Background: Explorer

The Explorer background is the first in an attempt to make backgrounds and characters inspired by either real or fictional people. Growing up I had thought that Indiana Jones was just about the coolest hero in any movie ever. He was tough, smart, funny, and didn't take shit from anyone. He inspired me to be a professor, which is why I spend my days now traveling the world beating up Nazis (that's code for reading books and articles in my field.) So, for those of you (and I am sure there are more than a few) who have always wanted a whip above mantle, I give you our first "Inspired Hero"

(Download the PDF here)

“Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory.”

EXPLORER

From the deepest dungeon to the highest peak, from the furthest island to the darkest jungle, Explorers are always there first.

Some take up the life purely for the sense of adventure, while others work tirelessly in the noble pursuit of historical knowledge. Explorers burn the trails and beat back the edges of the map as they bring back knowledge and wealth to their homes. They can be great protectors or vile destroyers of history and culture.

Were you a fearless scholar, hacking away at the jungle in search of an ancient relic that might shed light on your people’s history? Did you sign up on the first naval scout ship you ever saw, not caring where you went, so long as you were taking the path less followed? Or was it money that motivated you to sell your natural talents as a scout to the highest bidder?

Whatever the case, your life was always meant for adventure. The open road called you towards unknown knowledge and glory, and you answered without hesitation.

Skill Proficiencies: Survival, History, and Nature

Languages: Two languages of your choice

Equipment: A set of well worn clothes, a grappling hook, a 10 foot pole, a personal journal, a hat, a bag of sand, and a whip

FEATURE:

You’ve traveled far and wide in your life and made more than a few friends and enemies. When in a city or town, you can always contact the local scouts or rangers to gain information about the surrounding area. How happy they are to see you though depends on your latest interaction.

SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS:

Explorers are natural adventurers, having pursued treasure, knowledge, and the feeling of adventure their whole lives. Explorers tend to be a mix of intellectual and survivalist, living off their wits, their knowledge, and their toughness. Many live dual lives, being respected experts in the city and sought after scouts and mercenaries in the wilderness. Some Explorers actively dislike cities and governments, seeing them as things they should simply avoid contact with unless necessary.

PERSONALITY TRAIT (D6)

1. If some geological formation, location, or object doesn’t have a name, I delight in the chance to name it.

2. I put little to know value on money or other things that can’t help me while in the outlands.

3. I only like someone so much as I can trust them to pull their own weight.

4. I love to listen to other people talk about their cultures and histories.

5. I keep knick knacks and trinkets from every place I visit as a reminder of the people I met there.

6. I’m a firm believer that a good fistfight can solve most disagreements, but don’t hold a grudge afterwards.

IDEALS (D6)

1. Self Reliance- There comes a time in every person’s life at which there is no one to ask for help. We should all be ready for that moment. (Neutral)

2. Knowledge- To learn new things is a good goal. To learn new things and then teach them to others is the greatest goal. (Neutral)

3. Freedom- No matter how far the cities and their laws spread, I can always go just a little further. (Chaotic)

4. Country- Serving a nation or city-state is the highest calling. (Lawful)

5. Culture- Each culture is unique and wonderful in its own way that deserves preservation. (Lawful)

6. Wit- The best laid plans always fall to pieces. I respect a person who can think on their feet more than anything. (Neutral)

BONDS (d6)

1. I idolize the explorers of old and yearn to make a discovery worthy of the history books.

2. There are more than a few tribal villages that I have stolen relics from.

3. I know of an ancient and terrifying temple in the deep jungles that still haunts my dreams and calls me to it.

4. A powerful noble despises me for giving a priceless artifact to its native peoples rather than selling it to him.

5. I have paramours all across the realm, none of which know about each other…I hope.

6. I love my hat and would risk my own life to get it back.

FLAWS (d6)

1. Nothing in the world is more loathsome and terrifying to me than snakes.

2. Despite my knowledge of history, I regularly misremember things that have happened in the past few days, weeks, and months.

3. I have little to no respect for native cultures and peoples, seeing my own culture as superior in every way.

4. I am irrational when it comes to planning. I often do the first, most obvious thing.

5. I delight in watching others fail where I have succeeded.

6. I often take the more dangerous option, just to feel the rush I get from risking my life

#backgrounds #InspiredHeroes