Poverty the Needy
MystaransProphet of Need and Simplicity
"Poverty is not failure. It is the simplicity that reveals what matters. I help people appreciate what they have.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Shelter of Sacred Simplicity
- Civilization
- Mystarans
Appearance
• Physical: Poverty embodies need—they seem to understand lack deeply, their presence feels like humility, their features suggest all who have little simultaneously. They seem to glow with simple energy. • Clothing: They wear simple garments without adornment. They carry only what they truly need. • Distinguishing Marks: Their touch creates temporary appreciation of simplicity. They have a habit of knowing what people can do without.
Relationships
- Family - Poverty-seers are their family; they exist within all simplicity
- Allies - Other poverty-seers; those who've found contentment through their guidance
- Rivals - Those who exploit the poor; those who think wealth equals worth
Personality
- Traits: Genuinely simple, surprisingly content, protective of the needy, aware of poverty's lessons
- Mannerisms: Lives simply, speaks in terms of need, becomes distressed by excess
- Voice: Quiet and humble, with a quality that makes people appreciate simplicity
Backstory
Poverty was born during a moment of perfect simplicity and has always been connected to need. They discovered they could read prophecies in poverty—lack, simplicity, the clarity that comes from having little. They've become the foremost poverty-seer in Mystara, consulted by those seeking to understand the value of simplicity.
Daily Life
They maintain the Shelter, reads poverty-prophecies for visitors, and trains apprentices in simplicity-divination. They spend their days exploring need, seeking visions in simplicity. They work to help people appreciate what they have.
Secret
Poverty has seen that some poverty cannot be eliminated—and that accepting this might be the only path to peace.
Story Hooks
- 1 Poverty has a simplicity-prophecy about the party and invites them to the Shelter
- 2 Poverty is increasing in an area and they need help investigating the cause
Narrative Value
Poverty provides poverty-based prophecy and simplicity guidance. Their vision of uneliminable poverty creates emotional stakes while their abilities offer unique plot opportunities involving need and contentment. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════