcloaks are an elite order of spies, saboteurs, and covert operatives who operate in the shadow of Draeven's maritime and territorial boundaries. Cloaked in the mists of the Shadowed Sea, their duty is to safeguard the March of Draeven from external threats and internal betrayals. Renowned for their ability to move unseen and strike without warning, they embody the blend of subtlety and ruthlessness that defines Draeven's clandestine operations.
Introduction
As a Mistcloak, you were trained in the art of espionage and subterfuge. Whether by blending into the shadows of bustling cities or navigating the fog-laden coasts of Draeven, you mastered the skills needed to uncover secrets and eliminate threats to the March. Your allegiance is unwavering, for you understand that the survival of Draeven depends not only on strength of arms but also on the whispers that guide them.
Description
Mistcloaks serve as the secretive eyes and ears of the March of Draeven. They are recruited from all walks of life—sailors, thieves, scouts, and scholars—each bringing unique skills to the order. Bound by strict oaths and a code of absolute loyalty, Mistcloaks operate in the shadows, blending anonymity with precision. You are no stranger to deception, sabotage, and information gathering, and your work often straddles the thin line between heroism and moral ambiguity.
Background Ability Bonuses
- Dexterity (+2): Reflecting your agility and stealth.
- Intelligence (+1): Representing your strategic thinking and information-gathering skills.
"The mist is not just our veil—it is our weapon, our armor, and our truth. Within it, we thrive."
— Anonymous Mistcloak Saying
- Skill Proficiencies: Gain proficiency in Stealth and Deception, reflecting your expertise in subterfuge and misdirection.
- Tool Proficiencies: Gain proficiency with Disguise Kit and Thieves’ Tools, ensuring you can infiltrate and operate undetected.
- Languages: Gain proficiency in Thieves’ Cant and one additional language of your choice, often used in espionage or diplomacy.
- Equipment:
- A set of dark leather armor with a Mistcloak insignia.
- A Disguise Kit.
- Thieves’ Tools.
- A journal encrypted with Mistcloak codes.
- A small vial of shadow essence (useful for creating temporary darkness).
- 15 gold coins.
Roll a d6 or choose an option to determine a significant event in your Mistcloak career:
| d5 | Mistcloak Experience |
|---|---|
| 1 | You infiltrated a rival polity and exposed a conspiracy against Draeven. |
| 2 | You sabotaged an enemy ship before a critical naval battle. |
| 3 | You eliminated a traitor within Draeven’s ranks. |
| 4 | You recovered a vital relic stolen from the March. |
| 5 | You led a mission into the Shadowed Sea, escaping a deadly ambush. |
You can use the environment to your advantage, blending into foggy or dimly lit areas. When attempting to hide in such conditions, you gain advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. Additionally, you can communicate with other Mistcloaks using an intricate system of hand signals and whispers known only to the order.
Suggested Characteristics
| d6 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | "I blend into crowds, preferring to watch rather than act." |
| 2 | "I am quick to lie, but only when necessary to protect my mission." |
| 3 | "The line between ally and enemy often blurs for me." |
| 4 | "I remain calm, even under duress—panic only serves your enemy." |
| 5 | "Every move I make has a purpose, every word a hidden meaning." |
| 6 | "I find comfort in the shadows, where I belong." |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Loyalty: "The survival of Draeven is my only concern." (Lawful) |
| 2 | Justice: "The truth must always come to light." (Good) |
| 3 | Ambition: "Power belongs to those who can seize it from the shadows." (Neutral) |
| 4 | Freedom: "No one should live under the yoke of tyranny." (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Balance: "The scales of power must always remain equal." (Neutral) |
| 6 | Secrecy: "The fewer who know the truth, the better." (Lawful) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | "I owe my life to the Mistcloak who recruited and trained me." |
| 2 | "A secret I carry could destroy Draeven if revealed." |
| 3 | "I swore an oath to protect a specific location or person." |
| 4 | "I lost someone dear to me on a mission gone wrong." |
| 5 | "The Mistcloak order is my family, and I will defend it to my last breath." |
| 6 | "I carry a relic of my first mission as a reminder of my purpose." |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | "I struggle to trust anyone, even allies." |
| 2 | "I take unnecessary risks to achieve my goals." |
| 3 | "I often lose myself in deception, forgetting my true self." |
| 4 | "I am haunted by the lives I’ve taken in the name of Draeven." |
| 5 | "I crave recognition, even when anonymity is essential." |
| 6 | "I have a secret weakness that my enemies could exploit." |
Contacts
As a Mistcloak, you have ties to a clandestine network of operatives and informants. These include merchants who deal in secrets, foreign spies with whom you share an uneasy truce, and local smugglers who provide transportation and safe havens. You might also maintain a close relationship with a higher-ranking Mistcloak who assigns you missions and ensures your loyalty.
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