So l d ie r
War has been your life for as long as you care to
remember. You trained as a youth, studied the use of
weapons and armor, learned basic survival techniques,
including how to stay alive on the battlefield. You
might have been part of a standing national army or a
mercenary company, or perhaps a member of a local
militia who rose to prominence during a recent war.
When you choose this background, work with your
DM to determine which military organization you were
a part of, how far through its ranks you progressed, and
what kind of experiences you had during your military
career. Was it a standing army, a town guard, or a village
militia? Or it might have been a noble’s or merchant’s
private army, or a mercenary company.
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation
Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set,
vehicles (land)
Equipment: An insignia of rank, a trophy taken from
a fallen enemy (a dagger, broken blade, or piece of a
banner), a set of bone dice or deck of cards, a set of
com m on clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
Specialty
During your time as a soldier, you had a specific role to
play in your unit or army. Roll a d8 or choose from the
options in the table below to determine your role:d8 Specialty d8 Specialty
1 Officer 6 Quartermaster
2 Scout 7 Standard bearer3 Infantry (^8) Support staff (cook,
blacksmith, or the
like)
4 Cavalry
5 Healer
Fe atu r e: Military Ra n k
You have a military rank from your career as a soldier.
Soldiers loyal to your former military organization
still recognize your authority and influence, and they
defer to you if they are of a lower rank. You can invoke
your rank to exert influence over other soldiers and
requisition simple equipment or horses for temporary
use. You can also usually gain access to friendly
military encampments and fortresses where your
rank is recognized.
Suggested Ch aracteristics
The horrors of war combined with the rigid discipline of
military service leave their mark on all soldiers, shaping
their ideals, creating strong bonds, and often leaving
them scarred and vulnerable to fear, shame, and hatred.
d8 Personality Trait
1 I'm always polite and respectful.
2 I’m haunted by memories of war. I can’t get the images
of violence out of my mind.
3 I’ve lost too many friends, and I’m slow to make new
ones.
(^4) I’m full of inspiring and cautionary tales from my
military experience relevant to almost every combat
situation.
5 I can stare down a hell hound without flinching.
6 I enjoy being strong and like breaking things.
(^7) I have a crude sense of humor.
(^8) I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is
the best path to success.
d6 Ideal
1 Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in
defense of others. (Good)
2 Responsibility. I do what I must and obey just
authority. (Lawful)
3 Independence. When people follow orders blindly, they
embrace a kind of tyranny. (Chaotic)
4 Might. In life as in war, the stronger force wins. (Evil)
5 Live and Let Live. Ideals aren’t worth killing over or
going to war for. (Neutral)
6 Nation. My city, nation, or people are all that matter.
(Any)