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Returning 35 results for 'Backstory; Family Relationships'.
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backstory family relationship
Changeling
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
Learn More
Species
Eberron: Rising from the Last War
havens in major cities and communities, but most prefer to wander the unpredictable path of the god known as the Traveler.
In creating a changeling adventurer, consider the character’s relationships
a family, allowing a younger changeling to take advantage of contacts established by the persona’s previous users.
Changeling Names
A changeling might use a different name for each mask and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
experience before deciding to become an adventurer? What were the circumstances of your birth? How large is your family, and what sorts of relationships do you have with your relatives? Which people
backstory for your character — an autobiography of sorts — that you can use to inform how you roleplay the character. Your DM can draw from this material as the campaign proceeds, creating situations and scenarios that build off your previous life experiences.
Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
In your earlier days, you were a personage of some significance in a noble court or a bureaucratic organization. You might or might not come from an upper-class family; your talents, rather than the
life, your relationships with your former fellows can be an advantage for you and your adventuring comrades. You might undertake missions with your new companions that further the interest of the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
of Omin’s rise to power know the importance of his family to that story — and the complicated relationships that continue to bind Acquisitions Incorporated to the women of House Dran. PORTENTIA, PROPHETESS, AND AUSPICIA DRAN
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
Background The Xungoon and Tyenmo families have always had a complicated relationship. While their trades and relationships to the Dyn Singh Night Market differ, their stubbornness and intense family
loyalty are the same. Both believe they’re paragons of what a night market merchant should be while also believing the other family has been jealously sabotaging them for years. Despite this, the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
in Faerûn seek to recapture the sort of connection they had with a now-lost clan or family by forging new relationships among their non-dragonborn allies and companions. Dragonborn in Faerûn have the racial traits of dragonborn in the Player’s Handbook.
Honor and Family Every aspect of dragonborn life is dictated by the race’s code of honor and strict adherence to tradition. Dragonborn society is highly ordered, with each member expected to do one’s
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
when creating your Darklord’s backstory: What was the first depraved act the Darklord chose to commit, and how did their ideal encourage them down this path? Was the Darklord rewarded or celebrated for
friends and family rejected them? Did the Darklord think this was warranted or an unreasonable judgment? How did they react? When and how did these acts attract the attention of the Dark Powers? How did the Dark Powers use these acts to craft the perfect prison domain for the Darklord?
Backgrounds
Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica
)
2
Justice. Achieving justice requires establishing fair, equitable, and compassionate relationships within a community. (Good)
3
Protection. It isn’t right for innocents to
are my family.
4
I wield the same Boros weapon my grandparent did, for the honor of our family.
5
I ran with the Rakdos in my youth, and I’m striving to atone for my past misdeeds
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
amount of backstory, suggesting the character’s family and what the character did before becoming an adventurer. Take note of specific background characters—friends, foes, family members, and others—who
from a character’s backstory. As characters continue to adventure, they’ll find different goals to pursue, such as finding a lost relic, honoring an ancestor, avenging a fallen mentor, or defeating a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
dragon family demands tribute from desert communities in exchange for protection.
2 Enraged at the loss of a wyrmling, a blue dragon is causing lightning storms to destroy coastal settlements and
Creatures In contrast to most chromatic dragons, blue dragons see value in relationships with other creatures, even if the power balance in those relationships is always weighted in the dragon’s favor
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
Courtier In your earlier days, you were a personage of some significance in a noble court or a bureaucratic organization. You might or might not come from an upper-class family; your talents, rather
, your relationships with your former fellows can be an advantage for you and your adventuring comrades. You might undertake missions with your new companions that further the interest of the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
family—the relationships that tie people most closely to each other. Heliod’s Goals In Heliod’s mind, he is the ruler of the gods, and he wants merely for his rightful place to be recognized. He
interested not only in punitive justice, but also in the establishment of fair and equitable relationships among people and gods, in service to the common good. He also takes an interest in the bonds of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
within a cave at the mountain’s top. It is said the bonds of friendship are tested within Saan’s cave. Explorers who prove true to their friends and family are blessed; those who don’t find their relationships shattered.
scholarly Preed family, whose members believe the land has grown angry and will soon swallow Siabsungkoh whole. Avyrn Mountain Centuries ago, a young sorcerer named Phi Maymoon scaled Avyrn Mountain and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
pious descendants or curses upon those who put their own needs over those of the family and broader community. Bonesingers Artisan-warriors, bonesingers dedicate their lives to maintaining the skybridges
and Reputation Dozens of clans unite families across the Dayawlongon archipelago. Marriages are unions of clans as much as unions between individuals. Adoptions, polyamorous relationships, and other
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath
Hungry Ogres One night (or day if the situation dictates), while the traveling goat show is resting for the evening, a family of ogres catches their scent. Being ogres, always hungry and particularly
of Phandalin. If that is the case, then they have their own stories and their own relationships with the people of Phandalin. The town and the NPCs, as they are presented here, should be seen as just
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
. Here are some questions you can ask the players as they create characters to get a sense of the party’s relationships: Are any of the characters related to each other? What keeps the characters together
working with that player to come up with their character’s backstory, then let the player decide if they want the character to have a sidekick (see the “Sidekicks” section in this chapter). You might
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
religious belief and practice. Myths Stories about the gods explore their relationships with each other, with the natural world, and with the realm of mortals. Myths might describe familial relationships
circumstances. A person might burn incense to a hearth or family deity at a kitchen altar in the morning, pray to a deity of the hunt while hunting in the afternoon, and join a communal harvest feast at the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica
can also help you create connections among the characters in your party. Those tables describe family relationships, current and former romantic connections, random acquaintances, past rivals, and many
) might talk about exterminating or dominating other guilds, many guild members have family, lovers, friends, and acquaintances among other guilds. Those positive associations can bind an adventuring party
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
. The following sections suggest ways to help you create a world your players will be excited to explore. Recurring Elements When characters form relationships—friendships, business arrangements, or even
lasting antagonism—with the people and places of your setting, those people and places stick in the players’ minds. Introduce opportunities to forge these lasting relationships early and often
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things
to you or randomly pull cards from The Deck of Many Things card set. The prompts can be personality traits, relationships, or events. Most are described as part of your character’s past, but they
organization imprisoned you, perhaps because of a crime you committed against that faith or because the leaders considered you the servant of a rival power. Euryale You or your family are watched by
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
will miss some words and subtlety of meaning. As you create a Khoravar character, you have a wide range of options to describe your backstory. The Khoravar Origin table can provide inspiration for it
the human farmers in the east and the druids and wilder folk in the west. 4 Your small Khoravar community has only survived in the slums of Sharn through the close, family-like support you show each
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
character’s backstory, consider how the gods have influenced your life. The gods are pervasive in the stories and cultures of Theros, and even their devout followers shouldn’t feel bound to choose a faith
exceptionally devout, consider reviewing the deities presented in chapter 2 and see if you gravitate toward one. Perhaps this god has a special interest in you, is the deity your family has hailed as a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
more likely that these minions are a family the dragon has adopted out of generosity, compassion, or manipulation. Unlike most other relationships between dragons and followers, this one is primarily
Dragon Relationships Some dragons rule sprawling criminal organizations devoted to plundering the surrounding region and swelling the dragons’ hoards. Others govern peaceful and prosperous towns
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron
its prosperity will help everyone. (Good)
2 Tradition. I uphold traditions of my house and bring honor to my family. (Lawful)
3 Innovation. Abandon old traditions and find better ways to do
. (Any)
6 Comfort. I want to ensure that me and mine enjoy the best things in life. (Any)
d6 Bond
1 My house is my family, and I would do anything for my family.
2 I love
Kobold
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
Learn More
Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
lack of emotional bonding means they have no concept of marriage or permanent family relationships. Their eggs are placed in a common tribal hatchery with no effort to keep track of who each one
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things
personality traits, relationships, and events. Most describe your character’s past, but some foretell something in your character’s future instead. These events might be a mystery to your character, shared only
like a … loose guideline.
Rogue Destinies Card Heroic Tie Balance Your family is connected to an organization that seeks justice and opposes tyranny. Comet A powerful member of a thieves’ guild
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
dragon protecting a treasure hoard. Such protectiveness isn’t often called for in the company of friends and family — but just as a parent doesn’t leave a child unattended, a dwarf doesn’t craft an item
been used for centuries, without considering the possibility that its enemies have discovered how to overcome those defenses. The dwarves’ way of thinking leads to difficulties in their relationships
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
creating nonplayer characters in chapter 4 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide to detail the majordomo, giving this individual a vibrant personality and backstory. The majordomo’s goals should be aligned
backstory that complements a franchise’s evolution over time. A sage might research how the franchise gains new capabilities. Or perhaps the majordomo was the pilot of a vessel capable of planar travel
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
spy who uses this busking gig to establish relationships with the Yawning Portal’s unique clientele. Mattrim needs a pouch of gold delivered to a female half-drow named Cal’al Claddani, who runs a
while sipping zzar and listening to gossip. Her family has a tarnished reputation, having once been banished from Waterdeep for slavery and other illegal acts. Although the Rosznar family is trying
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
world. Her fundamental concern is for the well-being of mortal folk, starting with their physical health but also including their need for security, love, and belonging. Divine Relationships Karametra
mortal life. That said, Karametra does recognize the need to fight in defense of one’s life, family, and community when they come under attack, so she and Iroas are able to find some common ground in that matter—and in their shared hatred of Mogis.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
. Caravan leaders ensure that every family member is accounted for before moving on, ensuring no one gets lost in the Mists. Vistani Wayfarers emerge from the Mists into a new land. Vistani Knowledge
longstanding trade relationships. Some more dismal communities view Vistani with suspicion, though, being wary of anyone who emerges from the Mists. But even these communities often find the lure of news
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
the Underdark. The only path back to the surface goes directly through a shadow dragon’s lair.
3 A young woman seeks heroes to retrieve a family heirloom stolen from her. The woman is actually a
short-lived relationships, though, as most shadow dragons can scarcely bear the bleakness of their own existence. Shadow Dragon Wyrmling Connections d6 Connected Creatures
1 A bard befriends
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
relationships among people and gods. (Lawful and good)
6 Kinship. It’s essential to preserve the bonds of family—my own family first, and others after. (Lawful)
Earning and Losing Piety You
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
hunting, cooking, family care, and other daily responsibilities. Status in the tribe typically comes with age and by forming relationships with other members of the community, whether through childrearing
Leonin of Oreskos Close-knit prides of several dozen to a few hundred leonin make their homes throughout Oreskos. These communities treat every member as family, with all taking equal roles in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation
the city. Their seat of governance is Goldenthrone, an old, regal Amnian palace overlooking the bay. A merchant prince who retires can yield his or her position to a family member or someone else of
immense wealth agreed on by the majority. The merchant princes surround themselves with loyal family and underlings, but they also employ foreign mercenaries both as city guards and as personal guards