In the shadowed realms where mortal ambition intersects with the infernal hierarchies of the Nine Hells, certain individuals forge precarious alliances with devils. As an Infernal Manipulator, you possess an innate affinity for negotiating with fiends, drawing upon subtle sorcery to bend contracts, whispers, and temptations to your will. Your background may stem from a bloodline tainted by infernal essence, a forbidden apprenticeship under a devilish mentor, or a series of calculated pacts that have honed your ability to interact with, manipulate, and occasionally dominate these extraplanar entities. This path demands cunning and resilience, as devils are eternal schemers who seek to exploit any weakness.
- Skill Proficiencies: Perception, plus your choice of one from among Arcana, Deception, History, Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, Persuasion, Religion, and Stealth.
- Tool Proficiencies: Your choice of one from among Alchemist's Supplies, Brewer's Supplies, Calligrapher's Supplies, Carpenter's Tools, Cartographer's Tools, Cobbler's Tools, Cook's Utensils, Glassblower's Tools, Jeweler's Tools, Leatherworker's Tools, Mason's Tools, Painter's Supplies, Potter's Tools, Smith's Tools, Tinker's Tools, Weaver's Tools, Woodcarver's Tools, Disguise Kit, Forgery Kit, Herbalism Kit, Navigator's Tools, Poisoner's Kit, Thieves' Tools.
- Languages:
Infernal and one other language of your choice.
- Equipment:
A set of fine clothes suitable for formal negotiations, a bottle of infernal ink (non-magical but resistant to fading), a quill, 10 sheets of parchment for drafting contracts, a signet ring engraved with a fiendish symbol, and a pouch containing 66 gp.
Feature: Infernal Foresight
Your experience with devils has honed your instincts for anticipating danger and seizing opportunities. You have +5 on initiative checks and immunity to being surprised (as per Alert feat), reflecting your ability to read situations and act swiftly, as if guided by the cunning of the Nine Hells. Additionally, once per long rest, you can attempt to summon a minor imp (as per the Find Familiar spell, but it takes the form of an imp and is under your control for 1 hour; it cannot attack and vanishes if reduced to 0 hit points or dismissed). The imp can provide information on infernal lore or scout discreetly, but it may attempt to twist your commands if not carefully worded, at the DM's discretion. This feature does not require material components but carries the risk of attracting unwanted infernal attention if overused.
Spell List
| Spell Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| 1st | find familiar |
Suggested Characteristics
Infernal Manipulators are often charismatic yet guarded, shaped by the treacherous nature of their fiendish associations. They view the world through a lens of power dynamics and hidden agendas, balancing ambition with caution.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I speak in measured, precise terms, as if every word is part of a binding agreement. |
| 2 | I am unfailingly polite, even to adversaries, knowing courtesy can disarm more effectively than force. |
| 3 | I collect secrets like currency, always seeking leverage in conversations. |
| 4 | I exhibit a dry wit, often laced with infernal metaphors that unsettle others. |
| 5 | I am meticulously organized, ensuring no detail in a plan or pact is overlooked. |
| 6 | I display an air of quiet confidence, derived from knowing unseen allies lurk in the shadows. |
| 7 | I am drawn to luxury and finery, emulating the opulent temptations of the Nine Hells. |
| 8 | I question motives incessantly, assuming deception until proven otherwise. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Power. True strength lies in controlling others without lifting a finger. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Order. The infernal hierarchy teaches that structure and contracts bring stability to chaos. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Ambition. Pacts with devils are stepping stones to unparalleled greatness. (Any) |
| 4 | Manipulation. The world is a game of influence; I intend to win it. (Evil) |
| 5 | Knowledge. Fiendish lore holds secrets that can reshape reality. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Redemption. I wield infernal ties to combat greater evils, walking a fine line. (Good) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | A devil holds a fragment of my soul; I seek to reclaim it through clever countermeasures. |
| 2 | My family was ruined by a fiendish pact; I now manipulate devils to prevent such fates for others. |
| 3 | I am bound to a specific archdevil's service, but I exploit loopholes to pursue my own goals. |
| 4 | An infernal mentor taught me my craft; loyalty or betrayal toward them defines my path. |
| 5 | I protect a hidden archive of forbidden contracts that could upend the infernal order. |
| 6 | My sorcery awakens from a devilish bloodline; I strive to master it before it consumes me. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am overly tempted by offers of power, often overlooking hidden costs. |
| 2 | Paranoia from infernal dealings makes me distrust even genuine allies. |
| 3 | I twist words habitually, straining relationships with straightforward individuals. |
| 4 | A past pact's backlash haunts me, manifesting as occasional uncontrolled infernal outbursts. |
| 5 | I underestimate mortals, viewing them as inferior to the cunning of devils. |
| 6 | Ambition blinds me; I pursue risky bargains that endanger myself and companions. |
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