Custom Major Drawback

A character's build and abilities are reflections of what the character is supposed to be, believe in, fight like, etc... A drawback on the other hand is meant to represent their weaknesses. These can be represented in many ways: a mental fragility, an addiction, a disability, a deep flaw, a trauma and many more. Whatever they may be, they are supposed to represent something inherent to your character that is a hindrance to them and holds them back.

Just like a regular Major Drawback, a custom major drawback (CMDB) is a set of mechanical penalties you add to your character at creation and grants them a bonus feat in return (one that you would be able to get at level 1). The difference however is that your custom major drawback will be tailored to your character.

If you want to use a CMDB, you will need to make an application in *#applications* on discord along with your character application. You may either ask staff for help (or even fellow adventurers) or design it by yourself.

Here are the guidelines to create one:

1. Your CMBD will need a name and be related to your character's backstory, personality or physicality.
2. A CMBD may have multiple elements to it.
3. Your CMDB is supposed to be a **hindrance to your character**. Something that will penalize them without any benefits (even potential) in return.
4. Your CMDB may be circumstantial but they need to be able to appear on a somehow regular or common basis, not just once in the entire adventure.
5. There needs to be a certain proportionality to your CMDB. If they won't come up very often the penalties will be expected to be more severe.
6. In spirit, a CMDB works like an anti-feat (like Weak Will being the opposite of Iron Will), something penalizing of significant impact. An application too light (ex: I take a -1 perception in dim light) or way too harsh (ex: if I fail a save i'm stunned for the rest of combat) will not be approved.
7. The penalties or consequences are supposed to be on you. They need to penalize you first and foremost and not be the consequence of someone/something else's actions or behavior.
8. Unlike regular Major Drawbacks your CMDB may include effects related to class abilities (that you would already have at level 2)
9. The CMDB needs to be easy to understand and not convoluted with tons of moving pieces.

Here are a few examples of what Custom Major Drawbacks may look like:

**Fear of Blood**

Whenever a creature (including you) takes damage from a Slashing or Piercing weapon or has the bleeding condition while within 10ft of you, you must succeed at a will save DC 10+HD or be shaken until the end of your next turn. Immunity to fear effects does not allow you to forgo this saving throw.

**Panic caster**

(requires arcane spellcaster) While under 50% of your max HP, you get a -15% arcane spell failure chance that stacks with other penalties.

**Misshapen**

Armor made for you always costs 1.5x more and you may not wear armor that has not been specifically designed for your physiology. Additionally, your Armor Check penalty when wearing armor is increased by 1.

**Weak companion**

(requires the animal companion feature) Your animal companion was wounded in the past and bears a mark that can never heal. Your animal companion has a permanent -2 to hit on his attacks, a -10ft to their base speed and 1 fewer HP per HD.