You are the heir to something of great value — not mere coin or wealth, but an object that has been entrusted to you and you alone. Your inheritance might have come directly to you from a member of your family, by right of birth, or it could have been left to you by a friend, a mentor, a teacher, or someone else important in your life. The revelation of your inheritance changed your life, and might have set you on the path to adventure, but it could also come with many dangers, including those who covet your gift and want to take it from you — by force, if need be.
- Skill Proficiencies: Survival, plus one from among Arcana, History, and Religion
- Tool Proficiencies: Your choice of a gaming set or a musical instrument
- Languages: Any one of your choice
- Equipment: Your inheritance, a set of traveler’s clothes, the tool you choose for this background’s tool proficiency, and a pouch containing 15 gp
Inheritance
| d8 |
Inheritance |
|
1
|
A document such as a map, a letter, or a journal
|
|
2
|
A trinket
|
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3
|
A trinket
|
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4
|
An article of clothing
|
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5
|
A piece of jewelry
|
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6
|
An arcane book or formulary
|
|
7
|
A written story, song, poem, or secret
|
|
8
|
A tattoo or other body marking
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Feature: Name Dropping
You know and have met any number of powerful people across the land — and some of them might even remember you. You might be able to wrangle minor assistance from a major figure in the campaign, at the DM’s discretion. Additionally, the common folk treat you with deference, and your heritage and the stories you tell might be good for a free meal or a place to sleep.
Spell List
Suggested Characteristics
Use the tables for the folk hero background below as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as an inheritor.
Your bond might be directly related to your inheritance, or to the person from whom you received it. Your ideal might be influenced by what you know about your inheritance, or by what you intend to do with your gift once you realize what it is capable of.
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
|
1
|
I judge people by their actions, not their words.
|
|
2
|
If someone is in trouble, I’m always ready to lend help.
|
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3
|
When I set my mind to something, I follow through no matter what gets in my way.
|
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4
|
I have a strong sense of fair play and always try to find the most equitable solution to arguments.
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5
|
I’m confident in my own abilities and do what I can to instill confidence in others.
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6
|
Thinking is for other people. I prefer action.
|
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7
|
I misuse long words in an attempt to sound smarter.
|
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8
|
I get bored easily. When am I going to get on with my destiny?
|
| d6 |
Ideal |
|
1
|
Respect. People deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. (Good)
|
|
2
|
Fairness. No one should get preferential treatment before the law, and no one is above the law. (Lawful)
|
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3
|
Freedom. Tyrants must not be allowed to oppress the people. (Chaotic)
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4
|
Might. If I become strong, I can take what I want—what I deserve. (Evil)
|
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5
|
Sincerity. There’s no good in pretending to be something I’m not. (Neutral)
|
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6
|
Destiny. Nothing and no one can steer me away from my higher calling. (Any)
|
| d6 |
Bond |
|
1
|
I have a family, but I have no idea where they are. One day, I hope to see them again.
|
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2
|
I worked the land, I love the land, and I will protect the land.
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3
|
A proud noble once gave me a horrible beating, and I will take my revenge on any bully I encounter.
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4
|
My tools are symbols of my past life, and I carry them so that I will never forget my roots.
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5
|
I protect those who cannot protect themselves.
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6
|
I wish my childhood sweetheart had come with me to pursue my destiny.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
|
1
|
The tyrant who rules my land will stop at nothing to see me killed.
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2
|
I’m convinced of the significance of my destiny, and blind to my shortcomings and the risk of failure.
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3
|
The people who knew me when I was young know my shameful secret, so I can never go home again.
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4
|
I have a weakness for the vices of the city, especially hard drink.
|
|
5
|
Secretly, I believe that things would be better if I were a tyrant lording over the land.
|
|
6
|
I have trouble trusting in my allies.
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