You are a devout follower of the Astranite cause—a secretive movement that seeks to birth the first artificial Astran through science, sorcery, and sacrifice. Unlike most who revere the Astrans as divine, you see them as a blueprint. Your life is shaped by ritual, manipulation, and unwavering belief in ascension. Whether born into this cause or recruited into it, you’ve given your soul to the Astranite path and walk among the world with veiled purpose.
- Skill Proficiencies:
Arcana, Deception
Your studies into the methods of artificial ascension grant you deep knowledge of the mystical and the forbidden. You've also learned to conceal your true intentions from outsiders.
- Tool Proficiencies:
Alchemist’s supplies or Poisoner’s kit (choose one)
You’ve been trained in the preparation of rare elixirs and ritual compounds, whether to aid transformation or facilitate sacrifice.
- Languages:
One of your choice (preferably a secret, ancient, or dead language such as Deep Speech, Infernal, or Celestial)
The Astranites often speak in tongues long forgotten or forbidden, used in rituals and encoded communication.
- Equipment:
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A black ritual robe marked with the Astran symbol (tattooed or embroidered)
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A vial of preserved blood (real or fake) said to be from a royal Astran
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A worn notebook of esoteric formulas and fragmented prophecies
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A small sacrificial blade
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A belt pouch containing 15 gp
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Doctrine you were raised in.
| d6 | Astranite Doctrine |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Red Path – Blood is the gateway. Drink deep. Transform. |
| 2 | Sacred Memory – Knowledge of the Astrans must be preserved and expanded upon. |
| 3 | The Trial of Death – Only by facing death can one transcend it. |
| 4 | Perfect Flesh – Astrans are perfected bodies. Alteration is sacred. |
| 5 | Imitation is Ascension – Live as they lived. Die as they died. |
| 6 | Rasha’s Bloodline – Follow the blood. It will lead us to glory. |
You can leverage the hidden networks of the Astranites across Regulus. In any settlement where Astranites or their sympathisers might exist (including underground cities, remote villages, or high society), you can find shelter, ritual materials, or passage in secret. While you may not be openly welcomed, coded gestures or symbols will allow you to identify a contact or safehouse. However, these services often come with expectations, including performing favours, spreading doctrine, or partaking in questionable rituals.
Spell List
While this background does not grant spellcasting directly, those who take on magical classes (especially Warlock, Sorcerer, or Wizard) may find their magical abilities influenced by their Astranite training and rituals.
| Spell Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Cantrip | minor illusion, prestidigitation, thaumaturgy |
| 1st | ceremony, comprehend languages, detect magic, disguise self, identify, inflict wounds |
| 2nd | alter self, mirror image |
| 3rd | bestow curse, speak with dead |
If your DM allows variant background spellcasting (UA-style or setting-specific), the following spells are thematically appropriate for Astranite-aligned characters and may be available to you if you gain spells through a class:
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Cantrips: Thaumaturgy, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation
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1st Level: Disguise Self, Inflict Wounds, Detect Magic
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2nd Level: Mirror Image, Alter Self
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3rd Level: Bestow Curse, Speak with Dead
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Ritual Suggestions: Identify, Comprehend Languages, Ceremony (UA)
Ask your DM before integrating this variant.
Suggested Characteristics
Astranites are driven by obsession, purpose, and secrecy. Some are zealots, others are cunning manipulators, but all share a willingness to cross moral lines for what they believe is transcendence. They are often calm, intense, and cryptic—even when friendly.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I speak in cryptic riddles and symbolic references, even when it’s unhelpful. |
| 2 | I keep detailed notes on every strange event, death, or omen I witness. |
| 3 | I have an eerie calm in the face of blood, violence, or death—it’s all part of the process. |
| 4 | I never lie... but I rarely tell the whole truth. |
| 5 | I’m obsessed with symmetry, perfection, or replicating Astran traits in my own body. |
| 6 | I view every new person I meet as a potential recruit—or a potential sacrifice. |
| 7 | I’m deeply curious and ask invasive questions with no sense of boundaries. |
| 8 | I rehearse my death constantly, imagining the most ascendant way to die. |
| d7 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ascension. The mortal form is a stepping stone to something greater. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Sacrifice. Power demands a price—and I’m willing to pay it. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Truth. The world fears the truth of the Astrans, but I will spread it. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Control. Those who don’t understand power shouldn’t wield it. (Evil) |
| 5 | Hope. Anyone, no matter how broken, can become more. (Good) |
| 6 | Legacy. If I can’t become an Astran, then my work must outlive me. (Any) |
| 7 | Legacy. If I can’t become an Astran, then my work must outlive me. (Any) |
| d7 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have sworn to protect Rasha Pettigrad’s vision at any cost. |
| 2 | My sibling was chosen for ritual elevation and I must earn the same fate. |
| 3 | I possess a fragment of an ancient artefact belonging to a royal Astran—its power speaks to me. |
| 4 | I watched an Astranite sacrifice—and it changed me forever. |
| 5 | I watched an Astranite sacrifice—and it changed me forever. |
| 6 | The Astranites gave me purpose when the world had abandoned me. I owe them everything. |
| 7 | I seek revenge against a group of Trappans who desecrated an Astranite grave. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I believe I’m destined for greatness, even if it kills me—and others. |
| 2 | I keep secrets from my allies, even when it puts them in danger. |
| 3 | I am quick to see signs and omens where there are none. |
| 4 | I secretly doubt everything but refuse to admit it—not even to myself. |
| 5 | I would betray anyone if it meant taking one step closer to ascension. |
| 6 | I’ve committed dark acts in the name of the Astranites, and part of me liked it. |
Contacts
You begin with knowledge of two prominent Astranite figures:
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Rasha Pettigrad – The enigmatic and powerful leader of the Astranites, believed to possess ancient blood magic and visionary insight. She communicates with disciples only through intermediaries, visions, or symbolic dreams.
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Seth Pettigrad – Rasha’s younger brother and a master of logistics, secrecy, and disguise. Seth operates in the shadows, often helping Astranites embed themselves in powerful places. He serves as both spy and recruiter.
You may reach out to these figures through coded messages, though actual meetings are rare and only granted to those who have proven their worth.
| d8 | Contact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rasha Pettigrad – The visionary leader of the Astranites. You’ve had a rare private audience with her—or believe you did. Her influence haunts your dreams. |
| 2 | Seth Pettigrad – Rasha’s elusive younger brother. He arranges logistics, spies, and disappearances. He once gave you a secret task... that still hasn’t been completed. |
| 3 | Eyla Thorncall – A former palace archivist turned Astranite informant. She provides rare historical documents but demands steep payment—in secrets |
| 4 | Brother Jaxul – A fervent preacher of the Red Path who believes drinking Astran blood is inevitable. He’s unpredictable but loyal to you... for now. |
| 5 | Myra Valeheart – An alchemical genius trying to chemically reproduce Astran power. She has protected you before, but her lab is full of dangerous prototypes. |
| 6 | Skarven Drohl – A masked assassin who believes the first artificial Astran must be born in a moment of pure violence. He watches your progress from afar. |
| 7 | Tila “the Veil” Korin – A socialite and spy embedded in the Sectorate court. She occasionally passes you messages from higher-ups—coded in art and fashion. |
| 8 | Your Twin (or Clone?) – A figure who resembles you in voice, mind, or form. You were both created or chosen in the same ritual... but one of you must ascend first. |
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