How to Roleplay a Fighter
Being a fighter in Dungeons and Dragons is one of the more popular choices people tend to make by starting with D&D. Roleplaying a fighter brings its challenges, since most of the time, people tend to think they are just brutish damage dealers, and that's it pretty much it to their character. If you're thinking of playing a fighter that will not be the case with your character. Today we will be reviewing the Fighters Class, and it's subclass types, and how to enhance your roleplaying playing this class.
You're a skilled fighter - Not a Town Guard.
Some think that a fighter is a meathead's choice of class when playing, and they can be right sometimes if there is not much attention outside of the combat. Like any class, the class doesn't matter that much as for the character you are playing. So what kind of character would a Fighter be? We could be rather simple mercenaries, guards of the town. Maybe other players stumble upon the city, suggest an adventure, and now you have a bigger goal in your life rather just to keep safe of the vegetables in the market. There are many opportunities for how to start a fighter character, yet we need to take notice that a fighter is not a simple guard, it's a skilled fighter. He honed his skills for a long time, maybe even participated in battles or leading squads and armies. What some players miss - the time and effort it takes to become a specific type of Fighter, taking a look at any Martial Archetypes, it would require many years to put in and dedication to achieve that and the question that pops up - why? Why does this character is doing that? Is it for vengeance, pride, coin, or any other motivation? However, something needs to drive the fighters' fuel for combat and studies. And this drive should never be as simple from the first glances.
Don't just Hack, Slash, and Loot - You're still a character, Goddammit!
Being a fighter takes an exciting way of looking at life. Unlike rogue, which seeks to take their foes out with stealth, Fighter goes up to your face and smashes your face with its skills and martial prowess. But until the Fighter started to smash faces, there was a story of why does he went and became one. Why does he improve his skills, and why does that matter for him? Maybe the rush of the battle made him almost addicted to that feeling, or perhaps it's the protection of his loved ones that drives him to push away the threats. It's a life of constant struggle, challenge, risk, and little reward. It takes a special kind of person to go down this route. So think about what made him take this path, how is he doing now? Who inspired him to become a fighter? Maybe some legend, fable, or folk hero? And after asking those questions, ask what could be this fighters flaw? Possibly a PTSD after the war, maybe lost comrades or loved ones that now he has sworn to avenge? The flaws will make all-powerful seem human, relate-able, and enjoyable to roleplay during your sessions. But also, what are his vices? How does a man unwind going every day in constant chaos and stress in life or death situations? Does he drink, meditate, go to church, or talks with his buddies near the campfire. These elements of vulnerability mixed with great aptitude for combat traditions will make an interesting character.
Put some Flavor in your Combat
Now since the skills that the fighters are proficient are limited, you can roleplay during your combat as well. If you're into playing a skilled swordmaster, don't be afraid to say what you're trying to do and how you swing your weapons. Describe that, just a bit, and nobody wants to hear a haiku every time you wield your swords and shoot your arrows. Also, how do you move, what kind is your fighting style? Maybe you're playing dirty and put sand in somebody's face, only then following the face with a sword. Make it flavorful, make it spicy just a bit to freshening up the combat for you and the players that sit next to you. Oh, and one-liners, this will add some comical relief if you're into doing that.
Roleplay the Shit out of the skill proficiency that you have chosen
You need to be mindful of what kind of skills you choose as a fighter. Because it is hardly going to be that a fighter will become a skill monkey anytime soon if there is a lack of them for you to roleplay, think about the Skilled Feat or something that could enhance your character roleplaying abilities. Another tip would be to find as many creative ways to solve given challenges with the skills that you choose. It could be that your athletics becomes a lockpicking tool for doors, chest, and everything that would require a brutish bashing, or intimidation to get an advantage in combat or outside of it. The more ways you find to solve a problem, the better the roleplayer and fighter character you will become.
The Martial Archetypes
Arcane Archer - An Arcane Archer studies a unique elven method of archery that weaves magic into attacks to produce supernatural effects. Arcane Archers are some of the most elite warriors among the elves. They stand to watch over the fringes of elven domains, keeping a keen eye out for trespassers and using magic-infused arrows to defeat monsters and invaders before they can reach elven settlements. Over the centuries, the methods of these elf archers have been learned by members of other races who can also balance arcane aptitude with archery.
If Arcane Archer is the Elite Archer even among the Elvish Archers, what makes this elite Archer abandon his post? Is it the Lord/Lady that needs something to be done? Is the domain became uninhabitable or destroyed? Any elite soldier should possess the traits of perseverance, be an expert in their field and go through many years of training to achieve that kind of power and recognition, among others. But maybe you're not an elf, when who trained you and for what reason should be a question to ask when creating and roleplaying a character? What virtues did the mentor give you? How do you feel about them?
Battle Master - Those who emulate the archetypal Battle Master employs martial techniques passed down through generations. To a Battle Master, combat is an academic field, sometimes including subjects beyond battle such as weaponsmithing and calligraphy. Not every Fighter absorbs the lessons of history, theory, and artistry that are reflected in the Battle Master archetype. Still, those who do are well-rounded fighters of great skill and knowledge.
I love battle master for so many reasons in combat, yet in means of roleplay, I think it can also present an abundance of roleplaying moments. Traditions, Knowledge, History, and artistry can fit a noble commander or just a cunning highway robber with some unique personality traits that let him lead a bunch of bandits. So how did they ended up becoming a battle master? Are they are content with what they learned or think that another kind of approach is better. To gather inspiration for roleplaying is almost in the most accessible category, from learning more about history on generals, watching movies like 300 or Troy. Essentially this subclass asks what does it mean to be a leader, a person with knowledge that can shift the battle according to him. And it also provides a decent opportunity to think about how the character learned Riposte maneuver from a mentor or in battle, for example. A good fit would try an explore the idea of a party leader, the one that gives the party tactical advice during combat shouting "retreat" or something along those lines.
Cavalier - The archetypal Cavalier excels at mounted combat. Usually born among the nobility and raised at court, a Cavalier is equally at home leading a cavalry charge or exchanging repartee at a state dinner. Cavaliers also learn how to guard those in their charge from harm, often serving as the protectors of their superiors and of the weak. Compelled to right wrongs or earn prestige, many of these fighters leave their lives of comfort to embark on glorious adventure.
So the mounted subclass should have an animal. I think this bond between animals and the character should be explored a little bit. For example, Geralt and Roach in the Witcher series, Geralt talks with Roach, like to an object that could not judge, yet Geralt sometimes judges himself through Roach interactions about the events that occur in the story. It's a small thing, but maybe a character can say along those lines to his mount, "Well, the party doesn't understand me at all, like you do" in the face of the party or something along those lines to build on the roleplaying aspect of the cavalier. Also, it's good to get ideas from the Jousting Tournaments, Knights Orders, or such movies as a Knights Tale, where you could find your meanings what means to be a Knight. Maybe even there could be a Jousting Tournament where the party bard could introduce the Cavallier, which just enhances the party roleplaying.
Champion - The archetypal Champion focuses on the development of raw physical power honed to deadly perfection. Those who model themselves on this archetype combine rigorous training with physical excellence to deal devastating blows.
It's the most common and most accessible subclass to play, yet on roleplaying, this is not the easiest. So you are strong, you're deadly, great, what makes you interesting? Do you have any flaws, tempers? Maybe you're afraid of a simple think like jesters or night. Make it a bit flawed to roleplay this subclass to its maximum effect. And Also what drives him to be a champion, why does he want it so much? Maybe it's only for vengeance like in a movie Gladiator, leave a mark on the world like in Troy. And what would happen if this character would achieve this ambition, would he feel despair or happiness? What if the character almost had it? A thing that he craved so much? And now is "sabotaged," "knocked down", defeated like Rocky, an underdog that needs to triumph the bigger guy or gal to achieve his goals.
Eldritch Knight - The archetypal Eldritch Knight combines the martial mastery common to all fighters with a careful study of magic. Eldritch Knights use magical techniques similar to those practiced by wizards. They focus their research on two of the eight schools of magic: abjuration and evocation. Abjuration spells grant an Eldritch Knight additional protection in battle, and evocation spells deal damage to many foes at once, extending the Fighter's reach in combat. These knights learn a comparatively small number of spells, committing them to memory instead of keeping them in a spellbook.
Now, this subclass offers many roleplaying opportunities. It can be a scholar, but also maybe it was a sword or an unlikely patron that cursed him to become an Eldritch knight, who knows? Yet it's a great class to play if you want to touch the magical side of Dungeons and Dragons and also touch people with your axe. So why is the struggle between these two areas - The Physical and the Magical? How one becomes an Eldritch Knight, what kind of order trains these soldiers?
Samurai - The Samurai is a fighter who draws on an implacable fighting spirit to overcome enemies. A Samurai's resolve is nearly unbreakable, and the enemies in a Samurai's path have two choices: yield or die fighting.
Samurai is a great archetype, that is distinct, and every subclass can draw inspiration from it. Will honor determination and a calm, stoic attitude to just keep going in combat. When playing a Samurai, that the way the Samurai acts in battle should influence the character outside of the fight. Maybe some rules like the Bushido could also become important to your character. Also, the influence of your master should be present. Perhaps this character could have some solace in the face of an impossible threat a saying, or I don't know a haiku? Even Die fighting attitude can be used if the Samurai dishonors himself, fails his purpose, or fails to protect somebody. The consequence could be a samurai committing seppuku, to absolve the shame. The whole concept should be to live by some kind of rules, and there are many roleplaying moments to uphold that or brake them.
Origins and Background
There are many ways to flavor classes with backgrounds. But for a fighter, this should be vital in means of creating a character that is an excellent roleplay character as well. We will take a look at the Players Handbook available background as an inspiration for our character.
Acolyte - Maybe some monks took you in, and now you feel some debt for the shrine that raised you. Maybe you are one of its defenders, or perhaps you just ask for your Gods, yet nothing comes of it. Playing a religious fighter is something along the lines or playing a crusader for some religion or cause. One of the great examples in real life was Vikings and the belief of Valhalla. So what your character believes, why Gods are important for him if you decide on having this background?
Charlatan - You can have this background and go for a mercenary maybe even playing a rake type of sellsword that it's in it for himself. Bron from Game of Throne TV series kind of fits the bill on this archetype was even becoming a knight, he jokingly talks about getting rid of his wife and finding a better-looking one. But what makes him act and fight dirty? What shaped him into this kind of man, maybe even fear of death or seeing the battlefield of his comrades made him into this cynical version of a fighter
Criminal - This is similar to a Charlatan, yet this background allows fitting the role of a Hired Killer, Enforcer, Highway robber, and more of a ruffian type? Why does this character ended up like this? How does it fell about his actions?
Another Variant for this background is being a Spy. Maybe it's not the best fit for the skills of the Fighter, for example, being a hired killer for the nobility? Maybe.
Entertainer - For this background, there is an excellent Variant, which is the gladiator. Take that performance and Acrobatic proficiency, and that will fit the roleplaying of a gladiator pretty well. A good inspiration for this is the Movie "Gladiator" with Russel Crow, Spartacus TV series. For this background, what makes him compete? Who trained him into becoming a Gladiator? If it was against his will, how did he became a free man?
Folk Hero - This an ideal choice for the Fighter to take, yet what was the deed that he is known for, and more importantly, why did he pursuit something that others didn't? Why would he go and risk killing a dragon when he could have run for the hills with other villagers?
Guild Artisan - Mercenaries and Sellswords, that's what this pick could be used for. To find inspiration here A Golden Company from the Game of Thrones, Mandalorian(It's Sci-Fi, yet there is a mercenary guild, The Witcher and the Kaer Morhen could be used as inspirations for these guilds and mercenary groups. Historical Switzerland mercenaries are an excellent inspiration for your character if you are going down this route.
Hermit - Now a hermit that is also a fighter? It might seem counter-intuitive, yet it works with the Samurai Archetype, Ronin type of character that is wondering the lands for a new challenge, lives by strict rules, and overs may be some wisdom in his way. For Example, Miyamoto Musashi, a legendary Japanese swordsman when to seclusion when he was in his twilight years to write The Book of Five Rings that is still studied today by generals and martial artists. Besides the book, Miyamoto Musashi has a great story that you can draw inspiration for this type of character that you're thinking of playing. To take some questions away for this build would be - What are these fighter beliefs, ethics, way of life, and a set of code that he guides himself? For what kind of reasons he went to seclusion?
Noble - Fighters, either knight or noble, choosing this background should ask who was their mentor since lords have a better financial position to spend on their children to have better teachers. Also If you weren't a lord, how did you became one? What deeds made you knighted? What's your attitude towards the king, the nobility, the lower standing people? What are the quirks of this character? Maybe he only fights sophisticated, doesn't do any dirty tricks or perhaps not?
Outlander - This would be something along the lines of Conan The Barbarian. Yet why did he came to these lands? What made him leave the place from where he came?
Sage - This background can be used with exciting results with Eldritch Knight, maybe even a Battlemaster Archetype. Maybe a military researcher that delves into dungeons, trying to find artifacts for the mages, kings, and other people? Not only that, the idea of body and soul connection could be a thing, where the Fighter is training not only his mind but his sword skills. Geralt of Rivia is almost going into this category due to Eldritch Knight's abilities and the vast knowledge and preparations for slaying monsters. So the question is, why does this character be into magic?
Sailor - Admirals and Pirates fit the bill pretty close. But what made you decide on going on a ship?
Soldier - Well, this is a no brainer pick for the Fighter, however, how did you feel about strict order, regime the lord and commander you were serving? What's your attitude now to war? Who pushed you becoming a soldier for somebody else?
Urchin - What happened that you became an Urchin? How did you get into the path of a fighter? What made you survive in the streets? How do you feel about being an urchin now when you are adventuring? What did you do to survive that were the low-lights and the highlights of it?
Material for Inspiration:
Historical Inspirations For a Character:
Miyamoto Musashi - Musashi was a skillful Japanese swordsman and an invincible rōnin (a samurai without a lord or master). He became a legend mainly because of his remarkable swordsmanship in numerous duels from the age of thirteen. Musashi's life is pretty much the best inspiration for much of the media portraying the life of a wandering ronin. Musashi's story is Essential for those that are into Samurai Martial Archetype. Also, his journey explores what does it mean for being a warrior. He also wrote a book - The Book of Five Rings. Its an excellent book getting into the philosophy of warfare and even a way of a soldier's life. It's a great book regardless of the inspiration for this discussion if you have time to read it.
Spartacus - This Person went from a slave to gladiator to making Uprising in the biggest Empire at the time is a great inspiration for a Champion and Gladiator Background.
Julius Caesar - General, Statesman, Emperor, you know him. Read about the conquests the Caesar went into, what dramas he got himself into during his rule, and it's a great way to roleplay a Battlemaster, that can be something more than a weapon-wielding soldier or General.
Genghis Khan - to be fair, he could fit more of a ranger type, yet The Cavallier Archetype is fitting the Mongols. And the S**t he did in history, and his account can inspire all together campaigns.
Alexander the Great - Similar to Caesar in character and ambition, Alexander conquered the whole known world at the time. Yet, tutored by Aristotle, cultured, and with his own exciting story. His story could inspire a fighter that is into being a Battlemaster, maybe lived in a kingdom surrounded by wealth, vast knowledge.
Books, Movies, and TV Series Inspiration:
Eldritch Knight:
Geralt of Rivia - The Witcher Series - Eldritch Knight, with sage/urchin background, is an excellent inspiration for playing a stoic character that has more than brooding looks. If you are considering this cold character to play - Geralt's study is a must to get into the psychology of that kind of character.
Arthas "The Lich King" from Warcraft.
Cavallier
A Knight's Tale - Heath Ledger, it's soapy tropes filled tale about Knights, but it's still enjoyable, especially of a Knight/Urchin type of background for a Cavallier.
Battlemaster
300 - Leonidas of Sparta
Braveheart - William Wallace, Mel Gibson
First Knight - Sean Connery
John Snow from Game of Thrones - I would say something about him, but you know... I mean, you don't know? I'm confused now.
Champion
Gladiator - Russel Crow(Also could be assigned to a Battlemaster)
Troy - Brad Pit - It's a great squad leader, master portray of the Fighter
Conan The Barbarian - This could also be added for a Barbarian portray, yet it still works for the fighters.
Eowyn from LOTR - For all of you female readers, great inspiration on bravery, compassion, and a drive to kick some butt.
Xena - Another pick for the ladies' character inspiration.
Samurai
Arcane Archer
Legolas from LOTR - What do you expect that is now a classical archer elf trope
Ygritte from Game of Thrones - Only thing that we miss here is the arcana, yet it is an excellent choice for an outlander archer builds.
Sylvanas Windrunner
So that's it. How do you roleplay your fighters? Leave a comment down below.
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