
You were trained as part of an elite military unit specializing in operating in small teams. Unlike typical soldiers who rely on strength and superior fighting forces your unit focuses on taking the enemies strength and using it against them. For example, If the enemy force is large they would disrupt supply lines to make the enemy to weak to fight. YOur unit specializes in raids, prison breaks, ambushes, and other specialized tactics that allow a small unit to prevail over a larger one.
When using this background work with your DM to determine the military unit and/or army you were apart of and even why you no longer serve as part of that unit.
- Skill Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, Athletics, Choice of Stealth, Investigation, Perception, Persuasion
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, vehicles (land)
Choice of Alchemist's Supplies, Disguise Kit, Forgery Kit, Navigators Tools, Poisoners Kit
- Equipment: An insignia of rank, 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 10 gp
During your time as a soldier, you had a specific role to play in your unit or army. Roll a d8 or choose from the options in the table below to determine your role:
d8 | Specialty |
---|---|
1 | Commander |
2 | Scout |
3 | Infantry |
4 | Saboteur |
5 | Sharpshooter |
6 | Intelligence Officer |
7 | Infiltrator |
8 | Demolitions Expert |
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 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’m full of inspiring and cautionary tales from my military experience relevant to almost every combat situation. |
5 | I can stare down a hell hound without flinching. |
6 | I enjoy being strong and like breaking things. |
7 | I have a crude sense of humor. |
8 | I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success. |
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 | 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 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 obey the law, even if the law causes misery. |
6 | I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong. |

Love this bakcground