You were raised in the service of a monastery dedicated to a philosophical ideal, rather than specific god or pantheon of gods. Perhaps a foundling or a ward before you became an initiate, then a novice, and then a friar once you were deemed old enough to leave the safety of the monastery alone. You act as a Brother to all you meet, you travel in order to perform ceremonial duties (such as officiating weddings or funerals), educate the people, and treat the sick, and generally lend a hand wherever one is needed. Sometimes you may act as an intermediary between the realm of the holy and the mortal world, performing sacred rites and offering sacrifices in order to conduct worshipers into the presence of the divine, but you're more about helping people in their day-to-day lives in practical ways, rather than anything esoteric or holy.
- Skill Proficiencies: Insight, History
- Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (land)
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A rosary (a symbol that you achieved the rank of Friar), a book, 5 sticks of incense, a winter blanket, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp.
As a friar, you have the trust and respect of those who recognise your order, and you can perform the civil ceremonies asked of you. You fit in among the common people with ease, and can find a place to hide, rest, or recuperate among them unless you have shown yourself to be a danger to them. They will shield you from the law or anyone else searching for you, though they will not risk their lives for you.
You also have ties to a specific monastic order, and you have a residence there. This could be the monastery where you were trained and used to serve, if you remain on good terms with it, or another cloister where you have found a new home. While near your monastery, you can call upon the Brothers for assistance, provided the assistance you ask for is not hazardous and you remain in good standing with your order.
Suggested Characteristics
Friars are shaped by their experience in monasteries and on the road among the common people. Their study of the history and tenets of their order are balanced by the practicality of their lifestyles. They understand the value of hard work and the importance of community, but just because they took vows of humility and poverty doesn't mean they're immune to other common vices. (Some cloisters are even quietly famous for their wine.)
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I judge people by their actions, not their words. |
| 2 | I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace. |
| 3 | I often get lost in my own thoughts and contemplation, becoming oblivious to my surroundings. |
| 4 | I have a story, proverb, of bit of good advice for almost every situation. |
| 5 | I am utterly serene, even in the face of disaster. |
| 6 | I'm always happy to help out those who aren't as fortunate as I am, howerver I can, and I will patiently explain anything and everything if asked. |
| 7 | I enjoy the finer things, but am equaly content with life's more humble offerings. |
| 8 | I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Respect. All people, rich or poor, deserve respect. (Good) |
| 2 | Community. It is the duty of all civilised people to strengthen the bonds of community and the security of civilisation. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Freedom. Everyone should be free to pursue his or her own livelihood. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Mastery. I am a predator, and the rest of the world need to be shown what it is to be my prey. (Evil) |
| 5 | Live and Let Live. Meddling in the affairs of others only causes trouble. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Egalitarian. Liberty, equality, and fraternity, a desire for political, social, and economic equality for all. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I would die to recover an ancient relic of my order that was lost long ago. |
| 2 | I have a family beyond the cloisters, but I have no idea where they are. One day, I hope to find them. |
| 3 | I owe my life to the Brother who took me in when my parents died. |
| 4 | Everything I do is for the common people. |
| 5 | I will do anything to protect the monastery where I was raised. |
| 6 | I've been searching my whole life for the answer to a certain question. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I judge others harshly, and myself even more severely. |
| 2 | I put too much trust in those who wield power within my temple’s hierarchy. |
| 3 | After leaving the monastery, I learned about the vices, and happily indulge in them whenever I have a private moment. |
| 4 | I am inflexible in my thinking. |
| 5 | I have a dangerous temper, that no amount of meditation seems able to calm. |
| 6 | I'm a sucker for a sob-story. |
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