You flew, or you've been flying, for some Air Force for years. This means you were actively enlisted in a nation's military. Whether you're active personnel or an honored--or disgraced--veteran, your time in your Air Force has greatly shaped who you are, and your outlook on and approach to life.
Discuss the nature of your flight with your DM, as it will likely rely heavily on your campaign's setting. Did you fly on the front lines of combat, shooting down enemy planes to keep them from invading your homeland? Were you a spy pilot, using your abilities to gain intelligence on an enemy for the better of your home country? Or were you a test pilot, putting yourself into the hands of fate flying experimental aircraft which could fall apart at any moment? Did you enlist by choice, or were you drafted or enslaved and forced into the front lines? Are you still flying, and if not, why? All of these are important details to figure out when constructing your pilot.
(Note: This background is designed for a somewhat modern campaign. Be sure to ask your DM if it's appropriate for your campaign's setting.)
- Skill Proficiencies: Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Perception
- Tool Proficiencies: Tool Proficiencies: Navigator's tools, Vehicles (air)
- Equipment: Equipment: Common clothes, 1 helmet, 1 trinket
Being a certified pilot is a rare ability, no matter where your campaign takes place. The ability to operate aircraft can get you and your party from A to B, but it's not a favor anyone will grant you without a price, not even your own Air Force. Be prepared to do whatever duties the owner of the plane requests of you as payment, or at least pay a hefty gold piece sum! Not to mention, you can't just take a plane anywhere you want; most will require specific areas to land, likely another airport, and you might have to fly along pre-planned flight paths to get where you need to go. Your DM will decide how long it takes you to fly there, and how close you can land with the aircraft, but it'll still be a lot faster than driving, even if it's a little inconvenient.
Suggested Characteristics
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I work hard so I can play hard when the work is done. |
| 2 | Despite my boisterous attitude, I'm polite and respectful when I need to be. |
| 3 | Life is hard, and it's harder if you take it seriously! My gallows humor helps me through hard times. |
| 4 | I take charge of my life before life shoots me first. |
| 5 | I always have a backup plan or five, in case everything goes to hell. |
| 6 | I am always calm in the line of battle; it's the worst time to let my emotions control me. |
| 7 | I'm driven by a wanderlust that's led me far away from my home. |
| 8 | I try to be a dependable team player, because when your life is on the line, you want a team you can trust. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom. The sky is freedom to go anywhere and do anything. (Chaotic) |
| 2 | Aspiration. Someday I'll retire with an impressive array of awards and medals to my name. (Any) |
| 3 | Mastery. Every enemy I shoot down is an enemy that won't be shooting at me. (Evil) |
| 4 | Respect. What keeps a team running is mutual trust between all members, high-ranked or not. (Good) |
| 5 | People. I'm committed to my Air Force, not to ideals. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Patriotism. I'm here to protect my countrymen, no matter who they be. (Any) |
| d8 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I've had a few lovers in the past, but my one true love is the greatest maiden of them all: the sky. |
| 2 | Over any person or thing, my duty is to my country, the greatest country in the land, which I love with all my heart. |
| 3 | I have a loving family back at home, who I would love to return to and care for one day. |
| 4 | My plane is my pride; without her, I'd be nothing. |
| 5 | I met a handsome young pilot while we were both newly-trained rookies, and I hope to find them one day to confess my love. |
| 6 | I'm loyal to my squadron, no matter what happens between us. |
| 7 | My hometown was destroyed in a raid years ago, and I'll do anything I can to help them rebuild. |
| 8 | Me and my copilot are a perfect pair; we fly as one unit, predicting each others' moves as if they're our own, making us unstoppable in battle, and inseparable everywhere else, too. |
| d8 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I follow all my orders, even if I think they're wrong. |
| 2 | Once someone questions my courage, I can't back down, no matter how dangerous the situation. |
| 3 | I swear I'd do anything for a damn cigarette sometimes. |
| 4 | My pride will probably lead to my destruction. |
| 5 | It's not reckless if I don't die afterwards, right? |
| 6 | I really can't resist a pretty face. |
| 7 | My nation is the greatest, and I'll loudly proclaim and defend it, even if it gets me in trouble. |
| 8 | I once made a mistake in battle that cost one of my squadron member's lives, and I'd do anything to keep that mistake a secret. |
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