Bandit Defector | Background | Dungeons & Dragons 5e | Statblocks & Sheets | World Anvil

Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild

Bandit Defector

The Bandit Coalition is a rather loose organization of rogues and brigands, but there is still a degree of specialization within the ranks. This ensures that everyone knows what their job is and lessens confusion in the heat of a robbery. You can select your bandit specialty from the Bandit Specialty table, or roll randomly.

1d6 Bandit Specialty
1 Lookout
2 Lifter
3 Thug
4 Runner
5 Hustler
6 Captain

Lookouts typically watch the roads for any signs of Perch Guard patrols, signalling the team to bail if a heist looks too risky. They also keep an eye out for potential marks.

Lifters are the specialist thieves of an operation. They are usually as adept at pick-pocketing as they are at sneaking up behind a cart to liberate its valuables.

Thugs are the muscle of a bandit group, and use their size and strength to intimidate merchants into giving up without a fight. They also keep other bandits in line, at the captain’s discretion.

Runners are the messengers and scouts of the Coalition, serving to smuggle pilfered goods to fences. Additionally, they pass information throughout the different camps of the organization. Their job often finds them working alone which makes them particularly vulnerable.

Hustlers are inveterate con-artists. Through careful planning and execution, their diversions can keep cart drivers occupied just long enough for the lifters to do their work, or create a seamless opening for an ambush.

Captains are the glue that holds each bandit team together, providing leadership, and stamping out dissention where necessary, often with force. They are figures that inspire with their skill and bravado.

Skill Proficiencies Deception, Survival
Tool Proficiencies Disguise Kit, one type of Gaming Set or Musical Instrument
Equipment
A knife, a cooking pot, a winter blanket, an object you received as your cut from a successful robbery, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp

Features

Feature: Bandit Routes

As someone who once assisted in countless highway robberies, you are familiar with the roads of the Wood and escape paths used by bandits. When you are not in combat, you (and companions you lead) can travel between locations that cut through forested areas twice as fast as your speed would normally allow.

Traits

Roll a d8 1d8 Personality Trait
1
I am plucky and confident in my abilities, at least, that’s what I want others to think.
2
I often crack jokes to lighten the mood.
3
I like to keep my secrets, and those who try to pry into my life irritate me.
4
I have trouble sleeping unless I’m on the ground (or floor) in my bedroll.
5
I picked up many stories during my time on the road, and I have one for every occasion.
6
You mess with my friends, you mess with me.
7
I never really had a plan in life, I tend to just go with the flow.
8
I’m as cautious as they come.

Ideal

Roll a d6 1d6 Ideal
1
Repentance. I’ve done terrible things in the past, and I want to try and make up for them. (Good)
2
Nature. I’ve seen what’s happening to the forest, and it’s bigger than all of us. We’re all doomed unless we do something about it. (Neutral)
3
Friendship. My friends are like family to me, and I’ll keep trying to do right by them until the end. (Good)
4
Self-Preservation. Any good rat knows when it’s time to flee a sinking ship. I want to be clear of the Bandit Coalition when it goes down. (Evil)
5
Compassion. The struggle between humblefolk and birdfolk will only lead to more bloodshed. It needs to stop somewhere. (Good)
6
Freedom. I just want to be free to live my own life, and make my own way in the world. (Chaotic)

Bond

Roll a d6 1d6 Bond
1
I did some hard time in Alderheart’s prison, and the perch guard who arrested me still has it out for me.
2
I stole something valuable from the Captain of my unit. I’m in big trouble if they ever find me.
3
I harbor a terrible secret that might change how people think of me if it got out.
4
I still sympathize with the Coalition’s aims, I just believe there’s a better way.
5
My friends in the Coalition didn’t understand why I had to leave. They’ve branded me a traitor.
6
I had people in the Coalition who looked up to me as a leader. They might still follow me, if I could only reach them.

Flaw

Roll a d6 1d6 Flaw
1
I’m always ready to bail when something goes wrong.
2
Whenever I see something valuable, I can’t help but think of a way to steal it.
3
It’s hard for me to trust people. I’ve been burned before.
4
I have a problem with authority. Nobody tells me what to do.
5
There’s a warrant out for my arrest.
6
I have a bad habit that I picked up on the road.


Created by

Cooledcross.

Statblock Type

Background

Link/Embed