Arvoreen Keeper (5e Background)

Arvoreen Keeper

You are a current or former Arvoreen Keeper. Also known as Keepers of the Vigilant Guardian, they are primarily composed of halflings that crave action. They are the defenders of their communities. They believe in an active defense, much like their patron god, Arvoreen the Defender, who promises them a glorious afterlife at his side. Consequently, keepers aggressively prepare for incursions into halfling lands and are always ready to repulse hostile invaders at the first sign of trouble. They construct defensive barriers, signaling systems, beacons, and traps to protect their charges. They patrol the community and surrounding areas, driving away or killing monsters and intruders. They also keep the peace and lead village militias when invaders attack. A few keepers choose to wander, becoming deputy-rangers or road sheriffs - law officers given authority by local officials to wander afar in search of those who commit crimes against halfling communities.

They follow a code of ethics, but understand that it is only a set of guidelines that cannot cover every situation. Keepers might make questionable alliances, even steal at times, if such extremes are required to defend their charges. Similarly, they might ignore a petty theft if no one was injured. In times of war, Arvoreen's keepers are commanders of halfling soldiers, elite warriors, and scouts. In times of peace, they are sentinels and troubleshooters, often serving as local constables, sheriffs, wardens, magistrates, or marshals, being politely nosy, maintaining order, and enforcing the law. However, even when they do not hold these positions, the local sheriff and halfling clergy know they can always call on keepers for assistance.

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Religion

Tool Proficiencies: Thieves' tools

Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: An insignia denoting your status as a Keeper, ball bearings, manacles, a set of traveler’s clothes, a pouch of 15 gold coins

Feature: Protector of the Good Folk

Keepers command the fidelity and respect of halflings everywhere, who love the keepers for keeping them safe. Neutral Halflings are always considered to be friendly toward you unless you have proven yourself to be a danger to them. Additionally, you and your adventuring companions can expect to receive free healing and care at a temple, shrine, or other established presence of your faith, though you must provide any material components needed for spells.

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	If someone is in trouble, I’m always ready to lend help.
2	I can stare down a hell hound without flinching.
3	My friends know they can rely on me, no matter what.
4	I’m rude to people who lack my commitment to an ethical code.
5	I’m confident in my own abilities and do what I can to instill confidence in others.
6	I am tolerant (or intolerant) of other faiths and respect (or condemn) the worship of other gods.
7	I never lie or go back on a deal... which is why I choose my wording very carefully.
8	I judge people by their actions, not their words.

d6	Ideal
1	Aspiration. With my actions, I always seek to make the world better than it was. (Good)
2	Fairness. No one should get preferential treatment before the law, and no one is above the law. (Lawful)
3	Charity. I always help those in need, no matter the personal cost. (Good)
4	Faith. I trust that Arvoreen will guide my actions. I have faith that if I follow his teachings, things will go well. (Lawful)
5	People. I’m committed to the people I care about, not to ideals. (Neutral)
6	Live and Let Live. Meddling in the affairs of outsiders only causes trouble. (Neutral)

d6	Bond
1	I protect those who cannot protect themselves.
2	I idolize a hero from old folk tales and measure my deeds against that person’s.
3	My loyalty to Arvoreen is unwavering.
4	I work to ensure the safety of my homeland.
5	I was gravely wronged and will not rest until the culprit is brought to justice.
6	My honor is my life.

d6	Flaw
1	I’d rather eat my armor than admit when I’m wrong.
2	I am quick to anger when my beliefs are questioned.
3	I hold the safety of others above my own to an unhealthy extent.
4	I am dogmatic and tend to see the world in staunch black and whites
5	My position has made me skeptical of outsiders, I am slow to trust anyone not of my ilk.
6	I can be ‘persuaded’ to overlook the transgressions of others.

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