You are a self-aware, fully sapient member of a species usually only recognized as possessing "animal-level" intelligence. How did such a thing occur? Some animals are exposed to arcane or divine elements that change them, some may have been deliberately altered or experimented upon, whilst others may simply just be born... different.
Regardless of the exact circumstances of your awakening, you have determined that the life of a mute companion and pet is not for you. The one place in this world where the unique and extraordinary have a chance to realize their ambition and seek answers is the path of adventure, compelling you out into the wilder world.
You still retain a deeply held desire to be of use and benefit to those around you. Now, equipped with a perspective on the world few of your kind ever possess, you have set your paws on an incredible journey...
- Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Persuasion
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: An object relating to your awakening (such as the worn scroll you slept under as a puppy or a locket with the image of the family you were born to), a well chewed toy, and a collar pouch containing 15 gp.
You can use the vast and often disregarded population of dogs that is found throughout society to your advantage. You are always aware of the local canine population and can seek information about the locality and goings on from many of the dogs you encounter. By sniffing popular places and scents, you can instantly learn limited information about a place such as quality of water and food supplies, population levels, general mood and atmosphere.
Furthermore, you can usually find a friendly local dog who can help you seek safe and welcoming accommodation, food and shelter.
Suggested Characteristics
Dogs, awakened or otherwise, are shaped by their history of development alongside the sapient races as companions and allies. Your personality is likely to reflect this history and your ideals will tend towards selflessness and maintaining the welfare of those you see as your pack, as well as an instinctive desire to bring aid and comfort. Your bonds are often people or favorite objects that have great value and meaning. Your flaws may be related to being overprotective to the point of jealousy, or a deeply buried resentment at the way dogs have been treated by some unsavory aspects of society, which conflicts with your other drives and emotions.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I tend to be dramatic; as a creature of impulse I have few middle gears and often narrate my circumstances with great flair and florid expression. |
| 2 | I dislike conflict and try to be a calming mediator, seeking common ground in conflict. |
| 3 | I have a tendency to diffuse tension with humor and love doing silly tricks to make people like me |
| 4 | When in a new place, I have a need to... establish my ownership. |
| 5 | I am the one who charges into every situation with gusto, rarely stopping to think about consequences. |
| 6 | I get bored easily if I'm not the center of attention. |
| 7 | I love to play more than anything, be it racing around with children or more cerebral fare. |
| 8 | I'm constantly delighted by fooling people into thinking I'm a normal dog, and I'm not against using this to my advantage. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Selflessness. I believe in self-sacrifice and unhesitating action to improve the lives of others. (Good) |
| 2 | Aid. My skills are a gift to the world and I must assist in endeavors where I can be of use. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Family. Nothing is more important to me than the people we love. I'd do anything to keep family together. (Neutral) |
| 4 | Comfort. I cannot stand to see a creature in pain, and will act within my power to provide succor and lift spirits. (Good) |
| 5 | Knowledge. I have a unique gift and perspective. I must share that, and further my knowledge of the world so maybe more like me can follow. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Change. My enhanced understanding of the world shows me many injustices. I have a deep desire to enact change within the world order, one day at a time. (Chaotic) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | The magical writings of my lost master gave me this gift, now I bear them to the place they must be laid. |
| 2 | The one who did this to me did not expect me to escape. But my return will be even more shocking. |
| 3 | When the one who made me this way set off on their long quest, they were ignorant of what they had given me. I will find them and together we will achieve greatness. |
| 4 | I made a promise that the child I knew as a pup would always be safe. I work towards that still. |
| 5 | This object may look like junk, but it is the last tie to a lost past. One day I will return that past to the world. |
| 6 | There are others like me, for I am their kin. I will seek them out no matter what. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I cannot escape the loneliness I feel as a singular intelligence among animals and long to meet another like myself. |
| 2 | Deep down, I am angry at the way my species is treated and I am easily offended by condescending attitudes or perceived cruelties. |
| 3 | I fear losing my companions and so I can react to strangers with mistrust and even aggression. |
| 4 | I regard myself as a superior version of my kind, and I am prone to forcing non-sentient dogs into submission. |
| 5 | I've never let go of my basic instincts and can be the cause of social awkwardness with my canine behavior. |
| 6 | My willingness to trust and follow people, even strangers, means I am easily led into compromising scenarios. |
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