You were one of the first to land on what your comrade in arms referred to as the "Dark Continent". Your job was to clear the landing site for the expeditionary forces ahead of their arrival, to blend into the surroundings and make as little noise as possible while still maintaining a strong foothold in the effort to reclaim your homeland. While you tell everyone that you are first and foremost a soldier to the cause, your true nature is more of an infiltrator.
- Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Survival
- Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (water, land)
- Equipment: A dagger that belonged to a fallen comrade, a coin with your squad and rank emblazoned upon it, a military uniform (of Traveler's Clothes quality), and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
The trials you have faced have shaped you into the expert infiltrator you are now. What you have seen or done has significantly affected your personal philosophy or ethos and often guides your actions. You can roll on the following table to determine this hardship or choose one that best fits your character.
| d6 | Hardship Endured |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nearly Drowned. You hid underwater to avoid detection by the wildlife and held your breath for an extremely long time. Just before you would have died, you had a revelation about your existence. |
| 2 | Isolation. You volunteered for “the long tour” out in the wilderness, with nothing but your thoughts for company. Upon your return, you came to realize you mistook your “thoughts” for paranoia. |
| 3 | Sacrifice. You enabled the escape of your fellow soldiers, but at great cost to yourself. Some of your past comrades may think you’re dead. |
| 4 | Miscalculation. Your first attempt at navigating your squad through the bush went horribly awry. What survivors remain in your troop have deep mistrust in your ability, and they are not subtle about it. |
| 5 | Stowaway. Your whole life you wanted to see the new world so badly, you snuck aboard and lived in a ship's bilge. Half-starved, you remained there for weeks until your discovery. Now conscripted, you're seeing more of the new world than you ever wanted. |
| 6 | Leave None Behind. You carried an injured comrade for miles to avoid capture and death. |
As a part of your career as a soldier, you carry the rank of Forward Scout. Soldiers loyal to your former military organization still recognize your authority and influence, and they defer to you if they are of a lower rank. You can invoke your rank to exert influence over other soldiers and requisition simple equipment or horses for temporary use. You can also usually gain access to friendly military encampments and fortresses where your rank is recognized.
However, being a foot soldier out on the line, your rank is relatively low....
Suggested Characteristics
While they embrace it in the field, Forward Scouts often try to break away from the stigma of being mysterious loners. A key aspect that all Scouts are taught from the beginning is to maintain clear lines of communication with their squad and to relay what they find back to the base of operations. They frequently walk the fine line between risking themselves for the sake of solid intel, and trying to stay alive long enough to report back. When required however, Forward Scouts are some of the most fearsome and experienced killers, given their trust in the most deadly of weapons: Patience and Time.
For all these reasons, Forward Scouts make for reliable tacticians, navigators, and adventurers.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I speak rarely but mean every word I say. |
| 2 | I laugh loudly and see the humor in stressful situations. |
| 3 | I prefer to solve problems without violence, but I finish fights decisively. |
| 4 | I enjoy being out in nature; poor weather never sours my mood. |
| 5 | I am dependable. |
| 6 | I am always working on some project or other. |
| 7 | I become cantankerous and quiet in the rain. |
| 8 | When the sea is within my sight, my mood is jovial and optimistic. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Teamwork. Success depends on cooperation and communication. (Good) |
| 2 | Code. The marines’ code provides a solution for every problem, and following it is imperative. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Embracing. Life is messy. Throwing yourself into the worst of it is necessary to get the job done. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Might. The strong train so that they might rule those who are weak. (Evil) |
| 5 | Bravery. To act when others quake in fear — this is the essence of the warrior. (Any) |
| 6 | Perseverance. No injury or obstacle can turn me from my goal. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I face danger and evil to offset an unredeemable act in my past. |
| 2 | I. Will. Finish. The. Job. |
| 3 | I must set an example of hope for those who have given up. |
| 4 | I’m searching for a fellow marine captured by an elusive enemy. |
| 5 | Fear leads to tyranny, and both must be eradicated. |
| 6 | My commander betrayed my unit, and I will have revenge. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I grow combative and unpredictable when I drink. |
| 2 | I find civilian life difficult and struggle to say the right thing in social situations. |
| 3 | My intensity can drive others away. |
| 4 | I hold grudges and have difficulty forgiving others. |
| 5 | I become irrational when innocent people are hurt. |
| 6 | I sometimes stay up all night listening to the ghosts of my fallen enemies. |
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