Soldier of Fortune
You were not just any soldier; you were a soldier of fortune, a mercenary who fought for gold rather than country or cause. Whether you served in a private army, sold your skills to the highest bidder, or acted as a freelance operative, you've seen battle and likely have some moral flexibility when it comes to war. It's all business, after all.
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Survival
Tool Proficiencies: one from Artisan's Tool or Musical Instrument or Land Vehicle
Languages: 1 of your choice.
Equipment
A contract from a past employer or a bounty you once collected, a set of bone dice or a deck of cards, a set of traveler’s clothes, a token from a defeated enemy (like a dagger, broken blade, or piece of a banner), and a pouch containing 20 gp.
You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your class:
- parchment (one sheet)
- (a) dice set or (b) playing card set
- clothes, traveler's
Feature: Mercenary Life
You have contacts in the mercenary world, allowing you to find work as a hired gun or security more easily. You are also more likely to come across mercenary work while in a town or city, and you have a knack for determining who might be hiring muscle. Your past as a mercenary also earns you a grudging respect among other soldiers.
Suggested Characteristics
Soldiers of fortune are a varied lot, but most are in it for the gold and the thrill of combat. Their experiences in different contracts have given them unique perspectives on life and death.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| d1 | I size up everyone I meet, wondering how they'd fare in a fight. |
| d2 | My stories of battle are told with a sense of business-like detachment. |
| d3 | I often play with the token from my defeated enemy when deep in thought. |
| d4 | I never leave home without making sure my gear is in perfect condition. |
| d5 | I prefer to settle disputes with a fair competition or a duel. |
| d6 | I tend to be brutally honest, diplomacy is not in my skill set. |
| d7 | I have a ritual I follow before entering any battle. |
| d8 | I am very superstitious and believe in omens and signs. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| d1 | Professionalism: I pride myself on completing the contract to the letter. (Lawful) |
| d2 | Greed: It's not about the battle; it's about the payday at the end. (Neutral) |
| d3 | Thrill-Seeker: Every new contract is an opportunity for excitement. (Chaotic) |
| d4 | Comradeship: The bonds formed in battle are unbreakable. (Good) |
| d5 | Nihilism: Life is cheap, especially in my line of work. (Evil) |
| d6 | Balance: A blade for hire can tip the scales of any conflict. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| d1 | I owe my life to the contractor who took a chance on me. |
| d2 | I was once left for dead and would like to confront the one who did it. |
| d3 | I fight to support my family, who do not know of my dangerous profession. |
| d4 | I've been searching for the perfect weapon to match my skills. |
| d5 | My armor has seen many battles and carries its own story. |
| d6 | My first contract went horribly wrong, and it haunts me to this day. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| d1 | I'll take any job, no matter how immoral or dangerous it may be. |
| d2 | My loyalty is easily bought. |
| d3 | I hold grudges and will go to extreme lengths for revenge. |
| d4 | I have trouble trusting people, including my comrades. |
| d5 | I'm obsessed with the thrill of battle, often to my detriment. |
| d6 | I can be callous, ignoring the human cost of my actions. |
Credits: Squire 5