I'm running Crypt of the Everflame next month to start what I'm hoping to be an ongoing (if long-distance) campaign. I decided to create some character traits for the players; with one exception, they're all new players, and I thought this might give them some ideas on creating their PCs. I also wanted to encourage their characters to be heroic members of the Kassen community to justify them being selected as the heroes for the quest.
Please let me know if anyone has any feedback (or, better yet, any additions)!
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Select one campaign trait during character creation. Include the associated details as appropriate as part of your character’s background
Close Call: A local child went swimming in the river nearby, but was pulled under by the current. You were able to swim to her aid and bring her back to the shore, and you and your friends revived her. Pick one of the following skills: Heal or Swim. You gain a +1 trait bonus in that skill, and that skill is a class skill for you.
Defense of Honor: Grimscar, a half-orc local known for picking fights, was harassing Asina at the Seven Silvers Tavern. You stood up to him, and ended up taking a serious punch from the hulking brute. Your stoic response to the best he could give caused Grimscar to back down; you have a +1 trait bonus on Fortitude saving throws.
Discerning Eye: You noticed that a traveling merchant was trying to buy what appeared to be a mundane item from Braggar Ironhame for a fraction of its value. You pointed out the item’s true value and unique qualities, preventing the stranger from taking advantage of the surly dwarf- and possibly making an enemy in the process. Pick one of the following skills: Appraise, Knowledge (arcana), Knowledge (religion) or Spellcraft. You gain a +1 trait bonus in that skill, and that skill is a class skill for you.
Healing Touch: A local child ate an herb from the nearby Fang Wood and became very ill, collapsing in the town square. You used your knowledge to quickly purge the child of toxins and save her life. Pick one of the following skills: Heal, Knowledge (local), or Knowledge (nature). You gain a +1 trait bonus in that skill, and that skill is a class skill for you.
Horse Whisperer: You have always had a way with animals- and it sometimes comes in handy. Recently, a saw horse nearly throw its rider. You were able to calm the animal and help the rider dismount safely. You gain a +1 trait bonus in Handle Animal, and the skill is a class skill for you.
Nick of Time: You pushed Len Becker, the town drunk, out of the way of a cart just outside of town, saving his life. Your swift reactions have always had a tendency to serve you well, and grant you a +1 trait bonus on Reflex saving throws.
Perseverence: A local child recently went missing in the nearby Fang Wood. While others stopped their search when night fell due to bad weather, and tried to convince you to stop, you persevered. You found the child several hours later and brought him home safely. Pick [u]one[/u]: you gain a +1 trait bonus on Will saves, [u]or[/u] you gain a +1 trait bonus in Survival, and the skill is a class skill for you.
Showdown: You encountered a group of ruffians from out of town threatening a townsperson, and, through your strength of personality, got them to back down. Pick one of the following skills: Bluff or Intimidate. You gain a +1 trait bonus in that skill, and that skill is a class skill for you.
