As has become apparent in recent days I am a fan of Dungeons & dragons Next (5e) and hope that WotC opens the system up as they once did with 3.5 and the OGL. I must agree with some podcasts out there that, yes, the OGL is wonderfully vague enough that Next can be easily reproduced and still be covered. However, my hope is that small and large developers will not be forced down those gray roads.
In my continued exploration of the system (using the last released rule-set given with “Scourge of the Sword Coast” (Still need to pick up “Dead in Thay”) and today’s article over at dndinsider I have been inspired to make a new background. Like everything else this is based on non-finalized rules and may not be compatible with the final released version of Next.
~*~
Mercenary
You were a soldier of fortune in a world torn apart by war and strife. You have long studied the weapons and accruements of war and have become a master of them through trail and tribulation. You have traveled from land to land plying your blade and your body for money to any noble or petty warlord who would take you.
When you choose this background, work with your DM to determine your character’s military history and what armies or warbands you were a part of and what stories of those day may come back to haunt you.
Traits – Old Favors
You have made many “friends” on the fields of war. In any land with a working military you can find someone who remembers the service you did for his or her country. They may not like you or what you are but they will return the favor by aiding in any task that does not put them, their honor or their families at risk.
Proficiencies
Skills – Athletics, Stealth, Survival
Tools – Mercenary Writ with Crown Seal, Mount (land), Vehicles (land)
Languages
Three languages of any normal humanoid species the DM determines would have either hired or fought against you.
Equipment
Lucky charm, traveler’s clothing, 2x ranks of different militaries, 40 gp
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D6
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Personality Trait
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1
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I’ve seen how high society really is and despise them for it.
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2
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I’ve known nothing but war since I was barely a teen, I know little of the gentle nature of life and distrust those who exemplify it.
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3
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I don’t hate anyone, I take nothing personally, today’s enemy maybe tomorrow’s employer.
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4
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I anguish over every life I take.
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5
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I have fallen short of the hero I worshiped as a child, but I never forget what I truly wanted to be.
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6
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I don’t fight for the coin (although that’s a nice bonus) but for the ideals of those I agree with.
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D6
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Ideal
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1
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Change – To make the world a place were living change must be enacted. (Chaotic)
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2
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Power – Only through battle can I become strong and take my place among the gods (Chaotic)
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3
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Self – I seek to make myself worthy of my own beliefs. (Lawful)
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4
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Glory – Only through victory will I be remembered for the ages. (Any)
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5
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Honor – I must fight my enemies with respect and honesty. (Lawful)
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6
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Wealth – I seek to plunder the riches of the world for my own greed. (Chaotic)
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D6
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Bond
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1
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I will someday find the warlord who razed my village and take my revenge.
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2
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I care for but one other person in this world and I will protect her no matter the cost.
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3
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I seek to restore my family’s name and honor.
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4
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I seek an ancient blade said to be forged by the gods themselves
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5
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I will have my revenge on the guild who sold its guild-mates lives to two warring factions.
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6
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I am on the run from my father who demands I take over the family business.
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D6
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Flaw
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1
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My mouth is sometimes bigger than my brain or my abilities often leading me into troubling situations.
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2
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I have an unfounded hatred for a particular Player-Character Race that informs my dealings with them.
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3
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I am easily angered and prone to attacking physically or verbally anything that piques that anger.
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4
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Once I have made a decision I cannot be deterred from it.
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5
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I don’t trust anyone; even an honorable employer will stab you in the back if it served their “greater good”.
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6
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I demand that everyone I surround myself with carry themselves with the same sense of discipline I demand of myself
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