Hermit - Ex-soldier

You lived in seclusion — either in a sheltered community such as a monastery, or entirely alone — for a significant length of time. In your time apart from the clamor of society, you found quiet, solitude, and perhaps some of the answers you were looking for.

Before your seclusion you trained as a soldier, studied the use of weapons and armour, learned basic survival techniques, including how to stay alive on the battlefield. You might have been part of a standing national army or a mercenary company, or perhaps a member of a local militia who rose to prominence during a recent war.

At some point, some life altering event caused you to leave the organisation for a life of seclusion.  What was it?  Did you drop everything and leave immediately or did you set your affairs in order first?  Did you leave on good terms with your former allies or did you cross them when you left?  Work with your DM to determine which military organisation you were a part of, how far through its ranks you progressed, what kind of experiences you had during your military career and the reason and circumstances of your departure.

Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Medicine

Tool Proficiencies: Herbalism kit

Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: An old insignia of rank, a scroll case stuffed full of notes from your studies or prayers, a winter blanket, a set of common clothes, an herbalism kit, and 5 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Some hermits are well suited to a life of seclusion, whereas others chafe against it and long for company. Whether they embrace solitude or long to escape it, the solitary life shapes their attitudes and ideals. A few are driven slightly mad by their years apart from society.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I’ve been isolated for so long that I rarely speak, preferring gestures and the occasional grunt.
2	I am utterly serene, even in the face of disaster.
3	The leader of my community had something wise to say on every topic, and I am eager to share that wisdom.
4	I feel tremendous empathy for all who suffer.
5	I’m oblivious to etiquette and social expectations.
6	I connect everything that happens to me to a grand, cosmic plan.
7	I often get lost in my own thoughts and contemplation, becoming oblivious to my surroundings.
8	I am working on a grand philosophical theory and love sharing my ideas.

d6	Ideal
1	Greater Good. My gifts are meant to be shared with all, not used for my own benefit. (Good)
2	Logic. Emotions must not cloud our sense of what is right and true, or our logical thinking. (Lawful)
3	Free Thinking. Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress. (Chaotic)
4	Power. Solitude and contemplation are paths toward mystical or magical power. (Evil)
5	Live and Let Live. Meddling in the affairs of others only causes trouble. (Neutral)
6	Self-Knowledge. If you know yourself, there’s nothing left to know. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	Nothing is more important than the other members of my hermitage, order, or association.
2	I entered seclusion to hide from the ones who might still be hunting me. I must someday confront them.
3	I’m still seeking the enlightenment I pursued in my seclusion, and it still eludes me.
4	I entered seclusion because I loved someone I could not have.
5	Should my discovery come to light, it could bring ruin to the world.
6	My isolation gave me great insight into a great evil that only I can destroy.

d6	Flaw
1	Now that I’ve returned to the world, I enjoy its delights a little too much.
2	I harbor dark, bloodthirsty thoughts that my isolation and meditation failed to quell.
3	I am dogmatic in my thoughts and philosophy.
4	I let my need to win arguments overshadow friendships and harmony.
5	I’d risk too much to uncover a lost bit of knowledge.
6	I like keeping secrets and won’t share them with anyone.

Contacts

Depending on your rank before your departure, you could have acquaintances both within your former organisation as well as other organisations in the area.  If you were an officer in charge of an encampment or fortress you could have contacts that are or were in charge of other encampments or fortresses.  Discuss with your DM the details of the organisation to determine who you would have contact with, as well as your relationship with them.

d2	Contact
1	Former commanding officer
2	Former brother-in-arms