War has been your life for as long as you care to remember, but you weren't any ordinary soldier. You wanted to do your part (or perhaps you were forced to) but you didn't have the build or the skill set for a normal job. Your weapon was your mind, and your general utilized it well. Rather than simply wield a weapon, you were given command of a set of men, and given a job. Perhaps it was to build up fortifications at unparalleled efficiency, or massive weapons that took tens of men to operate. Perhaps it was just to keep the rest of the soldiers' gear in shape in the midst of battle. 

When you choose this background, work with your DM to determine which military organization you were a part of, how far through its ranks you progressed, and what kind of experiences you had during your military career. Was it a standing army, a town guard, or a village militia? Or it might have been a noble’s or merchant’s private army, or a mercenary company.

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana

Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan's tools

Languages: Two of your choice

Equipment: An insignia of rank, a part from your favorite battlefield construct (a gear, lever, or bearing), a set of Artisan's tools (One of your choice), a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 30 gp

Suggested Characteristics

You have a long history in the mechanical sciences, having either designed or directly built great feats of engineering. Perhaps you imagined giant war machines and put them to paper. Perhaps you spent your hours riveting girders to construct the frames of Airships. Perhaps you worked in a repair shop, patching up customers' broken and battered electronic do-dads and whats-its. 

d8	Personality Trait
1	When I see a scrap of metal or wood, I can't help but pocket it.
2	I don't talk a lot, because I become engrossed in my thoughts.
3	I can't help myself around complex objects, I just want to find out how they work.
4	I’m full of inspiring and cautionary tales from my military experience relevant to almost every combat situation.
5	Most of the words I say sound like complete gibberish to those who know nothing about science.
6	I'm constantly sketching or taking notes about my surroundings.
7	Everything, no matter how small or insignificant, must be catalogued.
8	"If I elevate my crossbow by 3° then the bolt should.. sorry? Just shoot the damned Orc?"

d6	Ideal
1	Organization. Everything has it's place and everything should be in it's place. (Lawful)
2	People. All of my inventions are made to help people who can't help themselves. (Good)
3	Freedom. I invent what I want, whether my inventions are legal or not. (Chaotic)
4	Greed. Everything I make I sell, I don't care who it hurts. (Evil)
5	Community. I invent to help myself, my friends, and my family, and other people can do the same if they want inventions. (Neutral)
6	Safety. I build so that harm may not come to myself and those I care about. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I once made a child very happy with an invention, I wish to do so again.
2	My inventions are like family to me, so I protect them as best I can.
3	My honor is my life.
4	I seek to blend technology with magic, and create perfect harmony.
5	My old workshop is now in ruins due to an accident, I will never make that mistake again.
6	Anytime someone is hesitant or scared of my inventions I try to make them feel comfortable around them.

d6	Flaw
1	I enjoy my more dangerous inventions a little too much. Aren't explosions just adorable.
2	Gold is the only thing that motivates me.
3	The best inventions are the ones that harm others.
4	I always over analyse any and all situations.
5	I made a terrible mistake in battle that cost many lives—and I would do anything to keep that mistake secret.
6	One of my inventions horribly mangled someone influential, and they hunt me to this day.