The Pugilist is a master of unarmed combat, having honed their body into a finely tuned weapon through years of grueling training, discipline, and relentless practice. For some, it is a lifelong pursuit of martial artistry, an exploration of the limits of human strength and agility. These combatants study ancient techniques passed down through generations, focusing on striking with precision and using their body as a tool for balance, speed, and devastating power. Their style is as much a philosophy as it is a method of fighting, emphasizing inner calm, fluid motion, and the seamless connection between mind and body.

Others are students of physical perfection, obsessed with refining their bodies into the pinnacle of human capability. They push their muscles, endurance, and reflexes to the breaking point, testing the boundaries of what a human can achieve without the aid of weapons or armor. To them, combat is the ultimate test of their physical prowess, and they seek to demonstrate their dominance through feats of strength and technique. Whether it’s enduring punishing blows or executing impossible maneuvers, they strive to show that the human body is capable of overcoming any challenge—especially in the heat of battle.

But not all Pugilists are guided by discipline and enlightenment. For some, the thrill of combat is rooted in the simple desire to hit things really hard. They are often rough, streetwise individuals who have fought to survive in dangerous environments, where the only law is the one that dictates the strongest survive. These Pugilists have learned to fight by instinct, using raw power and a tenacious will to win. They may lack the refinement of a trained martial artist, but their ferocity and ability to take punishment make them fearsome opponents in any brawl or conflict.

What unites all Pugilists, regardless of their approach, is an unshakable belief in the supremacy of hand-to-hand combat. Whether they fight with grace, precision, or sheer force, the Pugilist has learned to overcome the disadvantages of facing armed enemies. Through resilience, speed, and a keen understanding of combat tactics, they can turn the tide of battle, exploiting the weaknesses of opponents who rely too heavily on weapons. For the Pugilist, there is no greater satisfaction than proving that, with nothing but their fists, they can take on any foe and emerge victorious.

When you select this background, add seven points to your Strength score and five points to your Agility score. In addition, you may distribute eight points among any of your other attribute scores. No single attribute may receive more than four points.

Stamina: A Pugilist begins play with 30 stamina, plus an amount equal to your Strength bonus.

Recovery Dice: When you select Pugilist 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.

Place two training ranks in the Unarmed Combat skill. In addition, choose any three additional skills from the following list: Acrobatics, Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Medicine, Perception, PerformanceSleight of Hand, Stealth. Place one training rank in each of the selected skills.

You gain the Unarmed Training trait. The following traits are available to your character as Basic traits, regardless of their base class. Choose one and add it to your character.

• Enhanced Unarmed Damage
• Fleet
• Flurry of Blows
• Forceful Reposition
• Precision Strikes
• Pummel
• Unarmed Disarm

The following traits are available to your character as Expert traits, regardless of their base class.

• Martial Arts Mastery

You begin play with the following equipment:

• 50 silver coins.