Revolutionary

History is replete with stories of strife and upheaval. One of the main contributors to this fact occurs whenever political organizations and governments are challenged by opposing groups. Typically, these opposing groups are attempting to overthrow or drastically change the existing power structure and how it operates. Perhaps the government is wise and benevolent, but a hostile force intends to seize power. Or perhaps it is the government that is seen as tyrannical, and the opposition is made up of good freedom fighters struggling to topple the evil overlords. In any case, regardless of the circumstances, you are one of these revolutionaries, and your experience fighting the good fight against the powers that be has shaped who you are.

Skill Proficiencies: History, Persuasion

Languages: Two of your choice

Equipment: A set of common clothes, several leaflets concerning your cause, a written manifesto, a hammer and six nails, and a pouch containing 10 gp.

Feature: Siblings in Arms

No revolution is fought alone, and as such, those who are part of your cause tend to work together and help each other whenever they can. You’re all in this mess together, after all, right? When dealing with fellow members of your revolutionary movement (and provided that they recognize you as an ally and do not see you as a danger to them), you can expect them to provide you with at least basic aid, such as a meal or two, a place to hide or sleep, temporary shelter from your common enemies, helpful information or advice, and maybe even basic weapons or other simple supplies. The GM decides just how helpful each instance of this feature is on a case by case basis, but typically these compatriots will be reluctant to risk their lives for you without some other compelling motive.

Fleshing Things Out

Some questions to consider when determining how this background applies to your character: Who is the leader of your movement? Is it you or someone else? What is your relationship with other members of your cause like? What are you willing to do for the cause? What will you do once your cause succeeds? Or has it already won its fight? Or did the revolution fail? What is the revolution you belong to ultimately trying to accomplish?

You should also consider what caused you to take up the role of an adventurer. Did you come to be a revolutionary somehow along the way as you adventured? Or were you involved in a revolution first and then fell into the life of adventure as you pursued that course?

d8 Personality Trait
1 If you’re not with me, you’re against me.
2 I know when to keep my mouth shut.
3 I don’t care much about creature comforts.
4 I tend to fall into and out of love easily.
5 I am anxious around strangers.
6 If I don’t understand something, I’m not afraid to ask questions.
7 I am my own worst critic.
8 I take my privacy extremely seriously.
d6 Ideal
1 Hope. Never let go of the dream that we can change the world for the better. (Good)
2 Faith. With dedication and belief, seemingly impossible things can be achieved. (Any)
3 Manipulation. Committed fanatics often make the best minions to serve your ends. (Evil)
4 Reason. This movement was inevitable. It’s simply common sense, given the circumstances. (Neutral)
5 Rebellion. Fight the power! Resist the status quo! (Chaotic)
6 Order. There is a best and right way that things should work, and I will help see it established. (Lawful)
d6 Bond
1 I was pulled into the cause by someone I love.
2 I joined the cause because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.
3 I know I probably won’t live to see the revolution’s success, but perhaps my children will see it.
4 This revolution has torn my family apart and divided us.
5 I was left for dead by people I thought were my allies; I will have my revenge.
6 I never want to see that hellhole of a place I was born in again.
d6 Flaw
1 I usually forget that other things beyond my cause can be important, too.
2 If I borrow something, it’s probably never coming back.
3 I am not above paying for company, and in fact, I often do.
4 When I speak, I don’t really ever think about who might hear me.
5 I sometimes try to make noteworthy, epic statements or speeches at inopportune times.
6 I crack one-liners constantly. Some are winners, but many are not.
Section 15: Copyright Notice

The Big Book of Backgrounds Copyright 2019, P.B. Publishing, Phil Beckwith, and Cody Faulk.

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