Widowed / Widower

Source: UH Homebrew

Having lost your partner to the unpredictable tides of fate, you carry the weight of grief and longing that shapes your every step. The bond you once shared now serves as both a guiding light and a haunting shadow in your life. This experience has granted you a unique perspective on love, loss, and resilience. While the loss may have left you feeling fragmented, it has also forged a determination to honor their memory, whether by seeking justice, solace, or redemption in a world that often feels cruel and unforgiving.


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): Strength, Constitution, Wisdom
  • Skill Proficiencies (your choice of TWO): Athletics, Insight, or Perception
  • Tool Proficiencies: One Artisan Tool of choice.
  • Languages: Two Standard languages of choice.

  • Background Keepsake: A token from your lost loved one that you cherish (value under 10gp).
  • Background Gold: 10gp.

Origin Trait

Origin Sturdy

Your maximum hit points is increased by half your level. (I.e. You gain a +1 to your max hp every even level.)


Suggested Characteristics

Those who have been widowed often present a blend of somber reflection and fierce strength. They may be empathetic towards others' suffering, understanding the depths of their despair, yet they can also exhibit impulsive behavior, driven to avoid the numbness of solitude. Their experiences shape them into guardians of the memory of their lost loved ones.


Personality

Please select TWO from the list below.

d12 Personality Trait
1 I reminisce constantly about my late partner; speaking of them as if they were still present.
2 I find solace in nature and often visit places we enjoyed together to reflect and connect.
3 I tend to be overly cautious; fearing loss again and avoiding deep connections with others.
4 I often use humor to mask my grief; making light of serious situations to keep my spirits up.
5 I possess a deep well of empathy; making me sensitive to the struggles of others.
6 I can be fiercely protective of those I care about; not wanting to endure another loss.
7 I often reflect on the lessons my partner taught me and strive to honor their memory in my actions.
8 I frequently journal my thoughts and feelings; processing my loss through writing.
9 I enjoy sharing stories of my partner with others; keeping their memory alive.
10 I have developed a habit of volunteering to help those in need; as a means to cope with my sorrow.
11 I'm drawn to other bereaved souls; feeling a sense of kinship with those who understand my pain.
12 I tend to withdraw when overwhelmed; needing time alone to process my emotions.

Ideal

Please select one from the list below.

d8 Ideal Trait
1 Memory: I strive to keep the memory of my loved one alive through my actions and choices. (Good)
2 Resilience: I believe in the ability to overcome adversity and find strength in my struggles. (Neutral)
3 Love: True love transcends death; I carry the love we shared as my guiding light. (Good)
4 Justice: If my partner met an unjust end; I seek to right those wrongs and ensure justice is served. (Lawful)
5 Compassion: Every soul deserves kindness; especially those who have suffered loss. (Good)
6 Hope: Even in darkness I believe there is a glimmer of hope for love and connection again. (Chaos)
7 Healing: Helping others heal is a way for me to process my own grief and pain. (Neutral)
8 Legacy: I wish to honor the legacy of my partner; ensuring their dreams and hopes are realized. (Lawful)

Bond

Please select one from the list below.

d8 Bond Trait
1 I carry a memento from my partner that I treasure as a piece of their spirit.
2 I feel a deep sense of responsibility to care for the loved ones they left behind.
3 I have pledged to uphold a cause that was close to my partner's heart.
4 I am seeking to reconnect with my partner's estranged family; hoping to bridge the gap and bring a sense of closure to our shared history.
5 I frequently visit their grave or a memorial site; honoring them and seeking closure.
6 I established a support group for individuals dealing with loss in my community.
7 I inherited a family heirloom from my partner's family; connecting me to them in a meaningful way.
8 I strive to help or mentor others who are grieving; feeling it is my duty to guide them through their pain.

Flaw

Please select one from the list below.

d8 Flaw Trait
1 I can be overly brooding; consumed by my thoughts of loss and distracting others from their happiness.
2 I tend to push people away out of fear of experiencing further heartbreak.
3 I often struggle with feelings of guilt; questioning whether I did enough for my partner.
4 I have moments of deep anger directed toward fate- the world- or those who have caused suffering.
5 I sometimes find it challenging to trust others fully; fearing that they too may be taken away from me.
6 I can be prone to reckless decisions when emotions overwhelm me.
7 My tendency to dwell on the past can hinder my ability to move forward and embrace new opportunities.
8 I may idealize my partner in memory; making it hard for me to connect with others emotionally.