Book of Backstories Printable Version
Book of Backstories Printable Version
g. Did you take him home (+1 20 You were born under a great omen. Was it an omen of
1 You got into a confrontation with a bully who was way beast morale) or find someone else to take care of him? hope (Once, cause someone else to somehow survive
tougher than you. Did you fight (+2 to hit vs higher level (+1 henchman morale) something that should have killed them) or an omen of
enemies) or flee? (+2 to fleeing rolls) doom? (You gain +1d6 hp for the rest of the session
12 Someone close to you died too young. Did you blame every time a PC dies)
2 Your mother was dying of a terrible illness. Did you try yourself (When someone dies nearby, you can take a
to find a medical cure (Healer or Barber Career) or turn crit from whatever killed them to make them 21 One of your parents was an alcoholic. Were they an
to darker and more ancient methods? ( Occultist career) unconscious instead) or curse the one who did this to angry drunk (+1 Dex) or a depressed one? (+1 Con)
them? (Deal double damage against creatures that
3 You moved away from where you grew up. Did you killed a PC this session) 22 You once quit a substance cold turkey. Was this on
move into the city (+1 Cha) or away from it? (+1 Con) purpose (+2 vs. addiction) or because you were forced
13 You stole something valuable. Did you get off scot-free to? (drug effects are doubled)
4 Your father had a dangerous job. Did he do it to help (Thief career) or get ratted out? (WIS save to tell if
people (+1 to selfless acts) or for profit? (gain bonus xp someone is planning to betray you) 23 There was a scary old woman who lived in a scary old
from profit) house. Did you avoid it like the others (supernatural
14 You killed somebody when you were young. Did you threats do not prioritise you) or go up and knock on the
5 A theatrical troupe came through your town. Did you try mean to do it (Once per session, mark an enemy to add door? (+2 to do things everyone says is a bad idea)
to run off and join them (+1 to reaction rolls with +1d6 damage to that enemy) or was it accidental?
outsiders, troupes and other itinerants) or help run them (Once per session, you can nonlethally subdue an 24 You did something incredibly reckless and impressive.
out of town? (Once per session, force a monster’s enemy you would have killed) Was it to prove your bravery (+1 Str) or because you
morale check to fail) were egged on by others? (+1 Dex)
15 They were lynching someone who nobody liked. Did
6 You had a good set of friends when you were younger. you step in (You can take a hit for someone when you 25 You nearly died doing something stupid. Did you survive
Were you the leader (give an order to someone once declare you are protecting them) or join in? (+1 to hit vs by pure luck (Free reroll once per session) or because
per round, if they obey they get +1 to their action) or a creatures being attacked by 2 or more allies) you saw it just in time? (+1 Wis)
devoted follower? (+X to actions that at least two others
have succeeded at this round/turn, +1 per success) 16 You were being hunted by someone horrible. Did you 26 You pissed off someone powerful. Did you confront
manage to hide from them (+4 to hiding) or did they find them (At will, force a creature to prioritise you) or talk
7 You were gravely insulted. Did you fight them then and you? (Double first fleeing roll after failing a Stealth them down? (Once per session, de-escalate a verbal
there (+1 Str) or get your revenge later? (+1 Int) check) confrontation)
8 Your grandparents were always very religious. Did you 17 The house of someone you hated was burning down. 27 You got in a fight with a lifelong friend. Did you
follow their example (Improve one magical boon related Did you try to help (immune to being set on fire) or let apologise and make up (Gain a good friend in the town
to your religion) or turn your back on them? (Gain a new the place burn to the ground (enemies you set on fire or city of your choice, one use) or fall out with them
heretical Patron) take +1d6 damage). forever? (It turns out that somebody you don't know
here is your estranged buddy, "wait, JOHN?!", up to you
9 Something made you question your faith. Did you 18 Something went horribly wrong. Did you try to fix it whether you've forgiven each other by now, one use)
reaffirm your faith (+1 Clerical Boon) or abandon it? before it got worse (+2 to actions taken to salvage a
(Research 1 spell) situation that's just gone horribly wrong) or step back 28 A partner left you for someone else. Was your revenge
and deal with the fallout afterwards? (One time, survive petty (Once per round, deal one damage to the creature
10 You thought your first love would last forever. Did they the results of a cataclysmic failure) that just hit you) or brutally honest? (Deal an automatic
break it off (Whenever you carouse you may gain a crit against the creature that first takes you to 0HP in a
local contact of your sexual preference until you leave 19 You'd planned it out perfectly, and tonight was the night. session)
town) or did you? (+1d6 hp once when you break a Did things go just as planned (declare that you're doing
lover's heart) heist planning, and you can flashback to the heist
planning scene) or fall spectacularly apart? (+2 to AC
and Saves for ten minutes when a plan goes awry).
29 You have a secret that nobody knows. Is it to those most in need? (people gain double HP from 46 They were completely obsessed with you. Did you feel
embarrassing (Tell a new embarrassing anecdote that food you've given them) adored (Henchmen standing next to you are immune to
actually happened to you or your character to roll an morale) or afraid? (Run away as fast as possible from
extra die for carousing) or horrifying? (Once per 38 There was a raging flood. Were you able to save the an enemy that targeted you last round to force them to
session, force a morale check by telling people a new most precious thing (Once per session, when something switch to another target)
horrifying anecdote that actually happened to you) you own is going to be broken or lost, get it back by
some means) or was it all washed away? (Any time 47 You suddenly had a lot of money. Did you give
30 You're in love with someone in the party. Is it requited something of yours is accidentally lost or broken, generously (+1 Cha) or spend it all on yourself? (+1 Int)
(you both get +1 to hit enemies who've damaged the automatically pass the next save you roll in the session)
other) or a secret crush? (if they would be damaged in 48 You really respect someone in the party. Are they your
combat, you can jump in the way and take double the 39 Violent men demanded tribute. Did you give them what idol (When they succeed at something, you get +1 to do
damage instead) they wanted (People will leave you alone if you cave to the same thing) or your mentor? (Pick one of their
their demands) or did they take it by force? (+1 to hit careers and gain that career)
31 You've grown to be close friends with someone in the people who've taken something from you)
party. Are you buddies (+1 to each other's rolls when 49 You were about to die. Did you calmly accept your fate
next to each other) or friendly rivals? (When they roll 40 A tyrant came into power. Did you join the resistance (If you die, you can reroll a new character at the same
success on something, you get +2 to do the same thing) (Once per session, you can find a defector in the room) level) or rage against the dying of the light? (One time,
or obey the tyrant for personal gain? (douchebags will you can survive a hit that would have killed you with 1
32 You owe someone in the party a great debt. Did they trust you) slot left)
save your life (Once per session while they're nearby,
drop to 0HP to cancel any death dice they have 41 You fell in love with someone you shouldn't have. Were 50 You lost an argument with someone in the party. Was it
accrued) or your soul? (+2 to saves vs dark magic when you prevented from being with them by age (+1 AC about a choice they made (When they pass a save, you
they're nearby) when protecting someone younger/older than you, can automatically pass your next save against the same
depending on backstory details) or by honour? (+1 AC thing) or one you made? (When you fail a save, they
33 You were embarrassed in front of all your friends. Did until you commit a dishonourable act per session) can automatically pass their next save against the same
you make a graceful exit (+1 Wis) or cause a scene? thing)
(+1 Cha) 42 You shouldn't have kissed them. Did they make the first
move (Once per session, cause someone to make a 51 You went to a party against your better judgement.
34 You ran away from home. Did you come back on your romantic advance on you) or did you? (+1d6 hp for the Were you the life of the party (Get 10% bonus xp for
own (+1 Wis) or did they have to bring you back by rest of the session if you successfully romance Carousing, but take -1 to save vs consequences) or did
force? (+1 Str) someone) they laugh at you? (20% bonus from carousing when
you fail your save vs consequences)
35 It was the hottest summer anyone could remember. Did 43 You had to build a wall. Was it to keep something out
you go outside out into the baking sun (+1 Con) or stay (One per session, prevent something from breaking a 52 You did something you'd sworn never to do. Were they
in the shade? (+1 Wis) barrier or fortification) or to keep something in? (Once disappointed (Each session you can cause yourself to
per session, something you've plausibly trapped won't automatically pass a roll, but for the rest of the session
36 It was a cold cold winter and people were suffering. Did escape this session) you have a -2 to all rolls) or impressed? (Each session
you give what little you could (When eating to heal, can get +2 to your first attack, save, and skill check that
grant your healing to someone else instead) or hoard it 44 You were starving to death. Did you eat the bread the session)
all to ensure your survival? (You can eat two rations beggar dropped (maximum healing when eating to heal)
instead of one when you take a break to gain +d6 bonus or give it back to them? (+1 to reaction rolls with the 53 You got married. Was it for love (+1 Wis) or for money?
health) destitute) (+1 Int)
37 Suddenly nobody had enough to eat. Did you share 45 You were destitute. Did you turn to begging (+1 Cha) or 54 Strangers wanted to enter your town. Did you accept
what there was evenly (everyone gets +1 HP from to petty crime? (+1 Dex) them (+1 Con) or scare them away? (+1 Str)
eating to heal when you're around) or give a little more
55 There was a great tragedy. Was it due to something you 65 You were meant to be looking after them, but when you scream? (Can force randomly targetted attacks to target
did (When your actions result in the death of someone turned around they were gone. Were you the one who you)
you've known for at least 3 sessions, gain +2 to hit for found them alive (Once per session, stumble across
ten minutes) or something you said? (Whenever your someone who ran away from you this session) or the 74 If they knew what you knew, they'd have known it had to
attempts at diplomacy fail, gain +2 AC for ten minutes) one who was blamed for their death? (When a be done. Was it over quickly (+1 bonus damage die
henchman dies under your command, gain +2 to saves when backstabbing) or did they suffer? (Once per
56 You were at a marvellous feast. Were you a guest of for ten minutes) session, someone you threaten must answer one
honour (+2 to reaction rolls while at a large social event) question truthfully)
or did you come uninvited? (Once per session, 66 You were protecting something important. Did you break
somehow gain access to a large social event) it accidentally (whenever a weapon or armour breaks, 75 You knew they didn't mean it, but that didn't mean it
you can take a free action) or on purpose? (You can didn't hurt. Did you make them hurt just as much (Once
57 The music was great and the audience was going wild. willingly destroy a weapon to hit automatically) per session, deal as much damage as you just took to
Were you a player (Musician Career) or in the crowd? your attacker) or bury your pain way down inside?
(When someone succeeds at a Music roll near you, gain 67 Eyes always turned to follow you. Was it due to your (Once per session, ignore all wounds for an exploration
+2 to rolls) style (+1 to reaction rolls when you're wearing clean, turn)
stylish clothes) or your stench? (+1 AC when you're
58 You got washed away. Did this make you love the water covered in filth) 76 You saved others from an ambush. Did you shield them
(Navigator or Sailor Career) or fear it? (+2 to saves from harm (when you're in the front row of the marching
when nowhere near open water) 68 You fell into a hole and couldn't get out. Did your brother order, the party gets +2 AC when caught in a Surprise
save you (You may grant people next to you a reroll to Round) or command the counterattack? (when you're at
59 You were very overweight. Was this because you loved prevent falling) or shove you in? (If you fall, you can the back of the marching order, the party gains +2 to
food (+2 HP when eating to heal) or because you loved always catch hold of the ledge) first round initiative)
booze? (+1 AC for ten minutes after downing alcohol)
69 You knew it was wrong but it felt so right. Did you hold 77 You were invited into a secret society. Are you still a
60 You lost a lot of money. Was it gambled (When you yourself back (+1 to AC if you don't engage in the first member (Once per session, find a trustworthy society
Gamble, you may roll a second time and take the new round of combat) or do it again the next night? (+1 when contact in a city) or were you to blame for its downfall?
result, even if it’s lower) or stolen? (Once per session, you repeat a successful action) (+1 to hit versus leaders)
somehow work out the general location of something
that used to belong to you) 70 They asked you to do something against the law. Did 78 You gained a position of prestige and power. Did you
you go through with it (+1 to hit guards, soldiers, and abuse that power (+1 Int) or get betrayed by someone
61 You were horribly lost. Did you stumble into a helpful other forces of the law) or turn them in? (+1 to hit you thought you could trust? (+1 Con)
stranger (+1 Cha) or did you find your own way back thieves, criminals, and other shady professionals)
days later? (+1 Wis) 79 You had a baby with someone. Are they being looked
71 You were scared of the dark. Was it because you didn't after by another (Next character can be your child,
62 Tensions were building and something had to snap. Did know what was out there (+1 AC while in pitch dark) or starts with half your level) or did they die tragically?
you fight them (+1 Str) or fuck them? (+1 Cha) because you did? (+2 to rolls in pitch dark) (Name the location of your child's grave. When you
show a PC your child's grave for the first time, you both
63 It was the most delicious thing they'd ever tasted. Did 72 You could have stopped them, but you didn't. Was it out gain 100*your level bonus exp)
you make it yourself (+1 Dex) or take the credit? (+1 Int) of hatred (double damage to creatures that killed a
friend) or for justice? (+2 to hit against creatures who 80 It was the best moment of your life. Was it because
64 You got punished for something that wasn't your fault. you witnessed harm innocents this session) you'd worked for it yourself (+1 to rolls when you are
Were you set up (Take half damage from traps another alone) or because somebody loved you so so much?
player set off) or did you intentionally take the fall? 73 They definitely deserved the punishment, but it was you (Once per session, cause someone who trusts you to
(When somebody is about to die, somehow get in the who did the deed. Did you keep silent and let them get pass all morale and fear checks for the next ten
way and take the hit instead) what was coming to them (Heal 1HP whenever an minutes)
attack that could have randomly hit you hits someone
else) or finally admit your guilt when they started to
81 You saw the face at the window. Did you open the 88 It was the best prank anyone had ever pulled. Did it 96 You knew that no matter what you chose, it would hurt
window to let her in (Once per session, replace a hinge on a device you created (Tinkerer Career) or on a them. Did you do what was right (If you do something
random encounter with the least threatening thing on brilliant deception (Once per session, someone totally noble or righteous, gain +1 to your next roll) or what
the local encounter table) or was it the terrible thing that believes a plausible lie) was easiest? (If you take a cowardly option that likely
had followed you home? (Once per session, cause the harms others, get +1 to your next roll)
most terrible threat on the local encounter table to show 89 You should never have climbed so high. Did you climb
up somehow) down carefully (Climber Career) or fall and get badly 97 He never told you his name, but he changed your life
hurt (take half damage from falls) forever. Did he come from outside the country (You can
82 You had a beautiful garden. Was this due to your green speak their language) or from beneath it? (+1 to
thumb (+2 to reaction rolls with intelligent plants, fungi, 90 You had a surprising turn of good luck. Did it last (Once reaction rolls with subterranean beings)
and other flora) or the offerings you left on the per session, treat a die as if it rolled its highest value) or
doorstep? (+2 to reaction rolls with fae creatures like did karma take its toll? (After you fail a roll, +1 to your 98 It couldn't have been a worse birthday. Was it due to a
elves) next roll) gift you were given (Check the game date. On this date
every game year, and this date every real year, and on
83 You tried to help them but it was too late. Was it 91 You bumped into an old acquaintance on the street. Did your real birthday, obtain 1000 coins by some means.
because they disregarded your advice (Get a reroll they startle and try to run (Once per session, cause Exp is gained from it as normal) or someone who was
against consequences of someone disregarding your someone you've met before to run away from you as there? (Check the game date. On this date every game
advice) or because you were too slow to save them? fast as possible for a round) or laugh in your face? year, and this date every real year, and on your real
(Once per session, when someone is knocked below (Once per session, force someone you've met before birthday, a known ally of your choice shows up at the
0HP, get to their side in a single round by some means) not to act for a round) start of the session)
84 You could tell by their expression that the news wasn't 92 After that, everything changed. If you could go back 99 It was a great night out until the law showed up. Were
good. Did you lose out on what you'd strived for (Can would you change what you did (get a take-back once you with the cops (once per session cause whatever the
improve your next d20 roll by 1d4 but if you fail you take per session, undo what you did and do something else most likely form of whoever "the guards" are to show
that in damage) or had someone you loved been instead) or do it all again? (re-take an action and reroll up) or were you one of the instigators? (once per
harmed? (When another PC dies, you can ignore death any rolls once per session) session cause everything to absolutely go to shit in an
for one exploration turn. You still die afterward if you unexpected way. 1d6: 1-2, good for enemies, 3-4, bad
have 0 slots remaining) 93 You met with them in a secret place. Did you give them for everyone, 5-6, good for you)
one last kiss before you left forever (When you first kiss
85 You knew something was wrong, but nobody would tell a willing person, gain +1 HP/level for the rest of the 00 You investigated the fallen star. Did you hear it speak
you what it was. Was it to protect themselves session) or make an important deal? (When you make a inside your mind (once per session, cast a random
(Whenever you roll the worst possible failure on a roll, deal with an adversary, gain +1 on reaction rolls for the spell) or let the thing inside slither away? (once per
other PCs gain +1 AC for one round) or to save you rest of the session) session, induce crippling fear in someone who sees
from embarrassment? (Whenever you roll the worst something horrible behind you)
possible failure on a roll, other PCs heal 1HP) 94 You were cowering but they just kept hitting you. Did
one of them take pity and stop the others (enemies
86 He was on his deathbed and beckoned you over. Did he leave you to last when you lose all your HP) or did you
tell you the secret that shattered your world forever (+1 seize an opportunity and escape? (Once per session,
Wis) or did you grant his final request for a painless you may reroll a failed flee attempt)
death? (+1 Dex)
95 They were pleading for their life. Did you listen (Once
87 You knew you were slowing them down. Did you tell per session, ask someone who failed a morale check a
them to go on without you (When fleeing can give your question which they must answer truthfully) or put them
flee result to someone else) or get left behind? (give +1 out of their misery? (When you strike the killing blow on
to fleeing rolls of people in front of you) a creature, heal 1HP per level it has)