Upbringing cards talk about a character's backstory, but don't stop there. They describe how characters have learned to interact with other people, and how they see the world.
The flip side of an Upbringing card is about the limitations of these visions. A character's prejudices, assumptions, and social shortcomings can come from their upbringing as well.
"The clear skies, the lure of the open road, it's perfect!" -- Tana
You've lived among people from all over. Maybe you lived in a bustling city, or traveled the world.
You've learned to approach situations by understanding many perspectives.
"Do these wagon wheels fall off often?" -- Emory
You can mistake your breadth of experience for depth, and fail to hear wiser voices.
"Take a deep breath of that farm air!" -- Tana
You grew up among farmers, trappers, city laborers, or other folk who made their way by the sweat of their brow. Others expected you to carry your own weight.
You've learned to approach situations with direct, hard work.
"Smells like cow breakfast" -- Basler
Some situations demand inspiration, not perspiration. Other times, the reality of repetitive work can lull you into boredom, distraction, or despair.
"This is all very different from the cloister" -- Emory
You grew up secluded from the rest of the world. Whether you lived on a lonely mountain village, a religious retreat, or a city enclave, the ways of the outside world are a mystery that must now be solved.
"Everything's different out here. That's why it's called a cloister" -- Basler
Your early life didn't prepare you for the variey of people and things the world has to offer. You might make a faux pas or ask an embarrassingly obvious question.
"Welcome to the Labri Market! You can find anything here." -- Basler
You grew up among those who live via bargaining: a city's markets, an ocean trade route, or the corridors of power in an embassy or castle.
You've learned to approach situations through negotiation.
"...For the right price." -- Basler
You know that some people have wants and needs, that others can satisfy them, and that power comes from mediating between the two.
It's easy to get addicted to that power.
"I got this, leave me alone" -- Woody
For much of your life, you've been on your own. You might have been orphaned or abandoned or kidnapped. You might have run away from home, or home might no longer exist.
You've learned to approach situations through isolation.
"You've left yourself alone too long" -- Tana
Without experiencing what other people in your life can do, you may fear what you need most from them: an outlet. When you act distant, others will reciprocate.
"Knights should be glorious champions of honor!" -- Emory
There's a right and wrong way to do things. Right? You might be from a noble family where things are done just so, or grew up cautious thanks to constant danger.
You've learned to approach situations through protocol.
"As opposed to ironclad thugs lording it over the peasants?" -- Basler
Committing to a way of life can help you push forward, but make you inflexible and stubborn.
"Nobody fights for people like us. So we fight for ourselves." -- Basler
You grew up among people who were neglected or rejected by a surrounding society: criminals, migrants, or members of a mistreated minority.
You've learned to approach situations via pride.
"When everyone hates you, it's hard not to hate them back." -- Basler
Sometimes, circumstances push people to a breaking point. Other times, doing the right thing becomes impossible, and you're left with doing the necessary thing.
"As a princess, I had power. As a ranger, I have freedom." -- Woody
Whether a scion of privilege, the free-spirited offspring of tolerant parents, or a feral child in a mystic forest, you've always done what you saw fit.
You've learned to approach situations through force of will.
"Those who go their own way often find the path lonely." -- Emory
Rules aren't always made to be broken. You can offend others, or even hurt them or yourself when you go where you don't belong or do what you ought not do.