(Based off the Monastic Traveller Background, changed for my own needs.)
You have spent your life in the service of a Monastic order that is not tied to any one area or temple. You and your order travel the land, performing rites and offering blessings or simple aid to those who need it, often for the less fortunate, in exchange for small donations, or a hot meal.
Work with your DM to detail the nature of your order. Is it a well known order that people recognise far and wide, or is it a small and unknown group still making a name for itself? Perhaps you travel in a group or caravan, or maybe you travel alone, trusting in the charity of others and your own skills to see you safely to your next destination.
- Skill Proficiencies: Religion, Survival
- Tool Proficiencies:
One type of artisan's tools, or a tool kit of your choice.
- Languages:
Two languages of your choice.
- Equipment:
A set of artisan's tools or a tool kit of your choice, a monastic implement (prayer beads, necklace, prayer wheel, scroll of blessings, ring staff, etc), traveller’s clothes, religious vestments, 5 sticks of incense, a small alms box made of wood or stiffened leather, and a pouch with 10 GP.
While in the area where your order is well known or where you have been giving aid, people will tend to be helpful and friendly to you. Some people may choose to provide charity in the form of small donations (a copper coin), food, or offering the spare space in their house or stable as shelter for the night.
Suggested Characteristics
Travelling monks often find it easier to open up around strangers, and don’t mind fraternizing with the locals. They understand that they must sometimes go into dangerous or unsavoury places in order to help those most in need.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | The roads are open to me, I follow my feet and enjoy the journey that they take. |
| 2 | Like the gale winds I am direct and fierce, always respectful of those who respect others, but as the winds change I also provoke through sarcasm and jokes. |
| 3 | I am a peaceful forest lake. I am serene with my thoughts and my tranquility overflows unto those around me. |
| 4 | I strive for a better me tomorrow, always improving both physically and spiritually through hard work. |
| 5 | I am one with myself. I strive for balance in all things. I work hard but play just as hard. |
| 6 | I am shattered. Something has happened that has shaken my beliefs and I will not find peace until I can face what has happened. |
| 7 | I have never found a problem that a good boot to the head could not cure. |
| 8 | I am only an extension of my order, and only seek the adventures travelling on its behalf brings because the spiritual guidance elude me still... |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Comradeship. I never feel alone as long as I know others of my order are out there. (Any) |
| 2 | Pacifist. My skills are only to be used for defense. I will not kill my opponent unless it is unavoidable. (Good) |
| 3 | Respect. I will advocate against any sighted injustice, especially those that disrespect the core beliefs of my order (Lawful) |
| 4 | Power. All this training and meditation is just a means to an end. (Evil) |
| 5 | Unchained. I am a free spirit, roaming the land and bringing change. (Chaotic) |
| 6 | Meditation. In order to understand the world, I must first understand myself. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have a duty to my order and will stand with them in all things. |
| 2 | I have received enlightenment but the world is still in darkness. I must bring enlightenment to others. |
| 3 | My mentor was a fallen monk, who's ideals have twisted my outlook on life. |
| 4 | My mentor was struck down protecting me from a powerful foe, I seek to defeat this foe with my own two hands. |
| 5 | I strive to bring balance to the land. |
| 6 | I love my brothers but I can not help but wonder who my parents were or why they left me with the monks... |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am unable to fully follow my masters teachings, and refuse to hold still in the presence of injustice, provocation or disrespect towards me or others. |
| 2 | am extremely uncomfortable around people I am attracted to, and find myself stammering, blushing, and losing all my composure. |
| 3 | I panic in large cities and usually try to avoid them. |
| 4 | I have no respect for those who do not respect themselves. |
| 5 | I left my order after a bad argument with my master. I am NEVER going back. |
| 6 | My way of peace and meditation is the only way. Those who travel with me must meditate with me at least once a day or I will refuse to help. |
Comments