Breaking free from Mindflayers invoked many Githzerai with a great wanderlust, to see beyond the world they knew and make full use of the new freedoms given to them. Knowing the pain of servitude your mind still holds those scarred memories, but you continue ever forward with the tools to shape your own destiny.
You never stayed still in any one place for too long, the fear of springing roots and become docile in a single location is never far from the back of your mind. New sights, sounds and people are the air that breathes new life into your lungs and making your trades as a nomad, adventurer, recluse or merchant you are never too far from the same door you came in through.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among Athletics, Deception, Insight, or Survival
- Languages: Choose two, common tongues picked up from your travels. (Dwarvish, Elvish, Giant, Gnomish, Goblin, Halfling, Orc)
- Equipment: A explorer's pack, one trinket of special significance (choose one or roll on the Gothic Trinkets table after this background). Also gain a set of set of common clothes and 1 sp.
Prior to becoming an adventurer, you were a captive to mindflayer overseers, robbed of self and forced into servitude of which seemed to be unending. You are committed to moving forward and escaping that dark past
your path in life was defined by one dark moment, one fateful decision, or one tragedy. Now you feel darkness threatening to consume you, and you fear there may be no hope of escape. Choose a harrowing event that haunts you, or roll one on the Harrowing Events table.
| d10 | Don't Look Back |
|---|---|
| 1 | You lost your family in the escape, you cannot forget how they perished so you could live. |
| 2 | Your dearest friend took a hit that was meant for you, their face is etched into your memory. |
| 3 | During the escape you were victim to a psiionic scream from a dying Mind flayer and the sound has stuck with you. |
| 4 | You sustained a devastating attack during your escape from captivity that though treated and healed still holds a mental scar. |
| 5 | You escaped, but your sibling didn't and remains in captivity in the Underdark. |
| 6 | The last image you have of your prison was of a Brainstealer Dragon crying out, which you cannot shake. |
| 7 | When the Elder Brain died, you barely escaped a cavern collapse. |
| 8 | During your servitude you were subjected to a swarm of nerve swimmers intent to break you. Sometimes you still feel them. |
| 9 | Your freedom was snatched away once when the rescue attempt failed, and you were brought back into the Mind Flayer's control. Free at last you still worry how much time you truly have. |
| 10 | You do not remember any of your life before passing into the light. Your body remembers aches and your mind still holds scars but none of their origins are known to you, and you do not remember who you were before. |
After a short examination people can understand you have come from a harsh and unforgiving life. Most will not willingly approach you, but in their caution also comes a quiet respect, for your survival is a testament to your resilience and willpower.
Suggested Characteristics
You are scarred by your past, it will affect your future relationships. You are determined to move on from your past, you are a survivor and make the most of your freedom.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am quick to spend money, lavish the moment and forget the past. |
| 2 | This world is beautiful and I stop to soak in the scenary of every new location. |
| 3 | Freedom is a gift and hedonism is my celebration. |
| 4 | Adrenaline fuels my actions |
| 5 | My dark past is a wealth of experience I utilize in my waking moments. |
| 6 | I am suspicious of people, everybody has an ulterior motive or plan. |
| 7 | I cannot abide slavery, freedom belongs to all. |
| 8 | Nobody has been dealt a worse hand by destiny than my kin, and I am sure to remind people of that. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | I cannot bear to see people suffer if I am able to help (Good) |
| 2 | I'll work to rid myself of these fears. (Any) |
| 3 | Nobody should have to face the evils I faced (Good) |
| 4 | I use the awful things I've experienced to excuse my actions (Chaotic) |
| 5 | I assess the situation carefully and will not be caught unawares. (Lawful) |
| 6 | I have decades of darkness and pain behind me and will take what is owed to me from this rotten world (Evil) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I carry an artifact of my homeland. |
| 2 | An innocent life is beautiful and I will fight to preserve it. |
| 3 | My sibling remains under the control of my old masters, I will save them someday. |
| 4 | I ran afoul of a Githyanki/Githzerai who swore a vendetta against my name. |
| 5 | For a brief time I tried to settle, but fear drove me away, I have a family out in the world I miss. |
| 6 | I traveled with a group of my kin, we seperated long ago but try to keep in touch. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I can never be alone for too long else I feel as though I am exposed prey. |
| 2 | My trust is hard won and easy to lose. |
| 3 | I flinch to people's touch, I cannot abide physical contact. |
| 4 | I suffer from frequent night terrors of my dreaded past. |
| 5 | Destiny is cruel and unforgiving and I believe it's hopeless to fight it. |
| 6 | Sometimes when I close my eyes I still believe I am trapped in the Underdark |
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