Newbie Backstory Help


Beginner Box


So this is my first post, and I'll apologize about its length up front.

I've never played an RPG before, and have been coaxed into it by a good but casual friend to help replace some players that moved. I've decided to play a Kitsune Infernal Sorcerer named Renard Sournois (french for sly fox because I'm so clever) but the GM wants me to write a 1-2 page back story. The outline is that my grandfather made a deal with a devil for wealth, grandfather dies on the day I'm born, the family's wealth is depleted, they think I'm cursed so they send me to live with my snake oil peddler/part time chicken thief uncle as a child, I grow up and become a con man like him, get thrown in jail for few years for a reason I haven't settled on yet, and join up with the group when I'm out via the Pathfinder Society. They said they'd be doing pre-made one shots(?) at first, but I believe back story will become important later. I've posted the first paragraph below in hopes that the folks here could tell me if this is the sort of thing that they'll be looking for, or if I've loaded it up with too many arbitrary details (also, if I've loaded this post with too many arbitrary details.) All advice welcome! Thanks!

The exact moment of Renard Sournois' birth marked the end of his family's legacy and the untimely death of his grandfather, Chancey Sournois. Chauncey had risen to prominence a half century ago as a successful merchant and farmer through the mysterious acquisition of a small fortune. He had used that fortune to purchase a large plot of land on what would soon become the only safe land route between two major provinces. A trading post, inn, and stable were established by the main road and a mansion was built overlooking the farmlands in between. With strange natural disasters becoming a regular occurrence on competing trade routes and a sudden blight other farmers in the area business boomed Chauncey Sournois, his luck and apparent foresight propelling him to one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the region. This unending success, particularly when it seems to come at the misfortune of others, did not go unnoticed; through the years stories sprang up claiming that Chauncey had made a deal with a devil to gain . These stories would seem all the more certain when, at the announcement of his first grandson's birth, Chauncey abruptly muttered “Wait! Just one more chicken please...”, promptly went stiff, and fell over dead.


This might just be the thing he is looking for, really depends on the GM, so you might want to ask him as well.
I like your back story so far, maybe you could ad a bit about the reason he wanted to be an adventurer? (It migth earn well but it's a quit deadly profession.) Was there a moment of inspiration? Or did the feeling grow over time? How did he learn his trade? Did he have a teacher?
Is there any sign on him that he has been thouched by the infernal?


I would have to say that is a great "family" backstory. Now just add in some history for your character: As a young lad I was poor and had to acquire things myself which led me to a life of crime. One particular time I stole some food and was chased. After being cornered I cowered thinking I would take a beating. Suddenly, the boy ran off claiming he was burned(acid splash). While doing time I realized I had a gift and decided I could use it as a way to make money...." etc etc.

Hope this helps.

+J

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