Hedge Knight

Sometimes skill and bravery is rewarded. And then that reward is cast off to the wind. Hedge Knight's frequently start as soldiers, trained mercenaries or gladiators. Through a great display of martial prowess in the face of impossible odds they (if they survive) find themselves elevated to a new and slightly higher status then before. Lords and Nobles within the region or army will hear tales or witness the event and be forced to reward an individual for whatever that great feat was. That person normally becomes a vassal to whichever nobility becomes involved unless that person is so distasteful or offends the Nobles sensibilities to find themselves rewarded and then cast off on either another impossible mission far away or are left their own devices and to not invoke their patrons name. Whatever the cause you find yourself Lordless but with a title that sets you slightly apart from your previous station in life. Other Nobility don't pay much heed to this and the people who may have been your friends before are unsure how to act around you now and keep a distance. You own no lands and receive no funds. 

Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Survival

Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools, vehicles (land)

Equipment: A memento from the battle that elevated you, an insignia of your former rank, a scroll confirming your knightly designation, and a pouch containing the remainder of your last wages (10 gp)

Suggested Characteristics

Use the tables from the Soldier, Knight and Folk Hero background below as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a Hedge Knight.

Your bond could be associated with the army you traveled with previously, or with some of the comrades you served with. The ideal you embrace largely depends on your worldview and your motivation for fighting.

d10	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 can stare down a hell hound without flinching.
5	I enjoy being strong and like breaking things.
6	I have a crude sense of humor.
7	I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success.
8	I judge people by their actions, not their words.
9	I am stead fast and noble, just as the codes of Honor and Chivalry command.
10	I was once more than a mercenary, now I’m not much better than one.

d6	Ideal
1	Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in defense of others. (Good)
2	Responsibility. I do what I must and obey just authority. (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	Nation. My city, nation, or people are all that matter. (Any)

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’ll never forget the crushing defeat my company suffered or the enemies who dealt it.
5	I must use all my skill to protect my comrades and keep them safe.
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 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 see little worth in my own life, and believe others do as well.
6	I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I’m quick to anger.