Squire


You were the shield-bearer for a knight, and in training to become a knight yourself. You carried out various tasks for your liege, such as saddling his horse, carrying weapons and armor, or holding his flag in battle. As a page-boy or girl you had already received an education that may have included horse-riding, hunting, hawking, combat, music and board games. At the age of 15 you were sworn in as a squire, accompanied your liege on his duties, and received further training in the chivalric code, mounted combat and the history of royalty and nobles.


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): Animal Handling, Athletics, or Insight
  • Tool Proficiencies: One Gaming Set or Musical Instrument of choice.
  • Languages: Two Standard languages of choice.
  • Weapons: Your choice of one between Dagger, Quarterstaff, or Spear.

  • Background Keepsake: A token from a knight you served (value under 10gp)
  • Background Gold: 10gp.

Origin Feat

Origin Prepared

You gain a bonus to your Initiative equal to your Proficiency Bonus.


Personality

Please select TWO from the list below.

d8 Personality Trait
1 I am excited- perhaps naively- by castles- tournaments- and other romanticized aspects of knightly culture.
2 I am quick to befriend a horse or other noble mount.
3 I relish hard work- long marches and swordplay.
4 I regale my friends with apocryphal tales about famous knights and members of the royalty.
5 I know many tips about swordplay and am glad to spread them- sometimes to the annoyance of my warrior friends.
6 I am narrow-minded about things that happen outside my nation; I refuse to believe when my nation does something wrong.
7 I am gracious in defeat and humble in victory.
8 I seek to honor myself with glorious battles- or at least dream about doing so.

Ideal

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Ideal Trait
1 Chivalry. I respect the knightly code of conduct of bravery- honesty- generosity- and defending the weak.
2 Fealty. I remain true to oaths I pledge to my superiors and I expect others to do the same.
3 War. Armies must be pitched against each other- infidels must be crushed without mercy. The larger the conflict- the more glory- and I must be at the forefront.
4 Power. Being a squire was just a stepping stone. One day I shall be a lord.
5 Freedom. I was little more than a servant. No-one should endure a subservient position.
6 Nation. I am proud of my nation- its achievements and its militant orders.

Bond

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Bond Trait
1 I am still in a close relationship with my master/mistress- although they are not what they once were.
2 My liege retired from his quest to recover a holy relic – I will find it and prove my worth!
3 The castle I grew up in is ruined and forgotten- but I sometimes return to reflect on my past.
4 I will take revenge on the blackguard that slew my liege.
5 I want a bard or playwright to chronicle my adventures.
6 I am in love with a lord or lady but courtly rules prevent us from eloping.

Flaw

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Flaw Trait
1 I'm acutely aware of the social standing of my foes: overestimating my combat prowess against peasants but pulling my blows against nobles.
2 I won't carry anything for anyone else ever again.
3 I don't feel right unless I'm hauling four or more different weapons and I'm eager to tell my comrades what they should be wielding.
4 If anyone insults my nation or my liege- I will not contain my rage.
5 I hide when a battle arrives and seek shelter like a coward. Maybe that is why I am not a knight.
6 I easily fall for any attractive prince or princess that I see- regardless of any rules or tradition.