Recruiting and progression

A background is a starting profile, not a class. Use the background table to see its script-derived stat ranges, starting level and attributes that cannot roll talent stars, then inspect the actual candidate in the hiring screen.

Choose for a company need

Start with the job your roster is missing. Compare the candidate’s current melee or ranged skill, defenses, fatigue, health and resolve with the relevant background range; then check which attributes can grow through stars. A background’s excluded traits are traits the background will not roll when generation picks random traits. This is a generation restriction, not protection from later events or other effects. Starting equipment, level and traits can shift the recruit away from the plain background profile.

For example, a Bowyer’s script gives Ranged Skill 42–52 and excludes Melee Skill from talent stars. A Poacher starts at Ranged Skill 47–49, can roll stars in all eight attributes, and has Melee Skill 49–57. If the company needs a dedicated archer, compare the Bowyer’s higher ranged ceiling with the Poacher’s more flexible growth, then use the candidates’ displayed values, stars, traits, level and gear to decide. Their listed daily wage is 8 crowns each; listed hiring costs are 80 for a Bowyer and 65 for a Poacher, before the final offer is calculated. These ranges describe possibilities, not a promise that every candidate lands near the top.

Do not buy a high-level recruit by comparing only the background’s level range. The background level adds pending level-ups and perk points when the recruit joins; those choices may still be unspent. Check the recruit’s current stats, pending choices, equipment and offer before paying.

Recheck perk advice after patches

Update 1.5.1 changed Fearsome’s morale penalty from 20% of (Resolve minus 10) to 15% of the attacker’s Resolve. An older build guide can therefore contain a correct-looking but obsolete formula.

DLC and translations

This pilot covers unmodded play with gameplay DLC enabled. Check each record’s DLC label. Chinese names here are wiki-authored working translations, pending the owner’s terminology review; they are not presented as an official localization.