Grim Origins: Character Options for D&D Roleplayers

By Jerry Joe Seltzer

Our favorite D&D characters are defined by adversity. We fall in love with them because they prevail in spite of their obstacles. This book provides a host of options for illustrating the grim origins your character has emerged from.

12 Grim Subclasses

24 Grim Backgrounds

56 Grim Origin Flaws

Grim Subclasses

To contrast the heroic subclasses of D&D, Grim Origins provides a bleaker selection for players to choose from. These subclass options are not any less powerful but they definitely carry less glorious undertones. Perfect for players drawn to anti-heroes, these are not the figures of legend, but they might end up saving the world anyway.

Origin Flaws

Building upon the introduction of Origin Feats, this new book introduces Origin Flaws. These are significant drawbacks, most of which a character is born with, and which help distinguish a character from the usual cast of flawless heroes. An Origin Flaw can best be described as an anti-feat, and in exchange, the character can choose a standard feat at 1st level. These flaws are not meant to help players min/max their characters but to enhance their roleplaying. Each one has been carefully selected and written so that it surfaces regularly in gameplay. In addition, each one includes three roleplaying archetypes to help the player embody the origin flaw in their roleplaying.

Grim Backgrounds

The 2024 Player's Handbook provides a limited selection of backgrounds, few of which demonstrate truly humble beginnings. Grim Origins gives you 24 additional backgrounds to choose from. Each offers three stories to consider building your character's backstory with.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FXRBB8Q4
• ISBN13: 9798989025251
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Jerry Joe Seltzer
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.5" x 11.0"