As a member of the healer's corp, the skills you learned in the army are more specified than in the normal army. While most in war are busy tearing each other apart, you were occupied by trying to save lives. You might have been on the rear echelon of the army performing various techniques to save life and limb of the army, or you might have been running along the battlefield, doing everything in your power to keep your brother soldiers from perishing.
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. Also discuss how far medical practices have or can progress in a given setting.
- Skill Proficiencies: Survival, Nature
- Tool Proficiencies: Poisoner's kit, Herbalism kit
- Equipment: An insignia of rank, a journal of medical techniques (that you have performed, seen performed, and/or have heard that have been performed), an Herbalism Kit or Poisoner's kit, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
You have a military rank from your career as a soldier. Soldiers loyal to your former military organization still recognize your authority and influence, and they defer to you if they are of a lower rank. You can invoke your rank to exert influence over other soldiers and requisition simple equipment or horses for temporary use. You can also usually gain access to friendly military encampments and fortresses where your rank is recognized.
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.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I'm used to helping out those who aren't as smart as I am, and I patiently explain anything and everything to others. |
| 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 like to talk at length about my profession |
| 6 | I work hard so that I can play hard when the work is done. |
| 7 | If someone is in trouble, I'm always ready to lend help. |
| 8 | I have a lesson for every situation, drawn from observing nature. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in defense of others. (Good) |
| 2 | Aspiration. I'm determined to make something of myself. (Any) |
| 3 | Independence. I am a free spirit-no one tells me what to do. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Charity. I always try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. (Good) |
| 5 | Knowledge. The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Community. It is the duty of all civilized people to strengthen the bonds of community and the security of civilization. (Lawful) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 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've been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question. |
| 5 | Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for. |
| 6 | I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear. |
| 2 | I'd risk too much to uncover a lost bit of knowledge. |
| 3 | I speak without really thinking through my words, invariably insulting others. |
| 4 | My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning. |
| 5 | I judge others harshly, and myself even more severely. |
| 6 | I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong. |
Comments