Archives of Nethys

Pathfinder RPG (1st Edition) Starfinder RPG Pathfinder RPG (2nd Edition)


Themes

A character theme represents a focus for your character, which may be a result of your background, upbringing, training, or mystic destiny. You select a character theme at 1st level, gaining special benefits that reflect major aspects of that theme at 1st, 6th, 12th, and 18th levels. All abilities are extraordinary abilities unless otherwise noted. With your GM’s permission, you can even create your own theme that fits your character concept perfectly!

Mercenary (+1 Str)

Source Starfinder Core Rulebook pg. 32
Whether you take jobs that match your ethical beliefs or you fight for anyone who can afford your services, you are a hired gun. You might take pride in your past accomplishments, proudly displaying trophies of your kills, or you might be laden with guilt over being the sole survivor of a mission gone terribly wrong. You most likely work with other mercenaries and are familiar with the methodologies of military actions all across the galaxy.

Theme Knowledge (1st Level)

You are knowledgeable about the military, from rival mercenary groups to standard military procedures to planetary armed forces, and you can draw upon this fount of information to aid your adventurous pursuits. Reduce the DC of Culture checks and Profession (mercenary) checks to recall knowledge about hierarchies, practices, personnel, and so on in the military by 5. Athletics is a class skill for you, though if it is a class skill from the class you take at 1st level, you instead gain a +1 bonus to Athletics checks. In addition, you gain an ability adjustment of +1 to Strength at character creation.

Grunt (6th Level)

You’re used to long marches while carrying heavy equipment and can hoist most machinery with ease. Treat your Strength as 1 higher for the purpose of determining your bulk limit (see page 167).

Squad Leader (12th Level)

You are extremely skilled at coordinating with your squad, both because of your tactical efficiency and because of the respect that you command. If you are able to attempt the check in question, you automatically succeed at a skill check to aid another (see page 133) when assisting a squad member or other longtime ally (such as a fellow PC).

Commander (18th Level)

You pull determination from your victories with your squad, no matter how bloody. After participating in at least three combats in a day in which you defeat distinct groups of significant enemies, you recover 1 Resolve Point. After participating in six such combats in a day, you recover a second Resolve Point.