Alchemic Construct (5e Background)
Alchemic Construct
You, much like a homunculus, were created in an alchemical experiment. Perhaps you were created by an evil wizard as a slave, or perhaps a powerful group of magi created you simply to prove they could. Regardless of why you were created, unlike others, you are certain of the reason behind your creation. For one reason or another, you have been left to your own devices, and you have the freedom to choose your own destiny.
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana and Nature
Tool Proficiencies: Alchemist's Supplies
Languages: One language, specifically the language spoken by your creator. (This can be the choice of the player, or determined by the DM)
Equipment: A simple set of robes, a journal containing ciphered notes on your creation, a brand or tattoo left on you by your creator, and a pouch containing 5 gold pieces.
Purpose
You were created for a purpose, and that could be just about anything. You could come up with your own origin of creation, or work with your DM to make one, or simply use the table below.
| d6 | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1 | My body was meant to be the new vessel for my creator's soul. How I became sentient remains a mystery. |
| 2 | I was created to act as a servant/slave to my creator. |
| 3 | My creator was incredibly lonely, and created me as a companion. |
| 4 | It seems that I was created simply to prove that it could be done. |
| 5 | I am the product of a horrible accident. Not only was my creation unintended, but there are those who seek to destroy me. |
| 6 | I was created, with many others, to serve as test subjects for a plethora of spells and alchemical blends. |
Note The feature provided by this background is quite unique, and rarely used in most campaigns. This feature, much like this background, is meant to create a unique roleplaying experience.
Feature: Unnatural
You are a product of science, and an affront to nature, as such, certain powerful beings take notice of your unnatural existence. Celestials, Fey, and Fiends see you as special, and when encountering you, may treat you differently than normal. Celestials, for example, will likely treat you as a curiosity, and perhaps take pity on you. Fey will almost always greet you with hostility, and Fiends will be especially intrigued in creating contracts with you or becoming your patron.
Suggested Characteristics
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | It seems that emotions were seen as unnecessary when I was created. |
| 2 | I am endlessly curious in regards to the world around me, especially when it comes to other living creatures. |
| 3 | I lack interest in most scholarly fields, only having interest for the pleasures of life. |
| 4 | I seek a new master. One who can adequately guide me to my purpose. |
| 5 | I am filled with envy towards those naturally born. I endlessly crave the family I can never have. |
| 6 | Hatred, Anger, Greed and Envy are pointless emotions that serve only to waste our efforts. |
| 7 | I am emotionally unstable, swiftly alternating from emotion to emotion. This must be a defect in my creation. |
| 8 | Death fascinates me. If those born of natural means are unsure of their final destination, I must wonder what death has in store for me. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Curiosity. The world is meant to be studied, and morality only stands in the way. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Purpose. All things were created for a reason, and have their place in the world. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Vengeance. I was brought into a world that hates and fears me. Those responsible for my suffering must pay. (Evil) |
| 4 | Understanding. I may be born of unnatural means, but I am no less a person than anyone else. (Neutral) |
| 5 | Betterment. That I am feared and misunderstood only goes to show that the world has room to be changed for the better. (Good) |
| 6 | Freedom. To hell with my creator's wishes! I am free to choose my own purpose! (Chaotic) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My creator is/was like a father/mother to me. |
| 2 | I've learned of a land far from where I was created. I am obsessed with reaching this distant land. |
| 3 | My creator's penchant for study was instilled in me, and I have taken up their work. |
| 4 | Upon waking, I killed my creator, and still do not know my purpose for being. |
| 5 | Being feared and hated by all has taught me to rely only on myself. |
| 6 | My body was created from the blood of another. I must find this person. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | Some might call me fearless, in reality, I simply lack self preservation instincts. |
| 2 | I am angered and saddened extremely easily. |
| 3 | I do not understand emotion, and find it hard to empathize with others. |
| 4 | My obsession with my purpose leaves little room for anything else in my life. |
| 5 | I have an uncanny fear of magic of any sort. |
| 6 | I don't know who or what I am, and as such am always seeking guidance. |
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