Backstory
Where did your character grow up? What place do they call "home" now? (could
be the same or different.)
I was born in the mountains of the Wildlands among a Goliath tribe. I’m Aurgun and I was the runt of my kin, even though I stand over 6 and a half feet tall. I was a sickly child but eventually I overcame my ailments and grew strong, though not to the extent expected from my ancestry.
I have wandered Unified Caldar for the past few years seeking some purpose and feeling of belonging. At least among the smaller races my strength can be useful.
Who raised your character and how? What are these people doing now?
In my tribe, the children were all raised communally. I knew my parents but we never had a strong bond.I haven't heard from anyone since I left.
Thavotuk, my cousin. We would sneak out sometimes after dark and throw rocks off the nearby cliffs. When I was 16 he changed. I think he was trying to impress some girl, but he started beating on me just like the rest of them.
Mearoth was my aunt, and was the only one who would nurse me when I was sick. When I was leaving the tribe for good she walked after me and without a word she smiled and pressed something into my hand. It was a small piece of bone, polished and carved into the shape of a lightning bolt.
How did your attribute scores affect your character?
My strength and constitution came later in life, but my tribe never recognized it. I can do manual labor well, especially among the smaller races in Unified Caldar. Years of being ignored makes it hard for me to converse sometimes (low CHA) It can make it hard to find work too.
What made your character obtain the class they have now?
I want to protect those that can’t protect themselves. I was a sickly child and I was nearly abandoned by the tribe as an infant. The thing that saved my life was a lightning strike from a seemingly cloudless sky just as the decision was being made. It crashed down out of nowhere, stunning the elders into silence. That stroke of fate gave me a second chance. Though I was sometimes beaten by the other Goliath children, the most painful part of my upbringing was the emotional isolation. I was treated like dead weight that could never be worth the food I ate or the furs I wore. I won’t go looking for a fight but I’m always ready to defend others. When I see others being mistreated it takes me right back to my childhood.
What your character doing in recent years before the campaign's start?
Since I left the Wildlands I’ve been traveling and trying to find honest work. I help on farms during the harvest season but it’s not fulfilling. I feel a calling for something more so I keep moving.
What motivated your character to leave their previous lifestyle and become
adventurers?
A traveler came to our camp when I was 17, a human. He was recording the shapes of our mountains on parchment. He had other maps that he showed me, with villages, towns and cities. He said there were even Goliaths in some! I knew I’d never be accepted in my clan so I left.
Which people are important for your character?
I work for a farmer, his name is Hazen. He lets me live in a shed on his land and his wife Liv feeds me well. If I didn't have their kindness I don't know where I'd be.
What connections does your character have to the other player characters? [175 words max]
I met Anders by chance by the port. He hired me to load up some cargo and paid me well for the work.
Ava came to the market when I was helping Hazen to set up his stall. I helped her pick out the nicest tomatoes.
Name a promise you have made to another player character that you would never break. [75 words max]
I dropped on of Anders crates and it busted open. I can't tell you what was in there, it could get us both into trouble!
If nothing happened, what short/long term goals does your character have?
I’m searching for my people. Those who value and understand me for who I am. If I can find them, I’ll be happy. A little money for a comfortable life wouldn’t hurt either…
What makes your character a likeable adventurer that others would be willing
to have to risk their lives for?
[75 words max]
I'm big and imposing. My words might not always be effective but my actions are. I fight to protect my people.
What has your character done in the past, that they now deeply regret?
I miss my old rat friend. He was injured and helpless when I rescued him on the mountain. After I nursed him back to health he disappeared. I just hope he's ok.
More optional plot hooks:
- My character's lineage might not be what I think it is.