Quickie Character Backstory Generator

(Adapted from Paul Jaquays' previous history system in Dungeoneer #9)


Chart 1. Birth Order (Roll d10)

1 First born
2-3 Second child
4-5 Third child
6 Fourth
7 Fifth
8 Sixth
9 Seventh
10 Eighth or more


Chart 2: Parent Occupation (Roll d20)
1 Beggar/Drifter
2 Criminal
3 Peasant/Farm worker
4 Farmer/Fisherman
5 Miner/Forester
6 Sailor
7 Soldier/Mercenary
8-9 Craftsman/Skilled worker (Roll on Chart 2A)
10 Sage/Scholar/Alchemist
11 Scribe
12 Slaver
13 Adventurer
14 Actor/Bard/Courtesan
15 Government Official (Roll on Chart 2B)
16-17 Merchant (Roll on Chart 2C)
18 Clergy (Roll on Chart 2D)
19 Gentleman
20 Noble (Roll on Chart 2E)


Chart 2A: Craft (Roll d20)
1 Tailor
2 Fletcher/Bowyer
3 Glass Blower
4 Carpenter
5 Animal trainer/Beast master
6 Cartographer
7 Smith
8 Cobbler
9 Weaver
10 Armorer/Weaponsmith
11 Brewer/baker
12 Mason
13 Potter
14 Miller
15 Dyer
16 Shipwright
17 Jeweler
18 Artist/Sculptor
19 Musician
20 Roll twice


Chart 2B: Government Officials (Roll d8)
1-2 Tax collector
3 Sheriff/shrive
4 Forest warden
5 Magistrate
6 Town mayor
7 Free City mayor
8 Royal/Ducal advisor


Chart 2C: Merchant (Roll d6)
1 Shopkeeper, foodstuffs
2 Shopkeeper, dry goods
3 Shopkeeper, exotic goods
4 Innkeeper
5 Local trader
6 Long-Distance trader


Chart 2D: Clergy (Roll d6)
1-2 Parish/lower clergy, mainstream religion (Sun Lord in the Hill Cantons)
3 Upper clergy, mainstream
4 Clergy, heretical religion (Followers of the Celestial Lady)
5 Pagan/Druidical
6 Elder gods


Chart 2E: Nobility (Roll d20)
1-3 Landless Knight
4-6 Knight Banneret
7-10 Knight
11-15 Baron/Landgraf
16 Count
17 Margrave
18 Hetman
19 Duke
20 Royalty