You are haunted by past events or actions. No matter where you are or how much time has passed you cannot escape the memories, you are constantly reminded of what happened everywhere you go. You know that one day you will have to face your past: whether that means confronting someone who wronged you to get revenge, reuniting with a friend or family member after a falling out, letting go of a long-standing grudge, returning to a place you've been avoiding, or attempting to atone for your past actions. Whatever it is that plagues you, it hurts to dwell on it, and while facing it will no doubt be extremely painful you know it must be done eventually.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among Arcana, Investigation, Religion, or Survival
- Languages: Choose two, one of which must be Abyssal, Celestial, Deep Speech, Draconic, Infernal, Primordial, Sylvan, or Undercommon
- Equipment: a money pouch and backpack, one trinket of special significance (choose one or roll on the Horror Trinkets table after this background), a set of common clothes, and 1 sp.
At some point in your past you either experienced something terrible or made some kind of bad decision that has left you scarred to this very day. The consequences of that time still effect you and the painful memories have shaped you into who you are today.
You may have tried to forget and put the events of the past behind you, but deep down you know your suffering will never stop until you confront the ghosts of your past.
Suggested Characteristics
You tend to distance yourself from others, either because of lingering trust issues or because you don't want anyone to get too close to you in fear that they might get hurt as a result.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | The only Evil I truly fear is that which dwells within myself. |
| 2 | I will sometimes focus solely on my hobbies in an attempt to forget my pain... even if it's just for a few precious moments. |
| 3 | I prefer to live my life not for myself, but for others. After what I've done, I really don't deserve to be selfish. |
| 4 | I live to hunt down a specific person. Their downfall is my only purpose in this world. |
| 5 | I don’t talk about the things that torment me. I’d rather not burden others with my problems. |
| 6 | I am always on alert for any signs of danger. Some people might call me "paranoid" but I prefer to call it "being prepared". |
| 7 | I was once a victim, and ever since I have sought to gain enough power so that I will never have to suffer that again. |
| 8 | I do not trust easily. I have witnessed betrayal before and I do not intend to get stabbed in the back because I let my guard down. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | I try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. (Good) |
| 2 | I’ll defeat the one who caused my suffering or die trying. (Any) |
| 3 | I kill monsters to make the world a safer place, and to exorcise my own demons. (Good) |
| 4 | I have to get stronger no matter what it takes. I was weak once, but I won't be that way again. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | I like to know my enemy’s capabilities and weaknesses before rushing into battle. (Lawful) |
| 6 | I’m a monster that destroys other monsters, and anything else that gets in my way. (Evil) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I keep my thoughts and discoveries in a journal. My journal is my legacy. |
| 2 | I was forced to watch the murder of those closest to me. I would sacrifice my life and my soul to bring their killer to justice. |
| 3 | My actions drove away those I love and cherish. I wish to make amends, but I'm afraid they won't forgive me. |
| 4 | A terrible guilt consumes me. I hope that I can find redemption through my actions. |
| 5 | There’s evil in me, I can feel it. It must never be set free. |
| 6 | I have someone (or something) to protect. I would do anything to ensure their safety and wellbeing. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have too much guilt and little-to-no self-worth. |
| 2 | I automatically assume that no one can ever understand my pain, forgetting that there are others out there who have also endured suffering and hardship. |
| 3 | I feel no compassion for the dead. They’re the lucky ones. |
| 4 | I have little to no skills when it comes to positive social interaction and as such many people find my behavior off-putting in some way. |
| 5 | I am a purveyor of doom and gloom who lives in a world without hope. |
| 6 | I tend to focus on a goal or other subject to the point of obsession. |
Prior to starting on your adventures, you made some pretty bad choices and the results of these decisions now haunt you. You wish to atone for your mistakes or misdeeds but either don't know how, can't muster the strength and/or courage or you feel that you don't deserve forgiveness for your actions.
At some point in your past you or someone close to you was a victim of someone else's actions. It could be you were betrayed by someone you thought you could trust or that someone or something you cared for was irreparably damaged or taken from you in a way that has left you emotionally scarred. Either way it has shaped you, motivating you to become stronger so you won't be hurt like that again and driving you towards a single goal: Revenge. You wish to hunt down those responsible for your pain and torment to make them pay for what they've done.
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