Blind, Born (3.5e Flaw)

Your character was born blind, but gained better hearing than most as a result.

Prerequisite: Your race must normally have eyes that grant sight.

Effect:

Effect: The character cannot see (all forms of vision, including low-light vision; darkvision; and spells that rely on your natural sight). He takes a -2 penalty to Armor Class, moves at half speed, and takes a -4 penalty on Search checks and on most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks. All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Spot checks) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) to the blinded character. In addition, having never seen anything before, it is nearly impossible for one who was born blind to appropriately disguise themself (-10, even with spells like Alter Self) or to create realistic illusions (+10 on Will saves to disbelieve).

Benefit: Listen is always in-class for those with this flaw, and you receive a +2 to listen checks. Blind creatures are not subject to gaze attacks. Blinding attacks do not penalize creatures who are already blind. Additionally, the character receives the benefit of blindsense, starting with a range of 5', then increasing by 5' at 3rd level and every other level thereafter. Deafening attacks thwart this blindsense. You also obtain two bonus feats.

Normal: Sight as the base creature would have.

Special: This counts as two flaws. The character's blindness cannot be fixed by anything natural. The DM should only allow magic to restore it if there is penalty for it, such as losing feats or acquiring new flaws.

Roleplaying Ideas: Part of this has already been done for you; the character's background includes that they were born blind. Beyond that, these characters may feel helpless, or manipulate the feelings of those around them that see them as helpless. Some may even be cocky about their better hearing.