Restless Spirit

A restless spirit is created when a character dies, and is given a devil's deal in exchange for a second chance in the mortal realm. This happens when a character has left behind too much to live for, or very important tasks are.left incomplete.  At the DM's.discretion, the devil's deal may be a new warlock pact or simply a bargain that must be fulfilled while the spirit is in the mortal realm. Additional tasks may be required at any time to continue in a mortal existence.  It need not necessarily be an evil pact.  Good deities may also intervene to help a lost soul finish tasks that allow them safe passage and to earn a peaceful afterlife. Alignment may vary at DM discretion, or the Restless Spirit may be taken on an evil or chaotic nature out of desperation return to their former life.  

Ability Scores: +1 in choice of Strength, Dexterity, or Charisma 

Feat: The restless spirit appears in either a reborn state, war forged or a disembodied form. If their original form has been preserved or is still in one piece, they may use their own body to become a reborn. The reborn or war forged occurs when there is a species or a construct vessel for the spirit to inhabit. When there is no immediate vessel available for the spirit, a disembodied, almost ghost like form occurs when there is no body or vessel for the restless spirit to take on a completely physical shape. (See descriptions for Reborn (Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft) and "Disembodied" (Grim Hallow Players Guide). The restless spirit has knowledge of their past life, though former friends or family might not recognize their new form. Part of the bargain to return to life may allow for new class changes, if it suits the purpose of their contract. The Restless Spirit is allowed to retain proficiency with one favored weapon type, martial or simple, which they were once familiar with in their former existence, which may be of the heavy, light, or finesse category and may be melee, ranged or special weapons.  Other weapon options are applicable as per class type. 

Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Performance

Tool Proficiencies: Choice of one or two of the following: Disguise Kit, Thieves Tools, an Instrument, Medicine Kit, Alchemist Supplies, Navigator Tools, Cartographer Tools or Herbalism Kit

Languages: Common, and choose one of the following if only proficient with one tool: Goblin, Dwarvish, Draconic, infernal, Abyssal, Sylvan, Elvish, Sign Language, Deep Speech, Primordial, Undercommon 

Equipment: An inexpensive but unusual weapon or a musical instrument (one of your choice), the favor of an admirer (love letter, lock of hair, or trinket), a costume, and a pouch containing 240gp per level attained at the time of becoming a restless spirit. All former equipment is otherwise lost at time of death.  DM discretion may allow former possessions to be available when reborn, if they were in the vicinity of the reborn at time of awakening. The gold is applicable in lieu of former possessions, not in addition to. 

Suggested Characteristics

A restless spirit May inhabit any species or lineage available at the time of awakening. This may be in a mad scientist laboratory, a disembodied almost ghost-like form, or even the characters original body (if available after death).  Because the restless spirit may come back in a mortal form completely different from their original body, their identity may unknown or suspicious to people they once knew in life.  Proof of their identity through specific details may convinced others to accept the spirit.  The restless Spirit may experience an alignment change, as desperation is possible to set in to complete unfinished tasks.  Consult your DM on alignment choice.  Restless spirit in a disembodied or decaying reborn form may be unsettling to normal characters and NPCs.. disguises or spells may be used to hide any grotesque features. However, the restless spirit may use their frightful appearance as a means to intimidate others.  Ghosts and undead can be very scary.  DM discretion might allow a bonus or advantage on intimidation checks.  This is situational.  Some spirits may be very gentle or introverted in their former lives, others may be barbaric and ruthless.  Some spirits may be playful pranksters or deceptive charlatans.  Not being recognized by the living can have its upsides or downsides. 

d8	Personality Trait
1	I know a story relevant to almost every situation.
2	Whenever I come to a new place, I collect local rumors and spread gossip.
3	I’m a hopeless romantic, always searching for that “special someone.”
4	Nobody stays angry at me or around me for long, since I can defuse any amount of tension.
5	I love a good insult, even one directed at me.
6	I get bitter if I’m not the center of attention.
7	I’ll settle for nothing less than perfection.
8	I change my mood or my mind as quickly as I change key in a song.

d6	Ideal
1	Beauty. When I perform, I make the world better than it was. (Good)
2	Tradition. The stories, legends, and songs of the past must never be forgotten, for they teach us who we are. (Lawful)
3	Creativity. The world is in need of new ideas and bold action. (Chaotic)
4	Greed. I’m only in it for the money and fame. (Evil)
5	People. I like seeing the smiles on people’s faces when I perform. That’s all that matters. (Neutral)
6	Honesty. Art should reflect the soul; it should come from within and reveal who we really are. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	My instrument is my most treasured possession, and it reminds me of someone I love.
2	Someone stole my precious instrument, and someday I’ll get it back.
3	I want to be famous, whatever it takes.
4	I idolize a hero of the old tales and measure my deeds against that person’s.
5	I will do anything to prove myself superior to my hated rival.
6	I would do anything for the other members of my old troupe.

d6	Flaw
1	I’ll do anything to win fame and renown.
2	I’m a sucker for a pretty face.
3	A scandal prevents me from ever going home again. That kind of trouble seems to follow me around.
4	I once satirized a noble who still wants my head. It was a mistake that I will likely repeat.
5	I have trouble keeping my true feelings hidden. My sharp tongue lands me in trouble.
6	Despite my best efforts, I am unreliable to my friends.