Ronin

"Honor is my blade, freedom my shield, and the road my master."
— Kaien Ishiro, Wandering Blade

Description

As a Ronin, you are a masterless warrior, unbound by allegiance but tethered to a personal code of honor. Once part of a noble warrior class, the fall of your lord or clan left you to forge your own path in a chaotic world. Whether you seek redemption, revenge, or simply survival, you balance freedom with the weight of your past.

Ronin embody the ideals of martial discipline and independence. Their lives are marked by self-discovery, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of purpose. Wandering as mercenaries, protectors, or avengers, Ronin bring their exceptional skills and steadfast resolve to those in need.

Attribute Bonuses:

• Two ability scores of your choice increase by +1.

Trinkets Table

Roll a d8 or choose one:

d8	Trinket
1	A banner fragment from your fallen clan.
2	A small token engraved with your former lord’s crest.
3	A whetstone used during moments of reflection.
4	A small book of teachings or philosophies you follow.
5	A braided cord given by a village you once defended.
6	A broken blade, a reminder of a past failure.
7	A carved wooden figure representing a guardian spirit.
8	A flask engraved with a symbol of your personal code.

Using the Ronin Background

This background is ideal for Fighters, Samurai, or Monks who value freedom, redemption, and honor. Ronin thrive on independence and personal growth, offering rich opportunities for roleplay centered on self-discovery, loyalty, and the pursuit of purpose. Whether defending the weak, seeking vengeance, or restoring honor, Ronin bring discipline and resolve to any journey.

 

Skill Proficiencies:

• Athletics: Reflecting your physical training and combat prowess.
• Perception: To remain vigilant in both battle and travel.

Tool Proficiencies:

• One set of artisan’s tools of your choice.
• One gaming set of your choice.

Languages:

• Common
• One additional language, often reflecting the cultures you’ve encountered in your travels.

Equipment:

• A set of traveler’s clothes.
• A katana or longsword (your choice).
• A shortbow and quiver with 20 arrows.
• A set of artisan's tools of your choice.
• A pouch containing 10 gold pieces.

Suggested Characteristics

d4	Personality Trait
1	"I remain calm and collected, rarely showing my emotions."
2	"I am fiercely loyal to those who earn my trust."
3	"I adhere to a personal code of honor, even in dire circumstances."
4	"I reflect often on my past, letting my choices guide my present actions."

d3	Ideal
1	Freedom: "I seek the freedom to make my own choices without the constraints of a master." (Chaotic)
2	Honor: "Even without a master, I uphold the principles that define a true warrior." (Lawful)
3	Redemption: "I strive to atone for my past and honor those I’ve failed." (Good)

d3	Bond
1	"I carry a token from my former lord, a reminder of my duty and heritage."
2	"I seek to restore my clan’s honor, no matter the odds."
3	"A past failure drives me to ensure I never repeat the same mistake."

d3	Flaw
1	"I find it difficult to trust others, keeping my true thoughts hidden."
2	"I struggle to let go of my past, letting it cloud my judgment."
3	"I can be quick to anger when I perceive a slight against my honor."

Contacts

Ronin Contacts

Your wandering life has forged bonds with allies and mentors:

• A former comrade who now fights for a different cause.
• A village elder whose people you protected.
• A wandering swordsman who taught you techniques in exchange for companionship.
• A merchant who supplies you with gear and stories of far-off lands.