Once, in an age past, you held power that few could comprehend. Whether this was a gift from the gods, a manifestation of your ancestry, or the result of a mysterious event, you could shape and shatter structures with a mere thought. But now, much of your power has waned or been sealed away. You remember fragments of your past glory, and your mere presence still resonates with a divine echo.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from Arcana, History, Insight, Intimidation
- Tool Proficiencies: None
- Languages: Elvish, Dwarvish
- Equipment: A token of your past power (such as a small statue, broken weapon, or arcane sigil), a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp.
The Forsaken Warrior background implies a significant past event or state of power. Here's how it might adapt to various classic settings:
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High Fantasy (e.g., Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance): The Forsaken Warrior was once a demigod or a chosen champion of a deity who fell out of favor.
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Dark Fantasy (e.g., Ravenloft, Dark Sun): The power could be derived from a forbidden pact or a now-shattered dark relic. The loss of power might be a curse or a consequence of their own hubris.
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Steampunk/Industrial (e.g., Eberron): Their power came from an ancient and now lost technology or arcane machinery. Their abilities were both a boon and a bane, reshaping the world and then being taken away just as swiftly.
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Historical Fantasy (e.g., adventures set in a mythological past): A hero of legend whose deeds were so grand they were elevated to the status of demigods, only to fall from grace.
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Cosmic/Planar (e.g., Planescape): The warrior's power comes from the very fabric of the multiverse. Perhaps they were once a minor power or entity in the great wheel of the cosmos, now forgotten or dethroned.
Your lingering might allows you to perform minor acts of creation and destruction:
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Mend: Once per long rest, you can magically repair a broken object no larger than one foot in any dimension, restoring it to its previous state. This cannot restore magic to a depleted magical item or recreate lost arcane inscriptions, but it can repair the physical damage of such items.
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Break: Once per long rest, you can focus your energy to deteriorate or cause a significant defect in a non-magical object that fits within your hand, rendering the object nonfunctional until repaired. Brittle objects might shatter entirely.
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Suggested Characteristics
You've experienced power like few others, and this has shaped your view on the world. Perhaps you're humble, having lost so much, or maybe you're arrogant, craving your past glory. Your reasons for adventuring might be to regain your lost abilities, atone for past misuse of your power, or simply to find a new purpose.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I often daydream about the time when I was all-powerful. |
| 2 | Small displays of power or magic remind me of what I've lost. |
| 3 | I prefer solitude, as it reminds me less of my past. |
| 4 | I have a habit of unconsciously levitating small objects. |
| 5 | I am overly cautious, fearful of unleashing a hint of my past power. |
| 6 | I always offer help to those in need, hoping to find redemption. |
| 7 | Structures and architecture fascinate me; I often find myself lost in thought studying them. |
| 8 | I'm determined to regain my powers, no matter the cost. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Restoration. I will regain what was taken from me. (Any) |
| 2 | Redemption. My past actions haunt me, and I seek to make amends. (Good) |
| 3 | Domination. The world will remember my might, one way or another. (Evil) |
| 4 | Balance. Power is neither good nor evil; it's how one uses it. (Neutral) |
| 5 | Protection. My lost powers should be kept from those who would misuse them. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Mystery. I aim to uncover the reason behind my power's decline. (Chaotic) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | There is an artifact or place that I believe can restore my power. |
| 2 | I owe a great debt to someone who aided me when I was weak. |
| 3 | An old rival from my powerful days still seeks to destroy me. |
| 4 | I have glimpses of memories of a loved one from the time of my glory. |
| 5 | I was betrayed by those I trusted, leading to my fall from power. |
| 6 | A prophecy speaks of my return to strength, and I aim to fulfill it. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I often underestimate others, thinking of my past might. |
| 2 | My pride gets in the way of asking for or accepting help. |
| 3 | Sometimes, I let out more power than intended, causing unintentional harm. |
| 4 | I am haunted by nightmares of the time when I was at my peak. |
| 5 | I have an irrational fear that using my powers will diminish them further. |
| 6 | I am easily manipulated by promises of restored strength. |
Instead of your creation and destruction abilities, you can call upon the vast knowledge you once possessed. Once per long rest, you can gain advantage on any Arcana, History, Religion, or Nature check.
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