Ex-Idiot (5e Background)
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Ex-Idiot[edit]
You lived your whole life, as not so fortunate to understand the finest literature nor any kind of literature at all. Oftentimes you found difficulties in the most mundane things, like eating with cutlery or counting on your fingers, but it never bothered you. You lived a happy, fulfilling life as a servant, labourer or any other menial worker, that needs little thinking. The reason for your intellectual simplicity is not important, the only thing that matters is you got by with it.
One day your whole life changed, you got more matter in your noggin. It could have been a fairy blessing, a magic item that gave you sophisticated thoughts or someone’s badly formulated a wish and you were the fortunate who benefited from it.
Skill Proficiencies: Choose 2 from: Perception, Deception, Performance, or Persuasion
Tool Proficiencies: One tool proficiency of your choice
Languages: Common
Equipment: One tool you are proficient with, a set of common clothes and a belt pouch of 5 gp.
Feature: Embrace the stupid[edit]
Your intellectual awakening opened new doors for you, but in the same time you remained who you were before. You just understands more complex things such as your past stupidity and its benefits. Being not so well versed was infact a god given fortune! No harm or wrongdoing ever occured to you, because people did not see you as a threat of any kind. Additionally folks are forgiving for the mentally challenged, so you could get away with petty crimes and lies.
You can tap into your known past and imitate being an idiot, hiding your true intentions.
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
As someone coming from simple beginnings, you can be a person who helps the unfortunate, as you feel empathy for them, or you can be someone who belittle others – especially the talented or even the common folks – because they got everything handed to them at birth, or because they do not tend to work on improving themselves, as you do everyday.
Alternatively, you can chose to be obsessed with being more knowledgeable and try to hoard tremendous amount of wisdom at any price or search for the origins of your newfound intellect.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I try to hide my true intentions. |
| 2 | I ask a lot of questions. |
| 3 | I face problems head-on. A simple direct solution is the best path to success. |
| 4 | I judge people by their actions, not their words. |
| 5 | I can find entertainment in the smallest things. |
| 6 | I am oblivious to etiquette and social expectations. |
| 7 | Physical contact with others is a must. |
| 8 | I feel tremendous empathy for all who suffer. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | People. I am committed to the people I care about, not to ideals. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without others help. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Aspiration. I am determined to make something of myself. (Any) |
| 4 | Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do. (Evil) |
| 5 | Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for the people beneath me. (Good) |
| 6 | Fairness. I never target people who can not afford to lose a few coins. (Lawful) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I feel a familial bond with the simple folks. |
| 2 | I am searching for one particular person who took care of me in the past. |
| 3 | Being with like-minded people gives me direction. |
| 4 | It is my duty to share my knowledge. |
| 5 | I work to experience more. |
| 6 | I am trying to pay off an old debt I owe to a generous benefactor. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I fear of losing my newfound intellect. |
| 2 | I desperately hide my past self. |
| 3 | I belittle naturally talented people. |
| 4 | I can be easily overwhelmed by my emotions. |
| 5 | I am an overthinker. |
| 6 | I find hard to trust anyone anymore. |
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