10 HALF-ELF BACKGROUNDS

Manuel.Joaquin & Chris Conn

 10 Half-Elf Backgrounds

By Dragon Sun Game Company: Manuel Joaquin & Chris Conn

(http://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/4371/Dragon-Sun)

Cover Art: Terrible Character Portraits

(http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/91360/108-Terrible-Character-Portraits)
By Jeff Preston (http://team-preston.com)
Via Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)

TCP was coordinated by Duane O’Brien (http://aterribleidea.com/ccworks/)

& funded through Kickstarter (http://kck.st/dogX5W)
Use of TCP material does not indicate endorsement by the original artists

Designation of Product Identity: All artwork, logos, the name Dragon Sun and all
associated trademarks, and the material presented herein are designated as Product
Identity.

© Dragon Sun. All rights reserved.

HALF-ELF BACKGROUNDS SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Backgrounds grant you the ability to customize your character
Ambassadors, especially those of half-elf descent, are well
even further by suggesting ideas for your character’s history.
known for their even-handed approach to trouble. The best
Likewise, the DM can use backgrounds to make NPCs more
ambassadors are empathetic individuals who can approach
memorable with personality traits & their own odd, little habits.
problems from both sides of the issue.
Half-elves benefit from the inheritance of 2 distinct races. Feel
At the same time, quite a lot of ambassadorial work involves
free to choose a background from the elven set. In addition, a
connecting with other people. Many ambassadors enjoy that sort
number of the gnomish backgrounds, especially Faerie Friend,
of thing; indeed, their extroversion may be why they became
Professor, & Tourist, are appropriate. The elven & gnomish
ambassadors in the first place. Other ambassadors need time
backgrounds can both be found on Drivethrurpg.
alone to recharge, having dealt with people all day. Regardless,
Although the 10 backgrounds we present here are specially
ambassadors all tend to be charismatic people with well-
tailored for half-elves, backgrounds are virtually rules agnostic.
developed networks of contacts.
Feel free to use them with any game, any race, any character!
d8 Personality Trait
AMBASSADOR 1 From orcs to elves, I greet everyone with a big smile
2 Although I am fluent in just a few languages, I know how to say
On the simplest of levels, ambassadors are experts on resolving “hello,” “thank you,” & “where’s the toilet?” in more than a dozen
problems between persons or groups of people. An official 3 I maintain a civil air at all times, making sure to use proper titles, or
ambassador may work for their kingdom under the direct “sir” or “madam” when unknown. It takes a lot to break my calm
authority of their ruler to represent their nation to foreign interests. 4 I keep a little scrapbook / collection / travel chest of interesting
On a less grandiose level, merchants, guardsmen, or even things I’ve gathered on my journeys
thieves’ guilds may have “ambassadors” to speak for them. 5 I make sure to display any badges, medals, &/or honors I’ve been
awarded (& some I’ve faked). Always dress to impress.
Ambassadors are adept at understanding what potential 6 I always try to sprichen in my partner’s native lingua even if I don’t
issues could be & why people would be upset about them. speak it & have to maken it up as I go along
Diplomacy is the byword of a good ambassador. Quite a few 7 I never eat foreign food. I’ve been sick one too many times to trust
problems can be resolved simply by listening to people. Likewise, the native cuisine. Alcohol, on the other hand…
ambassadors are good at negotiating & proposing resolutions. 8 I always try to talk things out before resorting to physical violence
What level of diplomat are you? Do you work on the national
level? Does your king trust you to work on behalf of the nation? d6 Ideal
How much oversight are you subject to? Does your ruler give 1 Balance. Be fair. Remember: who invaded who last time? (Neutral)
you quests to fulfill? What was the most difficult / dangerous 2 Compromise. Let’s just split the difference. (Neutral)
3 Empathy. Think of it from their point of view. How would you feel if
accomplishment you’ve performed for your king? a bunch of armed strangers barged in to your throne room?
Or, do you work on a humbler level? Are you involved with (Neutral or Good)
organized crime? Are you their public face? Do you work with 4 Friendliness. I know a guy who knows a guy who might be able to
merchants, traveling from town to town negotiating for help. Let me pay a few calls & see what we can work out. (Any)
warehouse space & tax rates? What was the most valuable 5 Helpfulness. I can’t just sit here & let them make the same mistake
contract you’ve ever brokered? again & again! Not when I can help! (Any non-Evil)
6 Superiority. We all know my people brew the best wines.
Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Persuasion Why settle for less than the best? (Lawful or Evil)
Languages: 2 Standard Languages of your choice
d6 Bond
Equipment: A pair of ear-&-nose clippers; 2d6 minor ice-breaker
1 My lord / family / dear, dear friend trusts me to save our homeland
gifts (flowers / wine / cigars); a hand mirror; a set of fine from disaster. I cannot fail them.
clothes; & a belt pouch containing 15 gp. 2 My prince demands I secure an alliance / a marriageable princess /
an apology from a neighboring kingdom within the year
FEATURE: NETWORKING 3 I have devoted friend / ally who literally owes me their life for a deal
Your work has left you with a good memory for faces & names. I brokered in the early days of my adventuring career
Likewise, in places that you’ve already visited, you have at least 4 I negotiated 1 year of freedom before I must return to the cannibal
one person who regards you as a useful acquaintance if not a Cyclops / ancient dragon / crossroads demon to face my fate
5 A foreign power will soon wage war upon my peaceful home unless
dear friend. I can convince them otherwise
You tend to cultivate contacts the way other people collect 6 I love my companions dearly, but, let’s face it: they can be a little
stamps. Unless your time in a new town is especially busy, you stupid at times. It’s best if they leave the talking to me
can assume you create at least one contact there even if just in
your down time. d6 Flaw
Contacts are useful people (clerks, barristers, guardsmen) 1 Being around people is physically draining. I need alone time.
who you can easily meet with to acquire information or 2 I have no compulsion against lying through my teeth if it’ll close the
permissions. Depending on your history & the favors you’ve deal. I’m not making promises. I’m selling dreams
arranged for them in the past, (nobles, merchants, brigands) you 3 My raw animal magnetism can attract unwanted attention
4 I trust my gut reaction when I first meet a person no matter what
may be able to convince a contact to provide more tangible they say or do to the contrary after that
assistance in the form of basic gear, food, or shelter. 5 I actually have a phobia about gnomes / elves / tieflings. Look, they
just freak me out, alright? I don’t want to talk about it.
VARIANT AMBASSADOR: NEGOTIATOR 6 I’m addicted to telling people what to do. It’s a natural high. Then
Rather than working on a national or realms-wide level, some again, I always know best. Why shouldn’t I boss people around?
ambassadors concentrate on more immediately helpful, less
grandiose concerns.
These negotiators might help with family disputes or step in
when merchants fight over space in the market square. Likewise,
it’s not unheard of for negotiators to act as unofficial lawyers,
helping wayward out-of-towners navigate local laws.
ANIMAL LOVER SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Sometimes it’s stressful to be around people. There’s just so In storybook tradition, the animal lover is pure of heart, sweet,
much pressure. Whether they mean to or not, everyone is trying innocent, sometimes even naively so. All sorts of forest critters,
to pull you this way or that. “Can I touch your beard?” “I love your & sometimes even supernatural beings like unicorns, are drawn
eyes,” “You’re so lucky your father was an elf/human/whatever! to the animal lover’s virtuousness & will dance & sing with you,
Ugh! especially in the mornings.
Animals aren’t like that. All they want is to know where their On the other hand, a person’s love of animals may be born of
next meal is coming from & maybe have a nice scratch behind depression. Whether through advanced age or advanced power,
the ears. Critters are the perfect companions, undemanding, eccentricity can isolate a person, leading them to collect animals
empathetic, filled with unconditional love. to use as a surrogate sources of love. It’s no wonder that witches
What do you like animals so much? Were you a farm kid are often associated with black cats.
brought up around animals all your life? Or are you a city brat
who never had the chance to experience the friendship of a little, d8 Personality Trait
furry friend? What kind of animals do you like the best? Are you 1 I howl when I get excited & whimper when I get frightened.
a cat person? A dog person? Do you hold grudges if people like 2 I give my companions, both humanoid & animal, cute nicknames
the “wrong” sort of animal, or are you happy to associate with like “Captain Fluffypants” or “Rumpy Coocoobutter.”
anyone who shares your passion? 3 I’m very much a dog / cat / parrot person. I don’t trust anyone that
dogs / cats / parrots distrust.
Perhaps you turn to animals for companionship because 4 I can’t sleep unless I’m surrounded by furry creatures.
there’s something lacking in society. Too ethereal to be fully 5 If forced to kill a Beast, I make sure to hold a proper funeral.
human, too basic to be fully elf, half elves very often suffer 6 I’m a big time vegan. I can’t eat meat or wear leather of any sort.
alienation from both of their potential homes. Whether isolated 7 I have a pet squirrel / blue jay / tarantula who lives in my hat.
through old age or by their unfathomable cosmic power, misfits Sometimes, I slip a snack under my hat for him.
can find solace from their loneliness by collecting pets. 8 Everything I own, from my backpack to my PJs, is emblazoned with
pictures of widdle doggies or cute kitties.
Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Nature
Languages: Sylvan & 1 Standard Language of your choice d6 Ideal
1 Animal Anthropomorphism. Animals are people, too! (Good)
Equipment: A play toy (a Frisbee / a rubber ball / or a squeaky
2 Being Green. Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but
rat); 2d6 animal snacks (beef jerky / sunflower seeds / or footprints (Good)
doggy biscuits); a doggy bed; a puppy tent; a set of sturdy, 3 Disgust. People are nothing but a disease, a cancer! (Evil)
common clothes; & a belt pouch containing 10 gp. 4 Freedom. It’s good for the soul to get away from it all (Chaotic)
5 Innocence. *A unicorn wanders out of the forest, drawn to the
FEATURE: ANIMAL TRANING song of your unsullied soul* (Good)
Animal lovers make for the best animal trainers, thanks to their 6 Trust in Nature. Wolfykins never lies to me ☺ (Neutral)
innate empathy with their animal friends.
Training is intensive & must be consistently applied over long d6 Bond
1 Evil wizards combine owls & bears & deer & hawks into unnatural
periods of time for the animal to successfully remember the trick. abominations. I must stop these horrible experiments!
You can’t train your animal while you are resting or performing 2 My beloved animal companion ran off, leading me on a vitally
other work, such as traveling, exploring, or participating in important mission.
combat or healing. Training most often happens in downtime. 3 A terrible disease has befallen all of the cats / dogs / birds of my
When you train, you spend a day working on one trick with home. I seek a cure.
your animal. At the end of the day, roll a Wisdom (Animal 4 In my hometown, the birds circle widdershins over the chapel:
Handling) check against DC15. A success indicates progress on an omen of dire portent.
the trick. When you have accumulated the required number of 5 I have a recurring dream of a golden hart / hound / serpent
promising greatness
successes (see below) the animal can perform the trick when the 6 I quest to fund my animal rescue mission back home
animal’s owner spends an Action to issue the command.
Note that animal training does not cover combat, as combat is d6 Flaw
the purview of the beastmaster ranger. 1 I can’t stand being around people. Crowds give me panic attacks.
2 I’m far more likely to help animals in distress than I am humanoids
Basic Trick: 3 successes required to learn 3 I’m a slave to my Fight or Flight instincts
Fetch The animal retrieves the item you point at 4 Crazy Cat Lady: I have an insatiable craving to steal any small
Heel The animal comes to you & follows you closely animals I find
Sit The animal sits calmly 5 My pets’… odor pervades everything I own. I no longer notice the
Stay The animal does not move until you tell it to stink, but the dander & ammonia can play havoc with allergies
Wait! The animal stops what it is doing & pays attention to you 6 Witchery: My dog tells me to do things… EVIL things…
Fancy Trick: 5 successes required to learn
Dance The animal spins, bounces, & bobs as if dancing
Limp The animal feigns injury
Play Dead The animal rolls over & stops moving
Shake Hands The animal touches its paw to your hand
Speak / Hush The animal makes a loud cry or stays quiet
Work Trick: 5 successes required to learn
Get {Item} The animal searches for a specific type of item & brings
it to you. Train this trick multiple times to teach the
animal to retrieve additional types of items.
Go The animal moves to the spot you point at
Home The animal starts traveling towards a specific home.
{Place} Train this trick multiple times to teach the animal to go
to additional homes.
Open / Tug The animal tugs on a door, chest, or box you point at
Search / You present the animal with a scent, & the animal
Track searches for the source of the scent.
BOHEMIAN SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
“Do this,” “Don’t do that,” “Stay within the lines,” “The lines are More than their homelessness, their lackadaisical attitude, or
our friends,” “STAY BETWEEN THE LINES!” even their art, the defining characteristic of all bohemians is their
Bohemians are a special type of gypsy, or at least a special intelligence. If you don’t have the mental power to properly
type of wanderer. They’ve grown discontent with typical, so- perceive your surroundings, you’re not a romantic starving artist.
called “life” & travel in search of a new community, or perhaps to You’re just some filthy, drunk hobo.
make one of their own. All bohemians are idealists; one might even say romantics.
What sets bohemians apart from your normal vagabond is the They have ideas of the way things Should Be. The problem is
bohemian urge to create. Indeed, the reason many bohemians that life so very often disappoints by not living up to expectations.
dropped out to begin with was the stifling environment that When this realization first hits, the young bohemian-to-be is often
threatened to extinguish the flame of their genius. To a so shocked that they drop off the grid, running away to join an
bohemian, it’s not just art or mere philosophy. A bohemian’s acting troupe, a band of gypsies, or a coterie of hippies.
work is their raison de vivre. Burn a bohemian’s book & you If they’re lucky, the young misfit eventually finds their way to
might as well cut off her head. the bohemian community, where they mature into political
Sadly, many, if not most, bohemians fall into the starving artist anarchists, authors, actors, musicians, painters, philosophers,
category. Their brilliance is just not recognized, sometimes even &/or professional Byronic lovers.
perversely rejected as being “too good.” Over time, society’s
failure to live up to bohemian ideals, combined with the public’s d8 Personality Trait
banality, can wear down even the brightest bohemian, ultimately 1 What I put on or in my body is my business. Don’t talk to me about
leading to depression, substance abuse, & tragedy. Which, “decorum.” That’s just the Man trying to keep us down.
paradoxically enough, inspires the bohemian to even greater 2 Loss & longing are the greatest inspirations for Art.
artistic heights. 3 I am far more passionate about my art, my friends, & my mission
than I am about my hygiene
What inspired you to leave home? Are you a nobleman stirred 4 I trust gypsy fortune tellers more than I trust any priest or abbot
by the plight of the common folk? Do you wish to express the 5 I cannot suffer in silence. What use are tribulations unless there’s a
horror of Man’s monstrosity towards Man? Are you more of the crowd to witness? “Woe! WOE is me!” *dramatic swoon*
intellectual type? Perhaps you recognized the ways that “regular” 6 Food, drink, art, the society of good friends: there are many, many
social norms are, in actuality, nothing more than chains that things more valuable in this life than mere money.
make slaves of Men. Is your work an expression of that 7 The despair from this so-called “life” has left me wane & listless.
awfulness or are you trying to change things for the better? I wail & moan anytime someone gives me a job to do.
What are your ideals? Are you vegetarian? Vegan? Are you a 8 My dealings with guardsmen / kings / art critics have left me with a
chip on my shoulder
pacifist or perhaps a teetotaler? Is marriage a sacred union or is
it a lie meant to enslave women? How vocal are you about your d6 Ideal
ideals? If you see someone eating meat, are you content to 1 Art. Art is the frame upon which I bare my soul (Any)
recognize their life choices as the equal of your own, or must you 2 Escapism. Come. Help me forget this slow-motion tragedy we
confront the villain over the murder of helpless creatures? collectively call “life.” (Any non-Good)
3 Fervor. Life is pain. Pain is inspiration. Inspiration is action.
Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Performance Therefore, Suffering is Art. (Any)
Tool Proficiencies: 2 of your choice from any of the musical 4 Liberation. Your words can’t define my Me, man (Any non-Lawful)
instruments, calligrapher’s supplies, glassblower’s tools, 5 Simple Living. Consumerism is just another form of slavery. (Any)
6 Vagabondism. The earth is my bed. The sky, my blanket.
painter’s tools, potter’s tools, &/or woodcarver’s tools The world, my home (Any non-Lawful)
Equipment: 1 musical instrument or artisan tool of your choice;
a lock of hair / ribbon / poem from a lost love; 1d4 bottles of d6 Bond
strong spirits (absinthe / laudanum / vermouth); a set of 1 I’ve travelled extensively with the Romani, gypsies, & other floating
common clothes; & a pouch with 5 gp itinerants. They are like family to me.
2 I’ve sliced off my ear / finger / tongue & sent it to an unrequited love
FEATURE: ARTIST COMMUNES to symbolize my eternal devotion to them
You are a world-traveler, a wanderer, an adventurer. You are 3 (Don’t let the other bohemians know, but I can only afford my gypsy
just as likely to wake up in the gutter as you are to wake up in lifestyle thanks to a trust fund my father set up in my name.)
4 Someone is systematically kidnapping my bohemian / gypsy
(somebody else’s partner’s) bed. You go where your heart, your
friends. They arrive in town & then disappear without a trace!
intellectual curiosity, & your passion lead you. 5 I use my art like a knife, secretly installing character assassinations
There are other people like you. The social pressures of any &/or inspirational works in public for all to see
large mass of people will generate malcontents, oddballs, or 6 Insult my dignity? Nothing but wind. Denigrate my homeland?
anarchists who just can’t or won’t fit in to the roles that society I care not. But breath a word of derision towards my beloved,
says they should. In their search for meaning, these proto- & I will not rest until I have reduced you to nothing but dust & ash!
bohemians often find themselves amassing in the cracks of
civilization, where they form communities of like-minded d6 Flaw
individuals. Here they are free to express themselves, pursue 1 Ownership is an illusion. Theft, doubly so.
2 I am often too passionate. Even a stranger’s tale of woe can move
their loves, & live their lives in any way they see fit. me to tears or to a riot of rash action
You are a member of these centers of art & innovative 3 My companions find it odd that mere gold does not motivate me
philosophy. When you find a commune, the community will 4 I drink to forget. If I blackout, all the better.
provide for your basic needs of food & shelter. More importantly, 5 I refuse to obey any “authority.” Tax collectors, sheriffs, parents,
communes provide intellectual & creative stimulation as well as the so-called “nobility” are nothing without the proletariat
rumors, gossip, & substances of a recreational (though possibly 6 My dismay can get the better of me. In especially trying situations,
not entirely legal) nature. I’m prone to giving up with a cry of “Alackaday!”
COURTIER SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Excited little wrens of whispered gossip flew about the court, Strictly speaking, courtiers have no practical use to the royal
charging the usual polite susurrus with an energy not heard for court. They are not warriors, nor military strategists. Neither are
ages. On his throne above the court, King Jean stroked his they governors, judges, nor any other type of administrator.
auburn beard & smiled as he reminisced on a certain favored Rather, the courtiers’ function is more abstract: they are there
courtier whose voice was as sweet as morning song & whose to demonstrate the court’s civility. A good courtier brings with
jests were like to set the room aroar. them an atmosphere of sophistication, of education. They defuse
The king sighed, content. At long last, Lady Margolis dela the stress of political life with witty anecdotes & cunning banter.
Forteverte has returned to grace his realm. Courtiers flirt & gossip & entertain, playing the members of the
At the dawn of time, the court comprised the people who were court as cleverly as they pluck the strings of a harp.
the strongest warriors, the greatest wizards, or generals who As a rule, courtiers are well-educated. In addition to the typical
could muster the largest armies. Life was very pragmatic, with subjects common to academia, many courtiers, male & female
every courtly member having a practical, usually martial skill. alike, go through years of training in dance, music, & general
In the age of enlightenment, such brute force is frowned upon. etiquette to produce the most urbane court attendant as possible.
Indeed, overt displays are uncouth, clumsy, stains of an
unenlightened society. Rather, the modern measure of a safe, d8 Personality Trait
thriving kingdom is the number of artists, intellectuals, 1 Everything I do is large, grandiose, with big, sweeping gestures.
philosophers, &/or personae célèbre the court can support. It’s all about drama!
You are one of these celebrated people. What is your area of 2 I often speak in comparisons (“This conversation is like a broken
expertise? Are you an artist? An author or poet? You are more pencil: pointless.”)
3 Malodorous vapors greatly offend my faculties. To combat such
than a mere jester or simple songstress. What makes your skills encounters, I carry lavender scented handkerchiefs at all times
so impressive? 4 Cotton? Hemp? It might as well be sandpaper on my skin. No, it’s
A courtly patron sponsors your position. What is your only the finest of silks for me.
relationship with your patron? Are you family? Is it professional? 5 A smile, a wink, a well-timed nod: I find flirting comes naturally
Or is the relationship of a more romantic nature? Love-hate? 6 A pinch of snuff does wonders for the constitution. It can be quite
What sort of services (gossip, musical, questing, or otherwise) addicting, to be perfectly honest.
does your sponsor require in return for their patronage? 7 My skill with song / the mandolin / the harp is renowned at court
8 Etiquette demands that one salutes &/or bows before commencing
hostilities, even with the lowest of creatures.
Skill Proficiencies: Perception, Performance
Tool Proficiencies: 2 of your choice from the musical
d6 Ideal
instruments &/or the gaming sets 1 Comportment. Nothing is so important as to permit a lapse in
Equipment: 1 musical instrument or gaming set; either a folding good manners (Lawful)
fan or a box of snuff; 1 accessory such as a cane / a lace ruff / 2 Empathy. A good courtier can intuit what type of conversation,
a powdered wig; a set of fine clothes (doublet & hose); & a belt music, or wit is needed at any given moment. (Good)
pouch containing 20 gp. 3 Erudition. Education elevates society (Lawful)
4 Gentility. Kings rule, warriors fight, but I’m the one that puts the
FEATURE: ROYAL PATRONAGE “noble” in “nobility.” (Any)
5 Politicking. Who says courtiers have no real power? I’ve got those
You enjoy employment at court. Work with your DM to determine fools wrapped around my little finger (Evil)
your noble master’s details & what kind of services you render. 6 Wit. Music has its charm I’m sure, but nothing can substitute for an
In exchange for your courtly services, your patronage grants agile mind & clever repartee. (Any)
you a small monthly stipend, which normally covers comfortable
or possibly wealthy lifestyle expenses, as appropriate for your d6 Bond
character’s back story. 1 For my faithful services to the court, I am to be ennobled with a
In addition, you have access to your court, where you might title, property, lands! I just have to complete one more quest…
hear gossip, be able to gather information not available to 2 The prince / princess is suffering a deep depression. Surely a
commoners, & even receive quests (& thus their commiserate splendid gift will lift his / her spirits (& earn me a fitting reward)
3 On my daily constitutional walk in the castle garden, I found a
rewards) from the nobles. nearly empty vial labeled with a skull hidden amongst the roses
4 A young courtier / princess / king swoons for an unrequited love,
NEW WEAPON: THE SWORD CANE but dare not act rashly in court
Martial Melee Weapon Cost Damage Weight Properties 5 While in the privy, I heard voices, 1 male & 1 female, conspiring to
Sword Cane 35 gp 1d6 piercing 1 lb. Finesse, light kill the king / the treasurer / my lady love. When I rushed to
investigate, the chamber was empty
Genteel courts often prohibit openly displaying weapons. And 6 A visiting elf / foreign ambassador / orc dignitary has taken a rather
rightly so! Such blatant shows of belligerence are so gauche as intense interest in me. Soon, I received a gilded invitation that
to approach vulgarity. hints at a secret to be revealed…
Still, the more military-minded (some might say, “paranoid”)
courtiers have struck a compromise: the sword cane. As the d6 Flaw
1 I am conducting an illicit tryst with 1 (or more!) member of the court.
name implies, this weapon is a sword hidden within the shaft of a
If anyone should discover the affair, blood will surely flow.
cane. By employing this cunning contrivance, one can be 2 I value my standing higher than my very life. What value is life for
decently, if not blatantly, armed whilst observing the niceties of those of ill repute?
polite society. 3 I have earned the ire of a rival courtier / nobleman / general who
Sheathing the blade in the cane conceals the weapon with a will do anything to ruin my plans.
DC of 13. More expensive models may have a higher DC, at the 4 My unbridled ambition often leads me to overstep my abilities.
DM’s discretion. Due to its light weight, which is necessary to 5 Try as I might, my anecdotes always seem to fall flat. Perhaps I
maintain the ruse, the sword cane is a fragile weapon generally lack the experience to lend my stories an authentic touch.
6 Secretly, I resent the constant need for politeness & civility.
not suited for regular heavy use, especially outside of court.
What harm is there in slumming it with the commons?
ETHEREALIST SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Where two worlds meet, the in-between places, something Etherealists are an odd lot. Almost by definition, an etherealist
magical happens. Things go soft. Taboos are forgotten. Anything starts out life as a misfit. Many, if not most, are born into
is possible. New, wonderful things appear. societies into which they just don’t belong. Neither fully human,
Half-elves are the living embodiment of this kind of synergy. In nor fully elf, half-elven etherealists often start their travels in
addition to passing back & forth between the worlds of humans & search of a real home.
elves, some half-elves seek even stranger vistas, ever more As time goes on, however, etherealists find themselves
eccentric peoples and places. In walking the borderlands haunting crossroads or border towns, sometimes even the literal
etherealists pass beyond this world to seek wonders unfound in Ethereal Plane. That which started out as a means to an end
mundane existence. becomes the end etherealists mean. The places in between, soft
Etherealists are border-walkers, blank slates, empty ciphers. on reality, call these extraordinary adventurers to explore an ever
They are shining examples of what it is to rise above the muck & stranger, ever more borderline existence.
mire of daily life. Their distance enables them to take a step back
& see the good & bad in everyone & everything. Etherealists d8 Personality Trait
seek the place where the rising ape meets the falling angel. 1 I often converse in koans, riddles, or parables.
A wanderer with no real home, what drove you to explore? Did 2 Although I love my friends & allies, I think nothing of wandering off
you even have a home to start with? How did you find your first alone without telling anyone {except the DM, of course}.
big secret? Did you make a deal with a crossroads demon? Or 3 Nothing ever seems to faze me. I greet hardships & friends alike
with the same imperturbably benevolent smile.
did you discover a door that was bigger on the inside? Are you 4 I’ve gotten used to being alone. It’s embarrassing when people
exploring for exploring’s sake or are you searching for something catch me talking to myself, which happens… a lot…
more concrete? Family? A lost lover? Your real home? 5 I move with languid grace, never early, nor late. Always in the right
What is the most impressive place you’ve ever seen? What place at the right time.
lessons did you learn there? How will you share the things 6 I never judge a book by its cover. Who knows? This orc could be a
you’ve learned? What’s the most terrible ordeal you’ve lived brain surgeon! That frog may be a cursed prince!
through? Have you explored the depths of Hell? Seen the 7 I find meditation is helpful in times of stress or turmoil.
heights of Heaven? How have these experiences changed you & 8 You ever talk to an angel? No? Come this way… I have someone
I want to introduce you to…
what does that mean for the people around you?
d6 Ideal
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Survival 1 Dreaminess. Haven’t you ever wondered what’s out there, beyond
Tool Proficiencies: Navigator’s Tools the stars? (Neutral or Chaotic)
Languages: One of your choice from Abyssal, Celestial, Infernal, 2 Exoticism. Home again, home again… /sigh How boring (Chaotic)
or Primordial 3 Lateral Thinking. Sometimes you can’t see the best solutions if
Equipment: A set of navigator’s tools; a feather from the wing of you stay within the lines all the time (Chaotic)
an angel / devil; a Planar Astrolabe; a set of common clothes; 4 Mercurialness. When you aren’t anything, you can be anything
& a pouch containing 15 gp (Any non-Lawful)
5 Otherworldliness. I have seen things you wouldn’t believe (Any)
6 Perspective. You can’t smell the stink until you get out of the
FEATURE: OTHERWORLDLY EXPERIENCE monkey house. (Chaotic)
You’ve been everywhere; met everyone. After seeing dawn
angels dance in the light of the Twin Suns of the Blessed Fields d6 Bond
of Elysium, it’s hard to take such petty things as “race” seriously. 1 I can find friends in the strangest of places. Ogres, goblins,
You are unfettered by the chains of petty biases such as race, lizardfolk, maybe even a vampire or 2, any of them can make a
sex, creed, or class. Orc or human, male or female, king or great friend if given half a chance
commoner, you suffer no penalties to interacting with NPCs who 2 Exposure to interplanar energies has warped me, changing me in
are different from you. ways beyond mortal ken
3 I / my mother / my lover suffers a slow, yet terrible sickness, the
cure for which lies somewhere in the infinitude of the multiverse
VARIANT FEATURE: NAVIGATING BETWEEN WORLDS 4 (I have a dangerous angel / demon / devil “ally” who owes me an
If your character has the etherealist background, you may select unbreakable debt, yet who hates me more than existence itself)
this background feature in place of Otherworldly Friendliness. 5 I’m a lucid dreamer, but sometimes I have visions of people or
You’ve traveled the paths that lead between worlds. You know places I’ve never imagined. Surely that means they must be real?
which creeks to cross to get to the Feywild, what supplications 6 I have a network of allies, rivals, friends, & enemies spread all over
the Devil-Guards demand at the Gates of Hell. this world (& the next)
You can use your navigation tools &/or appropriate skills (like
Arcana, Nature, Religion, or Survival) to guide yourself & up to 5 d6 Flaw
1 I am terribly claustrophobic when it comes to crowded places. I can
allies safely along extraplanar paths, use planar gate keys safely, panic & burst into violence if crushed between people for too long
or interact with border-guarding, extra-planar psychopomp NPCs 2 I’ve been so many places. Touched so many thoughts… I can’t
like Charon, Death, or Cerberus. guarantee that I’m the same “me” that I was a moment ago…
3 What makes undeath / diablerie / jaywalking so taboo? What would
happen if I were to cross that line?
4 I’ve met, loved, fought, & lost thousands & thousands of people.
What’s one more forgotten name to me?
5 I’ve seen things man was not meant to see… It’s left me with
something trying to scratch its way out from behind my eyes…
6 No one realizes that we’re all just one missed meal away from
descending into chaos & cannibalism. What’s the point of it all?
FLOWER CHILD SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
People aren’t meant to slaughter one another. Just look at wars: Peace, love, & music. These are the 3 devotions that mark all
soldiers spend far more time finding ways to avoid fighting than flower children. Society is filled with violence driven by hatred,
they do on the killing fields. Hell, even when they come home, ignorance, & fear of strangers. But they’re just people, man.
the soldiers’ former violence haunts them, flaying their souls in They’re no different from anyone else. If you really think about it,
bouts of dreadful self-torture. Bloodshed makes victims of as all. it’s not the strangers that are strange, man.
No, violence is not the way. Make love, not war! Where there It’s us.
is brutality, let us sow peace! Where there is cruelty, let love Flower children try to break away from all that. Violence only
bloom! Such are the flower child’s goals. When other people begets more violence. Fear only begets more fear. What would
respond with hatred or aggression, the flower child garlands their happen if, instead of panic, we responded with gifts? With
assailants with wreaths & blossoms. Darkness cannot drive out flowers? How much nicer would life be if we could all just get
the night; only light & love can do that. along? Flower children are determined to find out.
Pacifism is an extreme position in a typical D&D setting. How
do you resolve violence? Are you purely a healer, focusing on d8 Personality Trait
support & curative magic while leaving the aggression to other 1 Flashing the peace sign is the best way to say hello or goodbye
people? Are you satisfied with simply “never shedding blood” & 2 Our bodies are our temples. I’ve vegetarian / vegan / teetotal
so limit yourself to bludgeoning weapons? Or do you find any 3 If I’m ever anxious or nervous about anything, I have one of my
type of violence abhorrent? Do you try to win your enemies special snacks. It always mellows me out
4 I always try passive resistance before resorting to anything as
around to your point of view? shameful as violence
How far do you take your nonviolence? Are you gentle with 5 If nature intended us to cut our hair we’d’ve been born with scissors
animals as well as people? What counts as “people” for that 6 I LOVE sing-alongs & drum circles!
matter? Who deserves clemency? Only members of your own 7 Volunteering is my favorite thing to do in my free time
race? Gnomes? Dragonborn? Tieflings? What about goblins, 8 I’m extreeeemely careful about the litter my party leaves behind at
orcs, or ogres? Can you truly call yourself a pacifist if you’re a campsite.
willing to kill when it’s convenient?
d6 Ideal
Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Nature 1 Big Hearted. I was born with an enormous need for affection & an
enormous need to give (Any)
Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism kit & 1 musical instrument of your
2 Counterculture. Turn on, tune in, drop out. Follow your bliss!
choice (Chaotic)
Equipment: An herbalism kit; 1 musical instrument; bundles of 3 Passive Aggression. This is what you call a “protest?”
flowers to braid into wreaths or into your hair; a set of loose, I hope you had “fun” (Evil)
brightly colored common clothes; & a pouch containing 10 gp 4 Peace. *hangs daisy chain around orc’s spear* (Good)
5 Socialism. You can’t own property, maaaan. (Any non-Evil)
FEATURE: IDEALISM 6 Tree Hugging. If you listen hard enough, you can hear the sap
Every time you interact with other people, you feel an upwelling pumping in her bark… (Chaotic)
of faith in your newfound companion. Sometimes it’s hard to say
d6 Bond
why, but you experience a flood of goodwill & joy towards your
1 The king is pushing us out of the old caravans that we were
fellow sentient being. squatting in. I need to find a new place for the commune to settle
Your idealism just beams from you almost like an aura. 2 Mother / father / the baron is slaughtering the unicorns / goblins /
Everyone who meets you reacts better towards you than they phoenixes. It must be stopped before we hunt them to extinction!
might to other people. An NPC’s starting attitude can never be 3 They say the best herbs grow on an island in a lake at the top of a
worse than “indifferent” towards you when you first meet (see the volcano in the middle of the ocean. I’ma find that herb ☺!
DMG p244). 4 I always carry small gifts with me (flowers / snacks / spin-art) to
help people mellow out
5 My king is drafting everyone into his slave-army & sending us to die
VARIANT FEATURE: FLOWER POWER
in useless wars!
If your character has the flower child background, you may select 6 The king decreed the woods must be cleared & flattened, including
this background feature in place of Idealism. the thousand-year-old trees in its heart. How could he!?
You are devoted to your doctrine of nonviolence. You collect
daisy chains, flower wreaths, &/or pouches full of flower petals. d6 Flaw
You may deliver your “attacks” through your flowers rather than 1 It’s horrible how people slaughter & eat their animal brothers &
your usual methods. For example, a fighter might bestow wreath sisters! I can’t keep my mouth shut when I see such atrocities!
after wreath upon her opponent via her sword “attacks.” A bard’s 2 To my everlasting shame, my father is a corporate sellout in the
vicious mockery cantrip might be colorful bursts of flower petals slavery / war / murder (fur) trade
3 I get jittery & paranoid if I can’t have my special snacks.
rather than the usual bouts of magical abuse. 4 I destroyed my commune in a fit of uncontrollable, supernatural
If you choose to use your Flower Power feature, make your rage! The blood of the innocent is on my hands!
attack as usual & convert the attack’s usual damage to psychic 5 I’m sure they mean well, but people tell me I’m too trusting or naïve
damage. when it comes to strangers
In addition, if your Flower Power attack’s psychic “damage” 6 I labor under a curse that causes me to sprout warts the size of
would kill an opponent, the opponent does not die. Instead, your grapes on my face & body each time I spill blood. I’m trying to
opponent repents its evil ways, at the very least slinking away to make the best of a bad situation by adopting this pacifist attitude
rethink its life. The DM may decide your opponent is so moved, it
seeks ways to make amends for the violence it tried to cause
you, becoming your newest ally.
FORESTER SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Civilization isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Many people Whether it was the money they could make selling pelts, the
choose to forego the hassle of dealing with people & make their need to escape the hustle & bustle of the city, or simply a love of
way on their own through the wilderness. Foresters are people nature, foresters value life in the wilderness over living with other
who find life amongst the green more rewarding than the people in civilization. The benefits of living in the wilderness
humdrum of the city. outweighs the advantages offered by the city.
Although they’re named after the woods most of them live in, Like everyone else, half-elves experience the need to fit in. In
foresters might live in the plains, deserts, mountains, or any a sense, half-elves are lucky. They have two homes they might
other wilderness in which they can find a rewarding existence. choose from, the human cities & the elven enclaves. But when
Likewise, foresters aren’t necessarily lovers of nature. It’s the neither satisfies, what is a soul to do? Many half-elves turn to
problems of the city, not the love of the green, that drove nature, mother to us all, to find the peace they crave.
foresters out. In addition to nature-loving rangers & eco-warriors,
foresters might be poachers, trappers, or even rugged d8 Personality Trait
individualists like military scouts. 1 Actions speak louder than words. My actions speak very loudly.
What was the problem that drove you from the city? Were 2 It’s hard for me to grasp the concept of money. I prefer to barter for
people just too conniving? Did one too many people disappoint pelts, herbs, or services.
you in love, business, or family? From a heavier angle, are you 3 People walk so slowly! If you can’t keep up, get out of the way!
4 Taverns, roads, people? Ugh! Give me a tent & a bedroll any day!
fleeing debt? Punishment for a crime? A tyrannical overlord? Are 5 I keep a scrapbook in which I press flowers, leaves, & other
you an escaped slave? interesting tidbits from the places I visit in my adventures
If you’re a half-elf, how did you feel watching your friends & 6 I scratch my big, bushy beard when deep in thought.
family succumb to geriatric ailments while you staid eternally 7 A bath? Why, I haven’t bathed in… hold on, what year is it again?
young? As for the elves, how did the elves react to a mixed- 8 If there’s one thing I miss about people, it’s the ale / coffee / bacon
breed living among them?
What advantages do you find in the wilderness? Does hunting d6 Ideal
allow you to feed a family you could never afford in the city? Is it 1 Discovery. You never know what you’ll find if you don’t step
the solitude that is so attractive? Do the woods allow you to outside of your boundaries every once in a while (Chaotic)
2 Isolation. My longevity is a curse. I’d rather be alone than watch
recharge after dealing with two-faced civilization? Perhaps you my friends grow old & die. (Neutral or Chaotic)
find companionship with the plants & animals that you never 3 Rejection. Humans? Elves? Civilization?! A curse upon both their
found in the city. houses! (Evil)
4 Self Realization. You’ll never find yourself if you look to other
Skill Proficiencies: Nature, Survival people (Chaotic)
Tool Proficiencies: Cartographer’s Tools, Herbalism Kit 5 Wonder. Do you know what it’s like to sleep on the softest bed of
Equipment: Your choice of either cartographer’s tools or an moss & awaken to the sweetest birdsong? (Any non-Evil)
herbalism kit; a portable stove; an inflatable duck / deer / bear 6 Yearning. I don’t know what I’m looking for, but I know it’s not
amongst the elves or humans. (Any)
decoy; a set of traveler’s clothes; & a pouch with 10 gp.
d6 Bond
FEATURE: FORESTERS’ CACHES 1 I keep my most treasured possessions in a secret stash very well
You & other foresters keep stashes of food & supplies cached hidden in the wilderness. I don’t know what I would do if I lost it.
throughout the countryside. 2 There’s a utopia hidden deep within the wilderness. I protect the
Stashed several days’ travel apart in the secure places in the secret of its existence with my life!
wilderness, each of the foresters’ caches contain food & supplies 3 I have a cousin / friend / twin from the city who cares very deeply
equivalent to an explorer’s pack (see the PHB p. 151). about my health & wellbeing.
Generally speaking, the caches are well hidden, safe from 4 I keep a tree-house / cave-house / giant-peach-house in the woods
5 A talking squirrel / eagle / golden carp stole my magical ring
animals discovering them or being washed away in a storm. 6 I was lost in the woods as a baby & raised by wolves / elephants /
Accidents do happen, however. In your own territory, finding a the king of the jungle
cache is usually fairly easy, DC 10 if a roll is required. The
further afield you journey, the harder it gets to find a cache with d6 Flaw
the DC to find one rising at the DM’s discretion. 1 I HATE being touched. If anyone touches me, I suffer a desperate
If you use a cache, it’s considered good manners to resupply it, urge to run away & find some good, healthy dirt to roll around in
especially if you are in a foreign territory. Some foresters go the 2 I committed a horrible crime in the city. My retreat into the
extra mile & leave a “thank you” in the form of a note or extra wilderness is an attempt to escape my guilt &/or punishment
supplies. 3 Privacy? Discretion? Ownership? These things make no sense!
I always end up poking my nose into dangerous places.
4 People make me edgy. If there are too many strangers around,
I can fly off the handle. It’s a fight just to maintain my composure.
5 I haven’t spoken to anyone in so long, I’ve almost forgotten how to
speak Common
6 Nuance, duplicity, sometimes even plain etiquette are lost on me.
Living alone with animals for so long, I take things at face value
GOLDEN CHILD SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Occasionally, a child is born who has far greater potential than Golden children have amazing potential, sometimes even at the
their peers. Everyone else fades in comparison. Golden children genius level. Their abilities may be physical, mental, magical,
complete tasks with an ease that belies the hardships normal spiritual, or any combination of the above. The unifying
people struggle even as they stumble over everyday problems. characteristic of golden children is that they were born with their
Through their brilliance, athleticism, or raw animal magnetism, abilities; to a golden child, dissecting the secrets of the
golden children outshine everyone around them. multiverse is as natural as breathing.
Naturally, when a golden child is born into a family, the clan People put golden children under great pressure, if just from
might pin all their hopes & dreams on the prodigy. Sometimes, their parents’ admiration. Unspoken expectations can be as
particularly desperate (or noble) families will attempt to breed a powerful as any taskmaster’s whip. In turn, golden children can
golden child. Elven stock is especially valued, resulting in a internalize these expectations, creating a sense of extreme duty
larger than usual proportion of half elven golden children. (onus? responsibility?) that lasts well into adulthood.
How much pressure were you under in your youth? Was your
birth a matter of destiny? Are you the one who will lead your d8 Personality Trait
family out of the gutter? Were you raised on a strict educational, 1 I just beam charm. Winking is my favorite “punctuation mark.”
physical, &/or medical regimen? Or was your amazing aptitude 2 I bite my nails / tap my foot / pull my hair when I stress about my
an accident of genetics? Are you truly as amazing as they say, family or friends
or are your accomplishments nothing more than the blind 3 I am obsessive about my “thing” (music / a sport / most monsters
killed in a single fight). I must be the best!
admiration of an overzealous mother? 4 Everything I’ve ever tried has worked out for the best. If my
What are you so amazing at? Are you naturally athletic? incessant optimism doesn’t get the job done, my hard work will!
Perfect of form? A demigod-in-the-flesh? Do you posses a 5 I don’t always realize I’m doing it, but when I do something
cutting intellect that can discern the heart of any quandary? Are particularly impressive, I always strike a heroic pose.
you a savant of unparalleled mental ability? Perhaps you are a 6 I wear a bracelet emblazoned with the initials “WWMMWMTD,” for
matchless beauty, a vision that melts the hearts of man & beast. “What Would My Mother Want Me To Do?”
Perhaps you’re all of the above. 7 I’m extremely polite, especially with my elders / nobles / women
8 Everybody has always been so kind, I assume the best of people.
Skill Proficiencies: Performance (Etiquette) & 1 of your choice
d6 Ideal
from the following – Arcana, History, Medicine, or Religion Destiny. I’m the chosen one (Lawful)
1
Tool Proficiencies: 1 textbook* related to your area of study 2 Great Expectations. My family has faith that I will save us from our
(see table below) & 1 musical instrument of your choice ignoble fate. I cannot fail them. (Lawful)
Equipment: Either 1 textbook or 1 musical instrument of your 3 Momma’s Boy. My family has sacrificed so much for me, I’d hate
choice; a seal / signet ring bearing your family’s emblem; a to ever disappoint them (Lawful or Good)
scar / birthmark (proof of your destiny or left by an overly strict 4 Narcissist. Did you see that? I’m awesome! …
parent); a set of fine clothes; & a pouch containing 15 gp You know… you really should be more impressed with me. (Evil)
5 Perfectionist. What use am I if I allow my skills to dull? (Any)
d8 Familial Destiny d8 Area of Study 6 Spoiled Brat. What do you mean I can’t have it? It’s mine! I found
1 Bred to seduce the prince / princess 1 Cultural Studies it! I WANT IT NOW! (Any non-Good)
2 Bred to spy on elven nations 2 Linguistics
3 Brilliance with Magic 3 Arcanology d6 Bond
4 Revive an ailing bloodline 4 History 1 I am the seventh son of a seventh son (& a half-elf to boot). I am
5 Devotion to the Church 5 Philosophy / Religion destined for great things
6 Heir to the Pater Familias 6 Archeology 2 My family has fallen out of favor with the queen. I must find a way
7 New breed of super-men 7 Biology back into her good graces.
8 Political bid to ennoble the family 8 Genealogy 3 One day I will take over the family business. I must hone my skills
until I am worthy of taking on that responsibility.
4 The king declared “whosoever can venture forth & return with the
* NEW TOOL: TEXTBOOKS
Golden Fleece / the Head of the Dragon / slay the Cannibal Ogre
Textbooks are tools which you can use in knowledge-related shall be ennobled.” This is my family’s chance at greatness!
ability checks that pertain to the subject matter of that textbook. 5 My late father entrusted me with our family’s deepest secret: the
For example, you could use a textbook on genealogy to location of a fearsome weapon / lost treasure / wondrous artifact
determine the parentage of a particular person by their hair &/or 6 I don’t know if it’s my winning smile, my golden curls, or my ocean-
eye color. As tools, textbooks follow all the pertinent rules. blue eyes, but people fight over the chance to be friends with me

FEATURE: INFALLIBILITY d6 Flaw

You can do no wrong, at least in the eyes of your family & 1 My brother / sister hate me with a rage that confounds me
2 I project my own weaknesses on the people around me, rather than
admirers. No matter what depths of failure into which you topple, admit I might not be perfect
your family never reacts with anything more than 3 I am desperate to please. I’ll do anything to avoid disappointing one
disappointment… which, paradoxically, can pain you worse than of my authority figures, such as a parent or teacher.
any display of anger. 4 I can fall into dejection if people don’t recognize my achievements
You can always depend on your family, & sometimes friends (loudly, often, & with appropriate vigor!)
or admirers, to provide you with food & a place to rest. Members 5 I hate it when people outshine me. I can brood in cold outrage for
of your family might even hide you from mundane dangers, weeks before I get my vengeance my for humiliation
although they won’t usually risk their lives. 6 I can never forgive myself for failure, even if it’s not my fault. I feel
so guilty I have to do something to make things right.
However, depending on your current standing with your family,
your mother &/or father might sacrifice themselves for you,
especially if they consider you to be their, or the family’s, ultimate
salivation.
LOVE CHILD SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Imagine living the plodding life of a medieval farmer: turn the soil, Many love children are the product of a whirlwind union of star
plant the seeds, pray for rain, cull the weeds, bring in the crossed lovers. Love children have happy childhoods provided
harvest… Then everything dies & you hunker down in whatever by one (or, very rarely, both) loving parent, who is still basking in
hovel you managed to patch together & pray the cold doesn’t kill the rosy, although possibly bittersweet, afterglow of their exciting
you before starvation does. romantic affair.
And then you see your first elf. Effortless grace! The wonder! Since almost all love children grow up with an absent parent,
Such beauty! Who could resist such perfection? Frankly, it’s many a love child’s first quest is to discover more about their
amazing there aren’t more half elves around. Only the worst missing parentage. In spite of this one loose, if rather important,
prude could object to such a love. Elves, though, are free as the thread, love children tend to grow up to be cheery, well-rounded
wind. To cage an elf is to destroy them. All too soon, the elf must individuals, thanks to the love & attention lavished upon them
move on & the human farmer is left with nothing but memories… when they were young.
But then, nine months later…
You are a love child: the product of an affair between 2 Note: On the following tables, to avoid awkward writing, we
unmarried people (assumed to be an elf & a human in this assumed it was your (human) mother who raised you.
project). What was your childhood like? Children are famous for Adjust the entries to suit your character.
their cruelty when it comes to people who don’t look like them.
Did they bully you? How has your life changed as you grew d8 Personality Trait
older? Do people consider your looks odd? Or exotic? 1 I always compare the food we eat to my mother’s home cooking
Who raised you? You are the living reminder of the single 2 I’m a love’em & leave’em kinda person
most exciting, romantic experience in your parent’s life. Does 3 My mother & I used to play this game / instrument all the time.
your parent love you for it? Or do they somehow resent you, as if Come! Let me teach you how to play!
4 I’m relentlessly optimistic. I always see the best in every situation.
it was your fault the love of their life disappeared forever? 5 Everywhere I go, I collect a little gift, perhaps a postcard or box of
What about your absent parent? They were never there for sweets, to bring home to my mother as a souvenir.
you while you were growing up, but does that really matter? Do 6 I was an only child. I’m not afraid to head off on my own
you fantasize about meeting your absent parent & the 7 I find myself humming songs my mother used to sing
adventures you might embark upon? Or do you crave a chance 8 It’s a personality flaw, but it really, REALLY annoys me when
to berate them over the hell their absence put you through? anybody touches my stuff

Skill Proficiencies: History, Insight d6 Ideal

Tool Proficiencies: 1 Gaming Set of your choice & 1 Musical 1 Abandonment. What does it matter? You’re just going to leave me
in the end. They always do. (Evil)
Instrument of your choice Life. Don’t give up! We always find a way (Any non-Evil)
2
Equipment: Either 1 gaming set or 1 musical instrument of your 3 Love. Have you ever been wrapped up in a soft, fluffy towel
choice; a gift brooch / teddy bear / letter from your mother; an straight out of the laundry? Yeah, my family’s like that. (Good)
extra-thick, extra-soft knitted wool sweater; 1d6 packed 4 Self-Sufficiency. I know how to stand on my own 2 feet. (Neutral)
lunches wrapped in brown paper; a set of common clothes; & 5 Sentimentality. Tell me no more! Only a heartless fiend could
a belt pouch containing 15 gp ignore such a woeful tale! Of course we’ll help! (Chaotic)
6 Support. Look. There’s no one else. It’s up to us now. (Lawful)
With elves being the chaotic, freedom-loving, nigh immortal
creatures that they are, & with humans being more sentimental & d6 Bond
1 On the day I set out on my adventures, my mother gave me this
at least somewhat possessive, the human parent is more likely
sigil ring. It’s the only clue I have to my father’s identity.
to raise a love child. However, this is hardly the rule. 2 Until someone pointed out I was a half elf, it never struck me as
strange that my father… I mean my step-father… was human
d12 Raised by… d12 Your absent parent(s)… 3 Every night, I wake up screaming from a nightmare of razor toothed
1-3 …human 1-3 …was exiled for practicing the “Love demons attacking & devouring a strangely familiar elf…
mother which Dare Not Speak its Name.” 4 Out of the blue one day, a strange, young elf / half elf / human girl
4-6 …human father 4-6 …forever watches you from afar, but is showed up on our doorstep: I have a sister I never knew about!
cursed to never speak to you again. 5 The villagers never understood my family, & they’re getting more &
7-8 …elven mother 7-8 …is lost adventuring in the Fey Wild. more violent. My mother & I need to find a new place to live.
9-10 …elven father 9-10 …is trapped in a twinkling crystal prison 6 I’m discovering strange new powers / skills I could never have
suspended high in the night sky imagined. My mother says my father is the only one who can
11 …an uncle / 11 …is king / queen of a far away land that explain what is happening to me
aunt no one’s ever heard of.
12 …your 12 …died defending you from the Faerie d6 Flaw
grandparents Queen / a pack of werewolves / a 1 My mother lied about my father my whole life! I’ll never forgive her
racist wizard. for keeping me in the dark about family secrets, secrets about me
2 My absent father must be the most awesome adventurer ever.
FEATURE: MYSTERIOUS BENEFACTOR He traveled the world! Wrestled giants! Out-stared the sun!
Your whole life someone’s been sending you little tidbits, gifts, & I’d do anything for him!
souvenirs. There’s never been anything as communicative as a 3 Bastardry is my berserk button. I cannot contain my rage if
letter or a message, but you always receive a very special someone belittles my family.
present on your birthday. 4 There’s something bad in my genes. Something didn’t mix right.
I suffer hemophilia / bouts of lethal depression / a thirst for blood
Not to mention, as you grew up, your mysterious benefactor 5 I’m certain it’s my fault that my father left us. I’ll do anything to
somehow kept up with your changes tastes even so far as to make everything right!
know your favorite foods! 6 I’m reckless about secrets. It’s never been an issue in my family. I
Your parent claims she is flabbergasted as to whom this have trouble understanding how or why people can be so furtive
person might be, but you have an idea. Recently, you’ve
received a strange gift, a very strange gift indeed. One odd
enough to spur your search…
PUNK SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Gods save the queen! The world is easy. Why does everyone have make things so
She ain’t no human being! hard all the bleeding time? If they’d just listen to me for half a
There is no future! minute, I’d sort them out right quick…
In our land’s dreaming! When punks look at society, they see one thing: people are
fricking stupid. Either they’re trying to push you around, like the
Don’t be told what you want! sheriff, the king, or your mother does all the time, or they’re just
Don’t be told what you need! too dumb to share the same air.
There’s no future! NO FUTURE! Luckily, you found an outlet, a way to let off some of the steam
No future for you! from the stupidity pressure cooker you’re forced to live in. One
way or another, you found your way into the punk movement,
They think they know it all. They think they know what’s best. screaming your rage & frustration to music blasted at volumes
Well, if they’re so bloody smart, why are they the ones slaving in almost too loud to hear.
the shit & mud when the king is all up on his gold throne? I ain’t
no sucker, man. I know the deal. I’m not going to wait for his nibs d8 Personality Trait
to throw me a bone. I got plenty o’me own bones to throw around. 1 BO is natural. Chicks dig the pheromones.
Society ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. But what are you gonna 2 After a big success, I pierce something or get a tattoo to celebrate
do? Most people are too stupid or too sheepish to do anything 3 I have a favorite black leather jacket that I always wear. I’ll cram it
about it. Even if they could, most of them don’t even see the over my armor if I have to, but I’ll never leave home without it
4 I insist on giving our adventuring party a name… something like
problem to begin with. That’s why the punks do what they do.
“the Dragon Blitters” & I scream our name as my war cry
They’re trying to shock a docile populace out of its complacency. 5 I play my music in public places & scream out my anger-rage-
How do you express your rebellion? Do you reject human / elf frustrations at passersby
fashion in favor of races other than your own? Do you indulge in 6 Don’t. Touch… the HAIR!!!!!
body modification? How extreme are your piercings &/or tattoos? 7 Nose picking, farting, spitting… who cares if it’s “rude”? It’s the
Do you paint graffiti critical of the king / sheriff / local lord? Do thought that counts, right?
you hold rallies / concerts / protests to foment discontent? 8 Look, stop calling me “Jon,” alrite m8? It’s “Raven Nitescreem” now
What exactly is your problem with people? Is the problem
society? The expectations of politeness? The responsibilities d6 Ideal
1 Angst. YOU’RE NOT MY DAD! (Any non-Good)
they claim a “mature citizen” is expected to fulfill? Are you more 2 Individuality. I’m not going to tell you what to do or what to think.
frustrated with the sheep-like people around you who are so You just need to think. (Neutral)
stupid, so WEAK, that they don’t even see the problem in the 3 Mutiny. The fact that it’s what HE wants us to do is all the reason
first place? we need to tell him to go screw himself. (Chaotic)
Or, is this all just the delusions of grandeur of an adolescent 4 Passion. I don’t care what we do. Just do it now. (Chaotic)
mind? 5 Pushing Boundaries. Sometimes you gotta get outta yourself to
find yourself, y’kno? (Any non-Lawful)
Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Insight 6 Rebellion. DON’T tell me what to do! (Chaotic)
Tool Proficiencies: Thieves’ tools & 1 musical instrument of
d6 Bond
your choice 1 They think it’s just stupid music, but really we’re a whole
Equipment: A musical instrument of your choice; a beat up movement. Fight the power!
notebook filled with your songs / poetry; 1d6 uses of hair dye 2 My mom is on me to cut my hair & get a “real” job. Bugger that!
in various colors (but mostly black); dozens of safety pins, 3 My people are losing more & more money to the so-called “nobles.”
spikes, & piercings to modify your clothes &/or for body-art; a Pretty soon we’ll be nothing but slaves.
set of black leather common clothes; & a belt pouch with 10 gp. 4 Humans? Elves? They’re all the same: friggin’ sheep. It’s like
there’s a conformity curse or something.
d12 Body Modification Body Modification 5 Never mind the bollocks. The skinny is the “king” is just a lazy
1 black nail polish 7 1d12 ear, facial, &/or body piercings parasite sucking the blood from the rest of us like a greedy lizard
2 head shaved bald 8 1d6 facial, arm, &/or body tattoos 6 I’m never going home! They’ll force me to get married if I ever go
3 hair dyed black 9 blood red contact lenses back! And the person they found? Ugh! Face like a frog!
4 rainbow Mohawk 10 all-black contact lenses
5 double Mohawk 11 reptilian sub-dermal implants d6 Flaw
6 hair & skin bleached 12 Cosmetic demon wings magically 1 I have a real problem with authority. Who do they think they are?!
bone white implanted at temples or shoulders Down with the Man!
2 Trust is for fools. “Friendly” people are either idiots or liars.
FEATURE: REBEL, REBEL 3 (I suffer from crippling self-doubt, which I mask with my rudeness)
4 If I don’t like someone, I go out of my way to piss them off.
Whether it’s your intangible but pervasive air of rebellion, or the And, there’s aLOT of people I don’t like.
crazy, colorfully spiked hair, the black leather jacket, & the 5 Society is so screwed up, who’d want to face it sober? *BELCH*
piercings in your face & body, there’s something about you that 6 That sheriff! Always hassling me, just cuz I dyed my Mohawk neon
people recognize as defiance. pink. Well, wait ‘til he finds out I stole his jail keys. Bloody berk.
Naturally, you prick authorities’ ire, gaining you unwarranted
harassment from the police. On the other hand, subversive
elements of society, people like starving artists, the homeless,
even mob bosses, recognize in you a kindred spirit.
It’s all too easy for you to stir up trouble. Goading a
guardsman into abandoning his post & chasing you down the
street? Piece of cake. Rousing a crowd into a garbage throwing
mob? Not a problem! Anytime anyone gives you half an ear, you
know exactly what to say to piss them off.