Fateforge Adventurers Core Rulebook
Whether you want to or not, you have no choice but to acknowledge one simple truth about the world around you: Everything is alive, and everything has a spirit. From the spirits of animals, to the rocks and trees, to the storms and surging rivers, and even the humble craftsman’s tools or the very words that comprise language, there are spirits in all things. Whether you have dedicated yourself to the mastery of this gift, or it comes as merely an inconvenience in your daily life, you hear the whispers on the wind, can see and touch the auras of the world, and receive visions from the spirits of the dead.
Were you born with this gift, or did it come upon you later in life due to outside forces? Are you from a culture that accepts gifted people like yourself? Or is your home one rife with skepticism and superstition that has likely made your life one of difficult isolation? And what of your adventuring career? Do the spirits urge you onward, propelling you down a path you do not yet understand or is this your means to escape a possible burning at the stake?
Skill Proficiencies: Insight. Choose one from: Animal Handling, Medicine, Nature, Religion, or Survival.
Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism Kit. Choose one from: Alchemist’s Supplies, Brewer’s Supplies, Calligraphers Supplies, One Musical Instrument, Painter’s Supplies, Poisoner’s Kit, Potter’s Supplies, or Weaver’s Tools.
Languages: You may trade your additional Tool Proficiency pick for any one Exotic Language of your choice. (Primordial and Sylvan are the two most common forms of natural spirit languages)
Equipment: An Herbalism Kit; A charm you believe to be protective in nature; A tool or trinket to aid in contacting the spirits; a set of Traveler’s Clothes; and a pouch with 15gp.
Spirits you encounter (including elementals, fey, and shadows) may be more inclined to communicate with you and not automatically act with hostility (at the DM’s discretion). Additionally, the spirits of the world will seek to aid you in times of need. This can come in the form of useful visions of the near future or your surroundings (at the DM’s discretion) and they can lead you to food, water, and shelter as needed, allowing you to support yourself and up to five other people in environments capable of doing so.
Most Animists are aware that they are a rare breed. Even among tribal societies who adhere to belief systems more in keeping with their experiences, Animists still find that theirs is an uncommon gift. As a result, some take advantage, using their perception to elevate themselves while others genuinely seek to be helpful. Some have also learned that they must be cautious, lest they be accused of being mad men or charlatans, while others do not care whom they offend, declaring their truths and pushing social boundaries at every turn.
| Personality Traits | |
| d8 | Personality Trait |
| 1 | People think I stare off into space. I am simply looking at things they cannot see. |
| 2 | I will gladly inform people of the error of their ways based on my understanding of the universe, and at great length too. |
| 3 | I often speak in metaphor and answer questions with questions. |
| 4 | I have a collection of strange habits and personal practices that I believe aid me in communing with spirits and exorcising negative energy. |
| 5 | I try to remain serene, like still waters, so as not to disturb the spirits. |
| 6 | I often blurt out the feelings I perceive in other people’s auras when I meet them. |
| 7 | I collect small items that I think might be useful in my work. |
| 8 | This being is a host for spirits and its personality can change based on the occupant. |
| Ideals | |
| d6 | Ideal |
| 1 | Guidance. Fate cannot be prevented, I can only guide people to theirs (Neutral) |
| 2 | Protection. Every thing has a spirit, and we must ward against those with ill intentions. (Good) |
| 3 | Harmony. There is a careful balance in the universe that must be maintained. (Lawful) |
| 4 | Manipulation. My power can grant me sway over others. I need only take it. (Evil) |
| 5 | Intuition. I believe the spirits know what is best and follow their guidance completely. (Chaotic) |
| 6 | Refusal. I find this “gift” to be a heavy burden and wish I were free from it. (Any) |
| Bonds | |
| d6 | Bond |
| 1 | As a child I had an “imaginary friend”. I still talk to them to this day. |
| 2 | The spirits speak to me of a powerful relic. I must find it. |
| 3 | There is a person in my past who is convinced I am the cause of their woes. They seek ill advised revenge on me. |
| 4 | My family has always been supportive of me. I write them regularly, even though I know they barely understand what I describe to them. |
| 5 | I have once felt the resonance of a person whom I hope to meet again… |
| 6 | There are two spirits pulling me in opposite directions. I am not sure which to trust. |
| Flaws | |
| d6 | Flaw |
| 1 | My powers are not mine to control, sometimes they strike me at very inopportune times. |
| 2 | I sometimes forget that spirits, especially spirits of the dead, can be wild and dangerous and approach them like they were normal, rational people. |
| 3 | My insistence on speaking aloud to spirits no one else can see makes others uneasy. |
| 4 | I want only to help other people and I am thus easily misled. |
| 5 | I believe my powers make me superior and am not above swearing vengeance on people who doubt me. |
| 6 | I have been called upon to do terrible things in the service of a spirit in the past and fear I may yet do more. |