BACKGROUNDS
Backgrounds provide a framework for character's backstory and offer dice benefits. They shape character's skills and proficiencies. In general, they contribute to character development, adding depth, personality and motivations. Backgrounds serve as a foundation for role-playing and provide plot hooks for players to utilise.
Martial backgrounds
Folk hero
The Folk Hero is a character venerated by ordinary people for outstanding deeds and bravery. They have emerged from humble origins to become a beacon of hope and inspiration in their community. Whether they stood up to tyrannical forces, defended the helpless, or battled for justice, their acts left an indelible mark. Although their path is plagued with hardships and perils, the Folk Hero's undying resolution and tenacity make them a light of hope for people in need.
They receive additional skills:
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Fortitude +1
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Willpower +1
Knight
Characters with a knight's background are those who come from noble or gallant families and embrace the principles of honor, loyalty, and martial prowess. Knights, whether noble-born warriors, loyal retainers, or exceptional defenders, have undergone rigorous training. They are proficient in warfare, armor, and weapons, as well as heraldry and courtly manners. As well-respected members of society, knights frequently hold positions of authority and command the respect of others.
They receive additional skills:
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Fortitude +1
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Insight +1
Soldier
Soldier background refers to characters who have a history of military service and battle. Soldiers have received training and practical experience in combat circumstances. They are competent with weapons and armor, and they have a strong sense of discipline and collaboration. Soldiers may have served in numerous groups, such as city guards, mercenaries, or sovereign armies. Their history provides a strong understanding of military tactics as well as a sense of camaraderie.
They receive additional skills:
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Athletics +1
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Breaching +1
Sailor
People who have spent a considerable portion of their lives on the open sea. Sailors are adept at navigation, ship control, and overcoming the hazards of maritime life. They understand the water, weather patterns, and sailing techniques inside and out. Sailors may have worked as crew members on commerce ships, naval fleets, or even as pirates.
They receive additional skills:
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Perception +1
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Athletics +1
Enforcer
They specialize in enforcement, relying on their powerful strength and persistent presence to guarantee conformity and uphold their superiors' will. They excel in physical conflicts, using intimidation methods to preserve order and control. Their past could include battles, survival in hostile surroundings, or an obsessive desire for power and influence. They excel at enforcing rigid codes, imposing their authority, and protecting the interests of those they serve as an Enforcer.
They receive additional skills:
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Intimidation: STR +1
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Intimidation: CHA +1
Mercenary
The mercenary background is appropriate for people who make a living by using their combat prowess and talents for monetary gain. These battle-hardened warriors have honed their skills in a variety of fighting styles and tactical strategies. Their adaptability allows them to quickly adjust to new environments and face new obstacles. Mercenaries have crossed many territories, taking up contracts for diverse patrons and engaging in hostilities across various lands.
They receive additional skills:
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Intimidation: STR +1
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Persuasion +1
Gladiator
Gladiator heritage is significant for those who have received rigorous training and demonstrated their combat prowess in arenas and huge spectacles. These expert fighters have mastered a variety of fighting styles and tactics, dazzling spectators with their skill, daring, and showmanship. Gladiators exemplify the competitive spirit and unrivaled combat qualities that define their profession, with unwavering dedication and strong physical and mental fortitude.
They receive additional skills:
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Athletics +1
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Performance +1
Magic Backgrounds
Sage
A sage is someone who has dedicated their life to the pursuit of knowledge and scholastic undertakings. Because of considerable study and investigation, these thinkers have a thorough comprehension of a variety of issues. Sages are experts in lore, history, esoteric skills, or specialized fields. They have developed critical thinking abilities and a natural curiosity that leads them to seek answers.
They receive additional skills:
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Knowledge: Arcana +1
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Knowledge: History +1
Savant
People, who were born with a prodigious intelligence, were noticed from an early age for their outstanding talent in a specific subject. Their intense curiosity drove them to relentlessly pursue mastery in their chosen discipline. The Savant went deeply into their studies, whether in the arcane arts, alchemy, or another scholarly pursuit, frequently becoming a prodigy in their profession. Their unwavering commitment and countless hours of research and testing provided them with unrivaled experience and insights.
They receive additional skills:
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Knowledge: Arcana +1
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Deduction +1
Accursed
The Accursed is a person who has been cursed with a gloomy and foreboding fate. They are afflicted by misfortune and terrible omens due to a cursed bloodline, a sad occurrence, or a bond with a demonic force. The Accursed may be tormented by supernatural happenings, doomed to suffer indefinitely, or marked with a terrible stigma in the eyes of society. This tainted background has either motivated them to seek forgiveness and lift the curse that has tainted their existence. The Accursed's background could include fighting their inner demons, hunting for ancient artifacts, or discovering the source of their affliction.
They receive additional skills:
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Willpower +1
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Fortitude +1
Spellblade
​A Spellblade's path developed when they dedicated themselves to the rigorous goal of mastery in both martial combat and arcane skills. They sought out sages and renowned swordmasters to acquire the secrets of merging swordplay and spellcasting with unshakable determination. They perfected their skills via endless hours of disciplined training, sharpening their blade techniques and delving deep into the ancient mysteries.The Spellblade, with their unrivaled ability to channel magic through their blade, is a fearsome presence on the battlefield, wielding both weapon and arcane energy with incredible dexterity.
They receive additional skills:
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Knowledge: Arcana +1
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Athletics +1
Arcane Crook
The Arcane Crook's path began as a brilliant and promising student of magic, probing the limits of arcane knowledge. However, they fell to the attractions of forbidden arts because of a desire for power, fortune, or personal gain. They abandoned the road of justice in favor of forbidden rituals, illicit enchantments, and arcane tricks. Their greedy desire for arcane power drove them down a perilous path of deception and criminality. The Arcane Crook honed their magical powers to manipulate, lie, and steal, eventually becoming a well-known person inside secretive circles.
They receive additional skills:
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Knowledge: Arcana +1
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Lockpicking +1
Religious Backgrounds
Acolyte
The life of an acolyte has been marked by dedication to a higher power or religious group. They were engaged in rituals, scriptures, and acts of worship from a young age. They become fully acquainted with the teachings and traditions of their chosen faith through years of dedicated study and service. A holy calling, a spiritual awakening, or a lifelong dedication to their religious group are common antecedents for Acolytes. They may have gone on pilgrimages, performed holy rites, or offered advice and comfort to those in need. The Acolyte possesses a thorough awareness of religious traditions, an empathic personality, and the capacity to traverse the complexities of faith and belief systems.
They receive additional skills:
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Knowledge: Religion +1
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Insight +1
Missionary
The lives of missionaries have been dedicated to conveying their faith and ideals to distant regions and foreign cultures. They began on a journey to deliver knowledge and redemption to people who had yet to hear their message, driven by a passionate enthusiasm for their religious or spiritual convictions. The background of a Missionary is frequently rooted in a profound calling, a supernatural revelation, or a great sense of obligation to share their faith with others. They have had intensive training, earning linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and diplomatic savvy in order to properly engage with people from many cultures.
They receive additional skills:
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Knowledge: Religion +1
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Persuasion +1
False Preacher
False Preacher has mastered the art of deception, posing as a charismatic and influential religious person while hiding evil intentions. They have positioned themselves as a prominent person within a certain faith or spiritual community by deception and manipulation. They exploit the trust and faith of their followers for personal benefit or to achieve their hidden objective by using convincing speech and charismatic charm. A terrible past, a concealed identity, or a desire for power and control are common characteristics of the False Preacher. They are skilled at influencing other people's emotions and beliefs, as well as creating complicated webs of deception and sowing conflict among their followers.
They receive additional skills:
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Deception +1
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Intimidation: CHA +1
Field Healer
The divine calling of a trained faithful who gives relief and repair to the injured and ailing in the midst of upheaval and strife is embodied by Field Healer. This background is rooted in a strong connection to the divine, with the ability to utilize the healing powers bestowed upon them to cure the hurts of others. The Field Healer's path is one of commitment and compassion, honed by rigorous instruction in sacred rites, herbal cures, and divine magic mysteries. They are frequently seen on battlegrounds, in the aftermath of tragedies, or in rural areas where healing is uncommon.
They receive additional skills:
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Medicine +1
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Willpower +1
Chosen One
Chosen One holds a deep belief in that they have been marked by fate and destined for something spectacular - an unprecedented mission that only they can achieve. They have lived their life convinced that their existence is imbued with cosmic significance, as if they were selected by higher powers or ancient prophecies to play a pivotal role. Any misfortune or success in their life - they have perceived as guided by force of destiny, a step forth in the great prophecy of their life. Whether there is anything in these claims or not, surely there is a lot of belief in them: and they're quite proficient with religious matters, constantly attempting to convince others to the rightfulness of their high destiny.
They receive additional skills:
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Knowledge: Religion +1
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Willpower +1
Intrigue Backgrounds
The Charlatan flourishes in the arena of deception and cunning, mastering the skill of manipulation for personal advantage. They traverse the world as a proficient impostor and con artist, with a silver tongue and a knack for subterfuge. The Charlatan comes from a dark past, where they polished their deception abilities via several schemes and interactions with nefarious individuals. They have a repertoire of fake identities, bogus stories, and illusory charms that they use to entice and manipulate others for their own gain. The presence of the Charlatan creates intrigue and ambiguity, as their genuine objectives stay hidden.
They receive additional skills:
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Deception +1
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Performance +1
Criminal
Criminals operate in society's shadowy underbelly, navigating a life of unlawful activities and malicious deals. They have polished their skills to live and succeed in the realm of crime, whether they are an experienced thief, proficient assassin, or seasoned smuggler. A history of lawlessness, run-ins with law authorities, and a network of connections inside the criminal underworld characterize the Criminal's background. They have street smarts, knowledge of numerous illegal trades, and an awareness of the complexities of criminal operations. Their presence generates a sense of danger and unpredictability because they are skilled at deception, stealth, and the art of blending into the shadows.
They receive additional skills:
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Stealth +1
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Lockpicking +1
Noble
A Noble embodies the upper tiers of society, embodying grace, refinement, and a sense of aristocratic ancestry. They conduct themselves with an aura of prestige and privilege, whether they were born into nobility or earned their title by remarkable achievements. The Noble's upbringing represents a life of privilege, grooming him for positions of power and influence among the social elite. They are well-versed in courtly etiquette, refined tastes, and the complexities of courtly life. As a Noble, they have an in-depth awareness of cultural expectations, diplomatic skill, and the capacity to use their position for personal or political advantage.
They receive additional skills:
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Knowledge: History +1
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Persuasion +1
Courtier
Courtier thrives inside the intricate network of noble courts, navigating the intricate dance of power and influence with charm, wit, and political acumen. They are experts in diplomacy, etiquette, and courtly protocols. The Courtier's past is defined by their affiliation to noble families or prestigious institutions, where they served as counselors, emissaries, or confidants to the governing class. They have a great awareness of court politics, the ability to read social signs, and the capacity to deliver persuasive speeches.
They receive additional skills:
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Persuasion +1
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Insight +1
Spy
Spy is an agent who works in the clandestine worlds of espionage, covert operations, and intelligence collection. They are masters of deception and infiltration, excelling in obtaining secrets, manipulating information, and working behind the scenes to achieve their goals. The Spy's existence has been distinguished by secrecy, intrigue, and constant adaptation to changing circumstances. They have a wide range of abilities, such as disguise, stealth, cryptography, and surveillance tactics.
They receive additional skills:
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Stealth +1
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Deception +1
Survivalist Backgrounds
Hermit
The Hermit seeks seclusion for solace and purpose, seeking a profound connection with nature, wisdom, or spiritual enlightenment. They have voluntarily withdrew from society in order to engage in introspection and contemplation. They have extensive knowledge, unique insights, and a spiritual link to the realms beyond. Their narrative could include a great revelation, a quest for truth, or a refuge from a tumultuous past.
They receive additional skills:
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Survival +1
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Medicine +1
Outlander
The Outlander lives beyond the boundaries of civilisation, seeking refuge and meaning in the wild. They've developed a bond with nature, perfecting their survival abilities and adjusting to the harsh conditions of the wilderness. The Outlander's background is defined by a life lived on the outskirts of society, embracing self-sufficiency and living in harmony with the natural environment. They have unrivaled wilderness knowledge, resourcefulness, and a thorough comprehension of the land's secrets.
They receive additional skills:
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Survival +1
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Athletics +1
Urchin
The Urchin is a survivor of the city's harsh streets and back alleys, capable at traversing its dark underbelly and eking out an existence. They grew up in poverty and polished their thieving, street smarts, and crafty talents. The Urchin's background is defined by a life of adversity, living hand-to-mouth and surviving only on their wits. As an Urchin, they are skilled at sleight of hand, stealth, and improvisation.
They receive additional skills:
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Stealth +1
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Sleight of Hand +1
Wildling
A Wildling is inextricably linked to the wild, living a life in sync with nature's rhythms and the ways of primeval species. They have embraced a life outside of society, adapting to the natural world's hardships. The Wildling's upbringing is defined by their love of wildlife, survival skills, and intuitive grasp of the natural order. As a Wildling, they excel in foraging and bonding with wild species
They receive additional skills:
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Animal Handling +1
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Acrobatic +1
Beast Tamer
Beast Tamer possesses a unique ability to communicate with and command creatures of all forms and sizes. They've dedicated their lives to caring for and training wild beasts, building strong relationships of trust and loyalty. The Beast Tamer's presence exudes peace and respect, as they share an unspoken relationship with the creatures in their care.
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Beast Tamer receives free of charge animal (either canine or feline) of his choice. This animal grants no dice bonuses. We all love puppers of all kinds!
They receive additional skills:
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Animal Handling +1
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Perception +1
Tribal Nomad
The Tribal Nomad background pertains to individuals who have grown up within close-knit nomadic communities, traversing vast lands in search of resources and sustenance. These adaptable individuals have developed a deep connection to their tribal traditions and possess a profound understanding of survival in the wilderness. Skilled in various practical skills such as hunting, gathering, and navigating unfamiliar terrains, they embody a harmonious existence with nature. Tribal Nomads bring forth resilience, resourcefulness, and a profound appreciation for communal bonds.
They receive additional skills:
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Survival +1
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Animal Handling +1
Civilian Backgrounds
Entertainer
The Entertainer enchants audiences with their engaging performances, enchanting both young and old with their artistic talents. They have a lively demeanor and an innate ability to amuse and engage others. The Entertainer's background is rooted in a life of artistic expression, polishing their skills in numerous forms of entertainment such as music, dancing, storytelling, or theater. They ooze charisma and originality, and they leave an indelible impression wherever they go.
They receive additional skills:
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Performance +1
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Persuasion +1
Guild Artisan
A Guild Artisan is a talented craftsman who works hard to create masterpieces that demonstrate their experience and artistry. They are a well-known guild member or an accomplished artisan in their specialty. The Guild Artisan's history is distinguished by their devotion to their art, pursuit of excellence, and unrelenting commitment to quality. They have a keen eye for detail, a thorough understanding of their chosen trade, and the capacity to make items that are both beautiful and functional.
They receive additional skills:
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Insight +1
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Persuasion +1
Archeologist
An archaeologist is a daring explorer and scholar who is driven by a quest for knowledge and a desire to unearth the mysteries of ancient civilizations. They are skilled at discovery, excavation, and historical analysis. The Archaeologist has a passion for history, adventure, and finding long-forgotten treasures. They have a great eye for detail, a sharp mind, and a deep reverence for previous cultures.
They receive additional skills:
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Knowledge: History +1
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Perception +1
Physician
Physician is a qualified healer and medical practitioner who is committed to the well-being of others. They have had significant training in the art of diagnosing and treating diseases, and they are well-versed in anatomy, herbalism, and medical procedures. The Physician's background is distinguished by compassion, dedication to healing, and pursuit of medical competence. Their motivation could be a desire to help others, a personal experience with disease or injury, or a family tradition of medical practice.
They receive additional skills:
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Medicine +1
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Perception +1
Circus Member
Circus Members are exceptional performers and entertainers who captivate audiences with daring stunts and stunning showmanship. They have developed their skills in acrobatics, juggling, or other spectacular performances, delighting audiences with their abilities. The background of the Circus Member is defined by a life spent traveling with a circus troupe, living under the big tent, and captivating audiences with their remarkable acts. They have agility, showmanship, and the ability to captivate and engage audiences.
They receive additional skills:
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Acrobatics +1
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Performance +1
Investigator
The Investigator is an exceptional sleuth and master of deduction, specializing in uncovering secrets, solving mysteries, and pursuing justice. They possess keen observation skills, a logical mind, and a tenacious spirit. The Investigator's background is characterized by their insatiable curiosity, attention to detail, and a knack for unraveling complex puzzles. Their backstory may involve a personal desire for truth and justice, a background in law enforcement, or a talent for piecing together clues.
They receive additional skills:
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Insight +1
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Deduction +1
Professor
The Professor is a highly knowledgeable scholar and educator, dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom and the dissemination of knowledge. They possess expertise in a particular field of study, whether it be history, literature, arcane arts, or any other academic discipline. The Professor's background is shaped by their passion for learning, extensive research, and the sharing of their expertise with others. Their backstory may involve years of study, prestigious academic achievements, or a desire to inspire and mentor the next generation.
They receive additional skills:
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Knowledge: History +1
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Knowledge: Nature +1