You were sworn into service beneath a knight — whether a noble champion, a wandering hedge knight, or a disgraced warrior clinging to honor. You cleaned armor, tended horses, carried shields, and learned the ways of chivalry and steel.
You have not yet earned your spurs.
But you intend to.
- Ability Scores: Many squires grow strong from hauling armor and drilling endlessly with heavy blades. Others learn courtly manners and the careful reading of noble moods. Increase one ability score by 2 and a different ability score by 1, or increase three different ability scores by 1 each.
- Feat: If your campaign uses feats and your DM allows it, you may choose Skilled, Tough, or Mounted Combatant as a bonus feat, reflecting your disciplined training and martial preparation.
- Skill Proficiencies:
You gain proficiency in Athletics and one of the following skills of your choice:
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Persuasion
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Intimidation
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Animal Handling
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History
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- Tool Proficiencies:
You gain proficiency with:
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One type of artisan’s tools (commonly Smith’s Tools or Leatherworker’s Tools)
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Land Vehicles
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- Languages: You can speak, read, and write one additional language of your choice, often the language of nobility, knighthood, or a regional court.
- Equipment:
You start with the following equipment:
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A worn tabard bearing your knight’s sigil
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A whetstone and polishing cloth
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A set of common clothes
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A training weapon (wooden sword or dulled blade)
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A letter of service or recommendation from your knight
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A pouch containing 10 gp
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Not all squires serve the same kind of knight. Roll or choose from the table below to determine the nature of your former (or current) master.
d6 Knightly Service
A noble-born lord with lands and sworn banners
A wandering hedge knight with little coin but fierce pride
A disgraced knight seeking redemption
A renowned tourney champion obsessed with fame
A devout knight sworn to a sacred oath
A ruthless battlefield commander feared by soldiers
| d4 | Knightly Lineage or Service |
|---|---|
| 1 | Knightly Service |
| 2 | Knight’s Attendant |
| 3 | Disgraced Squire |
| 4 | Fallen banner |
You are recognized as someone trained in the service of knighthood. Soldiers, guards, and minor nobles generally treat you with professional respect. You can secure modest lodging and food for yourself and your companions at military outposts, castles, or garrisons, provided you present yourself honorably.
You understand the hierarchy of knighthood and courtly etiquette. You know how to maintain arms, armor, and warhorses, and you can usually gain an audience with other knights by invoking your service.
If your knight is still alive, their reputation may influence how others treat you—for better or worse.
Spell List
This background does not grant spells.
| Spell Level | Spells |
|---|
N/A
Suggested Characteristics
Squires are shaped by discipline, ambition, and the shadow of the knight they served. Some strive for honor. Others crave glory. Many fear they will never measure up.
Personality Traits (d8)
I rise before dawn out of habit.
I polish my gear obsessively.
I speak proudly of my knight’s deeds.
I measure everyone I meet as a potential rival.
I am overly formal with nobility.
I despise laziness.
I train whenever I have idle time.
I cannot stand seeing armor neglected.
Ideals (d6)
Glory – My name will be remembered.
Honor – A knight protects those who cannot protect themselves.
Loyalty – An oath binds stronger than chains.
Ambition – I will surpass my master.
Discipline – Strength comes from routine and hardship.
Legacy – I will found a house of my own.
Bonds (d6)
My knight is my greatest inspiration.
I carry my knight’s final command.
I must prove I was worthy of being chosen.
I seek to restore a fallen name.
I owe my life to my master.
I dream of earning my spurs before witnesses.
Flaws (d6)
I crave recognition.
I take insults to my honor too personally.
I compare myself constantly to others.
I struggle to question authority.
I am reckless when glory is at stake.
I fear I am only pretending to be noble.
| d6 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I rise before dawn out of habit. |
| 2 | I polish my gear obsessively. |
| 3 | I compare every warrior I meet to my knight. |
| 4 | I speak proudly of my master’s deeds. |
| 5 | I train whenever I have free time. |
| 6 | I stand taller when nobility is near. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Glory – My name will be remembered. |
| 2 | Honor – A knight protects the weak. |
| 3 | Loyalty – An oath binds stronger than steel. |
| 4 | Ambition – I will surpass my master. |
| 5 | Discipline – Strength comes from hardship. |
| 6 | Legacy – I will found a house of my own. |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My knight is my greatest inspiration. |
| 2 | I carry my knight’s last command. |
| 3 | I must prove I was worthy of being chosen. |
| 4 | I seek to restore a fallen name. |
| 5 | I owe my life to my master. |
| 6 | I dream of earning my spurs before witnesses. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I crave recognition. |
| 2 | I take insults to my honor too personally. |
| 3 | I struggle to question authority. |
| 4 | I am reckless when glory is at stake. |
| 5 | I compare myself constantly to others. |
| 6 | I fear I am only pretending to be noble. |
Contacts
Former squires, knights, armorers, stable hands, and minor nobles may recognize you or your knight’s sigil. These contacts can provide rumors, minor favors, or introductions within military and noble circles.
| d2 | Contact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Former Knight - Your former master may still live and can serve as a source of guidance, reputation, or complications. Their standing in the world influences how others treat you. |
| 2 | Fellow Squire - A rival or ally from your training days who may cross your path again. |
Your knight fell—whether through dishonor, treachery, or death. You may carry the burden of their failure, or seek to restore their name.
Replace Persuasion with Intimidation if desired.
Those familiar with your knight’s downfall may judge you harshly—or grant you sympathy. Among soldiers and veterans, you can often find someone willing to share rumors or battlefield tales connected to your former master.
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