New Background - Dead

[Jimbro]

I've been writing up some Halloween-themed backgrounds on my blog for October and today I published the dead background. I figure PCs can come back to life using magic while they're adventuring, why not before their careers sometimes? This background applies to anyone who has been dead for a time.

Take a look and let me know what you love/hate. Thanks!

http://worldbuilderblog.me/2015/10/27/new-background-dead/

 

[the Jester]

You'll probably get more feedback if you actually post it here instead of just posting a link.

I think it's pretty cool, but I think the feature benefit is too good- it's almost like a low-level divination spell, albeit with an exceptionally long casting time. Maybe instead a sort of "old connections" that lets you call on hospitality and/or aid from old friends or their descendants?

 

[Redthistle]

I like it. It both compares and contrasts with the Revenant racial option from DnD 4e; the 4th paragraph opens a door to a 5e version of that, which was sort of a template overlaid on whatever your race had been before you died.

The Neverwinter books included information about a thieves' guild/pack of were-rats, and a background option there included having been killed by the leader of that gang. Coming back from that with vengeance on your mind ...

The time-travel idea is a whole new notion, that the adventure-designing maze in my brain is dancing over.

Grazie, Jimbro!

 

[Redthistle]

I downloaded your all-backgrounds pdf.

Impressive stuff. Especially nice is the Parent background; I love it when a player creates a character with family complications.

 

[Jimbro]

Thanks for all this feedback and the kind words everyone! I really appreciate it.

Jester, I see what you're saying, but I cringe at the thought of providing another background feature that provides free meals and housing. It feels like most already do that and I want to provide something a little different.

 

[Serpine]

Jester, I see what you're saying, but I cringe at the thought of providing another background feature that provides free meals and housing. It feels like most already do that and I want to provide something a little different.

Maybe it could be an adventure hook generator like the Sage feature: Since you crossed over and back, weaker restless spirits sense you are kindred and will show up hoping for assistance in resolving the issues keeping them bound to this plane. As in various shows / movies usually only one is bothering you at any one time and will be rapidly replaced once helped. Some of these *might* provide a useful rumor about the area as they cross over, but many don't and you have to work hard to help them and find out one way or the other.

Or as an alternate maybe a poltergeist latched on to you when you were resurrected and doesn't go away no matter how hard you try to shake it. It sometimes helps by pushing your cup over to you or scaring small vermin away, but other times it plays pranks like hiding your dirty socks in the ration packs or flipping paintings upside down. The Noble's retainer feature already provides a model for a background that provides "pets" that perform mundane tasks, so this could be likewise, a little harder to harm thanks to its nature but a little less useful then proper retainers because of the mischievous streak.