Honorbound

In a fleeting and inhospitable cosmos, all that matters to some is having the strength to live and die with honor. On a small scale, honorbound cultures adapt extremely well to harsh environments—their enclaves are found even on the remotest planets. On a larger scale, the honorbound culture may be but one culture within a larger civilization. In this case, it is likely followed by a particular subset of the population, most often the warrior class.

For the honorbound, duty is a priority in all things. The particulars vary between individual communities, but they often focus on honesty, valor, and a sense of fairness. Compassion and charity towards the weaker or less fortunate is a great virtue among the rich, strong, and powerful, and all are expected to fulfill their roll to the utmost. Even the most mundane work brings its own kind of honor if done with diligence.

Those who are found violating the community’s terms of honor are expected to feel an equal amount of shame (often along with their families) and to make public shows of remorse and recompense, such a performing community service or making a large donation to a righteous cause or religious institution. The more prominent the member of the culture, the more substantial their reparations to their people must be. Many such cultures espouse the idea of death before dishonor, and to willingly dishonor oneself is to become a pariah at best.

Characters raised in an honorbound culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.

Gentler Pursuits. While combat and physical capabilities are important to your culture, there is little respect for one who spurns intellect and beauty. You are proficient with your choice of either Culture, Performance, two musical instruments, or two artisan’s tools.

Peak Performance. You have trained relentlessly to become a paragon of physical capability. Choose two from Athletics, Acrobatics, or Intimidation. You are proficient with the chosen skills.

Save Face. You have proficiency in a musical instrument or artisanal tools.

Weapon Training. You have been taught the ways of combat from an early age. You gain proficiency with 2 martial weapons of your choice and with starship weapons.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common, plus one other language.