Details
- Abilities: Strength, Constitution, Charisma
- Skills: Athletics, Intimidation
- Tool: Smith's Tools
- Feat: Tough
Description
You are bound by solemn vows that shape your every action and command respect. Your formidable presence and enduring resolve make you a steadfast protector and a daunting figure in any conflict. Skilled in physical prowess and persuasion, you uphold your promises with unwavering strength, often inspiring others through sheer force of will and unyielding determination.
Equipment
Choose A or B: (A) Smith's Tools, Traveler's Clothes, a Bedroll, a Waterskin, 10 GP; or (B) 50 GP
At a glance
- Table role: Frontline endurance
- Family: Military
- Primary pillar: Combat
- Secondary pillar: Downtime
- Themes: solemn vows, physical endurance, command presence, honor-bound actions, forged weapons
What this background is good for
Choose Oathkeeper if you want a character who turns solemn vows, physical endurance, command presence, honor-bound actions, and forged weapons into usable table momentum. Its skill package points toward Athletics and Intimidation, so the background naturally rewards players who ask questions, notice patterns, and act on practical details. As a Military background, it gives the character a clear place in the world instead of just a mechanical bonus. The Tough feat, Smith's Tools, and Strength, Constitution, and Charisma abilities help define how this character contributes before initiative is rolled.
Play this if...
- You want to play a Steadfast Protector rather than a generic adventurer.
- You want scenes built around solemn vows, physical endurance, command presence, honor-bound actions, and forged weapons.
- You are considering Fighter, Paladin, Barbarian, and Cleric and want the background to support that identity.
How to play this background
You carry unbreakable vows that shape your every move and demand respect from friend and foe alike.
Table cues
- Track NPCs who respect or fear vows
- Highlight physical challenges testing endurance
- Note opportunities to repair or forge weapons
- Emphasize social pressure to uphold promises
For Dungeon Masters
Use Oathkeeper when the campaign benefits from scenes about solemn vows, physical endurance, command presence, honor-bound actions, and forged weapons. The Military angle gives you a quick way to attach NPCs, locations, favors, and complications to the character. Build scenes where Athletics, Intimidation, and Smith's Tools can reveal information, open a route, or change how an NPC reacts. A simple recurring cue: track NPCs who respect or fear vows.