Once Dead [HB]

You died and came back. This experience changed you and defines who you are today. The specifics of your death are up to you, but the following questions and suggestions will help you determine your odd personal history.

How did you die? It probably wasn't of old age. Spells like raise dead can bring back those who die before old age takes them, but after dying of old age there is almost no magic which can bring a person back to life. Was it combat? An accident? A disease? How long were you dead? Spells like true resurrection allow a PC to return from death after as many as 200 years. How has the world changed politically, technologically, and culturally since your death? What remains of your family, friends, and personal life? What was your period of death like? Did you spend time in the glory of eternal battle is Ysgard? Were you enjoying the paradise of Elysium? Were you being tortured in the Nine Hells or Abyss? Do you remember nothing from that time?

Maybe you didn't completely pass on, but lived life as an undead, wayward soul such as a ghost or vampire. Why did you become such a being? What acts did you commit that you now regret? Who still thinks of you as a monster?

Finally someone brought you back. Who was it? Why? Maybe it was to face an old enemy. Maybe it was a loved one who searched for a long time and spent all their resources to bring you back. Maybe you were brought back for a secret only you knew. How did this person bring you back? Was it straight forward magic? What about a spell like reincarnate, which could bring your spirit back in the body of a different humanoid race? Or maybe it was some other magic that has a more sinister secret.

Skill Proficiencies: History, Intimidation

Languages: Two of your choice

Equipment: 50 feet of hemp rope, a bit of dirt from your grave in a sacred vial, a set of common clothes, two rare coins with which you were buried, and a pouch containing 5 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

You have experienced something few living people have yet to go through. You might be the type who embraces the second chance and loves life, relishing every opportunity and letting nothing stand in your way. Or you might be quiet and brooding, thinking of the revenge you seek for your death or missing the planar heaven you left behind. People who have died often live to the fullest or become fixated on a single goal that gives their life new meaning.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I always have the loudest laugh in the room.
2	When I want something, I'm direct and simple in my request.
3	The story of my demise, like all my stories, is greatly exaggerated.
4	If you ask about my death, I will stare daggers at you.
5	I treat most people like they're idiots because they don't know what I know.
6	If I don't want to do something, I simply don't do it.
7	I don't excite easily.
8	When faced with a new experience, the word no is not in my vocabulary.

d6	Ideal
1	Freedom. Life is short, so live how you want. (Chaotic)
2	Despair. Nothing in life is worth celebrating, and death is the destination we all deserve. (Evil)
3	Vengeance. I will find and punish what killed me. (Neutral)
4	Charity. I want to prevent others from dying before their time. (Good)
5	Mercy. I was given a second chance and others should get the same opportunity. (Good)
6	Labour. Life is short and so I must keep working to make my mark. (Lawful)

d6	Bond
1	I have a great fear of that which killed me.
2	The scars of my death wound are still on my body.
3	My vengeance is more important than any other task.
4	I never wish to return to my gravesite.
5	I wish to bring back another who died by my side.
6	Any mention of my hometown reminds me of my first life.

d6	Flaw
1	Death is not a big deal. I have died and come back. People should stop whining.
2	I don't listen to protests before I do something reckless.
3	I'd rather be mad than solve a problem which is making me angry.
4	I'd rather cheat, lie and steal than be honest because none of this matters.
5	Everything was better when I was dead.
6	I'm better than everyone who hasn't died and come back from the dead.