Great cities and empires are run behind the scenes by a class of literate people who manage the important details of daily affairs. These are the administrators, the treasurers, record keepers, tax collectors, scribes, judges, advocates, engineers, diplomats and advisors. As a member of one of these professions, you are a politician without the privileges of noble birth and you probably have not led what would be called an exciting or dangerous life. Ink stains, not blood stains, have been your greatest worry. There is very little glory in being a bureaucrat. You are civilized and unlikely to be a Barbarian, Druid or Ranger. You may be honest, diligent, and hardworking, or perhaps devious, manipulative and self-serving. Either way, you possess a practical intelligence and have a keen insight into the inner workings and logistics of large organizations, and you may have had access to sensitive information. For whatever reason you have taken up a new life as an adventurer: perhaps were chosen to perform a secret diplomatic mission; perhaps you were dismissed from your position for misusing your power; or perhaps you simply grew bored of your job as a functionary and are pursuing a higher calling. Regardless, you carry with you the extensive knowledge, varied skills and mental discipline learned from your time as a bureaucrat.
- Skill Proficiencies: History, and one of either Investigation, Deception, Perception, Insight or Persuasion.
- Tool Proficiencies: Choose one from Calligrapher's Supplies, Cartographer's Supplies or Forgery Kit.
- Languages: One of your choice.
- Equipment: A diplomat's pack and a pouch with 15gp.
Area of Expertise
Large kingdoms and empires depend on an extensive bureaucracy to manage their affairs. Some bureaucrats are more specialized than others, but you likely worked in one of a few important fields. Choose the field that you worked in as a bureaucrat, or roll on the table below.
| d6 |
Area of Expertise |
|
1
|
Finance/Trade/Taxation
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2
|
Civil/Military Engineering
|
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3
|
Civil/Criminal Law
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4
|
Census and Archives
|
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5
|
Diplomacy, International/Maritime Law
|
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6
|
Military Administration/Logistics
|
Feature: Eye for Detail.
You are precise, efficient and organized. By habit, you keep careful notes and are able to keep track of many different pieces of information, and you can recall details that others may have forgotten. In addition, you are a well of esoteric information, gaining Advantage on Intelligence (History) checks directly related to your field of expertise. Lastly, you have a skill for numeracy that allows you to accurately estimate numbers, whether it be troops in an army or gold pieces in a dragon's hoard.
Suggested Characteristics
Bureaucrats occupy a realm below the nobility, but above the common folk, and are often not respected by either group. They are practical, sometimes to a fault, and are often viewed as boring and officious. They are generally intelligent and tend toward order and lawfulness, though there are always exceptions.
| d8 |
Personality Trait |
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1
|
Hygiene is more important than most people realize. I hate getting dirty and don't like dirty people.
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2
|
I hoard information and have more books, scrolls and maps than is strictly necessary.
|
|
3
|
I often correct others' grammar or choice of words when they speak.
|
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4
|
I don't speak very much, but I am always listening.
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5
|
I can speak at length on certain topics and jump at any chance to do so.
|
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6
|
It takes a lot of mental energy to be as organized as I am and I resent those who don't appreciate that.
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7
|
I am always eager to solve a puzzle and get bored if I'm not challenged intellectually.
|
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8
|
I keep a journal in which, among other things, I record slights against me and my negative thoughts about others.
|
| d6 |
Ideal |
|
1
|
Order: The world is in harmony when things are put to their proper use and in their proper place. (Lawful)
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2
|
Knowledge: Reliable information and education are the keys to prosperity. (Good)
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3
|
Remembrance: The future is uncertain, but by keeping records of history we can avoid the mistakes of the past. (Neutral)
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4
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Opportunism: There are always loopholes in any system, no matter how complex, and the challenge is to find them. (Chaotic)
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5
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Oppression: Laws are a tool and they must be ruthlessly enforced to keep the herd in check. (Evil)
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6
|
Adventure: There comes a time when you must lay down the pen and pick up a sword. (Any)
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| d6 |
Bond |
|
1
|
I am an envoy on a special mission for my employer.
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2
|
I am in possession of a potentially damning secret regarding the illegal activities of a powerful person.
|
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3
|
I care more about my books and other written materials more than any other possession. Preservation of the written word is my highest priority.
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4
|
I have condemned people to suffering with the stroke of a pen and it eats at my conscience. I realize now that the law is not the same thing as justice.
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5
|
I seek to help the common folk and the uncivilized by teaching law, literacy, and good management.
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6
|
I may not be of noble birth but with my knowledge of governance I can become a powerful leader.
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| d6 |
Flaw |
|
1
|
I am a creature of habit and get very anxious when my routine is interrupted.
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2
|
I am more disorganized than I like to admit and often lose track of my things.
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3
|
I have an obsessive habit that others find strange, amusing or irritating.
|
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4
|
I tend to overthink everything and make situations more complex than they need to be.
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5
|
I dislike ambiguity and have trouble making decisions if there are no clear rules to guide me.
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6
|
I adhere to the letter of the law even if it is illogical to do so.
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