5e - Player's Handbook

""TIKA ANO ARTEMIS: ALIGNMENT •••

LANGUAGES

Your race indicates the languages your character can Tika Waylan is neutral good, fundamentally good-hearted
and striving to help others where she cano Artemis is lawful
speak by default, and your background might give you evil, unconcerned with the value of sentient life but at least
professional in his approach to murder.
access to one or more additionallanguages Df your
As an evil character, Artemis is not an ideal adventurer. He
choice. Note these languages on your character sheet. began his career as a villain, and only cooperates with heroes
when he must-and when it's in his own best interests. In
Choose your languages from the Standard Languages most games, evil adventurers cause problems in groups
alongside others who don't share their interests and objectives.
table, or choose one that is common in your campaign. Generally, evil alignments are for villains and monsters.

With your DM's permission, you can instead choose a ~~

language from the Exotic Languages table or a secret

language, such as thieves' cant or the tongue Df druids.

Some Df these languages are actually families

Df languages with many dialects. For example, the PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Primordiallanguage includes the Auran, Aquan, Ignan, Fleshing out your character's personality-the array Df
traits, mannerisms, habits, beliefs, and flaws that give
and Terran dialects, one for each Df the four elemental a person a unique identity-will help you bring him
or her to life as you play the game. Four categories Df
planes. Creatures that speak different dialects Df the characteristics are presented here: personality traits,
ideais, bonds, and flaws. Beyond those categories,
same language can communicate with one another. think about your character's favorite words or phrases,
tics and habitual gestures, vices and pet peeves, and
STANDARD LANCUACES Seript whatever else you can imagine.
Common
Language Typieal Speakers Dwarvish Each background presented later in this chapter
Common Humans Elvish includes suggested characteristics that you can use
Dwarvish Dwarves Dwarvish to spark your imagination. You're not bound to those
Elvish Elves Dwarvish options, but they're a good starting point.
Giant Ogres, giants Dwarvish
Gnomish Gnomes Common PERSONALITY TRAITS
Goblin Goblinoids Dwarvish Give your character two personality traits. Personality
Halfling Halflings traits are small, simple ways to help you set your
Ore Ores character apart from every other character. Your
personality traits should tell you something interesting
EXOTIC LANCUAGES and fun about your character. They should be self.
descriptions that are specific about what makes your
Language Typical Speakers Seript character stand out. "I'm smart" is not a good trait,
Abyssal Demons Infernal because it describes a lot Df characters. "!'ve read every
Celestial Celestiais Celestial book in Candlekeep" tells you something specific about
Draconic Dragons, Draconic your character's interests and disposition.
dragonborn
Deep Speech Mind flayers, Infernal Personality traits might describe the things your
beholders Dwarvish character likes, his or her past accomplishments, things
Infernal Devils Elvish your character dislikes or fears, your character's sei f-
Primordial Elementals Elvish attitude or mannerisms, or the influence Df his or her
Sylvan Fey creatures ability scores.
Undercommon Underdark traders

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PART 1 J PERSONALllY ANO BACKGROlJ I.)

123

Ah

TIKA ANO ARTEMIS: PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS IDEALS

Tika and Artemis have distinct personality traits. Tika Waylan Describe one ideal that drives your character. Your ideais
dislikes boastfulness and has a fear of heights resulting are the things that you believe in most strongly, the
from a bad fali during her career as a thief. Artemis Entreri fundamental moral and ethical principies that compel you
is always prepared for the worst and moves with a quick, to act as you do. Ideais encompass everything from your
precise confidence. life goals to your core belief system.

Consider their ideais. Tika Waylan is innocent, almost Ideais might answer any of these questions: What are
childlike, believing in the value oflife and the importance of the principies that you will neve r betray? What would
appreciating everyone. Neutral good in alignment, she c1eaves prompt you to make sacrifices? What drives you to act
to ideais of life and respec!. Artemis Entreri never allows and guides your goals and ambitions? What is the single
his emotions to master him, and he constantly challenges most important thing you strive for?
himself to improve his skills. His lawful evil alignment gives
him ideais of impartiality and a lust for power. Vou can choose any ideais you like, but your
character's alignment is a good place to start defining
Tika Waylan's bond is to the Inn ofthe Last Home. The them. Each background in this chapter includes six
inn's proprietor gave her a new chance at life, and her suggested ideais. Five of them are linked to aspects of
friendship with her adventuring companions was forged alignment: law, chaos, good, evit, and neutrality. The last
during her time working there. Its destruction by the one has more to do with the particular background than
marauding dragonarmies gives Tika a very personal reason to with moral or ethical perspectives.
hate them with a fiery passion. Her bond might be phrased
as "I will do whatever it takes to punish the dragonarmies for BONDS
the destruction ofthe Inn ofthe Last Home." Create one bond for your character. Bonds represent a
character's connections to people, places, and events in
Artemis Entreri's bond is a strange, almost paradoxical the world. They tie you to things from your background.
relationship with Drizzt Do'Urden, his equal in swordplay They might inspire you to heights of heroism, or lead
and grim determination. In his first battle with Drizzt, you to act against your own best interests if they are
Artemis recognized something of himself in his opponent, threatened. They can work very much like ideaIs,
some indication that if his life had gone differently, he driving a character's motivations and goals.
might have led a life more like the heroic drow's. From that
Bonds might answer any of these questions: Whom do
moment, Artemis is more than a criminal assassin-he is an you care most about? To what place do you feeI a special
connection? What is your most treasured possession?
antihero, driven by his rivalry with Drizz!. His bond might be
phrased as "I will not rest untill have proved myselfbetter Your bonds might be tied to your c1ass, your
than Drizzt Do'Urden." background, your race, or some other aspect of your
character's history or personality. Vou might also gain
Each of these characters also has an important flaw. new bonds over the course of your adventures.

Tika Waylan is naive and emotionally vulnerable, younger FLAWS

than her companions and annoyed that they still think Finally, choose a flaw for your character. Your
character's flaw represents some vice, compulsion, fear,
of her as the kid they knew years ago. She might even be or weakness-in particular, anything that someone
e1se could exploit to bring you to ruin ar cause you to
tempted to act against her principies if she's convinced that act against your best interests. More significant than
nega tive personality traits, a flaw might answer any
a particular achievement would demonstrate her maturity. of these questions: What enrages you? What's the one
person, concept, or event that you are terrified of? What
Artemis Entreri is completely walled offfrom any personal are your vices?

relationship and just wants to be left alone. ,.

~

A useful place to start thinking about personality
traits is to look at your highest and lowest ability scores
and define one trait related to each. Either one could be
positive or nega tive: you might work hard to overcome a
low score, for example, or be cocky about your high score.

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PART I I PERSONALITY ANO BACKCROUND

124

INSPIRATION The sample backgrounds in this chapter provide
both concrete benetits (features, proticiencies, and
Inspiration is a rule the Dungeon Master can use to languages) and roleplaying suggestions.
reward you for playing your character in a way that's
true to his or her personality traits, ideal, bond, and flaw. PROFICIENCIES
By using inspiration, you can draw on your personality Each background gives a character proticiency in two
trait of compassion for the downtrodden to give you skills. SkilIs are described in chapter 7.
an edge in negotiating with the Beggar Prince. Or
inspiration can let you calI on your bond to the defense In addition, most backgrounds give a character
of your home village to push past the effect of a spelI proticiency with one or more tools. Tools and tool
that has been laid on you. proticiencies are detailed in chapter 5.

GAINING INSPIRATION If a character would gain the same proticiency from
two different sources, he or she can choose a different
Your DM can choose to give you inspiration for a variety proticiency of the same kind (skilI or tool) instead.
of reasons. TypicalIy, DMs award it when you play
out your personality traits, give in to the drawbacks LANGUAGES
presented by a flaw or bond, and otherwise portray your Some backgrounds also alIow characters to learn
character in a compelIing way. Your DM wilI telI you additional languages beyond those given by race.
how you can earn inspiration in the game. See "Languages" earlier in this chapter.

Vou either have inspiration or you don't-you can't EQUIPMENT
stockpile multi pie "inspirations" for later use. Each background provides a package of starting
equipmcnt. lf you use the optional rule from chapter 5
USING INSPIRATION to spend coin on gear, you do not receive the starting
equipment from your background.
lf you have inspiration, you can expend it when you make
an attack rolI, saving throw, or ability check. Spending SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
your inspiration gives you advantage on that rol!. A background contains suggested personal
characleristics based on your background. Vou can
AdditionalIy, if you have inspiration, you can reward pick characteristics, rolI dice to determine
another player for good roleplaying, e1ever thinking, them randomly, or use the suggestions
or simply doing something exciting in the game. as inspiration for characteristics of
When another player characler does somelhing that your own creation.
realIy contributes to the story in a fun and interesting
way, you can give up your inspiration to give lhat CUSTOMIZING A
characler inspiration. BACKGROUND
Vou might want to tweak
BACKGROUNDS some of the features of a
background so it better
Every story has a beginning. Your character's tits your character
background reveals where you carne from, how you or the campaign
beca me an adventurer, and your place in the world. setting. To customize
Your tighter might have been a courageous knight or a a background, you can
grizzled soldier. Your wizard could have been a sage or replace one feature
an artisan. Your rogue might have gotten by as a guild with any other one,
thief or commanded audiences as a jester. choose any two
skills, and choose
Choosing a background provides you with important a total of two to01
story cues about your character's identity. The most proticiencies or
important question to ask about your background is languages from the
what changed? Why did you stop doing whatever your sample backgrounds.
background describes and start adventuring? Where Vou can either use
did you get the money to purchase your starting gear, or, the equipment
if you come from a wealthy background, why don't you package from your
have more money? How did you learn the skills of your background or spend
e1ass? What sets you apart from ordinary people who coin on gear as
share your background? described in chapter
5. (lf you spend
4, coin, you can't also
take the equipment
TIKA ANO ARTEMIS: BACKCROUNOS package suggestcd
for your c1ass.)
Tika Waylan and Artemis Entreri bolh lived lheir earliest years FinalIy, choose
as street urchins. Tika's later career as a barmaid didn't really two personality
change her, so she might choose the urchin background,
gaining proficiency in the Sleight of Hand and Stealth skills.

and learning the tools ofthe thieving trade. Artemis is more

defined by his criminal background, giving him skills in
Deception and Steallh, as well as proficiency wilh lhe tools of
lhievery and poison .

.r•-•-•-------------------JI"-



traits, one ideal. one bond, and one flaw. lfyou can't find d8 Personality Trail
a feature that matches your desired background, work 1 I idolize a parlicular hero of my faith, and conslanlly
with your DM to create one.
refer lo Ihal person's deeds and example,
ACOLYTE 2 I can find common ground belween lhe fiercesl

Vou have spent your life in the service of a temple enemies, empalhizing wilh Ih em and always working
to a specific god or pantheon of gods, Vou act as an loward peace.
intermediary between the realm of the holy and the 3 I see omens in every evenl and aclion. lhe gods Iry lo
mortal world, performing sacred rites and offering speak lo uso we jusl need lo lislen
sacrifices in order to conduct worshipers into the 4 NOlhing can shake my oplimislic altilude.
presence of the divine. Vou are not necessarily a S I quole (or misquole) sacred lexls and proverbs in
cleric-performing sacred rites is not the same thing aS almost every situation.
channeling divine power. 6 I am loleranl (or inloleranl) of olher failhs and respecl
(or condemn) lhe worship of olher gods.
Choose a god, a pantheon of gods, or some other 7 I've enjoyed fine food, drink, and high society among
quasi-divine being from among those listed in appendix my temple's elite. Rough living grates on me.
B or those specified by your DM, and work with your 8 I've spenl so long in the tem pie that I have liltle
DM to detail the nature of your religious service. practical experience dealing with people in the outside
Were you a lesser functionary in a temple, raised from world.
childhood to assist the priests in the sacred rites? Or
were you a high priest who suddenly experienced a call d6 Ideal
to serve your god in a different way? Perhaps you were 1 Tradilion. lhe aneient traditions of worship and
the leader of a small cult outside of any established
tem pIe structure, or even an occult group that served a sacrifice must be preserved and upheld. (Lawful)
fiendish master that you now deny. 2 Charily. I always try to help those in need, no matter

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Religion what the personal cosI. (Good)
Languages: Two of your choice Change. We must help bring aboullhe changes lhe
Equiprnent: A holy symbol (a gift to you when you gods are constantly working in the world. ((haotic)
4 Power. I hope to one day rise to the top of my failh's
entered the priesthood), a prayer book or prayer religious hierarchy. (Lawful)
wheel, 5 sticks of incense, vestments, a set of common S Failh. I trust that my deity will guide my aclions. I have
clothes, and a belt pouch containing 15 gp faith that if I work hard, things will go well. (Lawful)
6 Aspiralion. I seek lo prove myself worthy of my god's
FEATURE: SHELTER OF THE FAITHFUL favor by matching my actions againsl his or her
As an acolyte, you command the respect of those who teachings. (Any)
share your faith, and you can perform the religious
ceremonies of your deity. You and your adventuring d6 Bond
companions can expect to receive free healing and 1 I would die lo recover an ancient relic of my faith that
care at a temple, shrine, or other established presence
of your faith, though you must provide any material was lost long ago.
components needed for spells. Those who share 2 I will someday get revenge on the corrupt temple
your religion will support you (but only you) at a
modest lifestyle. hierarchy who branded me a heretic.
3 I owe my life to the priest who took me in when my
Vou might also have ties to a specific tem pIe dedicated
to your chosen deity or pantheon, and you have a parenls died.
residence there, This could be the temple where you 4 Everylhing I do is for the common people.
used to serve, if you remain on good terms with it, or a S I will do anylhing lo prolect the tem pie where I served.
temple where you have found a new home, While near 6 I seek to preserve a sacred text that my enemies
your temple. you can call upon the priests for assistance.
provided the assistance you ask for is not hazardous and consider heretical and seek to destroy.
you remain in good standing with your temple.
d6 Flaw
SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Acolytes are shaped by their experience in temples 1 I judge olhers harshly, and myself even more severely.
or other religious communities. Their study of the 2 I pulloo much Irusl in Ihose who wield power wilhin
history and tenets of their faith and their relationships
to temples, shrines, or hierarchies affect their my lemple's hierarchy.
mannerisms and ideaIs. Their flaws might be some 3 My piely somelimes leads me lo blindly Irusllhose
hidden hypocrisy or heretical idea, or an ideal or bond
taken to an extreme. that profess failh in my god.
4 Iam inflexible in my Ihinking.
5 I am suspicious af strangers and expect the worst cf

them.
6 Once I pick a goal, I become obsessed wilh it to the

detriment of everylhing else in my life.

P.\.l{f 11 PERSONAIITY D B \( KGROU. O

127

CHARLATAN d8 Personality Trait
1 I fali in and out of love easily, and am always pursuing
Vou have always had a way with people. Vou know
what makes them tick. you can tease out their hearts' someone.
desires after a few minutes of conversation, and with a 2 I have a joke for every occasion, especially occasions
few leading questions you can read them like they were
children's books. !t's a useful talent, and one that you're where humor is inappropriate.
perfectly willing to use for your advantage. 3 Flattery is my preferred trick for getting what I want,
4 I'm a born gambler who can't resist taking a risk for a
Vou know what people want and you deliver. or rather,
you promise to deliver. Common sense should steer potential payoff.
people away from things that sound toa good to be true, S I lie about almost everything. even when there's no
but common sense seems to be in short supply when
you're around. The bottle of pink-colored liquid will good reason to.
surely cure that unseemly rash, this ointment-nothing 6 Sarcasm and insults are my weapons of choice.
more than a bit of fat with a sprinkle of silver dust-can 7 I keep multiple holy symbols on me and invoke
restore youth and vigor, and there's a bridge in the city
thatjust happens to be for sale. These marvels sound whatever deity might come in useful at any given
implausible, but you make them sound like the real dea!. momento
8 I pocket anything I see that might have some value.
Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Sleight of Hand
Too! Proficiencies: Disguise kit, forgery kit d6 Ideal
Equiprnent: A set of fine c1othes, a disguise kit, tools 1 Independence. I am a free spirit-no one tells me what

of the con of your choice (ten stoppered bottles filled to do. ((haotic)
with colored liquid, a set of weighted dice, a deck of 2 Fairness. I never target people who can't afford to lose
marked cards, or a signet ring of an imaginary duke).
and a belt pouch containing 15 gp a few coins. (Lawful)
3 Charity. I distribute the money I acquire to the people
FAVORITE SCHEMES
Every charlatan has an angle he or she uses in who really need it. (Good)
preference to other schemes. Choose a favorite scam or 4 Creativity. I never run the same con twice. ((haotic)
roll on the table below. S Friendship. Material goods come and go. Bonds of

d6 Scam friendship last forever, (Good)
1 I cheat at games of chance. 6 Aspiration. I'm determined to make something
2 I shave coins or forge documents.
3 I insinuate myselfinto people's lives to prey on their of myself. (Any)

weakness and secure their fortunes. d6 Bond
4 I put on new identities like clothes. 1 I fleeced the wrong person and must work to ensure
S I run sleight-of.hand cons on street corners.
6 I convince people that worthless junk is worth their that this individual never crosses paths with me or
those I care about.
hard.earned money. 2 I owe everything to my mentor-a horrible person
who's probably rotting in jail somewhere.
FEATURE: FALSE IDENTITY 3 Somewhere out there, I have a child who doesn't
Vou have created a second identity that includes know me. I'm making the world better for him or her.
documentation, established acquaintallces, and 4 I come frem a noble family, and one day 1'11reelaim my
disguises that allow you to assume that persona. lands and title from those who stole them from me.
Additionally, you can forge documents including official S A powerful person killed someone I love. Some day
papers and personal letters, as long as you have seen an soon, 1'11have my revenge.
example of the kind of document or the handwriting you 6 I swindled and ruined a person who didn't deserve il. I
are trying to copy. seek to atone for my misdeeds but might never be able
to forgive myself.
SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Charlatans are colorful characters who conceal their d6 Flaw
true selves behind the masks they construcl. They 1 I can't resist a pretty face.
reflect what people want to see, what they want to 2 I'm always in debt. I spend my ill.gotten gains on
believe, and how they scc the world. But their true
sclves are sometimes plagued by an uneasy conscience, decadent luxuries faster than I bring them in..
a n old enemy, or deep-seated trust issues. 3 I'm convinced that no one could ever fool me the way

PART 1 I PERSONALlTY ANO BACKGROUNO I fool others.
4 I'm too greedy for my own good. I can'! resist taking a
128
risk if there's money involved.
S I can'! resist swindling people who are more powerful

than me.
6 I hate to admit it and will hate myself for it, but 1'11run

and preserve my own hide if the going gets tough.

CRIMINAL d6 Ideal
1 Honor. I don't steal from others in the trade. (Lawful)
Vou are an experienced criminal wilh a hislory of 2 Freedom. (hains are meant to be broken, as are those
breaking lhe law. Vou have spenl a 101of lime among
olher criminais and still have conlacls wilhin lhe who would forge them. ((haotie)
criminal underworld. You're far closer lhan mosl people 3 Charity. I steal from the wealthy so that I ean help
lo lhe world of murder, lhefl, and violence lhal pervades
lhe underbelly of civilizalion, and you have survived up lo people in need. (Good)
lhis poinl by f10uling lhe rules and regulalions of sociely. 4 Greed. I will do whatever it takes to beco me

Skill Proficiencies: Deceplion, Slealth wealthy. (Evil)
Tool Proficiencies: One lype of gaming seI, 5 People. I'm loyal to my friends, not to any ideais, and

lhieves' lools everyone else ean lake a trip down the Styx for ali I
Equiprnent: A crowbar, a seI of dark common clolhes eare. (Neutral)
6 Redemption. There's a spark of good in everyone.
including a hood, and a bell pouch conlaining 15 gp (Good)

CRIMINAL SPECIALTY d6 Bond
There are many kinds of criminais, and wilhin a lhieves' 1 I'm trying to pay o f!' an old debt I owe to a generous
guild or similar criminal organizalion, individual
members have particular speciallies. Even criminais benefaetor.
who operale oulside of such organizalions have slrong 2 My ill.gotten gains go to support my family.
preferences for cerlain kinds of crimes over olhers. 3 Something important was laken from me, and I aim to
Choose lhe role you played in your criminallife, or roll
on lhe lable below. sleal it baek.
4 I will beeome the greatest thief that ever lived.
d8 Specialty d8 Specialty 5 I'm guilty of a lerrible crime. I hope I ean redeem
1 Blaekmailer 5 Highway robber
2 Burglar 6 Hired killer myself for it.
3 Enforeer 7 Piekpocket 6 Someone I loved died beeause of I mistake I made.
4 Fenee 8 Smuggler
Thal will never happen again.

FEATURE: CRIMINAL CONTACT
Vou have a reliable and lruslworlhy conlacl who acls as
your liaison lo a network of olher criminais. Vou know
how lo gel messages lo and from your conlacl, even
over greal dislances; specifically, you know lhe local
messengers, corrupl caravan maslers, and seedy sailors
who can deliver messages for you.

SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Criminais mighl seem like villains on lhe surface,
and many of lhem are villainous lO lhe core. Sut some
have an abundance of endearing, if nol redeeming,
characlerislics. There mighl be honor among lhieves, bul
criminais rarely show any respecl for law or aUlhorily.

d8 Personality Trait
1 I always have a plan for whal to do when lhings go

wrong.
2 I am always ealm, no maller what the situation. I never

raise my voice ar let my emotions control me.
3 The firsl thing I do in a new plaee is note the loeations

of everything valuable-or where sueh things eould be
hidden.
4 I would rather make a new friend than a new enemy.
5 I am ineredibly slow to trust. Those who seem lhe
fairest often have the most to hide.
6 I don't pay attention to the risks in a siluation. Never
tell me the odds.
7 The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I
ean't do it.
8 I blow up at the slightest insult.

d6 Flaw ENTERTAINER
1 When I see something valuable, I can't think about
Vou thrive in front of an audience. Vou know how to
anything but how to steal it. entrance them, entertain them, and even inspire them.
2 When faced with a choice between money and my Your poetics can stir the hearts of those who hear you,
awakening grief or joy, laughter or anger. Your music
friends, I usually choose the money. raises their spirits or captures their sorrow. Your dance
3 If there's a plan, 1'11 forget it. If I don't forget it, 1'11 steps captivate, your humor cuts to the quick. Whatever
techniques you use, your art is your life.
ignore il.
4 I have a "tell" that reveals when I'm Iying. Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Performance
S I tum tail and run when things look bad. Tool Proficiencies: Disguise kit, one type of
6 An innocent person is in prison for a crime that I
musical instrument
committed. I'm okay with that. Equiprnent: A musical instrument (one of your choice),

VARIANT CRIMINAL: Spy the favor of an admirer (love lelter, lock of hair, or
Although your capabilities are not much different trinket), a costume, and a belt pouch containing 15 gp
from those of a burglar or smuggler, you learned
and practiced them in a very different context: as an ENTERTAINER ROUTINES
espionage agenl. Vou might have been an officially A good entertainer is versatile, spicing up every
sanctioned agent of the crown, or perhaps you sold the performance with a variety of different routines. Choose
secrets you uncovered to the highest bidder. one to three routines or roll on the table below to define
your expertise as an entertainer.

dl0 Enterlainer Routine dl0 Enterlainer Routine
1 Actor 6 Instrumentalist
2 Dancer 7 Poet
3 Fire-eater 8 Singer
4 }ester 9 Storyteller
S Juggler 10 Tumbler

FEATURE: By POPULAR DEMAND
Vou can always find a place to perform, usually in an
inn or tavern but possibly with a circus, at a theater, or
even in a noble's court. At such a place, you receive free
lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard
(depending on the quality of the establishment), as
long as you perform each night. In addition, your
performance makes you something of a local figure.
When strangers recognize you in a town where you have
performed, they typically take a liking to you.

SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Successful entertainers have to be able to capture
and hold an audience's attention, so they tend to
have flamboyant or forceful personalities. They're
inclined toward the romantic and often cling to
high-minded ideaIs about the practice of art and the
appreciation of beauty.

d8 Personality Trait
1 I know a story relevant to almost every situation.
2 Whenever I come to a new place, I collect local rumors

and spread gossip.
3 I'm a hopeless romantic, always searching for that

"special someone."
4 Nobody stays angry at me or around me for long, since

I can defuse any amount of tension.
S I love a good insult, even one directed at me.
6 I get bitter if I'm not the center of attention.
7 1'11settle for nothing less than perfection.
8 I change my mood or my mind as quickly as I change

key in a song.

d6 Ideal Ski1l Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Survival
1 Beauly. When I perform, I make lhe world belter lhan Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan's tools,

il was. (Good) vehicles (land)
2 Tradilion. lhe slories, legends, and songs of the past Equipment: A set of artisan's tools (one of your choice),

must never be forgolten, for they teach us who we a shovel, an iran pot, a set of common clothes, and a
are. (Lawful) belt pouch containing 10 gp
3 Creativily. lhe world is in need of new ideas and bold
action. (Chaotic) DEFINING EVENT
4 Greed. I'm only in it for the money and fame. (Evil) Vou previously pursued a simple prafession among
5 People. I like seeing the smiles on people's faces when the peasantry, perhaps as a farmer, miner, servant,
I perform. lha!'s ali that matters. (Neutral) shepherd, woodcutter, ar gravedigger. But something
6 Honesly. Art should reflect the soul; it should come happened that set you on a different path and marked
from within and reveal who we really are. (Any) you for greater things. Choose or randomly determine a
defining event that marked you as a hera of the people.
d6 Bond
1 My instrument is my most treasured possession, and it dl0 Defining Evenl
1 I stood up to a tyrant's agents.
reminds me of someone I love. 2 I saved people during a natural disaster.
2 Someone slole my precious instrumenl, and someday 3 I stood alone against a terrible monster.
4 I stole from a corrupt merchant to help the poor.
1'11get il back. 5 I led a militia to fight off an invading army.
3 I wanl to be famous, whatever it takes. 6 I broke into a tyran!'s castle and stole weapons to arm
4 I idolize a hero of the old tales and measure my deeds the people.
7 I trained the peasantry to use farm implements as
against lhal person's. weapons against a tyrant's soldiers.
5 I will do anything to prove myself superior to my hated 8 A lord rescinded an unpopular decree after I led a
symbolic act of protect against il.
rival. 9 A celestial, fey, or similar creature gave me a blessing
6 I would do anything for the other members of my or revealed my secret origino
10 Recruited into a lord's army, I rose to leadership and
old troupe. was commended for my heroismo

d6 Flaw FEATURE: RUSTIC HOSPITALITY
1 1'11do anything lo win fame and renown. Since you come from the ranks of the common folk,
2 I'm a sucker for a pretty face. you fit in among them with ease. Vou can find a place
3 A scandal prevents me from ever going home again. to hide, rest, or recuperate among other commoners,
unless you have shown yourself to be a danger to
lhat kind of trouble seems to follow me around. them. They will shield you from the law or anyone
4 I once satirized a noble who still wants my head. It was else searching for you, though they will not risk
their lives for YOU.
a mistake lhat I willlikely repeal.
5 I have trouble keeping my true feelings hidden. My SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
A folk hero is one of the common people, for better
sharp tongue lands me in trouble. or for worse. Most folk heraes look on their humble
6 Despile my best efforts, I am unreliable to my friends. origins as a virtue, not a shortcoming, and their home
communities remain very important to them.
VARIANT ENTERTAINER: GLADIATOR
A gladiator is as much an entertainer as any minstrel d8 Personalily Trail
or circus performer, trained to make the arts of combat 1 I judge people by lheir aclions, nol lheir words.
into a spectacle the crawd can enjoy. This kind of 2 If someone is in trouble, I'm always ready to lend help.
flashy combat is your entertainer routine, though you 3 When I set my mind to something, I follow through no
might also have some skills as a tumbler or actor.
Using your By Popular Demand feature, you can find a malter what gets in my way.
place to perform in any place that features combat for 4 I have a strong sense of fair play and always try to find
entertainment-perhaps a gladiatorial arena or secret
pit fighting club. Vou can replace the musical instrument the most equilable solution to arguments.
in your equipment package with an inexpensive but 5 I'm confidenl in my own abilities and do what I can to
unusual weapon, such as a trident or neto
instill confidence in others.
FOLK HERO 6 lhinking is for other people. I prefer action.
7 I misuse long words in an attempt to sound smarter.
Vou come from a humble social rank, but you are 8 I get bored easily. When am I going to get on wilh my
destined for so much more. Already the people of
your home village regard you as their champion, and desliny?
your destiny calls you to stand against the tyrants and
monsters that threaten the common folk everywhere. PART I I PERSONALlTY AND BACKGROUND

d6 Ideal d6 Flaw
1 Respect. People deserve to be treated with dignity and 1 lhe tyrant who rules my land will stop at nothing to

respect. (Good) see me killed.
2 Faimess. No one should get preferentialtreatment 2 I'm convinced ofthe significance ofmy destiny, and

before the law, and no one is above the law. (Lawful) blind to my shortcomings and the risk oHailure.
3 Freedom. lyrants must not be allowed to oppress the 3 lhe people who knew me when I was young know my

people. (Chaotic) shameful secret, 50 I can never go home again.
4 Might. If I beco me strong, I can take what I want- 4 I have a weakness for the vices of the city, especially

whatl deserve. (Evil) hard drink.
5 Sincerity. lhere's no good in pretending to be 5 Secretly, I believe thatthings would be beller if I were a

something I'm not. (Neutral) tyrantlording over the land.
6 Destiny. Nothing and no one can steer me away from 6 I have trouble trusting in my allies.

my higher calling. (Any) GUILD ARTISAN

d6 Bond Vou are a member of an artisan's guild, skilled in
1 I have a family, butl have no idea where they are. One a particular field and c10sely associated with other
artisans. Vou are a well-established part of the
day, I hope to see them again. mercantile world, freed by talent and wealth from the
2 I worked the land, I love the land, and I will protect the constraints of a feudal social order. Vou learned your
skills as an apprentice to a master artisan, under the
land. sponsorship of your guild, until you became a master in
3 A proud noble once gave me a horrible beating, and I your own right.

will take my revenge on any bully I encounter. Skill Proficiencies: lnsight, Persuasion
4 My tools are symbols of my pastlife, and I carry them Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan's tools
Languages: One of your choice
50 that I will never forget my roots. Equiprnent: A set of artisan's tools (one of your choice),
5 I protectthose who cannot protectthemselves.
6 I wish my childhood sweetheart had come with me to a letter of introduction from your guild, a set of
traveler's c1othes, and a belt pouch containing 15 gp
pursue my destiny.
GUILD BUSINESS
Guilds are generally found in cities large enough to
support several artisans practicing the same trade.
However, your guild might instead be a loose network
of artisans who each work in a different village within
a larger realm. Work with your DM to determine the
nature of your guild. Vou can select your guild business
from the Guild Business table or roll randomly.

d20 Guild Business
1 Alchemists and apothecaries
2 Armorers, locksmiths, and finesmiths
3 Brewers, distillers, and vintners
4 Calligraphers, scribes, and scriveners
5 Carpenters, roofers, and plasterers
6 Cartographers, surveyors, and chart-makers
7 Cobblers and shoemakers
8 Cooks and bakers
9 Glassblowers and glaziers
10 Jewelers and gemcutters
11 Leatherworkers, skinners, and tanners
12 Masons and stonecullers
13 Painters, Iimners, and sign.makers
14 Potters and tile-makers
15 Shipwrights and sailmakers
16 Smiths and metal-forgers
17 Tinkers, pewterers, and casters
18 Wagon-makers and wheelwrights
19 Weavers and dyers
20 Woodcarvers, coopers, and bowyers

'32

As a member of your guild, you know the skills needed d6 Ideal
to creale finished items from raw materiaIs (reflected in 1 Community. It is the duty of ali civilized people to
your proficiency with a certain kind of artisan's tools),
as well as the principies of trade and good business strengthen the bonds of community and the security
practices. The question now is whether you abandon of civillzation. (Lawful)
your trade for adventure, or take on the extra effort to 2 Generosity. My talents were given to me so that I could
weave adventuring and trade together. use them to beneht the world. (Good)
3 Freedom. Everyone should be free to pursue his or her
FEATURE: GUILD MEMBERSHIP own livelihood. (Chaotic)
As an established and respected member of a guild, you 4 Greed. I'm only in it for the money. (Evil)
can rely on certain benefits that membership provides. S People. I'm committed to the people I care about, not
Your fellow guild members will provide you with to ideais. (Neutral)
lodging and food if necessary, and pay for your funeral 6 Aspiration. I work hard to be the best there is at
if needed. In some cities and towns, a guildhall offers a my craft.
central place to meet other members of your profession,
which can be a good place to meet potential patrons, d6 Bond
allies, or hirelings. 1 The workshop where I learned my trade is the most

Guilds often wield tremendous political power. If important place in the world to me.
you are accused of a crime, your guild will support you 2 I created a great work for someone, and then found
if a good case can be made for your innocence or the
crime isjustifiable. Vou can also gain access to powerful them unworthy to receive it. I'm stilllooking for
political figures through the guild, if you are a member someone worthy.
in good standing. Such connections might require the 3 I owe my guild a great debt for forging me into the
donation of money or magic items to the guild's coffers. person I am today.
4 I pursue wealth to secure someone's love.
Vou must pay dues of 5 gp per month to the guild. If S One day I will return to my guild and prove that I am
you miss payments, you must make up back dues to the greatest artisan of them alI.
remain in the guild's good graces. 6 I will get revenge on the evil forces that destroyed my
place ofbusiness and ruined my Iivelihood.
SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
Guild artisans are among the most ordinary people in d6 Flaw
the world-until they set down their tools and take up 1 1'11do anything to get my hands on something rare or
an adventuring career. They understand the value of
hard work and the importance of community, but they're priceless.
vulnerable to sins of greed and covetousness. 2 I'm quick to assume that someone Is trying to cheat

d8 Personality Trait me.
3 No one must ever learn that I once stole money from
1 I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing
righl. I can't help it-I'm a perfectionisl. guild coffers.
4 I'm never satished wlth what I have-I always want
2 I'm a snob who looks down on those who can't
appreciate hne art. more.
S I would kill to acquire a noble title.
3 I always want to know how things work and what 6 I'm horribly jealous of anyone who can outshine my
makes people tick.
handiwork. Everywhere I go, I'm surrounded by rivais.
4 I'm full ofwitty aphorisms and have a proverb for
every occasion. VARIANT GUILD ARTISAN: GUlLD MERCHANT
Instead of an artisans' guild, you might belong to a
S I'm rude to people who lack my commitment to hard guild of traders, caravan masters, or shopkeepers. Vou
work and fair play. don't craft items yourself but earn a living by buying
and selling lhe works of others (or the raw materiaIs
6 I like to talk at length about my profession. artisans need to practice lheir craft). Your guild might
7 I don't part with my money easily and will haggle be a large merchant consortium (or family) with
interests across the region. Perhaps you transported
tirelessly to get the best deal possible. goods from one place to another, by ship, wagon, or
8 I'm well known for my work, and I want to make sure caravan, or bought them from traveling traders and sold
them in your own little shop. In some ways, the traveling
everyone appreclates lI. I'm always taken aback when merchant's life lends itself to adventure far more than
people haven't heard of me. the life of an artisan.

Rather lhan proficiency with artisan's tools, you might 133
be proficient with navigator's tools or an additional
language. And instead of artisan's tools, you can start
with a mule and a carl.

PART I I PERSONALlTY ANO BACKGROUND