You are a product of your environment, which carries more weight than it might in some cases, since your environment is one of the harshest possible. You have spent your life wandering the bleak deserts, sun-baked chaparral, and rough canyon lands beyond not only civilization, but beyond where the majority of life itself is found. You may be a caravan merchant, a member of nomadic band, a shepherd, a bandit, or simply an "desert rat," one of those who reject civilization so thoroughly that you reject even the possibility of encountering it.
- Skill Proficiencies: Stealth, Survival
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisans tools
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A dagger, a water skin, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp
The wastelands are not something uniform. They are diverse places with their own flora, fauna, human societies, and monstrous dangers. Roll on the table below to determine which sort of desert you're most familiar with or simply choose the wastes that interest you most.
| d8 | Wastes |
|---|---|
| 1 | Badlands |
| 2 | Saltpan |
| 3 | Dune Sea |
| 4 | Canyon Land |
| 5 | Chaparral |
| 6 | Steppe |
| 7 | Arctic Waste |
| 8 | Firelands (Volcanic Wastes) |
Safely moving through the desert requires knowledge, instinct, and extensive preparations. You remember sources of water, resupply, and friendly settlements in the regions you've visited in the past, and are able to find your way there. In addition, you are able to move through barren landscapes and stay out of sight, using folds in the terrain, ravines, or light scrub, and can assist up to five other people in doing so as well.
Suggested Characteristics
Of course, just because most folk can't manage in your baking homeland, doesn't mean there isn't humanoid society there. You and your people are hospitable, generous, and willing to help anyone in need. Of course, you can also be savage, cunning, and resourceful in defense of your homeland.
Use the Outlander Tables for "Personality Trait", "Ideal", "Bond", and "Flaw" inspiration.
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