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====== Standard Fantasy Background Packages ======

A background package is just a group of suggested Assets for a character. Even if a character is imagined to have a background in question, the player doesn’t have to take the package, these are just shortcuts to creating more rounded out characters if the player decides they’re useful (the package has no mechanical impact itself, and doesn’t have to be noted, although if the player has a written background for the character, it would make sense to note it there). 

Also note that characters are individuals and may have just some of the Assets in the package. And they may add EOCs that they figure were obtained from the background as well, that are simply ones that are unique to the character, etc. The player should consider renaming the EOCs picked up from background packages if they feel they have something more suitable to the character, and should definitely define relationships more specifically in terms of the name of the NPC or group with whom they have the relationship, as well as the nature of the relationship. 

These packages are suitable for standard fantasy settings, and absolutely do not preclude the many other backgrounds a character might have. 

===== Form Background =====

Form packages detail the sorts of stats and distinctions that a character with a particular form may have. Not all characters need a form package, if your character doesn’t happen to have any extraordinary abilities, just omit this. Note that lots of humans will have a form package despite humans being sort of the “typical” character, as many fun fantasy human characters have some special nature to their birth. 
==== Stoneborn Dwarf ====

Stat Focus: Strength, Wisdom\\
Distinctions:\\
Stone Sense (feel vibrations & stability)\\
Stout Resilience\\
Darkvision\\

==== Ember-Fey ====

Stat Focus: Agility, Charisma\\
Distinctions: 
Fey Resistance (charm & illusion)\\
Warm Aura\\
Spark-Touched Skin (heat tolerance)\\

==== Greenshadow Elf ====

Stat Focus: Agility, Wisdom\\
Distinctions:\\
Keen Senses\\
Forest Camouflage\\
Sense of Direction\\

==== Hill Ogrekin ====

Stat Focus: Strength, Endurance\\
Distinctions:\\
Massive Build\\
Pain Tolerance\\
Intimidating Presence\\

==== Halfling Hearthfolk ====

Stat Focus: Agility, Empathy\\
Distinctions:\\
Sure-Footed\\
Comforting Demeanor\\
Quiet Step\\

==== Moon-Touched Human ====

Stat Focus: Wisdom, Empathy\\
Distinctions:\\
Dream Sensitivity\\
Emotional Insight\\
Lunar Fortitude (mild resistance to fear/illusion)\\

==== Ironblood Orc ====

Stat Focus: Strength, Endurance\\
Distinctions:\\
Battle Instincts\\
Iron Constitution\\
Brutal Momentum\\

==== Riverborn Merrow ====

Stat Focus: Agility, Empathy\\
Distinctions:\\
Amphibious\\
Water Sense (currents & depth intuition)\\
Fluid Grace\\

==== Skyfolk Bird-kin ====

Stat Focus: Agility, Intelligence\\
Distinctions:\\
Natural Glide\\
Sharp Eyesight\\
Height Intuition (instinct for altitude/wind shifts)\\

==== Sandstrider Nomad ====

Stat Focus: Wisdom, Agility\\
Distinctions:\\
Heat Endurance\\
Mirage Sensitivity\\
Desert Navigation\\

==== Fireroot Gnome ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence, Empathy\\
Distinctions:\\
Tinker’s Instinct\\
Aura Sight (detect emotional intensity)\\
Quick Hands\\

==== Frostborn Giantkin ====

Stat Focus: Strength, Wisdom\\
Distinctions:\\
Cold Immunity\\
Titanic Strength\\
Mountain-Bred Lung Capacity\\

==== Kitsune Shapeling ====

Stat Focus: Charisma, Intelligence\\
Distinctions:\\
Form Shift (minor/partial, pick animal)\\
Trickster’s Guile\\
Glamour Instinct (subtle illusions)\\

==== Stone Sprite ====

Stat Focus: Wisdom, Intelligence\\
Distinctions:\\
Tremor Sense\\
Elemental Skin (minor toughness)\\
Natural Stillness (hard to detect when unmoving)\\

==== Dawn-Touched Heaven-kin ====

Stat Focus: Charisma, Empathy\\
Distinctions:\\
Radiant Aura\\
Celestial Resilience\\
Intuitive Healing\\

==== Beastborn Lupin ====

Stat Focus: Strength, Wisdom\\
Distinctions:\\
Keen Scent\\
Pack Awareness (read group tension instantly)\\
Pursuit Instinct\\

==== Marsh Naga ====

Stat Focus: Wisdom, Agility\\
Distinctions:\\
Venomous Bite\\
Serpentine Poise\\
Temperature Sense (detect warm-blooded creatures)\\

==== Sylvan Dryad-Kin ====

Stat Focus: Empathy, Wisdom\\
Distinctions:\\
Plant Communion\\
Photosynthetic Vitality (minor healing in sunlight)\\
Woodland Calm\\

==== Clockwork Automaton ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence, Strength\\
Distinctions:\\
Mechanical Endurance (don’t tire normally)\\
Precision Movement\\
Hardened Frame\\

==== Void-Touched Demon-kin ====

Stat Focus: Charisma, Intelligence\\
Distinctions:\\
Shadow Resilience\\
Infernal Presence\\
Dark Affinity (comfort / clarity in darkness)\\

===== Cultural Background =====

These packages are usually about the culture in which a character was raised, but occasionally some characters may have spent enough time in more than one culture to have at least some elements of the culture.
==== Dwarven Mountain Peasantry ====

Stat Focus: Strength\\
Lifepath: Dwarven Mountain Peasantry\\
Distinctions:\\
Hardworking\\
Clan-Bound\\
Skills:\\
Stoneworking Basics\\
Mushroom Farming\\
Tunnel Navigation\\
Gear:\\
Simple Miner's Pick\\

==== High-Elven Court Nobility ====

Stat Focus: Charisma\\
Lifepath: High-Elven Court Nobility\\
Distinctions:\\
Noble Bearing\\
Courtly Expectations\\
Skills:\\
Etiquette\\
History & Heraldry\\
Diplomatic Speech\\
Gear:\\
Modest Noble Stipend\\

==== Human Riverland Fisherfolk ====

Stat Focus: Agility\\
Lifepath: Human Riverland Fisherfolk\\
Distinctions:\\
River-Hardened\\
Cooperative Community\\
Skills:\\
Net Casting\\
Water Reading\\
Knotcraft\\
Gear:\\
Fishing Net\\

==== Orcish Steppe Raiders ====

Stat Focus: Strength\\
Lifepath: Orcish Steppe Raiders\\
Distinctions:\\
Nomadic Fierceness\\
Clan Honor\\
Skills:\\
Horse Riding\\
Raiding Tactics\\
Steppe Survival\\
Gear:\\
Steppe Bow\\

==== Halfling Orchard Clans ====

Stat Focus: Empathy\\
Lifepath: Halfling Orchard Clans\\
Distinctions:\\
Hospitable\\
Tight-Knit Families\\
Skills:\\
Fruit Cultivation\\
Food Preservation\\
Home Remedies\\
Gear:\\
Preserved Rations Pouch\\

==== Gnomish Tinker Guildsfolk ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Gnomish Tinker Guildsfolk\\
Distinctions:\\
Guild Loyalty\\
Craft Pride\\
Skills:\\
Tinkering Basics\\
Mechanical Insight\\
Scrap Salvage Techniques\\
Gear:\\
Tinker’s Toolkit (basic)\\

==== Dragonfolk Desert Aristocracy ====

Stat Focus: Presence\\
Lifepath: Dragonborn Desert Aristocracy\\
Distinctions:\\
Noble Lineage\\
Ritual Prestige\\
Skills:\\
Court Rituals\\
Oasis Diplomacy\\
Heraldic Lore\\
Gear:\\
Ornamental Clan Sigil\\
Noble Stipend\\

==== Human Maritime Free-Captains ====

Stat Focus: Agility\\
Lifepath: Human Maritime Free-Captains\\
Distinctions:\\
Independent Spirit\\
Seafarer’s Confidence\\
Skills:\\
Sailing\\
Ropework\\
Storm Reading\\
Gear:\\
Sailing Knife\\

==== Elven Deepwood Hunters ====

Stat Focus: Wisdom\\
Lifepath: Elven Deepwood Hunters\\
Distinctions:\\
Reserved Tradition\\
Guardian Duty\\
Skills:\\
Tracking\\
Bowcraft Basics\\
Forest Lore\\
Gear:\\
Woodlongbow\\

==== Dwarven Forge-Citadel Priestly Castes ====

Stat Focus: Wisdom\\
Lifepath: Dwarven Forge-Citadel Priestly Castes\\
Distinctions:\\
Spiritual Authority\\
Ritual Absolutes\\
Skills:\\
Sacred Metallurgy\\
Ceremonial Chanting\\
Ancestral Lore\\
Gear:\\
Holy Forge Symbol\\

==== Human Plains Peasantry ====

Stat Focus: Endurance\\
Lifepath: Human Plains Peasantry\\
Distinctions:\\
Humble\\
Community Obligation\\
Skills:\\
Grain Farming\\
Animal Care\\
Simple Tool Repair\\
Gear:\\
Hand Sickle\\

==== Demon-kin Urban Undercaste ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Tiefling Urban Undercaste\\
Distinctions:\\
Streetwise\\
Outsider’s Resilience\\
Skills:\\
Urban Navigation\\
Scavenging\\
Coded Cant\\
Gear:\\
Hidden Stash of Minor Contraband\\

==== Human Highland Warrior-Clans ====

Stat Focus: Strength\\
Lifepath: Human Highland Warrior-Clans\\
Distinctions:\\
Proud Honor\\
Martial Obligation\\
Skills:\\
Spear Drills\\
Hill Survival\\
Clan War Songs\\
Gear:\\
Clan Tartan\\

==== Merrow Tidecall Villagers ====

Stat Focus: Empathy\\
Lifepath: Merrow Tidecall Villagers\\
Distinctions:\\
Communal Ritualism\\
Sea-Kin Unity\\
Skills:\\
Current Reading\\
Tide Prediction\\
Fish Harvesting\\
Gear:\\
Coral Talisman\\

==== Goblin Cliff-Swarm Settlements ====

Stat Focus: Agility\\
Lifepath: Goblin Cliff-Swarm Settlements\\
Distinctions:\\
Frenetic Cooperation\\
Survival Opportunism\\
Skills:\\
Climbing\\
Trap Recognition\\
Improvised Construction\\
Gear:\\
Scrap Toolkit\\

==== Elven Sunspire Scholars ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Elven Sunspire Scholars\\
Distinctions:\\
Scholarly Bearing\\
Ritual Decorum\\
Skills:\\
Reading & Scribing\\
Astronomy\\
Theoretical Magic Basics\\
Gear:\\
Immaculate Writing Set\\

==== Dwarven Under-Road Caravaneers ====

Stat Focus: Wisdom\\
 Lifepath: Dwarven Under-Road Caravaneers\\
Distinctions:\\
Honest Trader\\
Road-Wise\\
Skills:\\
Bartering\\
Beast Handling\\
Tunnel Route Knowledge\\
Gear:\\
Caravan Ledger\\

==== Human River-Kingdom Aristocracy ====

Stat Focus: Charisma Lifepath: Human River-Kingdom Aristocracy\\
Distinctions:\\
Social Authority\\
Wealthy Upbringing\\
Skills:\\
Court Etiquette\\
Heraldry\\
Basic Swordsmanship\\
Gear:\\
River-Kingdom Noble Stipend (wealth)\\

==== Orcish Ashen-Waste Survivors ====

Stat Focus: Endurance\\
 Lifepath: Orcish Ashen-Waste Survivors\\
Distinctions:\\
Scarred Determination\\
Scavenger’s Pragmatism\\
Skills:\\
Fireland Survival\\
Heat Exposure Management\\
Salvage Recognition\\
Gear:\\
Filter Cloth Mask\\

==== Halfling Traveling Caravan Tribes ====

Stat Focus: Empathy\\
Lifepath: Halfling Traveling Caravan Tribes
Distinctions:\\
Welcoming\\
Wanderlust\\
Skills:\\
Road Customs\\
Storytelling\\
Simple Campcraft\\
Gear:\\
Decorative Caravan Token\\

===== Educational Backgrounds =====

Not everybody leaps right into an occupation, some characters will have had a period of training in their past, which is what educational backgrounds cover. 

==== Arcane Academy Training ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Arcane Academy Training\\
Skills:\\
Spell Theory\\
Glyph Reading\\
Ritual Procedure\\
Distinctions:\\
Relationship with Teacher\\
Curious Mind\\
Gear:\\
Apprentice’s Spellbook\\
Ink & Quill Set\\

==== Knightly Squirehood ====

Stat Focus: Strength\\
Lifepath: Knightly Squirehood\\
Skills:\\
Weapon Drills\\
Mounted Riding\\
Armor Maintenance\\
Distinctions:\\
Martial Discipline\\
Relationship with Knight\\
Gear:\\
Practice Sword\\
Gambeson\\

==== Monastic Training ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Monastic Training\\
Skills:\\
Mindfulness Techniques\\
Ascetic Lore\\
Staff Forms\\
Distinctions:\\
Serene Bearing\\
Relationship to Instructor\\
Gear:\\
Simple Robes\\
Wooden Beads\\

==== Ranger’s Lodge Apprenticeship ====

Stat Focus: Agility\\
Lifepath: Ranger’s Lodge Apprenticeship\\
Skills:\\
Tracking\\
Foraging\\
Bow Handling\\
Distinctions:\\
Member of Lodge\\
Forest-Familiar\\
Gear:\\
Lodge Bow\\
Traveler’s Cloak\\

==== Dwarven Smithery Apprenticeship ====

Stat Focus: Strength\\
Lifepath: Dwarven Smithery Apprenticeship\\
Skills:\\
Metalworking\\
Tool Use\\
Forge Maintenance\\
Distinctions:\\
Relationship to Forgemaster\\
Heat-Hardened\\
Gear:\\
Blacksmith’s Hammer\\
Leather Apron\\

==== Thieves’ Guild Tutelage ====

Stat Focus: Agility
Lifepath: Thieves’ Guild Tutelage\\
Skills:\\
Lockpicking\\
Stealth Movement\\
Street Cant\\
Distinctions:\\
Quiet Footed\\
Relationship to Tutor\\
Gear:\\
Lockpick Set\\

==== Bardic Conservatory Training ====

Stat Focus: Charisma\\
Lifepath: Bardic Conservatory Training\\
Skills:\\
Performance with (pick instrument or singing)\\
Oratory\\
Music Theory\\
Distinctions:\\
Confident Speaker\\
Relationship to Trainer\\
Gear:\\
Musical Instrument\\
Decorative Sashes\\

==== Herbalist’s Apprenticeship ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Herbalist’s Apprenticeship\\
Skills:\\
Plant Identification\\
Salve Crafting\\
Poison Recognition\\
Distinctions:\\
Gentle Hands\\
Relationship to Herbalist\\
Gear:\\
Herb Satchel\\
Mortar & Pestle\\

==== Court Etiquette Coaching ====

Stat Focus: Charisma\\
Lifepath: Court Etiquette Coaching\\
Skills:\\
Noble Manners\\
Diplomacy\\
Heraldic Knowledge\\
Distinctions:\\
Polished Bearing\\
Relationship with Court\\
Gear:\\
Fine Court Garb\\

==== Battle-Mage Regiment Training ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Battle-Mage Regiment Training\\
Skills:\\
Combat Casting\\
Tactical Awareness\\
Sigil Gestures\\
Distinctions:\\
Relationship to Cadre Trainer\\
Combat Focus\\
Gear:\\
Spellband Bracers\\

==== Merchant Guild Apprentice ====

Stat Focus: Charisma\\
Lifepath: Merchant Guild Apprentice\\
Skills:\\
Appraisal\\
Ledger Management\\
Negotiation\\
Distinctions:\\
Profit-Oriented Mindset\\
Member of Guild\\
Gear:\\
Ledger Book\\
Merchant’s Seal\\

==== Temple Acolyte Instruction ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Temple Acolyte Instruction\\
Skills:\\
Scripture Recitation\\
Ritual Cleanliness\\
Basic Healing Practices\\
Distinctions:\\
Devout Demeanor\\
Member of Temple\\
Gear:\\
Holy Symbol\\
Ritual Cloth\\

==== Duelist Academy Training ====

Stat Focus: Agility\\
Lifepath: Duelist Academy Training\\
Skills:\\
Light Blade Techniques\\
Footwork\\
Riposte Timing\\
Distinctions:\\
Elegant Form\\
Relationship to Trainer\\
Gear:\\
Fencing Rapier\\

==== Artificer Workshop Apprenticeship ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Artificer Workshop Apprenticeship\\
Skills:\\
Item Tinkering\\
Material Lore\\
Precision Assembly\\
Distinctions:\\
Relationship to Master\\
Obsessive Detailer\\
Gear:\\
Tool Satchel\\

==== Hunter’s Lodge Greenhorn ====

Stat Focus: Wisdom\\
Lifepath: Hunter’s Lodge Greenhorn\\
Skills:\\
Bow or Spear Use\\
Animal Behavior\\
Camouflage\\
Distinctions:\\
Relationship to Mentor\\
Keen Eyes\\
Gear:\\
Hunter’s Knife\\

==== Seafarer’s Nautical Training ====

Stat Focus: Agility\\
Lifepath: Seafarer’s Nautical Training\\
Skills:\\
Knotwork\\
Ship Handling\\
Storm Reading\\
Distinctions:\\
Sea Legs\\
Relationship to Trainer\\
Gear:\\
Mariner’s Rope\\

==== Diplomat’s Apprenticeship ====

Stat Focus: Charisma\\
Lifepath: Diplomat’s Apprenticeship\\
Skills:\\
Debate\\
Cultural Fluency\\
Document Drafting\\
Distinctions:\\
Silver Tongue\\
Relationship to Diplomat\\
Gear:\\
Diplomatic Papers\\

==== Gladiator Training Pits ====

Stat Focus: Strength\\
Lifepath: Gladiator Training Pits\\
Skills:\\
Arena Combat\\
Improvised Weapons\\
Pain Endurance Techniques\\
Distinctions:\\
Relationship with Training Master\\
Battle-Hardened\\
Gear:\\
Arena Bracers\\

==== Archivist’s Scriptorium Schooling ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Archivist’s Scriptorium Schooling\\
Skills:\\
Scribing\\
Language Knowledge\\
Cataloging\\
Distinctions:\\
Methodical\\
Relationship to Teacher\\
Gear:\\
Fine Quill\\
Vial of Ink\\

==== Shadow-Monk Cloister Training ====

Stat Focus: Agility\\
Lifepath: Shadow-Monk Cloister Training\\
Skills:\\
Silent Movement\\
Pressure-Point Strikes\\
Breath Control\\
Distinctions:\\
Relationship to Trainer\\
Unsettling Calm\\
Gear:\\
Shadow Hood\\

===== Occupational Packages =====

These packages answer the question “how did the character survive, either on their own, or, more likely, as part of a society?” Professions, jobs, or other such situations.

==== Caravan Guard ====

Stat Focus: Agility, Constitution\\
Lifepath: Caravan Guard\\
Skills:\\
Spear or Crossbow Use\\
Roadcraft\\
Threat Assessment\\
Distinctions:\\
Weathered Wanderer\\
Trusted by a veteran guard\\
Gear:\\
Sturdy Spear\\
Road-Worn Armor\\
Travel Pack\\

==== Innkeeper’s Assistant ====

Stat Focus: Charisma, Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Innkeeper’s Assistant\\
Skills:\\
Hospitality\\
Basic Cookery\\
Tavern Awareness\\
Distinctions:\\
Good Listener\\
Close with Inkeeper\\
Gear:\\
Serving Tray\\
Apron\\
Room Keys\\

==== City Watch Constable ====

Stat Focus: Strength\\
Lifepath: City Watch Constable\\
Skills:\\
Patrol Procedures\\
Crowd Control\\
Law Knowledge\\
Distinctions:\\
Stoic Guardian\\
Worked for a Sergeant\\
Gear:\\
Watch Baton\\
Chain Shirt\\
Badge of Office\\

==== Journeyman Apothecary ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Journeyman Apothecary\\
Skills:\\
Herbal Preparation\\
Poison Recognition\\
Remedy Mixing\\
Distinctions:\\
Gentle Hands\\
Reports to a master\\
Gear:\\
Herb Satchel\\
Mortar & Pestle\\
Healing Draft Vials\\

==== Ship Deckhand ====

Stat Focus: Agility, Strength\\
Lifepath: Ship Deckhand\\
Skills:\\
Ropework\\
Sail Handling\\
Storm Readiness\\
Distinctions:\\
Sea Legs\\
Friendship with Bosun\\
Gear:\\
Mariner’s Knife\\
Coil of Rope\\
Water-Resistant Coat\\

==== Journeyman Blacksmith ====

Stat Focus: Strength, Endurance\\
Lifepath: Journeyman Blacksmith\\
Skills:\\
Metalworking\\
Tool Use\\
Forge Safety\\
Distinctions:\\
Heat-Hardened\\
Rivalry with another smith\\
Gear:\\
Smithing Hammer\\
Heavy Gloves\\
Leather Apron\\

==== Hunter for Hire ====

Stat Focus: Agility\\
Lifepath: Hunter for Hire\\
Skills:\\
Tracking\\
Trapping\\
Archery\\
Distinctions:\\
Lone Wanderer\\
Occasional partner with a Trapper\\
Gear:\\
Hunting Bow\\
Skinning Knife\\
Snare Kit\\

==== Court Scribe ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence, Charisma\\
Lifepath: Court Scribe\\
Skills:\\
Scribing\\
Language Fluency\\
Archival Knowledge\\
Distinctions:\\
Attentive Recorder\\
Trusted by an Archivist\\
Gear:\\
Ink Set\\
Fine Quill\\
Scroll Case\\

==== Town Farmer ====

Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Lifepath: Town Farmer\\
Skills:\\
Crop Care\\
Animal Tending\\
Simple Toolcraft\\
Distinctions:\\
Early Riser\\
Lifelong neighbor of a fellow farmer\\
Gear:\\
Hoe\\
Watering Bucket\\
Work Gloves\\

==== Traveling Performer ====

Stat Focus: Charisma, Agility\\
Lifepath: Traveling Performer\\
Skills:\\
Performance\\
Costume Maintenance\\
Street Work\\
Distinctions:\\
Showmanship Flair\\
Part of a troupe \\
Gear:\\
Performance Outfit\\
Small Instrument\\
Troupe Tokens\\

==== Mercenary Soldier ====

Stat Focus: Strength, Agility\\
Lifepath: Mercenary Soldier\\
Skills:\\
Weapon Drills\\
Formation Fighting\\
Survival on Campaign\\
Distinctions:\\
Hardened Fighter\\
Loyal to a unit commander\\
Gear:\\
Longsword or Spear\\
Light Armor\\
Bedroll\\

==== Village Priest ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence, Charisma\\
Lifepath: Village Priest\\
Skills:\\
Sermon Craft\\
Counseling\\
Sacred Rituals\\
Distinctions:\\
Compassionate\\
Supported by a fellow cleric\\
Gear:\\
Holy Symbol\\
Ritual Robes\\
Prayer Book\\

==== Gravedigger ====

Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Lifepath: Gravedigger\\
Skills:\\
Earth Handling\\
Burial Rites\\
Night Vigilance\\
Distinctions:\\
Unflinching\\
Acquainted with an Undertaker\\
Gear:\\
Shovel\\
Lantern\\
Graveyard Keys\\

==== Street Urchin Survivor ====

Stat Focus: Agility, Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Street Urchin Survivor\\
Skills:\\
Scavenging\\
Street Navigation\\
Evasion\\
Distinctions:\\
Sharp-Eyed Opportunist\\
Lifelong bond with another orphan\\
Gear:\\
Concealed Pouch\\
Worn Cloak\\

==== Barkeep ====

Stat Focus: Charisma, Endurance\\
Lifepath: Barkeep\\
Skills:\\
Drink Mixing\\
Crowd Reading\\
Conflict Diffusion\\
Distinctions:\\
Knows Everyone’s Story\\
Coworker with Serving Maid\\
Gear:\\
Tankard Set
Polished Bar Rag\\\\

==== Miner ====

Stat Focus: Strength, Endurance\\
Lifepath: Miner\\
Skills:\\
Ore Identification\\
Tunnel Safety\\
Pick Use\\
Distinctions:\\
Stubborn Grit\\
Partnered with a Foreman\\
Gear:\\
Mining Pick\\
Helmet with Candle\\
Reinforced Boots\\

==== Chandler (Candle Maker) ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence, Agility\\
Lifepath: Chandler\\
Skills:\\
Wax Crafting\\
Scent Balancing\\
Mold Use\\
Distinctions:\\
Steady Hands\\
Friendship with Beekeeper\\
Gear:\\
Wax Pot\\
Candle Molds\\

==== Bookseller ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence, Charisma\\
Lifepath: Bookseller\\
Skills:\\
Book Appraisal\\
Customer Rapport\\
Literary Knowledge\\
Distinctions:\\
Well-Read\\
Friendly ties to a scholar\\
Gear:\\
Ledger Book\\
Parcel Twine\\

==== Stablehand ====

Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Lifepath: Stablehand\\
Skills:
Animal Care
Tack Maintenance
Grooming
Distinctions:
Gentle Touch
Trusted by stable-master
Gear:
Grooming Brushes
Feed Pouch

==== Fletcher (Arrow Maker) ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence, Agility\\
Lifepath: Fletcher\\
Skills:\\
Arrow Crafting\\
Archery\\
Wood Selection\\
Distinctions:\\
Patient Artisan\\
Works closely with Bowyer\\
Gear:\\
Feather Kit\\
Small Knife\\
Wood Strips\\

===== Project Backgrounds =====

Sometimes a character will have spent a lot of time on one particularly long and possibly arduous project, something from which they learned a lot, perhaps in their spare time, or at other times part of an occupation or the like. 

==== Restoring a Ruined Homestead ====

Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Lifepath: Homestead Restoration\\
Skills:\\
Masonry\\
Repair Work\\
Land Management\\
Distinctions:\\
Persistent\\
Attachment to “The Old Place”\\
Gear:\\
Reinforced Work Tools\\
A small, deeded homestead\\

==== Writing a Great Chronicle ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Chronicle Composition\\
Skills:\\
Research\\
Scribing\\
Historical Inquiry\\
Distinctions:\\
Meticulous\\
Deep Knowledge of a Specific Era\\
Gear:\\
Completed Chronicle Manuscript\\
Fine Writing Set\\

==== Founding a Small Merchant Business ====

Stat Focus: Charisma\\
Lifepath: Merchant Venture\\
Skills:\\
Negotiation\\
Appraisal\\
Basic Accounting\\
Distinctions:\\
Entrepreneurial\\
Merchant Contacts\\
Gear:\\
Ledger Book\\
Modest Trade Inventory\\

==== Breeding a New Line of Animals ====

Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Lifepath: Animal Breeding Project\\
Skills:\\
Animal Husbandry\\
Observation\\
Animal Assessment\\
Distinctions:\\
Patient Caregiver\\
Trust from the Herd\\
Gear:\\
A Well-Trained Animal\\
Breeding Records\\

==== Constructing a Personal Workshop ====

Stat Focus: Strength\\
Lifepath: Workshop Construction\\
Skills:\\
Carpentry\\
Basic Engineering\\
Tool Use\\
Distinctions:\\
Hands-On Problem Solver\\
Pride of Craft\\
Gear:\\
Fully Stocked Workshop\\
Master Tools\\

==== Mapping an Uncharted Region ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Cartographic Expedition\\
Skills:\\
Surveying\\
Terrain Assessment\\
Navigation\\
Distinctions:\\
Observant\\
Worldly Traveler\\
Gear:\\
Detailed Map Set\\
Compass & Measuring Rod\\

==== Composing a Musical Anthology ====

Stat Focus: Charisma\\
Lifepath: Songwriting Season\\
Skills:\\
Musical Composition\\
Performance\\
Artistic Expression\\
Distinctions:\\
Inspired\\
Emotionally Resonant\\
Gear:\\
Collection of Original Songs\\
Fine Instrument\\

==== Building a Community Garden ====

Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Lifepath: Community Garden Stewardship\\
Skills:\\
Horticulture\\
Soil Management\\
Irrigation Planning\\
Distinctions:\\
Community-Minded\\
Gentle Patience\\
Gear:\\
Farming Tools\\
A Seed Bank\\

==== Studying an Ancient Artifact ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Artifact Examination\\
Skills:\\
Lore Analysis\\
Object Handling\\
Deductive Reasoning\\
Distinctions:\\
Curious\\
Occult Sensitivity (mild)\\
Gear:\\
The (Now Understood) Artifact\\
Research Notes\\

==== Leading a Long Pilgrimage ====

Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Lifepath: Pilgrimage Leadership\\
Skills:\\
Route Planning\\
Knowledge of the Route\\
Spiritual Insight\\
Distinctions: \\
Resilient\\
Trusted by Pilgrims\\
Gear:\\
Pilgrim’s Staff\\
Blessing Tokens\\

==== Creating a Masterwork Sculpture ====

Stat Focus: Strength\\
Lifepath: Masterwork Sculpture\\
Skills: \\
Stone Shaping\\
Detail Carving\\
Artistic Evaluation\\
Distinctions:\\
Visionary\\
Perfectionist\\
Gear:\\
The Masterwork Sculpture\\
Artisan Chisels\\

==== Operating a Traveling Theater Troupe ====

Stat Focus: Charisma\\
Lifepath: Traveling Troupe Leadership\\
Skills:\\
Stagecraft\\
Budgeting\\
Performance Direction\\
Distinctions:\\
Dramatic Flare\\
Network of Entertainers\\
Gear:\\
Portable Stage Props\\
Troupe Ledger\\

==== Restoring a Forgotten Temple ====

Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Lifepath: Temple Restoration\\
Skills:\\
Cleaning & Preservation\\
Ritual Setup\\
Architectural Repair\\
Distinctions:\\
Reverent\\
Spiritually Touched\\
Gear:\\
Restored Holy Symbol\\
Ritual Implements\\

==== Forging a Custom Weapon ====

Stat Focus: Strength\\
Lifepath: Weapon Craft Project\\
Skills:\\
Forging\\
Balance Tuning\\
Material Selection\\
Distinctions:\\
Engineering Mindset\\
Pride in Craft\\
Gear:\\
The Custom Weapon\\
Forge Tools\\

==== Running a Charity Effort ====

Stat Focus: Charisma\\
Lifepath: Charity Organizer\\
Skills:\\
Organization\\
Community Outreach\\
Resource Allocation\\
Distinctions:\\
Compassionate\\
Community Contacts\\
Gear:\\
Donation Records\\

==== Conducting a Magical Experiment ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Magical Experimentation\\
Skills:\\
Arcane Analysis\\
Controlled Testing\\
Error Correction\\
Distinctions:\\
Relationship to Assistant\\
Slightly Warped by Magic\\
Gear:\\
Experimental Notes\\
Minor Arcane Debris\\

==== Training a Wild Beast ====

Stat Focus: Strength\\
Lifepath: Beast Taming Project\\
Skills:\\
Animal Handling\\
Conditioning\\
Safety Awareness\\
Distinctions:\\
Fearless\\
Intuitive Rapport with Animals\\
Gear:\\
Trained Beast\\
Handling Gear\\

==== Researching a Genealogy or Lineage ====

Stat Focus: Intelligence\\
Lifepath: Ancestral Research\\
Skills:\\
Record Searching\\
Heraldry\\
Documentation\\
Distinctions:\\
Pedantic\\
Keeper of Family Secrets\\
Gear:\\
Bound Genealogical Dossier\\
Seals & Records\\

==== Surviving a Year Alone in the Wilds ====

Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Lifepath: Wilderness Solitude\\
Skills:\\
Shelter Building\\
Fire-Making\\
Foraging\\
Distinctions:\\
Lone Wolf\\
Survivor’s Resolve\\
Gear:\\
Handmade Tools\\
Rugged Cloak\\

==== Creating a Book of Local Legends ====

Stat Focus: Charisma\\
Lifepath: Local Legends Compilation\\
Skills:\\
Story Gathering\\
Oral Tradition\\
Editing & Scribing\\
Distinctions:\\
Friendly Interviewer\\
Knows Regional Myths Well\\
Gear:\\
Book of Legends\\
Storyteller’s Satchel\\

===== Life Event Backgrounds =====

Often interesting characters will have had some sort of event that changed their lives in a significant way in a very short amount of time. Note that these are not usually transitions into a culture, occupation, or project, those events should be embodied in those backgrounds themselves; Life Events are things that happen on top of, and not directly related to, those other backgrounds.

==== Survived a Devastating Fire ====

Possible Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Skills:\\
Basic Fire Avoidance Instinct\\
Distinctions:\\
Scarred Survivor\\
Heightened Startle Response\\
Gear:\\
Charred Keepsake\\

==== Witnessed a Miracle ====

Distinctions:\\
Awe-Struck\\
Unshakeable Faith\\
Gear:\\
Token of the Miracle\\

==== Lost a Loved One ====

Distinctions:\\
Grief-Hardened\\
Emotional Depth\\
Gear:\\
The Loved One’s Memento\\

==== Inherited an Heirloom Weapon ====

Distinctions:\\
Keeper of Tradition\\
Family Obligation\\
Gear:\\
Heirloom Weapon \\

==== Escaped Imprisonment ====

Possible Stat Focus: Agility\\
 Skills:\\
Evasion Basics\\
Distinctions:\\
Resourceful Under Pressure\\
Distrust of Authorities\\
Gear:\\
Stolen Lockpick or Makeshift Tool\\

==== Survived a Near-Death Illness ====

Possible Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Distinctions:\\
Hard-Won Vitality\\
Newfound Appreciation for Life\\
Gear:\\
Healing Charm or Talisman\\

==== Professed a Vow ====

Distinctions:\\
Oathbound\\
Self-Restrained\\
Gear:\\
Symbol of the Vow (ring, cord, pendant)\\

==== Romantic Entanglement ====

Distinctions:\\
Heart-Touched\\
Complicated Past\\
Relationship with Subject of the Romance\\
Gear:\\
Love Token (ribbon, letter, charm)\\

==== Caught in a Magical Mishap ====

Skills:\\
Arcane Recognition (very basic)\\
Distinctions:\\
Touched by Wild Magic\\
Occasional Flicker of Oddness\\
Gear:\\
Strange Residual Trinket\\

==== Saved Another Person’s Life ====

Distinctions:\\
Heroic Impulse\\
Owed a Life Debt (from the rescued)\\
Gear:\\
Gratitude Gift\\

==== Accidentally Killed Someone ====

Distinctions:\\
Haunted\\
Hyper-Cautious\\
Gear:\\
Object Associated with the Incident\\

==== Struck a Bargain with a Fey ====

Distinctions:\\
Fey-Touched\\
Uncertain Fate\\
Gear:\\
Fey Gift (small, subtle, potent)\\

==== Received a Sudden Windfall ====

Distinctions:\\
Sudden Prosperity\\
Distrust of Opportunists\\
Gear:\\
Purse of Coins or Valuable Item\\

==== Attacked by Bandits ====

Skills:\\
Basic Defensive Instinct\\
Distinctions:\\
Alert Traveler\\
Wariness of Strangers\\
Gear:\\
Stolen Bandit Knife or Trophy\\

==== Participated in a Secret Rite ====

Skills:\\
Ritual Gesture (minor)\\
Distinctions:\\
Initiated\\
Holds Forbidden Knowledge\\
Gear:\\
Ritual Token\\

==== Was Publicly Humiliated ====

Distinctions:\\
Thick-Skinned\\
Reluctant to Trust Crowds\\
Gear:\\
Remnant of the Event (broken mask, shredded garb, etc.)\\

==== Discovered a Hidden Truth ====

Skills:\\
Pattern Recognition\\
Distinctions:\\
Quietly Enlightened\\
Cannot Ignore Injustice or Lies\\
Gear:\\
Secret Correspondence or Document\\

==== Had a Vision or Prophetic Dream ====

Skills:\\
Dream Interpretation (basic)\\
Distinctions:\\
Vision-Marked\\
Fate Sensitive\\
Gear:\\
Dream Symbol (illustration, charm, rune-drawing)\\

==== Witnessed a Great Beast ====

Distinctions:\\
Awe of Nature\\
Steeled Nerves\\
Gear:\\
Trophy Feather, Scale, or Claw\\

==== Survived a Natural Disaster ====

Possible Stat Focus: Constitution\\
Skills: (none)\\
Distinctions:\\
Tenacious Survivor\\
Hyper-Aware of Environmental Danger\\
Gear:\\
Salvaged Tool or Keepsake\\

==== Transformed by Magic ====

Possible Stat Focus: Constitution\\
 Skills: (none)\\
 Distinctions:\\
Altered Physiology\\
Unpredictable Aura\\
Gear:\\
Fragment of the Transforming Spell (scroll piece, rune shard, vial of essence)\\

==== Marked by a Cult ====

Distinctions:\\
Branded or Mystically Touched\\
Feared or Watched by the Cult\\
Gear:\\
Cult Token (amulet, marking tool, scrap of scripture)\\

==== Fought in a Battle ====

Possible Stat Focus: Strength\\
Skills:\\
Basic Battlefield Awareness\\
Distinctions:\\
Hardened by Violence\\
Survivor’s Resolve\\
Gear:\\
Broken Weapon or Battlefield Trophy\\

==== Stumbled Upon an Artifact ====

Distinctions:\\
Artifact Awareness\\
Irresistible Curiosity\\
Gear:\\
The Artifact (mysterious, dormant, or minorly active)\\

==== Met Someone Famous ====

Distinctions:\\
Inspired or Disillusioned\\
Knows a Notable Secret or Insight\\
Relationship with Famous Person\\
Gear:\\
Signed Token, Inscribed Object, or Small Gift\\

==== Promoted to Higher Noble Rank ====

Distinctions:\\
Elevated Status\\
New Responsibilities\\
Gear:\\
Insignia of Rank\\

==== Saved from Death by a Stranger ====

Distinctions:\\
Grateful Heart\\
Drives to Repay the Debt\\
Gear:\\
Token from the Rescuer\\

==== Betrayed by a Trusted Friend ====

Distinctions:\\
Wounded Trust\\
Carefully Guarded Heart\\
Relationship to Friend\\
Gear:\\
The Last Gift or Letter from the Betrayer\\

==== Received a Prophetic Warning ====

Distinctions:\\
Fate-Conscious\\
Hypervigilant\\
Gear:\\
The Oracle’s Token or Transcript\\
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