After a particularly tragic or gruesome death, you have been returned to the mortal coil. How or why you have been denied eternal rest is uncertain. Perhaps other worldly forces worked behind the scenes? Possibly divine intervention from your chosen deity or patron? Maybe it was sheer force of will alone? Whatever the reason, you have been granted a second chance and are likely to (but not required) retain all memories and faculties prior to your demise.
Whether or not death has had any impact on your person or psyche is up to you! Do you suffer a grotesque disfigurement? Has your attitude changed towards certain races or factions? Are you suffering from cold sweats or horrific, repeating nightmares? The return from oblivion is likely to affect each person differently, resulting in many unique possibilities.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose any two from Athletics, Survival, Intimidation, History, or Religion
- Languages: Choose one exotic language from Abyssal, Celestial, Deep Speech, Draconic, Infernal, Primordial, Sylvan, or Undercommon
- Equipment: A memento from your past (a signet ring, an amulet, a letter from a loved one, a family heirloom, etc.), something from the scene of your death (if burned alive, ashes or soot; if ended violently, some of your own blood or a broken fragment of the murder weapon, etc.) , the clothes in which you died, and a belt pouch containing 15gp.
Often times how you died is more important than why you've returned. Were you slain in a valiant last stand against the invading Orcs? Did your lover betray you for another? Perhaps that hiking to the top of that volcano to ditch your old gear wasn't the brightest of ideas? Either way, the means of your demise is surely to influence your aims after returning. Choose a cause of your own or roll on the table below for a quick idea.
| d4 | Cause of Death |
|---|---|
| 1 | Accident |
| 2 | Betrayal |
| 3 | Disease |
| 4 | War |
Your very presence is off-putting and strange, often times alluding to your status as one who straddles the line between life and death. You exude the intimidating aura of a death wherever it is you go, resulting in a wide (though mostly predictable) variety of emotional responses from those you encounter. The average person might approach you with unease, unexplained anxiety, or even outright fear! Those more accustomed to death and violence might paint you a figure of notable prowess, experience, or status. And religious warriors, as well as magic users, of certain deities pertaining to death, necromancy, or the magical application thereof, are likely to be immediately drawn to your close connection to the grave - for better or worse.
This feature can be subdued or outright hidden from most so long as you take the time to properly disguise any overt disfigurements or otherwise jarring attributes. Those with extensive knowledge of death and necromancy (from practice, study, or divine gift) are always able to sense something amiss.
Suggested Characteristics
You've returned from the grave... but are you the same?
| d5 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | My death has left a physical mark on me. |
| 2 | I try my hardest to keep the cause of my death a secret. |
| 3 | I've acquired an unfortunate psychological quirk since my demise. |
| 4 | It's hard to excite or rile me up. After having seen the other side everything seems so bland. |
| 5 | I can't help but wonder if I lost a part of me when I came back. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Vengeance. Those who are responsible for my death will be punished. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Freedom. I have been given a second chance and won't let anyone stand in my way. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Despair. I feel numb and empty inside - death is all that awaits us. (Evil) |
| 4 | Mercy. I must use my return as an opportunity to help others who might not be so fortunate. (Good) |
| 5 | Duty. As I was before, so I am now, and will I always be. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Destiny. I am born for greater things still, not even death can stop me. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I wish to bring back those who died by my side. |
| 2 | I will never forget where I came from or who my people were. |
| 3 | All those I once knew are dead, I must prove myself to them through great deeds. |
| 4 | I serve the one who returned me to this world, their will is my own. |
| 5 | My torment drove away the person I love. I strive to win them back no matter the cost. |
| 6 | I never wish to return to my gravesite or be around that which caused my death. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I sometimes wish that I had remained dead. Things were simpler thay way. |
| 2 | My mortality (or lackthereof) has given me a complex. I'm better than you and I know it. |
| 3 | I have a lot of pent-up anger. Sometimes I lash out, even at those I care about. |
| 4 | I'm known to handle problems with reckless abandon at times. It usually works out. |
| 5 | Death has left me cold and uncaring. I find it hard to sympathize with the plight of others. |
| 6 | Nothing seems to be as good as I remember. Everything I experience is but a fragment of what I knew it to be prior to death. |
Comments