Pet Lover (5e Background)

Pet Lover

By Michael Angelo Dulay

Long ago, intelligent creatures once looked upon the lessers of the land and considered, "What if we befriended them and used them as means of easing our lives?" Thus, domestication was born. While a very simple and long-winded story and concept, it is extremely important to keep in mind when considering the lives of pet owners. One must ask themselves: why own a pet? Perhaps to utilize as a tool like in the old days? To have a guard, trophy, or companion? Every pet has its purpose. The care which goes into an owner's pet varies, as both the needs of the pet and the standards of its owner widely differ. While this fact may lead to arguments between pet lovers, it almost always goes appreciated to meet pets from other parts of the world.

Regardless of the region or the folks who reside in it, there will always be someone with a love for animals. An explorer who skulks about the Underdark may find solace in the presence of a trusty spider. A farmhand who grew up living in a barn might appreciate the company of a loving, mouse-hunting feline. The differences between pet lovers are nearly forgotten once the common ground of animal companions is laid bare, and the experience of meeting a fellow pet owner is always a true delight.

As such, you've spent much of your time training a small creature as a companion for company and help in certain situations. While not as bonded to your pet as a beast master to theirs, you love your pet and will keep it safe and in return it loves and occasionally helps you.

Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling and Perception

Tool Proficiencies: Leatherworker's tools

Languages: One standard language of your choice

Equipment: 10 days' worth of small rations for your pet, a set of common clothes, a belt pouch with 10 gp, a sack containing pet care items and tools, your pet's name plate or other identification, and a whistle.

Pet Choices

The species of pet you own often defines you with stereotypes. For example, a dog owner may immediately be viewed as a hunter or scavenger of some sort, and a bird owner might be seen as a scout or spy. What exactly are you wishing to gain from an animal companion? True, undying loyalty? A shock factor to show others? A partner to laze around a cabin with? Geography must also play a vital role in your choice; if the area you reside in is extremely mountainous with few bodies of water, it may not make much sense to have a purely aquatic pet.

d6	Species of Pet
1	Mammal
2	Insect
3	Bird
4	Reptile
5	Aquatic
6	Amphibian

Feature: Well Trained

Any animal companion trained using this feature must be considered a tiny or small creature with a challenge rating of 1/8 or less. While you cannot ask your pet to fight, there are tricks it may perform, such as fetching small items or being a simple distraction. Your DM may deem which tricks are possible and fitting or not. Each individual trick requires 48 hours of dedicated training in order for your pet to have it comfortably memorized. Your pet can hear your whistle or other form of a return call from up to 5 miles away. If your pet is dead, lost, or stolen, you can spend 2 weeks' worth of downtime to find and train a new one. This new pet must be under the same classification of species. For example, if you lose your pet jumping spider, you may train a moth or mantis, but not a dog or fish.

Suggested Characteristics

Pet lovers are extremely self-explanatory. Through thick and thin, these adventurers and homebodies alike love spending time with animals and appreciate their company altogether. Perhaps there is a backstory as to why someone lovingly cares for a pet, or maybe an adventurer is holding onto a pet for a loved one back home. Regardless of why one owns a pet, the basis is clear: they genuinely care about the wellbeing of animals and hope to do good for them.

d6	Personality Trait
1	I'm incredibly optimistic against all odds with my pet by my side.
2	I get angry when I hear people complaining about my pet and will sometimes act on it.
3	I speak regularly with my pet as if they understand my language.
4	I am fearful of my pet getting harmed and will do anything to stop it.
5	I think those who dislike animals deserve little respect.
6	I confide in my pet with matters I wouldn't tell another soul.

d6	Ideal
1	Rightful. Nobody, not even my pet, is above the law. (Lawful)
2	Conqueror. With my pet by my side, we can rule the world! (Evil)
3	Equality. All lives are equal, even those of animalistic nature. (Good)
4	Friendship. Together, my pet and I can live happily. (Any)
5	Idealist. My pet has such interesting aspects. Why can't I? (Chaotic)
6	Impartial. The world could stop spinning, and I'd not care, as long as my pet and I are happy. (Neutral)

d6	Bond
1	My pet saved my life once. I plan to repay the favor.
2	The person who gave me my pet? I would protect them without question.
3	My species of pet has protected my family line for generations.
4	I rescued my pet from someone who was abusing it.
5	I found the collar or tag of someone else's pet, and I won't stop until I find it.
6	My pet's first toy or accessory is a trinket I'll always cherish.

d6	Flaw
1	I refuse to leave places where my pet is not welcome.
2	I will quickly act with violence towards anyone who has or wishes to hurt my pet.
3	I often forget where my pet is.
4	I am afraid of wild creatures.
5	I am very slow to trust anyone who doesn't like my pet.
6	I am apt to wish for a new pet while I already have one.

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