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