Every party that goes on an adventure needs the battlegear adventurer to take point. Swords and axes in the first rank!
The battlegear adventurer is tanked up with armour, weapons, shields, and an assortment of other fighting equipment. When foes present themselves, the battlegear adventurer will take them on without hesitation. Where others will use stealth or subtle tactics, the battlegear adventurer will go head on! And when they’re not fighting for pay, they’re probably fighting for fun.
Descriptions
- tough, muscled, stacked, trim, cut, ripped, strong,
- brave, bold, chivalrous,
- proud, noble, dignified,
- obnoxious, overbearing, blunt, aggressive,
- lithe, quick, dexterous, skilled in battle, agile,
- armoured, armed, equipped,
- possibly on horseback
- donning the garb of a religious order or dispalying heraldic symbols, possibly a flag or standard
- may be accompanied by an entourage (depending on their reputation and/or financial status):
- squire, standard bearer, bard or journalist, physician, armourer, torch bearer, porter, chaplain, several men-at-arms, adviser
- colorful, flamboyant, overt or reserved, camoflauged, muted tones, earthy,
Backstory
- kicked out of military; now has something to prove
- the runt of the family in a long line of warriors; something to prove
- has amnesia from a terrible injury; woke up in a field hospital
- on a personal quest to find father’s sword and reclaim place in nobility
Environments
- dungeons, caves, caverns,
- military camps, battlefields, scouting operations,
- taverns, inns, public houses,
- schools, training facilities
- castles, citadels,
- working in artisan shops as guards or artisans themselves: blacksmith, jeweler,
- guarding caravans, wagon trains,
- banks, treasuries, mining operations,
- bodyguards for the rich
- tending fields, working ranches, in stables,
Stuff
- big weapons:
- great axe, great sword, heavy mace, heavy flail, broad sword, falchion, massive warhammer, mallet, maul,
- lance, glaive, halberd, pike, spear, trident, two-handed flail,
- heavy crossbow, heavy composite bow, throwing axes, longbow,
- backup weapons:
- short sword, knight’s sword, disarming sword, dagger, knife, throwing knives, stiletto, bootknife, hidden blade
- backup backup weapons:
- poisoned needle, blade in the handle of the blade in the handle of a sword, bras knuckles, Swiss Army knife, sharp fingernails,
- heavy armour:
- scale, banded, or chainmail
- full plate, half plate, segmented plate, sectioned plate,
- padded undergarment; tabbard on top with heraldic design, brocade, frock,
- full kite sheild, heavy shield,
- heavy warhorse
- barding and chain & plate armour
- adventuring gear: bedroll, tinder box, torches, rope, saddlebags, rations, waterskin, coat,
Actions
- lead, parade, charge, leap, rush, bull rush, overrun, trample, subdue, crush, bash, hack, slash, swing, (see ATTACK for more ideas)
- sleep, rest, recuperate, heal,
- drink, eat, drink more, hunt, fish, fornicate, get in a bar fight, start a brawl,
- clean weapons, sharpen axe, repair armour,
- take on a quest, swear allegiance, fight for pay,
Notes on Battlegear Adventurers
- Battlegear adventurers may be pledged to a lord or a king, whom they serve in return for land, equipment, grants, monopolies, military commissions and ranks, seigneuries. The battlegear adventurer may be required to give their lord a portion of the treasure from adventuring.
- Battlegear adventurers may have tight ties to a god, demigod, or deity in which case they may have some spell-like powers granted to them, much like a paladin. In this case, they must behave in a fashion honouring their god and must pay a portion of their adventuring treasure to their temple, shrine, or church, or they risk losing favor with their divine patron. Also, time must be taken for prayer, ritual, sacrifice, rites, or whatever so add this necessary devotion to your narrative. Also, throw in a holy symbol or two!
- Battlegear adventurers will have to regularly clean and repair their equipment. As your narrative progresses, keep in mind the wear and tear on equipment.
- The battlegear adventurer will get tired, though they have great vigour and fitness. As battle rages on, the trying effects of weariness should play into your narrative.
- Fully armoured characters can take up to half an hour to take off or put on their full array of plates, fussing with buckles, straps, thongs, ties and so on. A squire may be needed to make even this extended prep time work. Characters do not always need to wear their full compliment of armour and may choose to travel with a lighter burden. This can be