"Nature’s balance is both delicate and unyielding; I strive to maintain it."
— Alaric Thornwind, Keeper of the Verdant Paths

Description

Wildwalkers are the guardians, wanderers, and scouts of the untamed wilderness, deeply attuned to its rhythms and mysteries. They protect sacred groves, explore uncharted lands, and serve as emissaries of nature’s wrath when the balance is threatened. Their lives are intertwined with the land, drawing strength and wisdom from its beauty and power.

Whether guiding others through treacherous terrain, defending nature from exploitation, or uncovering its secrets, Wildwalkers embody the spirit of the wild—fierce, free, and deeply connected to the natural world.

Attribute Bonuses:

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

Trinkets Table

Roll a d8 or choose one:

d8	Trinket
1	A polished stone etched with runes said to bring protection.
2	A feather from a rare bird, imbued with faint magic.
3	A vial of glowing sap harvested from an ancient tree.
4	A leather pouch filled with seeds of unknown origin.
5	A journal filled with sketches of rare plants and creatures.
6	A carved wooden figure of an animal that serves as your totem.
7	A map of an unexplored region, annotated with cryptic symbols.
8	A small charm woven from grass and twigs, said to ward off evil.

Using the Wildwalker Background

This background is ideal for Rangers, Druids, or Barbarians who thrive in roles of exploration, protection, and wilderness survival. Wildwalkers excel in campaigns centered on nature’s mysteries, sacred lands, and the balance between civilization and the wild. Whether guiding allies through perilous terrain, uncovering ancient secrets, or defending the untamed beauty of the natural world, Wildwalkers bring a blend of wisdom and ferocity to any adventure.

 

Skill Proficiencies:

• Survival: For thriving in the wilderness and navigating difficult terrain.
• Nature: To identify flora, fauna, and natural phenomena.

Tool Proficiencies:

• Herbalism Kit: For crafting potions and remedies.
• Cartographer’s Tools or Navigator’s Tools (your choice): To map routes and navigate through the wilds.

Languages:

• Common
• One additional language, reflecting the diversity of the lands you traverse.

Equipment: You begin with the following equipment:

• A set of durable traveler’s clothes suitable for your region of origin
• A hunting knife or small wood-carving tool
• A journal containing sketches of plants, animals, and locations you’ve encountered
• A pouch of dried herbs useful for healing or rituals
• A pouch containing 10 gp

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I feel at peace when surrounded by the natural world, even in its wildest and most dangerous forms.
2	I see the beauty in every part of nature, from the tiniest insect to the fiercest predator.
3	I tend to speak little, preferring to observe and listen.
4	I have a deep respect for the balance of life and death in nature.
5	I enjoy sharing stories of my travels and the wonders I’ve seen.
6	I have a fierce, protective instinct for the natural world and those who respect it.
7	I am more comfortable in the wild than among civilization.
8	I have a knack for reading people as I do the land, sensing their intentions.

d6	Ideal
1	Balance: Nature’s harmony must be maintained at all costs. (Neutral)
2	Freedom: The wilderness embodies freedom, and no one should seek to tame it. (Chaotic)
3	Protection: It is my duty to guard the natural world against destruction. (Good)
4	Knowledge: Every part of nature holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. (Neutral)
5	Power: To control the wild is to control life itself. (Evil)
6	Preservation: The wilds must endure for future generations to appreciate. (Lawful)

d6	Bond
1	A sacred grove, mountain, or river is under my protection, and I would give my life for it.
2	I owe my survival to an animal companion or spirit guide.
3	A mentor taught me to respect the wild, and I honor their memory with my actions.
4	A settlement relies on me to protect them from the dangers of the wilderness.
5	I am searching for a lost place, species, or artifact tied to nature’s mysteries.
6	The destruction of a forest or other natural site left me with a deep sense of loss and purpose.

d6	Flaw
1	I am distrustful of cities and the people who dwell in them.
2	My connection to nature sometimes makes me reckless when dealing with unnatural threats.
3	I struggle to communicate with others, preferring the company of animals and plants.
4	I am fiercely protective of nature and sometimes act without considering the consequences.
5	I can become overly attached to the wild, forgetting the needs of those around me.
6	My wanderlust prevents me from staying in one place or forming deep connections.

Contacts

Wildwalker Contacts

Your role as a Wildwalker has forged bonds within the natural and civilized world:

• A druid or ranger who shares your passion for protecting the wilds.
• A village elder who relies on your wisdom and guidance.
• An herbalist who trades rare ingredients and knowledge with you.
• A wandering bard who records your tales of adventure and survival.