Background: Reformed Villain

Another installment of the Heroes Reborn series, the Reformed Villain came from a good long read at the DMG of D&D 5E. I had been considering taking a Paladin over into the Oathbreaker class and was doing a bit of reading up on it. The tidbit that got my gears turning talked about the DM possibly giving the player a way to bring their Paladin back from being an Oathbreaker, a quest or something else that proved their reform. It did not, however, every mention how gods react to being betrayed and then having someone come crawling back. In my mind, I saw the god saying "welcome back, but to prove your worth you start at level 1 again." In the spirit of this, I began to write the Reformed Villain

(You can download the PDF here)

Bandar, the scourge of all of Cormyr, stood over his kill, at last secure in the victory he had obsessively sought for nearly a century. Now though, finally in his grasp, he found himself more perplexed by his lifelong enemy's final words than satisfied.

“I do not seek your forgiveness, hero.” “I know, old friend. But, you have it anyway.”

REFORMED VILLAIN

Restriction: Good alignment

On a moonlit street a shadowy figure snaps his fingers and the thugs holding a brave guard cut his throat. In the deepest crypts a black robed figure performs a profane ritual to raise an army of undead. From behind the veil the mastermind of some villainous plot pulls strings, brining death and destruction. This was you, the cruel and greedy villain whose goals were all self serving and methods despicable. Somewhere along the line, though your life took a turn towards the light, and now you are avowed to make amends for your wicked deeds.

Perhaps you were forced to atone at the point of a blade or threat of magical destruction by some epic hero. Perhaps you crossed a line that you never thought yourself capable of crossing. Was it a noble hero who, even as they died, whispered that they forgave you that broke your heart? Or was it a metaphysical experience, some glimpse into the vast multiverse which changed your perspective on what is important in life?

With a new sense of right and wrong you approach the world with a perspective unique to other heroes. Perhaps that perspective steadies your hand and makes you merciful. Or, perhaps it has driven you to smite those who will not turn as you did.

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, and choose one from Arcana, History, Intimidation, Stealth, and Religion.

Languages: Two of your choice

Equipment: A set of clothes appropriate to your formal role, a pardon, a journal detailing your personal story

FEATURE: VOICE OF REASON

You have seen the light, but you remember what it was like to look at the world from the dark. You are especially good at communicating with creatures that remind you of your past life. Evil intelligent creatures are more likely to listen to your perspective and reveal more of their own out of either respect or fear of the person you used to be. You gain advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks against intelligent creatures. This does not apply to creatures whose motivation or culture is so alien to you that you cannot relate (ex: Mindflayers or Vampires).

SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS

A reformed villain is a person driven by a desire to atone for their past transgressions. Reformed Villains very rarely trust in the law, still seeing their own personal actions as the best way to accomplish their goals. They can often be found in the clergy, choosing to serve the gods or in the ranks of an adventuring guild, hoping to spread hope by beating back the darkness. They harshly judge those who commit evil acts, especially themselves. They may be driven by an urge to do general good or on a quest to right some very specific wrong that they caused.

VILLAINOUS ORIGIN (D6)​

1. I spread death through the black necromantic arts, but will never again practice arcane magic.

2. I abused my birthright as a noble by exploiting the people I ruled over with an iron fist. To atone I abandoned all claim to my fortune and power.

3. I was the chieftain of a warlike tribe that viciously raided innocent villages.

4. There wasn’t a job I wouldn’t take for the right coin. My cruelty discretion was well known among the other mercenaries. I will not let my greed ever contol me again. I promised myself to never take payment for violence again.

5. I ruled over a the alleys of my city as a heartless crime lord, extorting money and dealing in violence. I vowed to never again steal.

6. I was once pledged to serve the dark gods and demons of the world, spreading fear through their terrible wrath.

PERSONALITY TRAIT (D6)

1. I hide my past from everyone.

2. I take detailed notes on every interaction I have and keep a journal of how best to manipulate people.

3. Money and power have absolutely no importance to me. In fact, they disgust me and remind me of my dark past.

4. My sense of humor is quite dark, often scaring or offending others.

5. I tend to want to talk things out, even when the other person would rather drop the subject.

6. I relay my story and the new moral path I follow at every chance.

IDEALS (D6)

1. Service- A life in service to a cause is one well lived.

2. Charity- The poor did not choose to be so, that life was forced on them and it is my duty to save them from it.

3. Respect- It is not my place to judge any for their lot in life or treat them as less than me for it.

4. Honesty- Lying is the first step on the path to corruption.

5. Responsibility- I must always be wary of the consequences of my actions.

6. Redemption- No one is beyond being saved.

BONDS (D6)

1. The dark power I once served does not forgive betrayal.

2. I wish to support the families of those I harmed by adventuring.

3. I left behind a person very dear to me who still walks an evil path.

4. I was saved through the grace of the temple of my favored god and would do whatever I was commanded to do by its clergy.

5. Though I have changed, the law still hunts me.

6. The hero that convinced me to change my ways died by my sword, and I can never forgive myself.

FLAWS (D6)

1. I have a terrible temper and I lash out violently when angered.

2. I harshly judge acts I see to be less than benevolent

3. I refuse to lie under any circumstances.

4. I give away all of my money.

5. I can never go home for fear of being recognized.

6. Despite changing my ways, my heart is still rotten and I only do what I do for fear of repercussions.

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