Lone Rider

“There’s a long road between right and wrong — and I’ve ridden both.”

They say the road remembers every rider who’s travelled it alone — the sound of hooves over dust, the hum of a weary song beneath the stars. You’ve seen towns rise and fall, watched the sun set on too many graves, and learned that silence can be louder than gunfire. You don’t stay long anywhere; you’re a ghost of the frontier, a whisper in the wind, a lone rider chasing redemption, revenge, or peace — maybe all three.

But wherever you go, your name drifts ahead of you. Folks might not know your face, but they know the Lone Rider.

Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Survival

Tool Proficiencies: One type of musical instrument (banjo, harmonica, or guitar), and one of the following: vehicles (land) or an artisan’s tool of your choice

Equipment: A weathered hat or duster coat, your chosen instrument, a coiled lasso (50 ft of rope), a keepsake from a past life (a bullet casing, silver locket, or faded photograph), and a pouch containing 10 gp

Suggested Characteristics

The Lone Rider lives by their own rhythm — a mix of grit, sorrow, and stubborn hope. They might be chasing something, or running from it, but the road never ends.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I speak little, but when I do, I make it count.
2	My instrument is my voice; my music, my truth.
3	I never ride past someone in need — not if I can help it.
4	I always keep my word, even if it kills me.
5	I tend to stare at the horizon as if it’s calling my name.
6	I whistle or hum when danger’s close — it helps steady my hand.
7	I sleep lightly and always facing the door — old habits die hard.
8	I speak to my horse (or mount) more than I speak to most people — and it listens better, too.

d6	Ideal
1	Freedom. The open road belongs to no one. No chains, no masters. (Chaotic)
2	Justice. Someone has to keep the balance when the law won’t. (Lawful or Neutral)
3	Redemption. I’ve done wrong — but I still believe I can make it right. (Good)
4	Self-Reliance. You can only count on your own two hands. (Neutral)
5	Vengeance. Some sins can only be answered in lead and fire. (Any)
6	The Rider. Life’s a long road; all you can do is keep moving forward. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I still carry a token from the one person I couldn’t save.
2	My mount is my truest friend — we’ve survived hell together.
3	I owe my life to the folks who took me in once.
4	I’m tracking something I can’t quite explain — a legend, a shadow, maybe myself.
5	I keep my mother’s/father’s guitar (or harmonica/banjo); it’s all I have left of home.
6	My songs are for the dead, and I remember every one of them.

d6	Flaw
1	I don’t know how to stay in one place.
2	I drink to remember — or to forget.
3	I can’t back down from a fight when my pride’s on the line.
4	I push people away before they can leave me.
5	I carry guilt heavier than my pack.
6	Sometimes, I forget what I’m even riding toward.