In the vast multiverse, there are many tales of magical decks of cards. Some are minor arcana items, while some hold vast power.
This installment of Deck of Many More Things brings new heritages for the Tales of the Valiant roleplaying game. A heritage represents a character’s culture and upbringing. It’s what your family, community, or other formative authority figures taught you.
Shining Keep Heritage
Circle of Shining Wisdom characters were raised with the wisdom traditions of the Shining Keep community.
Long ago, the legendary founder of the Shining Keep was a poor fisherwoman. One day, while hauling up her meager catch, a rainbow-scaled fish spoke to her: “Kind and gentle woman, mother to multitudes to come, release me and my kind, and I shall bring you a great and magical gift, and show you how to use it most beneficially!”
Against her better judgement, the fisherwoman released her nets and the fish she had caught. The rainbow fish swam away and soon returned with a small, ivory box in its mouth. Inside the box was a deck of magical cards.
Under the direction of the magical fish, the fisherwoman drew nine powerful cards granting her wealth, wisdom, magic, and the ability to bend the fates to her will. The magic of the cards also granted her ownership of a small, hidden arcane keep deep in a magical wilderness. From that day on, she gathered other wise and powerful people to her sanctum. The small, hidden society became known as the Shining Keep.
Members of the Shining Keep are often sent to advise rulers and other important personages of the world, to pay back the generosity of the kind fish spirit.
Diplomat. You have proficiency in the Insight skill. You have advantage with Insight checks a number of times equal to your PB. After you finish a long rest, you regain all uses.
Negotiator. You have proficiency in the Persuasion skill. You have advantage with Persuasion checks, a number of times equal to your CHA modifier (minimum 1). After you finish a long rest, you regain all uses.
Second Sight. Your uncanny wisdom allows you to see glimpses of the future and things unseen. You can cast identify or augury (your choice), with no material components required.
Languages. You know Common and two additional languages of your choice. Circle heritage characters often choose Celestial, Elven, or Sylvan.
Celestial Bravo Heritage
Celestial Bravo heritage characters were raised with the values and traditions of the Bravo communities. These communities are groups and families descended from a legendary hero or group of heroes that were empowered by a celestial magical card.
Usually found on the edge of a vast wilderness or in a war-torn region, Bravo communities are populated with fearless and professional warriors and mercenaries. Like the Spartans of ancient Greece, members of Bravo communities are trained nearly from birth to be fearsome warriors. Celestial Bravos value individual heroics and achievement above all, but are also happy to work with other mighty champions towards a common goal.
Battle Ready. You are proficient with all martial weapons and all types of armor and shields.
Crushing Blow. When you roll a critical hit with a melee weapon attack, the target of your attack must make a successful DC 15 Strength check, or be knocked prone.
Heroic Effort. The first time you are reduced to 0 HP during a combat encounter, you have 1 HP instead. You can use this ability once before you finish a long rest.
Languages. You know Common and one other language of your choice.
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