You survived when a lot of people did not. A war which left local cities in ruins, sending people fleeing as refugees away from their homes. The fighting lasted months, years before there was an end to the conflict. And while officially the war was over, you never really get away from the memories. A shadow follows you around. Memories of victories and upsets, of friends dying and nights spent in the cold waiting to see if it was the night you would die.
Work with your Dungeon Master to detail the war you were part of. Who were the enemies? What was the war about and why did it last so long? Did your side have allies? These questions and more might influence how your character responds when confronted by reminders of the war.
- Skill Proficiencies: Choose one of Medicine, Perception, Stealth, or Survival
- Languages: Choose one language associated with the enemy forces.
- Equipment: A reminder or trophy taken from a fallen enemy or major battle you survived, a set of bone dice or deck of cards, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp
Those who survived the war outside the walls of a city often saw things they wish they hadn't, things which stick with them the rest of their lives. Surviving the war left you scarred mentally as well as physically. You have nightmares which manifest almost nightly.
| d10 | The Nightmare |
|---|---|
| 1 | You made a mistake on the field and it lead to the death of allies. |
| 2 | You were alone for days in the mountains, hounded by an enemy you couldn't see. |
| 3 | You weren't strong or fast enough and it cost an innocent person their life, and their face haunts you. |
| 4 | It was a vital mission, and it had to succeed. So you did what you had to do, and it haunts you to this day. |
| 5 | One night as you watched helpless your friend was kidnapped from the trenches by a demon or dragon. |
| 6 | You blacked out during the war, and when you came too you discovered you had raged and killed innocents. |
| 7 | A member of your unit was charmed during combat, and you were forced to cut them down, but not before they killed others. |
| 8 | Raiding a necromancer's lair, you saw things down there you will never forget. |
| 9 | You witnessed a rout of allies when a defensive line broke and saw dozens killed. |
| 10 | You did terrible things to avenge the murder of someone you loved. You became a monster, and it haunts your waking dreams. |
Those who fought in the war were changed. It almost seemed like the lucky ones were the ones who died on the fields. But you're a survivor and survival often meant known when and where to camp, when to light a fire and when to eat a cold meal behind the bushes. When ever you're in the wilderness you have an almost sixth sense about the best places to set camp, or what places might be best to avoid an ambush.. or set one up.
Suggested Characteristics
While your dreams are still haunted by your experiences and you can finally rest, the war has still left it's mark on you.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | Few problems can't be solved by a good offense. |
| 2 | I have found a small token or stanza which which I reach for to help silence the memories. |
| 3 | Gold holds no value to me, not in the face of what really matters. |
| 4 | Patience is a virtue I learned early to survive, sometimes you just have to remain very still. |
| 5 | My memories are mine own, I don't need to share. |
| 6 | Faith is the only thing which kept me alive. |
| 7 | I fought to protect the weak, that fight never ended. |
| 8 | There is pleasure in defeating my enemies. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | If I don't protect the weak, who will? (Good) |
| 2 | No cost, no sacrifice, is too great if it means ending the enemy. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | I kill monsters to make the world a safer place, and to exorcise my own demons. (Good) |
| 4 | My enemies are not people, they are things. And things deserve what they get. (Evil) |
| 5 | Caution is an underestimated trait in war. (Any) |
| 6 | I will follow any order I am given by a recognized authority. (Lawful) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | The greatest sign of trust I have to give is telling you of my time during the war. |
| 2 | One day I want to learn what happened to my friend who went missing.. |
| 3 | Forming friendships or relationships is difficult for me, I tend to push at people. |
| 4 | I did terrible things, and I feel no remorse for it. |
| 5 | I hope to one day redeem myself by giving my life to save another. |
| 6 | When I see children, I remember why I fought. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have to use ale or wine to drown out the memories. |
| 2 | I keep a collection of trophies from any kill of mine. |
| 3 | Every death is a sacrifice in the name of a Greater Good. |
| 4 | My hatred for my enemies often blinds my thinking. |
| 5 | The war isn't over. One day they will attack again, and we must be ready. |
| 6 | I see my fallen friends every time I close my eyes, and they tell me things. |
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