Monstrous Adoptee

Songs and sagas tell of heroes who, as children, were raised by creatures most view as monsters. You were one such child. Found, taken, left, or otherwise given to your monstrous parents, you were raised as one of their own species. Life with your adopted family could not have been easy for you, but the adversity and hardships you experienced only made you stronger. Perhaps you were “rescued” from your adopted family after only a short time with them, or perhaps only now have you realized the truth of your heritage. Maybe you’ve since learned enough civilized behavior to get by, or perhaps your “monstrous” tendencies are more evident. As you set out to make your way in the world, the time you spent with your adopted parents continues to shape your present and your future.

Skill Proficiencies: Intimidation, Survival

Languages: One language of your choice, typically your adopted parents’ language (if any)

Equipment: A club, handaxe, or spear, a trinket from your life before you were adopted, a set of traveler’s clothes, a collection of bones, shells, or other natural objects, and a belt pouch containing 5 gp

Suggested Characteristics

When monstrous adoptees leave their adopted parents for the wider world, they often have a hard time adapting. What is common or usual for many humanoids strikes them as surprising, frightening, or infuriating, depending on the individual. Most make an effort to adjust their habits and imitate those around them, but not all. Some lean into their differences, reveling in shocking those around them. Chapter 3: Backgrounds and Feats 173 When you choose a creature to be your character’s adopted parent, think about how that might affect your character. Was your character treated kindly? Was your character traded by their birth parents to their adopted parents as part of some mysterious bargain? Did your character seek constant escape or do they miss their adopted parents?

d8	Personality Trait
1	I don’t eat my friends (at least not while they are alive). My foes, on the other hand . . .
2	Meeting another’s gaze is a challenge for dominance that I never fail to answer.
3	There are two types of creatures in life: prey or not-prey
4	It’s not my fault, I was raised by [insert parent’s type here].
5	Monsters I understand; people are confusing.
6	I often use the growls, sounds, or calls of my adopted parents instead of words
7	Inconsequential items fascinate me.
8	I may look fine, but I behave like a monster.

d6	Ideal
1	Wild. After seeing the wider world, I want to be the monster that strikes fear in the hearts of people. (Evil)
2	Insight. I want to understand the world of my adopted parents. (Neutral)
3	Revenge. I want revenge for my lost childhood. Monsters must die! (Any)
4	Harmony. With my unique perspective and upbringing, I hope to bring understanding between the different creatures of the world. (Good)
5	Freedom. My past away from law-abiding society has shown me the ridiculousness of those laws. (Chaotic)
6	Redemption. I will rise above the cruelty of my adopted parent and embrace the wider world. (Lawful)

d6	Bond
1	I want to experience every single aspect of the world.
2	I rely on my companions to teach me how to behave appropriately in their society.
3	I have a “sibling,” a child of my adopted parent that was raised alongside me, and now that sibling has been kidnapped!
4	My monstrous family deserves a place in this world, too.
5	I’m hiding from my monstrous family. They want me back!
6	An old enemy of my adopted parents is on my trail.

d6	Flaw
1	What? I like my meat raw. Is that so strange?
2	I like to collect trophies from my defeated foes (ears, teeth, bones, or similar). It’s how I keep score.
3	I usually forget about pesky social conventions like “personal property” or “laws.”
4	I am easily startled by loud noises or bright lights.
5	I have trouble respecting anyone who can’t best me in a fight.
6	Kindness is for the weak.