You were one of the unfortunate souls who was once attacked by a monstrous creature, the devourer in the night, the lurker in the hills, the terror of villages.
Many children check for this monster under the bed before they go to sleep. The town's warriors arrange hunting parties to slay it, but often do not return. The elders lay out sacrificial offerings to satiate its bloodlust.
But even in the darkest of times, some poor, terrified mortal souls are seemingly destined to survive. While many heroes and fellow prisoners fell to the monster's insatiable fury, you have managed to escape. Though you were spared from death, you were likely scarred and disfigured by your ordeal.
Adapted from "Backgrounds Reimagined", by Epinephrine
- Skill Proficiencies: Intimidation, Survival
- Tool Proficiencies: One related to your origin
- Languages: Choose one of Abyssal, Draconic, Infernal, or Undercommon
- Equipment: A dagger, tattered rags, a loaf of moldy bread, a small scale or tuft of hair belonging to your captor, and a pouch with 5 gp.
A trauma survivor's origin lies in a seemingly ordinary life, disrupted by a monstrous event that changed everything. Before their ordeal, they were a part of the mundane world, with hopes, dreams, and connections that were shattered by the harrowing experiences they endured.
| d8 | Origin |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dockworker/Fisherman, proficient with water vehicles |
| 2 | Tradesperson/Merchant, proficient with Artisan Tool of your choice |
| 3 | Soldier, proficient with land vehicles |
| 4 | Adventurer/Traveler, proficient with land vehicles |
| 5 | Entertainer, proficient with a musical instrument |
| 6 | Scholar/Healer, proficient with Alchemist's Supplies or Herbalism kit |
| 7 | Criminal with a proficiency with either Thieves' Tools, Forgery Kit, or Disguise Kit |
| 8 | Unskilled Laborer, proficient with a Gaming set of your choice |
Your scars from surviving the trauma of your monstrous captor affords you a measure of fame and notoriety, for those who know of your harrowing ordeal are keen to hear the tale personally but makes it difficult to disguise your appearance and hide from prying eyes.
You can use this attention gain access to people and places you might not otherwise have. Nobles, scholars, and mages would all be keen to hear your tale of survival, and learn what secrets you might possess, and/or study your affliction with great interest. However, you fear that your afflictions are not completely mundane.
Suggested Characteristics
A trauma survivor has faced and overcome immense hardships, emerging stronger and more resilient. They bear the marks of their ordeals with pride, viewing their experiences as a testament to their unyielding spirit and determination.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am driven to escape my past, and rarely stay in one place long. |
| 2 | I know secrets of my captor, but fear the harm that may befall me should others learn them. |
| 3 | Speaking of my ordeal helps sooth the still open wounds in my soul. |
| 4 | My former life is meaningless. All that matters now is what I do with the future. |
| 5 | I have faced the worst a monster can deliver and survived. I am fearless, and my resolve unshakable. |
| 6 | I am haunted my tortured past, and wake at night screaming at half-remembered horrors. |
| 7 | I sleep with my back to a wall or tree, and a weapon within arm's reach. |
| 8 | I am slow to trust, but incredibly loyal to those who have earned it. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Survivor : No matter the cost, I will take any action necessary to survive (Any) |
| 2 | Independence : When in trouble, the only person I can rely on is myself (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Compassionate : I have suffered long at the hands of a monster, and take pity and compassion on the suffering of others (Good) |
| 4 | Secretive : I am withdrawn, and hide my monstrous appearance for fear of drawing unwanted attention.(Chaotic) |
| 5 | Justice : I have been wronged, and will not allow the same fate to befall others. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Sycophant : During my ordeal, I became a willing servant of my captor, and spy on its behalf. (Evil) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I will hunt down and destroy those responsible for my suffering, no matter the cost. (Lawful) |
| 2 | I have learned the hard way that betrayal can come from anyone, so I trust no one completely. (Neutral) |
| 3 | I will defend the weak and vulnerable, ensuring they do not suffer as I did. (Good) |
| 4 | I prefer solitude, finding it easier to survive alone than to risk the pain of losing others again. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | I have a deep connection to other survivors, forming an unbreakable bond with those who have endured similar hardships. (Any) |
| 6 | I use my experience and cunning to manipulate others for my own gain, viewing it as necessary for survival. (Evil) |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am overly suspicious of others and constantly expect betrayal, making it difficult for me to form lasting relationships. (Chaotic) |
| 2 | I am consumed by my need for revenge, often putting myself and others in danger to settle old scores. (Lawful) |
| 3 | I have become emotionally detached, struggling to connect with others on a deeper level. (Neutral) |
| 4 | I am fixated on the details of my past trauma, often to the detriment of my present well-being. (Any) |
| 5 | I am easily frightened and prone to fleeing from danger, even when others depend on me. (Any) |
| 6 | I have learned to exploit the kindness of others, using their empathy to my advantage. (Evil) |
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