Design Note: Reports of My Death Were Greatly Exaggerated. This background was designed with immortal player characters in mind. Even exceedingly long-lived races like elves and gnomes are reasonable candidates for this background. Whether they begin play with some kind of boon of immortality or as an undead like a zombie or a vampire, or cursed with Life ala Deadpool. It shouldn't be game-breaking or spotlight-stealing in most campaign settings. However you should still ask your GM before using this background. Furthermore, the GM can and should take advantage of this background to kill the Immortal PC whenever possible.
Whatever your reasons, your character cannot stay dead. Whether through a blessing or a curse, some kind of interaction with an artifact, or just a big cosmic joke, your character cannot and will not die.
- Skill Proficiencies: Two of the following: History, Persuasion, Arcana, or Religion.
- Tool Proficiencies: One of your choice
- Languages: Two of your choice
- Equipment: A waterskin, a trinket related to your immortality, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp.
Your character has lived for generations. You've walked the worlds and have a small casting role in many family stories. Perhaps you carved your name on a stool that's been in a family owned tavern for decades, or maybe a someone in town knows a story that stars a person who looks remarkably like you, even if they don't know that person is you specifically, people are just more likely to trust you, and accept you. Furthermore, your learnedness means you know bits of trivia about old locations that may even have been lost to time.
Suggested Characteristics
Being immortal affects people in different ways. Some people love it and others hate it.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am blunt, and speak my mind with no regards to the feelings of others. |
| 2 | I am desensitized to life, and lack visible emotions. |
| 3 | I really loathe the idea of becoming close to anyone, only to watch them die. |
| 4 | With nothing to lose, I will live a life of excitement. |
| 5 | Nothing really scares of phases me. |
| 6 | I cannot lose my life but I'm terrified of losing anything else. |
| 7 | I am keeping a list of things I have left to do, it's not very long. |
| 8 | What does this button do? |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Inquisitive. I do whatever takes my fancy at that moment, without much thought. (Chaotic) |
| 2 | Protector. I have been upholding the law whenever possible, and I shall never stop. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Excitement. There's no reason to live forever if you aren't constantly doing new things! (Any) |
| 4 | Selflessness. I am immortal for a reason. I will sacrifice my life time and time again for the greater good. (Good) |
| 5 | Control. Clearly my immortality makes me better than everyone else. I deserve the world. (Evil) |
| 6 | Reclusiveness. Stay away from me, I don't want to get attached, just to watch you die! (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Higher Power bestowed immortality on me and I have devoted my life to enacting their will. |
| 2 | A Higher Power cursed me with immortality and I have devoted my life to disrupting their plans on the mortal plane. |
| 3 | I had a special bond with someone who died long ago and I still protect their descendants. |
| 4 | I keep a record of all things that have happened over my life, a collection that could otherwise be lost to time. |
| 5 | I've watched everyone I have ever cared about leave this world. And I'm still here. |
| 6 | I became immortal mostly on accident. Now I spend my days proving to the powers that be that I'm worthy of it. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have grown apathetic to conflict after seeing so much of it. |
| 2 | I don't form lasting attachments, because I know they will end in loss. |
| 3 | I'm like a rudderless ship. If the wind blows toward the north, I northernly I go. |
| 4 | I am detached from the concept of death, even in regards to others. |
| 5 | My empathy has waned over the centuries. |
| 6 | I care more about pleasing myself than anything else. |
Your character only became immortal in recent years; they are still processing what's happened to them. The most common response, by far, is a newfound sense of recklessness that extends even to situations that aren't life or death.
You emit an aura of magnetic arrogance that others can pick up on. Even without sharing your deeds or displaying competence, others are more likely to believe you are willing to risk great danger to yourself simply to prove that you can and no one will ever doubt you can remain cool-headed while staring into the abyss.
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