Your people are primitive, their basic political units are the family and the clan, and rulers are often chosen because they are the most powerful hunters or warriors. Your language is spoken only with not written record existing nor permanent settlements.
Poor: very low income. compared to many. He usually does not or cannot own property. His home is usually of lesser quality, sometimes due to uncaring landlords who may also be the Poor person's employer.
An evil, despotic ruler orders all persons of your Race, birthplace, and approximate age put to death. As far as you know, you are the only one to escape this heinous act. (work with your DM to determine details)
While foraging or hunting for food, you have an encounter with a trapped predatory beast. Instead of slaying it, you free it. The freed beast disappears. Later, you are trapped by a falling log. The same beast reappears, aiding and freeing you.