Haunted Veteran

You survived the horrors of war, but not without scars. The battles have ended, yet echoes of screams, steel, and fire haunt your dreams. You carry the burden of what you’ve done — and what you’ve lost — into every waking moment.

Background Origin

Every Haunted Veteran has a different reason for fighting — and surviving. Choose or roll on the table below to define what kind of war you endured and how it left its mark on you.

d6	Background Origin
1	The Border War: You fought in a long, brutal campaign between rival kingdoms. The faces of your fallen squad haunt your dreams, especially the one you couldn’t save.
2	The Monster Hunt: You were part of a militia or mercenary band hired to drive out a monstrous threat — or so you thought. The line between man and monster blurred before the end.
3	The Rebellion: You took up arms for a cause — freedom, justice, revenge — only to watch it crumble under betrayal or bloodshed. You question whether the cause was ever worth it.
4	The Siege: You survived months trapped behind walls, cut off from food and hope. You still ration your meals and flinch at the smell of smoke.
5	The Lost Regiment: Your unit was sent into enemy territory and never recalled. You lived like ghosts for months or years, forgotten by your command. You still listen for orders that will never come.
6	The Civil Strife: You fought against people you once called kin — maybe even family. Victory brought no relief, only silence and guilt.

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Survival
Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set or musical instrument (a small comfort or coping tool)
Languages: One of your choice (perhaps learned during your campaign or time abroad)
Equipment: A memento from the battlefield (such as a rusted insignia, a bloodstained letter, or a broken weapon), a set of traveler’s clothes, a small token that helps calm you (such as prayer beads, a journal, or a smooth stone), and a belt pouch containing 10 gp.

Feature: Brotherhood of the Broken

You understand the look of someone who’s seen what you have — and they recognize it in you. Veterans, guards, mercenaries, and survivors of tragedy tend to trust you instinctively. You can often find refuge or support among those who’ve lived through hardship, whether they served in the same war or simply know its cost.

Within military outposts, mercenary camps, or taverns frequented by fighters, you can usually secure modest lodging, meals, and basic information by sharing your experiences or trading stories. People may open up to you about conflicts they’ve endured, helping you gather insight into local tensions or unspoken histories.

This camaraderie isn’t based on rank or allegiance — it’s born of understanding. Among those who carry their own ghosts, you never truly stand alone.

Suggested Characteristics

Personality Traits
1. I keep my back to the wall and always know where the exits are.
2. I find peace in routine — sharpening my blade, cleaning my gear, watching the horizon.
3. I can’t stand loud noises; they make my heart race.
4. I cling fiercely to small acts of kindness — they remind me I’m still human.
5. I talk to ghosts that aren’t really there — old comrades, enemies, or just echoes of memory.
6. I move quietly, instinctively — as if I’m still behind enemy lines.
  
  Ideals
  1. Redemption. I will make sure no one suffers as I did. (Good)
  2. Discipline. Only through control can I keep the chaos inside from winning. (Lawful)
  3. Peace. I dream of a world without war — though I no longer believe I’ll see it. (Neutral)
  4. Survival. I’ve done what I had to. I’ll do it again. (Any)
  5. Justice. Those who profit from war must face the consequences of their actions. (Lawful or Good)
  6. Remembrance. The fallen deserve to be remembered; I fight so their names aren’t forgotten. (Any)
    
    Bonds
    1. I still write letters to a fallen comrade, though I know they’ll never answer.
    2. My weapon was forged for me by a friend who never came home — I won’t let it break.
    3. I owe my life to someone I failed to protect. I won’t fail again.
    4. I protect those who can’t protect themselves — it’s the only way I can sleep at night.
    5. I carry the names of every person I lost, etched into a small piece of metal — I read them when I need strength.
    6. There’s one person who helped me after the war — I’d do anything to protect them, no matter the cost.
      
      Flaws
      1. I drown my nightmares in drink or violence.
      2. I’m slow to trust, and quick to assume betrayal.
      3. I hide behind sarcasm and cynicism to keep people away.
      4. I wake screaming some nights — it’s not safe to share my campfire.
      5. I see threats everywhere and often strike first, even when it’s not needed.
      6. I can’t bring myself to accept kindness — I’m certain it’s only temporary, or that I don’t deserve it.

d6	Personality Trait
1	I keep my back to the wall and always know where the exits are.
2	I find peace in routine — sharpening my blade, cleaning my gear, watching the horizon.
3	I can’t stand loud noises; they make my heart race.
4	I cling fiercely to small acts of kindness — they remind me I’m still human.
5	I talk to ghosts that aren’t really there — old comrades, enemies, or just echoes of memory.
6	I move quietly, instinctively — as if I’m still behind enemy lines.

d6	Ideal
1	Redemption. I will make sure no one suffers as I did. (Good)
2	Discipline. Only through control can I keep the chaos inside from winning. (Lawful)
3	Peace. I dream of a world without war — though I no longer believe I’ll see it. (Neutral)
4	Survival. I’ve done what I had to. I’ll do it again. (Any)
5	Justice. Those who profit from war must face the consequences of their actions. (Lawful or Good)
6	Remembrance. The fallen deserve to be remembered; I fight so their names aren’t forgotten. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I still write letters to a fallen comrade, though I know they’ll never answer.
2	My weapon was forged for me by a friend who never came home — I won’t let it break.
3	I owe my life to someone I failed to protect. I won’t fail again.
4	I protect those who can’t protect themselves — it’s the only way I can sleep at night.
5	I carry the names of every person I lost, etched into a small piece of metal — I read them when I need strength.
6	There’s one person who helped me after the war — I’d do anything to protect them, no matter the cost.

d6	Flaw
1	I drown my nightmares in drink or violence.
2	I’m slow to trust, and quick to assume betrayal.
3	I hide behind sarcasm and cynicism to keep people away.
4	I wake screaming some nights — it’s not safe to share my campfire.
5	I see threats everywhere and often strike first, even when it’s not needed.
6	I can’t bring myself to accept kindness — I’m certain it’s only temporary, or that I don’t deserve it.

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