You found yourself trapped in the realm of Shadowfell, and it has corrupted you in some way. You are not sure how much time you spent there, or what part of yourself you lost whilst there, but you can feel the shadows that replaced it deep within yourself and know that they will forever be a part of you. Even though you are no longer within the Shadowfell, it feels as though every shadow cast is trying to call you back there, and give more of yourself over to it.
Perhaps you were there by choice, or being there was the result of a bad deal with a powerful entity. Maybe you got lost in the Underdark, or were tricked by a malevolent fae. Whatever path led you to the Shadowfell, you cannot deny the changes it has had on you. Those you knew before being corrupted will likely recognise some of these changes too, and potentially be fearful of what you've become.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from Arcana, Stealth, Intimidation, Deception, or Survival.
- Languages: Choose two, one of which must be Abyssal, Celestial, Deep Speech, Draconic, Infernal, Primordial, Sylvan, or Undercommon.
- Equipment: An explorer’s pack (containing a Backpack, Bedroll, 2 flasks of Oil, 10 days of Rations, Rope, Tinderbox, 10 Torches, and a Waterskin), a small trinket infused with the magic of the Shadowfell, a set of traveler's clothes, and a pouch containing 5 GP.
Your time in the Shadowfell has left a mark on you, as part of you was consumed by the shadows that took its place. Choose how the shadows corrupted you, or roll one on the Shadow's Corruption table.
| d8 | Shadow's Corruption |
|---|---|
| 1 | You always seem to have a shadow, even in brightly lit areas. |
| 2 | Some or all of your skin looks as though all the colour has been drained from it. |
| 3 | Your mere presence makes people uncomfortable or uneasy. |
| 4 | Your eyes have turned solid black. |
| 5 | Living black tattoos move across your skin, changing their design each night. |
| 6 | Shadows seem to cling to you whenever you are in them. |
| 7 | A subtle dark mist rolls off of your clothing. |
| 8 | One of your limbs has been replaced by corporeal shadows. You can move and feel it exactly the same as your original limb, but is cold to the touch and you're pretty certain that it sometimes has a mind of its own. |
Those who look into your eyes can see that you are no stranger to darkness. Though they might fear you, commoners will extend you every courtesy and do their utmost to help you. Creatures with a connection to the Shadowfell, on the other hand, may see you as less of a threat or even as a possible comrade, treating you more favourably than they might other mortals.
Suggested Characteristics
Shadow corrupted beings still retain their own memories and personalities, though many may have found themselves warped by their experience and the subsequent backlash against them. Others are less pessimistic.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I speak softly, even I'm angry. |
| 2 | I have no patience for those who I think are getting in my way. |
| 3 | I sometimes find myself smiling at inappropriate situations. |
| 4 | I bask in sunlight whenever I can, because I know what it is like to live without it. |
| 5 | I don’t talk about my time in the Shadowfell. I’d rather not burden others with my darkness. |
| 6 | I expect danger around every corner. |
| 7 | I try to pretend I am the same person I was before I became corrupted. |
| 8 | I will subconsciously move to darker parts of whatever area I'm in. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | I want to be free of this darkness inside of me, so that I can return to normal. (Neutral) |
| 2 | The darkness is a tool to be used, just like any other magic. (Any) |
| 3 | I will prevent anyone else from succumbing to the same fate that I did. (Good) |
| 4 | I have a dark calling that puts me above the law. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | The shadows whisper secrets to me. It is my duty to listen, and act on them if needed. (Lawful) |
| 6 | I’m a monster that destroys other monsters, and anything else that gets in my way. (Evil) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I made a friend whilst in the Shadowfell. I talk to them through darkness, and sometimes I can hear them reply. |
| 2 | I would sacrifice my life and what is left of my soul to protect the innocent. |
| 3 | My corruption drove away everyone I care about. I want to prove to them that I'm still me. |
| 4 | My life in the Shadowfell showed me that I'm better off not letting anyone get close to me. |
| 5 | There’s evil in me, I can feel it. It must never be set free. |
| 6 | I have someone I must protect. I must make the world a safer place for them, no matter what. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I unnerve others with my creepy smile and dark humour. |
| 2 | I assume the worst in people. |
| 3 | I feel no compassion for anyone, not even myself. |
| 4 | I have trouble trusting anyone but myself. |
| 5 | I am a purveyor of doom and gloom who lives in a world without hope. |
| 6 | I talk to creatures in the shadows that no one else can see. |
Previous Versions
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10/31/2025 10:36:28 PM
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Posted Oct 31, 2025I made this using the Haunted One as the base, but also borrowing from the Shadow Touched homebrew background as I liked a few of the features/descriptions.
Primarily made for use in my own campaign, I tried to make it in such a way that could be shared. If you notice any issues, please do let me know!
Changelog:
1.1 - Removed crystal focus from equipment
1.0 - Release