Wounded (5e Background)

Author: Eiji-kun (talk) Date Created: 5-30-23 Status: Complete Editing: Mechanical changes on Talk

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Wounded is a background in 5th edition.

Wounded

In your past you have experienced a crippling wound, by accident or battle misfortune or some other incident. For many, missing a limb or organ here or there firmly puts the concept of adventuring out of your reach, but you are exceptional and you won't have a missing eye or hand keep you down.

This background can let you choose one or more disabling wounds, taking penalties as associated with the missing part but gaining the following proficiencies, skills, and equipment for each of the wounds selected.

Proficiencies: None
Skill Proficiencies: Medicine

Languages: One of your choice
Equipment: Healer's Kit, a set of common clothes, a trinket associated with a formative event from your past, Dungeoneer’s Pack or Explorer’s Pack (choose one), and a belt pouch containing 15 gp

Feature: Wound

Choose one or more of the following wounds, gaining the following in addition to the benefits of the background above, as well as the penalties described below. The listed body part can be damaged beyond repair, rendered nonfunctional by injury or birth, or outright missing. The effect is the same regardless of the nature of the wound. You have trained to manage living with this wound, and if you ever manage to effectively repair the wound in question you lose the penalties but also the benefits listed below.

• Arm: Your hand or arm is nonfunctional. You cannot use one of your arms, and can only perform one-handed tasks and cannot wield two handed weapons. You have disadvantage on any checks which can be performed one-handed but is easier performed with two hands. Due to your experience only using one hand, your remaining hand has become more dexterous to compensate. You gain proficiency in Sleight of Hand.

• Eye: One of your eyes is nonfunctional. You have disadvantage on Perception checks and Investigation checks that require sight. In return your hearing has sharpened. You gain advantage on hearing based perception checks Many would view your missing eye as a sign that you are fearless, reckless, or are a dangerous individual. You have proficiency in Intimidation.

• Leg: Your leg or legs are nonfunctional. If only one leg is disabled, you require some kind of crutch or simple prosthetic such as a peg leg and your walking speed is cut in half (minimum 5 ft). You gain a cane or quarterstaff as an additional equipment item. Because you have a smaller profile on the ground, you gain advantage against any ground-based hazards such as caltrops or spikes and resistance from the damage from these hazards.

Alternatively you can have both legs disabled, in which case you can only crawl unless you are within a wheelchair. A wheelchair will grant you your full movement speed, but you are unable to jump or move over sufficiently high ledges. In addition if you are knocked prone, it takes your entire movement to right yourself. You gain a wheelchair as an additional equipment item with straps which you can lock yourself into, and you require at least one free hand in order to employ your movement speed. While in a wheelchair you are more stable than normal, and have advantage on checks against being knocked prone. For either form of leg wound, you have needed to ensure you practice your balance. You gain proficiency in Acrobatics.
==== Suggested Characteristics ====

While your disability impacts your life, it need not define you. By the mere act of adventuring, you already are already defying what fate has set out for you. You recognize your flaws may hinder you, but you seek to make bonds with allies and friends and together you can get through anything.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I like to tell the story behind this wound. It changes every time I tell it.
2	These wounds are marks of honor, and you will respect it.
3	If you think this looks bad, you should have seen the other guy.
4	Do not look at me like that, unless you want me to give you a wound of your own.
5	You are just happy to be alive after the incident.
6	Its important to accept each and everyone as they are, as it is what they are as a person that counts.
7	Your losses do not bother you. If anything, this is just an opportunity to make them better, faster, stronger than ever.
8	You're the strong silent type, and you will not be explaining how this happened to you.

d6	Ideal
1	Inspiration. If I can do it, anyone can do it. I'll be an inspiration to others. (Good)
2	Determination. My problems are no excuse to stop what I am best at. In spite of it all, I persist. (Lawful)
3	Do The Impossible. You refuse to be treated as simply crippled. You'll show them, you still have it! (Chaotic)
4	Spite. Your wounds are a grim reminder of your past. You will teach others to understand your pain through example. (Evil)
5	Endure. You'll make the best of life, no matter what. This is just another trial to handle. (Neutral)
6	Cool Scar. My wounds tell a story. And the story hasn't ended yet. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	You have a goal that is so important, you can't let a little thing like your wounds stand in the way.
2	I wish to make sure nobody else has to experience what I have experienced.
3	You seek to master your own fighting style, one tailored to your own body.
4	Replacements for one's limbs are insufficient, but perhaps there are superior options out there. The search begins.
5	The thing which wounded you is still out there, and you are ready for a second round.
6	It is said that with loss comes strength. You plan to become very strong indeed.

d6	Flaw
1	I still feel phantom pain that haunts me when I lose focus.
2	Other people cannot relate to the troubles I deal with, and this makes it difficult to relate to them.
3	Sometimes I have nightmares about the event that made me this way.
4	I am quietly embittered over my injuries, and there is blame to go around.
5	At times I am overwhelmed by my feelings of weakness.
6	Your injury robbed you of a planned future, and you can only blame fate or the gods.