Assembled in hidden laboratories or manufactured en masse for a conquerors armies, whether under the watchful gaze of a wide-eyed inventor or a brutal taskmaster, from bucket of inert scraps to mechanical masterpiece, all constructs share the same basic beginning.
Many constructs are made and function knowing only task after task assigned to them, simply dumb objects that move of their own accord, directed like a tool in their masters hand. But you are different.
Whether by mistake or design, you made the great crossover from animate object to true sentience, developing personality, hopes, dreams, and the joys of being alive.
But who are you? What does it mean to be a sentient machine? What does it mean to your creator? Did you earn your freedom to make your way in the world, or did you escape the yoke of a cruel master? Were you intended to be a tool, but now seek purpose beyond the workshop?
- Skill Proficiencies: Machines are often as diverse as the tasks they are designed for. Think about what your creator designed you for, choosing any one skill.
- Tool Proficiencies: What were your duties around the shop? Were you an alchemists assistant? A blacksmiths helper? Did you help run a bar or card house?
Choose any one tool set or game set. If what you want for your character doesn't involve a tool set, such as a simple wanderer, choose another skill proficiency instead.
- Languages: If you remember your creator, you may remember the languages they spoke in, whether they were polite requests or simply barked commands. You know the languages of your creator ( any one) or gradually picked one up from the lands you travelled.
- Equipment: Walking stick (quarterstaff)
Tool or game set, if any
Pouch with 25 gold pieces
Mementoes of your creator (a map, a favorite tool, a project you made together).
You know what it is like to search for a purpose, and know intimately the nature of construct intelligence. Yours is a face other constructs find easy to speak to, and hidden personalities can find themselves coaxed into the open. No matter the construct, if they have even a glimmer of sentience, they see you and accept you as one of their own.
People who share your search for meaning might be drawn to you, taking fellowship in a kindred spirit.
Suggested Characteristics
Members of this background are sentient constructs, perfect for the Warforged race (Ebberon).
This background type is defined by a purpose-built individual searching for meaning or the fulfillment of a specific goal. Such individuals leave their creators to seek these things or go searching for their creators instead.
Sometimes these constructs go out on a quest of vengeance to avenge a wrong they or someone they cared about suffered.
Contacts
The Created often awaken knowing their builders or come to know people related to them, be they family, friends, or research partners. If such a creature was built and subsequently sold or given away, the construct will come to know its owner as well.
The Created also are familiar with other constructs of their masters creation.
From the moment you first awakened, your life has been one of constant back-breaking work under the lash of a taskmaster who valued only as far as another object at his disposal. The years of ill treatment have left their mark on you, instilling you with an unquenchable thirst for vengeance.
Somewhere along the line, you broke your chain and escaped the clutches of your master. But you are not content to just be free. You want more than anything to see repayment done for your suffering. No matter the distance, no matter the time it takes, you will have your due.
Every quarry leaves a trail. You are accustomed to plowing highs and lows searching for the ones who mistreated you. No matter how dark or dirty the places you travel, you easily adapt to scour every hole and hovel for even the barest scrap of a path. Your purposeful stride and fierce determination are visible to those who see you. They stay out of your way and avoid your displeasure, for fear of being your next target. Assassins and spies are quick to offer you their services, especially those who share your pain.
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