Prison Guard v2

Your life hangs in the balance each and every day as you wrangle and subdue the most vicious scum society has to offer. Whether you are posted in a large high-security prison nestled deep in the wilds or in a small local jailhouse, your proximity to dangerous criminals has jaded you, making you tough inside and out. Mumbling prisoners, dim torches and the scraping of chains are all the comfort you have. The job you do is dangerous and unforgiving, but a necessary one that only people like you can undertake.

Work with your DM to develop your position in the prison and relationship with the prisoners, and determine how that reputation carries outside the facility. Are you a tyrannous guard who rules the jail with a flaming temper, or are you a lower-ranked guard who accepts the odd bribe to ignore prisoners smuggling in contraband? Your DM should help you tie how you are as a guard to your reasons for adventuring. 

Your years of service have been ruthless but they have honed your mind and body. Not even the hardiest prisoners phase you anymore, as you have mastered the art of getting in their heads and rattling their resolve through an immovable stance and assertive tone. After your thousandth time splitting up gang fights, you have mastered the art of restraining aggressive prisoners. 

Skill Proficiencies: After years in a dingy prison keeping crafty criminals in check, you gain proficiency in Athletics and Intimidation through physical and mental dominance.

Your proficiency in Athletics stems from all the convicts you have had to grapple with and all the doors you've had to push closed to corner a vicious murderer. Feats of physical strength are a daily occurrence for you.

Head-strong criminals in fits of mania are dangerous foes, but it's nothing you've not seen before, which might be why you're proficient in intimidating them. With a steely gaze, an overbearing stance and a vicious booming voice, you use your presence to scare and intimidate people into submission.

Tool Proficiencies: You have proficiency with Smith's tools.

Prisons aren't the best-funded facilities in the realm. Thus, you are responsible for the upkeep of your weapons and armour. Making sure your sword isn't chipped or that you patch that hole in your chest plate could be the difference between life and death. So you better tend the forge in your free time unless you want to be helpless with a broken sword in the middle of an escape attempt. 

Languages: You have proficiency in One language of your choice.

Work with your DM to choose a language that best fits the prison you work in. Tie it into your backstory. Are you a guard in an orderly elven prison, or were you kidnapped by goblins and forced to be a peacekeeper in one of their cesspit jails? 

Equipment: One standard issue martial weapon given to you at the start of your service.

50ft hempen rope

pair of manacles.

 

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	1. I'm always polite and respectful.
2	2. I've lost many friends; what's the point in making new ones?
3	3. I can stare down an archdemon without flinching.
4	4. If there's a problem I hit first, think later; what's the point of wasting time talking?
5	5. I have many stories of how I single-handedly quelled a 500-man uprising.
6	6. I'm traumatised from my time at work, so I drink to forget.
7	7. I'm quiet on purpose. I know I'll only insult or scare people when I speak.
8	8. I love befriending new people to show off my strength.

d6	Ideal
1	1. Greater Good. I risk my life to protect those who live ignorantly outside these walls; my sacrifice is necessary. (good)
2	2. Responsibility. I do my job; I don't care who I hurt as long as no one escapes. (lawful)
3	3. Might. I live to dominate the prisoners; they have given up their rights, so what's a bloody nose matter? (chaotic)
4	4. Power. When I rise to the top, things will be tougher. (evil)
5	5. Tradition. I follow my family's footsteps in the prison system; I do this to honour them. (neutral)
6	6. Honour. Criminals deserve some respect; they may be bad, but not beyond redemption. (good)

d6	Bond
1	1. I would sacrifice myself for those I work beside.
2	2. A prisoner protected me from their violent cell-mate; I owe them my life.
3	3. I am responsible for the largest prison escape of the century.
4	4. All my wages go to my family.
5	5. The top job will be mine eventually.
6	6. My weapon is my life; I will maintain it until I die.

d6	Flaw
1	1. Don't talk to me if you can't take a punch.
2	2. I follow the rules no matter how I feel about them.
3	3. I smuggle contraband into the prison.
4	4. I get black-out drunk every night, whether on duty or not.
5	5. I can't trust anyone.
6	6. I am the strongest man alive; no one can prove otherwise.