Vaal was once the heir of House Veyrath, an ancient noble family that sought forbidden power through blood magic. A failed ritual engulfed his home in crimson fire, leaving him scarred and the sole survivor. The ancient entity known as the Crimson Sovereign awakened within his blood, granting him terrible power and an unending burden. Now he wanders the world as a monster hunter and mercenary, feared by many and trusted by few.
- Ability Scores:
This background favors those who have survived tragedy and learned to rely on both instinct and determination.
Suggested Ability Scores: Dexterity, Wisdom
- Feat: Recommended Feat: Tough, Alert, or Shadow Touched.
- Skill Proficiencies:
You gain proficiency in:
- Intimidation
- Survival
- Tool Proficiencies:
You gain proficiency with:
- Alchemist's Supplies
- Languages: You can speak, read, and write in any language
- Equipment:
You start with:
- A black wide-brimmed hat adorned with a crimson gem.
- A broken signet ring from House Veyrath.
- A journal containing the names of the dead.
- A vial of crimson ash taken from your burned estate.
- Traveler's clothes.
- A belt pouch containing 15 gp.
| d6 | Scar |
|---|
| 1 | Your right eye was permanently damaged by the flames. |
| 2 | Crimson veins glow faintly when you are angry. |
| 3 | You hear whispers from the Crimson Sovereign in your dreams. |
| 4 | The scent of smoke follows you wherever you go. |
| 5 | Your scars ache whenever dark magic is nearby. |
| 6 | Animals seem uneasy in your presence. |
| d6 | Scars of the Crimson Fire |
|---|---|
| 1 | My right eye was forever changed by the crimson fire and now glows faintly in the dark. |
| 2 | Thin crimson veins spread across my skin whenever I use my powers. |
| 3 | I hear whispers in my dreams that no one else can hear. |
| 4 | The smell of smoke and ash seems to follow me wherever I go. |
| 5 | My scars ache whenever dark magic or ancient evil is nearby. |
| 6 | Animals often become uneasy or avoid me entirely. |
Those who deal with monsters, curses, and ancient evils recognize the signs of your burden. Survivors of tragedy and hunters of the supernatural are often willing to share information, offer shelter, or aid you in your pursuit of dark forces.
Spell List
Though not a spellcaster by training, the blood of the Crimson Sovereign grants strange magical talents tied to blood, shadows, and life itself.
| Spell Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| 1st | bane, inflict wounds |
Recommended spells for characters using this background:
- Bane
- Inflict Wounds
- Shadow Blade
- Vampiric Touch
- Blight
- Shadow of Moil
Suggested Characteristics
Personality Traits
- I speak little and listen carefully.
- I always position myself between danger and the innocent.
Ideal
- Protection. "Power means nothing if it cannot protect those who cannot protect themselves."
Bond
- I carry the ashes of my home and vow that no other family will suffer as mine did.
Flaw
- I bear every burden alone and struggle to trust others.
| d4 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I speak little and observe everything around me. |
| 2 | I keep my emotions hidden behind a calm expression. |
| 3 | I rarely smile, but I never ignore someone in need. |
| 4 | I place myself between danger and the innocent without hesitation. |
| d2 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Protection. "Power means nothing if it cannot protect those who cannot protect themselves." |
| 2 | Redemption. "No matter how stained my hands become, I can still choose to do good." |
| d2 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I carry the ashes of my home and vow that no other family will burn as mine did. |
| 2 | The names of the dead are written in my journal, and I refuse to forget them. |
| d3 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I bear every burden alone and refuse help even when I need it. |
| 2 | I fear losing control of the blood within me. |
| 3 | I push people away because I don't want to watch anyone else die. |
Contacts
- An old alchemist who treated your burns after the fall of House Veyrath.
- A wandering priest who believes the Crimson Sovereign can be redeemed.
- A former mercenary companion who owes you their life.
- A scholar obsessed with the history of blood magic.
- A monster hunter who fears what you may become.
| d6 | Contact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Elric Voss, an elderly alchemist who treated your burns after the fall of House Veyrath. |
| 2 | Sister Miriam, a wandering priest who believes the Crimson Sovereign's curse can be broken. |
| 3 | Garrick Stone, a mercenary captain who owes you his life. |
| 4 | Professor Selene Arkwright, a scholar obsessed with blood magic and ancient relics. |
| 5 | Dorian Blackwood, a monster hunter who fears what you may one day become. |
| 6 | Lysa Veyrath, a distant relative and the only known survivor of your noble house. |
You abandoned your noble heritage entirely and now live on the road, taking contracts and hunting monsters wherever they appear.
Your deeds have spread among monster hunters and mercenaries. In civilized lands, you can usually find someone who has heard stories of the Crimson Tide and can point you toward rumors of supernatural threats.
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