You have spent your life protecting someone else's. Perhaps it was a noble's child, an influential crime boss, or a scholar in need of protection as they seek knowledge in dangerous places. Whatever the case, your life up to this point has been focused on protecting the life of another in your care.

Whether you hide in the shadows and watch those whom you protect, or boldly be at their side as their shield, clashing against those who would do them harm, you have devoted your life to servitude for the individuals whom you have deemed in need of protection, either thanks to honor or currency.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Medicine, Survival, or Perception.

Tool Proficiencies: You have proficiency in Vehicles (Land), one gaming set of your choice, and one of your choice out of Brewer's Supplies, Cook's Utensils, Herbalism Kit, and Navigator's Tools.

Languages: You are equipped with knowledge to better help you communicate with and assist your companion. You know the language of their native land. If you already know this language, you may choose another from Common, Draconic, Dwarvish, Elvish, Gnomish, Halfling, or Undercommon based on your companion's background or the people they would be expected to interact with.

Equipment: One gaming set of your choice, one toolset of your chosen proficiency, a symbol or keepsake from one of the people you guarded (possibly denoting rank), a hooded cloak bearing the crest of your Mercenary Guild or Noble House you serve, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch with 15 gold.

Suggested Characteristics

Bodyguards are generally good at protecting; whether they're protective by nature or simply good at their profession is up to you.

Their skill at guarding and noticing dangers, as well as their relationship to their charges, affect how they act and think. Their flaws could be being overly protective or hesitant, or maybe something that somehow compromises their guarding abilities.

There are many reasons why you may be guarding someone. It could be that you and your family are in the service of a powerful person of influence, or that you owe a friend a life-debt after they rescued you from some perilous encounter. You may be family or friends with the one you protect, or you may be a hired mercenary with a paycheck as the only connection to the one you guard.

But in any case, your loyalties are unwavering, and your courage and skills speak for themselves when anyone you deem a threat attempts to get between you and your charge.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I am always quiet and stoic, rarely speaking or acting when I work.
2	I am aggressive and often get in people's faces while I work, trying to make sure others know to keep a distance.
3	I often hide in crowds while keeping an eye on my charge; stepping in eye on my charge; stepping in out of the shadows when needed.
4	I always check the shadows wherever I go; you can never be too safe.
5	I fuss over my charge, swiftly and deftly tending to their every need; acting more like a servant than a bodyguard.
6	I don't like when strangers get too close to me or my friends; keep your distance, and we'll be fine.
7	I'm used to sleeping on the road and in uncomfortable situations, but I wake up at the slightest noise.
8	I always make sure that when we have to sleep, at least one person is on lookout.

d6	Ideal
1	Protection. it is my job to protect others; I would die for the ones I guard. (Lawful)
2	Guardian. I want to protect everyone, as best I can. (Good)
3	Fluid. When attacked, you can't be rigid and unmoving; you need to adapt to the situation. (Chaotic)
4	Money. I honestly just want to get paid; I couldn't care less about my charges. (Neutral)
5	Betrayal. As a bandit, you have to wait for people to wander out into the wilderness to kill them. As a bodyguard, they'll wander out into the wilderness with you! (Evil)
6	Friendship. I just don't want my friends to die. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I am still loyal to my original master; and would die for them.
2	I will get revenge on the one who slaughtered those I was meant to defend.
3	I owe my life to my old master; and they owe their life to me.
4	One of my old charges was a cheat and a scoundrel; and swindled me out of my pay. Some payback would be nice.
5	I failed in my duties; it ruined my reputation, and is a stain on my honor
6	I served (or serve) with a team of bodyguards, that offer protection to various people traveling in dangerous areas.

d6	Flaw
1	I am paranoid and overly protective, never letting those I guard out of my sight.
2	I'm lax in my duties; and this has gotten me into some trouble before.
3	Yes, actually; I do know best, and you will do as I say.
4	Sometimes my aggression towards strangers gets those I protect in more trouble, rather than help to avoid it.
5	I view myself and those I protect as higher than other people; looking down on the peasantry.
6	I am rigid in my hatred of criminals. I don't care why you did it or how long ago it was; you're still filth in my eyes.