"The battlefield is where I found my purpose, my strength, and my scars. Every order I followed, every comrade I lost—it all shaped the soldier I’ve become."
— Darric Steelhelm, Veteran of the Iron Vanguard

Description

You were not born into wealth or privilege; your early life was one of toil and simplicity. Hailing from a small frontier village or humble beginnings, you sought an escape from a life of hardship and monotony. When the military recruiter came through, you seized the opportunity to enlist. The life of a soldier offered purpose, camaraderie, and the chance to forge your destiny through skill and determination.

Through grueling training and harrowing campaigns, you proved your worth. Your scars tell the story of battles fought, victories earned, and comrades lost. Years of discipline and service have made you a hardened veteran, capable of enduring hardships and navigating the chaos of war. Whether you served with distinction in the infantry, cavalry, or artillery, your time in the military left an indelible mark. Now retired, you carry the weight of your experiences and maintain the network of contacts and the respect you earned through service.

Attribute Bonuses

Primary Attribute: Strength (+1)

• Strength represents the physical endurance and power honed through years of combat training and carrying heavy armor, weapons, and gear.

Secondary Attribute: Constitution or Wisdom (+1)

• Constitution: Reflects the soldier’s resilience, stamina, and ability to endure the physical and mental toll of warfare.
• Wisdom: Represents battlefield awareness, tactical insight, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

A Career Soldier can fit seamlessly into campaigns involving military conflicts, political intrigue, or personal redemption. Whether they take on the role of a tactical leader, a grizzled veteran, or a wandering mercenary, their background provides opportunities for compelling character development and relationships.

Career Soldier Trinkets

As a Career Soldier, you’ve likely kept small mementos from your time in service—tokens of camaraderie, reminders of hard-fought battles, or symbols of personal milestones. Use the table below to add flavor to your character’s background. Roll a d10 or choose an item that resonates with your story.

d10	Trinket
1	A small, tarnished medal awarded to you for bravery in battle.
2	A weathered map of a battlefield, marked with notes from your campaign.
3	A battered locket containing a faded picture or small sketch of a loved one.
4	A dagger engraved with your unit's insignia or motto.
5	A tattered banner or piece of a flag taken from a victorious battle.
6	A ring carved from bone, gifted to you by a fellow soldier who didn’t survive the war.
7	A coin with a deep scratch running across it, used as a good luck charm during campaigns.
8	A journal filled with tactical notes, sketches of enemy formations, and reflections on the war.
9	A broken arrowhead or bullet that once struck you, now worn on a leather cord as a necklace.
10	A small pouch of dirt or stone from your home village, carried as a reminder of your roots.

Skill Proficiencies: Years of training instilled in you a deep understanding of the art of war and the strength to carry it out.

Tool Proficiencies: Time spent in barracks and campaigns taught you skills for both leisure and navigation.

Languages: Your service required effective communication, even in silence.

Equipment:

• A well-maintained longsword and longbow, both carried through your service.
• A set of studded leather armor, reflecting your rank and readiness.
• A deck of playing cards, a reminder of camaraderie with fellow soldiers.
• A map or chart from your campaigns, a keepsake of your service.
• A small pouch containing 15 gold pieces.

Suggested Characteristics

d4	Personality Trait
1	"Discipline is the foundation of my life; I face every challenge with focus and determination.”
2	“I take pride in my scars—they’re proof I can endure anything.”
3	“I speak plainly and expect others to do the same; there’s no time for nonsense in the field.”
4	“I treat everyone like a comrade until they prove otherwise.”

d4	Ideal
1	Honor: “I follow a code of conduct that reflects the discipline and loyalty I was taught.” (Lawful)
2	Survival: “In war and life, survival is the only goal that matters.” (Neutral)
3	Duty: “I owe my life to my comrades and my country—I will protect both at any cost.” (Good)
4	Conquest: “Victory is everything; the strong prevail, and the weak serve.” (Evil)

d4	Bond
1	“My former unit is like family to me—I’d do anything to protect them.”
2	“I carry a memento of a fallen comrade, reminding me to live in their honor.”
3	“I owe my career to a commanding officer who saw potential in me and gave me a chance.”
4	“A legendary weapon or artifact of my unit’s history is my greatest treasure.”

d4	Flaw
1	“I have trouble adjusting to civilian life after years of war.”
2	“I solve problems with force, even when diplomacy would be wiser.”
3	“I struggle to trust anyone who hasn’t shared the hardships of battle with me.”
4	“I am haunted by the faces of those I failed to save.”

Contacts

Career Soldier Contacts

Military Officer or Commander

• A former superior who guided and mentored you during your service. This person respects your abilities and may provide advice, resources, or even assignments in times of need. In return, they might expect your loyalty and support for their current endeavors.

Comrade-in-Arms

• A trusted ally with whom you shared countless battles. This individual knows your strengths and flaws intimately, and you share an unbreakable bond forged in the crucible of combat. They may assist you in dangerous situations or join you on missions, but they may also call upon you for help in times of personal need.

Quartermaster or Blacksmith

• The individual responsible for equipping and maintaining your unit's gear. They respect your dedication to caring for your equipment and may provide access to rare or high-quality gear, tools, or supplies.

Civilians You Protected

• Someone whose life or livelihood you safeguarded during your service. This could be a merchant, a village leader, or a noble whose home or trade route you defended. They may offer you shelter, resources, or political connections out of gratitude.

Mercenary or Retired Soldier

• A veteran who has transitioned to civilian life or joined a mercenary company. They share your understanding of military life and may act as a valuable informant, providing intelligence on threats or opportunities. They might also offer introductions to mercenary work or adventuring parties.

Enemy Turned Ally

• A former adversary with whom you found common ground after a conflict. This contact may have insider knowledge of enemy tactics or resources but might also harbor lingering distrust or tension from your shared past.