The Helpful Handout of How to Become a Military Figure

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This is the handout you want to use if you wish to develop a Guard, Mercenary or other soldier-type persona. (Note: There is a second way to develop a Guard persona using the Blue Handout. There is a second way to develop a Mercenary on the Guild Handout.)

Basic Requirements

I. Gifts:

Mercenaries, Guard recruits and common troopers might have a Gift of some sort, but it would be very rare (about 1 in 100). Roll percentile dice for your chance. If you get a 100, then you have a Gift. If you get a Gift, roll 2 six-sided die to determine which Gift you get.

You are on your honor to roll one time and one time only for your persona's Gift. If you don't have percentile dice, check with one of your friends who plays role-playing games or check in a game- or bookstore that sells supplies for those games.

Note that all of these Gifts are extremely limited or at low strength, otherwise the character would have become a Healer, been Chosen as a Herald or wound up in some similar profession more appropriate to the Gift.

II. Develop a Character

Develop a character (persona) you would like to be if you were a type of soldier/mercenary in the world of Velgarth, and write a biography of him/her. Prepare a minimum of 3 pages.

This biography should include appearance, personality, likes and dislikes, and emotional make-up. All the things that make you a unique character, in other words.

If you are one of those rare folks who has a Gift, remember to set your story before your Gift manifests. A mercenary or Guard or soldier must learn to deal with whatever Gift manifests; the character should not have his/her life designed around the Gift. (10 Points.)

III. Develop One or More Friend or Relative Characters

Write a brief description of people close to you to help develop your character. Prepare a minimum of 3 pages.

These are people you know well, so you know their traits, characteristics, faults, etc., but you don't need a great deal of detail.(5 Points)

IV. Extra Point Requirements (5 points each)

Choose and complete the requirements for two (minimum) of the following:

1. Learn and qualify as a heavy weapons fighter.
2. Write an essay of at least 3 pages in length on tactics and strategy appropriate to armies such as are used in Velgarth.
3. Write an essay of at least 3 pages in length about things that mercs/Guards/soldiers do besides fight.
4. Draw a picture of your character.
5. Design weapons and armor that might be used by your persona.
6. Create a complete set of armor appropriate to your persona.
7. Write a battle poem.
8. Compose a battle song--music and/or lyrics.
9. Draw a set of campaign maps for a war involving your unit or Company.
10. Write a story of more than 3 pages with a merc/Guard/fighting theme.
11. Illustrate your story.
12. Send a story, poem or art on merc/Guard/fighting themes to a zine.
13. Learn to ride.

Exception: If you are a police officer or firefighter you may automatically claim full Mercenary or Guard status. However, please develop your Velgarth persona so others may interact with you in character.

Special Notes for Members of the Military

• For General Rules, click here.

• For Submission Instructions, click here.

• For Helpful Hints, click here.

If you have additional questions, check out the Military FAQ.

Advanced Rank

There are several advanced ranks available for military-type personae.

Captain

For those of you who would like to qualify as a Captain of a mercenary company or Guard unit, complete the requirements for your military persona first. Then do one of the following:

• Write a 20-page paper on tactics and strategies for the specific type of unit (Guard, Mercenary or Other) that you wish to lead.

  OR

• Start a local chapter of Queen's Own.

Palace Guard

For those of you who would like to qualify as a member of the Palace Guard, complete the requirements for a Captain of the Valdemar Guard first. Then

• Write a 20-page paper on the role of the Secret Service in protecting the President of the United States.

Pending Chat List

Have additional questions about persona creation? Join the "Pending List" at

The Pending list is a place for people to ask questions about the handouts, requirements, process of developing a persona, and so forth. It is not a book discussion list. The QO list rules apply to this list as well.

Zhai'helleva,
Herald-Mage Adept Danya Winterborn