Rival (5e Background)
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Rival[edit]
From the beginning, you have dedicated your life to being better than someone else. For whatever reason, you can not stand the thought of them being better than you. Were it not for them, you would have lived a normal life. Instead, you tried doing everything they did, but better. When they became an adventurer, you really didn’t have any other choice.
Skill Proficiencies: Choose 2: Athletics, Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, Deception, Intimidation, Persuasion
Tool Proficiencies: Barber’s Tools, Tattooist’s Tools, or Farm Implements
Languages: Any one common language of your choice.
Equipment: A trinket that reminds you of your rival, a set of traveler’s clothes, one set of tools you are proficient in, and a belt pouch with 10 gp.
Reason for Rivalry[edit]
All rivalries have a beginning, a reason as to why you and your rival compete, a reason as to why you two get heated over each other's presence.
| d8 | Reason |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bad Blood. At some point in your life, you and your rival are considered bitter enemies. |
| 2 | Impression. You and your rival compete to impress someone, whether it's a romantic interest, a family member, or a village elder. |
| 3 | Reward. You and your rival compete for some sort of reward, whether it's money, fame, or fortune. |
| 4 | Order-Establishing. You and your rival keep fighting to determine who is on top of the food chain. |
| 5 | Just Because. You and your rival compete just for rivalry's sake. |
| 6 | ??? You aren't even sure why you're rivals in the first place. |
| 7 | Sibling Rivalry. You compete with your brother or sister. Maybe your parents favored one of you more? |
| 8 | The Student Becomes the Master. You are tired of your mentor's patronizing and demeaning attitude, and have struck out to compete against them. |
Feature: Rival's Deeds[edit]
It seems like no matter where you go, your rival has already been there, and they've already been busy. Whenever you enter a new location, you may or may not hear any rumors surrounding your rival and their deeds. The rival may have slain some troublesome monsters, reclaimed some lost treasure, rescued an important character, or just did something impressive in front of everyone. Regardless, your rival is already ahead of you. Still, it may be possible for you to arrive at a new location before or at the same time as your rival.
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
Rivals come in a variety of personalities. Some may be loud, boisterous, and always seeking to be the best. Others may be quiet, shy, and more unwilling to participate in a rivalry. Some may even feel completely indifferent about having a rival in the first place. Whatever their personality may be, your fate and life is always tied to your rival's in some way.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | This rivalry is nothing short of annoying... |
| 2 | I'm the top dog here! |
| 3 | I idolize my rival. |
| 4 | I'm always ready to compete. |
| 5 | I'm on edge expecting my rival to show up at the worst of times. |
| 6 | My only purpose in life is to kill my rival. |
| 7 | I plan as much as I can. |
| 8 | I'm loud and proud! |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Competition. I have reason and purpose as to why I have a rival in the first place. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Fun. Who cares about some dumb rivalry? I want to have some fun! (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Superiority. I will be #1, no matter what. (Evil) |
| 4 | Making Up. I don't want to be rivals anymore, but maybe friends. (Good) |
| 5 | Fair Play. May the best win. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Anything Goes. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My rival may have pals of their own, so I need some too. |
| 2 | I need to bring my rival back to our home town, whether they want to or not. |
| 3 | The only thing I have to remind me of my rival is this trinket. |
| 4 | My rival is the only family I have left. |
| 5 | I respect anyone who shares the same burning competitive spirit I have. |
| 6 | I need to out-perform my rival in every way. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am too over-competitive, even when it comes to my own allies. |
| 2 | I always panic whenever something goes wrong or something unexpected happens. |
| 3 | I get unreasonably mad at even the slightest mention of my rival or anything related to them. |
| 4 | I have an inferiority complex. |
| 5 | I see everyone as an obstacle or hindrance. |
| 6 | I will do everything in my power to not lose to my rival, even if it means doing some undesirable deeds. |
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