Category: Steal this Background

Haddus, aged and injured, of the likes that would not heal, sat in his courtyard watching his son and grandson.  Corvin, robust and proud, was instructing the young one in the ways of the Cave Bear, as had been taught to him by his father.  Haddus mused how the circle of life turned.

In his younger years, Haddus traveled the region, gaining much wisdom.  When he finally settled down, he was content with a wife and child.  As his son grew, Corvin was instructed by his father in the ways of self defense and in the ways of defending others.  Soon, other children from the street became interested, and so were allowed to join.  Haddus taught not only self defense, but also of humbleness, gratitude, and giving.

The lord of the town (and those under him), feeling Haddus’ school as an affront to his own militia and beliefs, heckled Haddus and his students occasionally.  Fights and scuffles were commonplace, culminating into a duel between the lord and Haddus.

When Haddus lost the duel, the lord decreed that the school shall be closed for good, and any teaching of the Cave Bear would result in punishment.  Crippled from the duel, Haddus has only managed to scrape by the last 10 years, almost losing his home several times.

Now that Corvin is of age, and much of that neighborhood war remains a memory, he has started teaching his own son and some of the other children from the neighborhood in the ways of the Cave Bear.  Though no one has made any claims as to the law being broken by the school, Corvin secretly hopes that someone might, so that he can fight his own duel, and restore honor to the Cave Bear and his father.

Haddus knows that his son is simply too proud to stay in this town, and must soon venture out to explore the world, before finding his place in it.  Corvin knows this as well, but is hesitant to leave the home of the Cave Bear.  Though his son will be well-cared for, he still waits for a sign…

In the Shadowfell, Shadar-Kai live in the extreme.  You would too, lest you succumb to the dreary woes of that realm.  In that extreme you would embrace pain, just so that you could feel something.  They are no strangers to pain, these Shadar-Kai, and no strangers to combat.  They look forward to it, relish it, love it.  Crux Tel is one such warrior.

By chance, he had the opportunity to travel to the natural world, where the light of day burned his skin for the first time, he smelled the stench of roses for the first time, and the opportunities for great battles with natural beasts begged, for the first time.  He doesn’t think he’ll ever get used to this natural world, with all it’s pleasantries.

It was enough to make any sane Shadowfeller go insane.  But, no other from his tribe had been to the natural world, and he wasn’t going to lose this opportunity.  For when he went back home, he would crow his battles all night long, like no other Shadar-Kai had.  The natural world, or Hell (as he referred to it), would just have to endure him until then.

“I know he kidnapped your kids, and you want them back, but they’re just kids.”

The Twist: Crux Tel’s position in his tribe was that as a defender.  However, this Swordmage always felt he should have been trained as a Raiding Hunter, and so he always fights as a striker, charging into battle without any regard for his safety.  He’ll attempt the most daring stunts in battle and go after the toughest foes by himself, just so that he can crow about it later, when he finally returns to his tribe.

Though Crux Tel is a devote follower of the Raven Queen, he is logical enough to know that most gods have something of value to offer, when needed.

He doesn’t know yet what to think about these softies in the natural world, except that they’re soft.  It’ll take a lot for them to prove themselves otherwise.

Agaroth (the Lost Adventurer) is from a distant land.  His homeland is so far away that most people have never heard of it.  At some point in his career, his sponsor, lord, or patron sent him on a quest to seek and destroy a great evil (most likely something he will never face, like Orcus).  The quest is all but impossible to fulfill, and he’ll probably die of old age first, if not from some other battle.

Really, the quest is a great honor, and Agaroth knows he will most likely be unsuccessful.  However, the honor of the quest does not come from success or failure, but in his devotion to it.  In fact, in his homeland, he is revered as a hero for simply taking on the quest.

The Twist: Since he has been traveling for at least ten years (and traveled very far),  he has an interesting quirk: he cites proverbs that most people have never heard before, let alone understand.  When others look confused, Agaroth sighs, then explains in simple terms what he means.   Of course, these proverbs are commonplace in his homeland.

For instance, the group is trying to decide if they should take the easy (slow) route, or the fast (difficult) route.  Agaroth says, “Well, two flies can sing, and the sun will always rise.” Or, “The rose petals rock the bridge.” Or, “Ogre say – Sogre ray.” Really, the proverb need only be made up on the spot and have zero meaning to be effective.

I like the idea that Agaroth is a warrior of some kind, like an Avenger, Ranger, or Paladin.  Of course, you could apply the quirk to any character, in any roleplaying game, if you like.