Secret of the Last War

(Eberron specific background, though you can adapt this to any campaign)

The Last War was the site of huge advances for the arcane and technology in Khorvaire, but not all of it was great. Many advancements required extensive and morally questionable experiments and tests that have left its scars on those involved. Maybe you were an artificer working on a new advancement by testing your creations on living humans or another race. Perhaps you were a torturer of P.O.W.s and have extensive knowledge on other countries and their arcane secrets. Perhaps you are a secret experiment yourself, and you live your life unable to forget the horrors or trauma you suffered while your country used you. Regardless of the reason, you have become intimately familiar with magic, anatomy, innovation, and self-preservation.

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Medicine

Tool Proficiencies: Tinker's tools and one other type of tool

Languages: Choose one from Abyssal, Celestial, Deep Speech, Draconic, Infernal, Primordial, Sylvan, or Undercommon.

Equipment: Tattered traveler's robes, Tinker's tools, an artisan's tool set, a momento relating to your secret service, an ink and quill, a set of parchment, a journal, a pouch containing 10gp

Suggested Characteristics

Your tortured experience has left scars, both physical and psychological. These scars can manifest themselves in unique ways, whether it be through odd personality quirks or debilitating flaws. You have learned to live with the terror that haunts you. You are a survivor, who can be very protective of those who bring light into your darkened life.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I like to read and memorize poetry. It keeps me calm and brings me fleeting moments of happiness.
2	I don’t talk about the thing that torments me. I’d rather not burden others with my curse.
3	I expect danger around every corner.
4	I put no trust in divine beings.
5	I have seen much. It will take a lot to shock me.
6	I deal with my nightmares through humor. There is no joke too dark for me.
7	I will never allow myself to be held down (again). I resist any attempt to restrain me.
8	Some good may come of my experience. I can use my knowledge to make sure none suffer the same fate.

d6	Ideal
1	Freedom. No one should be held captive, through force or intimidation. Freedom is the ultimate good.
2	Experimentation. The thrill of exploring another’s body and soul is a pleasure I crave and deserve.
3	Nihilism. There are no universal laws. One may do whatever one can.
4	Aid. I try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost.
5	Self Awarenesses. I’m a monster that destroys other monsters.
6	Destiny. I have a calling that puts me above the law.

d6	Bond
1	I keep my thoughts and discoveries in a journal. My journal is my legacy.
2	A terrible guilt consumes me. I hope that I can find redemption through my actions.
3	There’s evil in me, I can feel it. It must never be set free (again).
4	A secret power was extracted from me and used to wreak havoc on others. I must absolve myself by aiding them.
5	I was freed by the intervention of others. I owe them my freedom, and whatever remains of my sanity.
6	My torment drove away the person I love. I strive to win back the love I’ve lost.

d6	Flaw
1	I have certain rituals that I must follow every day. I can never break them.
2	I assume the worst in people.
3	I am addicted to, and seek pain; sometimes to the detriment of myself and my friends.
4	Even when I mean well, I find it hard to keep my cruelty at bay.
5	The experiments left my mind scattered. I often get distracted or derailed.
6	I am a purveyor of doom and gloom who lives in a world without hope.