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. Mercenaries fight for money or other forms of payment rather than for political interests.
A mercenary is any person who: is especially recruited locally or abroad in order to fight in an armed conflict; does, in fact, take a direct part in the hostilities; is motivated by the desire for private gain and is promised material compensation substantially in excess of that promised or paid to combatants of similar ranks and functions in the armed forces.
If a captured soldier is found to be a mercenary, then they can expect treatment as a common criminal and may face execution. A mercenary cannot expect repatriation at war's end.
- Skill Proficiencies: Survival, Intimidation
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, vehicles (land)
- Equipment: A trophy taken from a fallen enemy (a dagger, broken blade, or piece of a banner), a set of bone dice or deck of cards, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 20 gp
You earn twice as much wealth as other soldiers. You can also usually gain access to friendly military encampments and fortresses where your rank is recognized.
Suggested Characteristics
Mercenaries don't take sides and do not concern themselves with moral or political arguments. They value their freedom and are not known for their loyalty.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have been known to change sides mid-battle if someone offers me more money |
| 2 | I have no interest in politics or morality. |
| 3 | I don't care what happens after the job is finished. |
| 4 | I won't kill anyone unless I'm being paid. |
| 5 | I won't let pride get in the way of a good pay day. |
| 6 | I don't mind following orders so long as I'm getting paid. |
| 7 | I take credit for 'good' deeds to improve my image. |
| 8 | I take every job that comes my way. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Greater Good. I prefer to fight on the side of righteousness. (Good) |
| 2 | Responsibility. I do what I must and obey the commands of my employer. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Independence. When people follow orders blindly, they embrace a kind of tyranny. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Might. In life as in war, the stronger force wins. (Evil) |
| 5 | Live and Let Live. Ideals aren’t worth killing over or going to war for. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Self-preservation. I am the only thing that matters. |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I would put myself in harm's way to protect my employer. |
| 2 | Someone spared my life on the battlefield. To this day, I will not kill someone unnecessarily. |
| 3 | My wealth is my life. |
| 4 | I will never forget the faces of the people I have killed. |
| 5 | I will do anything to get ahead in life. |
| 6 | I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | The monstrous enemies I have faced in battle still leave me quivering with fear. |
| 2 | I have trouble trusting my allies. |
| 3 | I am always in debt. |
| 4 | I’m too greedy for my own good. I can’t resist taking a risk if there’s money involved |
| 5 | I hate to admit it, but I'll run if the going getstoo tough. |
| 6 | When faced with a choice between money and my friends, I usually choose the money. |
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