====== Mercenary ======

The Mercenary is a warrior-for-hire, skilled in a wide range of combat techniques and trained to survive in the harshest of environments. Whether fighting for coin, honor, or vengeance, mercenaries bring a deadly precision to the battlefield. They are often found in the service of powerful patrons or fighting for a cause that appeals to their personal interests, but their loyalty is always tethered to the highest bidder. The life of a Mercenary is one of constant travel, exposure to danger, and navigating shifting allegiances, where a day of victory might be followed by the dark uncertainty of their next contract.

{{ :legacy:characters:background:mercenary.jpg?400|}}Mercenaries are typically highly self-sufficient, capable of surviving in hostile territories or even among hostile factions. They are experienced with the kinds of negotiations and tactics that go hand-in-hand with their trade, using their reputation as a weapon as much as their blades. Many Mercenaries are hardened individuals who have lived through the trials of war, and they are often respected or feared by those who understand the cost of hiring them. For some, it is a way of life—a way to forge a personal legacy in the fire of battle.

Though mercenaries have earned a reputation for being opportunists, not all are purely motivated by wealth. Some Mercenaries seek to right wrongs in the world, working with rebels or insurgents to combat corrupt regimes. Others may find themselves fighting for causes that align with their personal morals, though the line between righteousness and ruthlessness can often blur. Mercenaries have a unique skill set that makes them highly valuable in combat, especially in situations that require flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work alone or in small teams.

The Mercenary background often appeals to those with a history of violence, hardship, or self-reliance. Whether you once served a noble house, fought in countless wars, or have lived a life as a lone wolf, the Mercenary is the product of that experience---a fighter who values strength, freedom, and survival. Their past may be filled with blood and betrayal, but it also makes them indispensable to those who need someone capable of walking the fine line between ally and adversary.

===== Features =====

**Stamina**:  A Mercenary begins play with 15 stamina, plus an amount equal to your Strength bonus.

**Recovery Dice**:  When you select Mercenary as your background, you gain two ten-sided dice (2d10) as Recovery dice.  This is in addition to any Recovery dice you gained due to your ancestry.

**Defences**:  Add one training rank to each of your Fortitude and Reflex defences.

===== Skills =====

Place one training rank in the Athletics and Survival skills.  Choose two Combat skills, and place one training rank in each.  In addition, choose any one additional skill from the following list:  Animal Handling, Athletics, Crafting, Intimidation, Medicine, Society.
Place one training rank in the selected skill.

===== Traits =====

You start with the [[legacy:traits:expert_weapon_training|Expert Weapon Training]] trait.  Choose one of the following traits, and add it to your character.  In addition,
the following traits are available to your character as Apprentice-tier traits.

  * [[legacy:traits:armour_expertise|Armour Expertise]]
  * [[legacy:traits:die_hard|Die Hard]]
  * [[legacy:traits:improvised_weapons|Improvised Weapons]]
  * [[legacy:traits:replenish_ammunition|Replenish Ammunition]]
  * [[legacy:traits:second_wind|Second Wind]]
  * [[legacy:traits:Trained Rider]]
  * [[legacy:traits:unarmed_training|Unarmed Training]]

The following traits are available to your character as Journeyman-tier traits.

  * [[legacy:traits:advanced_weapon_training|Advanced Weapon Training]]
  * [[legacy:traits:shield_expertise|Shield Expertise]]
  * [[legacy:traits:too_angry_to_die|Too Angry To Die]]

===== Starting Equipment =====

You begin play with the following equipment:
  * 75 silver coins.