A ppendix C: Character Backgrounds

D
uring character creation, players can Feature: Respected Rider
select the following backgrounds As a Hellrider, you are well-respected within
for their characters with the Elturgard, and your heraldry is recognized
Dungeon Master’s approval. These throughout Faerûn. While in the Kingdom
backgrounds are appropriate for any of Two Suns—encompassing Elturel, Triel,
character in either Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Scornubel, Soubar, and Berdusk—you can
Avernus or Tyranny of Dragons, due to their commandeer fresh mounts for you and your
strong associations with the cities of Baldur’s party. Typically, this occurs at outposts such
Gate and Elturel. as Windstream Lodge, but Hellriders and
their companions are held in high regard and
Hellrider can resupply in any Elturgard settlement.
You are one of the Hellriders, an elite company Use the warhorse statistics for your mount
of mounted warriors that protects Elturgard, and the riding horse statistics for those of
the Kingdom of Two Suns. The Hellriders get your comrades.
their name from the brave cavalry that rode Hellriders traditionally operate within
into the Nine Hells alongside the angel Zariel Elturgard, but on occasion the High Watcher
long ago. or High Rider has sent Hellriders to other lands.
Today, these honorable riders fiercely defend Outside of the Elturgard, you can purchase non-
Elturel atop mighty destriers and dutifully give exotic mounts from merchants sympathetic to
ten percent of all earnings to the city’s coffers. the Hellriders at half price.
Hellriders are easily recognizable due to their Advancement
crimson and white armor and banners bearing Once they have completed their training,
the crest of Elturgard: the sun and the smaller, a warrior is inducted into the Hellriders
blazing Companion. through a special ceremony held by the
Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, High Rider and an elected priest of Helm
Persuasion known as the High Observer. Once initiated,
Languages: One of your choice a Hellrider can continue to prove themselves
Tool Proficiencies: Your choice of gaming set by advancing in rank.
or musical instrument
Equipment: One set of traveler’s clothes,
a signet, a banner or seal with the crest of
Elturgard, and a pouch containing 9 gp
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18
Hellrider Ranks d6 Bond
Rank Name Role 1 So long as the Companion burns over
1 Hoof Knight Elturel, there is still hope for Faerûn.
2 Quarter Standard Bearer 2 My name and deeds will be immortalized
3 Stallion Under-Marshal in the songs of the Hellriders.
4 Destrier Marshal 3 I idolize the High Rider and dutifully follow
5 High Rider Commander their commands.
4 I have a mighty steed that I prize above
Suggested Characteristics all others.
A Hellrider’s rigorous training produces 5 I’m not the first Hellrider in my family,
an equestrian knight with a reputation for and I won’t be the last.
discipline, vigilance, and fury. Though each
6 I have sworn the strict oaths of the Creed
rider may seem identical when galloping across
Resolute. I vow to uphold the laws of
the hills of Elturgard, these high expectations
Elturgard, protect its citizens, and serve
can have profound effects on an individual
the greater good.
Hellrider’s outlook.
d6 Flaw
d8 Personality Trait
1 I am always honest with those of higher
1 I tell other Hellriders’ stories as if they
authority.
were my own.
2 When I’m off duty, I am somewhat
2 My armor must remain spotless so that it
inattentive.
may reflect the light of the Companion.
3 Though I have sworn to vanquish evil,
3 My horse goes wherever I do.
I secretly fear it.
4 Only death frees a Hellrider from their
4 I trained for years to be a Hellrider.
post. Some say I welcome it.
I have little patience for those who are
5 I was a hellion growing up. I often take privileged by birth.
the time to educate (or chastise) children
5 I am suspicious of those who extend
I meet in my adventures. offers to me.
6 When I’m on the job, I never crack a smile. 6 I was never supposed to be a Hellrider.
7 I reserve eye contact for those I respect. I worry that one day I’ll be discovered
8 I haven’t cut my hair since I joined as a fraud.
the Hellriders.

d6 Ideal
1 Kindness. The light of the Companion
burns bright within my soul. (Good)
2 Justice. By upholding the law, we defend
the rights of all. (Lawful)
3 Fury. I am relentless in the pursuit and
destruction of my enemies. (Evil)
4 Freedom. Everyone should be free
to pursue their livelihood. (Chaotic)
5 Loyalty. When I make an ally,
it’s for life. (Any)
6 Nation. My city, kingdom, and its
people are all that matter. (Any)

Baldur’s Gate: the Fall of Elturel 19

 Order of the Gauntlet Suggested Characteristics
The Order of the Gauntlet is typically composed
You are a member of the Order of the Gauntlet, of good-natured individuals united under tenets
an organization devoted to crushing evil when of honor, duty, and justice. These virtues and
it rears its ugly head. The order is composed the tight-knit bond between members mold
of righteous warriors—paladins and clerics these holy warriors for their never-ending battle
of Tyr, Helm, Torm, and Hoar—united by faith, against the forces of evil.
ideals, and a powerful camaraderie. Unlike the
Harpers, the Order of the Gauntlet conducts d8 Personality Trait
its operations in the open and refuses to strike
1 I clutch my pendant for strength when
preemptively.
threatened with fear or temptation.
Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Religion 2 I see omens in every event and action.
Languages: Two of your choice The gods are speaking to us, we just need
Equipment: A heraldic pendant, a scroll to listen.
containing the tenets of the order, and a pouch
3 I don’t like to go into situations
containing 15 gp
unprepared.
Feature: Constant Vigilance 4 I impart my earnings and possessions
The Order of the Gauntlet must be poised to those in need during my travels.
to retaliate should evil misbehave. To stay 5 I never throw the first punch, but I always
prepared, the organization works openly throw the last.
with local groups to identify and monitor evil
6 I am always honest in my intentions.
threats such as cults, crime syndicates, or
Only evil works in the shadows.
inherently evil creatures. When you enter a
new settlement, you can request an audience 7 There’s never a bad time to teach someone
on behalf of the order with faction agents, a lesson through a religious fable.
law enforcement, or clergy sympathetic to 8 I’m a reformed criminal. Sometimes I slip
your cause. into old habits.
Advancement d6 Ideal
Every member of the Order of the Gauntlet
begins as a Chevall. As they complete missions 1 Integrity. To stand against evil, I must be
and additional training, members of the order righteous. (Good)
may serve as mentors or take on influential 2 Mercy. Repentance begets forgiveness.
leadership positions within the faction. Forgiveness begets righteousness. (Good)
Order of the Gauntlet Ranks 3 Retribution. When evil strikes, I administer
a swift and just penalty. (Lawful)
Rank Name Role
4 Honor. Punishing an evil act is just.
1 Chevall Initiate
Punishing an evil thought is not. (Lawful)
2 Marcheon Agent
5 Bravery. I face my fears head-on. (Any)
3 Whitehawk Stalwart
6 Faith. The greatest weapon against
4 Vindicator Mentor adversity is devotion to my god. (Any)
5 Righteous Hand Exemplar

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 d6 Bond Feature: Tighten the Grip
1 My town was razed by a vicious cult. As a member of the Flaming Fist, you can enact
I won’t rest until they pay for their crimes. justice on behalf of the organization or the city
2 An evil prophecy has begun, and I will of Baldur’s Gate. If you compel a creature to
do everything in my power to stop it. surrender or knock it unconcious (see chapter 9,
“Combat,” of the Player’s Handbook) you may
3 I protect those who cannot protect choose to place it under arrest. Additionally, you
themselves. may confiscate any of an arrested creature’s
4 My mentor’s approval means possessions or contraband on behalf of the
everything to me. Flaming Fist. At your DM’s discretion, your
5 I never leave a comrade behind. commanding officer may allow you to keep a
6 The Order of the Gauntlet saved me when portion of these items as payment.
I was a child. I owe them my life. Advancement
The Flaming Fist maintains a military hierarchy
d6 Flaw with six ranks, not including the Grand Dukes
1 I am always willing to grant someone of Baldur’s Gate. As your character furthers
a second chance. the goals of the Flaming Fist, they may gain
2 I never strike a creature when it’s down. renown (see chapter 1, “A World of Your Own,”
of the Dungeon Master’s Guide for more
3 The burdens of others are mine to bear.
information on renown) and advance in rank.
4 My ancestors committed horrible atrocities.
My name carries their shame. Flaming Fist Ranks
5 I am trusting of clerics and other overtly Rank Name Role
religious figures. 1 Fist Private
6 I’m still grieving the loss of one of my 2 Gauntlet Corporal
comrades. Reminders of their death shake 3 Manip Sergeant
me to my core.
4 Flame Lieutenant
5 Blaze Major
Flaming Fist 6 Marshal General
You have joined the Flaming Fist, a powerful
mercenary company headquartered in Baldur’s Suggested Characteristics
Gate, where it serves as the city’s primary As a mercenary company, the Flaming Fist
law enforcement and military. Lower-ranking enlists a multitude of individuals throughout
fists patrol the Lower City or are assigned to Faerûn. While the majority of Flaming
missions elsewhere, while senior officers may Fist agents are based in Baldur’s Gate, the
act as commanders in battle or intimidating organization—and by extension, the city—has
bodyguards for high-profile negotiations. extensive reach, with active forces as far
If you’ve relinquished your ties to the Flaming south as Chult. As an agent of the Flaming
Fist, you can reenlist at any time. However, so Fist, your identity may have been shaped by
long as you collect wages, you must serve the other members, the area in which you operate,
Flaming Fist dutifully or be held accountable or a particularly treacherous mission.
to the Grand Dukes of Baldur’s Gate.
Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Intimidation
Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set,
vehicles (land)
Equipment: A Flaming Fist uniform, an
insignia of your rank, a gaming set of your
choice, and a pouch containing the remainder
of your last wages (10 gp)

Baldur’s Gate: the Fall of Elturel 21

 d8 Personality Trait d6 Bond
1 I like to make an example of those 1 I joined the Flaming Fist to find a criminal
who step out of line. who wronged me long ago. Every mission
2 As long as I’m compensated fairly, is a potential new lead.
I’ll carry out any task without question. 2 I signed a contract stamped by the Council
3 I love a good flogging. of Four to accomplish a special task.
They own me until my deed is done.
4 I use my ties to the Flaming Fist to
influence others and get what I want. 3 I have a friend or family member within the
organization. I joined to make sure they
5 I have a hot temper and a short fuse.
don’t get in over their head.
I’m working on it.
4 I have a different vision for the Flaming
6 Actions speak louder than words.
Fist. Rising in rank is the only way I’ll ever
7 I go out of my way to prove I’m not like the make a difference.
other members of the Flaming Fist.
5 I’ve seen my share of problems in
8 The fists are underpaid, and I’m trying to Baldur’s Gate. It’s my job to make
start a union. the city a better place.
d6 Ideal 6 My reputation is spotless, and I intend
to keep it that way.
1 Redemption. Everyone deserves a second
chance. (Good) d6 Flaw
2 Order. Respect the badge, or you’ll respect 1 I always have to have the last word.
the club. (Lawful)
2 I sometimes get carried away when
3 Punishment. Violence is the solution to administering punishment to those who
preventing recidivism and copycats. (Evil) violate the law.
4 Greed. My services are for sale to the 3 I got where I am by backstabbing someone
highest bidder. When there’s treasure else. I’m paranoid that I’ll meet the
involved, that bidder is me. (Chaotic) same fate.
5 People. I’m committed to the people of 4 On occasion, I’ll turn a blind eye
Baldur’s Gate, not the Grand Dukes who in exchange for a bribe.
pay my wages. (Neutral)
5 I go easy on those I deem weak.
6 Aspiration. Only by climbing the ladder can
6 I judge anyone with a criminal record.
I bring about lasting change. (Any)

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