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 (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.
Side note: This background is from Tal'Dorei Reborn Campaign Setting and not mine.
- Skill Proficiencies: Skill Proficiencies: Nature, plus your choose of one between Arcana or Survival.
- Tool Proficiencies: Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism Kit
- Languages: Primordial and One of your choice
- Equipment: 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
Ashari Personality Traits
d8 Personality Traits
1 I like to keep my hands busy, no matter where I am.
2 I love to explore new place and meet new people.
3 I meditate at dawn each day and I can't stand it when my routine is interrupted.
4 I like noticing patterns in the world around me, whether or they mean anything.
5 I don't let anything, or anyone, stand in the way of my mission.
6 I'm a plain talker, even with people who outrank me.
7 I've always got some of my native element with me in some form. (This might be modelling clay, pure water, special burning incense, or a bottled cloud.)
8 I talk with everyone like I've know them all my life. Because most people I know, I have know all my life.
Ashari Ideals
d6 Ideals
1 Destiny. I believe that everyone has a role to play. Now I just have to fine mine. (Neutral)
2 Community. It's important to surround yourself with people you can count on, and who will support you. (Good)
3 Knowledge. I want to learn everything I can about Elemental Planes, and maybe even visit them myself. (Neutral)
4 Freedom. I don't care what anyone says. Even if it causes problems, the elements must be free. And so should I. (Chaotic)
5 Structure. The elements are in harmony when they are free to act as they will, within the safe boundaries set by the Ashari. People are much the same. (Lawful)
6 Virtuous Cycle. If I see someone who needs help, I feel compelled to assist them. Surely they'll return the favour someday! (Good)
Ashari Bonds
d6 Bonds
1 I have a cousin in another Ashari tribe whom I've never met, but someday I want to visit my extended family.
2 The leader of my tribe thinks I could be their successor, but I worry that I don't have enough experience to lead my people.
3 A mysterious person killed a member of my family. I've left home to discover who the killer was, and to seek vengeance.
4 My older sibling set out on their Aramante a year ago, and I haven't seen them since.
5 When I was a baby, a giant eagle brought me to Zephrah. I love my family, but I often wonder who my birth parents are.
6 I trust my animal friends more than any humanoid ally.
Ashari Flaws
6d Flaws
1 Big cities are overwhelming. I get nervous when surrounded by people I don't know.
2 I know all too well that elemental power is dangerous, but I like playing around with it anyway.
3 I get surly if I go too long without being in contact with my native element.
4 I think the mission of my people is a fool's errand. They should abandon isolation, let the elements be, and enjoy the pleasures of the world!
5 I can't stand it when people say one thing and mean another! Just say what you mean!
6 Ugh, I know it's not right, but I can't help but look down on people who can't manipulate the elements. It's not like it's hard!
Comments