You descend from a famous line of free company veterans, and your first memory is playing among the tents, training yards, and war rooms of one campaign or another. Adored or perhaps ignored by your parents, you spent your formative years learning the art of combat from brave captains, camp discipline from burly sergeants, and a host of virtues and vices from the common foot soldiers. You've always been told you are special and destined for glory. The weight of your family's legacy, honor, or reputation can weigh heavily, inspiring you to great deeds, or it can be a factor you try to leave behind.
- Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, History
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, one musical instrument
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A signet ring emblazoned with the crest of your family's company, a musical instrument, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 20 gp
Company Reputation
Your family is part of or associated with a mercenary company. The company has a certain reputation that may or may not continue to impact your life. Roll a d8 or choose from the options in the Company Reputation table to determine the reputation of this mercenary company.
| d8 |
Company Reputation |
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1
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Infamous. The company's evil deeds follow any who are known to consort with them.
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2
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Honest. An upstanding company whose words and oaths are trusted.
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3
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Unknown. Few know of this company. Its deeds are shrouded in mystery.
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4
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Feared. For good or ill, this company is generally feared on the battlefield.
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5
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Mocked. Though it tries hard, the company is the butt of many jokes and derision.
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6
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Specialized. This company is known for a specific type of skill on or off the battlefield.
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7
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Disliked. For well-known reasons, this company has a bad reputation.
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8
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Famous. The company's great feats and accomplishments are known far and wide.
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Feature: The Family Name
Your family name is well-known in the close-knit world of mercenary companies. Members of mercenary companies readily recognize your name and will treat you accordingly. Those who respect your family name will provide you with aid such as shelter or access to their encampments or fortresses. On the other hand, your family's rivals will likely treat you with hostility.
Suggested Characteristics
The turmoil of war, the drudgery of the camp, long days on the road, and the thrill of battle shape a mercenary company scion to create strong bonds of loyalty, military discipline, and a practical mind. Yet this history can scar as well, leaving the scion open to guilt, pride, resentment, and hatred.
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
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1
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I am ashamed of my family's reputation and seek to distance myself from their deeds.
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2
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I have seen the world and know people everywhere.
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3
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I expect the best life has to offer and won't settle for less.
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4
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I know stories from a thousand campaigns and can apply them to any situation.
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5
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After too many betrayals, I don't trust anyone.
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6
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My parents were heroes, and I try to live up to their example.
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7
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I have seen the horrors of war. Nothing disturbs me anymore.
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8
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I truly believe I have a destiny of glory and fame awaiting me.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
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Glory. Only by fighting for the right causes can I achieve true fame and honor. (Good)
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2
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Dependable. Once my oath is given, it cannot be broken. (Lawful)
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3
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Hedonism. Life can be short, so I will live it to the fullest before I die. (Chaotic)
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4
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Ruthless. Only the strong survive. (Evil)
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5
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Mercenary. If you have gold, I'm on it. (Neutral)
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6
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Challenge. Life is a test, and only by meeting life head on can I prove I am worthy. (Any)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
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My family's legacy is a tissue of lies. I will never stop until I uncover the truth.
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2
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I am the only one who can uphold the family name.
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3
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My companions are my life, and I would do anything to protect them.
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4
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I will never forget the betrayal leading to my parent's murder, but I will avenge them.
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5
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My honor and reputation are all that matters in my life.
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6
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I betrayed my family to protect my friend who was a soldier in another company.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
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I have no respect for those who have never walked a battlefield.
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2
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I cannot bear losing anyone close to me, so I keep everyone at a distance.
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3
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Bloody violence is the only way to solve problems.
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4
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I caused the downfall in my family's mercenary company.
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5
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I am hiding a horrible secret about one of my family's patrons.
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6
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I see insults to my honor or reputation in every whisper, veiled glance, and knowing look.
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