Shepherd (5e Background)
Herder[edit]
A shepherd is someone who moves, feeds, and cares for sheep. There are many other kinds of herders as well. These animals can be of many sorts but all have a herd mentality. The herder is expected to lead the animals wherever it may be necessary for the herd to thrive. The herder is also expected to protect the herd from threats such as beasts, rustlers, natural disasters, and dragons.
Most spend the greater part outdoors in the company of other herders or just the herd itself. This would likely help shape your character more. How long was your character a herder? Did you own the herd or were you a hired hand? What stories might you tell around the fire?
Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling and Nature.
Tool Proficiencies: Cobblers' tools and Leatherworkers' tools.
Equipment: A staff/whip/carrot on a stick/etc., a hunting trap, a basic instrument or toy, 10 rations, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 5 gp.
Livestock[edit]
A herder can help herd and care for any number of creatures. If you have no particular creature in mind for the herd, roll on this table to determine what you have been herding.
| d6 | Livestock |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sheep |
| 2 | Cattle |
| 3 | Horses |
| 4 | Pigs |
| 5 | Poultry |
| 6 | Monsters |
Feature: Roamer[edit]
You have been in charge of herds long enough to be known among fellow herders. You have respect among herders and are well loved by herd creatures. As such you can find easy employment herding for others.
Alternate Feature: Active Herd[edit]
The herd is still very much a part of your life. You must take the herd with you everywhere. You must stay near the herd to guard it. Most importantly you must discuss with the GM how to facilitate the herd into roleplay.
Alternate Feature: Rustler[edit]
You are a criminal herder, known for stealing herd animals from honest herders. You might have a stash of money that is difficult to spend. More likely you have a price on your head
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I love my herd like family. |
| 2 | I don't speak much. |
| 3 | I have a perfect whistling technique. |
| 4 | I can spot even the slightest difference between two similar creatures. |
| 5 | I have my own set of constellations. |
| 6 | I love well preserved food. |
| 7 | Nothing excites me more than racing across an open plain. |
| 8 | I keep mementos of my favorite animals. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Control Large populations should be kept perfectly in line with each other. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Nothing Personal Sometimes in this world it's eat or be eaten. (Neutral) |
| 3 | Cull The weak must be culled for the good of all. (Evil) |
| 4 | Cherish Each life, no matter how small, must be protected. (Good) |
| 5 | Free range There is no point to control, life needs freedom. (Chaotic) |
| 6 | Baa-Ram-Ewe Baa-ram-ewe. To your breed, your fleece, your clan be true. Sheep be true. Baa-ram-ewe. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I owe a massive debt for losing an entire herd to rustlers. |
| 2 | I have a favorite in the herd. |
| 3 | I carry a memento of someone who's waiting on my return. |
| 4 | My fellow herders are my only friends. |
| 5 | I will never forget the person who saved my hide when things got rough. |
| 6 | I have a lucky charm from my first job herding. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I can't sleep under a roof anymore. |
| 2 | I have no use for modern manners. |
| 3 | I can't trust anyone but my herd. |
| 4 | I resort to violence quickly. |
| 5 | I'm always arguing about shares. |
| 6 | I don't respect anyone's rules but my own. |
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