Quick Fantasy Background Generator

If you're stuck for ideas for how to make your fantasy RPG character interesting and tied to the DM's plots, simply roll up a loved one and a rival, flesh them out, and send them to the DM to tie to the story.

Loved One

The person I’m closest to is… (1d6)

1. Romantic Partner
2. Parent
3. Child
4. Mentor, Priest, or Teacher
5. Loyal Friend
6. Liege or Commander

I interact with them regularly by… (1d6)

• 1. They travel with me, but not into danger
• 2-4. I write them regular letters or reports
• 5-6. I return to them after every adventure

Their future is uncertain because… (1d6)

1. They’ve been cursed or suffer from a terminal condition, and I quest to save them
2. They may have been recruited by my enemies or made a deal with the devil
3. They have a position of power, and their rivals seek to usurp them
4. They have dangerous or risky goals that I have to help them achieve 
5. They’re hunted by enemies I have to protect them from
6. They have a troubling, prophesied destiny none of us understands

Once you've got your results, give the person a name (choose a name from the examples given for the character's race in the game book, if you're stuck, or use a fantasy name generator.  Then flesh them out a little.  What do they look like?  What quirks might they have?  What are their goals?  What's your current relationship like?  Sweet?  Rocky?  Affectionate?  Testy?  Cold?  Businesslike?  Recovering?  Generous?


Troublesome Rival
 
My troublesome rival is… (1d6)

1. Someone who seeks to usurp my position or outcompete me for a position I desire
2. Someone who took something important from me (either illegally or legitimately), that I want to get back
3. Someone who believes I harmed them or cost them something valuable, so I owe them a debt I can never repay
4. An ex-lover who believes me to be a shiftless villain who cannot be trusted
5. A former employer or commander who believes I betrayed them or shirked my responsibilities
6. Someone who desperately wants a unique item I have, that I would never part with

Their redeeming quality (the reason I can’t kill them) is… (1d6)

1. They help the poor and needy, and are respected by the common folk and other do-gooders like them
2. They serve a god of goodness and justice faithfully and loyally, and the god and their servants love and respect them
3. They are a loyal and valuable servant of the rightful ruler of the land, and the ruler depends on them and respects them
4. They are kind and nurturing to people I care about, and the people I care about would never forgive me for causing them serious harm
5. I owe them for saving my life or the life of the person I care most about, and people of my culture know this and expect me to show them respect and deference
6. Their destiny is tied to mine, and prophecy says I need them, though I don’t know why or how

Their power is… (1d6)

1. They are a powerful magic user
2. They have a position of power, such as Alderman, Baron, or Vizier
3. They have a network of loyal eyes and ears
4. They are allied with a powerful monster
5. They command an army
6. They have legitimate authority to deliver justice anywhere in the world

Once you've got your results, give the person a name (choose a name from the examples given for the character's race in the game book, if you're stuck, or use a fantasy name generator.  Then flesh them out a little.  What do they look like?  What derisive name do they call you?  Or worse - are they respectful toward you?  Do they have friends or henchmen you know about?