You grew up in the rural parts of your homeland, far from the comforts of cities and technology. You’re likely one of the youngest of your immediate family, and you're mostly left to your own devices as you tend the family's herds. You adapted to the solitude of being the only thinking creature for miles in any direction by singing and practicing music for the herds. The remote, barely tamed grasslands and hills resonate in your soul, and one or more supernatural entities have taken notice of your purity of heart and beautiful voice. They have chosen you for greatness, and time will tell if you live up to their expectations.
- Skill Proficiencies: Performance, Animal Handling
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of musical instrument
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A musical instrument of your choice; a sling and sling bullets; one favorite pet sheep, goat, mule, or pig of your choice (other animals no more than CR 1/8 available at DM's discretion); a set of traveler’s clothes; and a pouch containing 10 gp
You’ve attracted the attention of some sort of supernatural or divine entity through the purity of your heart and the song on your tongue. Consider what kind of entity has taken an interest in you, and how that might have affected your journey so far. You can roll on the following table to determine the type of entity who has taken notice, or choose one that best fits your character.
These supernatural patrons loosely correspond to warlock patrons, but they are by no means a restriction on class. That said, should you wish to multiclass into or out of the warlock class, you may do so whether or not you meet the usual Charisma 13 requirement for multiclassed warlocks.
| d6 | Supernatural Impression |
|---|---|
| 1 | An Archfey or similarly powerful nature spirit |
| 2 | A Celestial or a deity |
| 3 | A powerful Fiend, Undead, or other evil entity intent on corrupting you |
| 4 | A Genie or other powerful elemental entity |
| 5 | A mysterious relic or weapon you found (The Hexblade) |
| 6 | A supernaturally powerful mortal patron (Any) |
Whenever you wish to calm or soothe one or more animals, you may use your music to aid the attempt, making a performance check to gain advantage on your next animal handling check. In addition, you have an excellent awareness of local terrain, and can generally locate nearby water sources, grazing meadows, and shelters with ease. You can find fresh water and sheltered camp locations for yourself and up to five other people each day, provided that the land offers such things at all.
Suggested Characteristics
Often considered naive and rustic among civilized folk, fated shepherds often have little respect for the niceties of life in the cities. The ties of tribe, clan, family, and their herds are the most important bonds to most fated shepherds.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’m driven by a wanderlust that led me away from home. |
| 2 | I watch over my friends as if they were a litter of newborn pups. |
| 3 | I once ran twenty-five miles without stopping to warn to my clan of an approaching orc horde. I’d do it again if I had to. |
| 4 | I have a lesson for every situation, drawn from observing nature. |
| 5 | I place no stock in wealthy or well-mannered folk. Money and manners won’t save you from a hungry owlbear. |
| 6 | I’m always picking things up, absently fiddling with them, and sometimes accidentally breaking them. |
| 7 | I feel far more comfortable around animals than people. |
| 8 | I was, in fact, raised by wolves. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Change. Life is like the seasons, in constant change, and we must change with it. (Chaotic) |
| 2 | Greater Good. It is each person’s responsibility to make the most happiness for the whole tribe. (Good) |
| 3 | Honor. If I dishonor myself, I dishonor my whole clan. (Lawful) |
| 4 | Might. The strongest are meant to rule. (Evil) |
| 5 | Nature. The natural world is more important than all the constructs of civilization. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Glory. I must earn glory in battle, for myself and my clan. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My family, clan, or tribe is the most important thing in my life, even when they are far from me. |
| 2 | An injury to the unspoiled wilderness of my home is an injury to me. |
| 3 | I will bring terrible wrath down on the evildoers who destroyed my homeland. |
| 4 | I am the last of my tribe, and it is up to me to ensure their names enter legend. |
| 5 | I suffer awful visions of a coming disaster and will do anything to prevent it. |
| 6 | It is my duty to provide children to sustain my tribe. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am too enamored of ale, wine, and other intoxicants. |
| 2 | There’s no room for caution in a life lived to the fullest. |
| 3 | I remember every insult I’ve received and nurse a silent resentment toward anyone who’s ever wronged me. |
| 4 | I am slow to trust members of other races, tribes, and societies. |
| 5 | Violence is my answer to almost any challenge. |
| 6 | Don’t expect me to save those who can’t save themselves. It is nature’s way that the strong thrive and the weak perish. |
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