You were created or raised by a witch, hag, or other magical caretaker. Whether you were lovingly nurtured, pragmatically raised to serve a purpose, or cruelly shaped into something barely human, your life has been profoundly shaped by the mystical forces that surrounded you. Your upbringing imparted an innate connection to the magical world, as well as an understanding of herbs, hexes, and the subtle energies that bind life together. You might be a carefully crafted experiment, a treasured ward, or a reluctant servant, but your life began in the shadow of a being whose power shaped your destiny.
- Skill Proficiencies: Deception or Intimidation; Arcana or Nature
- Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism Kit
- Languages: One language of your choice (to represent the hag’s or witch’s peculiar teachings)
- Equipment: A set of traveler’s clothes, a small trinket tied to your witch or hag (roll on the Trinkets table or create your own), an herbalism kit, and a pouch containing 10 gp.
Your relationship with the witch or hag who raised or created you shaped your skills, perspective, and understanding of the world. Roll a d6 or choose from the table below to determine the specific role you served during your upbringing.
| d6 | Hex Role |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Experiment. You were a magical creation or test subject, meant to prove your creator’s mastery of arcane arts. Your survival is a testament to their skill—or sheer luck. You have a unique appearance and may harbor physical or magical quirks resulting from this process. |
| 2 | The Apprentice. You were trained to assist in magical rituals, potion brewing, or spellcraft. Your hands bear the stains of herbs and reagents, and you know how to blend into a magical subculture. |
| 3 | The Protector. You were groomed to act as a guardian for your mentor or their territory. You might have trained in intimidation, hexes, or other protective measures to ward off intruders or defend their secrets. |
| 4 | The Envoy. Your mentor used you to interact with the outside world, often sending you into nearby villages or towns disguised as an ordinary traveler. You learned to navigate social situations with cunning or charm, even if it doesn’t come naturally to you. |
| 5 | The Companion. Your role was primarily to provide your creator with company. You grew up listening to their stories, learning their peculiar habits, and exploring their world under their watchful eye. You are deeply attuned to your creator’s emotions and mannerisms. |
| 6 | The Failed Heir. Your mentor once had grand plans for you, but those plans went awry—perhaps through your own failures, their neglect, or forces beyond either of your control. You are driven to prove your worth or redeem yourself in their eyes (or your own). |
Your creation is deeply tied to magic, making you sensitive to its presence. You can sense the presence of magic within 30 feet of you as a faint tingling sensation, though you cannot determine its school or exact location. This ability does not function if the magic is behind total cover or obscured by a significant barrier (e.g., stone walls, thick metal).
Additionally, your familiarity with magical and natural lore allows you to recall small details about magical effects, hags, fey, and curses, even if you lack formal training in those areas. The DM may give you hints about such topics at their discretion.
Suggested Characteristics
Characters with the Hex Foundling background often carry traces of their unusual upbringing in their demeanor, beliefs, and motivations. They may be shaped by their mentor’s peculiar morals or defy their influence entirely.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am endlessly curious about the natural and supernatural worlds, asking questions even when it makes others uncomfortable. |
| 2 | I approach social interactions like I’m solving a puzzle, often misunderstanding unspoken rules. |
| 3 | I can’t help but offer cryptic advice or speak in riddles, a habit I picked up from my mentor. |
| 4 | I hoard small trinkets and objects of sentimental value, believing they hold hidden power. |
| 5 | I sometimes view people as if they were ingredients in a potion, thinking about their strengths and weaknesses in abstract terms. |
| 6 | I have a soft spot for animals and creatures that others see as ugly or strange. |
| 7 | I am suspicious of people who are overly kind or cheerful, as they remind me of false hospitality. |
| 8 | I enjoy unnerving others by telling creepy stories or making unsettling observations. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Curiosity. The world is full of wonders, and I am determined to uncover its secrets. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Balance. Every action has a consequence, and I strive to maintain harmony. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Freedom. No one should be bound by the expectations of others, not even their creator. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Kindness. Even in darkness, we must care for one another. (Good) |
| 5 | Power. Magic and knowledge are the only true measures of strength. (Evil) |
| 6 | Destiny. I was created for a purpose, and I must fulfill it. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My mentor or creator is the most important figure in my life, and I would do anything to protect or aid them. |
| 2 | A trinket or keepsake from my upbringing reminds me of where I came from. |
| 3 | I am determined to learn the truth about my origins, no matter how disturbing it might be. |
| 4 | A creature I once befriended has grown beyond my control, and I fear what it has become. |
| 5 | I owe my life to someone who saved me when I was at my most vulnerable. |
| 6 | I am drawn to places of great magical power, feeling a strange connection to them. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | My sheltered upbringing makes me naive, and I am too trusting of strangers. |
| 2 | I am fiercely loyal to those I love, even when they don’t deserve it. |
| 3 | I struggle to separate my identity from my creator’s expectations of me. |
| 4 | I sometimes overestimate my own magical abilities, leading to dangerous mistakes. |
| 5 | I am quick to judge people based on superficial qualities, such as their appearance or aura. |
| 6 | I find it difficult to resist meddling in magical matters, even when I shouldn’t. |
Comments