Almost all citizens of Faerûn spend the duration of their lives living above ground, in the light of the sun. They believe the Underdark is a realm of darkness, fear, and alien creatures too unusual to imagine. They fear any exposure to the Underdark itself or any creatures that dwell there.
You aren't frightened, but intrigued.
You have spent your life venturing below the surface world to explore the vast reaches of the Underdark. Whether out of curiosity or in search of treasures, you have become familiar with this alien world. You have seen things that no one else could ever even dream of, but have also experienced things worse than any nightmare.
Despite your comfort with the Underdark and some of the denizens within, you are still cautious. You realize that the creatures that inhabit this area are dangerous and the humanoids brutal. They all fight a constant war to survive each and every day, leading to cruelty and skill in combat. Your knowledge is a tool, a weapon in your arsenal to help combat the creatures that live here. However, it is also a burden to bear as you have been left troubled by some of the experiences you have faced down in the depths of the Underdark.
- Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Perception
- Tool Proficiencies: Cartographer's Tools
- Languages: Undercommon
- Equipment: One set of dark clothes, Cartographer's Tools, a small piece of Drow jewelry worth 10 gp , and a pouch containing 5 gp
An underdark explorer may be seeking knowledge, treasure, or simply the thrill of adventure. What brings you into the Underdark? What prompts you to consistently return? Choose an option or roll on the table below to determine what you are looking for.
| d6 | What are you looking for? |
|---|---|
| 1 | Unusual experiences |
| 2 | Information |
| 3 | Wealth |
| 4 | Powerful artifacts |
| 5 | Exploration |
| 6 | A loved one |
You are no casual visitor to the Underdark, but instead have spent considerable time there learning its ways. You are familiar with the various races, civilizations, and settlements of the Underdark, as well as its major routes for travel. If you fail an Intelligence check to recall some piece of Underdark lore, you know a source you can consult for the answer unless the DM rules that the lore is unknown.
Suggested Characteristics
Those who become explorers of the deep are on constant alert when they're in the underdark. They are generally less talkative as they are used to traveling alone and remaining vigilant.
| d6 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I don’t run from evil. Evil runs from me. |
| 2 | I have my own ideas about what is and is not food after years in the underdark, which others often find revolting. |
| 3 | I have a strong code of honor or sense of propriety that others don’t comprehend. |
| 4 | I live for the thrill of the hunt. |
| 5 | I expect danger around every corner. |
| 6 | I put no trust in divine beings. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | I try to help those in need, as they are likely less capable than me. (Good) |
| 2 | I like to know my enemy’s capabilities and weaknesses before rushing into battle. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Exploring the underdark is all about the new experiences for me! (Chaotic) |
| 4 | I’m a monster that destroys other monsters, and anything else that gets in my way. (Evil) |
| 5 | Everything is new, but I have a thirst to learn. (Neutral) |
| 6 | I must be careful, for I have no way of telling friend from foe here. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I keep my thoughts and discoveries in a journal. My journal is my legacy. |
| 2 | There’s evil in me, I can feel it. It must never be set free. |
| 3 | I protect those who cannot protect themselves. |
| 4 | My freedom is my most precious possession. I’ll never let anyone take it from me again. |
| 5 | I’m fascinated by the beauty and wonder of this new land. |
| 6 | I wish my childhood sweetheart had come with me to pursue my destiny. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am secretly (or not so secretly) convinced of the superiority of my own knowledge over that of others with regards to the underdark. |
| 2 | I have certain rituals that I must follow every day. I can never break them. |
| 3 | I am a purveyor of doom and gloom who lives in a world without hope. |
| 4 | I have an addiction. |
| 5 | I consider the adherents of any gods to be deluded innocents at best, or ignorant fools at worst. |
| 6 | I talk to spirits that no one else can see. |
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