Death Riders
The Death Riders are elite soldiers of Durendreg, serving as the backbone of its military in war and as skilled mercenaries in peace. Feared and respected, they are bound to their homeland by an unbreakable oath. When Durendreg marches to war, every Death Rider—regardless of their current contract—is called home. Honed by discipline, bred for the saddle, and relentless in combat, a Death Rider is more than a soldier—they are a symbol of strength, professionalism, and loyalty.
Origin
- You were trained in Durendreg’s militarized academies and raised under the iron code of the Death Riders.
- Your loyalty lies first with Durendreg, even as you take contracts beyond its borders.
Core Traits Overview
Ability Scores | Feat | Skill Proficiencies | Tool Proficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
Strength |
Alert |
Athletics |
Cartographer’s Tools |
Dexterity |
Animal Handling |
||
Wisdom |
Languages
- Common
- One military or regional dialect (your choice)
Equipment
Choose one:- Option A: Explorer’s Pack, Traveler’s Clothes, Military Saddle, 18 gp
- Option B: 50 gp
Background Feat
- Alert: You gain a +5 bonus to initiative, can’t be surprised while conscious, and other creatures don’t gain advantage on attack rolls against you as a result of being unseen by you.
Feature: Cavalry Code
- You have a strong rapport with trained mounts and can command them confidently in combat or chaotic situations.
- While mounted, you have advantage on checks to control or calm your steed, and other cavalry recognize you as a fellow rider.
- You can identify military banners, insignias, and formations used by most nations and quickly adapt to their chain of command.
Suggested Characteristics
Personality Traits | Ideals | Bonds | Flaws |
|---|---|---|---|
"I follow a strict personal code of honor and expect others to do the same." |
Loyalty: My first allegiance is to Dalethyr and my brothers and sisters in arms. (Lawful) |
"I will always protect the banner of my company; it represents our legacy." |
"I am reckless in battle, always seeking to prove my strength." |
"I thrive in the heat of battle and feel out of place during peacetime." |
Duty: The weak must be protected, even at great personal cost. (Good) |
"I owe my life to the commander who saved me in battle." |
"I value gold over personal connections, even with my comrades." |
"I maintain my armor and weapons meticulously; they are my pride." |
Strength: Only the strong deserve to lead, and I will follow only those who prove themselves. (Neutral) |
"I am haunted by the memory of a comrade I failed to save." |
"I hold grudges and find it hard to forgive even small slights." |
"I enjoy a good game of chance but hate losing more than I enjoy winning." |
Freedom: A mercenary’s life is one of choice and self-determination. (Chaotic) |
"My company is my family, and I would die to protect them." |
"I cope with the horrors of war through gambling or drinking, often to excess." |
"I’m quick to laugh with my comrades but cold to outsiders." |
Profit: My loyalty has a price, and I always ensure my services are worth it. (Neutral) |
"I once promised a fallen friend I would care for their family." |
"I have no patience for weakness, and I disdain those who avoid conflict." |
"I prefer actions over words; a blade says more than a thousand speeches." |
Mercy: I believe in sparing those who surrender; war is cruel enough without unnecessary killing. (Good) |
"I have a blood feud with a rival mercenary who betrayed my trust." |
"I am haunted by nightmares of past battles, and it affects my focus." |