(A background based on the Arthurian archetype of the wandering knight. This was made using characteristics from Folk hero, Noble, and Soldier.)
The knight-errant, or wandering knight, is a knight who travels the land to test or assert their chivalric ideals. The cause of a knight’s wandering can vary; some seek out duels or challenges of skill to prove themselves, others seek to right the wrongs of the world, and yet others journey in search of romance. Critics view errant knights as romantic idealists, fighting for a world that only exists inside their heads, or between the pages of a romance novel. But many errant knights are all too aware of the “true” nature of the world, as they were once true knights or nobles, serving their order, their monarchs, their families; but some event in their past led them to abandon their responsibilities, and wander into the world armed with only the things they could carry, and the strength of their ideals.
Work with your DM to come up with some appropriate past connections. What order, kingdom, or noble house did your knight swear fealty to? And what caused them to leave? Think about how your character’s decision to wander has affected their relationship with these past connections. Would they be treated as a treasonous deserter, or as a misguided sibling who might one day be welcomed back?
- Skill Proficiencies:
Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, History.
- Tool Proficiencies:
Tool Proficiencies: A musical instrument or one set of artisan’s tools, vehicles (land).
- Languages:
Languages: Any one of your choice.
- Equipment:
Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools or a musical instrument (your choice), a signet ring or banner from your past, a set of traveller’s clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp.
You previously swore fealty to another, but something happened to set you on a different path. Choose or roll on the following table to define an event or ideal that altered the course of your life.
| d8 | Defining Event |
|---|---|
| 1 | I realised the Monarch I served was a tyrant. |
| 2 | My mentor/friend was slain in battle and I haven’t known peace since. |
| 3 | I was ordered to do something atrocious. |
| 4 | I stood and watched the suffering of others and did nothing. Never again... |
| 5 | I had a near-death experience and felt a need to see the world. |
| 6 | I want my name to be known far and wide for my prowess and skill. |
| 7 | I suffered a failure or defeat and must find a way to prove my worth. |
| 8 | A noble from a distant kingdom gave me their token and I must find them again. |
A knight errant occupies an unusual place in society. A knighthood is amongst the lowest noble titles in most societies, but does have a certain level of status afforded; and they may also be welcomed by the common folk for their chivalrous deeds. You are welcome in high society circles, and people assume you have the right to be where you are, as long as it is a place where knights are normally seen. In addition, if you have been aiding the common folk, then people in areas where you have been working may be willing to aid you by giving you a meal or a room to rest in.
Suggested Characteristics
A knight errant follows their morals and ideals. Your bond my be directly tied to your defining event, or to your past as a sworn knight.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have a strong code of honour that others don’t understand. |
| 2 | If someone is in trouble, I’m always ready to help. |
| 3 | Despite my noble birth, I do not place myself above other folk. |
| 4 | Thinking is for other people, I prefer action. |
| 5 | No one could doubt my looking at my regal bearing that I am a cut above the unwashed masses. |
| 6 | My favour, once lost, is lost forever. |
| 7 | I’m confident in my own abilities and do what I can to instill confidence in others. |
| 8 | If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Respect. All people, regardless of station, deserve to be treated with dignity. |
| 2 | Noble Obligation. It is my duty to protect and care for those people beneath me. |
| 3 | Might. If I become strong, I can take what I want, what I deserve. |
| 4 | Freedom. Tyrants must not be allowed to oppress the people. |
| 5 | Destiny. Nothing can steer me away from my higher calling. |
| 6 | Fairness. No one should get preferential treatment before the law, and no one is above the law. |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I protect those who can not protect themselves. |
| 2 | The common folk must see me as a hero of the people. |
| 3 | My honour is my life. |
| 4 | I’ll never forget the crushing defeat my order suffered, or the enemies who dealt it. |
| 5 | I am in love with the heir of a family/kingdom, but can not be with them. |
| 6 | Someone once saved my life on the battlefield, now I will never leave a friend behind. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have a weakness for vices like hard drink, or gambling. |
| 2 | By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my family. |
| 3 | I once made a terrible mistake in battle that cost many lives. |
| 4 | I’d rather eat my armour than admit when I’m wrong. |
| 5 | My hatred of my enemies is blind and unreasoning. |
| 6 | I’m convinced of the significance of my destiny, and blind to the risk of failure. |
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