Ronin

Background: Ronin

You were once a samurai, a sworn warrior who lived by honor and duty. However, fate severed your ties—perhaps your master was slain, your clan was disgraced, or you were cast out for defying an unjust command. Now, you wander without a lord, wielding your blade as a mercenary, protector, or seeker of redemption.

Skill Proficiencies: Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Perception

Tool Proficiencies: Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set or calligrapher's supplies

Languages: Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: Equipment: A set of traveler’s clothes, a token from your past (a broken clan insignia, a bloodstained letter, a piece of your master’s armor, etc.), a whetstone, and a pouch with 10 gold.

Suggested Characteristics

Personality Traits

 

1. I speak little, letting my blade and my actions speak for me.

 

 

2. Honor still matters to me, even if I no longer serve a master.

 

 

3. I have a strong sense of justice and defend the weak when I can.

 

 

4. I keep my past hidden—those who know it may try to exploit it.

 

 

5. I drink and gamble to forget my disgrace.

 

 

6. My loyalty is easily earned, but once betrayed, I never forgive.

 

 

7. I still perform the rituals of my former life, even if they feel hollow now.

 

 

8. I wander not just in body, but in spirit, searching for meaning.

 

 

 

Ideals

 

1. Redemption – I seek to restore my honor, even if it takes a lifetime. (Lawful)

 

 

2. Freedom – No lord, no master—only the open road. (Chaotic)

 

 

3. Duty – Even without a clan, I must protect those who cannot protect themselves. (Good)

 

 

4. Revenge – Those who wronged me will taste my blade. (Evil)

 

 

5. Power – I lost everything once; I will never be weak again. (Neutral)

 

 

6. Balance – The world is ever-changing, and I must move with it. (Any)

 

 

 

Bonds

 

1. My master was murdered, and I will not rest until I find the killer.

 

 

2. A fellow exile is my only true friend—we watch each other’s backs.

 

 

3. I carry a relic of my fallen clan, vowing to one day restore its honor.

 

 

4. A young warrior reminds me of who I used to be—I must guide them.

 

 

5. I swore an oath to protect someone important, even in exile.

 

 

6. A secret from my past threatens to catch up with me.

 

 

 

Flaws

 

1. I struggle with guilt and self-loathing, questioning if I was ever worthy.

 

 

2. My pride refuses to let me back down, even when I should.

 

 

3. I am haunted by nightmares of my past, sometimes waking in a cold sweat.

 

 

4. I trust no one fully, fearing betrayal.

 

 

5. I find it hard to let go of old grudges.

 

 

6. Violence is the only solution I truly understand.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I speak little, letting my blade and my actions speak for me.
2	Honor still matters to me, even if I no longer serve a master.
3	I have a strong sense of justice and defend the weak when I can.
4	keep my past hidden—those who know it may try to exploit it.
5	I drink and gamble to forget my disgrace.
6	I still perform the rituals of my former life, even if they feel hollow now.
7	My loyalty is easily earned, but once betrayed, I never forgive.
8	I wander not just in body, but in spirit, searching for meaning.

d6	Ideal
1	I seek to restore my honor, even if it takes a lifetime. (Lawful)
2	No lord, no master—only the open road. (Chaotic)
3	Even without a clan, I must protect those who cannot protect themselves. (Good)
4	Those who wronged me will taste my blade. (Evil)
5	I lost everything once, I will never be weak again. (Neutral)
6	The world is ever-changing, and I must move with it. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	My master was murdered, and I will not rest until I find the killer.
2	A fellow exile is my only true friend—we watch each other’s backs.
3	I carry a relic of my fallen clan, vowing to one day restore its honor.
4	A young warrior reminds me of who I used to be—I must guide them.
5	I swore an oath to protect someone important, even in exile.
6	A secret from my past threatens to catch up with me.

d6	Flaw
1	I struggle with guilt and self-loathing, questioning if I was ever worthy.
2	My pride refuses to let me back down, even when I should.
3	I am haunted by nightmares of my past, sometimes waking in a cold sweat.
4	I trust no one fully, fearing betrayal.
5	I find it hard to let go of old grudges.
6	Violence is the only solution I truly understand.