Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Saevel Bladebite 01-27-04, 10:49 PM	I am looking for resources, to help me design my own family trees based on a characters race and last name. Let me explain what I want to do. I want to design, for each race, a list of last names. When a player determines his/her race, he/she then picks a last name for that race. This last name the player chooses, gives his/her character a pregenerated family tree. This does not take away the players freedom to come up with his/her own description of thier character. What this does is gives the character a life. Meaning, the characters family tree will add depth to the characters background; nobility, birthrights, heirlooms, family rivals, siblings, upbringing, and so on are examples of what this will provide. This will also add self-callings for characters. They may develope a sense of destiny, or fate bestowed upon them from thier ancestors. Some family trees may even be shaded, meaning a character will not completely know where he/she came from and learns so throught thier adventuring career. There is alot of possibilities. I think you all can get what I am after. If you have any insight or links to resources I would really appreciate it. Also, if any of you wish to add a last name or family tree that would be good too.
spoon242 01-28-04, 04:19 AM	Herobuilder's Guidebook has charts with which you can randomly determine familial history, including famous wizards, black sheep, noble ancestry, whether your family gets along, is your family loyal to the government, etc. It doesn't put together whole trees, however, nor give suggestions for doing so. It seems like that would be a whole lot of work for what good it's worth. Although, maybe for your campaign, it IS worth it.