D&D Backgrounds - Oathbreaker
The Oathbreaker is no longer just for Paladins. When you break your word, promise, oath or vows to someone or something you serve, there are consequences. The Oathbreaker feat leans into an edgelord storytelling background, allowing you to fully embody the tortured soul character you desire.
This is just one of the Edgelord Backgrounds available on our Patreon. You can also find background PDFs for the Avenger, Amnesiac, the Forsaken Wunderkind, and the Oathbreaker soon.
Oathbreaker
Ability Scores: Charisma, Strength, Wisdom
Feat: Burden to Bear
Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Intimidation, Persuasion
Tool Proficiencies: Disguise Kit
Equipment: Choose A or B: (A) Disguise Kit, Bedroll, Holy Symbol or Signet Ring, Travelers Clothes, 17 GP. or (B) 50 GP
Description
You were not just a believer; you were a paragon. Your oath defined your identity, embodying all that you stood for. As a result, others saw you as their leader, willing to follow you because your resolve seemed as immutable as stone.
But just like stone, an oath can fracture and break under the wrong conditions. Perhaps you broke it for a noble reason—to save the innocent when commanded to kill in the name of your beliefs. Maybe you broke it to seize power, save your own skin, or for any other selfish or self-centered reason. It could have been the discovery of deep rot and evil in your cause, a king who had become a tyrant, or a god who demanded cruelty over mercy. Whatever the reason, you were forced to choose between the cause you had faithfully served, the vows you had taken, or the ability to live with yourself.
Now adrift, you lack a purpose and must find a new way to live. The benefits that came with your belief have either disappeared or, worse yet, have become twisted and dark, gnawing away at your soul. You carry the heavy burden of your broken promise, which has made you cynical, angry, or overcome with the sadness that comes with a great loss. You cannot shake off your failure to keep your promises and must figure out whether your future holds the possibility of atonement or the freedom that your new circumstances offer.
Background Story Ideas:
You were a paladin serving a god who demanded service from others, whether by choice or by force. When you freed those who were abused at the hands of your fellow brothers, you were thrown out of the order.
You were the Captain of the Guard, sworn to protect the king with your life. You uncovered his plot to assassinate his own heirs to maintain power. You broke your oath of loyalty to the crown by helping them escape, becoming a traitor in the process.
You were a druid sworn to preserve nature, no matter the cost. When a great fire threatened the forest and a nearby village, you sacrificed a part of the woods to save the inhabitants. Your connection with nature was broken, as the spirits were unwilling to forgive you for not living up to your promises.
Origin Feat: Burden to Bear
Your failure to uphold your vows/promises/beliefs provided you with a inner strength, allowing you to channel the echoes of your former conviction.
Remembered Resolve. You have Advantage on saving throws against Frightened.
Freedom to Roam. Difficult Terrain doesn’t cost you extra movement
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Art Credit - WotC
