Splintersoul (Vigilante Archetype)
Leading a double life puts a great strain on the mind, as every interaction in one identity or the other becomes a carefully managed affair of remembering who knows you as whom and what lies or truths you’ve fed each. For some, it is too much, or perhaps they already had a divide in their thoughts and feelings that they take advantage of.
When this occurs in a vigilante, the result can often be what’s called a splintersoul, an individual whose two identities have become so divergent that even on a metaphysical level they seem like two different individuals.
Whether they are troubled heroes or dangers to themselves and others (possibly both), these figures have a unique advantage in that they can engage in training along diverging moral philosophies while still retaining the benefits of each, at least some of the time.
In simple terms, their two identities are so separate that multiclassing into one or more classes with alignment restrictions does not clash with one of the identities. For example, a person with paladin training in their social identity could secretly be more morally ambiguous in their vigilante identity without losing their paladin abilities, beyond performing extremely evil acts, of course. However, this does mean that each of their alignment-focused classes are tied to one or the other identity, locking them out abilities they would lose by becoming an ex-member until they switch identities back.
As they grow in mastery, these vigilantes master the art of quickly switching their identities, eventually able to do so in moments.
Along with this, the vast disparity between the two identities grows so great that the very act of revealing that they are one and the same by switching costumes shocks and alarms, allowing them to take advantage of that the same way other vigilantes leave their foes stunned by their sudden appearance.
A simple archetype, this definitely exists specifically for the purpose of multiclassing vigilante with other classes where their unique connection to the alignment system causes problems. You could even, in theory try to cross class with two separate alighnment-based classes, both tied to the opposing identities, but I’d probably recommend against it, since you’d end up having low-level power sets that you can’t even merge together since one turns off when you are able to use the other. Most builds for this archetype will definitely be used by veteran players with very clear ideas of feat and spell selection.
No matter how you decide to play it, this archetype does touch upon the subjects of neurodivergency and even mental illness. With that in mind, as always, consider carefully how your character reflects on those subjects, and remember to be respectful.
Drawing parallels between himself and the shapeshifting orca-like akhlut, by day Beirshan is a law-upholding barrister seeking justice, but when the law fails, he dons a whaleskin cloak and takes up the mantle of the Sea Wolf, infamous for his vicious bloody battle-rages.
They say that valor has no place in the City of Nightmares, but Amel disagrees, the munavri taking up the mantle of The Blade of Will, an avenger and mind sword paladin, hidden by a face-concealing helm. Behind disguise, he maintains a more moderate view, asking for compromise with the city’s unflinching leaders.
Referred to as the Joyful Veras by his neighbors, the elf is considered a pillar of the community by the town, and a helping hand to those in need. None suspect he has a darker side, an alternate identity as a zealot and sinister cleric of the Corruptor, carefully selecting his prey from out of towners to twist into monsters using dark rituals.
