*Originally created by redditor ezfi, taken from the "Backgrounds Omnibus" edited by redditor zeek0*
You are destined for something greater - at least, that is what everyone says. You were raised under the assumption that you were fated to fulfill some ancient prophecy. The pressure to meet the impossible expectations set upon you is immense.
- Skill Proficiencies: History, Religion
- Languages: Two exotic languages of your choice
- Equipment: A set of common clothes, a copy of the prophecy you are named to fulfill, a talisman from the god or other being that chose you, a journal, and a pouch containing 15gp
It has been determined that you are the fulfillment of a prophecy. Discuss the contents of the prophecy with your DM, how it might play into your campaign, if it's true, and what your character thinks of their mission, or roll on the table below.
*Note: the original table required two d6 rolls, but DnDBeyond doesn't allow for multiple background tables. The prophecy table should complete the sentence "I will ______ using ______", where options 1-6 fill the first blank and options 7-12 fill the second.
| d12 | Predestiny |
|---|---|
| 1 | Save the world from a dark, evil force... |
| 2 | End a major war or other ongoing conflict... |
| 3 | Free an oppressed people and raise them to their former glory... |
| 4 | Bring spiritual salvation... |
| 5 | Cause the end of the world... |
| 6 | The prophecy doesn't mention what I'll do. |
| 7 | ...my cunning, skill, and determination. |
| 8 | ...the power of some abstract virtue (i.e. love, honor, trust). |
| 9 | ...an ultimate power I'm only beginning to understand. |
| 10 | ...an unstoppable weapon only I can wield. |
| 11 | ...my own death. |
| 12 | The prophecy doesn't mention how I'll do it. |
You have an unusual physical feature that marks you as the chosen one, such as a strange birthmark, odd scar, or unnatural hair or eye color. It is in a visible place, noticeable by most people unless you cover it. People familiar with the prophecy recognize you immediately. If they believe in and support your quest, thy will be more willing to help you, as long as it doesn't put them in danger. They also might ask you to help them with their own problems using your supposed power. If they are against your quest, they will threat you with hostility and may even attack you outright.
Suggested Characteristics
The chosen reach adulthood with the weight of the world on their shoulders. Believing that they are destined for great things could bolster their confidence or plague them with doubts.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | As an important figure and potential role model, I must hold myself to high standards. |
| 2 | Destiny is on my side, why shouldn't I be optimistic? |
| 3 | My quest is serious. I have no time for revelry or games. |
| 4 | I carry myself with sureness and confidence, whether I feel that way or not. |
| 5 | They must have found the wrong person - I can't be the chosen one. |
| 6 | I've been practicing dramatic speeches in preparation for my final confrontation. |
| 7 | I feel responsible for the lives of everyone I meet. |
| 8 | I don't like people knowing I'm the chosen one. It's uncomfortable when they recognize me. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Destiny: I will do whatever is foretold, no matter how difficult. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Heroism: I must help the world at any cost to myself. (Good) |
| 3 | Fame: I am special, and I want everyone to know of my great deeds. (Any) |
| 4 | Free Will: To the hells with the prophecy; I do what I want. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Power: When I acquire the power I am destined to wield I will rule everything. (Evil) |
| 6 | Normalcy: I avoid my quest or seek to finish it because I wish to return to a normal life. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I do great things to bring honor to my family name. |
| 2 | I keep a copy of the prophecy close to me and study it most every night. |
| 3 | If I don't succeed my homeland will be doomed. |
| 4 | My teacher gave me everything to prepare me for my quest, and I will not let them down. |
| 5 | I am fated to meet my soulmate on my quest. I look forward to it. |
| 6 | I place my life in the hands of the god or other being who chose me. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | The good I will do in the future will outweigh any evil I do now. |
| 2 | The prophecy is very vague, and I don't really know what I'm doing. |
| 3 | If I'm fated to do this great thing, nothing can kill be before then! Right? |
| 4 | I care more about taking advantage of my reputation than living up to it. |
| 5 | I fear I am too much of a coward to do what I must do in the end. |
| 6 | My quest is far more important than any of the petty goals other people have. |
Comments