Newsie / Apprentice Journalist

As a newsie, you spent most of your childhood on the streets, learning persuasive techniques to sell your wares each day. You learned to size up your potential customers and decide what type of lure to would entice them to buy. As you grew, you learned that there was value in searching out scandals and rumors on your own. Depending on your natural tendency to be overlooked and unseen, you spied and eavesdropped on criminals, representatives of law enforcement, criminals and the elites of the city. You passed on the tips and leads that you collected to a journalist or editor, and perhaps they took you under their wing and helped hone your skills in investigation.

Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Investigation

Tool Proficiencies: Choose one: Forgery Kit, Calligrapher's Supplies, Painter's Supplies

Languages: One of the Standard Languages of your choice: Common, Dwarvish, Elvish, Giant, Gnomish, Goblin, Halfling, Orc (or choose a language that is commonly spoken in your setting.)

Equipment: A set of drab common clothes including a hood or cap, a writing kit (small pouch with a quill, ink, folded parchment, and a small penknife), and a pouch containing 10 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

Newsies are shaped by their experience on the streets and exposure to scandal and crime. They may be cynical about human nature, or idealists who believe that the truth will always triumph over evil.

 

d8	Personality Trait
1	I have a joke for every occasion, especially occasions where humor is inappropriate.
2	I’m always polite and respectful.
3	Lying is my go-to strategy for getting what I want.
4	I know a rumor or wild tale relevant to almost every topic.
5	I like to squeeze into small places where no one else can get to me.
6	The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I'm not allowed do it.
7	I watch over my friends as if they were a litter of newborn pups.
8	I misuse long words in an attempt to sound impressive.

d6	Ideal
1	Judgement. Criminals deserve to be exposed in public and judged for their crimes. (Lawful)
2	Free Thinking. Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress. (Chaotic)
3	Aspiration. I'm going to work hard and earn a better life. (Any)
4	Independence. I am a free spirit--no one tells me what to do. (Chaotic)
5	Friendship. Material goods come and go. Bonds of friendship last forever. (Good)
6	Greed. I'm only in it for the money and fame. (Evil)

d6	Bond
1	I owe everything to my mentor--a horrible person who would sell their mother for a good story.
2	Someday I'll be wealthy and famous, and high society elites will compete for my attention.
3	I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
4	I owe my survival to another urchin who taught me to live on the streets.
5	I exposed a person who didn't deserve it to the mob's judgement. I seek to atone for my misdeeds but might never be able to forgive myself.
6	No one else is going to have to endure the hardships I've been through.

d6	Flaw
1	People get what they deserve when their secrets are exposed. If they didn't want their scandals on the front page, they should have been more careful.
2	I hate to admit it and will hate myself for it, but I'll run and preserve my own hide if the going gets tough.
3	My curiosity leads me to blindly rush into trouble. I can't resist taking a risk if there's a good story involved.
4	I remember every insult I've received and nurse a silent resentment toward anyone who's ever wronged me.
5	I am cynical about those who appear to be benevolent or heroic. They're usually hiding the darkest secrets.
6	I'm horribly competitive, even with my allies. I'd rather sabotage a promising lead than give it away.