Militarist (Free Sword)

Militarist

Militarists either work within a formal military structure, or fight for pay on an individual basis. Militarists are often respected or feared, depending on the nature of their organisation. High-ranking Militarists are often paid handsomely, as their skills can decide battles or even wars. Lower-level Militarists make great warriors, mercenaries, and guards.

It is not unheard of for militaristic individuals to accompany adventurers on dangerous missions. These tasks are said to keep the mind sharp and skills honed, especially in times of relative peace.

Free Sword

Free Swords are commonly referred to as mercenaries, taking jobs that the local forces can’t handle. Mercenaries may be the only hope of villages looking for defenders against raiders, overextended sheriffs chasing powerful fugitives, and small merchants traveling Etharis's dangerous byroads. Larger mercenary companies win wars on behalf of cities and kings. They fight for coin above all else, exacting little honor from the contracts they accept.

Rank 1 - Hireling

You have been trained in combat by a group of mercenaries with a Free Sword licence. After many tedious years of combat drills and shooting at straw targets, you are close to receiving your very own license.

Holdings: Lodging at any Free Sword’s guild house and use of Free Sword’s training grounds and facilities. The contract for a dangerous bounty that your mentor died trying to complete.

Progression: Complete a contract with a guild member who has a Free Sword licence.

Rank 2 - Sellsword

After proving your competence and trustworthiness, you have become a guildlicensed Sellsword. You start to receive specific requests for jobs as your reputation grows.

Holdings: A Free Sword licence, which allows you to accept your own contracts as a mercenary and collect the rewards. Access to hirelings belonging to the Free Swords guild, who you can contract for a small fee.

Progression: Lead a team successfully through several highstakes encounters during mercenary contracts.

Rank 3 - Sword Commander

You have proven your combat prowess and command of battlefield tactics. Special requests for your services are becoming more frequent, often from people or groups of higher social status. The mercenary companions who accompany you on your jobs have matured into disciplined soldiers who trust you as their commander.

Holdings: Your own private room in a guild house and a retainer who can either take care of business for you at the guild house or accompany you on your travels. Command authority over lower ranks and the power to employ them for jobs. Access to restricted jobs that depend on sensitive information or extraordinary risk.

Progression: Successfully complete a restricted job for a highprofile client.

Rank 4 - Battlelord

You have been elected by the members of your Free Swords guild to lead them forward to greater power and acclaim. What type of commander are you going to be? Will you lead by example and rush into the fray during combat, or retire the sword and pick up the pen?

Holdings: Command of the Free Sword’s guild and its members, including managing contracts, and overseeing the training of hirelings. A guild chapterhouse, which includes housing for you and your lieutenants as well as an extensive armoury for guild members.

Skill Proficiencies:  Intimidation and choose one from Animal Handling, Athletics, Insight, Perception, Survival.

Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set.

Equipment: Moleskin gloves, a grappling net, a  hip flask of hard liquor, a gaming set you are proficient with, an insignia detailing your rank within a military organization, and 10 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

Use the tables for the soldier background below as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a knight of your order.

Your bond almost always involves the order to which you belong (or at least key members of it), and it is highly unusual for a knight’s ideal not to reflect the agenda, sentiment, or philosophy of one’s order.

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.