John Michael

Born in Prussia during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars, John Michael was a gifted musician whose violin once filled concert halls with haunting melodies, until the day his closest friend and fellow musician was conscripted into the Lützow Free Corps and fell during a brutal skirmish. Consumed by grief and a burning desire to honor his companion's memory, John Michael abandoned his instrument and joined the same regiment, exchanging his bow for a sapper's axe—a tool of war that would become an extension of his vengeance. His mastery of the blade was unnatural, almost supernatural, as if some dark force guided his strikes with uncanny precision, a phenomenon he came to understand as the Shadow of Death—a curse or gift that manifested whenever his rage and sorrow reached their apex. Despite the darkness that now clung to his soul, John Michael remained bound by a strict moral code, using his formidable combat prowess only to protect his comrades and eliminate genuine threats to the innocent. His fellow soldiers spoke of him in whispered tones, unsure whether to revere him as a guardian or fear him as something touched by forces beyond mortal comprehension. Yet through it all, John Michael carried the memory of his friend like a sacred oath, transforming his grief into a force of righteous justice on the battlefield.

Strength

18, modifier +4

Dexterity

14, modifier +2

Constitution

20, modifier +5

Intelligence

12, modifier +1

Wisdom

15, modifier +2

Charisma

16, modifier +3

Sapper's Axe Strike

Melee weapon attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d12 + 4 slashing damage.

Vengeful Melody

As a bonus action, John can inspire allies, granting them 1d8 temporary hit points and advantage on their next attack.

Unleash the Shadow

Once per long rest, John can unleash a wave of dark energy in a 30 ft. radius. Each creature must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 4d8 necrotic damage and be frightened until the end of their next turn.

Righteous Defense

When an ally is attacked, John can use his reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll, redirecting the attack to himself.

Shadow of Death

When enraged, John gains advantage on attack rolls and deals an extra 2d6 necrotic damage.

strength

+7

dexterity

+5

constitution

+8

wisdom

+5

Necrotic