You have walked a path paved with steel, your skill with a blade your most trusted companion. Perhaps you were a sellsword in a grand army, a lone ronin cast adrift from their master, or simply someone whose talent for combat has led them to a life of taking coin for their services. The clang of steel, the weight of a well-balanced weapon, and the knowledge that your skill can mean the difference between life and death are deeply ingrained in your being. You are a master of your chosen weapon, and while you may yearn for stability or a true home, the road and the next contract often beckon.
- Skill Proficiencies: Two of Acrobatics, Athletics, Insight, Perception, Intimidation, or Persuasion.
- Tool Proficiencies: Leather Workers Tools or Smith’s Tools.
- Languages: One language of your choice
- Equipment: A well-maintained weapon of your choice, a set of traveler's clothes, a belt pouch containing 15 gp, a whetstone, and either a set of leather worker’s tools or smith’s tools.
You may have become a wandering swordsman for a number of reasons. Disillusionment with an organization you were once part of; Maybe you were an enforcer for a gang, a soldier on the frontlines tired of fighting for other people’s causes, or grew weary of being at the beck and call of others. Maybe it was a call to hone your skills and surpass a rival or a former master. Maybe it was the loss of someone you cared about that left you seeking redemption and a new purpose in life. Maybe you have an oath to keep or a vow of revenge against someone who committed a great wrong. Or maybe because this is what you’re best at and you seek the thrill of adventure and the freedom to carve out your own destiny.
| d8 | Wherever the Wind Blows |
|---|---|
| 1 | Loss of Home or Allegiance: Perhaps your home was destroyed and your loved ones murdered leaving you with nowhere else to go but the open road. Or maybe the organization or lord you served was overthrown or betrayed you, leaving you without a cause or master. |
| 2 | Honing Your Skills: Some warriors believe that the only way to truly master their craft is to face the strongest opponents and learn from different fighting styles across the land. Wandering becomes a form of constant training and self-improvement. |
| 3 | Disillusionment with Society: Perhaps you grew tired of the politics, corruption, or injustice you witnessed in a more settled life. Becoming a wandering warrior allows you to live by your own code and choose your own battles. |
| 4 | A Sense of Duty or Oath: You might have sworn an oath to protect someone or something that requires you to travel, or you might be on a pilgrimage of sorts, where the journey itself is as important as the destination. |
| 5 | A Quest for Something More: You might be searching for a lost artifact, seeking a specific person, or trying to unravel a mystery that requires you to travel far and wide. The wandering life becomes a means to an end. |
| 6 | Exile or Running from the Past: You might have been forced to leave your home due to a crime you committed (or were accused of), a debt you incurred, or a dangerous enemy you made. The wandering life offers anonymity and a chance to stay one step ahead. |
| 7 | Simply a Means of Survival: For some, a talent with a blade is their most marketable skill. In a world filled with dangers, selling your services as a guard, mercenary, or problem-solver might be the most reliable way to earn a living. |
| 8 | The Thrill of the Road and Self-Reliance: Some individuals are simply not cut out for settled life. The constant change, the need to adapt to new environments, and the reliance solely on one's own skills can be an intoxicating draw for a certain personality. |
Choose one of the following feats; Lucky, Savage Attacker, Skilled, or Tough.
Suggested Characteristics
Below are some suggested characteristics to select from and help get you started as a wandering warrior.
|
Appearance |
Mannerism |
|
Weathered face with a prominent scar across the brow. |
Frequently sharpens their weapon, even when it doesn't seem necessary. |
|
Piercing eyes that seem to constantly scan their surroundings. |
Speaks in short, concise sentences, rarely wasting words. |
|
Calloused hands that bear the marks of countless hours of weapon practice. |
Has a habit of touching the hilt of their weapon when feeling uneasy. |
|
Moves with a fluid grace that belies their rugged appearance. |
Often hums or whistles a melancholic tune. |
|
Wears practical, well-maintained clothing that allows for ease of movement. |
Has a peculiar way of cleaning their fingernails with the tip of a knife. |
|
Possesses a strong, muscular build honed from years of combat. |
Avoids eye contact for extended periods, suggesting a guarded nature. |
|
Has a distinctive hairstyle or beard that reflects their former affiliation. |
Occasionally lapses into the jargon or customs of their past profession. |
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am slow to trust, having seen the fickle nature of those who pay for my services. |
| 2 | I carry myself with a quiet intensity, always observing my surroundings. |
| 3 | Despite my profession, I have a strong personal code of honor that I rarely break. |
| 4 | I find solace in the simple routines of weapon maintenance and camp setup. |
| 5 | I have a dry wit and often use humor to deflect serious situations. |
| 6 | I am fiercely independent and resent being told what to do. |
| 7 | Beneath a hardened exterior, I have a deep longing for companionship and belonging. |
| 8 | I speak plainly and directly, valuing efficiency over pleasantries. |
| d8 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Honor: My word is my bond, and I always strive to fulfill my obligations. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Freedom: No one dictates my path. I choose my own destiny. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Might: Strength and skill are the ultimate measures of a person's worth. (Any) |
| 4 | Justice: I believe in protecting the innocent and punishing the wicked, even if it's not my contract. (Good) |
| 5 | Survival: The world is a harsh place, and one must do whatever it takes to endure. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Duty: I have a responsibility to someone or something that compels my actions. (Any) |
| 7 | Glory: I seek to make a name for myself through my deeds and skill in combat. (Any) |
| 8 | Peace: I long for a time when swords are no longer needed, and I can finally rest. (Neutral Good) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am indebted to someone who once saved my life or showed me great kindness. |
| 2 | I carry a memento of a fallen comrade or loved one and will not let their memory fade. |
| 3 | I am searching for a specific artifact or piece of knowledge that is important to my past. |
| 4 | I have sworn an oath to protect a person, place, or ideal. |
| 5 | I feel a responsibility towards a group of people I once fought alongside. |
| 6 | I am driven by a desire to avenge a past wrong committed against me or those I cared about. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have a weakness for strong drink or gambling. |
| 2 | I struggle to form close relationships, fearing loss or betrayal. |
| 3 | My pride in my combat skills can sometimes lead to arrogance and poor judgment. |
| 4 | I am haunted by the ghosts of those I have defeated in battle. |
| 5 | I have difficulty trusting authority figures. |
| 6 | I can be quick to anger and resort to violence when provoked. |
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