“Bogatyr” is as much a title as it is a calling. Bogatyrs are the unsung heroes in the world, guardians devoted to protecting the natural from the dark and evil supernatural. It takes years of training, devotion, research, and practice for one to earn the honor of the title. These guardians don’t belong to any kingdom or creed, but are an independent order with their own laws, traditions, and goals. Those who wish to become a bogatyr must first be accepted by a distinguished member. The most outstanding of those hopefuls are assigned a mentor that best suits their skillset. An apprentice begins their training with hours of dry reading, combing through heavy tomes on simple and dangerous monsters alike, as well as ancient techniques and secrets for fighting the endless forces of evil. Once the apprentice passes their first test of knowledge, martial combat training begins, by which time most apprentices break under the pressure—which is what the training is designed to do. Those who persevere and complete their preparations earn themselves the title of Bogatyr Apprentice. Commonly, the apprentice’s first few missions are supervised by their mentor. Once the mentor deems the student ready, the apprentice is sent on a solo mission where their skills and knowledge are put to the final test—the real and unforgiving world. To become an apprentice of such esteemed, renowned masters of monster slaying, one must see past one’s own self and understand the bigger picture of how monsters form and survive within the Great Cycle. Then, and only then—with time, devotion, and experience—can one even be considered to become a full-fledged bogatyr. When choosing this background, speak to your GM to determine where your base of operations is. Have you arrived from a small, local faction of bogatyrs, or a larger settlement with a more concentrated force? Is this your first solo mission? What missions have you done with your mentor, if any? What type of creatures (such as werewolves, fiends, vampires, or other supernatural creatures) have you encountered before, and which do you specialize in fighting?

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two among Acrobatics, Arcana, Athletics, Perception, or Survival

Languages: Two of your choice

Equipment: A Bogatyr Apprentice badge, a book of monster lore (GM determines the contents), a hunting trap, a set of manacles, a flask of holy water, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp