Bodyguard

Source: Moses the Wise Homebrew (SCAR Version)

You have spent your life protecting someone else's. Perhaps it was a noble, or a powerful crime boss; maybe even a brutal warlord. Maybe instead of someone more powerful than you, it was a physically weaker companion or family member. Whatever the case, your life up to this point has been focused around protecting someone.


NOTE: Some backgrounds have options to choose from. Please read carefully. You may not get every proficiency listed below, as some may be a choice between one or the other.

  • Stat Options (choose either +2 in one stat and +1 in another, OR +1 in all three): Constitution, Strength, Wisdom
  • Skill Proficiencies (your choice of TWO): Athletics, Intimidation, or Perception
  • Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (Land) or one Gaming Set of choice.
  • Languages: Two Standard languages of choice.
  • Weapons: Your choice of one between Dagger, Mace, or Quarterstaff.

  • Background Keepsake: A symbol or keepsake from one of the people you guarded (possibly denoting rank, value under 10gp)
  • Background Gold: 10gp.

Origin Feat

Origin Sturdy

Your maximum hit points is increased by half your level. (I.e. You gain a +1 to your max hp every even level.)


Suggested Characteristics

Bodyguards are generally good at protecting; whether they're protective by nature or simply good at their job is up to you.


Their skill at guarding and noticing dangers, as well as their relationship to their charges, affect how they act and think. Their flaws could be being overly protective or hesitant, or maybe something that somehow compromises their guarding abilities.


Personality

Please select TWO from the list below.

d8 Personality Trait
1 I am always quiet and stoic- rarely speaking or acting when I work.
2 I am aggressive and often get in people's faces while I work- trying to make sure others know to keep a distance.
3 I often hide in crowds while keeping an eye on my charge- stepping out of the shadows when needed.
4 I always check the shadows wherever I go; you can never be too safe.
5 I fuss over my charge- swiftly and deftly tending to their every need; acting more like a servant than a bodyguard.
6 I don't like when strangers get too close to me or my friends; keep your distance and we'll be fine.
7 I'm used to sleeping on the road and in uncomfortable situations; but I wake up at the slightest noise.
8 I always make sure that when we have to sleep- at least one person is on lookout.

Ideal

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Ideal Trait
1 Protection. It is my job to protect others; I would die for the ones I guard.
2 Guardian. I want to protect everyone as best I can.
3 Fluid. When attacked you can't be rigid and unmoving- you need to adapt to the situation.
4 Money. I honestly just want to get paid- I could care less about my charges.
5 Betrayal. As a bandit, you have to wait for people to wander out into the wilderness to kill them. As a bodyguard- they'll wander out into the wilderness with you!
6 Friendship. I just don't want my friends to die.

Bond

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Bond Trait
1 I am still loyal to my original master and would die for them.
2 I will get revenge on the one who slaughtered those I was meant to defend.
3 I owe my life to my old master and they owe their life to me.
4 One of my old charges was a cheat and a scoundrel and swindled me out of my pay. Some payback would be nice.
5 I failed in my duties- it ruined my reputation and is a stain on my honor.
6 I served (or serve) with a team of bodyguards that offer protection to various people traveling in dangerous areas.

Flaw

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Flaw Trait
1 I am paranoid and overly protective and never let those I guard out of my sight.
2 I'm lax in my duties and this has gotten me into some trouble before.
3 Yes- actually- I do know best- and you will do as I say.
4 Sometimes my aggression towards strangers gets those I protect in more trouble- rather than help to avoid it.
5 I view myself and those I protect as higher than other people; looking down on the peasantry.
6 I am rigid in my hatred of criminals. I don't care why you did it or how long ago it was; you're still filth in my eyes.