War-Torn Hero
Khorvaire is largely defined by the travails of the Last War, and that is just as true of its adventurers. You fought on the front lines of the Last War. You killed a great many enemy soldiers, and you carry plenty of scars—on your body and on your soul.
You adventure because you can't think of anything else to do. You joined the army as soon as you were old enough and never learned a peacetime trade. After years spent in war, you can't just go back to your place of birth and learn to be a blacksmith. Your home might not even be there anymore. Adventuring seems like the only option left to you, and it offers the opportunity to continue using the skills you learned on the battlefield. In some cases, it might even be a literal continuation of your wartime activities—such as chasing Valenar raiders across the Talenta Plains or racing Emerald Claw agents to Xen'drik ruins.
- Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, plus one from among Intimidation, Perception or Survival
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, vehicles (land)
- Equipment: An insignia of your rank, a set of common clothes, identification papers, a belt pouch containing 15 gp.
Feature: War Fame
You gained the reputation of a war hero in the last war. In your country of service, you can fit in among the common folk with ease. You can find a place to hide, rest or recuperate among the common folk. You can often find a meal or drink if you are in need. The common folk will not risk their lives for you, but they will be more than happy to assist you however they can to spend a little time with you. This can also manifest in gaining access or audience with minor nobility or town councils.
Suggested Characteristics
The war savaged your soul far worse than it could ever hurt your body, and you remain bitterly wounded. Your life is a contradiction. Violence sickens you. You saw so much death and mutilation in the course of the war that you had to steel yourself to it; still, you can never shake the waves of disgust that course through you when violence is necessary. But you live by violence, and you're not sure you know how to give it up.
| d20 | Personality Traits |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am cold and calculating in my every word and action, even when furious or frightened. |
| 2 | I rise early in the morning and practice weapon or spell routines so I can always be prepared. |
| 3 | I'm haunted by memories of war. |
| 4 | I have a crude sense of humor. |
| 5 | I'm a born gambler who can't resist taking a risk for a potential payoff. |
| 6 | Since I can remember, I sought to become a great hero. Inspired by legends of the past or personal heroes of my country, I longed to wield steel or magic and carve my way in the world. |
| 7 | I talk at length about my experiences during the war. |
| 8 | I bluntly say what people are hinting at or hiding. |
| 9 | I eat like a pig and have bad manners. I never know when I have to jump into battle. |
| 10 | My language is as foul as an otyugh nest. |
| 11 | I am opposed to beings that seek to exploit people weaker than them simply because they think they can. |
| 12 | I’ll recount my deeds if anyone doubts my resolve. |
| 13 | I refuse to become a victim, and I will not allow others to be victimized. |
| 14 | I cling to the discipline of military life because it is comfortable and familiar. |
| 15 | I prefer to wait and watch before acting. |
| 16 | Death comes to us all. Press me again, and you shall find yours. |
| 17 | All I think about is saving lives, or lives that have been lost. |
| 18 | I have a short catch phrase which I try to use in battle (and sometimes in conversation) whenever possible. |
| 19 | I like to read and memorize poetry. It keeps me calm and brings me fleeting moments of happiness. |
| 20 | I only ever speak about myself in the third person. |
| d12 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Honor. I have done everything I can for the honor of my country and lord. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Self-Sacrifice. My job is to save the lives of other people, even at the expense of my own. (Good) |
| 3 | Might. In life and war, the stronger force wins. (Evil) |
| 4 | Glory. I must earn glory in battle, for myself, my country and my ruler. (Any) |
| 5 | People. I am loyal to my friends. Everyone else can take a trip to Khyber. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Freedom. Tyrants must not be allowed to oppress the people. (Chaotic) |
| 7 | Expansionism. Expanding the boundaries means we can bring all our society has to offer to new people and lands. (Lawful) |
| 8 | Nation. My city, ruler, nation, or people are all that matter. (Any) |
| 9 | Thrill I live by the sword, and I die by the sword. But not today. (Neutral) |
| 10 | Greed. I do what I do for riches and fame, not some high-minded ideals. (Evil) |
| 11 | Defense. The weak must be protected by great champions. (Good) |
| 12 | Courage. Sometimes I must do what must be done, no matter the consequences. (Chaotic) |
Credits & Changelog
Last updated on Mar 15th, 2017
This was based off character archetype outlined in Player's Guide to Eberron
My table really like the RP aspect that traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws provide. So I put these together with as many of those that I could fit into the background.
This was put together by Freewolf (/u/Freewolf). and posted to my Homebrew site for my D&D 5E campaign set in Eberron.
Praise be the master for creating The Homebrewery.
Version 1.1
- Added a few more bonds and flaws.
- Ad few minor edits.
Version 1.0
- Created this first version.
| d12 | Bonds |
|---|---|
| 1 | I idolize a hero from the war and measure my deeds against them. |
| 2 | I have a family, but I know no idea where they are. I hope they are still alive. |
| 3 | I protect those who cannot protect themselves. |
| 4 | I am in love with a dragonmarked scion but it can never be, that is why I joined the army. |
| 5 | It is my duty to protect the children from the horrors of war. |
| 6 | I'll never forget the crushing defeat my company saw in the Last War or the enemies who dealt it. |
| 7 | My honor is my life. |
| 8 | I will get revenge on the evil forces that destroyed my place of business and ruined my livelihood. |
| 9 | The evil forces in the world must be stopped. |
| 10 | I seek revenge on the forces that destroyed my country, or city, or family. |
| 11 | I am a loyal servant of my King and Country. |
| 12 | I was separated from my family (or homeland) when I joined the army and now want nothing more to return to them (it) again. |
| d12 | Flaws |
|---|---|
| 1 | Violence sickens me inside. Sometimes I feel I might go mad if it continues. |
| 2 | I cannot erase the horrors that I saw, maybe alcohol will help… |
| 5 | Violence is my answer to almost any challenge. |
| 4 | I follow orders, even when I think they are wrong. |
| 5 | I have little respect for any leader that has not earned the right. |
| 6 | I wake up in night sweats from dreams of the war that will not leave me. |
| 7 | I am cautious and guarded—wary of others who might harm me, steal from me, or betray my trust. |
| 8 | No matter what I do, it's never good enough. I cannot help but see in my victories little defeats and failures. |
| 9 | I have a rival who seeks to thwart my endeavors. |
| 10 | Well if he can't take a joke, he shouldn't have become an Ambassador. |
| 11 | Nobody knows the hell I’ve seen, so stop whining. |
| 12 | I can be goaded into a fight rather easily. |
