Chapter 3 - New Background: Heroic Past
886 Words
To further adapt the rules from the player's handbook, I've created what I like to call the "Heroic Past" background. It's a background that allows the player to get creative and come up with superpowers as their twisted mind allows (with the Dungeon Master's approval, of course).
**FEATURE: SUPERPOWER ->** With this background, the player gains access to superpower talents right from the first level, just like the Variant Human does. In fact, as a combo, you can choose Variant Human and the Heroic Past background to start with two talents! It might seem overpowered, but we're in a universe of superheroes! Overpowered is the rule here! The Dungeon Master can adjust the challenge levels according to the overpowering abilities of the players, hahaha! Let's say a Tarrasque invaded the city in the events of this week :-).
To balance things a bit, in the "flaws" section of your character sheet, you must truly choose a weakness for your hero. Maybe you can NEVER take off your glasses without unleashing an energy blast, or if someone throws sugar at you, you lose your superpowers. Even shouting your mother's name can make you kneel and cry like a child! The choice of the weakness should be something creative and funny for the Dungeon Master to tease you with in the most tense moments of the game!
As I mentioned the use of the Variant Human above, the other rules for the other races are still valid. I recommend using the Earth setting - contemporary timeline for the campaign. If you want to play an elf in today's world, that's fine! Just explain how that happened in your hero's story and consider that being an elf in today's world is practically a superpower, haha! In other words, the use of other races should be possible and allowed by the Dungeon Master. Also, if you want to play an alien race, I strongly recommend using and adapting the abilities provided by the player's handbook and other D&D supplements for playable races.
Create, choose, or roll on the tables below to customize your hero (or villain).
**D6 HEROIC ORIGIN**
1) I came from another planet!
2) I got bitten by a radioactive bug (insect, animal, etc.)... At least, I think it was radioactive.
3) I had contact with Mana and the supernatural (acquired magical powers!)
4) I came into contact with some chemical and/or physical reagent (a lightning struck me :-P) that gave me superpowers.
5) I was born this way! I grew up this way! I think I'm an improved type of human, Bwahahahaha!
6) I gained my powers through extreme physical and/or mental training.
**D8 HERO'S PERSONALITY TRAIT**
1) I idolize one or more comic book heroes, constantly referring to their fictional feats and examples.
2) I'm violent with my enemies; evil is only combated with evil.
3) I see omens in every event and action. The gods are returning!
4) Nothing can shake my optimistic attitude. "I have superpowers! Yay!"
5) Whenever I can, I quote phrases and proverbs from famous movies and books.
6) I am intolerant of disrespect for the law and condemn those who violate the legislative code.
7) I had a tough life before my powers, and it annoys me.
8) I spent so much time training that I have little practice in dealing with people socially.
**D6 IDEAL**
1) Community. It is the duty of every hero to protect the weakest and the safety of the population. (Lawful)
2) Generosity. My powers were granted to me so that I could use them to benefit the world. (Good)
3) Freedom. Everyone should have powers and be free to pursue their own livelihoods. (Chaotic)
4) Greed. I'm only here for the money. (Evil)
5) People. I am committed to the peopleace I care about. (Neutral)
6) Aspiration. I train hard to be the best. (Any)
**D6 BOND**
1) My crime-fighting equipment is my most valuable possession, and it reminds me of someone I admire.
2) Someone stole/took/destroyed something (or someone) precious to me, and someday, I will get revenge.
3) I want to be a famous hero, no matter what it takes.
4) I idolize a hero (real or fictional), and I measure my feats based on that personality.
5) I will do everything to prove that I am superior to my hated rival.
6) I would do anything for the members of my league.
**D8 WEAKNESS (FLAW)**
1) I can't resist a pretty face. I'm always taken advantage of by someone I find physically (or even mentally) attractive.
2) I'm always in debt or worse. I became a greedy mercenary and found out that with great powers didn't come great responsibilities...
3) If someone says my mother's name (or that of any other loved one I lost)! I lose it! (Maaaaaarta).
4) My powers have some kind of restriction (Example: I can only use them at night...).
5) I lose my powers in the presence of ...(complete. Example: lead, hot water, "plumbium"...).
6) My powers made me lose my ...(complete. Example: vision, my arm, sanity...).
7) This natural armor makes me very heavy... Slowness (reduce movement by 3 meters or -2 dexterity...).
8) A curse accompanies the gifts I received (gender swap overnight, can't eat or have any other pleasure in life, etc.).
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