As a child you were sent to work as a servant for a knight or noble. Perhaps this was intended to be your first step into knighthood, or as a means of teaching you proper manners. Alternatively, you may have been sent to a noble to work off the debt of one or both of your parents. Whatever the case, you spent your late childhood and early adult years serving someone of station and power.

The duties of a squire are varied and depend largely on the needs of their master. Some squires are trained as battlefield companions, shield bearers and combat assistants. Others are schooled in the repair and maintenance of a knight or noble’s weapons and armor. Some squires serve as scribes, learning and eventually managing the bureaucracies of their master’s house. Whatever your duties were, you have moved on. Perhaps you feel that you have learned all you can from your master. Maybe you’ve worked off the debt that was once owed. Perhaps you have had a falling out or disagreement with the house you once served. Work with the DM to establish the details of your time in service and your current relationship with those you once called “Master.”

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among History, Nature, Religion or Survival

Tool Proficiencies: Choose two from among Calligrapher’s supplies, Leatherworker’s tools, Smith’s tools, Weaver’s tools, any one gaming set or any one musical instrument.

Equipment: Any tool set, gaming set or musical instrument you are proficient with through this background. A suit of traveler’s clothes and a belt pouch containing 5 gold pieces.

Suggested Characteristics

Use the tables for either the Noble or Soldier background from the Player’s Handbook to as a basis for your character’s traits and motivations. Feel free to modify these as necessary to reflect your character’s personal experiences and history. A character of noble birth who has served as a page will likely have very different bonds, ideals and flaws than a character who was pressed into service as a page to settle a family debt. Let these circumstances inform your personality traits.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I’m always polite and respectful. OR My eloquent flattery makes everyone I talk to feel like the most wonderful and important person in the world.
2	I’m haunted by memories of war. OR The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity.
3	I’ve lost too many friends, and I’m slow to make new ones. OR No one could doubt by looking at my regal bearing that I am a cut above the unwashed masses.
4	I’m full of inspiring and cautionary tales from my military experience relevant to almost every combat situation. OR I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions.
5	I can stare down a hell hound without flinching. OR I don’t like to get my hands dirty, and I won’t be caught dead in unsuitable accommodations.
6	I enjoy being strong and like breaking things. OR I do not place myself above other folk. We all have the same blood.
7	I have a crude sense of humor. OR My favor, once lost, is lost forever.
8	I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success. OR If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields.

d6	Ideal
1	Greater Good. Our lot is to lay down our lives in defense of others. OR Respect. All people regardless of station deserve to be treated with dignity. (Good)
2	Responsibility. I do what I must and obey just authority. OR It is my duty to respect the authority of those above me, just as those below me must respect mine. (Lawful)
3	Independence. When people follow orders blindly, they embrace a kind of tyranny. OR I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family. (Chaotic)
4	Might. In life as in war, the stronger force wins. OR Power. If I can attain more power, no one will tell me what to do.(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. OR Family. Blood runs thicker than water. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I would still lay down my life for the people I served with. OR I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family.
2	Someone saved my life on the battlefield. To this day, I will never leave a friend behind. OR My house’s alliance with another noble family must be sustained at all costs.
3	My honor is my life. OR Nothing is more important than the other members of my family.
4	I’ll never forget the crushing defeat my company suffered or the enemies who dealt it. OR I am in love with the heir of a family that my family despises.
5	Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for. OR My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering.
6	I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. OR The common folk must see me as a hero of the people.

d6	Flaw
1	The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear. OR I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me.
2	I have little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior. OR I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin my family forever.
3	I made a terrible mistake in battle that cost many lives—and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret. OR I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I’m quick to anger.
4	My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning. OR I have an insatiable desire for carnal pleasures.
5	I obey the law, even if the law causes misery. OR In fact, the world does revolve around me.
6	I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong. OR By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my family.