You were commissioned as an officer, but you never actually made it to the battlefield. Perhaps someone pulled strings on your behalf to save you from conflict, or perhaps the war ended before you had a chance to serve. Rather than being thrown into war, you were left to choose your own path. Are you angry that you never had an opportunity to prove yourself, or glad to have dodged the front lines? When you choose this background, work with your DM to determine which military organization you trained to be a part of, and what lifestyle you have led up until you began adventuring. You might have immediately pursued the lifestyle of an adventurer, served as a military advisor, or even returned to civilian life.

Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, History

Tool Proficiencies: One language of your choice.

Languages: Navigator’s tools or vehicles (land).

Equipment: A cadet’s uniform, a set of common clothes, a diploma from a military school, a map, and a pouch containing 10 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Cadets have been taught to adopt the lifestyle of a soldier, but lack both the tempering of combat experience and the physical and emotional scarring of war. These individuals who seek to fight for what they believe are often idealists and desiring to leave their impact on the world through their service to their nation or sovereign. While not true soldiers, they often embody what they envision soldiers to be.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I speak plainly and directly. Not because it’s easier, but because it saves time and lives.
2	I have a tendency to compare situations at hand to famous battles and notable heroes.
3	I am easily bored; I long for action and excitement.
4	I readily seek to outperform others in word and deed.
5	If I give someone my word, I will keep it. Even if it kills me.
6	I do my best to keep morale up, and if it is a low, I will figure out how to inspire it.
7	To me, a new weapon is like a shiny new toy, full of possibilities.
8	I am stoic and professional above all else.

d6	Ideal
1	Order. War’s main purpose is to exact justice and maintain peace. (Law)
2	Honor. The might doesn’t reveal the value of might, but of character. (Any)
3	Valor. Courage stokes the flame of hope, and inspires others to fight for what is good. (Good)
4	Tyranny. Only through demonstrations of strength and superiority can any form of respect be earned. (Evil)
5	Glory. Those destined for victory make history, and those who make history rule the world. (Any)
6	Perseverance. War is never quick and always complicated, but those who fight for the right cause will outlast the most blusterous foes. (Neutral)

d6	Bond
1	The friends I made in training are closer to me than my real family.
2	I come from a long line of soldiers, and I must continue their legacy.
3	My mentor died in battle, and I will stop at nothing to avenge them.
4	The conflict separated me from a person I love, and I’m still searching for them.
5	My community sees me as a local hero, and I refuse to disappoint them.
6	I am destined to be a hero, and I will be nothing less than that, or die trying.

d6	Flaw
1	I fly into a fit of rage when others disrespect my lands, my king, or my people.
2	I never wanted to be a soldier, and have no taste for fighting.
3	I don’t take orders from anyone that isn’t in a position of authority.
4	Because I fear my lack of experience, I become paralyzed with indecision.
5	I am overconfident in my martial skill, and pick fights I don’t know if I can win.
6	I am meant to lead, not to be on the front lines; I’d rather have someone else fight my battles for me.