Few of the villages and hamlets in the Verdant Marches keep standing armed forces or soldiers. A variety of methods are used to safeguard the settlements from mercenaries to powerful citizens. Many use a method where a villager can opt to spend a planting season or two as a guard/sheriff/warden. Most who take this option either shutter their businesses or allow their field to sit fallow for the seasons that they serve. This has created the social class/position of falwen. Trained slightly more than the average citizen and armed with whatever the village can find (usually farming implements), the falwen enforce safety, security and social order within the settlement.
When you choose this background, work with your DM to determine what business or farm you temporarily set aside to serve as the villages protector. This will determine not only your experiences but also help shape choices as far as skills.
- Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, choose one
- Tool Proficiencies: Choose one artisan tool and one gaming/musical instrument
- Equipment: A badge or sash of authority, common set of clothes, set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
Feature: Village Stweard
You are seen as a dependable and loyal member of the community. Most citizens will defer to your judgement in a argument and some will even seek you out for your opinion. While you do not carry the encompassing authority of the council or mayor, in matters of safety and security you have plenty of leeway. You can invoke your authority as a village steward and borrow equipment for temporary usage. You may also gain entry into most public places and community owned buildings within your settlements area of control.
Suggested Characteristics
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
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1
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I’m always polite and respectful.
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2
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If someone is in trouble, I’m always ready to lend help.
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3
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Thinking is for other people. I prefer action.
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4
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I get bored easily. When am I going to get on with my destiny?
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5
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I can stare down a wild animal without flinching.
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6
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I judge people by their actions, not their words.
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7
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I have a crude sense of humor.
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8
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I take my position and authority very seriously.
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| d6 |
Ideal |
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1
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Our job is to protect the village and those inside, I am willing to lay down my health for that. (Good)
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2
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Responsibility. I do what I must and obey just authority. (Lawful)
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3
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I uphold my personal oath to help others (Chaotic)
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4
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My authority is absolute and those who question it better watch out. (Evil)
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5
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Live and Let Live. Safety and security are fine but should not impose too much. (Neutral)
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6
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Locals. My village, settlement, or people are all that matter. (Any)
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| d6 |
Bond |
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1
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I would still protect the village, settlement or people even though my duty is done.
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2
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I made several friends during my time as a Falwen, I still hold them dear.
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3
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My honor is my life.
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4
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I will never forget the horrible situation that occurred during my time as a Falwen.
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5
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The things that go bump in the night must be kept at bay.
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6
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I protect those who cannot protect themselves.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
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1
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The horror I faced as a Falwen still leaves me quaking in fear.
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2
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I still try to use my authority or the threat of my authority around the village or settlement.
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3
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I did something as a Falwen that I am not proud of and hope that others do not find out.
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4
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I am biased against outsiders or those from outside of the village or settlement.
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5
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I obey the law, even if the law causes misery.
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6
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I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.
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