Hunter

One of the oldest roles among communities of people, some have always been responsible for stalking and killing prey to provide life-sustaining food. There are, of course, also those who hunt for sport and glory, and some even hunt simply to prove themselves against the wild. Regardless of your reasons, you are a hunter, and you are quite used to taking down prey.

Skill Proficiencies: Your choice of two from: Animal Handling, Nature, Stealth, and Survival

Tool Proficiencies: Leatherworker’s Tools, Cook’s Tools

Equipment: A hunting/skinning knife, an animal trap, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp.

Feature: Hunter’s Work

You are adept at harvesting prey, and as such, so long as the area you are in has some form of edible game available, you can hunt to provide enough food to feed up to ten people (including yourself ) each day. Additionally, you are familiar with the commerce of hunting, so you are aware of the normal market prices for meats, pelts, horns, hunting supplies, etc. When in a settled area, you are also able to recognize and locate places and people who would likely be in the market to purchase and/or sell such things.

Fleshing Things Out

Some questions to consider when determining how this background applies to your character: What drives you to hunt? A thirst for glory? A desire to test yourself against the wilderness? The need to make a living selling the products of your successful hunts? Or the simple necessity of food? How do you feel about your prey? Do you have a favored type of prey? What are your typical hunting tactics?

You should also consider what caused you to take up the role of an adventurer. Did your life of adventure require you to hunt frequently to survive? Did you grow up hunting and stumble across an exciting reason to go out on an adventure?

Perhaps you came upon something wondrous or mysterious as you pursued your prey.

d8 Personality Trait
1 I never lend anyone anything of value.
2 If one person can do it, any person can do it.
3 I love to visit new places.
4 I am shy around strangers.
5 Flirting is one of my favorite pastimes.
6 I often forget to eat and hate to sleep.
7 I like to show off my skills.
8 I try to stay quiet as much as I can.
d6 Ideal
1 Bloodlust. The thrill of killing is all the reason I need. (Evil)
2 Respect. My prey gives its life so that I can live, and for that, I am grateful. (Good)
3 Challenge. I want to hunt the most challenging game. (Any)
4 Stoicism. I take no joy in the death of my prey; it is simply a part of life. (Neutral)
5 Flux. At any moment, predator can become prey; complete safety is an illusion. (Chaotic)
6 Nature. Predator and prey are simply roles in the natural order of the world. (Lawful)
d6 Bond
1 I respect every animal that I slay.
2 I want to be the most famous hunter of all time.
3 I always take a trophy from my kills.
4 Both of my parents were accomplished hunters, and I want to make them proud.
5 I prefer to make a living by selling the results of my hunts rather than using or consuming them directly.
6 I never forget to honor the god(s) of the hunt.
d6 Flaw
1 I find other people exhausting.
2 If I’m not the best, I’m worthless.
3 I am known to put my foot in my mouth.
4 I hoard worthless objects.
5 I know what’s best for everyone, regardless of what they think.
6 I have frequent bouts of mania.
Section 15: Copyright Notice

The Big Book of Backgrounds Copyright 2019, P.B. Publishing, Phil Beckwith, and Cody Faulk.

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