Rider (5e Background)
Rider[edit]
You have had the knack for horsemanship since you were just a child; handling these massive beasts and showing off the ability to perform daring feats of riding comes easily to you. Maybe you were inspired by a travelling circus or a force of military cavalrymen passing through, but you knew you could turn your talents into something extraordinary. You honed your ability to perform daring acts of combat while atop your loyal steed. You began looking for work with your horse; messenger, military, shows, anything to keep the bond strong.
Skill Proficiencies: Three of your choice
Languages: Two of your choice
Tool Proficiencies: Leatherworker's Tools, Vehicles (Land)
Equipment: A saddle (riding), a horse (riding), travelers' clothes
Feature: A Steed by Another Name[edit]
Though you start out with your horse mount, some terrain will require different modes of transportation. You are able to transpose the skills you have learned in regards to horsemanship and translate them onto more exotic mounts. You are a Rider that fears no mount. In addition, your ability to fight from atop a mount is unaffected by the creature you are currently riding.
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
Either choose from the tables below, or use that imagination!
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I seem to have spent more time with my mount that other people, it make it difficult to communicate with others. |
| 2 | To cut down on expenses, sometimes my horse and I have the same diet. Oats aren't THAT bad. |
| 3 | There is a particular Rider I idolize; I want to be everything they were to me to other people, too. |
| 4 | The best way to judge a new place is to see how well their animals are cared for. |
| 5 | I have a habit of referring to myself and my mount as 'we'. |
| 6 | I enjoy showing off my horsemanship to anyone who will watch. |
| 7 | I am too trusting of animals; trained and monstrous alike. |
| 8 | I'd rather care for my mount than myself, half the time they look in better shape than me. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Mount. I'm loyal to myself and my mount, I could care less about the rest. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Respect. People and animals deserve to be treated with equal respect. (Good) |
| 3 | Responsibility. A Rider is responsible for his mount, if not, they will surely lose it. (Lawful) |
| 4 | Freedom. The animals should only work for us of their free will; my mount is my friend, not property. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Greed. I only do what I do cause I know it will bring in coin. (Evil) |
| 6 | The Road. It's not about the destination; it's about the journey there. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | The military company I joined to hone my skills is my family. |
| 2 | I have a partner I go on many of my messenger rides with, I'd do anything for them. |
| 3 | My mount and I are one. |
| 4 | The circus taught me everything I know, I won't forget them. |
| 5 | I had a tutor that saw my talents. Their recognition means the world to me. |
| 6 | I live a life on the road, my only loyalty is to myself. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I lost a mount due to my mistakes. |
| 2 | A horse is better conversation than most people. |
| 3 | I fear a certain type of mount I have never been able to master. |
| 4 | I am quick to respond to threats directed at my mount. |
| 5 | Sometimes I'm aware that my horse is not truly a friend. I'm alone, and the loneliness is crippling. |
| 6 | I believe if you can't ride a horse you are not fit to fight beside me. |
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