Prevaricator

The Prevaricators are a sad lot, trying to convince themselves that The Pit can be manipulated toward anything but wanton violence and suffering.

- Samantha Beckett

 

In the endless strife of The Pit, where the young are born into a world of cruel trials and rampant violence, every orphan dreams of becoming a Prevaricator as a way to subvert their suffering. These shadowy rogues are not mere deceivers; they are the architects of lies, weaving intricate webs of falsehood to control the minds and fates of others.

A Prevaricator is part manipulator, part mentalist, wielding their craft with the precision of a surgeon. They study their targets with a predator's eye, swiftly unraveling the threads of their psyche to tailor the perfect manipulation. To a Prevaricator, a lie is both a tool and a weapon: sharp and versatile, capable of ending destinies. Some argue that their lies are pragmatic, even benevolent. After all, can't a lie serve a noble cause? Isn't hope - even false - a balm for the troubled soul? But beneath these justifications lies a darker truth: a hunger to control the unbelievable chaos of The Pit. The most ambitious Prevaricators gather followers, crafting entire cells of fanatics to amass fame, wealth, and power. The more restrained might only use their silver tongue to distract an enemy, just long enough to slip a blade between their ribs.

Level 3: Fundamental Prevarications

When you select this archetype at 3rd level, you gain proficiency in the Charisma (Deception) skill, or expertise if you already have that proficiency.

Additionally, you learn the Minor Illusion cantrip, which you can cast without material components, using Charisma as your spellcasting ability.

Also, you are immune to magic that compels you to tell the truth.

Level 3: False Vulnerability

Also starting at 3rd level, you can trick your enemies into believing there are openings in your defenses where none exist, then viciously and unexpectedly exploit their mistakes. When a creature you can see within 30 feet of you attacks you, you can use your reaction to make a weapon attack against the creature before it rolls its attack against you. You have advantage on this attack. If this attack hits and includes damage from your Sneak Attack, the target has disadvantage on the next attack it makes this turn.

Whether your attack hits or misses, the creature then makes its attack against you if it is still capable of doing so.

Level 9: Illusory Self

Beginning at 9th level, you can lie so egregiously about yourself that you can cast the Mislead spell, using Charisma as your spellcasting ability. You can cast it using either a verbal or somatic component.

Once you use this feature, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.

Level 17: False Pity

Beginning at 17th level, you can hinder your foes simply by convincing them that they are hindered. As an action, choose a creature you can see that can hear you and make a Charisma (Deception) check contested by its Wisdom (Insight) check. The target must share a language with you to be a valid target. If you succeed on the check, you can impose one of the following conditions on the target: blinded, deafened, paralyzed, poisoned, restrained, or stunned.

This effect lasts for 1 minute but ends early if the creature takes damage or when you use a bonus action to end the effect.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier, regaining all spent uses when you finish a long rest.