Grace

Shadow Hand Grace Shadowstep (a.k.a. Ghost / Various cover identities for missions)


    Grace
  Changeling Shadow Monk 8
Basic Information
Background: Spy
Alignment: Neutral Good
Age: Appears Late Teens Early 20s (Actual Age 44)
Height: Variable (default 5'8")
Weight: Variable (default 135 lbs)
Core Stats
  Proficiency Bonus: +3
  Ability Scores:(Point Buy)
  STR: 8 (-1)
DEX: 17 (+3)
CON: 14 (+2)
INT: 12 (+1)
WIS: 15 (+2)
CHA: 14 (+2)
  Saving Throws:
  Strength: -1
Dexterity: +6 (proficient)
Constitution: +2
Intelligence: +1
Wisdom: +5 (proficient)
Charisma: +2
  Combat Stats:
  AC: 17 (Unarmored Defense: 10 + DEX + WIS)
Initiative: +3
Speed: 45 ft.
HP: 62 (8d8 + 16)
Hit Dice: 8d8
Ki Points: 8
  Skills
Proficiencies (Bonus):
  Acrobatics: +6
Athletics: -1
Deception: +5 (changeling)
History: +1
Insight: +5 (spy background)
Investigation: +4 (spy background)
Performance: +5 (changeling)
Stealth: +6
  Tool Proficiencies:
  Disguise Kit
Thieves' Tools
Poisoner's Kit
  Languages:
  Common
Sylvan
Elvish
  Class Features
Monk Features:
  Unarmored Defense
Martial Arts (1d8)
Ki (8 points)
  Flurry of Blows (1 ki)
Patient Defense (1 ki)
Step of the Wind (1 ki)
  Unarmored Movement (+15 ft)
Deflect Missiles (reduce damage by 1d10+11)
Slow Fall (reduce fall damage by 40)
Extra Attack
Stunning Strike (1 ki)
Ki-Empowered Strikes (magical unarmed strikes)
Evasion
Stillness of Mind
  Shadow Monk Features:
  Shadow Arts (2 ki points each):
  Darkness
Darkvision
Pass without Trace
Silence
  Shadow Step (60 ft teleport between shadows, bonus action)
Cloak of Shadows (invisible in dim light/darkness)
  Changeling Features:
  Shapechanger: Action to polymorph into any Medium humanoid
Changeling Instincts: Proficiency in Deception
Divergent Persona: Additional proficiencies in Performance
  Background Features (Spy)
  Criminal Contact
Spy Contact
Safe Houses: Knowledge of secure locations in urban areas
  Personality
Traits:
  Methodical and observant
Values precision and preparation
Maintains multiple identities for different situations
Deeply loyal to the Covenant
  Ideals:
  Protection: "I shield those who cannot shield themselves"
Secrecy: "The best defense is to remain unseen"
  Bonds:
  Dedicated to the Twilight Covenant's mission
Protective of fellow Emergency Response Team members
Grateful to her fey monk mentor
  Flaws:
  Sometimes struggles with true identity after long infiltrations
Overly cautious to the point of paranoia
Has difficulty fully trusting others
  Equipment
Magical Items:
  Cloak of Elvenkind (advantage on Stealth checks)
Ring of Mind Shielding
Boots of False Tracks
Twilight Covenant Silver Pendant (organization symbol)
  Key Equipment:
  Monk's Belt
Disguise Kit
Thieves' Tools
Poisoner's Kit
Smokesticks (3)
Common clothes (multiple sets)
Dark gray hooded robes
Hand wraps
  Combat Abilities
Attack Bonuses:
  Unarmed Strike: +6 to hit, 1d8+3 damage
Quarterstaff: +6 to hit, 1d8+3 damage (versatile 1d10)
  Key Combat Options:
  Standard Attack: Two unarmed strikes (Extra Attack)
Flurry of Blows: Two additional unarmed strikes (1 ki)
Stunning Strike: Con save DC 13 or stunned (1 ki)
Shadow Step + Attack: Teleport 60ft + advantage on first hit
Defensive Options:
  Patient Defense: Dodge as bonus action (1 ki)
Deflect Missiles: Reduce ranged damage
Evasion: Half/no damage on Dex saves
  Tactical Approach
Infiltration:
  Use Shapechanger for disguise
Pass without Trace for group stealth
Shadow Step for positioning
Cloak of Shadows for invisibility
  Combat:
  Priority on mobility and positioning
Use shadows for tactical advantage
Control battlefield with Shadow Arts
Reserve ki for crucial moments
  Growing up in the Feywild's Summer Court, Grace found herself drawn to the mysterious exiled monk Master Shadowleaf, who had been banished for teaching forbidden shadow techniques. While other changelings used their abilities for court intrigue, Grace saw greater potential in combining shapeshifting with martial arts. Master Shadowleaf recognized her talent and trained her in secret for several years.
  As one of Lev's childhood friends and occasional sparring partner, Grace was among the first to learn of his impending exile. Without hesitation, she chose to follow him through the portal to Nehwon, seeing it not as an exile but as an opportunity to put her unique combination of skills to meaningful use. Her loyalty to Lev was matched only by her belief in the importance of their mission regarding the prophesied return of dragons.
  In the Twilight Covenant, Grace found her true calling leading the Emergency Response Teams, where her changeling abilities and shadow monk training proved invaluable for both stealth operations and crisis management. She maintains regular correspondence with Master Shadowleaf through secret channels, continuing to refine her techniques while building new ones suited to life in Nehwon.
  **Note, any time it says Autumn Court, it should be Summer Court. I was originally creating her as Autumn but thought Summer Court felt better once I created her.**

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Athletic and agile with a dancer's build - lithe but strong from years of martial training. Peak physical condition with exceptional flexibility and quick reflexes, maintained through daily exercise and meditation. No illnesses or abnormalities in default form, can heal minor injuries through meditation techniques.

Body Features

Default form: Silver-white skin that shifts like moonlight
Athletic, toned muscles but lean build
Graceful, fluid movements
Distinctive white glowing eyes
Long black hair, usually partially tied up
Natural flexibility enhanced by training
No scars or marks in default form
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 135 lbs
Can alter all features at will through shapeshifting

Facial Features

Glowing white/silver eyes, almond-shaped
High cheekbones
Full lips, often in slight smile
Smooth, unblemished skin
Defined jawline
Slightly pointed ears
Minimal facial features - elegant but otherworldly
Can be unsettling to mortals due to ethereal quality
  All features can be altered through shapeshifting as needed.

Identifying Characteristics

Glowing white eyes in default form
Fluid, graceful movement style
Silver pendant of TC at throat
Shadow energy traces during monk abilities
Voice has subtle musical quality

Physical quirks

Unconsciously shifts skin tone with mood
Often moves silently even when unnecessary
Tends to stay in shadows out of habit
Maintains perfect posture naturally
Tilts head slightly when analyzing situations

Special abilities

Race: Changeling (Fey)
Class: Monk (Shadow) Level 8
  COMPLETE ABILITY LIST:
  RACIAL ABILITIES (CHANGELING):
• Shapechanger (Action to polymorph)
• Changeling Instincts (Deception proficiency)
• Divergent Persona (Performance proficiency)
• Fey Ancestry
• Change Appearance
• Supernatural Identity Control
• Fluid Form
• Natural Polymorphic Nature
  MONK CLASS ABILITIES (Level 8):
• Unarmored Defense (10 + DEX + WIS)
• Martial Arts (1d8)
• Ki (8 points) • Flurry of Blows • Patient Defense • Step of the Wind
• Unarmored Movement (+15 ft)
• Deflect Missiles
• Slow Fall (reduce damage by 40)
• Extra Attack
• Stunning Strike
• Ki-Empowered Strikes
• Evasion
• Stillness of Mind
  SHADOW MONK FEATURES:
• Shadow Arts (2 ki points each): • Darkness • Darkvision • Pass without Trace • Silence
• Shadow Step (60 ft teleport)
• Cloak of Shadows
  PROFICIENCIES:
• Armor: None
• Weapons: Simple, Shortswords
• Tools: Disguise Kit, Thieves' Tools, Poisoner's Kit
• Saving Throws: Strength, Dexterity
  SKILL PROFICIENCIES:
• Acrobatics
• Deception
• Performance
• Stealth
• Insight
• Investigation
  **Shadow-Enhanced Shapeshifting**
(Unique Ability) Operational System:
• Integration Matrix:
o Combines monk shadow arts with changeling shifting
o Enhanced stealth during transformation
o Shadow residue masks magical signature
o Can shift partially through shadows
o Maintains shadow connection in any form
Limitations:
• Requires both ki point and shadow presence
• Can be detected by true seeing
• Limited to 1 hour duration
• Leaves trace shadow essence
• Drains energy with extended use
  **Emergency Response Command**
Operational System:
• Crisis Control Matrix:
o Coordinates up to 12 agents simultaneously
o 100 ft command radius
o Silent shadow signal system
o Rapid deployment protocols
o Real-time team status monitoring
Implementation Requirements:
• Must maintain line of sight to team
• Active command presence required
• Shadow energy connection
• Team coordination training
• Crisis response protocols active
Limitations:
• Maximum 12 agents under command
• Cannot extend beyond 100 ft
• Requires shadow presence
• Mental strain with extended use
• Must maintain concentration
  **Identity Absorption (Unique Ability)**
Operational System:
• Memory Matrix:
o Can perfectly replicate mannerisms after 1 hour observation
o Stores up to 3 complete identities permanently
o Maintains separate personality memories
o Natural integration of behavioral patterns
o Perfect accent/dialect replication
Limitations:
• Maximum 3 permanent identities
• Extended use risks personality bleed
• Must reset to true form daily
• Cannot copy magical abilities
• Requires regular meditation to maintain separation
  **Shadow Network Communication**
Operational System:
• Silent Communication Matrix:
o Links up to 12 TC agents through shadows
o 100 ft operational radius
o Instant tactical updates
o No verbal component needed
o Shadow-based signal system
Limitations:
• Requires shadow presence
• All participants must be touching shadow
• Breaks if any member leaves radius
• Limited to tactical information
• Drains ki points over extended use

Apparel & Accessories

Dark hooded robes for stealth
Fitted black/gray training clothes
Hand/foot wraps for martial arts
Light armor pieces when needed
TC formal wear for ceremonies

Specialized Equipment

Cloak of Elvenkind
Ring of Mind Shielding
Boots of False Tracks
Shadow-touched hand wraps (gift from Master Shadowleaf)
TC silver pendant (organization symbol)
Disguise kit
Thieves' tools
Poisoner's kit
Emergency response gear

Mental characteristics

Personal history

2978-2990: Early life in @Summer Court, showing natural talent for stealth and control of changeling abilities. Met young noble Lev during this period, becoming training partners and close friends.
  2990-3015: Training years with Master Shadowleaf after discovering him in exile. Developed her unique combination of shadow monk techniques and changeling abilities while maintaining her court presence. During these years, she and Lev developed a casual intimate relationship - both understanding their positions and responsibilities meant keeping things informal and discreet.
  3015-3021: Served unofficially as a protector in the Summer Court while continuing her training. Her relationship with Lev continued casually during this time, both enjoying their close friendship and physical connection without expectations or commitments. Their mutual trust and understanding made them perfect partners both in combat training and in bed.
  Early 3022 (01): When Lev confided about his upcoming exile, Grace immediately decided to follow him. Their intimate relationship had never compromised their friendship or loyalty, making her choice simple - she would follow her friend, occasional lover, and prince into exile.
  3022 (01- 3rd): Found out there was a small Group that intended to follow Lev., and shortly after Lev went through the Portal near Karja Tal her and the group of Lev's Friends that couldn't bare to watch the person they grown to Love vanish from their lives, besides he was their Prince banished or not. They were crucial in helping establish initial security protocols.
  3022 (01-10): Instrumental in founding the The Twilight Covenant , establishing Emergency Response Teams, and setting up safe houses. While she and Lev maintain a deep friendship and trust, their intimate relationship, off and on, as they focus on their new responsibilities within the organization.
  Present (10, 26, 3022): Currently focused on developing TC's emergency response capabilities while maintaining professional boundaries in her new role. Their past intimate relationship remains a fond memory that strengthens rather than complicates their current working dynamic.

Gender Identity

Being a changeling, Grace understands gender as fluid and mutable - a natural extension of her ability to change forms. However, she personally identifies strongly as female regardless of what form she takes. While she can and does assume any gender presentation needed for missions, her true self and identity remains consistently feminine. This aligns with her comfort in her default form and how she expresses herself when not actively shapeshifting for work.
  Her understanding of gender is influenced by both changeling culture, which sees identity as flexible, and her years in the Feywild courts, where presentation often carried significant social weight. She respects that other races may have more fixed views of gender while maintaining her own fluid but personally feminine identity.

Sexuality

Pansexual with a demisexual lean - she's attracted to personalities and connections rather than physical forms (natural for a changeling). Forms strong emotional bonds before sexual attraction develops. Her relationship with Lev exemplifies this - their physical intimacy grew from their deep friendship and trust rather than immediate attraction. Being a changeling, physical form is seen as temporary and mutable, making emotional connections more significant than physical attributes in relationships.

Education

Primarily trained under Master Shadowleaf (2990-3022):
  Advanced shadow monk techniques
Meditation and spiritual practices
Combat training and martial arts
Stealth and infiltration methods
  Court Education (2978-3022):
  Diplomatic protocols
Noble etiquette
Basic academics (reading, writing, mathematics)
Court intrigue and politics
  Self-taught:
  Multiple languages for infiltration
Local customs of various regions
Advanced disguise techniques
Emergency response protocols
  Continues learning through:
  Regular correspondence with Master Shadowleaf
Practical field experience
TC information networks
Development of new techniques

Employment

Pre-Twilight Covenant:
  Unofficial Court Guardian in Summer Court (3015-3022)
Covert security operations for noble houses
Occasional diplomatic missions using shapeshifting abilities
  Twilight Covenant (3022-Present):
  Emergency Response Team Leader
Oversees crisis management and rapid response
Trains new operatives in stealth/infiltration
Manages safe house network
Coordinates with other TC departments

Accomplishments & Achievements

Combat/Training
  Developed unique shadow monk/changeling hybrid fighting style
Perfect mission completion record in TC operations
Created TC emergency response training protocols
  Security
  Prevented multiple assassination attempts in Summer Court
Established TC's safe house network
Designed infiltration protocols for all TC operations
  Personal
  Mastered forbidden shadow techniques under Master Shadowleaf
Successfully integrated changeling abilities with monk training
First non-noble to gain unofficial protection status in Summer Court
    Recent (3022)   Core founder of TC Emergency Response Teams Developed TC's crisis management systems Created secure communication networks between TC safe houses Established rapid response protocols for all TC sanctuaries

Failures & Embarrassments

Failed to detect a shapeshifter infiltrating Summer Court in 3020, leading to a security breach
Accidentally exposed Master Shadowleaf's location once during training
Lost control during meditation training, causing shadow magic backlash
Got caught in an intimate moment with Lev by court officials

Mental Trauma

Guilt over exposing Master Shadowleaf's location during training
Manifestations:   Obsessive about verifying identities
Struggles with true identity after long infiltrations
Overly cautious in training new agents
Sometimes has difficulty trusting own judgment in crisis situations
  Coping Methods:
  Regular meditation
Maintains strict training routines
Keeps detailed mission logs
Regular correspondence with Master Shadowleaf
Compartmentalizes personal/professional relationships

Intellectual Characteristics

Analytical and strategic thinker
Quick to assess situations
Strong pattern recognition
Detail-oriented in planning
Values practical knowledge over theory
Excellent memory for faces and mannerisms
Creative in combining techniques
Pragmatic problem-solver
  These traits enhance her effectiveness as both infiltrator and team leader.

Morality & Philosophy

Philosophy:
"Protection through preparation and prevention"
Believes in proactive defense rather than reactive force
  Strong personal code of honor
Loyal to TC and close allies
Values protection of innocent lives
Believes ends don't justify means
Prioritizes minimizing casualties
Accepts necessary violence but avoids excess

Taboos

Never breaks given word
Won't harm innocents
Refuses to torture
Never betrays TC secrets
Won't abuse shapeshifting for personal gain
Avoids unnecessary killing

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

Protect TC and its members
Honor loyalty to Lev and their shared mission
Perfect her unique combat style
Train next generation of operatives
Maintain network of safe houses
  Personal Drives:
  Prove worth of forbidden shadow techniques
Balance changeling nature with monk discipline
Keep TC members safe through preparation
Continue Master Shadowleaf's teachings
Find purpose beyond court life
  Current Goals:
  Expand emergency response capabilities
Develop new infiltration methods
Strengthen TC security networks
Train reliable backup team leaders
Maintain professional boundaries with Lev

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Infiltration and disguise
Crisis management
Stealth operations
Martial arts
Diplomatic protocols
Team leadership
Identity verification
  Ineptitudes:
  Direct confrontation
Public speaking
Heavy weapons
Rigid battle formations
Flashy/showy techniques
Maintaining long-term covers
Quick trust in others

Likes & Dislikes

Moonlit nights
Silent movement
Shadow practice
Meditation
Close combat training
Fine tea
Complex puzzles
Lev's company
  Dislikes:
  Unnecessary violence
Loud environments
Heavy armor
Betrayal
Wasted potential
Rushed planning
Bright sunlight
Rigid protocols

Virtues & Personality perks

Unwavering loyalty
Professional discipline
Careful planning
Protective instinct
Patient teacher
Adaptable mindset
Strategic thinking
Emotional control
  Perks:
  Natural grace
Combat intuition
Quick learner
Detail memory
Silent movement
Calming presence
Diplomatic insight
Threat assessment

Vices & Personality flaws

Vices:
  Overly cautious to point of hesitation
Trust issues from past security breaches
Struggles with true identity after long missions
Tendency to work alone
Perfectionist about planning
  Flaws:
  Takes too much responsibility for failures
Difficulty maintaining lasting relationships
Sometimes loses herself in cover identities
Paranoid about security
Keeps emotional distance from others
  Secret struggles:
  Fears losing connection to original self
Occasionally misses court life's structure
Worries about Master Shadowleaf's safety

Personality Quirks

Physical Quirks:
  Unconsciously moves silently
Skin ripples when concentrating
Head tilt when analyzing
Perfect posture always
Stays in shadows habitually
  Behavioral Quirks:
  Checks exits in every room
Catalogs faces automatically
Tests food before eating
Practices forms while thinking
Speaks in low tones
Maintains multiple backup plans
Touches TC pendant when stressed

Hygiene

Daily meditation and cleansing rituals
Meticulous about cleanliness
Regular bathing
Keeps multiple changes of clean clothes
Maintains equipment carefully
Hair always neatly styled
Uses minimal scents to avoid detection
Practices proper wound care
Keeps emergency hygiene kit in safe houses

Social

Contacts & Relations

Lev (close friend/former lover/leader)
Finnian (covert ops coordination)
Other Sovereigns (professional)
  Training:
  Master Shadowleaf (mentor, hidden contact)
Emergency Response Team members
Training recruits
  Network:
  Safe house operators
Information gatherers
Merchant contacts
Court informants (Summer/Winter)
  Personal:
  Few close friends outside TC
Maintains distance from Summer Court
Professional relationship with local authorities
Emergency contacts in major cities

Family Ties

No known blood family (typical for changelings)
TC as chosen family:
  Lev (closest to family)
Emergency Response Team (siblings-in-arms)
Master Shadowleaf (father figure)
  Creates temporary family connections when needed for missions but maintains emotional distance from false identities.
Forms familial bonds through shared experience rather than blood relation.

Religious Views

Primary devotion to Freya (influenced by Lev)
Integrates shadow monk spiritual practices
Maintains private meditation rituals
Respects other deities but not actively devoted
Sees divine connection through martial arts practice
Keeps small shrine to Freya in quarters
Values spiritual discipline over formal worship
  Practice:
  Daily meditation
Pre-mission prayers
Regular offerings at shrine
Combines monk teachings with Freya worship

Social Aptitude

High charisma when needed for missions
Confident in professional settings
Reserved in personal interactions
Excellent court etiquette
Maintains professional distance
Adapts mannerisms to situation
  Interaction Style:
  Formal with strangers
Relaxed with close allies
Diplomatic in conflicts
Prefers small groups
Leads by example
Articulate but concise

Mannerisms

Speaking:
  Speaks softly but clearly
Precise word choice
Minimal small talk
Uses formal titles appropriately
  Movement:
  Naturally silent steps
Fluid, graceful motions
Perfect posture
Stays near exits/shadows
Economy of movement
  Habits:
  Touches TC pendant when thinking
Tilts head analyzing situations
Adjusts hood unconsciously
Scans rooms automatically
Tests food/drink discreetly

Hobbies & Pets

None currently
Avoids attachments that could compromise missions
  Hobbies:
  Shadow arts practice
Martial forms training
Identity creation/development
Stealth movement exercises
Tea ceremony
Meditation
Safe house maintenance
Code development
Combat training with TC members

Speech

Voice:
  Soft but clear tone
Measured pace
Slight musical quality
Professional formality
  Common Phrases:
  "Shadows guide us"
"Identity confirmed"
"Situation assessed"
"Protocol active"
"Sanctuary secure"
  Greetings/Farewells:
  "Well met" (formal)
"Safe shadows" (TC members)
"Until next time" (casual)
"May shadows hide you" (close friends)
  Style:
  Minimal slang
Rare swearing
Precise wording
Uses titles appropriately
Shadow/stealth metaphors

Wealth & Financial state

Personal assets: Modest savings from current role
No debts or dependencies
TC provides housing, equipment, supplies
Maintains emergency funds in safe houses
Simple lifestyle despite noble connections
Some valuable magical items (mostly TC-issued)
Not motivated by wealth
Lives comfortably within TC means
Alignment
Neutral Good
Species
Fey
Ethnicity
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Shadow Hand (TC Emergency Response Leader)
Lady Grace (Formal TC title)
Ghost (TC codename)
Silent Storm (Master Shadowleaf's name)
  Former Titles:
  Summer Court Guardian (unofficial)
Master Shadowleaf's Apprentice
  Earned Recognition:
  Emergency Response Team Leader
Age
44
Date of Birth
09-08-2978
Birthplace
Children
Pronouns
She/Her
Sex
Female. Primarily presents as female, most comfortable in feminine forms but can shapeshift as needed.
Gender
Female gendered. As a changeling, she understands gender as fluid but consistently identifies and presents as female regardless of her shapeshifting abilities.
Presentation
Presents traditionally feminine in default form - graceful movements, elegant posture, and fitted but practical clothing suitable for stealth and combat. Favors dark hooded garments that allow free movement while concealing her features.
Eyes
Glowing white/silver, almond-shaped, slightly larger than human average, with an intense gaze that can be unsettling to mortals
Hair
Straight, jet black, falls to mid-back when loose, typically worn partially up in practical styles with loose strands framing face
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Silver-white base that seems to ripple and shift like moonlight on water (changeling trait), smooth and unblemished
Height
5'8"
Weight
135 lbs
Quotes & Catchphrases
"Between shadows lies truth."
"Change is constant, loyalty eternal."
"The best defense is never being seen."
"We protect from the darkness."
"Identity is fluid, honor is fixed."
"Prevention before reaction."
  During missions:
  "Shadow's embrace."
"Ghost protocol active."
"Identity confirmed."
"Sanctuary secure."
Belief/Deity
Freya, influenced by Lev's dedication to the goddess. Her monk training includes meditation practices that align with Freya's aspects of magic and wisdom.
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
Known Languages
Fluent:
  Common (standard language of Nehwon)
Sylvan (native Feywild tongue)
Elvish (court language)
  Conversational:
  Thieves' Cant
Druidic (basics from monk training)
  Can temporarily gain language fluency through shapeshifting but loses it when reverting to original form.
Character Prototype
Feminine ninja/spy archetype with mystical shapeshifting abilities. Combines stealthy infiltrator with martial artist, adding supernatural shadow powers. Think blend of changeling spy, shadow monk, and covert operative.
  Core traits:
Quick and silent movement
Fluid combat style
Adaptable tactics
Professional demeanor
Mysterious presence
Loyal protector
  Primary role archetypes:
  Infiltration specialist
Emergency responder
Shadow warrior
Covert operative
  Similar characters:
  Fantasy ninjas
Mystical spies
Shadow dancers
Shapeshifting assassins
  But unique in combining changeling abilities with shadow monk training and emergency response leadership.

Cover image: Moon Phases by Unknown

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