The Chosen One (5e Background)
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The Chosen One[edit]
You were chosen by the universe, or some great force therein, to serve an important purpose in its grand narrative. Unlike others, your life has clear meaning and function. You were identified as the chosen one from a young age, and the way others have treated you your entire life has been based on their feelings toward your purpose, few who know your status judge you for yourself.
Skill Proficiencies: You or your Dungeon Master chooses 2 skill proficiencies
Tool Proficiencies and Languages: Again, you or your Dungeon Master will choose 2 of these proficiencies as well as 1 language.
Equipment: Choose a background from the Player's handbook. You start with that background's starting gear.
Chosen By...[edit]
What grand, cosmic force chose you to serve a greater purpose in the universe? (roll or DM choice)
| d8 | Chosen By... |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Monarchy |
| 2 | Fate |
| 3 | The Gods |
| 4 | Prophecy |
| 5 | The People |
| 6 | The Stars |
| 7 | A Shadowy Order |
| 8 | Random Chance |
Feature: Purpose of Light[edit]
Your Dungeon Master will write, in secret, your character's purpose in the universe. They may communicate it to you directly, or obfuscate it from you as they see fit. Whatever they do, your purpose, or at least what people believe your purpose will be, should be something known to a great number of people. This feature assumes that the public impression of your purpose is positive.
Your purpose in the universe is one of great good. By your deeds, or perhaps even through your simple existence, the world will change for the better. Your coming (or possibly your passing) heralds a new age of prosperity for the people of the world. Anyone who is aware of your purpose will generally act in favor of your presence, and try to do whatever they can to aide you toward your purpose. (Note that if your purpose is to die, this can be a very bad thing for you)
Alternate Feature: Chosen of Darkness[edit]
Your Dungeon Master will write, in secret, your character's purpose in the universe. They may communicate it to you directly, or obfuscate it from you as they see fit. Whatever they do, your purpose, or at least what people believe your purpose will be, should be something known to a great number of people. This feature assumes that the public impression of your purpose is negative.
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
| d6 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have seen my future and I'm not sure what to do about it. |
| 2 | I don't accept I'm the chosen one. Many others are more worthy. |
| 3 | I see omens in every event and action. The gods speak to me, it is my job to listen and obey. |
| 4 | I've been trained my entire life for my destiny. So I'm kinda awkward when talking to regular people. |
| 5 | My story has already been written. Why do I have to follow the script? |
| 6 | Despite being the chosen one, I do not place myself above other folks. We all have the same blood. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Obligation It's one thing to think that you're the center of the universe. It's another thing entirely to have this confirmed by an ancient prophecy. (Any) |
| 2 | Duty Being the chosen one holds me to a higher standard than others. (Good) |
| 3 | Order Discord only serves the evil I must vanquish. (Lawful) |
| 4 | Meh If I'm at the scene of the problem. I might not even help. (Neutral) |
| 5 | Desertion The world is doomed anyway. Let's make the most of it! (Evil) |
| 6 | Anarchist There's no point in saving a world of stuck-ups. (Chaotic) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | If I have to die to save the world. So be it. |
| 2 | I will do anything to protect the world. Even slaughter those in my way. |
| 3 | Someone I loved died because I refused to follow my destiny. That will never happen again. |
| 4 | One day I will stop on the evil forces that plague my world. So it has been foretold!! |
| 5 | I will bring terrible wrath down on the evildoers who destroyed my homeland. |
| 6 | I suffer awful visions of a coming disaster and will do anything to prevent it. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I think I am better than everyone else because that is what I've been told |
| 2 | I feel that my only purpose is to do the chosen thing |
| 3 | I don't know how to make decisions, they were always made for me |
| 4 | I feel uncomfortable around people I think are below me |
| 5 | I worry no one will like me anymore once I complete the chosen thing |
| 6 | I think everyone likes me, even when some people blatantly say they don't |
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