Drifter
... traveler of snowscapes, a passing breeze into mists!
"There is a chill in these empty, frigid places. Watch, as the wind presses against the snow and drifts from another dune, to settle in ice. For the intrepid snow dreaming of another day, another form, melting is a mercy. Freedom, as the snow becomes an avalanche, riding the winds. Where will you go, Drifter?"
Nomadic Tribes were commonly found in the Ice Age. Wanderers stricken in wanderlust, these migrant groups traveled across the icy continents and across frozen oceans, searching for a favorable home. Survival meant moving ahead of storms and avoiding other perils. Traveling long enough earned one the role of a Drifter. To some, Drifters were bringers of good fortune; to others, misfortune and ruin.
Reputably worthy Drifters learned to read the land, brought stories of their travels, and learned many practical skills. Drifters learn many languages, making them knowledgeable individuals. Others were wastrels, using their glibness in cunning theft and villainy. The influence of a Drifter can subtly affect those around them, for better or worse. Despite a mixed reputation, Drifters had their place as adventurers, living close to the land.
Career & Adventure
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Drifters were known for their tales of travel to distant lands, where they learn about the Cultures that live there. They are respectable guides and explorers, lending their aid to others crossing in their travels. Drifters also learned about the locales in their native regions. Such information was bartered for goods and services. Many Drifters became merchants and traders of the unusual items or secrets they'd find. Still, a true Drifter never settled long, taking all their charm and mystery with them on a new adventure.
Becoming a Drifter
Drifters have a great need to travel and discover. Perhaps they never had a home to begin with. Home was never close for the Drifter, even if they had a family or friends. For some, traveling meant protecting their Tribe as they lead them across dangerous terrain. Others might have been born a Drifter through circumstance. Their adventurous qualities synthesized with their Life of daily travel.
These individuals are separated from mere traveler by an almost hedonistic desire to live and experience the world around them. They learn suitable survival skills, such as camping and foraging. Once a Drifter has found something of interest or value, they make a treasure of it. They meet others in their travels, and begins to treasure those friendships also. A Drifter is known by the people they know.
Skills & Expertise
Polyglot
Drifters learn not only the language or speech-form of their native Culture, but they also learn to pick up on the languages of others as well. By spending Time with other distinctly different people, a Drifter learns to understand their language. Some seek more formal education from a mentor or a member of the native Culture.
A Drifter learns to intuit languages they don't know, forming a facsimile of understanding. This helped when coming across an unfamiliar trail marker or abandoned runes. The ability to decipher and understand language gave the Drifter an edge in social situations, whether feigning ignorance or communicating information.
Tools & Materials
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Purpose & Progression
The Drifter finds employ using their wits and charisma to their advantage. Gathering useful information and resources, a Drifter becomes invested in their own pursuits and progresses towards those endeavors. This usually leads them to rich and lucrative discoveries, which benefits them and those around them. Drifters are fateful heralds of lesser or greater fortunes.
When a Drifter earns a notable reputation, they learn to use their interpersonal skills and adaptive reasoning to achieve greater renown. A Blazer blends their knowledge of the land and its resources to become a mobile, formidable adversary. Delvers discovered a magical mystery and seek to explore deeper Arcane secrets. The Wayfarer found themselves changed by distant lands, becoming like them.
Walk of Life
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Path of Mastery
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Perspective & Social Role
Drifters live on the fringes of society, both belonging to it as a valuable protector of sacred places, routes, and secrets, but also apart from it, as the shifting land calls them to explore. Freedom is important to a Drifter as they spend their lives forging trails, exploring exotic lands, and connecting to those they meet in their journeys. Before there were definitive boundaries between Cultures, Drifters were welcome as emissaries or diplomats of their respective Cultures- though this was usually informal, based rather on a Drifter's demeanor and not their affiliation to the Culture. Solidarity and identity are important to traveling Drifters.
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Cultural Role & Identity
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Historical Significance
Nomadic groups served important roles as guides and guardians for settlers of other Cultures or Tribes. It wasn't uncommon in many Cultures to employ a knowledgeable Drifter. It's important to mention that those Drifters that earned ill reputations by betraying others or through thievery were also referred to collectively as "Grifters".
Honest Drifters earned notable reputations amongst their fellows but had difficulty outside of their territories. An unfortunate association to roguery left many doubtful of a Drifter's intentions based on their experiences with Grifters. Still, Drifters are considered romantic characters of intrigue and mystery in many of their stories.
Notable Figures & Legends
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Game Integration
WIP- TBD
How to Play as X
WIP- TBD
Class
Archetype:
Covert Class
Covert Class
TTRPG Quick Specs
Base Class:
Can be chosen at 1st Level.
Maxes at 10th Level.
Advancement: At 10th Level, Class advances:
Can be chosen at 1st Level.
Maxes at 10th Level.
- Hit Die:
1d6 - Best Statistics:
Agility/ Poise/ Spirit - Class Proficiencies:
List of Proficiencies-WIP - Weapon & Armor Proficiencies:
At 1st Level, Drifters receive:
+1 Armor Proficiencies
+1 Melee Weapon or
+1 Ranged Weapon
Advancement: At 10th Level, Class advances:
- Blazer- Covert/ Combat
- Wayfarer- Covert
- Delver- Covert/Casting
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"I can live anywhere. I've never been happier."
Profile
Qualifications
To qualify a a Drifter, one must:- Wish to roam or explore
- Brave unknown dangers
Requirements
To become a Drifter, one must perform one of the following:- Travel great distances regularly.
- Learn a secondary language.
- Discovered something new.
Reputation
Social Role:
Economic Influence
Moral Standing
Social Status:
Fringe
Demographic:
Economic Influence
Moral Standing
Social Status:
Fringe
Demographic:
Favored by:
- Aelves
- Sijinn
Rank & Titles:
- Link or Descriptor 1
- Link or Descriptor 2
Symbolism
Sign & Symbol:
Crook Staff
Crook Staff
Rituals & Customs:
- Drifter's Path
- Drifter's Travels
Tools & Materials:
- Rations, 3x Days
- Bedroll, Blankets
Arms & Armaments:
- Hide Armor
- Wooden Staff
"Good boy. Usually comes once or twice in a season. I hide my daughters though; his charm frightens me. Don't need them running off with some Drifter."
References
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