Thursday, November 17, 2011

Random Weird Background Trait Table


Too often, unusual backgrounds mean super-special abilities.  But they don't have to...

The character in question (1d12):
  1. Once saved a magical creature from a hunter’s trap and received 3 wishes in gratitude but squandered them long ago, with nothing to show for it.
  2. Was the sole survivor of the mysterious disappearance of all the other people and livestock in his or her home village.
  3. Owns of a pouch full of seeds which family legend holds are magical. 50% chance they are--but only sprout if planted in a singular (and far away) location.
  4. Is the victim of an unusual familial curse that causes sex change under the a particular phase of the moon.
  5. Bears a prominent scar, but cannot remember when or where it was acquired.
  6. Once had a brief--but torrid--dalliance with a personage of some prominence which he cannot forget, but the former paramour gives no indication that he or she remembers.
  7. Has two shadows (slightly offset, so not immediately noticeable) owing (it’s rumored) to a demonic ancestor.
  8. Feels a strange longing for the sea and bears a nautilus shaped birthmark.
  9. Could pass for a twin for a person of some renown or infamy.
  10. Was found as infant in ancient ruins by foster parents.
  11. Had a twin that was stillborn but with whom he or she converses at times of stress. 30% chance the never born twin blames the character for his or her death.
  12. Occasionally, at night, can catch a glimpse of large dog-like animal that seems to be stalking him or her, but never approaches close enough for clear identifcation, and disappears if approached.

12 comments:

The Angry Lurker said...

Good ones but No.4 is wishful thinking...rolling a dice now...damn a 5!

Jim Shelley said...

I really like the two shadows idea!

Gothridge Manor said...

Good stuff Trey. My kind of table.

migellito said...

Very nice! I'd definitely use this.

The Happy Whisk said...

I don't know enough about tables, unless it's a dinner table, but I do like the picture.

Hope you're having a groovy day. Got the day off myself, gonna clean and then later, take the littlest pup to the vet for shots.

Big day.

:-)

Sean Robson said...

Love it. I've always liked cursed backgrounds for my characters rather than the ones that give special abilities (cough...Paizo...cough).

Geoff Nelson said...

I would pay for a d 100 table like this. LOVE it.

Sub Radar (Mike) said...

I feel like I could write a story with each one, great stuff.

Brent Davis said...

I love random tables like this. These are particularly good I think.

Trey said...

Thanks guys.

Needles said...

Very inspirational. I did a set of my own. These are very subtle & won't upset game balance.

Ray Rousell said...

Some very good ideas, I like it!!!