Whether because of your appearance or your upbringing, or perhaps something else entirely, you've been shunned or ostracized for much of your recent life. You try to fit in with society as much as possible without drawing attention to yourself, but your differences always seem to creep up on you, making it difficult for you to find a home in any one place. You've found friends here and there, but for the most part you spend your time in solitude, not speaking much to anyone outside of what's necessary.
- Skill Proficiencies: Survival, plus your choice of Animal Handling, Investigation, Medicine, or Stealth.
- Tool Proficiencies: Cook's Utensils, Woodcarver's Tools or Herbalism Kit.
- Languages: One of your choice.
- Equipment: A memento from your former life (family crest or other keepsake), a set of traveler's clothes, a blanket, a hunting trap or fishing tackle, and 10gp.
Reason for Rejection
Those who shunned you must have had a reason, justified or not. Regardless of how it happened, your exile from your home is a shadow that follows you, no matter how far you travel.
| d6 |
Reason for Rejection |
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1
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You failed a critically important task or responsibility, and because of it, your people regarded you with distaste.
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2
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You look or act differently than the majority of people you grew up around, and were consequently shunned for it.
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3
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Even at a young age, you manifested strange talents or abilities that made most folk uncomfortable around you.
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4
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You've never been good at keeping yourself out of trouble, and as a result you've always been seen as a stain on the canvas of civilized society.
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5
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You've made enemies with an individual in a prominent position of power, and no one wants to affiliate themselves with you as a result.
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6
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You don't know why you're treated with such disdain. As far as you can remember, it's just always been this way.
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Feature: Adaptable Survivor
Having been suddenly cut-off from everything you knew and all support structures, you have had to learn to adapt quickly lest you perish. As long as you are able and free to do so, you can always find just enough of anything to maintain your well-being, whether it be food, shelter, clothing, warmth or water; if there is a means, you will find a way. While you cannot support anyone else other than yourself with your skills, unless you willingly forgo the benefits to support one other creature, you always manage to scrounge whatever bare necessity is required to continue your own existence.
Suggested Characteristics
These are the suggested characteristics for the Outcast background:
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
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1
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I'm very sensitive about whatever issue cause me to be shunned in the first place, and will grow emotional if provoked.
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2
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I treat everyone I meet with the kindness and respect I was never granted.
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3
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I have no qualms about eating spoiled food or living in unsanitary conditions - in fact, I might even prefer it that way.
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4
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I'm incredibly persistent when asking for help or favors, and once I see an opportunity that benefits me, I'll doggedly pursue it.
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5
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I love feeling like you belong, and will usually go along with whatever is suggested to me as long as I feel included.
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6
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Eager to please, I'll hardly ever pass up an opportunity to help someone, especially if it takes little effort or time on my part.
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7
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I prefer not to dwell on the past, and become distant when asked about it. No point thinking about something if it only reminds me of hard times.
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8
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I tend to treat others as they treat me, repaying kindness with kindness and disrespect with disrespect.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
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Compassion. I know what it's like to feel unwanted, and I want to help everyone feel accepted and loved no matter who they are. (Good)
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2
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Mindfulness. I know that decisions made by others can often affect innocent bystanders, and I want to make sure that no one is harmed by my party's actions. (Lawful)
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3
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Revolution. I believe that my upbringing was the result of a mismanaged hierarchy, and there needs to be a drastic reform before any change can happen. (Chaotic)
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4
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Strength. Life can be cruel, and the only way to get ahead is to take what's mine. In the real world, only the strong survive. (Evil)
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5
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Belonging. I know that everyone has a place in the world, I just need to find mine. (Neutral)
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6
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Resolve. I believe that a person's circumstances are mainly determined by their own actions, which means I have the power to meet any goals I set for myself. (Any)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
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One person has always shown kindness to me when others wouldn't, and I can never fully repay them for what they've done for me.
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2
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My family, clan, or heritage is the most important thing to me, despite the distance.
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3
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I was part of a gang or crew during my time as an outcast, and I owe a certain responsibility toward the members of that group. They're the closest thing to family that I've ever had.
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4
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I often find comfort and companionship in the presence of animals or even vermin, sometimes.
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5
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I'm protective of the wilderness and its inhabitants. It may be harsh and unforgiving, but at least it hasn't stabbed me in the back like civilization has.
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6
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One day I will return to my homeland and prove that I am not worthy of banishment; until that day, I will focus on bettering myself.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
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I am slow to trust anyone I do not consider a fellow outcast.
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2
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I always think of myself before my allies in dangerous situations.
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3
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I'm overly cautious with my abilities and supplies, often not using something when I need it most in fear that I will need it later.
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4
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I am fearful of abandonment and hate to be alone.
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5
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Once I get an idea I follow it through without fully considering the consequences.
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6
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If you can't take care of yourself, you'll get no help from me.
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