Deserter

 War is in your past. You trained in your youth or early twenties, studying weapons and armour, developing your skills in survival and learning how to make the most efficient attacks. You might have been part of a national army, a mercenary company or even a local militia. 

But your time with the army has come to an end. Due to an act of rebellion or after witnessing something you did not agree with, you left the army and all it stood for behind you. With nothing but the clothes on your back and weapon at your side, you lay low for a while, living rough and using the what you'd learnt in the army to keep yourself alive. You will never return to the army you once worked for, and avoid detection by them at all costs. While the names of deserters are not spoken of often, your old General or Leader may still recognise you. 

Skill Proficiencies: You gain two skills. 

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set and one other tool kit. 

Languages: You learn one language during your time after the army; for example, you could have learnt this from staying with a family of helpful Gnomes, or from joining a travelling band of Goliaths. 

Equipment: A torn or bloodied insignia of the army either hidden on your person or worn with pride to show your desertion, a piece of equipment used in your escape from the army (a dagger, a piece of rope, a key, etc), a set of flint/steel in order to light fires, a set of bone dice or a deck of cards, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp

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 have lost all of my military roughness. I look more like a hermit than a soldier.
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 speak only negative tales of my time in the army.
5	I can stare down a hell hound without flinching.
6	I enjoy being strong and like breaking things.
7	I long for the day my military is destroyed by their enemies. They deserve to perish for what they did to me.
8	I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success.

d6	Ideal
1	The organisation nearly got me killed. From now on, I will always put myself first. (Neutral)
2	I left the organisation because it was the right thing to do. I always stand by the truth. (Lawful)
3	When people follow orders blindly, they embrace tyranny. (Chaotic)
4	My old companions deserve to die on the battlefield. (Evil)
5	Though I will never be a soldier again, I have no qualms against working with them. (Neutral)
6	One day I hope to find some place in society that accepts me. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I would still lay down my life for the people I served with, but not my superiors - they do not deserve my compassion.
2	Someone saved my life on the battlefield. To this day, I will never leave a friend behind.
3	My family hate me for deserting my people - I will do whatever I can to make it up to them.
4	I will never forget what the military did to me, and what they took from me.
5	People who oppose tyrants are my allies.
6	I entered seclusion to hide from my past. One day I will have to face it.

d6	Flaw
1	I am plagued with memories of the evil things I did for the military every night in my dreams.
2	I have little respect for anyone who bases their worth on their ability to wield a sword.
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 the army I left behind is blind and unreasoning.
5	I will never follow the orders of another person.
6	I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.