Professional Duelist

You've fought for wealth, power, and privilege, not on the battlefield, but in the ring; a lawyer with a sword, dueling to first-drawn blood over property disputes, feuds, and politics. On rare occasion a duel may be to the death, but typically injuries heal quickly. 

Did you simply fight to win as quickly and cleanly as possible? Did you take extra money to humiliate or injure your opponent? Did you ever take a bribe to take a dive? Do you fight with some unique style to display skill, and attract clients?

Are you in your family’s good graces, or shunned by the rest of your family? To receive such training your family was likely old and established, or at least wealthy enough to send you to fencing lessons young. Perhaps they dreamt you'd earn a knighthood one day. Were you rejected, or still trying to earn it? Are you so far down the line of inheritance that no one cares what you do, as long as you don’t embarrass the family, or is dueling highly regarded? How do the common people regard you? Did you take the side of the poorer folk and justice, or simply fight for whoever paid you the most? What separates you from a common mercenary or thug?

Why have you stopped? Do you simply desire more from life, or have you angered the wrong family in the ring? Maybe you accidentally killed someone you fought, or put someone powerful to shame.

 

 

Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics OR Intimidation, Performance OR Athletics

Tool Proficiencies: Smith's Tools OR Tinker's Tools

You keep your blades shiny and sharp, for form as much as function.

Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a Longsword OR  Rapier, Dagger a scroll of pedigree, and a purse containing 10 gp

Suggested Characteristics

Nobles are born and raised to a very different lifestyle than most people ever experience, and their personalities reflect that upbringing. You are more than likely of low-ranking noble birth to have made your way as a Duelist, and likely not in line to inherit much to be allowed to risk your life for relatively little gain. 

d9	Personality Trait
1	My eloquent flattery makes everyone I talk to feel like the most wonderful and important person in the world.
2	The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity.
3	No one could doubt by looking at my regal bearing that I am a cut above the unwashed masses.
4	I take great pains to always look my best and follow the latest fashions.
5	Despite my noble birth, I do not place myself above other folk. We all have the same blood.
6	My favor, once lost, is lost forever.
7	If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields.
8	The only way to earn my respect is to best me with a blade.
9	What happens in the ring is the will of the gods, whoever wins was clearly is the right.

d5	Ideal
1	Responsibility. It is my duty to respect the authority of those above me, just as those below me must respect mine. (Lawful)
2	Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of my family. (Chaotic)
3	Family. Blood runs thicker than water. (Any)
4	Obligation. It is my duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves, even if it means I bleed for it. (Good)
5	I'm here for the gold, I don't care who is or isn't guilty.

d6	Bond
1	I will face any challenge to win the approval of my family.
2	Nothing is more important than the other members of my family.
3	I am in love with the heir of a family that my family despises.
4	My loyalty to my sovereign is unwavering.
5	The common folk must see me as a hero of the people.
6	I will champion my patron deity in the ring.

d5	Flaw
1	I secretly believe that everyone is beneath me.
2	I hide a truly scandalous secret that could ruin my family forever.
3	I too often hear veiled insults and threats in every word addressed to me, and I’m quick to anger.
4	I have an insatiable desire for decadent pleasures.
5	By my words and actions, I often bring shame to my family.