Homebrew:Experiment
(OOC: This is an implementation of the Experiment background from The Crooked Moon)
You are forever altered in some drastic, physical way, perhaps even made monstrous. A blasphemous fusion of science, alchemy, and magic changed you, possibly to mend some unrecoverable malady, or to test the limits of your biology. The process was a success, at least to a point, but the change left its mark on you. The indelible warping of your form can be a source of fear for those who do not understand what they see.
- Feat:
- Altered
- Skill Proficiencies:
- Intimidation
Charisma (Intimidation)skillWhen you attempt to influence someone through overt threats, hostile actions, and physical violence, the DM might ask you to make a Charisma (Intimidation) check. Examples include trying to pry information out of a prisoner, convincing street thugs to back down from a confrontation, or using the edge of a broken bottle to convince a sneering vizier to reconsider a decision., Medicine
Wisdom (Medicine)skillA Wisdom (Medicine) check lets you try to stabilize a dying companion or diagnose an illness. - Tool Proficiencies:
- alchemist's supplies
- Equipment:
- Choose A or B: (A) alchemist's supplies, manacles, perfume (to cover chemical smell), traveler's clothes (with hooded cloak); or (B) 50 gp
Building an Experiment
An experiment can come from any class or walk of life. Were you kidnapped and altered against your will, or did you volunteer for a heinous procedure? Was the experimenting done purely for discovery, to overcome a worse fate, or for someone to play at being a god? Whatever the reason, the process is never pleasant, and it always leaves scars—both those you can see and those that have marked your very soul.
Suggested Story Threads
The Experiment Story Threads table suggests events and people who can be the start of story threads for your character that weave through the campaign.
| 1d6 | Thread |
|---|---|
| 1 | A particular song stirs feelings of sadness and overwhelming anger in you, reminding you of the process that changed you. |
| 2 | A portion of your altered body is very clearly grafted from a different person, and they might want it back. |
| 3 | Another person was changed alongside you. They fled before you left, urging you to do the same. |
| 4 | You have recurring nightmares of the procedure you endured, sometimes seeing glimpses of faces in the dream that you don't recognize. |
| 5 | Your physical difference invites curiosity and attention, which for some reason is more disturbing than disdain or fear. |
| 6 | A peculiar symbol is branded on or near your alteration. |
Experiment Trinkets
When you make your character, you can roll once on the Experiment Trinkets table instead of on the normal starting Trinkets table.
| 1d6 | Trinket |
|---|---|
| 1 | A syringe with a faintly glowing purple residue |
| 2 | A wrench that is the only one that fits a bit of simple machinery built into your body |
| 3 | A sheaf of chemical-stained parchments covered in incomprehensible notes and schematics |
| 4 | A spool of silver thread that matches stitches in your altered body part |
| 5 | A metal hip flask with strange runes scratched into one side |
| 6 | A smooth stone that comforts and soothes you when you hold it tightly |