Sentinel (5e Background)

Sentinel

Sentinels are the military elite of Elven houses, serving as Scouts, Bodyguards, and Companions to High Lords and Ladies. The role of an individual Sentinel changes drastically depending on the race of their liege, for instance, a Sentinel serving a high elf may function as more as a bodyguard and adviser to their Liege, similar to a Knight, while the sentinel of a wood-elven lord may be required to keep tabs on the far reaches of their liege's realm. Whatever their duty, a Sentinel is expected to act honorably as a representative of their Liege. While the title of Sentinel can be inherited, the vast majority of Sentinels are proven Warriors- Heroes in their own right. The path to becoming a sentinel is a difficult one. While it isn't impossible for members of other races to become sentinels, very few non-elf sentinels have been recorded. Adventuring Sentinels are often either on a quest given to them by their Liege or have wronged their Liege in some way and are seeking redemption.

Skill Proficiencies: Pick any two: Acrobatics, Stealth, History, or Persuasion

Tool Proficiencies: one musical instrument of your choice

Languages: Elvish, if you do not know it already. otherwise, one of your choice

Equipment: An emblem depicting your Liege's crest, Fine clothes, a musical instrument of your choice, and a richly embroidered belt pouch containing 10gp

Feature: Liege

Sentinels are, above all, servants to an Elven noble. Work with your DM to create a noble and their court. this noble sends quests and guidance to their sentinel, and you know how to contact them from wherever you may be. This noble may, from time to time, demand that you serve some duty or complete a quest, and their name may hold some weight in negotiations with other Nobles, Elven or otherwise.

Suggested Characteristics

Sentinels are exemplars of Elven values. As such they are often proven warriors, poets, and artists. Because of this they often act with a natural grace, and very rarely act out of extreme emotion.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I speak in curt, formal sentences.
2	I treat everyone with respect, from the greatest noble, to the lowest peasant.
3	I always seek to maintain a calm, composed, manner of speech- even in the thick of combat.
4	I always take my title seriously, and do my utmost to prevent dishonoring my Liege.
5	Though a skilled fighter, I do not relish combat, and will always accept an enemy's surrender.
6	I try to find a peaceful solution to confrontations, before any violence starts.
7	I occasionally hold myself above others.
8	When I'm alone, I sometimes turn to drink to help ease the stress of maintaining an image of perfect Elven grace.

d6	Ideal
1	Peace. Violence should be avoided, whenever possible. (Lawful)
2	Duty. My purpose, above all else, is to keep my people safe. (Good)
3	Change. The world is in a constant state of change. To survive, I must change with it. (Chaotic)
4	Authority. I am above lesser folk, and people will do as I say. (Evil)
5	Grace. I exemplify the serenity and grace that signifies Elvenkind. (Neutral)
6	Heroism. No matter the circumstances, I am expected to protect those who cannot protect themselves. (Good)

d6	Bond
1	My Liege practically raised me. I would do anything to please them.
2	My Friends help me to stay grounded. I would do anything for them.
3	As a child, a sentinel gave their life to protect me from a monster. If it came to it, I'd be willing to do the same.
4	I fight to protect someone I love.
5	My Liege took me in and raised me- I would give my life to protect their household.
6	I must do my best to adhere to the Sentinel's path, and not let my people down.

d6	Flaw
1	Under my facade of Grace, I am falling to pieces from the stress.
2	I often find myself being jealous of my liege's position and power.
3	I am prone to arrogance, especially when speaking to those lower than me- which is everyone but my Liege and fellow Sentinels.
4	I secretly despise those not as talented as I am.
5	My title means more to me than my friends do.
6	I've gone behind my Liege's back on something, and would do anything to prevent them from finding out.

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