We were instructed to give a brief backstory for our characters. This is my favorite part of making a character. I use quite a few different processes to come up with mine. Even a brief story takes time.
At times, I am lazy and use a backstory generator. I do modify it to make it a little more personal. Great for when I have no time or my creative juices are just not flowing. Did not need that option for this one.
The dice roll can trigger a need for a certain type of backstory. The choice of race and class influence backstory greatly. In the case of this character, there was one roll that started it all.
For the background I chose a Harper faction agent. I chose this not wanting to play another rogue in the thieves guild. Nor an assassin, been there done that. Staying away from the murder hobo build. I have party members that are known for that type of build and I want them to have that spotlight.
When I rolled for the Bond option I got the "I owe my life to the priest who took me in when my parents died.". That one is easy to modify. I am running a changeling, so it is the priestess that my foundling character was given to. Great, so the shaping process begins.
Now the roll for the Ideal option, this is where it would get tricky. This is the roll that lead to my main backstory idea. Nooo, I rolled the "Charity, I always try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost." Oh no, a rogue that is charitable. Yes, I audibly whined when I rolled that. My inner tween came out and made the pouty face.
I have played a rogue in the past that was not greedy. I based a character loosely on Indiana Jones. She would steal back items that had been stolen from the temple. I did not want to play another one like her, so how will I use charity in this one?
Option for Flaw, unfortunately, I did not write it down. Could not remember what I rolled, so will address it later. Flaws are easy to write into a background.
Personality Traits Option was "I idolize a particular hero of my faith, and constantly refer to that person’s deeds and example.". This is one of my favorites. It forces me to delve into the lore. Research, Mmm Yes! First stop, Google search. Okay it was actually a later stop, but I do use it for ideas.
After game, it was late. No working on the charter then. I set aside time in my schedule to devote to my backstory. I have a busy life, so I have to make time for darn near everything. Set aside a few hours on Saturday, prior to the Fantasy Grounds stream, I moderate.
Real quick background on me. For those that do not know me, I am the Social Media Manager for Fantasy Grounds. I play in three RPGs. This is down from the six I was regularly playing in. Currently planning a baby shower and two weddings for my adult-aged children. Retired from a social work position in child abuse prevention, still do volunteer work in that area. In my free time I am writing a campaign. I am a busy woman.
Thankfully, inspiration hit prior to Saturday. You never know what will trigger the creative flow. I was playing YouTube roulette. You have not hear of that? It is a fun game. I pick the initial song video to listen to. At the end of the song, I will pick from the list of suggested videos for the next one. Cannot pick the same artist, so this can go in some strange musical paths. At times movies are suggested and I might put one on to listen to in the background. In the suggestions was "Robin Hood".
I love Robin Hood stories. Did not care for the movie it suggested, but I put Robin Hood into a Google search for later. I was hoping to find a new book to read on that legendary outlaw. Wait, lightbulb moment. Robin Hood, legendary outlaw that gave to the poor. YES! The backstory has a clear direction.
The priestess that took in my foundling character, she will be named Robyn Hode. This is after "A Gest of Robyn Hode" (c. 1500) an English folk ballad. One of the oldest surviving tales of Robin Hood. If the priestess is Robin Hood, my character will be one of the "merry men".
Will Scarlet/Scathlock came to mind immediately. The duo sword wielding dandy sidekick of Robin tends to be played in a roguish fashion. Yes, he will be my character's inspiration. The name Scathlock, does that not scream rogue all over it? Oh, Scarlet works for me. I have already given my character a different first name. I could make that her chosen hair color, scarlet red, but having worn a wig for my last streamed game, I knew I did not want that. Her favorite color to wear? That works. I like red and have many costume pieces in shades of red. A "dandy" that has a penchant for red clothing.
Why would my character join the Harper's? The priestess would be a member. Makes that easy. My character adores her and would follow anything or one she does. Why is Robyn Hode a member? Perhaps her deity would lead her to that path. Now to pick which deity they follow. Time to research.
I looked at a few deities and narrowed it down to Mielikki and Tymora. Chose Tymora, as it made sense to my narrative. Worshippers include adventurers, gamblers, Harpers, Lightfoot halflings, and rogues. Tymora's priests heal injured adventurers, provide minor magic items, and encourage followers to pursue their dreams. "Lady Luck" favors the bold and daring.
Found two phrases for my character us that are part of the lore.
1. Offerings are made while saying "A copper to the Lady returns tenfold in gold." as per Midnight's Mask by Paul S. Kemp.
2. "Fortune favors the bold." is the battle cry of Tymora's followers
according to Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide by Steve Kenson.
Time to chose who Sudara will idolize. Looked at lists of Notable Harpers and Tymora followers. Decided on Dorna Trapspringer. Dorna is a Dwarf with brown hair and duo wields. Sudara keeps her brown in honor of Dorna.
Okay, I have the basics covered. Reasons for choices are made. Now time to make the short backstory.
The Backstory:
Robyn Hode is a healer in the temple of Tymora. Early one morning she found a babe grasping a red silk ribbon nestled in a basket outside the temple door. The baby was obviously a changeling. No indication of where the babe was from. Robyn named her Sudara. Until Sudara could alter her visage to a more common appearance, she was kept hidden.
Sudara quickly became the darling of all. Adventurers would regale her with tales of their escapades and bring her trinkets, especially red ribbons for her hair. Bright, patient, and curious she would absorb lessons from the priests and the many travelers. She excelled in languages and speaks five fluently. Sudara was very enamored by the rogues that convalesced in the temple hospital. They taught her thieves cant and the skills of the occupation in secret. One of these rogues was a famous Harper, Dorna Trapspringer. Sudara idolized her.
Caught trying to pick a lock, Robyn discovered the secret teachings and decided to reveal her own secret. Robyn is a Harper. After many discussions she allowed Sudara to be brought into the fold. After all, a thief's skills could be useful to the Harper Faction.
The desire to journey burns strong in Sudara's soul. Changelings are known to love to wander. In her 25th year the opportunity to deliver a message was presented. This meant traveling alone. Sudara jumped at the chance. Robyn presented Sudara a silver necklace with Tymora's symbol on a coin and a new red ribbon. Sudara set off on her first solo quest. Unfortunately not far from the temple, she was abducted by Orcs.
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