Fighter Character Handbook
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
So, you're the type that wants to step into a roleplaying session and not just swing a sword, but swing the sword, one with a tale, a name, maybe even a vendetta of its own. The Fighter Character Handbook is your ticket to more than just being the group’s muscle. This system-agnostic sourcebook is all about bringing your fighter to life in a way that makes you memorable for more than just big damage rolls. You’ll have agency. You’ll have stories. You’ll have other players wondering if their wizard should really be calling you “just a fighter.”
What do you get when you crack open this book? A toolkit. No, not the mundane kind with rusty wrenches, but a collection of sharp elements designed to shape your fighter into more than a walking slab of hit points. This isn’t your traditional plug-and-play character guide; it’s a blueprint for creating a warrior with thoughts, feelings, and motives that drive the narrative. Your fighter could be a poetic knight searching for lost glory or a gritty mercenary who secretly writes love ballads when no one’s watching. The point is, you’re not boxed into a single stereotype. The only limit is your imagination.
And speaking of imagination, this book doesn’t play nice with the cookie-cutter templates. You won’t find flavorless archetypes here. Instead, you get character-driven development paths that offer creative control to flesh out your backstory and the elements that make your fighter tick. Whether it’s personal honor, loyalty to a fallen order, or the simple joy of battle, you’re in charge of the narrative. Each choice is deliberate and hooks into the larger story, making your fighter the centerpiece they deserve to be.
Collaboration is another big piece of this book. Every supporting character, location, and motivation can weave seamlessly into your party’s journey, turning “that one guy with a sword” into an integral part of the campaign. You won’t just be there for the scraps; you’ll have ties to other characters, political landscapes, and past conflicts that make your fighter impossible to ignore. Whether you’re sparring for camaraderie or charging headfirst into chaos, everyone at the table will know when you’ve entered the scene.
And agency? It’s the name of the game here. This handbook is built on the belief that roleplaying isn’t just a series of encounters; it’s a collective story. Your fighter’s decisions impact more than battle outcomes, they shape relationships, morale, and the party’s future. You’re not just rolling to hit; you’re choosing whether that blow is a warning, a declaration, or a turning point. The Fighter Character Handbook gives you the tools to make each swing matter.
If you’re tired of the same old hack-and-slash routine and want a fighter that can toss out one-liners as easily as they hurl axes, this sourcebook is for you. Perfect for any fantasy roleplaying fan itching for a touch of drama, a shot of adrenaline, and a character arc that’ll leave your bard inspired. The Fighter Character Handbook, grab it, wield it, and start making your mark.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. However, it’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Background: About the Fighter profession, and the appeal of this character type for modern roleplaying. The Fighter Character Handbook starts with a deep look at what makes fighters so compelling. We explore why this character type is a staple in heroic fantasy and what draws players back time and again. From seasoned warriors who’ve seen the worst battle has to offer to fresh-faced recruits ready to prove themselves, fighters are more than just combatants, they’re pillars of courage, loyalty, and personal conflict.
Traits: Common abilities that these types of characters have, to be used as they are in your game or as inspiration for creating your own. Fighters are more than just a collection of hit points and damage dice. This section outlines key traits that define a fighter's prowess, from formidable strength to tactical intelligence. Each trait can be adapted to suit your setting or serve as inspiration for designing custom abilities. Whether it’s their unyielding resolve or their knack for turning the tide in battle, these traits set fighters apart from their peers.
Resources: Equipment, contacts, and other valuable things a Fighter character might have access to and find useful. No fighter is complete without the tools of their trade. This section goes beyond swords and shields, exploring the broader resources that fighters might accumulate. From reliable blacksmiths and trusted allies to war horses that have seen more campaigns than most soldiers, the resources your fighter can access can make all the difference when it matters most.
Variants: Interesting variations on the Fighter archetype, to show their utility in a range of settings and inspire you to create your own versions. The fighter archetype is anything but one-note. Here, we explore different takes on the fighter that fit a variety of roles within your campaign. Maybe your fighter is an arcane warrior who merges blade and spell or a grizzled survivalist who thrives in harsh wildernesses. The book gives you the tools to reinvent what it means to be a fighter, ensuring your character stands out in any party.
Worldbuilding: What your setting needs to support the existence of this character type, and the things implied by the profession. Fighters don’t just appear out of thin air; they’re shaped by the world around them. This section explores what a setting must include to support the existence of fighters, from militaristic societies and gladiatorial pits to warrior cultures steeped in tradition. The implications of having fighters in your world run deep, influencing politics, religion, and social hierarchies.
Factions: Different groups and organizations that Fighter characters might work for and interact with on a regular basis. Fighters don’t live in isolation. They’re part of something bigger, whether it’s a band of mercenaries, a knightly order bound by honor, or a secret society with its own agenda. This section details the factions that might employ, oppose, or ally with fighters, adding depth and narrative opportunities for roleplaying. Whether they’re clashing with rival warriors or pledging loyalty to an influential guild, these connections breathe life into your character’s story.
Adventures: Advice on creating adventures for this type of character, and what makes these stories unique in contrast to other professions. Crafting an adventure tailored to a fighter requires more than just setting up a series of combat encounters. This section dives into building stories that highlight a fighter’s strengths, focusing on personal challenges, battle strategy, and moments that let their unique qualities shine. From leading daring charges to confronting moral dilemmas that put their loyalty to the test, these adventures put fighters in the spotlight where they belong.
Artifacts & Relics: A collection of powerful arcane, sacred, and cultural magic items of significance to Fighter characters, offering MacGuffins for your fantasy adventures. Fighters are known for their connection to legendary items, whether it’s a family heirloom with a storied past or a weapon imbued with mystical power. This section presents a collection of unique artifacts and relics that can change the course of a campaign. More than just gear, these items carry history and significance that add layers to your fighter’s journey and invite new plot twists.
Creatures of Conflict: The way Fighter affects and interacts with various types of creatures found in a fantasy setting, remember that not all conflict is violent. Fighters are defined by how they handle conflict, but that doesn’t always mean battle. This section covers how fighters engage with different creatures, from rival champions and monsters to allies who may not see eye-to-eye. It emphasizes the importance of non-violent solutions, negotiations, and the strategies that make fighters not just warriors, but leaders and tacticians in every sense.
Reference: Stock characters, factions, creatures, and equipment, notes on converting this material into the system of your choice and vice-versa, a glossary of terms we use frequently, and a bibliography of works used in researching this work. This comprehensive section ensures that whether you’re a player or a gamemaster, you’ll have all the tools you need at your fingertips to make your fighter the standout character of any story.
213 pages. PDF and epub files included.
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
So, you're the type that wants to step into a roleplaying session and not just swing a sword, but swing the sword, one with a tale, a name, maybe even a vendetta of its own. The Fighter Character Handbook is your ticket to more than just being the group’s muscle. This system-agnostic sourcebook is all about bringing your fighter to life in a way that makes you memorable for more than just big damage rolls. You’ll have agency. You’ll have stories. You’ll have other players wondering if their wizard should really be calling you “just a fighter.”
What do you get when you crack open this book? A toolkit. No, not the mundane kind with rusty wrenches, but a collection of sharp elements designed to shape your fighter into more than a walking slab of hit points. This isn’t your traditional plug-and-play character guide; it’s a blueprint for creating a warrior with thoughts, feelings, and motives that drive the narrative. Your fighter could be a poetic knight searching for lost glory or a gritty mercenary who secretly writes love ballads when no one’s watching. The point is, you’re not boxed into a single stereotype. The only limit is your imagination.
And speaking of imagination, this book doesn’t play nice with the cookie-cutter templates. You won’t find flavorless archetypes here. Instead, you get character-driven development paths that offer creative control to flesh out your backstory and the elements that make your fighter tick. Whether it’s personal honor, loyalty to a fallen order, or the simple joy of battle, you’re in charge of the narrative. Each choice is deliberate and hooks into the larger story, making your fighter the centerpiece they deserve to be.
Collaboration is another big piece of this book. Every supporting character, location, and motivation can weave seamlessly into your party’s journey, turning “that one guy with a sword” into an integral part of the campaign. You won’t just be there for the scraps; you’ll have ties to other characters, political landscapes, and past conflicts that make your fighter impossible to ignore. Whether you’re sparring for camaraderie or charging headfirst into chaos, everyone at the table will know when you’ve entered the scene.
And agency? It’s the name of the game here. This handbook is built on the belief that roleplaying isn’t just a series of encounters; it’s a collective story. Your fighter’s decisions impact more than battle outcomes, they shape relationships, morale, and the party’s future. You’re not just rolling to hit; you’re choosing whether that blow is a warning, a declaration, or a turning point. The Fighter Character Handbook gives you the tools to make each swing matter.
If you’re tired of the same old hack-and-slash routine and want a fighter that can toss out one-liners as easily as they hurl axes, this sourcebook is for you. Perfect for any fantasy roleplaying fan itching for a touch of drama, a shot of adrenaline, and a character arc that’ll leave your bard inspired. The Fighter Character Handbook, grab it, wield it, and start making your mark.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. However, it’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Background: About the Fighter profession, and the appeal of this character type for modern roleplaying. The Fighter Character Handbook starts with a deep look at what makes fighters so compelling. We explore why this character type is a staple in heroic fantasy and what draws players back time and again. From seasoned warriors who’ve seen the worst battle has to offer to fresh-faced recruits ready to prove themselves, fighters are more than just combatants, they’re pillars of courage, loyalty, and personal conflict.
Traits: Common abilities that these types of characters have, to be used as they are in your game or as inspiration for creating your own. Fighters are more than just a collection of hit points and damage dice. This section outlines key traits that define a fighter's prowess, from formidable strength to tactical intelligence. Each trait can be adapted to suit your setting or serve as inspiration for designing custom abilities. Whether it’s their unyielding resolve or their knack for turning the tide in battle, these traits set fighters apart from their peers.
Resources: Equipment, contacts, and other valuable things a Fighter character might have access to and find useful. No fighter is complete without the tools of their trade. This section goes beyond swords and shields, exploring the broader resources that fighters might accumulate. From reliable blacksmiths and trusted allies to war horses that have seen more campaigns than most soldiers, the resources your fighter can access can make all the difference when it matters most.
Variants: Interesting variations on the Fighter archetype, to show their utility in a range of settings and inspire you to create your own versions. The fighter archetype is anything but one-note. Here, we explore different takes on the fighter that fit a variety of roles within your campaign. Maybe your fighter is an arcane warrior who merges blade and spell or a grizzled survivalist who thrives in harsh wildernesses. The book gives you the tools to reinvent what it means to be a fighter, ensuring your character stands out in any party.
Worldbuilding: What your setting needs to support the existence of this character type, and the things implied by the profession. Fighters don’t just appear out of thin air; they’re shaped by the world around them. This section explores what a setting must include to support the existence of fighters, from militaristic societies and gladiatorial pits to warrior cultures steeped in tradition. The implications of having fighters in your world run deep, influencing politics, religion, and social hierarchies.
Factions: Different groups and organizations that Fighter characters might work for and interact with on a regular basis. Fighters don’t live in isolation. They’re part of something bigger, whether it’s a band of mercenaries, a knightly order bound by honor, or a secret society with its own agenda. This section details the factions that might employ, oppose, or ally with fighters, adding depth and narrative opportunities for roleplaying. Whether they’re clashing with rival warriors or pledging loyalty to an influential guild, these connections breathe life into your character’s story.
Adventures: Advice on creating adventures for this type of character, and what makes these stories unique in contrast to other professions. Crafting an adventure tailored to a fighter requires more than just setting up a series of combat encounters. This section dives into building stories that highlight a fighter’s strengths, focusing on personal challenges, battle strategy, and moments that let their unique qualities shine. From leading daring charges to confronting moral dilemmas that put their loyalty to the test, these adventures put fighters in the spotlight where they belong.
Artifacts & Relics: A collection of powerful arcane, sacred, and cultural magic items of significance to Fighter characters, offering MacGuffins for your fantasy adventures. Fighters are known for their connection to legendary items, whether it’s a family heirloom with a storied past or a weapon imbued with mystical power. This section presents a collection of unique artifacts and relics that can change the course of a campaign. More than just gear, these items carry history and significance that add layers to your fighter’s journey and invite new plot twists.
Creatures of Conflict: The way Fighter affects and interacts with various types of creatures found in a fantasy setting, remember that not all conflict is violent. Fighters are defined by how they handle conflict, but that doesn’t always mean battle. This section covers how fighters engage with different creatures, from rival champions and monsters to allies who may not see eye-to-eye. It emphasizes the importance of non-violent solutions, negotiations, and the strategies that make fighters not just warriors, but leaders and tacticians in every sense.
Reference: Stock characters, factions, creatures, and equipment, notes on converting this material into the system of your choice and vice-versa, a glossary of terms we use frequently, and a bibliography of works used in researching this work. This comprehensive section ensures that whether you’re a player or a gamemaster, you’ll have all the tools you need at your fingertips to make your fighter the standout character of any story.
213 pages. PDF and epub files included.
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
So, you're the type that wants to step into a roleplaying session and not just swing a sword, but swing the sword, one with a tale, a name, maybe even a vendetta of its own. The Fighter Character Handbook is your ticket to more than just being the group’s muscle. This system-agnostic sourcebook is all about bringing your fighter to life in a way that makes you memorable for more than just big damage rolls. You’ll have agency. You’ll have stories. You’ll have other players wondering if their wizard should really be calling you “just a fighter.”
What do you get when you crack open this book? A toolkit. No, not the mundane kind with rusty wrenches, but a collection of sharp elements designed to shape your fighter into more than a walking slab of hit points. This isn’t your traditional plug-and-play character guide; it’s a blueprint for creating a warrior with thoughts, feelings, and motives that drive the narrative. Your fighter could be a poetic knight searching for lost glory or a gritty mercenary who secretly writes love ballads when no one’s watching. The point is, you’re not boxed into a single stereotype. The only limit is your imagination.
And speaking of imagination, this book doesn’t play nice with the cookie-cutter templates. You won’t find flavorless archetypes here. Instead, you get character-driven development paths that offer creative control to flesh out your backstory and the elements that make your fighter tick. Whether it’s personal honor, loyalty to a fallen order, or the simple joy of battle, you’re in charge of the narrative. Each choice is deliberate and hooks into the larger story, making your fighter the centerpiece they deserve to be.
Collaboration is another big piece of this book. Every supporting character, location, and motivation can weave seamlessly into your party’s journey, turning “that one guy with a sword” into an integral part of the campaign. You won’t just be there for the scraps; you’ll have ties to other characters, political landscapes, and past conflicts that make your fighter impossible to ignore. Whether you’re sparring for camaraderie or charging headfirst into chaos, everyone at the table will know when you’ve entered the scene.
And agency? It’s the name of the game here. This handbook is built on the belief that roleplaying isn’t just a series of encounters; it’s a collective story. Your fighter’s decisions impact more than battle outcomes, they shape relationships, morale, and the party’s future. You’re not just rolling to hit; you’re choosing whether that blow is a warning, a declaration, or a turning point. The Fighter Character Handbook gives you the tools to make each swing matter.
If you’re tired of the same old hack-and-slash routine and want a fighter that can toss out one-liners as easily as they hurl axes, this sourcebook is for you. Perfect for any fantasy roleplaying fan itching for a touch of drama, a shot of adrenaline, and a character arc that’ll leave your bard inspired. The Fighter Character Handbook, grab it, wield it, and start making your mark.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. However, it’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Background: About the Fighter profession, and the appeal of this character type for modern roleplaying. The Fighter Character Handbook starts with a deep look at what makes fighters so compelling. We explore why this character type is a staple in heroic fantasy and what draws players back time and again. From seasoned warriors who’ve seen the worst battle has to offer to fresh-faced recruits ready to prove themselves, fighters are more than just combatants, they’re pillars of courage, loyalty, and personal conflict.
Traits: Common abilities that these types of characters have, to be used as they are in your game or as inspiration for creating your own. Fighters are more than just a collection of hit points and damage dice. This section outlines key traits that define a fighter's prowess, from formidable strength to tactical intelligence. Each trait can be adapted to suit your setting or serve as inspiration for designing custom abilities. Whether it’s their unyielding resolve or their knack for turning the tide in battle, these traits set fighters apart from their peers.
Resources: Equipment, contacts, and other valuable things a Fighter character might have access to and find useful. No fighter is complete without the tools of their trade. This section goes beyond swords and shields, exploring the broader resources that fighters might accumulate. From reliable blacksmiths and trusted allies to war horses that have seen more campaigns than most soldiers, the resources your fighter can access can make all the difference when it matters most.
Variants: Interesting variations on the Fighter archetype, to show their utility in a range of settings and inspire you to create your own versions. The fighter archetype is anything but one-note. Here, we explore different takes on the fighter that fit a variety of roles within your campaign. Maybe your fighter is an arcane warrior who merges blade and spell or a grizzled survivalist who thrives in harsh wildernesses. The book gives you the tools to reinvent what it means to be a fighter, ensuring your character stands out in any party.
Worldbuilding: What your setting needs to support the existence of this character type, and the things implied by the profession. Fighters don’t just appear out of thin air; they’re shaped by the world around them. This section explores what a setting must include to support the existence of fighters, from militaristic societies and gladiatorial pits to warrior cultures steeped in tradition. The implications of having fighters in your world run deep, influencing politics, religion, and social hierarchies.
Factions: Different groups and organizations that Fighter characters might work for and interact with on a regular basis. Fighters don’t live in isolation. They’re part of something bigger, whether it’s a band of mercenaries, a knightly order bound by honor, or a secret society with its own agenda. This section details the factions that might employ, oppose, or ally with fighters, adding depth and narrative opportunities for roleplaying. Whether they’re clashing with rival warriors or pledging loyalty to an influential guild, these connections breathe life into your character’s story.
Adventures: Advice on creating adventures for this type of character, and what makes these stories unique in contrast to other professions. Crafting an adventure tailored to a fighter requires more than just setting up a series of combat encounters. This section dives into building stories that highlight a fighter’s strengths, focusing on personal challenges, battle strategy, and moments that let their unique qualities shine. From leading daring charges to confronting moral dilemmas that put their loyalty to the test, these adventures put fighters in the spotlight where they belong.
Artifacts & Relics: A collection of powerful arcane, sacred, and cultural magic items of significance to Fighter characters, offering MacGuffins for your fantasy adventures. Fighters are known for their connection to legendary items, whether it’s a family heirloom with a storied past or a weapon imbued with mystical power. This section presents a collection of unique artifacts and relics that can change the course of a campaign. More than just gear, these items carry history and significance that add layers to your fighter’s journey and invite new plot twists.
Creatures of Conflict: The way Fighter affects and interacts with various types of creatures found in a fantasy setting, remember that not all conflict is violent. Fighters are defined by how they handle conflict, but that doesn’t always mean battle. This section covers how fighters engage with different creatures, from rival champions and monsters to allies who may not see eye-to-eye. It emphasizes the importance of non-violent solutions, negotiations, and the strategies that make fighters not just warriors, but leaders and tacticians in every sense.
Reference: Stock characters, factions, creatures, and equipment, notes on converting this material into the system of your choice and vice-versa, a glossary of terms we use frequently, and a bibliography of works used in researching this work. This comprehensive section ensures that whether you’re a player or a gamemaster, you’ll have all the tools you need at your fingertips to make your fighter the standout character of any story.
213 pages. PDF and epub files included.