Away from the complex political struggles of the massive cities of Exandria, you’ve instead been raised to revere and uphold the protection of the natural world, while policing, bending, and guiding the elemental powers that either foster life or destroy it. Living among smaller bands of tribal societies means you have stronger ties to your neighbors than most, and the protection of this way of life is of cardinal importance. Each Ashari is tethered to one of the four elemental tribes and their villages. You must select one: The Pyrah (Fire), the Vesrah (Water), the Terrah (Earth), or the Zephrah Ashari (Wind).
Your upbringing may have prepared you to be a fierce warrior, trained in combat to defend your culture and charge as protectors of the rifts. It’s possible your meditation on the balance of the elements has brought you peace of mind with strength of body as a monk of the Ashari. Perhaps you found strength in bending the elements yourself, joining the ranks of the powerful Ashari druids. Regardless, your loyalties ultimately lie with the continued safety of your tribe, and you’ve set out to gather allies to your cause and learn more about the world around you.
- Skill Proficiencies: Nature, plus your choice of one between Arcana or Survival.
- Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism Kit
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A staff, hunting gear (a shortbow with 20 arrows, or a hunting trap), a set of traveler’s clothes, a belt pouch containing 10 gp.
Your upbringing surrounded by such strong, wild elemental magics has attuned your senses to the very nature of their chaotic forces, enabling you to subtly bend them to your will in small amounts. You learn the prestidigitation cantrip, but can only produce the extremely minor effects below that involve the element of your chosen Ashari tribe:
- Zephrah: You create an instantaneous puff of wind strong enough to blow papers off a desk, or mess up someone’s hair.
- Pyrah: You instantaneously create and control a burst of flame small enough to light or snuff out a candle, a torch, or a small campfire.
- Terrah: You instantaneously create a small rock within your hand, no larger than a gold coin, that turns to dust after a minute.
- Vesrah: You instantaneously create enough hot or cold water to fill a small glass.
Suggested Characteristics
Use the tables for the Outlander background in the PHB as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to match your ties to your Ashari upbringing. Your bond is likely associated with those you respect who you grew up around. Your ideal probably involves your wanting to understand your place in the world, not just the tribe, and whether you feel your destiny reaches beyond just watching the rift.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I'm driven by a wanderlust that led me away from home. |
| 2 | I watch over my friends as if they were a litter of newborn pups. |
| 3 | I once ran twenty-five miles without stopping to warn my clan of an approaching orc horde. I'd do it again if I had to. |
| 4 | I have a lesson for every situation, drawn from observing nature. |
| 5 | I place no stock in wealthy or well-mannered folk. Money and manners won't save you from a hungry owlbear. |
| 6 | I'm always picking things up, absently fiddling with them, and sometimes accidentally breaking them. |
| 7 | I feel far more comfortable around animals than people. |
| 8 | I was, in fact, raised by wolves. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Change. Life is like the seasons, in constant change, and we must change with it. (Chaotic) |
| 2 | Greater Good. It is each person's responsibility to make the most happiness for the whole tribe. (Good) |
| 3 | Honor. If I dishonor myself, I dishonor my whole clan. (Lawful) |
| 4 | Might. The strongest are meant to rule. (Evil) |
| 5 | Nature. The natural world is more important than all the constructs of civilization. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Glory. I must earn glory in battle, for myself and my clan. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My family, clan, or tribe is the most important thing in my life, even when they are far from me. |
| 2 | An injury to the unspoiled wilderness of my home is an injury to me. |
| 3 | I will bring terrible wrath down on the evildoers who destroyed my homeland. |
| 4 | I am the last of my tribe, and it is up to me to ensure their names enter legend. |
| 5 | I suffer awful visions of a coming disaster and will do anything to prevent it. |
| 6 | It is my duty to provide children to sustain my tribe. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am too enamored of ale, wine, and other intoxicants. |
| 2 | There's no room for caution in a life lived to the fullest. |
| 3 | I remember every insult I've received and nurse a silent resentment toward anyone who's ever wronged me. |
| 4 | I am slow to trust members of other races, tribes, and societies. |
| 5 | Violence is my answer to almost any challenge. |
| 6 | Don't expect me to save those who can't save themselves. It is nature's way that the strong thrive and the weak perish. |
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