Tetherborn

In Erenel, spellcasters "tether" into the bond, accessing raw magic left over by the creator, Al'Madoon, to cast spells. While tethered, magic users manipulate the very fabric of the bond for their desired outcome. Unfortunately, tethering into the bond has a real and immediate price, leaving a mystical residue on the spellcaster's life essence. This residue leads to a condition known as Tetherbane, and as the condition worsens, spellcasters begin to lose control. The magic they once skillfully wielded becomes chaotic and uncontrollable. A simple light spell could result in a random burst of magic, devastating a city block.   Tetherborn, unfortunately, are born with or have manifested extreme tetherbane at a young age. While they have learned to harness their magical abilities, the underlying condition is ever-present, putting themselves and those around them in danger. To protect the growing civilization of the known world, a faction known as the Creed act as independent law enforcement for those stricken with Tetherbane. As a Tetherborn, your character could be fleeing from the Creed, or submitted to their laws, losing the ability to cast spells thanks to a magical tattoo placed on the neck or spine.

Features

Magic Backlash

When you make a spell attack, before the roll you can choose to have a magical backlash. Flip a coin. On heads, roll 1d4 and add the number to the attack roll. On tails, roll 1d4 and subtract the number from the attack roll.   You can trigger a backlash a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.  

Tetherborn Oddity

Due to your condition you could choose to have one of the following oddities.

d8	Oddity
1	You have been tattooed by the Creed on your neck or spine.
2	Your eyes are different colors and can change color unexpectedly.
3	When you cast spells your voice echoes loudly.
4	When you cast spells your body erupts in painful blisters.
5	When you cast spells your capillaries and veins flash a bright blue.
6	Your hair has streaks of color that changes based on the current season.
7	Your feet have become hooved or webbed.
8	Patches of your skin are scaled or taken a rock-like appearance.

Suggested Characteristics

Tetherborn characters battle the thought of using magic and putting themselves or their community at risk. Some tetherborn refuse to cast spells or weigh the pros and cons of the situation beforehand. Others gladly cast spells, disregarding or welcoming the danger brought on by their condition.

Traits

d8	Personality Trait
1	I am confident in my ability to repress my condition.
2	I always act with caution and am overly serious.
3	I am committed to obeying the magical laws of the land.
4	I always try to stay positive and smile.
5	The world is too serious. We all die in the end.
6	I often reminisce about my time before my condition.
7	I stay up to date on the latest medical breakthroughs.
8	I remain calm in stressful situation.

Ideal

d6	Ideal
1	Freedom. Society will not dictate the use of my gifts.
2	Friendship. I refuse to cast spells to protect my family.
3	Adventure. I want to experience everything life has to offer.
4	Greed. My condition allows me to take whatever I want.
5	Prestige. I want to be admired, respected or feared.
6	Stability. I just want to live a normal life in peace.

Bond

d6	Bond
1	The unbearable weight of my condition has driven me to desperation.
2	I must find a cure for myself and others inflicted with tetherbane.
3	It is my duty to protect others like me from the Creed.
4	A tetherbane accident has caused me to flee my home.
5	I come from a long line of successful wizards who have shunned me because of my condition.
6	This condition is a blessing. I must learn why I was blessed and fulfill my destiny.

Flaw

d6	Flaw
1	I joke about serious stuff when I don't know what to say.
2	I risk my personal safety to protect my friends and family.
3	I see myself as expendable and walk straight into danger.
4	I get angry quickly and threaten to cast dangerous spells to scare others.
5	I believe magic is power and see others who cannot cast spells as inferior.
6	I have nightmares about accidentally hurting my loved ones.