Ninja_Prawn
2017-07-10, 03:19 AM
Long time no see, homebrewers! I just wanted to run something by you, to get a bit of a reality check. Is this interesting to you? Is it unique and distinct enough from the existing backgrounds? Do the features have the right sort of power?
Exile
Sometimes seen as a fate worse than death, exile has long been a popular sanction for radicals, dissidents and troublemakers. Exiling these people allows the authorities to remove a thorn from their sides without creating a martyr or having to keep the unwanted person in costly perpetual captivity. Many a coup or revolution has resulted in the leaders and courtiers of the old regime being consigned to exile, sometimes in a neighbouring state, sometimes on the other side of the world.
On occasion, a person may choose exile voluntarily, either as an alternative to something worse, or because they desire some time in the wilderness to grow and develop. An exile has a unique opportunity to absorb foreign cultures and make contact with émigré communities while rallying support remotely. Living in exile might provide benefits that are not available back home, such as the freedom to pursue otherwise-forbidden love interests or take advantage of more lenient tax policies, either of which could deliver the impetus to accept a self-imposed exile.
Exiles take to adventuring for a number of reasons. For some their exile was only temporary, and now they seek to embark on a dangerous journey home - and others might seek to foment rebellion in absentia so as to be welcomed as liberating heroes on their return. Some exiles are gripped by wanderlust, travelling the world with a small group of companions, while the unluckiest of all might find themselves unwelcome everywhere, leaving them no choice but to keep walking forever.
Skill Proficiencies: History, Survival
Languages: any two of your choice
Equipment: a dagger, a small strongbox, a memento from your homeland, a set of common clothes and a pouch containing 5gp
Feature: Exile Network
You keep in touch with a network of exiles and expatriates, who possess an eclectic mixture of skills and the durable spirit of pioneers. If you need to find someone with an unusual or specialised skill (such as art forgery, translation of ancient languages or poison-brewing), you likely know where to find them.
Variant Feature: Radical Sympathisers
As a prominent figurehead for a group of religious, political or ethnic radicals, you are often able to find people who sympathise with you. When you employ hirelings, they may offer you better rates, fanatical loyalty or enhanced services.
Reason for Exile
You were exiled for a reason. Choose a 'crime' or roll in the table below to determine why you were forced to leave your home.
d10
Crime
1
Opposition to political rulers
2
Tax exile
3
Religious dissenter/radical
4
Sentenced to exile for serious crime
5
Death sentence commuted to exile after committing capital crime
6
Forbidden Love
7
Refugee displaced by war or disaster
8
Escaping shameful failures committed at home
9
Fleeing false accusations
10
Self-imposed exile/journey of self-discovery
Suggested Characteristics
Being exiled is a deeply painful experience, and life as a stateless persona non grata is extremely challenging. Such a trial is sure to leave some marks on the exile’s personality.
d8
Personality Trait
1
I jump whenever anyone knocks on my door.
2
I stand by my principles, rather than compromising them.
3
Letters are my preferred means of communication.
4
I am fascinated by different cultures.
5
I sometimes become pensive and withdrawn.
6
I have a lot of interesting an unusual friends.
7
I often reminisce about my years in exile.
8
I write a lot of poetry in my spare time.
d6
Ideal
1
Homecoming. I hope to return to my homeland one day. (Any)
2
Liberty. I will live the way I want to! (Chaotic)
3
Peace. I will make the most of my time in exile, living a peaceable life. (Lawful)
4
Light in the Dark. It is on me to lead my people through the wilderness and protect them from oppression at home or overseas. (Good)
5
Revenge. I must take revenge on those who cast me out! (Evil)
6
Refuge. In these dangerous times, I must focus solely on survival. (Neutral)
d6
Bond
1
I have made many good friends in the émigré community.
2
I still write to my family back home.
3
People are counting on me as a symbol of resistance.
4
I have started a new family in my adoptive homeland.
5
I cannot return home until I have found what I am looking for.
6
I am still wanted by the courts.
d6
Flaw
1
I have trouble keeping my big mouth shut, and often end up ranting against my opponents.
2
I get in trouble with the law wherever I go.
3
I can’t seem to put down roots or form lasting connections anywhere.
4
My hatred for the people who exiled me sometimes crowds out reason in my head.
5
I prefer to work alone, and rarely seek compromise with others.
6
I’ve been away so long, I have lost touch with my family/culture/language.
Exile
Sometimes seen as a fate worse than death, exile has long been a popular sanction for radicals, dissidents and troublemakers. Exiling these people allows the authorities to remove a thorn from their sides without creating a martyr or having to keep the unwanted person in costly perpetual captivity. Many a coup or revolution has resulted in the leaders and courtiers of the old regime being consigned to exile, sometimes in a neighbouring state, sometimes on the other side of the world.
On occasion, a person may choose exile voluntarily, either as an alternative to something worse, or because they desire some time in the wilderness to grow and develop. An exile has a unique opportunity to absorb foreign cultures and make contact with émigré communities while rallying support remotely. Living in exile might provide benefits that are not available back home, such as the freedom to pursue otherwise-forbidden love interests or take advantage of more lenient tax policies, either of which could deliver the impetus to accept a self-imposed exile.
Exiles take to adventuring for a number of reasons. For some their exile was only temporary, and now they seek to embark on a dangerous journey home - and others might seek to foment rebellion in absentia so as to be welcomed as liberating heroes on their return. Some exiles are gripped by wanderlust, travelling the world with a small group of companions, while the unluckiest of all might find themselves unwelcome everywhere, leaving them no choice but to keep walking forever.
Skill Proficiencies: History, Survival
Languages: any two of your choice
Equipment: a dagger, a small strongbox, a memento from your homeland, a set of common clothes and a pouch containing 5gp
Feature: Exile Network
You keep in touch with a network of exiles and expatriates, who possess an eclectic mixture of skills and the durable spirit of pioneers. If you need to find someone with an unusual or specialised skill (such as art forgery, translation of ancient languages or poison-brewing), you likely know where to find them.
Variant Feature: Radical Sympathisers
As a prominent figurehead for a group of religious, political or ethnic radicals, you are often able to find people who sympathise with you. When you employ hirelings, they may offer you better rates, fanatical loyalty or enhanced services.
Reason for Exile
You were exiled for a reason. Choose a 'crime' or roll in the table below to determine why you were forced to leave your home.
d10
Crime
1
Opposition to political rulers
2
Tax exile
3
Religious dissenter/radical
4
Sentenced to exile for serious crime
5
Death sentence commuted to exile after committing capital crime
6
Forbidden Love
7
Refugee displaced by war or disaster
8
Escaping shameful failures committed at home
9
Fleeing false accusations
10
Self-imposed exile/journey of self-discovery
Suggested Characteristics
Being exiled is a deeply painful experience, and life as a stateless persona non grata is extremely challenging. Such a trial is sure to leave some marks on the exile’s personality.
d8
Personality Trait
1
I jump whenever anyone knocks on my door.
2
I stand by my principles, rather than compromising them.
3
Letters are my preferred means of communication.
4
I am fascinated by different cultures.
5
I sometimes become pensive and withdrawn.
6
I have a lot of interesting an unusual friends.
7
I often reminisce about my years in exile.
8
I write a lot of poetry in my spare time.
d6
Ideal
1
Homecoming. I hope to return to my homeland one day. (Any)
2
Liberty. I will live the way I want to! (Chaotic)
3
Peace. I will make the most of my time in exile, living a peaceable life. (Lawful)
4
Light in the Dark. It is on me to lead my people through the wilderness and protect them from oppression at home or overseas. (Good)
5
Revenge. I must take revenge on those who cast me out! (Evil)
6
Refuge. In these dangerous times, I must focus solely on survival. (Neutral)
d6
Bond
1
I have made many good friends in the émigré community.
2
I still write to my family back home.
3
People are counting on me as a symbol of resistance.
4
I have started a new family in my adoptive homeland.
5
I cannot return home until I have found what I am looking for.
6
I am still wanted by the courts.
d6
Flaw
1
I have trouble keeping my big mouth shut, and often end up ranting against my opponents.
2
I get in trouble with the law wherever I go.
3
I can’t seem to put down roots or form lasting connections anywhere.
4
My hatred for the people who exiled me sometimes crowds out reason in my head.
5
I prefer to work alone, and rarely seek compromise with others.
6
I’ve been away so long, I have lost touch with my family/culture/language.