Deserter

Perhaps you were a loyal solider once and grew disillusioned; perhaps you were forced to flee after an enemy outmaneuvered you. Maybe martial life wasn't what you thought it was. Whatever the reason, you've run from the military or mercenary group you were sworn to, and now you have a price on your head.

Deserting is a serious offense; it can carry with it fines, jail times, or in extreme cases, execution. Because of this, deserters are always looking over one shoulder. They tend to fall in with folks on the wrong side of the law - the kind that don't ask where they come from or how they learned their skills. Still, each deserter is different. They often maintain the rigid air of discipline military life instilled in them. It can lead to clashes - both with those they surround themselves with, and internally.

When you choose this background, work with your DM to determine your history.  What sort of military organization were you a part of?  What rank were you?  What lead you, ultimately, to flee?

Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Stealth

Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (land), Vehicles (water), Vehicles (space)

Equipment: An insignia of rank, a trophy kept from your past life (a dagger, broken blade, or piece of a banner), a map of the secret entrances to one city you are familiar with, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 15 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’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 am incredibly slow to trust. Those who seem the fairest often have the most to hide.
4	I think of everything in terms of how I can use it against someone.
5	I can stare down a hell hound without flinching.
6	I enjoy being strong and like breaking things.
7	The first thing I do in a new place is note the locations of every exit – I always know how to escape.
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, and I will do anything to be the strongest. (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	I owe a debt that cannot be repaid in gold.
3	I was betrayed by a fellow soldier whose lies forced me to desert. I will find and destroy them.
4	I’m guilty of a terrible crime. I hope I can redeem myself for 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	Lying is reflexive, and I sometimes engage in it without realizing.
2	If there’s a plan, I’ll forget it. If I don’t forget it, I’ll ignore it.
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	When faced with a choice between my life and my friends, I'll almost always choose my life.
6	I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.