Knives

Inspired by the original Knife Theory by u/jimbaby1, and u/iveld's Remastered Knife Theory. This version was created by Eiti3
When writing a character's backstory, it's important to include a certain number of "knives". Knives are essentially anything that the DM can use to raise the stakes of a situation for your character. Anything that can make a conflict personal, like a threatened loved one or the appearance of a sudden enemy. They're called "knives" because the players lovingly forge them and present them to the DM so that the DM can use them to stab the player over and over again until they're having fun.
Here are some examples:

• A named character your character cares about, living or dead (e.g. relative, childhood friend, mentor, or pet)
• A phobia or trauma your character suffers
• A mystery in your character's life (e.g. unknown parents, unexplained powers, prophetic dreams)
• An enemy or rival your character has
• Any ongoing obligation or loyalty your character has
• An obligation your character has failed or absconded from, accidentally or otherwise
• A crime - serious or cumulative minor ones - your character has committed or is connected to
• A crime your character has been accused of, falsely or otherwise
• A favored item or heirloom your character cherishes
• A secret your character keeps (e.g. false name, false knive)
• A debt your character owes, be it money, a favor, or their life
• A mistake that haunts your character; a regret
• Any superstitions your character believes (refrain from bigotry and racism)
• Any fears, be it irrational or from a past experience, your character deals with
• A story that has stuck with your character and fuels their actions
• A grandiose goal your character runs towards
• A hobby or profession your character engages in
• A vice your character engages in (keep it moderate - don't want to trigger anyone)
• An allergy, be it minor or severe
• An activity your character abhors (e.g. thievery, listening to jazz, meditation) — refrain from making anything aggressively uncooperative. Speak with the DM about your choices.

Your backstory should include at least 5 knives. They should be varied; not every one of your knives should be family members, nor should they all be crimes you've committed. You will construct your backstory in conjunction with the DM, mostly to keep both parties informed on what each other would know.

Where To Start