You were shaped by the teachings of Aelthir Moonshae, the eccentric elven wizard known as the Packfather.
Some who carry his teachings were raised within the hidden sanctuary of Sael’thir Avara, the Hearth of Many Clans, where creatures normally feared as monsters were raised together as family. Others discovered his philosophy later in life, abandoning brutal traditions to walk a different path.
The Packfather taught that instinct does not define destiny. Even creatures born to violence could learn loyalty, restraint, and compassion.
Those who follow his teachings often refer to trusted companions as pack, and carry his lessons into a world that still fears them.
The Sanctuary Today
Though Aelthir Moonshae, the Packfather, vanished centuries ago, the sanctuary of Sael’thir Avara still stands hidden within the forest.
Over generations it has grown into a small but thriving community where creatures from many races live side by side. While monstrous races remain the majority, travelers, outcasts, and wanderers of other peoples have found refuge there as well.
Interspecies relationships are common within the sanctuary. Children born from such unions are rare, but families are no less common—many residents choose to adopt abandoned young from across the world, continuing the Packfather’s original mission.
Sael’thir Avara is a place of welcome, but it is not without caution. The sanctuary remains carefully guarded and hidden from the outside world, for many still fear or misunderstand its purpose.
And like any society, it is not perfect. Conflicts arise, crimes occur, and not all who come seeking refuge honor the Packfather’s teachings. Yet the community endures, guided by the belief that even those who stumble may still choose a better path.
- Ability Scores:
Your upbringing in the wilderness sanctuary of Sael’thir Avara taught you resilience, awareness, and physical discipline.
Increase one ability score by 2 and another by 1, choosing from Strength, Constitution, or Wisdom.
Alternatively, increase Strength, Constitution, and Wisdom by 1 each.
- Feat: Life among the many peoples of Sael’thir Avara taught cooperation, adaptability, and practical skill. Characters with this background gain the Skilled feat, representing the wide range of talents learned within the sanctuary.
- Skill Proficiencies:
You were taught to read the emotions and intentions of others while surviving in the wild lands surrounding the sanctuary.
This background grants proficiency in Insight and Survival.
- Tool Proficiencies:
Life within the sanctuary required practical knowledge of natural remedies and healing.
You gain proficiency with the Herbalism Kit.
- Languages:
The Packfather taught all of his students the Elven language so they could study philosophy, history, and the values of the sanctuary.
This background grants Elvish as an additional language.
- Equipment:
You start with the following equipment:
• A carved wooden token bearing the symbol of the Packfather
• A hunting knife
• A set of traveler’s clothes
• A pouch containing 10 gp
Those raised in Sael’thir Avara often internalize one of the Packfather’s teachings more strongly than the others.
| d6 | Packfather Teachings |
|---|---|
| 1 | The pack survives through loyalty. Betray the pack, and you betray yourself. |
| 2 | Strength is meant to protect, but a pack that cannot fight will not survive. |
| 3 | Instinct is not the enemy. Sometimes the right answer is to trust the beast inside you. |
| 4 | The world fears monsters because monsters once gave it reason to. Choose carefully when you prove them right. |
| 5 | Family is not always blood. The pack you choose may matter more than the one you were born to. |
| 6 | Mercy is a choice, not a rule. Sometimes the only way to protect the pack is to be the thing others fear. |
You follow the teachings of Aelthir Moonshae, known as the Packfather. His philosophy—that no creature is born a monster—has spread quietly across the world.
Those familiar with the Packfather’s teachings, or with the symbol carried by his followers, may treat you with unexpected respect or curiosity rather than fear. Other Children of the Packfather may recognize you as kin and offer guidance, shelter, or aid when possible.
Suggested Characteristics
Those who follow the Packfather’s teachings come from many backgrounds. Some were raised within the sanctuary of Sael’thir Avara, while others chose to abandon violent traditions and adopt his philosophy later in life.
Those raised by the Packfather often struggle to balance their natural instincts with the discipline they were taught. They tend to value loyalty, cooperation, and chosen family above all else.
Many refer to their companions as pack, sometimes confusing those unfamiliar with the term.
| d6 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am always watching for signs of betrayal or cruelty; old instincts are hard to ignore. |
| 2 | I am quick to defend those who are judged unfairly. |
| 3 | I struggle to restrain my instincts when angered. |
| 4 | I value loyalty above laws or traditions. |
| 5 | I believe anyone can change if given the chance. |
| 6 | I feel most comfortable when surrounded by others; solitude reminds me of life before the pack. |
Contacts
Many former students of the Packfather now wander the world. Some may recognize the symbol you carry and treat you as family.
Not all Children of the Packfather were raised in the sanctuary of Sael’thir Avara. Some discovered the teachings later in life, abandoning brutal traditions or violent clans after realizing a different path was possible.
These individuals often struggle more deeply with the instincts of their upbringing but carry the Packfather’s lessons with fierce determination.
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