Death Defiant

Death is an unkind mistress. I found that, upon what I perceived to be my promised end, I was rejected from the chance to have a final resting place. I do not know when I will come upon the next thing kind enough to make an attempt on my life, but I am no longer certain if it will work. I am perplexed. I was certain I was going to die. The light wasn't there. Was I not good enough?

- Unknown

 

Death is often considered to be final by most people unlucky enough to encounter it. There are those, however, who have shaken Death's hand and left unscathed (for the most part). You are one of those lucky few, though there are many who would say that was not a kindness that was visited upon you when you clung to your life. When you were guaranteed a death, you shirked it. It isn't known why or even how you skirted it, but you did. Waking up confused and disoriented, you are left only with the aftermath and what you choose to do with it. 

Perhaps grabbing onto your life force and refusing to release it was the wrong choice. Perhaps it wasn't even your choice. What you do now is. Take this gift, if you consider it one, and do with it what you will. Maybe next time Death comes for you, you won't outrun it. 

Skill Proficiencies: You have proficiency in Deception.
In addition, you have the choice of one proficiency from the following choices: Stealth, Persuasion, Performance, Religion, or History. 

Tool Proficiencies: You have proficiency in either Thieves' Tools, Disguise Kit, or Forgery Kit. 

Languages: You can speak Abyssal, Celestial, or Infernal. 

Equipment: You have the starting equipment given by your class. In addition, you also have a small necklace with a pendant. The pendant has a hollow center filled with a mixture of ash and blood. If you attempt to break it, it knits itself back together. 

Spell List

At first level, you gain the ability to cast the Spare the Dying Cantrip. At third level, you gain the ability to cast the Toll the Dead cantrip. You use either Charisma, Intelligence, or Wisdom as your spellcasting modifier (choose when you select this background). 

Spell Level	Spells
Cantrip	spare the dying, toll the dead

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I am more than willing to talk about my experiences. Death should be demystified, and I'm happy to take up that mantle
2	People have regarded me as a freak of nature, and I readily embrace the description. It's almost cooler that way.
3	I never wanted this to happen. Death is a comfort that I was not granted, and it pains me to think of why.
4	I'm fairly blasé about my life-changing event. It happened, and that's all there really is to say.
5	The thought of even trying to break down why I didn't truly die gives me anxiety. I don't even like to consider it.
6	Life is a limited gift. I don't know if I will be as lucky the next time, so I am determined to make the most of my time.
7	I am determined to figure out what caused my lack of dying. Someone did this to me, and I need to know why.
8	I abhor it when people ask me about my death. I don't want to talk to anyone about it, and they don't need to know why I died in the first place.

d6	Ideal
1	Determination. I am filled with a new invigoration for knowledge and understanding. I will know what happened to me. (Any)
2	Acceptance. I was given a wonderful gift. I am more than happy to take it and use to help others. (Good)
3	Reckless. Death came for me once and didn't take me. I doubt it would try again, leaving me the perfect chance to do anything. (Chaotic)
4	Experimental. I'd like to know if anyone else has experienced the same. I'm willing to recreate my circumstances with even unwilling participants. (Evil)
5	Appreciation. I have a second chance. I'm going to live my life to fullest in a way I never have before. (Good)
6	Indifference. What happened happened. It is of no true concern to me. I"m going to go about my life as if I hadn't even died in the first place. (Neutral)

d6	Bond
1	Death has given me an opportunity to make more friends. I am going to take full advantage of that wonderful aspect.
2	I don't want to talk to anyone anymore. My death haunts me, and I don't want to burden anyone with those thoughts.
3	People talk behind my back, which both infuriates and saddens me, somewhat driving me away from others.
4	There is not much use to clinging to anything materialistic in this mortal life. I'm certain my money didn't save me.
5	Many people are scared of me these days. I don't like to scare them, but I don't know how not to do that.
6	Some people didn't believe me when I escaped death. I want to convince them, but I don't want them to worry.

d6	Flaw
1	I am scared that I might not be able to escape a second time. What if Death comes for me again?
2	I am angry that my right to death was robbed from me. I never wanted to extend my life unnaturally.
3	Life and Death are somewhat interchangeable now, and neither are particularly precious.
4	Insecurity plagues my mind. What did I do to deserve this gift, and am I expected to repay it?
5	I fear myself and what I am capable of. Did I do this to myself?
6	Others have no idea what I went through, and I feel they never will. I live on the outside of common experience.