Tech Vigilante
A modular creature, inspired by the gadgets of superheroes and villains
Skulking in the shadows, tech vigilantes use many tools at their disposal to provoke fear in the hearts of criminals. Many exist with their own gear or motif, and the tech vigilante will push their body and technology to the limits to protect the ones they care for.
Created by Trauma, Builders by Nature. Tech vigilantes normally have a tragic past, which leads them to fight on behalf of those who do not have the strength or courage to do so. Their intelligence allows them to prepare specialized gear for countless situations, and as such they use their gifts to protect the innocent.
Big City, Small World. While some may feel the need to roam or go big, many tech vigilantes stay close to home, tending to ones whom they might have grown up with. Tech vigilantes are also more concentrated in urban areas, where vice prowls the darkened night streets.
Nerds with Hearts of Gold. Whether they hide their identity or have no life beyond crime-fighting, tech vigilantes truly care for the people they watch over. When they aren't maintaining their armor or patrolling, tech vigilantes might grab a drink or spend time with the people under their watch.
Image credit: Marvel Comics
Tech Vigilante
Medium humanoid (any), neutral good (50%) or lawful neutral (50%)
- Armor Class 15 (modified armor)
- Hit Points 113 (18d8+32)
- Speed 30 ft., fly 25 ft. (requires Energy Reactor)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 15 (+2) 17 (+3) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 10 (+0)
- Saving Throws Str +4, Dex +5
- Skills Acrobatics +5, Stealth + 5 Deception +2
- Damage Vulnerabilities lightning
- Senses passive Perception 13
- Languages Common, Thieves' cant plus any two languages
- Challenge
Tools of the Trade. The tech vigilante has many tools at their disposal, but relies primarily on some. Consult the Weapons & Gadgets table and pick 3 items they might commonly use.
Unrivaled (1/Day). The tech vigilante rerolls a failed saving throw.
Actions
Hidden Weapon (Requires Melee Weapon Attachment). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) slashing, bludgeoning, or piercing damage (depending on weapon chosen).
Arm Mounted Crossbow (Requires Crossbow Attachment). Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing damage.
Energy Blast (Requires Energy Reactor). Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 30/60 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (3d6+3) lightning damage.
Throwing Stars (Requires Utility Belt). Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) piercing damage.
Ranged Grapple (Recharge 5-6) (Requires Grapple Gauntlets). The tech vigilante shoots a line of rope at one target. The target must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, becoming restrained on a fail.
Unarmed Strike (Requires Reinforced Hands & Feet). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) non-lethal bludgeoning damage.
Reactions
Parry (Requires Shield). The tech vigilante adds 2 to its AC against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the tech vigilante must see the attacker.
Legendary Actions
The tech vigilante can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn . The tech vigilante regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Heal (Requires Healing System) (Costs 2 actions). The tech vigilante presses a button on its suit, releasing medicine into their body, restoring 14 (4d4+4) hit points. The tech vigilante can only use this ability as long as it has half its hit points.Multiattack. The tech vigilante can make three attacks with its melee options, assuming it has any.
Roid Rage (Requires Healing System). The tech vigilante releases performance-enhancing drugs into its system, increasing its Strength score to 18 for 3 rounds.
Image credit: Warner Brothers and DC Comics
Weapons & Gadgets
Listed in this section here are all the available resources for the tech vigilante. Remember, a tech vigilante should use no more than three of these items.
Melee Weapon Attachment. Tech vigilantes commonly hide weapons in their outfit. As a bonus action, the tech vigilante can remove a simple melee weapon and place it in an empty hand. Weapons deal the same amount of damage.
Crossbow Attachment. Some tech vigilantes have crossbows mounted to their arms. This crossbow follows the same rules as a hand crossbow.
Energy Reactor. Sometimes, energizing your gear can go a long way. Tech vigilantes that have a source of power in their suit are able to fire energy blasts from concentrated sources, or even fly.
Utility Belt. A famous piece of equipment, sometimes a belt can carry more than you can imagine. A tech vigilante with one has access to throwing stars, as well as enough space to carry 10 items from the Adventuring Gear table in the Player's Handbook (pg. 150). The Dungeon Master should pick 3 items for the tech vigilante to start out with.
Grapple Gauntlets. These intricate gloves were an attempt to emulate webs from a spider. They fit on the bottom of the wrists, and when a set motion is executed, adhesive rope shoots out. The gauntlets also require reloading when the rope cartridge empties. Given enough practice, height and a DC 17 Acrobatics check, one could use these to swing around town or climb a building.
Shield. Whether it's a buckler or a targe, a shield is a shield. Savvy tech vigilantes might be able to have it form out of liquid metal or disguise it into their armor.
Reinforced Hands & Feet. Adding extra padding on their outfit allows for the tech vigilante to hit harder with punches and kicks without killing. Suitable for the guilt-ridden crimefighter.
Healing System. Tubes that run from the suit into abdominal cavities to administer medicine or steroids, tech vigilantes who use this expect to encounter heavy resistance.