War was always a longstanding goal for your future. You trained as a youth, studied the use of weapons and armor, learned basic survival techniques, including how to stay alive on the battlefield. You might have joined part of a standing national army or a mercenary company, or perhaps trained as a member of a local militia. At some point during, or perhaps even before, this time, you realized this wasn't the right path for you. Perhaps it was at some point amidst the chaos of battle, or perhaps it was under the sheath of night, but you nonetheless deserted your comrades and are now on the run.
When you choose this background, work with your DM to determine which military organization you were a part of, how far through its ranks you progressed, and what kind of experiences you had during your military career, as well as why and when you deserted. Was it a standing army, a town guard, or a village militia? Or it might have been a noble’s or merchant’s private army, or a mercenary company. Did you discover corruption among your superiors? Are you a conscientious objector, a pacifist, or maybe just a coward? Is it possible you disagreed with your unit's ideals and methods, and maybe even worked against them in secret? These are all things to consider when making a Deserter.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among Survival, Deception, Athletics, or Stealth
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of Artisan's tools, one type of gaming set
- Equipment: A small, easily concealed weapon you stole during service (a dagger, shortsword, handaxe, or light hammer), one set of Artisan's tools (your choice), and a set of common clothes
During your time as a soldier, you had a specific role to play in your unit or army. Roll a d8 or choose from the options in the table below to determine your role:
| d8 | Specialty |
|---|---|
| 1 | Officer |
| 2 | Scout |
| 3 | Infantry |
| 4 | Cavalry |
| 5 | Healer |
| 6 | Quartermaster |
| 7 | Standard bearer |
| 8 | Support staff (cook, blacksmith, or the like) |
Your former military rank and status has been revoked. While soldiers loyal to your former military organization may still recognize your authority and influence, those that know of your desertion will likely be less than amicable. Depending on your former employer and the individuals confronting you, they may be at best benign, and at worst, hostile. However, there are some organizations and people who could do with some good information on your company; enemy military organizations, or individuals with grudges, will likely be willing to offer you living quarters, basic equipment, and compensation for any information or service for their efforts, and will even be willing to protect you from the law or any other forces if their power and influence permits.
Suggested Characteristics
The rigorous discipline required for military service is often not found among those who choose to leave it, and the ideals, bonds, and traits of deserters are accordingly often self-driven and less rigid than those who chose to commit their lives to war.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am often told that I am rude and have no tact. |
| 2 | I’m reluctant to solve issues with violence, and prefer to take a diplomatic approach. |
| 3 | I tend to be preoccupied with fantasy and fiction- the imaginary is much more intriguing than bleak reality! |
| 4 | I’m full of inspiring and cautionary tales from my military experience, although I tend to leave out the fact that some might not be entirely true. |
| 5 | I have opinions and anything and everything, and I will always share them. |
| 6 | I am constantly worried of where strangers' loyalties may lie, and so I am slow to make new friends. |
| 7 | I have a crude sense of humor. |
| 8 | I tend to talk around my issues- confrontation isn't my strong suit. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Peace. War is not the be all and end all, and everyone is touched by it. (Good) |
| 2 | Responsibility. I serve the needs of the many, but my service is of greater value outside the army. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Independence. When people follow orders blindly, they embrace a kind of tyranny. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Self. I owe nothing to anyone but myself. (Evil) |
| 5 | Live and Let Live. Ideals aren’t worth killing over or going to war for. (Neutral) |
| 6 | People. I'm loyal to my friends, not to any ideals. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I will stop at nothing to expose the corruption of my former superiors. |
| 2 | I left my post to help a good friend in need, and I will do so again if need be. |
| 3 | My reputation is my life. I can't let anyone know of my desertion. |
| 4 | I’ll never forget the crushing defeat my company suffered or the enemies who dealt it. |
| 5 | I have an old friend who helped me desert, and I would easily help that friend do the same. |
| 6 | I have a family member who financially supported me after my desertion, and now I owe them a great favor. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am easily intimidated and will run at the first sign of hell or high water. |
| 2 | I have little respect for those who engage in brute violence. |
| 3 | I made a terrible mistake in battle that cost many lives—and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret. |
| 4 | I secretly betrayed my former unit, and I would do it again given the choice. |
| 5 | I'd rather kill someone in their sleep than fight fair. |
| 6 | I’d rather lie and deceive than admit my faults. |
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