Advisor

Source: The Big Book of Backgrounds, adapted to UH

You are an advisor to an important person. Perhaps you are the personal advisor to a local lord, or maybe you are a warlord’s military strategist. In any case, you are frequently looked to for advice by someone with power. Your role is not necessarily one of fame and prestige, though it could be. It is also possible that you help rule from the shadows, whispering your advice to your liege in secret to ensure that he makes the right decisions. You may even occasionally pen documents on your superior’s behalf – with or without their knowledge.


NOTE: Some backgrounds have options to choose from. Please read carefully. You may not get every proficiency listed below, as some may be a choice between one or the other.

  • Stat Options (choose either +2 in one stat and +1 in another, OR +1 in all three): Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom
  • Skill Proficiencies (your choice of TWO): History, Insight, Persuasion
  • Tool Proficiencies: Calligrapher's Supplies
  • Languages: Two Standard languages of choice.

  • Background Keepsake: A letter from your liege.
  • Background Gold: 15gp.

Origin Trait

Origin Leader

You can spend an action inspiring your allies to grant a renown dice to an ally who has used theirs during that adventure. This can be done a number of times per quest equal to half your Proficiency bonus.


Suggested Characteristics

Some questions to consider when determining how this background applies to your character: Who is your liege? How did you come by your position? Do you advise your superior to be wise and just to protect his subjects? Do you care only for the law and the structure it imposes on society? Do you use your influence in an attempt to bend the land’s ruler to your will for your own gain? Perhaps you encourage violence to sate your own blood thirst. Your motives, morality, and ethics should play a very strong role in how you approach your role as advisor, and they should also help shape the relationship you have with your superior. You should also consider what caused you to take up the role of an adventurer. Did your liege send you on a quest of great importance, or is it a decision you reached on your own? Or did you find your role as an advisor after adventuring for a while?


Personality

Please select TWO from the list below.

d8 Personality Trait
1 I am convinced that my beliefs are the correct ones. Anyone who believes differently is at best mistaken.
2 I enjoy when people recognize my importance.
3 I am annoyed by people who ask me for help and advice. Just because I am an advisor does not mean I am their advisor.
4 I consider those of lesser station than me to be inferior and less worthy of respect.
5 I never forget a debt owed to me- nor one I owe to someone else.
6 It is my responsibility to make sure my friends are taken care of however I can.
7 I consider it my duty to educate those who are ignorant of something I am knowledgeable about.
8 I always conduct myself formally and with dignity.

Ideal

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Ideal Trait
1 Tradition. The best advice I can provide is to keep to the laws and traditions of the past.
2 Justice. No matter the situation or circumstances- any slight must be met with swift justice.
3 Power. My proximity to power ensures my authority and dominion over those beneath me.
4 Responsibility. My position and its power come with a responsibility to do right by those whom my advice may impact.
5 Change. It is my duty to steer my superior’s decisions toward growth and change so that things do not stagnate.
6 Practicality. Always take the most effective route toward accomplishing ones goals.

Bond

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Bond Trait
1 The organization I am a part of is all that matters to me. My role is to serve it as best I can.
2 I admire and respect my superior- and I will gladly serve him or her for as long as they will have me.
3 I was put in this position by other influential forces to keep an eye on my superior. My true loyalty lies to these other powers.
4 People will know my name before I’m through with this world.
5 I was put in this position by my mentor: my superior’s predecessor. I miss my mentor dearly.
6 This position is a means to an end. Someday- it will be my turn to rule.

Flaw

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Flaw Trait
1 I advise rather than lead because I’m unwilling to make hard decisions myself.
2 I once provided terrible advice which had catastrophic consequences for my superior- but he does not realize I was the one responsible for steering him down the wrong path in the first place. I will do anything to make sure he does not come to that conclusion.
3 I have a hard time saying no to people who flatter me- regardless of their motivations.
4 I can’t help myself when I learn something secret. I simply must tell someone.
5 I am not afraid to use my position of power if it means I can get the things I want.
6 I secretly believe that I should be the one in power- not my superior.