You are haunted by something so terrible that you dare not speak of it. You’ve tried to bury it and run away from it, to no avail. Whatever this thing is that haunts you can’t be slain with a sword or banished with a spell. It might come to you as a shadow on the wall, a bloodcurdling nightmare, a memory that refuses to die, or a demonic whisper in the dark. The burden has taken its toll, isolating you from most people and making you question your sanity. They took everything from you. You have pledged that you will take everything from them.
- 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 monster hunter’s pack (containing a chest, a crowbar, a hammer, three wooden stakes, a holy symbol, a flask of holy water, a set of manacles, a steel mirror, a flask of oil, a tinderbox, and 3 torches), 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.
Harrowing Event
Prior to becoming an adventurer, your path in life was defined by one dark moment, one fateful decision, or one tragedy. Now you feel a darkness threatening to consume you, and you fear there may be no hope of escape. Choose a harrowing event that haunts you, or roll one on the Harrowing Events table.
| d10 |
Harrowing Event |
|
1
|
A monster that slaughtered dozens of people (including friends, family, or other significant group) spared your life, and you don’t know why.
|
|
2
|
Your family was slaughtered because you were born under a dark star.
|
|
3
|
An apparition that has haunted your family for generations now haunts you. No matter what happens, it refuses to leave you. The apparation has no recollection of it murdering you family.
|
|
4
|
Your family had a history of practicing the dark arts. A lich was created and slaughtered your family.
|
|
5
|
An oni took your sibling (or child)one cold, dark night, and you were unable to stop it.
|
|
6
|
You were cursed with lycanthropy and later cured. Your former pack slaughtered those dear to you.
|
|
7
|
Those dear to you were personally killed by Tiamat, and you were kept alive for amusement.
|
|
8
|
You opened an eldritch tome and saw things unfit for a sane mind. You burned the book, but a spirit inhabiting it killed those you had known since childhood.
|
|
9
|
A fiend possessed you as a child. You were locked away but escaped. The fiend is still inside you, but now you try to keep it locked away. The fiend has stolen your family's souls.
|
|
10
|
A god killed your family for fun. You don't care that they are a god, your going to end them.
|
Feature: Need to Avenge.
Those who look into your eyes can see that you have faced unimaginable horror and that you are no stranger to darkness. They can see the hatred which shines from your eyes. Out of fear, and some pity, people will grant you deeds of kindness. For example: Giving you temporary lodging, protecting you from a minor foe (such as one who would kick you out of town), etc. They will not help you if you have shown aggression towards them, or have harmed them.
Suggested Characteristics
You have learned to live with the terror that haunts you. You are a survivor, who can be very protective of those who bring light into your darkened life.
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
|
1
|
I don’t run from evil. Evil runs from me.
|
|
2
|
I like to read and memorize poetry. It keeps me calm and brings me fleeting moments of happiness.
|
|
3
|
I spend money freely and live life to the fullest, knowing that tomorrow I might die.
|
|
4
|
I live for the thrill of the hunt.
|
|
5
|
I don’t talk about the thing that torments me. I’d rather not burden others with my curse.
|
|
6
|
I expect danger around every corner.
|
|
7
|
I refuse to become a victim, and I will not allow others to be victimized.
|
|
8
|
I put no trust in divine beings.
|
| d6 |
Ideal |
|
1
|
I try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. (Good)
|
|
2
|
I’ll stop the spirits that haunt me 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 a dark calling that puts me above the law. (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 would sacrifice my life and my soul to protect the innocent.
|
|
3
|
My torment drove away the person I love. I strive to win back the love I’ve lost.
|
|
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 a child to protect. I must make the world a safer place for him (or her).
|
| d6 |
Flaw |
|
1
|
I have certain rituals that I must follow every day. I can never break them.
|
|
2
|
I assume the worst in people.
|
|
3
|
I feel no compassion for the dead. They’re the lucky ones.
|
|
4
|
I have an addiction.
|
|
5
|
I am a purveyor of doom and gloom who lives in a world without hope.
|
|
6
|
I talk to spirits that no one else can see.
|
Comments