Background: Red Wizard

by Debith

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Red Wizard


You are part of Thay's ruling class. You carry a noble title, which you have gained from your family, through a marriage, or you have been recruited due to your talent in arcane arts. You are most likely a wizard, but it is possible you may not possess any arcane skills, you just have the title.

Your family, or enclave, is known for specific skills as alchemists, magical experimenters, merchants, slavers, artisans, necromancers, or demonologists. You are more likely of Mulan, who the most Red Wizards usually are. You also may be following their old traditions of wearing tattoos and shaving heads strictly. Instead of being Mulan, you can be the Rashemi origin, who are not as strict with traditions as Mulan are.

Does your family, or enclave, have a good reputation among Thayan people? Or they last descendants of the slain Zulkirs, hunted by ruling faction of Thay? Do they ignore politics and try to survive?

How does it work for you being Red Wizard, the most feared group of Faerûn? Do you have a magical talent, or did you only inherit the title? Can you live in the nation with the biggest population of undead?


Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among Arcana, History, Investigation, or Religion


Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools


Languages: Choose one among from Thayan or Mulhorandi


Equipment: A red robe, a set of common clothes, arcane focus (tattoo), envelope, and a purse containing 10 gp

Cultural Ideology


There are plenty of signature features for Red Wizards. Roll on the Signature Item table to see what you have, or choose an item from the table.

d6 Cultural Ideology
1 I prefer to shave myself and cover my skin with tattoos.
2 Slavery allows nation to prosper.
3 Our enclave trades anything from magic items to slaves.
4 All undead should be treated as equal.
5 Dealing with demons is as natural as dealing with any other creature.
6 Our magical power must be developed and improved regardless of the cost.

Feature: Red Wizard Enclave


Enclaves are the secure place for Red Wizards to live and practice their mystic arts, search for forbidden lore, or do any other research activities. If there are enclaves outside Thay, you know where to find them, and you know if such of an enclave is safe for the party you are traveling with.

You also know Thayan politics and have enough connections to arrange considerably lower prices for accommodation and meals inside Thay.

Suggested Characteristics

In addition to personality traits suggested for Inheritor, Noble, or Sage, here are options for Red Wizard.

d8 Personality Trait
1 It is no problem for me to use other creatures to achieve my goals.
2 Most of my friends are undead.
3 I have a strong connection to the spell school of my choice, and I don't approve others.
4 When speaking with others, I like to refer them to some lowly creatures, like monkeys.
5 I have witnessed the destruction caused by demons. I enjoyed it.
6 Undeath is the greatest of all blessings.
7 I have unique speaking style, such as using the same tone, or muttering to myself
8 Showing emotions is a sign of weakness.
d6 Ideal
1 Tradition. We should preserve what previous generations have built. (Lawful)
2 Power. I will raise the greatest army ever, dead or alive. (Evil)
3 Destiny. My place is among the gods and above. (Evil)
4 Knowledge. The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing. (Any)
5 Wealth. I must gather all the gold, for I like shiny things. (Neutral)
6 Magic. Everything is tied to magic, and only I can wield it. (Any)
d6 Bond
1 I will do anything to restore the former power of my nation.
2 Council of Zulkirs is the only way to maintain stability.
3 My enclave recovered ancient tomes of forbidden lore.
4 I have made a deal with a demon.
5 I shall utterly destroy all my enemies.
6 I will become the greatest magician ever.
d6 Flaw
1 I only respect those who have mastered the use of arcane arts.
2 I cannot resist taking risks if there's magical item involved.
3 Our traditions are law, and should be followed by everyone.
4 I'd never risk my life over someone else.
5 I explode if somebody interrupts my thinking.
6 There is no question I am the smartest person alive.
 

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