"In the shadows, there’s no room for doubt. Every step, every breath, every strike must be precise. Failure isn’t an option—it’s just another mission we don’t come back from."
— Kaelen Vryne, Veteran Commando of the Silent Blades

Description

You were more than just a soldier; you were a member of an elite unit entrusted with the most critical and dangerous missions. As a commando, you were trained in a variety of advanced skills, making you adept at infiltration, reconnaissance, sabotage, and high-stakes combat. Your missions were rarely spoken of, but their success was often vital to the survival of your nation, organization, or cause.

Your time as a commando honed you into a versatile and resourceful operative, capable of adapting to any environment or challenge. Whether sneaking through enemy lines, gathering critical intelligence, or launching surprise assaults, you operated with precision and resolve. Though you’ve left active duty, the lessons you learned and the scars you carry remain with you. Your expertise in covert operations and your ability to thrive under extreme pressure set you apart from the average soldier.

Attribute Bonuses

Primary Attribute: Dexterity (+1)

• Dexterity represents the commando’s agility, precision, and ability to move stealthily and react quickly under pressure.

Secondary Attribute: Wisdom or Intelligence (+1)

• Wisdom: Reflects keen situational awareness, perception, and the survival instincts necessary for reconnaissance and stealth operations.
• Intelligence: Represents analytical thinking, tactical planning, and the ability to decipher complex situations and strategies.

 

Skill Proficiencies:

• Insight, Investigation, Perception, Survival, Stealth
  Your missions demanded a sharp mind, keen senses, and the ability to stay undetected.

Tool Proficiencies:

• Cartographer’s Tools, Navigator’s Tools, Thieves’ Tools
  Your training equipped you with the tools necessary to map unknown terrain, navigate unfamiliar regions, and bypass locks or traps.

Languages:

• Common, Common Sign Language, and one additional language
  Effective communication was vital for operations across diverse regions and with allied forces.

Equipment:

• A dagger and shortbow, representing your preference for versatile and compact weapons.
• A set of studded leather armor, offering a balance of protection and mobility.
• A map case containing charts or diagrams from one of your missions.
• A small pouch containing 15 gold pieces and a simple lockpick set, reflecting your resourceful nature.

Suggested Characteristics

d4	Personality Trait
1	“I stay calm in any situation; I’ve seen worse.”
2	“I rely on careful planning, but I’m always ready to improvise when things go wrong.”
3	“I prefer to let my actions speak louder than words.”
4	“I’m always assessing the people and places around me for threats.”

d4	Ideal
1	Precision: “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” (Lawful)
2	Survival: “The only way to win is to live to fight another day.” (Neutral)
3	Sacrifice: “I fight not for myself, but for those who cannot.” (Good)
4	Vengeance: “Every strike I make is for the comrades I lost.” (Evil)

d4	Bond
1	“I owe my life to the team that pulled me out of the fire.”
2	“A memento from a fallen comrade reminds me of my duty to honor their memory.”
3	“I swore an oath to protect someone, and I’ll see it through no matter the cost.”
4	“A piece of equipment I crafted or customized is my constant companion.”

d4	Flaw
1	“I struggle to trust anyone outside my team; loyalty must be earned.”
2	“I find it difficult to let go of the past, especially the failures.”
3	“I can be too blunt, even when tact would serve me better.”
4	“I tend to take on more responsibility than I can handle, fearing failure.”

Contacts

As a Veteran Commando, your specialized training and experience in high-stakes missions have connected you with individuals who share your elite background or benefited from your expertise. These contacts are often tied to the covert nature of your work, offering valuable resources, information, or assistance when needed. Below are potential types of contacts a Veteran Commando might have:

d8	Contact
1	A trusted comrade from your days in the field who shared in your missions and knows your capabilities intimately. This individual might still operate in the shadows or have transitioned to civilian life but remains someone you can rely on for support, whet
2	The officer, agent, or strategist who assigned your missions and ensured you had the resources you needed. While their involvement may have been purely professional, they likely still value your skills and could act as a source of classified information, d
3	An informant you worked with during your missions, often a rogue operative, spy, or contact within an enemy faction. They might still provide you with insider knowledge about dangerous individuals, rival organizations, or upcoming threats. However, their m
4	Someone you were sent to capture, eliminate, or protect who now works with you out of mutual respect or shared goals. This person could be a former enemy with valuable knowledge or a political figure whose survival depended on your success. Their connectio
5	An armorer, inventor, or resource specialist who equipped your team with the tools you needed for your missions. They respect your expertise and often provide access to rare equipment, modifications, or black-market goods. In return, they may ask for favor
6	A commanding officer, leader of a mercenary group, or influential figure in the military who recognizes your skill and discipline. They may act as a sponsor, offering you work, political leverage, or safe havens, but they might also expect you to assist wi
7	Someone you saved during a mission—whether a merchant, noble, or local leader—who feels indebted to you. They may provide shelter, funds, or influence to assist you, though their lack of field experience may limit their ability to fully understand the risk
8	A fellow commando or operative who trained alongside you or worked against you during your career. While you might not consider them an ally, there’s a shared respect and understanding of each other’s abilities. They might assist you in times of great need