My character's basic backstory: Felix Paragrin comes from a line of seers; however, most of his immediate family was killed by Satyrs when he was quite young (7 years old). What exactly provoked the attack is unknown to Felix. Felix and his older sister, Gwen (10 years old), were both hidden during the attack, and thus were spared. Since he was so young and untrained, his own supernatural powers were left un-honed, though as he has grown older he has recognized some of his inherent ability naturally (hence his Bardic magic). Felix and his sister had to raise themselves together, she taught him as much about their family as she knew (Which really wasn’t much). Together they learned how to survive by stealing, lying, and performing for money. She taught him how to play his lyre, and how to sing. Shortly before Felix was fully a man grown (so about age 19 for a halfling), his sister disappeared, to where Felix does not know. That’s why he began wandering, traveling from town to town; he asks about her wherever he goes. They both share the same tattoo of a bleeding sun, located on their right arm, it is assumed to be their house symbol, but neither really knows. The point is it’s an identifying mark. When evil spirits are watching him, his tattoo begins to burn, not very painfully, but uncomfortable.
I'm willing to answer any questions, or provide any further information. Also, I'll consider anything, and anything could inspire me, so I would incourage anyone to share any ideas they have.
Thank you for your feedback!
Anyway, here's what I would do: Don't worry about it... for now. Leave that whole aspect blank. When something that really engages you comes up in the context of the game - a compelling scene, an awesome moment with an NPC, the DM's big reveal, anything that really excites you - ask the DM if you can tie your tattoo to that thing in some way. If you're entering the chapel to an obscure religion, maybe they have the same mark on their altar. If an NPC you like (or like to hate) is a powerful bard, perhaps he also bears the mark. Or when the BBEG makes his appearance after being long hidden, he has the power to control those who bear the mark in some way. For example.
This way, you're sure to be engaged with how your mark "becomes" important in the context of the game and connects your character to the game content. In our games, you could just say when the mark became connected to something. In your game, you might want to ask your DM first.
As for your actual advice, I think you definitely make a wonderful point about wanting to tie the mark into the game rather than the other way around. I'll discuss it with my DM and see what he has to say. Thanks.
As for your actual advice, I think you definitely make a wonderful point about wanting to tie the mark into the game rather than the other way around. I'll discuss it with my DM and see what he has to say. Thanks.
I'm glad my actual advice was helpful. It's an absolute gift to the DM to do things that way. If your DM tells you "no," send him to me. Seventeen to twenty pages of posts ought to set him straight.
penguin: How did his sister raise him? I can tell that they don't trust anybody but each other (hence he probably feels orphaned all over again), but Satyr-specifically, did Gwen develop a racist bent against all Satyrs and not give Felix a chance to learn anything else?