Executioner

You were the hand of justice, the blade that severed the guilty from the living. Whether you served as a royal executioner, a headsman in a town square, or an enforcer for a secretive order, your life revolved around the solemn act of ending others. Some feared you, others respected you, but few dared to stand in your way. Death was not just your trade; it was your duty, one that required discipline, precision, and an unwavering resolve.
But executions weigh heavily on the soul. Perhaps you followed orders unquestioningly, believing in the righteousness of the law. Perhaps you questioned the sentences you carried out, haunted by the faces of those who met your blade. Maybe you even found yourself on the wrong side of an execution order, forced to flee and forge a new path. No matter your reasons for leaving, your past as an executioner follows you—whether as a grim reputation, a talent for swift and lethal strikes, or a burden you can never put down.

Grim Authority

People instinctively recognize the weight of your presence. When interacting with those who value law and order, you are treated with a mix of respect and unease, often receiving better accommodations and protection. Conversely, criminals and outlaws may fear or resent you, making them more likely to avoid conflict—or seek revenge. Additionally, you can usually gain access to local law enforcement or judicial officials to discuss matters of justice, even if you no longer serve in an official capacity.

Suggested Characteristics

Executioners are often pragmatic, detached, or disciplined individuals who see death as a necessary part of life. Some embrace their former roles with pride, while others seek redemption for the lives they have taken. Many struggle with their past, dealing with guilt, moral conflict, or the knowledge that they may have executed the innocent. Others, however, revel in their mastery over life and death, believing themselves judges in a world of chaos.

Personality Traits

d8	Personality Trait
1	I speak little, letting my presence do the talking.
2	I am meticulous in my work—every action must be done with precision.
3	I have learned to accept death as an inevitable part of life.
4	I have a strict personal code—justice must be carried out fairly.
5	I take no joy in killing, but I will not hesitate to do what must be done.
6	I have little patience for those who complain about duty and obligation.
7	I carry a memento from my past, a reminder of those I have executed.
8	I believe I alone can judge who deserves life or death.

Ideals

d6	Ideal
1	Justice. The law is absolute, and it must be upheld at all costs. (Lawful)
2	Mercy. Death is sometimes a kindness, but it should never be given lightly. (Good)
3	Order. Society requires structure, and my role was necessary to maintain it. (Lawful)
4	Power. Life and death were in my hands—I will not give up that authority. (Evil)
5	Redemption. I have done terrible things, and I seek to atone for them. (Good)
6	Detachment. Life and death are meaningless beyond the moment of execution. (Neutral)

Bonds

d6	Bond
1	I carry a list of names—those I executed, or those I failed to execute.
2	A single execution changed my life, and I will never forget it.
3	I was betrayed by the ones I served, and I seek revenge or justice.
4	A loved one was condemned, and I could do nothing to stop it.
5	I have vowed never to take another life unless absolutely necessary.
6	I left behind my former identity, but there are those who still seek me out.

Flaws

d6	Flaw
1	I struggle to see people as anything other than guilty or innocent.
2	I am haunted by the faces of those I executed.
3	I have difficulty forming attachments—I have seen too much death.
4	I secretly enjoyed my work, and part of me misses it.
5	I have little patience for those who hesitate when difficult decisions must be made.
6	I see no difference between justice and revenge.

This is a rare option

This option requires special permission to take. In the case of spells, psionic powers, and similar options, this option must be found in the world and cannot be taken upon level-up.

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Table of Contents

Skill Proficiencies

Choose two from Intimidation, Insight, Athletics, and Perception.

Tool Proficiencies

None.

Languages

Two languages of your choice.

Equipment

A black hood or executioner’s mask, a whetstone, a simple medallion from your former station, and a pouch containing 15 gp.

Ability Score Adjustment

Your choice of your Strength or Wisdom scores increase by 1.