You are feared. Revered. Whispers of your name sends bandits running and warlords into hiding. Problem is... you didn't actually do any of it.
Maybe you were in the right place at the right time. Maybe the real hero never stuck around for credit. Or maybe fate (misfortune?) just pinned the glory on you. Now you're trapped under the crushing weight of a legend that isn't yours.
And people keep expecting you to prove it.
- Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Performance
- Tool Proficiencies: Gaming set of your choice (you've had a lot of downtime avoiding fights)
- Languages: One of your choice. You've had to talk your way out of a lot.
- Equipment:
- A token from the "hero" moment you didn't earn (e.g. a scorched breastplate, a claw mark from a slain beast)
- The gaming set you're proficient in (e.g. a deck of cards or setting-appropriate gaming device)
- A very dramatic cloak or outfit that fans gave you
- A pouch containing 25 gp in signed fan art and bounty poster coins
Feature: Aura of Reputation
Whether it's your "battle stare," the thunderous beat of your heat in pure anxiety, or your wildly inflated reputation... people believe in your legend.
- You can cause civilians, low-level foes, or even minor nobility to hesitate, flee, or surrender without lifting a finger. Once per long rest, you can cause one creature to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC = 8 + your Charisma mod + proficiency). On a fail, they are frightened of you for 1 minute. On a success, they remain wary but are otherwise unaffected.
- In addition, your reputation precedes you. In any civilized area, people are more likely to give you deference, free drinks, or urgent requests for help (even if you're not remotely qualified). [Note: It is up to the DM whether or not you require a deception or performance check to keep the illusion going. However, if your cover does get blown, expect consequences.]
Suggested Characteristics
| d6 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’m always nervous people will find out the truth. |
| 2 | I’ve started believing my own legend... just a little. |
| 3 | I’m great at acting cool. Actual coolness, not so much. |
| 4 | I want to help… I just don’t know how. |
| 5 | I practice heroic poses in the mirror. |
| 6 | I love games and downtime. Action is terrifying. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Truth. One day, I’ll tell the world the truth. (Good) |
| 2 | Fame. Who cares if it’s fake? It’s mine. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Courage. I want to be the person they think I am. (Neutral) |
| 4 | Survival. I do whatever it takes to avoid a fight. (Any) |
| 5 | Redemption. I will earn this reputation, even if it kills me. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Chaos. It’s just funny. Let’s see how far I can take this. (Chaotic) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | The real hero who saved me vanished. I want to find them. |
| 2 | A child once told me I was their idol. I can’t let them down. |
| 3 | A rival knows I’m a fake and is waiting to expose me. |
| 4 | I accidentally got someone hurt. I’ll never forget it. |
| 5 | I owe everything to a misunderstanding. That haunts me. |
| 6 | A fan club formed in my name. It’s terrifying. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I freeze when faced with real danger. |
| 2 | I rely too much on lies and bluffing. |
| 3 | I’m terrified someone will challenge me to a duel. |
| 4 | I’m addicted to the attention. |
| 5 | I’m deeply insecure under the surface. |
| 6 | I might run away when things get tough. I might not stop running. |
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