Your life has been defined by your membership in a barbarian sorority or warrior band, known for eschewing gender norms and notions of male superiority. Over the years you have become comfortable in the use of battlefield tactics and weapons that rely less on brute strength and aggression than on finesse and training. You might have belonged to a warband from a matriarchal society, such as the Drow. Perhaps you were born to a cult or sect that venerated Athena or another warrior goddess. Or you may come from a mercenary company or special forces unit with primarily female enrollment.
When you choose this background, work with your DM to determine what Amazonian group or tribe you were a part of, and how far through its ranks you progressed. Why did you leave this organization? Or are you still a member, working apart from it as an individual.
- Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Survival
- Tool Proficiencies: One instrument, one type of vehicles (land or water)
- Equipment: A weapon (boomerang, dagger, or whip) decorated with a symbol of the Amazons, a bar of soap, an animal pelt, a blanket, and a pouch containing 10 gp.
You are a stranger in a strange land, but why? Roll a d8 or choose from the options in the table below to determine why you have left your Amazon society:
| d8 | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am an Ambassador or Cultural Representative spreading Amazonian traditions. |
| 2 | I've come seeking prospective new Amazons to take back home. |
| 3 | I have struck outside traditional Amazon lands to find a suitable mate. |
| 4 | The elders of my community have sent me among the outside world so that I can appreciate the value of Amazon society. |
| 5 | I never felt at home in Amazon culture, and left it behind to seek a life of my own. |
| 6 | As is tradition, I have set out to defeat man and beast alike in combat, to spread the glory of the Amazons. |
| 7 | My Goddess sent me a visions to do her works. Destiny has guided me here. |
| 8 | I am the last surviving Amazon of a warband that was slaughtered. |
Hailing from a society of warrior women, you fit in among soldiers and mercenaries with ease. Warriors of any rank regard you with respect and you can usually gain access to friendly military encampments and fortresses. Women in positions of power identify with you and are likely to be friendly to you and your companions. Due to the well known skill of Amazons in battle, you can find mercenary work between adventures sufficient to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Suggested Characteristics
While not always exclusively male, Amazon tribes are as matriarchal as other more common societies are patriarchal. This is often evident in a reversal or subversion of common gender stereotypes, and wildly different thoughts on social taboos. The lasting impressions of their warrior society and the introduction to new social norms give an Amazon strong bonds and shape unusual ideals.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | When I meet a new group of people, I naturally assume that the oldest or most experienced woman present is in charge. |
| 2 | I don't recognize modesty as a virtue; clothing is of little interest or use to me. |
| 3 | I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success. |
| 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 | Once we have fought side by side, I value my allies as if they were my own sisters. |
| 7 | I have a bawdy sense of humor. |
| 8 | I try to be patient when I explain things to men, and speak slowly and in simple terms that they might understand. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Respect. All people, regardless of gender or lack thereof, deserve respect. (Good) |
| 2 | Might. In life as in war, the stronger force wins. (Evil) |
| 3 | Independence. When people follow orders blindly, they embrace a kind of tyranny. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Honor. If I dishonor myself, I dishonor the Amazons. (Lawful) |
| 5 | Aspiration. I'm going to prove that Amazons are worthy of their reputation. (Any) |
| 6 | Counterculture. Societal norms are meant to be questioned and oppressive cultural sensibilities should be ignored. (Chaotic) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I idolize a heroine of the old tales and measure my deeds against hers. |
| 2 | I collect every bit of training that I can - so that I, in turn, may pass this down to future Amazons. |
| 3 | My honor is my life. |
| 4 | It is my life's mission to spread Amazonian values and culture. |
| 5 | Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for. |
| 6 | I fight for the oppressed and marginalized. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have an insatiable desire for carnal pleasures. |
| 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 | I find it difficult - maybe even impossible - to run from a good fight, even when a tactical retreat is wisest. |
| 5 | I can't resist a pretty face. |
| 6 | I have trouble trusting men, even among my allies. |
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