Conscript

You were forced into military service. Perhaps it was punishment for a crime, part of your realm’s compulsory service, to pay off a debt, or due to a wartime effort to bolster forces. Whatever the reason, it was not the life you would have chosen.

Thrust into the world of the military, you quickly learned to follow orders, wield your weapons with confidence, and hold the line against enemy forces.

Though you are strong, your true strength isn’t physical. You’ve survived on a mixture of mental fortitude and blessings from the gods of luck.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from Acrobatics, Athletics, Insight, and Medicine

Tool Proficiencies: Choose one from cobbler’s tools, cook’s utensils, leatherworker’s tools, and smith’s tools

Languages: One of your choice (associated with an enemy you fought against)

Equipment: One martial weapon (of your choice), a suit of medium armor, a military-issue boot knife, a set of military-issue common clothes, a pouch containing 10 gp

Feature: Eye For Opportunity

Your time as a conscript taught you how to get by.

While in service, this meant making quick alliances, learning what fellow soldiers liked and disliked, and spotting the chance to bargain or barter for boot laces or an additional serving of rations.

You’ve carried this skill into the civilian world and have a knack for finding just what’s needed, when needed. If you or any of your allies need a mundane item, you can easily track down someone willing to offer the item in trade or sale.

Additionally, you’re good at reading people. You can easily pick out the person in the crowd to talk to regarding whatever it is you need. This might not get you directly to your goal though, and you often find yourself doing a string of favors for several people before you achieve your objective.

Suggested Characteristics

Conscripts can come from a variety of backgrounds and lifestyles, but all have one thing in common: they did not choose this path. Whatever the reason for their forced service, conscripts had other plans and dreams to pursue before they ended up in war.

Whether you have since found a new home among your fellow soldiers or resent every moment of your service, your time in the military fundamentally changed you.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I would do anything to avoid returning to service.
2	I’m resentful of those in power, particularly those I view as reckless with their authority.
3	I tell inappropriate jokes to mask the trauma of war.
4	I can sleep anywhere.
5	I prefer the structure of routine and keep my belongings in impeccable order.
6	I prefer to let others make the hard decisions.
7	My time in service has hardened me to sights of suffering.
8	I think less of those who have not served.

d6	Ideal
1	Loyalty. We are all part of something greater than ourselves, and we all have our part to play, regardless of our own wants and needs. (Lawful)
2	Freedom. No one should be forced into a life they do not want. (Chaotic)
3	Camaraderie. I’m loyal to those who fight beside me, not to some ruler in a far-off ivory tower. (Neutral)
4	Force. The laws and morals of men mean nothing on the battlefield. The only thing that matters is that you defeat your enemies. (Evil)
5	Compassion. We’re all in this together and must do what we can to help those around us. (Good)
6	Optimism. Every situation has a silver lining. You just have to look for it. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I would sacrifice everything for my fellow soldiers.
2	The weak need defending from those who would exploit them. I never want anyone to go through what I went through.
3	The only things I can rely on are my weapon and myself.
4	I lied to get conscripted in place of a loved one. No one must ever know the truth.
5	I have a list of those who have wronged me, and I will not rest until I’ve seen vengeance.
6	I look upon my companions and fellow conscripts as family.

d6	Flaw
1	I was the lone survivor after a horrible battle. That moment still haunts me. I will never forgive myself for failing my fellow soldiers.
2	I never truly know the measure of a person until I see them in battle, and then I judge them harshly.
3	I’m a deserter. If I’m ever discovered by my former company, it would mean my death.
4	I use alcohol to cope with my past and often drink to excess.
5	Anyone who reminds me of the horrors of my conscripted life triggers flashbacks and verbal outbursts.
6	I sometimes steal trinkets or small items as an act of rebellion.