As an elder, you have seen seasons upon seasons within the same village come and go, seen times of famine and plenty, conflict and peace, and weathered it all while many others have died or moved on. Whether by virtue of heroic deeds past, or merely your seniority to other community members, you have gained your village's respect. As a result, you are often sought out for advice, to recall lessons and stories of the past, to mediate domestic disputes, and educate the young. Maybe you've been struck by newfound wanderlust. Maybe you have risen to the mantle of adventurer out of your community's great need. Or perhaps your long-buried past has finally caught up with you.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose one from Arcana, History, Nature, Religion, and Medicine. Choose another from Insight, Intimidation, and Persuasion.
- Tool Proficiencies: Choose one type of artisan's tool, and one instrument or gaming set.
- Languages: Choose one language.
- Equipment: A walking stick, cane or staff; a family heirloom; a set of commoner's clothes; a set of tools from your hobby or previous trade (same as chosen proficiency); a gaming set or instrument (same as chosen proficiency); and a coin purse containing 10gp.
Your body wasn't what it once was. Choose or roll on the below table for a physical impairment for your elderly adventurer.
| d6 | Ravages of Time |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hard of hearing - you have disadvantage on perception checks related to hearing. |
| 2 | Ghosts of the past - during stressful situations (you may decide the specific context), the DM may ask you to roll a Wisdom Saving throw (DC13). Upon a failure you are overcome with painful memories and are incapacitated for one round. |
| 3 | Tremors - your hands shake ever so slightly. You have disadvantage on sleight of hand checks. |
| 4 | Fuzzy on the details - your short-term memory is sketchy and you struggle to remember names and faces of people you've met in the last 7 days. You have disadvantage on charisma checks with these people. |
| 5 | Out of puff - your stamina ain't what it used to be and your DM may require you to roll constitution saving throws for exhaustion at disadvantage. |
| 6 | On your arse - when prone, it takes half your speed plus an additional 5ft of movement to stand again. |
You have a very familiar and trustworthy face, and you exude an aura of experience and wisdom that many common folk immediately respect. Such people treat you differentially, and will readily offer you food and lodgings in exchange for advice or assistance with some community dispute. Some may even assist you to hide from the law or enemies as long as they aren't placing themselves in danger. Shopkeepers may also offer you a senior's discount on goods and services. However, other not so good-hearted folk may try to take advantage of your perceived senility, attempting to defraud or manipulate you.
Suggested Characteristics
Whether intentionally or not, the village elder has spent very little time outside their village. This may manifest in a sense of being 'out-of-touch' with the wider world, or perhaps a thirst for the novel and exciting.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | You're only as old as you act! |
| 2 | I used to care too much about what others thought. Not anymore. |
| 3 | I judge people by their actions, not their words. |
| 4 | Respect should be earnt not given. |
| 5 | I cannot help but go out of my way comfort other people. |
| 6 | I am an excellent listener, but I will not suffer fools. |
| 7 | Food is my love language. |
| 8 | I will attempt to tell you my life story at the drop of a hat. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Austerity. I am very frugal with my money and count every penny. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Redemption. Everyone deserves a second chance. (Good) |
| 3 | Fame. I've been overlooked for too long, and its time I got the recognition I deserve. (Neutral) |
| 4 | Tradition. The status quo exists for a reason. (Lawful) |
| 5 | Nihilism. Death is inevitable and there is no meaning other than the one we make. (Chaotic) |
| 6 | Knowledge. I must pass on my experience to the younger generations, lest they repeat my mistakes. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have have seen all my friends and family die. I am alone. |
| 2 | I am the leader of my community, and would do anything to secure their future. |
| 3 | My student gives me hope for the next generation. |
| 4 | The love of my life and I were separated years ago. I would give anything to tell them how I really feel. |
| 5 | While I love my family, I have been itching for the day when I can do something for myself. |
| 6 | I wronged someone a long time ago and I must make amends before I die. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | No one knows better than me. No one. |
| 2 | In my youth made a terrible mistake that has haunted me ever since. |
| 3 | I dislike change. The world was better the way it was when I was young. |
| 4 | I cannot help but insert myself into other people's business. |
| 5 | I refuse to acknowledge the physical limitations of my age. |
| 6 | Folks who are different to me make me nervous. |
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