Background: Lost in Time and Space

Using the "fish out of water" perspective to tell a story is a real favorite of mine. Television shows like Futurama or Farscape and movies like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest all star characters that lack any understanding of what is really taking place around them. Their natural discovery of the world they are in gives the writer and excuse to expound and us a reason to identify. I wanted to bring that joy of discover to the table as well. When I play D&D, I find the experience of learning about the world to be as enjoyable as the rest of it. However, playing a character that is supposed to already understand the world makes information gathering feel unnatural and out of character. The Lost in Time and Space background is my attempt to help bring the joy of discovery out of the "meta" and into the character.

(Download the PDF here)

Malcolm had learned very, very little in the few minutes since he found himself inexplicably transported to this place. He had, however, learned that high walls and barred windows were meant to keep the men around him from escaping. He had also learned that the mysterious metallic devices the guards carried were some kind of weapon. But, he thought to himself, even if he were to get one, he would have no idea how to use it.

LOST IN TIME AND SPACE

Simply put, you do not belong here. Every day you experience some stark and unforgiving reminder that this is not your home realm, and that you may never get to see it again. The customs, institutions, and languages of this realm are as foreign to you as is possible, and you find yourself constantly struggling to understand them.

Were you an adventurer in the dark and brooding realm of Ravenloft, brought here by some mystical and unexplained force? Were you transported by the gods themselves from a time immemorial only to find yourself looking the ancient ruins of the once great city you were born in? Perhaps you were born into an industrial culture and lived a life of mundane labor until you read the wrong words from a dusty old tome. Or, are you a traveler of time and space, making this realm simply another way station on your infinite journey?

Skill Proficiencies: Perception, Survival, and choose one from History and Medicine

Languages: Any one non-standard language

Equipment: A set of strange clothes, a device of unknown origin, choose one from a photo of a loved one or a small carving of a strange religious idol

FEATURE: BLISS OF IGNORANCE

Your strange appearance, mannerisms, and knowledge afford you a small measure of leniency when dealing with the law. When caught violating minor laws or customs, you can usually convince the law keepers that your infraction was an honest mistake born of ignorance of the laws. The larger or more serious the infraction, the less likely the guards will believe you.

SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS

As a character Lost in Time and Space your life is often defined by how others perceive you to be different or outlandish. Roll on the chart below to determine your realm of origin, which will greatly influence how your character perceives and interacts with the world around her.

If your character has only recently been transported, your bond is almost certainly related to your home realm, and it is unlikely that you have any inherent loyalty to the institutions of your new realm. However, the longer your character has lived in this realm, the more likely they will have formed relationships.

ORIGIN REALMS (D8)

1. A place of similar technological development, but with very different cultures and languages.

2. A place without magic or fantastical creatures, but of similar technological development

3. A place with only a single sentient race.

4. A place very similar to this setting.

5. A distant future on the same continent, which you recognize.

6. An extremely scientifically advanced culture that did not believe in magic.

7. The distant past, where magic was much more powerful.

8. A place on this same plane and at this same time, but so distant you do not recognize your surroundings.

PERSONALITY TRAIT (D8)

1. I feel a constant disconnect from the world and its people, still unsure if this is real or some kind of vision or dream.

2. I am constantly looking for ways to get back to my home and will never accept this as my new home.

3. I have no problem playing the fool to get what I want, and it usually works.

4. I am extremely afraid of magic, having not seen it before.

5. I am extremely curious about everything I see in this world.

6. I have an inexplicably advanced technological device that cannot operate without a power supply. I sometimes threaten to use it, hoping no one catches on.

7. I struggle to enjoy the food in this place and it often makes me sick.

8. I like to use my knowledge of past or future events to appear wise or magical.

IDEALS (D6)

1. Rebellion- The system of government in this realm disgusts me. We should stand against it. (Chaotic)

2. Knowledge- The history and research of this place is awe inspiring. The more I learn the better. (Neutral)

3. Power- The people of this land have never seen real power. I will show it to them. (Evil)

4. Culture- The foods, languages, music, and art of these diverse cultures are wonderful and beautiful to experience. (Neutral)

5. Magic- The pursuit of this mystical and powerful art the natives call “magic” should dominate the lives of nearly everyone. (Neutral)

6. Family- My noble house was of great importance to me in my own time. I am obligated to attempt to further its standing in this time. (Lawful)

BONDS (D6)

1. I was transported to this realm alongside someone very dear to me, but we were separated and I have not seen them since.

2. I was transported due to my own experiments at a place of power, and I know the answer to getting home in at that place.

3. I carry with me the broken device which transported me and would do anything to get it working again.

4. I am a seeker of knowledge, traveling through time and space to learn. If I am stuck here, I will make the best of it.

5. The kingdom that rules over this land came to power after wiping out my tribe. To them it is ancient history, but I saw it with my own eyes.

6. My ancient ancestors lived in this area.

FLAWS (D6)

1. I see the people of this realm as absolute savages, barely above animals.

2. My mannerisms and way of speaking are so foreign that I often draw unwanted attention to myself.

3. I tend to always feel on edge and snap at people without real cause.

4. I am given to bouts of crying and deep depression.

5. I do not speak the common tongue of this realm.

6. I am very proud of the knowledge I have accumulated about this realm. However, I am unaware that most of what I know could be considered common knowledge.

#backgrounds #NonHeroic #DD5E