Master of Shadows: The Assassin, Phaedra Silverleaf

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Hey folks,

This week we’re taking a closer look at my favorite NPC from the latest drop on our blog (link below).

Phaedra Silverleaf

We'll learn how to best roleplay Phaedra, as well as the magical cape that keeps her out of sight when things get dire.

Thieves Guild

Over the several weeks, I’m going to be making regular instalments of NPCs, guides, and other resources all based around creating and running a thieves guild within your campaign.

I’ve created a template guild called “The Syndicate” that all of the NPCs and other resources are based upon.

Phaedra is one such NPC.

Phaedra's Background

Phaedra is a half-elf with a determination that outshines her youthful appearance. Recently recruited into the Syndicate for her outstanding stealth and subterfuge abilities, Phaedra is eager to earn her place and move up in the ranks. She is already proving herself to be a skilled assassin, and her ambition knows no bounds.

Stat Block

Phaedra’s stat-block, along with that of four other Syndicate NPCs, can be found in the links section at the end of the newsletter.

Roleplaying Phaedra

In Public

Phaedra carries an aura of mystery and intimidation. Her every move is purposeful and her ice-blue eyes never miss a detail. When she speaks, her voice is cool and measured, betraying no emotion. Her silver hair and pale skin contrast with her dark, form-fitting attire, making her a striking figure against the shadows she so often disappears into.

Common Phrases

1. Introduction phrases: Phaedra tends to keep her words to a minimum. Upon meeting someone new, she might simply nod and say, "Phaedra. And you are?" or "Let's keep this brief."
2. During Negotiation or Persuasion: She's straightforward and to the point. "We both know what we want. Let's not waste time." or "I'm not in the habit of begging. Take the offer or leave it."
3. Challenging or Taunting Opponents: When facing off against an enemy, she might say, "You'll be a good challenge. Or, at least, I hope you will." or "Let's see if your bark matches your bite."
4. When Succeeding in Her Actions: Phaedra might offer a rare smirk and say, "Easier than expected." or "Just as planned." Likes and Dislikes

Likes and Dislikes

Likes:

1. Challenges: Phaedra thrives on proving herself against new and formidable obstacles. Whether it's outsmarting a rival or evading a high-security vault, the harder the challenge, the more she enjoys it.
2. Mastering New Skills: The only thing that comes close to her love for challenges is learning and mastering new skills. She always aims to be the best at what she does and doesn't stop until she's surpassed everyone else.
3. Directness: Phaedra appreciates those who speak their mind and don't beat around the bush. She values honesty and directness in all her dealings.
4. Solitude: As an assassin and infiltrator, Phaedra values her alone time, which she uses to train and strategize.
5. Nighttime: Perhaps it's due to her line of work, but Phaedra has a fondness for the dark, finding comfort in the quiet and anonymity it provides.

Dislikes:

1. Inefficiency: Phaedra has little patience for those who can't perform their tasks efficiently. She dislikes wasted time and resources.
2. Indecisiveness: Decisiveness is a key trait in her line of work, and she despises those who can't make up their minds quickly.
3. Being Underestimated: Due to her youth, some tend to underestimate her capabilities. This irritates her, though she often uses it to her advantage.
4. Lack of Ambition: She finds it hard to relate to those who are content with their current state and have no desire to improve or rise higher.
5. Dishonesty: While she can appreciate a well-played deception in the context of a mission, Phaedra dislikes dishonesty in her personal interactions and expects trust and transparency within The Syndicate.

What Makes Her Tick

Phaedra is primarily driven by her ambition. She is eager to earn her place within the Syndicate and will stop at nothing to move up in the ranks. Her determination is both her strength and her weakness. Her impatience and ruthlessness can often lead to reckless decisions that put her and others in danger.

A Treasured Legacy

Phaedra's rise within The Syndicate has been largely influenced by a precious heirloom she inherited from her late mother - the Robe of Shadowed Silhouettes.

The Robe was the only thing her mother left behind for her. Wrapped carefully in an old, worn-out box, it was more than just a legacy - it was a symbol of love and trust. Her mother, a famed rogue and an influential member of The Syndicate, had left explicit instructions for Phaedra to receive the Robe once she was deemed ready to embark on her own journey as a rogue.

Initially, the significance of the Robe was lost on young Phaedra. To her, it was just a garment - beautiful, yes, but not extraordinary. As she grew older, she understood its value and significance, the powerful magic it held, and what it meant to her mother.

Upon her induction into The Syndicate, Phaedra decided to don the Robe for the first time. She was stunned by its power - the Robe allowed her to conjure shadow duplicates of herself, proving invaluable in her operations. It became more than just a tool - it was an extension of her, embodying her mother's legacy, and giving her an edge within the guild.

For Phaedra, the Robe is not just a magical item. It's a reminder of her roots, her mother's faith in her abilities, and the person she was destined to become. It symbolizes her journey, serving as a beacon guiding her through her path within The Syndicate and reminding her of the love that continues to protect her, even beyond the veil of death.

Robe of Shadows

Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement by a rogue)

This tailored, dark silk garment blends perfectly with the shadows, making it favoured by stealthy operatives and assassins like Phaedra Silverleaf. Embroidered with 1d4 + 3 stylized shadowy figures, the silhouettes seem to dance in low light.

As a bonus action on your turn, you can animate one of the robe’s shadowy figures, transforming it into a shadow duplicate of yourself. This shadow instantly detaches from the robe, standing in an unoccupied space next to you, and acts on your initiative count.

The shadow duplicate has the same statistics as you but has only one hit point. It can’t deal damage or cast spells, but it can take other actions as normal. It can move and act as you direct, providing you with a decoy or an extra set of hands for tasks such as opening doors, disarming traps, or providing a distraction.

The shadow duplicate disappears in a harmless puff of smoke after 1 hour when it drops to 0 hit points, or when you dismiss it (no action required). Once detached, a shadow can’t return to the robe. When all of the robe’s shadows have detached, the robe retains its stealthy appearance but loses its magical properties.

LINKS

You can find Phaedras's stat-block and other details here.

TileForge | Assassins, Spies, and Ambitious Upstarts (Thieves Guild NPCs #2)

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