Grudgeholder

"Right, you! That's another one for the Book!"

Some Warlocks sell their soul to the Fiend; others enter into a pact with a Great Old One; some poor sods simply fall into the whole business by accident. The Grudgeholder, however, derives their power from that ineffable, universal force that is the Grudge - the sheer refusal to let bygones be bygones. 

At the heart of the Grudgeholder's power is the legendary Book of Grudges. Bound in blood-red leather of - ahem - dubious origin, its cover embossed with a wizened countenance that is locked into a permanent scowl, this ancient, mystical artefact is said to be a physical manifestation of the collective grudges held by all those who have felt wronged or slighted in whatever way throughout the ages. It is an ever-expanding compendium of wrongs, injustices, and slights, inscribed upon its pages by Grudgeholders of the past. 

The Book of Grudges is sentient - naturally; inhabited by a mysterious, malevolent intelligence. To become a Grudgeholder, one must enter into a pact with the Book, which requires the bearer to swear an unbreakable oath to never forgive and never forget, to hold onto grievances, real or perceived, and to record them faithfully within. In return, the Book grants the Grudgeholder dark, eldritch powers fueled by the sheer intensity of the bearer's grudges.

As Grudgeholders add new entries to the Book of Grudges, the emotional intensity and depth of their grievances become a source of supernatural power. The Book can be consulted for its accumulated grudges, and the Grudgeholder can draw upon this wellspring of negativity to cast spells, summon shadowy allies, or invoke curses upon their foes. The more they nurse their grudges, the more potent their abilities become.

Grudgeholders walk a fine line between moral avengers and malevolent seekers of vengeance. While they may appear to be champions of justice, their motivation is rooted in personal vendettas and the need to settle scores. Their moral compasses may vary, and they might be driven by a desire for retribution, the pursuit of power, or simply the addiction to holding grudges.

The power of the Book of Grudges is not without its challenges. Grudgeholders must grapple with the ever-increasing weight of their own grudges, risking being consumed by the darkness that dwells within the tome. Moreover, they must navigate the ethical dilemmas that arise when deciding which grudges to prioritise, as not all injustices are equal, and settling some scores may have unintended consequences.

Begrudging Pact

At the outset of your journey as a Grudgeholder, a solemn and eerie ritual takes place. At 1st level, you embark on a binding pact with the enigmatic and sentient Book of Grudges. During this unholy covenant, you utter an oath that echoes through the corridors of time - a promise to never forgive and never forget. This oath is unbreakable, etched into the very essence of your being.

This pact isn't a mere formality; it's the linchpin of your newfound power. Through it, you forge a mystical connection with the Book of Grudges, allowing you to tap into the potent energy of grudges. With this connection established, you can meticulously record these grievances within the Book's blood-red pages, thereby fueling your dark and eldritch abilities.

As a Grudgeholder, you become a keeper of wrongs, a guardian of grievances, and a collector of slights. The Grudging Pact you've sealed marks the beginning of your journey into the murky realm of vengeance, where grudges are your currency and the Book of Grudges is both mentor and prison. 

Siphon Grudge

Upon reaching the 6th level of mastery as a Grudgeholder, you attain a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics between the Book of Grudges, your own inner turmoil, and the wellspring of dark energy these grievances represent. This newfound insight grants you the uncanny power to siphon the emotional intensity and depth of the grievances meticulously recorded within the Book.

As a Grudgeholder, you are no stranger to the raw, unbridled emotions of anger, resentment, and bitterness that course through the pages of your malevolent tome. It is at this stage of your journey that you learn to channel these emotions for a rather unexpected, yet invaluable purpose - self-sustenance.

In times of need, when your life force wanes, and your very essence yearns for rejuvenation, you can call upon the Book of Grudges. By siphoning off the negativity within its pages, you draw from the vast well of grudges and use it to mend your wounds. The sheer emotional power of these grievances becomes a healing balm, allowing you to restore hit points and recover from even the most grievous injuries.

Consult the Tome

As you progress through the ranks of Grudgeholders and reach the esteemed 10th level, your connection with the Book of Grudges transcends mere servitude; it evolves into a profound symbiosis. You've spent a while nurturing the Book, tending to its relentless thirst for grievances, and in turn, it has revealed more of its secrets to you.

During a short rest, you can engage in an intimate communion with the Book. As you delve into its pages, a flood of memories, resentments, and injustices wash over you. It's as if the Book opens a window to the past, allowing you to glimpse into the collective grudges recorded within its ominous depths.

This communion serves a dual purpose. First, it enhances your spellcasting abilities. By revisiting the grievances catalogued in the Book during your short rest, you gain insight into the precise emotions and motivations that fueled these grudges. This newfound understanding empowers you to cast your spells with a level of precision and potency that few can match. Your magic, shaped by the intense emotions stored in the Book, becomes more effective and devastating.

Second, this communion also bestows temporary bonuses based on the grudges you've recorded. The Book's malevolent intelligence allows you to draw upon the negativity and resentment of past Grudges, granting you a temporary advantage in areas where their experiences might be relevant. Whether it's combat, negotiations, or any other skill, the Book provides you with an edge based on the lessons learned from grudges of old.

Whispering Vengeance

As Grudgeholders near the pinnacle of their mastery, their connection with the sentient book becomes even more profound. The spectral beings they summon are said to be manifestations of the suffering, resentment, and anger that reside within the grudges recorded in the ancient tome.

These beings, often referred to as "The Whispering Vengeance," are eerie, shadowy figures that materialize when the Grudgeholder invokes their most potent grudges. The Whispering Vengeance are not malevolent entities themselves, but they carry an air of foreboding and anger, reflecting the intensity of the grudges that call them forth. They are enigmatic and inscrutable, bound to serve the Grudgeholder's cause.

When a Grudgeholder invokes the Whispering Vengeance, the shadowy allies empower their abilities. They can enhance their spells, lend support in combat, or even enact specific forms of retribution.