You are the champion of your people. In times of trouble, the people look to you for hope, safety, and leadership. This is not a light burden, but whoever appointed you has spoken and will not be dissuaded. Your training was specific, focused, and designed as a crucible that only a true worthy champion could pass.
As a result of your travels, you have encountered many people and seen many things people of your homeland may never see in their lifetimes, and you've picked up a few skills because of it. This is a position of importance, not just for the defense of the people, but for the politics of those who govern them as well. You are a symbol of hope, and you may be what is standing between the government and a wave of panic in a crisis. Because of this, you have come to understand wealth, power, and privilege regardless of your upbringing. Your champion status acts as a noble title, and wields significant political influence.
Work with your DM to come up with an appropriate title and determine how much authority that title carries. A champion's title doesn’t stand on its own—it’s connected to you fulfilling your obligations as defender and representative of your people in times of global crisis.
Work with your DM to determine what it means to be a champion in the world. How much influence does the title wield, and over what area? What kind of reputation does it have? Are there legends of previous champions and their feats, or are the first? How are champions selected, and did you follow or break this process?
Why did your character become a champion? Was it out of a sense of duty? A genuine desire to answer the calamity your world faces? For selfish reasons? Or a combination of these or other reasons? How does the local government feel about you? Do they welcome a champion to face the threats, or are they afraid of your growing influence? How do you feel about the responsibility? Are you in your family’s good graces, or shunned by the rest of your family? Does the champion of your people have an associated coat of arms? An insignia you might wear on? Particular colors you wear all the time? An animal you regard as a symbol of your line or even a spiritual member of the family? These details help establish your title as features of the world of the campaign.
- Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Athletics
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools, vehicles (divine beast)
- Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools (one of your choice), a shovel, an iron pot, a set of common clothes, Champion's Garb and a pouch containing 10 gp
You have something about you, whether inherent or learned, that marked you as a Champion. What drew the person who granted you the title's attention? Choose or randomly determine a Champion's Mark that marked you as a Champion. Discuss with your DM if you believe this should have mechanical impact.
| d10 | Mark of a Champion |
|---|---|
| 1 | I developed a technique previously considered impossible. |
| 2 | I was born with supernatural endurance. |
| 3 | My skills in my field of choice are second to none. |
| 4 | I can't bear to see people get hurt, so I see it as my duty to protect everyone. |
| 5 | I command an elemental power. |
| 6 | I am a leader to my people, so naturally it is my job to protect them. |
| 7 | I pulled a blade tied to previous Champions of legend from its resting place. |
| 8 | My role as a Champion is inherited by blood. |
| 9 | I possess a unique, crucial power to oppose an ancient threat that refuses to manifest. |
| 10 | Recruited into a lord’s army, I rose to leadership and was commended for my heroism. |
Since you risk your lives for the common folk, they are more than happy to show you a simple kindness in return. You can find a place to hide, rest, or recuperate among other commoners, unless you have shown yourself to be a danger to them. They will shield you from the law or anyone else searching for you, though they will not risk their lives for you.
Suggested Characteristics
A Champion is one of all people, but especially their homeland, for better or for worse. Most Champions look on their homeland as something to protect at all costs. Sometimes, though, the weight of the title can weigh heavily on the heart.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I judge people by their actions, not their words. |
| 2 | If someone is in trouble, I’m always ready to lend help. |
| 3 | When I set my mind to something, I follow through no matter what gets in my way. |
| 4 | I have a strong sense of fair play and always try to find the most equitable solution to arguments. |
| 5 | I’m confident in my own abilities and do what I can to instill confidence in others. |
| 6 | Thinking is for other people. I prefer action. |
| 7 | I am the best at what I do, and I know it. |
| 8 | I am always there to offer a healthy dose of optimism. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Respect. People deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. (Good) |
| 2 | Duty. I will see my duty through, no matter the cost. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Freedom. Tyrants must not be allowed to oppress the people. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Jealousy. Someone thinks they're better than me, and I intend to prove them wrong. (Evil) |
| 5 | Sincerity. There’s no good in pretending to be something I’m not. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Stoicism. I am seen as a fount of reassurance for the people, so I keep my emotions hidden if I fear they would be distressing. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My home is the most important thing to me. |
| 2 | I worked the land, I love the land, and I will protect the land. |
| 3 | When I see something I don't understand, I can't contain my curiosity. |
| 4 | Traitors deserve no mercy. |
| 5 | I protect those who cannot protect themselves. |
| 6 | I wish my childhood sweetheart had come with me to pursue my destiny. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have difficulty putting my feelings into words. |
| 2 | I’m convinced of the significance of my destiny, and blind to my shortcomings and the risk of failure. |
| 3 | There is something most people consider harmless that I am absolutely terrified of. |
| 4 | I feel like a failure in regards to my destiny, and it has shattered my confidence. |
| 5 | In battle, my nature changes from nurturing to merciless. |
| 6 | I can count on one hand the people I am comfortable around, I'm shy around anyone else. |
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