Lighthouse Keeper

You’ve spent several years of your life working the remote but vital job of maintaining a lighthouse, keeping the fires lit and the lenses clean and the light strong against the storms and the darkness. It’s a rugged existence, spent holding firm against the elements, and often an isolated one, the care of the lighthouse left in the hands of a few people or perhaps a family. Maybe you inherited your job, the position of keeper passed down through your family, or perhaps you sought out the lonely post yourself for one reason or another. Were you a guardian against the night for ships passing by your light? Were you less than diligent, leaving sailors past your rock uncertain if the light would be there to welcome them? Or were you more unscrupulous and deliberate in your aims? Shipwrecks are a perfect source of loot and plunder, after all …

Skill Proficiencies: Perception, Survival

Tool Proficiencies: a musical instrument OR a set of artisan’s tools of your choice

Languages: one of your choice

Equipment: a set of common clothes, a set of winter clothes, a bullseye lantern, a flask of oil, 2 lengths of 50ft hempen rope, and a belt pouch with 10gp

Suggested Characteristics

While the locations of lighthouses may vary, they will often be in remote locations and on hostile or dangerous coasts. As a result, lighthouse keepers tend to be a hardy breed, used to being self-sufficient. They may have a strong sense of duty, taking a role that puts the lives of many in their hands, or they may feel an attraction to the relative isolation of the job, a desire to keep their own company while still serving their community. They may also be self-serving, as the position of lighthouse keeper does put a lot of power in their hands, and for some there may well be a temptation to use that power for their own gain. A lighthouse keeper is an excellent ally or cover for wreckers, after all.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I will talk the hind legs off a donkey if I have drink in me
2	I often talk or hum or sing aloud to myself without noticing
3	I’m always working something in my hands, splicing rope or whittling wood or polishing glass
4	I can spend hours lost in my own thoughts
5	I feel a deep and almost spiritual connection to the sea
6	I do my work diligently: the elements won’t forgive shoddy preparations
7	I am sometimes overwhelmed in crowded locations or situations
8	Sometimes I dream about lost ships, or sailors, or treasures

d6	Ideal
1	Duty. When lives depend on what you do, you’d better do it right. (Lawful)
2	Hope. The job of a light keeper is to show people through the shoals to safe harbour. (Good)
3	Self-Reliance. A good keeper can stand on their own feet and weather any storm. (Chaotic)
4	Self-Interest. The power is in your hands, to save people or sink them. Why not use it for your own gain, if the opportunity presents itself? (Evil)
5	Peace. Sometimes all a body needs is some time in their own company to settle them down. (Neutral)
6	Money. The job pays, and it’s not the worst job in the world, if you’re tough enough. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I took the loneliest job in the world to hide from my past, and it didn’t work.
2	I saw an apparition in the light’s beam one night, a strange thing out to sea, and I need to find out what it is and what it means.
3	My negligence cost a lot of people their lives once, and I will do anything to make up for it.
4	A wrecker crew took over my lighthouse and used it to lure a ship onto the rocks. I will track them down and have my vengeance.
5	I spent years watching my light shine out to sea, wondering what was at the other end of it.
6	I’ve had dreams of great storm coming, and a light needed to stand against it. I need to find that light.

d6	Flaw
1	I drink. I drink a lot.
2	I’m all or nothing in conversation, spend six hours talking non-stop or trail off immediately and completely forget you exist.
3	I don’t have a good opinion of those who can’t stand on their own two feet and do the work.
4	I’m easily bribed by small luxuries.
5	I’m incredibly selfish and will literally let dozens die if it gains me what I want.
6	I’m incredibly rigid about chores and duties, and will not cut anyone any slack or make much allowance for circumstances.