Chief Guard (5e Background)
Chief guard[edit]
You're not just a normal run-of-the-mill guard, you're a chief among them! That means you have some status here, and you can boss some around and scare others with your authority. You have some tenure that others don't, and how you use it defines you as a leader. You were probably sworn to keep something safe. Was it a princess in a tower? The king's treasure trove? How are your relations with those beneath you? What about those above you?
As you are an adventurer on the road, think about why your character left their position as chief guard. Did they fail to do something and lose what they were meant to protect? Did that send them on a wild goose chase to redemption? Perhaps they are just retired even, or maybe they decided to become mercenaries, and thus they need to travel to find the work. Maybe they supplement their income doing small adventuring gigs.
Skill Proficiencies: Investigation and Insight.
Tool Proficiencies: One gaming set of your choice.
Languages: Any two
Equipment: A gold badge, a set of common clothes, one martial weapon of your choice, and a pouch with 20 gold
Feature: Attention[edit]
You are an enforcer of the law and as such have special status wherever you go. You can command lower ranking guards to carry out orders as long as they are not suicidal, and generally within the law. The lower rank the guard, the looser you can get with the rules, and the less likely they are to question you. If pressured, you may even gain access to simple equipment and rations, or letter delivery to those of rank.
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
Chief Guards end up in their line of work for all manner of reasons so their personalities and flaws are often as varied as the citizens they protect.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am always polite and respectful. |
| 2 | My friends know they can rely on me no matter what. |
| 3 | Breaking up a brawl is the fun part of my day. |
| 4 | I can stare down a hell hound without flinching. |
| 5 | I enjoy being strong and able to protect others. |
| 6 | My language is as foul as a bug-bear. |
| 7 | I like the night patrols best, very peaceful or very not. |
| 8 | I like gate duty best. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Our lot is to lay down our lives for others. (Good) |
| 2 | I must do as the city rulers command to keep order. (Lawful) |
| 3 | I must do what is right for the city despite orders. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | People will always do as I say with force. (Evil) |
| 5 | There will always be crime, or there are no guards. (Neutral) |
| 6 | I love my city, and I will do anything to protect it. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | It is my duty to protect the city and its citizens. |
| 2 | My fellow Guards are my brothers in arms. |
| 3 | Someone saved my life on patrol, and I still owe them to this day. |
| 4 | My honor is my life |
| 5 | I will never forget or forgive the crime lord who killed my fellows. |
| 6 | I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I made a mistake once, and it cost a lot of lives. |
| 2 | My hatred for raiders is blinding and furious. |
| 3 | I obey the law even when it serves no good. |
| 4 | I can be bribed easily; a few gold here, please... |
| 5 | I care only for my own authority. |
| 6 | I will never let injustice pass me by. |
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