Build and run your Dungeons & Dragons 5e campaign on World Anvil!

START NOW

Defector

Overview:

You were once part of the Blackthorn Syndicate.

Whether by choice, desperation, debt, or circumstance, you worked within an organization known for smuggling, violence, and quiet influence across the region. The Syndicate dealt in information as often as coin, and when rumors of a dragon began to spread, attention followed quickly behind it.

You were sent to find answers.

Your assignment was simple: locate the outsiders connected to the dragon and bring them in for questioning. What changed after that is up to you. Perhaps you learned too much. Perhaps you disagreed with the methods being used. Perhaps this was simply the moment you finally chose to leave.

Either way, the Syndicate will not ignore your disappearance for long.

You know how they operate. You know the kind of people they employ. More importantly, you know what happens to those who betray them.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from: Deception, Insight, Investigation, Perception, Sleight of Hand, Stealth
Tool Proficiencies: Choose one: Thieves’ Tools, Disguise Kit, Poisoner’s Kit, Forgery Kit
Lifestyle: Poor or Modest
Languages: Common, one additional language of your choice
Equipment:

You start with:

  • A set of dark travel or street clothes
  • A concealed Syndicate token, insignia, or coded item
  • A small collection of hidden contacts, notes, or route markers
  • One tool set you are proficient with
  • A belt pouch containing 15 gc

Features:

Feature: Underworld Familiarity

You understand how criminal organizations operate. You can identify signs of smuggling activity, hidden exchanges, coded communication, or organized criminal presence within settlements and trade routes. You also know how to locate black market goods, discreet services, or people attempting to avoid attention.

Feature: Syndicate Ties

You still carry knowledge, habits, and connections tied to the Blackthorn Syndicate. Former associates may recognize you, offer information, or attempt to draw you back into Syndicate affairs. At the same time, your history may attract unwanted attention from those who know what the organization is capable of. This trait has no direct mechanical benefit, but may influence social interactions and events at the DM’s discretion.


World Anvil: The Ultimate Worldbuilding Toolset & RPG Campaign Manager

Created for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters, World Anvil has everything you need to build your own homebrew RPG campaign setting, and run your games, either online or around the table!

  • Speed up prep with a whole library of community statblocks you can copy (and edit!)
  • Enthrall your players with interactive maps, timelines, and a whole wiki of your world
  • Keep track of NPCs, PC character sheets, monster stats, treasure, journals, notes and more
  • Quickly look up essential info with session notes, campaign map markers, and bookmarked lore at your fingertips
  • Build your own campaign setting, or expand a prewritten campaign, with expertly created worldbuilding templates and prompts
  • Control who sees what in your worldbuilding wiki with secrets and subscriber groups
  • Collaborate with players and GMs to build the campaign setting of your dreams 
  • NEVER lose your notes!

GET STARTED TODAY!

Take the first step. Create your account. Your world and characters await!

100+ RPG systems