Soldier

Source: Player's Handbook (SCAR Version)

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.


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, Dexterity, Strength
  • Skill Proficiencies (your choice of TWO): Acrobatics, Athletics, or Intimidation
  • Tool Proficiencies: (One Gaming Set or Musical Instrument of choice can be taken in place of one Standard language.)
  • Languages: One Standard and one Exotic language of choice.
  • Weapons: Your choice of one between Javelin, Light Hammer, or Mace.

  • Background Keepsake: An insignia of rank or trophy taken from a fallen enemy (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

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.


Other

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:

1Officer
2Scout
3Infantry
4Cavalry
5Healer
6Quartermaster
7Standard bearer
8Support staff (cook, blacksmith, or the like)


Personality

Please select TWO from the list below.

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 and direct solution is the best path to success.

Ideal

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Ideal Trait
1 Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in defense of others.
2 Responsibility. I do what I must and obey just authority.
3 Independence. When people follow orders blindly- they embrace a kind of tyranny.
4 Might. In life as in war- the stronger force wins.
5 Live and Let Live. Ideals are't worth killing over or going to war for.
6 Nation. My city- nation- or people are all that matter.

Bond

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Bond Trait
1 I would still lay down my life for the people I served with.
2 Someone saved my life on the battlefield. To this day I will never leave a friend behind.
3 My honor is my life.
4 I'll never forget the crushing defeat my company suffered or the enemies who dealt it.
5 Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for.
6 I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Flaw

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Flaw Trait
1 The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear.
2 I have little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior.
3 I made a terrible mistake in battle that cost many lives- and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret.
4 My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning.
5 I obey the law even if the law causes misery.
6 I'd rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.