(Author's Disclaimer: the following background, which I once uploaded to ENWorld but has since been removed, takes on a cinematic, romanticized and unrealistic approach for twin siblings that's better geared for high-fantasy adventures. If that is not your cup of tea, I recommend searching for another background.)
Among other things, You are somebody's twin brother or sister. Whether you and her (or him) are fighting inseparably side by side, or you alone search for that lost connection, somewhere in another kingdom, mouthing your sibling's name between prayers of reunion. Work with your DM (and potentially another player, in case you choose to play as said player character's twin—) on the nature of your relationship with your sibling: how do you keep in touch, if at all? What was life like growing up with or without your twin? Did something separate your character from her twin, and if so, what might have gotten between them? Are you identical twins or fraternal twin siblings? Do you have lot of things in common with your twin sibling, or disagree with him or her more often than not? How much do you tell each other, given the option? Do you two get along well? Do either of you picture the other as an "evil twin"? Alternatively, your relationship with your twin might be bitter, as you compete against your sibling and struggle for your parent's affection.
- Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Insight
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan's tools or one type of musical instrument, one type of gaming set.
- Languages: A secret language or code, which only you and your twin know about.
- Equipment: One type of artisan's tools or one musical instrument of your choice, a set of common clothing, a small clay figurine of one of your parents, signet ring, or parent's initials sewn on a handkerchief bearing the family crest, a deck of old cards or a sewn-and-worn toy ball, a handful of old letters, one small family heirloom of mostly sentimental value (roll once on the Trinkets table), and a pouch containing 10 gp.
For every twin siblings, there exists an equal or opposite twin sibling, that much is practically dogma. But each would likely bear powerful positive or negative feelings toward the other. The following table contains different initial dispositions your character might have toward his/her twin sibling, you might express an immediate joy to each other's rediscovery, or feel strong, painful resentment secretly boiling up over your lifetime. Choose an initial perspective towards your sibling that suits your character, or roll on the table below. Choose whether or not you show this side of your character to your twin. Finally, work with your DM (and with the player involved with your background, if applicable) to figure out how your twin reacts to the initial perspective, and if it is even seats of it.
| d8 | Twinship |
|---|---|
| 1 | Longing |
| 2 | Naive |
| 3 | Jealous |
| 4 | Competing |
| 5 | Distant |
| 6 | (In-/)Grateful |
| 7 | Disappointed |
| 8 | Resentful |
You share an empathic sense with your sibling that transcends those of other pairs to a nearly analogous degree. If you are aware of your twin sibling's existence,(and of your separation at an early age, if relevant) You can sense the presence of your twin if he is "nearby"*. Also, You feel a unique form of dread (or perhaps excitement, if you are an "evil twin") that signals to you when your twin sibling is in danger. In addition, when you go through areas, buildings and other locations without your twin, but where he or she has gone before, you can perceive a single emotion your twin previously experienced within that location. at the DM's decision, your twin sibling may also benefit from this feature when applicable. some places with strong emotional vibes (such as a boneyard, a sylvan garden, or a monster's lair) might overcome or block this sense. Magical measures or other forms of trickery may also be taken to block or deceive this connection.
*(Author's note: speak with your DM and agree on a definition for "nearby", if deemed necessary.)
Suggested Characteristics
The implied reference point of picturing a twin brother or sister's appearance is that of the original character concept it was born with. Even among identical twins exist a few subtle differences in appearance like different hair, clothes, eyes, smile or even physique or gender that help set them apart to an observant eye. Making a fraternal twin sibling might rather have you looking to your twin for subtle resembling features, as opposed to differences.
In addition, a special quality like strangely colored irises, a scar or tattoo, jewelry or speech impediment or the like can also splash a unique color to your character.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | It's uncanny how my twin and I are always/never on the same wavelength, to the irk of those around us. |
| 2 | All I ask for is not to be compared to my twin brother or sister. |
| 3 | I would pay gold to watch my sibling(s) struggle in a tough situation. |
| 4 | I have made peace with my twin's shortcomings; perhaps I'd even welcome more of them, if and when such arise. |
| 5 | I'm usually very mature and calm, except when my twin is around. |
| 6 | I was spoiled before starting my adventuring life. Can you expect any less from our parents' favorite child? |
| 7 | I never knew I had a twin sibling before, and even now, I'm not used to the idea yet. |
| 8 | If I learned anything from my upbringing, it is that I need to be devious and conniving to get what I want. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Responsibility. It's my job to keep those closest to me out of trouble. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Family. Blood is thicker than water, without question. (any) |
| 3 | Dominance. I am the better sibling, and there's nothing I won't do to prove it. (Evil) |
| 4 | Greater Good. the most important thing is to be someone others would strive to be. (Good) |
| 5 | Vengeance. I have been greatly wronged throughout my entire life. It falls upon me to bring justice to the family. (Evil) |
| 6 | Independence. I want others to see that I am my own personality, and not an extension of my twin. (Chaotic) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My sibling and I had a feud when we were younger, and I just want (or don't want) to leave it behind us. |
| 2 | Somewhere, during our time apart, I have committed a crime using my twin brother's or sister's name as an alias, I hope he or she would forgive me for it. |
| 3 | My twin must not find out how I covet his or her birthright to a position of power, even if he or she did not know of the title. |
| 4 | My twin sibling and I each have fragments of a mystic artifact ingrained within our souls, and I need his or her aid to extract the pieces. |
| 5 | I have a friend or lover who I choose to keep secret from my twin, knowing well enough that he or she is everything my sibling dislikes in a person. I aim to tell my twin eventually, though. |
| 6 | I work to great lengths so my sibling does not discover the truth about me... about us. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | My decisions cause only trouble or pain for my twin (or my family), no matter what I do. |
| 2 | I have this unshakable fear, that my brother's or sister's allies aim to turn my twin against me. |
| 3 | my ideas for how to win my twin brother or sister's affection or safety are signals of my deepening descent into madness. |
| 4 | Whether it's because of the shame, the hatred or a traumatic event, I can't even bear to stare at myself directly in the mirror; Much less so at my twin, for that matter. |
| 5 | My twin? As my equal? Don't make me laugh! |
| 6 | I am unable to cope with my twin's disapproval or absence. |
Your twin sibling might be deceased, or lost on another plane of existence. but still tied to you across the multiverse by a special link to you that had yet to fade from this world. In such a case, you may choose to take the "Hanging By a Thread" feature below instead of the Twin Empathy background feature, or exchange one feature for another, if the death of your twin brother/sister happens during the adventure.
Destiny has linked you and your brother or sister in ways that transcend the material world. On occasions when you are alone, thinking about your late twin brother or sister, your twin may try communicate with you from beyond, sending you and your teammates warning signs, advice, reassurance, arguments, guidance or any other kind of message. The nature and subtlety (or directness, by contrast) of the communication and the message you receive is subject to the DM's creativity, just as interpretation of vague spiritual messages are subject to yours. However, with unique exceptions not withstanding, only you can perceive your twin's presence without supernatural or magical means.
Comments