The Open-Carry Fighter

Garris strode into town with the rattle of steel, and the jingle of spurs. Eyes turned his way, and hands nervously reached for hilts that weren't present. The sellsword paid them no mind, hitched up the baldric on his shoulder, and grinned. The great two-handed blade that was nearly as long as he was tall shifted slightly, the crossguard clinking against the throat of the scabbard as if the sword was also chuckling.

"There are rules about weapons in this town, Garris," his companion said under his breath.

"I'm sure there are, Valen," Garris said, his grin widening. "And the marshal is welcome to come and discuss them with me, if he can work up the courage."

"Please don't do this again, Garris," Valen said.

"It's a part of my culture, Valen," Garris replied.

"Since when?" Valen asked.

"Ever since I was told I can't," Garris said, laughing as he slapped his friend on the back.

Making A Statement

Carrying weapons, whether for self-defense or other reasons, is a tradition that goes back before civilization. The wilds are dangerous places, after all, and even in the confines of a walled city one might be set upon by thieves and brigands, so it is important to ensure one isn't helpless. For most people who come to a civilized place, they will carry a relatively subtle weapon. Perhaps a dagger that could easily be used as a tool in day-to-day life, or a quarterstaff that doubles as a walking stick. Some, though, use their weapons to make a statement. Like a dangerous beast baring its fangs, they want everyone around them to know exactly how much of a threat they are.

This is the central feature of the Open Carry fighter.

Firstly, don't get overly hung up on the name. While fighters are the class most known for their prominent weapons, this could just as easily be used by a swashbuckler, a barbarian, a ranger, or any other class who will use their weapon to make a statement. But fighters are the class most associated with prominent displays of arms, so they're the ones whose name gets attached to this character concept.

Secondly, it's important to ask yourself what are the facets of this display that are meant to be attention-grabbing, or to send a message to onlookers? For example, does this character carry a great weapon as a show of strength? Does the duelist wear a flashy rapier on one hip, the sweeping hilt and carefully-carved pommel associated with bravos who will always fight to the death? Does the character carry an impressive longsword given only to a tournament victor, immediately letting others know they have the skill to both earn and wield such a blade? Or is the weapon they carry utterly unique, playing into the character's reputation and marking them out to anyone who recognizes it (such as the sword Frostborne, wielded by the infamous river pirate Darovel Coldheart)?

For more information on constructing that last aspect of one's character, definitely check out Character Reputation in RPGs: The Small Legend.

Thirdly, ask what role the weapon plays in the character's story. For example, is this weapon a symbol of their holy order and a rank of office, as well as being an implement of violence? Does this weapon have personal significance to them, such as being handed down to them by the knight who trained them, or being the last piece of a long-dead family member? What is the reason they display it so openly, and even more importantly, the reason they will not just hand it over because someone asks them to?

Lastly, and this is optional but recommended, how does this weapon play into the character's mechanics? Does the weapon's presence play into the character's use of Intimidate checks through a magical or skill-based bonus? Does the weapon's cultural significance provide a situational bonus when dealing with certain groups of people? Is it specific to a class feature or feat tree the character has that even being sheathed on their hip they can put it in their hand faster than other people can even roll Initiative? Again, this is not required, but to really drive the concept home the Open Carry character should be more than just proficient with the weapon; it should, in a very real way, be a significant part of who they are and what makes their sheet work.

And if you're looking for a bit of inspiration for coming up with specific weapons to pair with this character concept, then I would recommend checking out Adrian Kennelly's supplement 100 Histories and Legends For Fantasy Weapons!

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